we_o may_v do_v it_o those_o first_o and_o chief_a disciple_n have_v enable_v we_o by_o give_v we_o large_a account_n of_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n himself_o tell_v we_o john_n xv._n 8._o if_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o ver._n 10._o explain_v their_o bear_v much_o fruit_n by_o imitate_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n if_o you_o keep_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n even_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n so_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o religious_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o bless_a jesus_n live_v on_o earth_n he_o pursue_v the_o true_a end_n of_o happiness_n and_o cultivate_v those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o office_n what_o honour_n then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n of_o action_n it_o be_v the_o high_a ambition_n of_o the_o more_o generous_a among_o the_o heathen_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o their_o ancient_a hero_n and_o be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o ardent_o desire_v to_o resemble_v our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n their_o ambition_n be_v misplace_v and_o therefore_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o unhappiness_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v too_o great_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o pious_a soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o same_o duty_n wherein_o the_o bless_a jesus_n spend_v his_o life_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o devotion_n to_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n this_o consideration_n will_v dispel_v all_o weariness_n will_v add_v vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o all_o temporal_a evil_n which_o may_v attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n this_o will_v support_v we_o under_o all_o outward_a calamity_n alleviate_v our_o sorrow_n and_o calm_v our_o tempest_n to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n endure_v the_o same_o affliction_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n if_o he_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o fury_n of_o devil_n shall_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o same_o enemy_n if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o john_n xv._n 18._o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o same_o fortune_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n no_o sure_o only_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o they_o be_v on_o he_o that_o be_v not_o through_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n so_o shall_v we_o imitate_v he_o as_o well_o in_o the_o most_o happy_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o affliction_n as_o in_o the_o affliction_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o last_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n will_v be_v our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n if_o only_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v be_v give_v to_o we_o we_o may_v have_v be_v daily_o distract_v with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v the_o meaning_n extent_n and_o application_n of_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o error_n and_o craft_n of_o man_n and_o render_v useless_a by_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n whereas_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v away_o all_o these_o scruple_n and_o place_v every_o precept_n in_o its_o full_a light_n if_o we_o true_o imitate_v his_o example_n we_o be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v in_o all_o thing_n do_v our_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o perform_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o once_o obtain_v that_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n may_v we_o have_v by_o follow_v his_o example_n than_o by_o respect_v his_o precept_n only_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n after_o so_o many_o rule_n and_o precept_n give_v to_o his_o convert_v still_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o but_o then_o no_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ._n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ._n r_o cor._n xi_o 1._o by_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o gainsay_n of_o foolish_a man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o profound_a knowledge_n or_o deep_a speculation_n if_o they_o deride_v our_o christian_a virtue_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o duty_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o mortification_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o in_o practise_v they_o we_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n let_v they_o please_v themselves_o with_o their_o mirth_n and_o false_a supposal_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o pattern_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o place_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o precept_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n have_v at_o least_o recommend_v they_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o can_v assert_v they_o by_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o result_n from_o it_o let_v we_o by_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o follow_v this_o most_o excellent_a example_n fullfil_v the_o obligation_n and_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v on_o earth_n make_v like_o unto_o he_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n so_o we_o may_v hereafter_o in_o heaven_n be_v make_v yet_o more_o like_a unto_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o immortality_n the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v october_n 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n have_v so_o contrive_v that_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v equal_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o excellency_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o it_o propose_v in_o its_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o beget_v and_o establish_v due_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o admirable_a congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n his_o goodness_n be_v conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o those_o infinite_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o liberal_a distribution_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o which_o more_o direct_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n in_o adapt_a that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o thereby_o render_v it_o no_o less_o easy_a than_o advantageous_a and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a among_o the_o heathen_n many_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n have_v employ_v their_o wit_n in_o refine_n the_o superstition_n of_o their_o country_n and_o assign_v reason_n for_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o obtain_v among_o they_o but_o their_o notion_n be_v abstruse_a and_o mystical_a their_o
we_o consider_v with_o how_o great_a zeal_n and_o vehemency_n both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n oppose_v it_o and_o undertake_v the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o design_n with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o fervour_n and_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a whereby_o they_o may_v either_o discover_v any_o imposture_n in_o it_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n assist_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o learned_a adversary_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v its_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n last_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o now_o possess_v under_o their_o name_n and_o be_v convey_v uncorrupted_a through_o all_o age_n appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o great_a care_n to_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a monument_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a in_o which_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v but_o also_o from_o the_o several_a translation_n make_v of_o they_o immediate_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n some_o of_o which_o be_v now_o extant_a from_o write_a copy_n preserve_v even_o to_o this_o day_n write_v not_o long_o after_o the_o apostolic_a time_n and_o from_o the_o citation_n of_o ancient_a writer_n in_o all_o age_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o propose_v to_o you_o the_o proof_n upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v to_o which_o i_o may_v have_v add_v many_o more_o as_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o all_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n more_o particular_o in_o that_o remarkable_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n within_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o he_o the_o constancy_n resolution_n and_o number_n of_o christian_a martyr_n in_o those_o ancient_a time_n when_o they_o have_v certain_a mean_n of_o infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n the_o conquest_n which_o under_o so_o many_o disadvantage_n it_o make_v over_o the_o feirce_v opposition_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o those_o many_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o which_o have_v signal_o appear_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o these_o shall_v at_o present_a suffice_v the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v november_n 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n i_o do_v propose_v to_o insist_v on_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o dispatch_v in_o the_o forego_n sermon_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n namely_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o this_o not_o the_o constant_a resolution_n of_o profess_v the_o faith_n at_o all_o time_n without_o fear_n or_o cowardice_n be_v the_o primary_n intent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a precept_n in_o my_o text_n appear_v in_o that_o the_o apostle_n will_v we_o to_o do_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n have_v not_o so_o exact_o render_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n or_o in_o confutation_n of_o the_o calumny_n and_o objection_n bring_v against_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o complete_a knowledge_n be_v absolute_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o god_n require_v of_o no_o man_n any_o thing_n beyond_o his_o natural_a strength_n or_o capacity_n or_o which_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n nor_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o we_o know_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n overrun_v with_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n have_v insensible_o fall_v into_o a_o deplorable_a ignorance_n these_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n condemn_v as_o want_v all_o mean_n of_o better_a instruction_n but_o rather_o applaud_v their_o constancy_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o delivery_n we_o know_v also_o how_o great_a a_o society_n of_o christian_n labour_n under_o miserable_a ignorance_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o its_o gross_a erroâ—…s_n by_o the_o artifice_n and_o contrivance_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o deny_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o the_o seripture_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o implieit_n faith_n these_o also_o we_o will_v not_o in_o charity_n condemn_v to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v last_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a how_o many_o member_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n either_o through_o want_n of_o leisute_n or_o natural_a imbecility_n of_o understanding_n through_o default_n of_o education_n or_o other_o accidental_a defect_n unforeseen_a and_o unprovided_a for_o be_v but_o mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o we_o who_o want_v neither_o mean_n of_o instruction_n nor_o capacity_n of_o receive_v they_o no_o excuse_n be_v leave_v if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v they_o to_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o obtain_v a_o rational_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n from_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a men._n christianity_n indeed_o iâ—…_n not_o in_o our_o age_n oppose_v with_o that_o open_a and_o barefaced_a confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o it_o be_v force_v to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n the_o unite_a force_n of_o a_o victorious_a and_o learned_a empire_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o secret_a impugner_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n who_o if_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n they_o he_o restrain_v from_o profess_v their_o secret_a atheism_n and_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o stick_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o especial_o christianity_n because_o most_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n in_o defence_n of_o which_o only_o they_o maintain_v their_o impious_a opinion_n it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o these_o man_n that_o christianity_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o so_o the_o licentious_a practice_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n may_v not_o be_v abbridge_v to_o they_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n embitter_v all_o their_o pleasure_n for_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o say_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v have_v no_o enemy_n but_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v life_n who_o either_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n however_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o ancient_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o who_o many_o sincere_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n which_o common_o end_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereas_o these_o dispute_n only_o for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v thence_o transport_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n cast_v the_o word_n of_o convicton_n behind_o they_o and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o such_o man_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o as_o opportunity_n be_v minister_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v those_o among_o we_o who_o open_o and_o with_o great_a excess_n of_o apparent_a zeal_n seek_v to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o superstition_n they_o oppose_v not_o direct_o indeed_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o corrupt_v it_o with_o error_n and_o false_a opinion_n rend_v in_o sunder_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o promote_a and_o persuade_v a_o schifmatical_a departure_n from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
conception_n dark_a and_o unaccountable_a above_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n fit_v only_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n and_o after_o all_o no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o volatile_a fancy_n so_o little_o adapt_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o indeed_o intend_v for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o conceal_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n and_o impart_v only_o to_o confident_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n relate_v to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o even_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o ceremony_n and_o legal_a observation_n impose_v on_o they_o they_o know_v in_o general_a that_o many_o of_o they_o typify_v the_o come_n of_o a_o future_a messiah_n who_o shall_v institute_v a_o more_o excellent_a 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of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o in_o propose_v this_o plain_a and_o easy_a religion_n god_n intend_v to_o supercede_v all_o labour_n of_o mankind_n and_o imprint_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o even_o violent_o upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n propose_v the_o truth_n clear_o to_o we_o enforce_v it_o with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n fit_v it_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o afford_v we_o easy_a mean_n of_o obtain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o after_o such_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o free_a entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n whether_o we_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v we_o mere_a brute_n and_o machine_n not_o capable_a of_o entertain_v any_o religion_n and_o unfit_a to_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n it_o 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the_o worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o live_v godly_o holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o this_o present_a world_n man_n decry_v it_o as_o lead_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o forbid_v any_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o false_a god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a object_n of_o adoration_n at_o that_o time_n and_o change_v all_o pompous_a external_a ceremony_n into_o a_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a worship_n they_o traduce_v it_o as_o irrational_a and_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n because_o not_o propose_v with_o the_o usual_a ostentation_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n and_o require_v man_n to_o deny_v their_o lust_n conquer_v their_o desire_n and_o sorfake_v their_o most_o darling_a passion_n last_o they_o reject_v it_o as_o impious_a and_o execrable_a as_o a_o unheâ—…rd_n of_o superstition_n and_o a_o fond_a credulity_n because_o they_o know_v not_o those_o argument_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v nor_o consider_v the_o demonstrative_a proof_n which_o recommend_v it_o to_o convince_v the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o these_o man_n the_o apostle_n require_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o so_o whereas_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n lead_v to_o immorality_n nor_o their_o practice_n favour_v it_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o speculative_a science_n mere_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n and_o not_o correct_v our_o error_n but_o as_o a_o operative_a knowledge_n which_o may_v visible_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man._n the_o divinity_n
if_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o we_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o to_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n yet_o we_o know_v a_o church_n that_o have_v whole_o evacuate_v the_o apostle_n precépt_v by_o inhibit_v to_o private_a christian_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o set_v up_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o aught_o blind_o to_o submit_v that_o use_v her_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o disable_v private_a christian_n from_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o have_v make_v christianity_n irrational_a by_o add_v to_o it_o absurd_a and_o contradictive_a doctrine_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o 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and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o false_a the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o sure_o with_o much_o more_o force_n will_v the_o argument_n fall_v upon_o immoral_a christian_n for_o the_o heathen_a sage_n dissemble_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o direct_v not_o their_o action_n by_o they_o whereas_o these_o public_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a consideration_n that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v deliberate_o violate_v those_o law_n upon_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n to_o depend_v do_v we_o real_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o go_v on_o without_o remorse_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n its_o law_n and_o precept_n be_v we_o persuade_v that_o infinite_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o and_o yet_o prefer_v the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o do_v we_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o please_a sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o however_o we_o may_v pretend_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o all_o these_o article_n yet_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o after_o all_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v believer_n in_o christ_n can_v faith_n save_v we_o no_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n if_o a_o sober_a heathen_a shall_v come_v among_o we_o and_o compare_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o all_o moral_a virtue_n command_v by_o the_o one_o in_o the_o hige_a degree_n and_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o impiety_n intemperance_n lust_n and_o all_o enormous_a vice_n open_o and_o greedy_o practise_v by_o the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o please_a fable_n wherewith_o christian_n sometime_o entertain_v themselves_o a_o ancient_a father_n who_o live_v in_o the_o decline_a time_n of_o christianity_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o heathen_n in_o his_o age_n form_v dishonourable_a thought_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o his_o disciple_n quomodo_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la magister_fw-la cujus_fw-la tam_fw-la malos_fw-la videmus_fw-la discipulos_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v a_o good_a lawgiver_n that_o have_v no_o better_a follower_n how_o can_v his_o law_n be_v excellent_a that_o do_v not_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o their_o professor_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o deplore_v this_o scandal_n in_o nobis_fw-la christus_fw-la opprobrium_fw-la patitur_fw-la thus_o we_o defame_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n dishonour_v our_o saviour_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o our_o life_n let_v we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o they_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o this_o be_v unanswerable_o to_o refute_v our_o argument_n by_o our_o practice_n and_o add_v to_o our_o own_o condemnation_n let_v we_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o profess_v a_o entire_a belief_n of_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 2d_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n the_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o the_o various_a method_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o faculty_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a and_o different_a than_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v employ_v to_o render_v we_o happy_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n induce_v we_o by_o all_o those_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o in_o other_o moral_a action_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o we_o he_o have_v engage_v our_o understanding_n by_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n a_o reasonable_a and_o holy_a religion_n attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v assure_v our_o will_n by_o present_v such_o object_n to_o it_o as_o employ_v every_o single_a passion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n can_v move_v we_o he_o have_v allure_v we_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o fear_n of_o misery_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deter_v we_o from_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n by_o affix_v to_o it_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a punishment_n if_o hope_n can_v excite_v we_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o more_o than_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o love_n can_v affect_v we_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a benefit_n last_o if_o reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o favour_n and_o benefit_n can_v together_o engage_v we_o he_o have_v unite_v all_o in_o one_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o any_o one_o of_o these_o method_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v they_o all_o that_o so_o that_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o most_o delight_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o the_o impemtence_n of_o mankind_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o may_v not_o only_o become_v irrational_a but_o even_o monstrous_a it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v propose_v a_o reasonable_a religion_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o
to_o be_v found_v by_o the_o messiah_n or_o expect_v from_o he_o which_o so_o long_o cloud_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o entertain_v true_a notion_n of_o that_o mystery_n although_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a and_o orthodox_n church_n we_o suck_v in_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n even_o from_o our_o infancy_n yet_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v no_o less_o violent_a and_o betray_v we_o to_o no_o less_o fatal_a mistake_n these_z not_o only_o defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o also_o direct_o introduce_v the_o foul_a and_o most_o pernicious_a error_n by_o prompt_v we_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v be_v most_o adapt_v and_o favourable_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o ordinary_a emanation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n if_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v not_o want_v but_o upon_o defect_n of_o those_o or_o any_o other_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o not_o produce_v this_o happy_a effect_n but_o also_o depart_v from_o we_o ii_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n confer_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o at_o least_o not_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a for_o it_o for_o this_o benefit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o bring_v down_o with_o it_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n which_o continue_v till_o this_o day_n by_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o however_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o at_o his_o ascension_n to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o by_o send_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n who_o may_v actuate_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o paraclet_n teach_v exhort_v comfort_n and_o intercede_v for_o every_o single_a member_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v erect_v their_o fear_n dispel_v and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v put_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o the_o church_n invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v it_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o place_n it_o beyond_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n or_o fury_n of_o tyrant_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n partake_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n we_o share_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o experience_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o infallible_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o find_v a_o church_n of_o which_o to_o be_v member_n we_o esteem_v our_o great_a happiness_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n be_v comfort_v in_o affliction_n and_o uphold_v in_o danger_n this_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n promise_v ver_fw-la 16._o shall_v abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n indeed_o and_o abundance_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o apostle_n but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o necessity_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o present_a portion_n which_o be_v already_o confer_v on_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o daily_a improvement_n in_o piety_n to_o augment_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n least_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o degenerate_a behaviour_n we_o forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o they_o both_o last_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o diffusive_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o mission_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o particular_a presence_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o this_o not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o presence_n which_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v as_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o derive_v down_o upon_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o the_o first_o descent_n of_o it_o procure_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v not_o only_o commemorate_v but_o act_n anew_o and_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n by_o receive_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o then_o as_o several_a previous_a disposition_n be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n with_o no_o less_o diligence_n and_o caution_n that_o as_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o constant_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v without_o any_o fluctuation_n believe_v the_o certain_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o that_o however_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v real_o present_a in_o the_o element_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o as_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o their_o will_n to_o his_o influence_n and_o direction_n so_o we_o shall_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o steady_a resolution_n of_o perform_v his_o command_n and_o that_o as_o they_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a mission_n of_o a_o comforter_n meet_v all_o together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o house_n so_o we_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o mighty_a benefit_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o perfect_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o if_o any_o of_o these_o due_a qualification_n be_v want_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o obtain_v any_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n or_o commemorate_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 16_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o give_v to_o we_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_o divine_a religion_n but_o also_o set_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o universal_a righteousness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n therein_o exceed_v all_o other_o lawgiver_n
authority_n of_o his_o example_n and_o direct_v we_o by_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v once_o convert_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n think_v no_o argument_n more_o powerful_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n this_o they_o urge_v upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o with_o this_o they_o recommend_v their_o precept_n and_o counsel_n particular_o st_n peter_n 1_o pet._n ii_o exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o a_o constant_a resolution_n to_o endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n a_o duty_n which_o may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a of_o christianity_n give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o ver._n 21._o for_o even_o hereunto_o be_v you_o call_v because_o christ_n also_o suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n by_o which_o reason_n he_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christian_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o thereunto_o we_o be_v chief_o call_v otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o have_v infer_v from_o those_o word_n that_o it_o be_v a_o obligation_n incumbent_a upon_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o adversity_n this_o be_v but_o a_o consequence_n of_o that_o grand_a and_o more_o general_a duty_n however_o that_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o who_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o christ_n ought_v himself_o also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n ii_o 6._o and_o in_o another_o place_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o if_o the_o command_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v oblige_v we_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v move_v we_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o be_v account_v member_n of_o his_o body_n can_v persuade_v we_o we_o have_v on_o all_o side_n abundant_a reason_n to_o apply_v our_o self_n to_o the_o serious_a imitation_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a example_n 3._o that_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o direction_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o triennial_n preach_v before_o his_o passion_n this_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o inculcate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o design_v as_o in_o perform_v illustrious_a miracle_n and_o show_v in_o his_o person_n a_o no_o less_o illustrious_a pattern_n of_o consummate_a virtue_n which_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v testify_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n may_v convince_v mankind_n that_o he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o when_o once_o convince_v may_v engage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o his_o own_o example_n that_o this_o not_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o his_o triennial_a ministry_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o thing_n not_o only_o during_o that_o time_n but_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n insomuch_o as_o they_o ask_v their_o lord_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n i._o 6._o they_o lay_v not_o aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a mefsias_n till_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n now_o if_o the_o complete_a instruction_n of_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_n on_o earth_n we_o can_v without_o injury_n to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o far_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o aim_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v his_o purpose_n so_o that_o the_o great_a intention_n of_o this_o triennial_a office_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o give_v abundant_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n by_o miracle_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o finish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exhibit_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o example_n of_o most_o perfect_a holiness_n that_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v after_o his_o ascension_n testify_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n the_o former_a may_v serve_v for_o the_o conviction_n the_o latter_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o mankind_n and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o â—…he_a apostle_n confult_v about_o choose_v one_o into_o their_o number_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n the_o traitor_n require_v before_o all_o thing_n this_o qualification_n in_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ohosen_v act_n i._o 21._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o have_v accompany_v with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o by_o which_o phrase_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_n to_o design_n the_o moral_a conversation_n life_n and_o conduct_v of_o any_o man._n even_o the_o miraâ—…les_n of_o our_o saviour_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n than_o almighty_a power_n they_o all_o carry_v evident_a character_n of_o his_o love_n beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o mankind_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o cure_v the_o disease_n heal_v the_o infirmity_n and_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n that_o so_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n may_v equal_o appear_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o one_o great_a end_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o give_v a_o excellent_a example_n to_o it_o last_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o saviour_n conduct_n which_o be_v peculiar_o adapt_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o render_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o imitation_n to_o it_o the_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o his_o life_n be_v easy_a humane_a and_o natural_a it_o consist_v not_o in_o elaborate_a austerity_n and_o rigid_a act_n of_o mortification_n aim_v at_o no_o such_o extraordinary_a flight_n of_o apparent_a holiness_n as_o may_v amaze_v rather_o than_o instruct_v man_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o dâ—…ter_v they_o from_o imitation_n his_o deportment_n be_v grave_a and_o compose_v his_o piety_n plain_a and_o unaffected_a his_o devotion_n sober_a and_o rational_a we_o may_v discover_v far_o more_o evident_a stroke_n of_o austerity_n and_o mortification_n in_o the_o life_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n not_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v less_o perfect_a but_o more_o humane_a such_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apparent_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o his_o message_n and_o preach_v for_o since_o he_o come_v not_o invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n somewhat_o be_v necessary_a to_o he_o to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o he_o and_o create_v a_o belief_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a prophet_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v require_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n that_o be_v not_o only_o possess_v the_o same_o zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o use_v the_o same_o unwearied_a diligence_n for_o restore_v decay_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o practise_v the_o same_o rigour_n and_o maceration_n of_o his_o body_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o respect_v by_o the_o same_o character_n of_o external_a holiness_n not_o that_o these_o unusual_a austerity_n have_v any_o thing_n excellent_a in_o themselves_o or_o be_v any_o certain_a indication_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a virtue_n but_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o want_v no_o such_o recommendation_n his_o divine_a mission_n be_v abundant_o testify_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o who_o life_n be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o all_o age_n exercise_v no_o such_o wonderful_a austerity_n but_o give_v we_o a_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a example_n which_o may_v not_o surpass_v the_o common_a reach_n
glory_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o miracle_n to_o his_o almighty_a power_n with_o what_o admirable_a resignation_n do_v he_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o disposal_n he_o deprecate_v indeed_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o the_o terrible_a torment_n of_o a_o ignominious_a crucifixion_n yet_o all_o with_o entire_a submission_n to_o his_o father_n pleasure_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n than_o which_o none_o more_o lively_a represent_v our_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o god_n or_o tend_v more_o direct_o to_o secure_v real_a happiness_n to_o we_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v hereby_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n his_o creature_n and_o his_o vassal_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n and_o receive_v the_o severe_a dispensation_n of_o his_o hand_n with_o reverence_n hereby_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o wisdom_n who_o best_o know_v what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o his_o providence_n whereby_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o this_o disposition_n will_v alleviate_v all_o the_o affliction_n and_o allay_v all_o the_o tempest_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o place_v we_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o assault_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o by_o render_v our_o will_n conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sit_v we_o for_o the_o eternal_a fruition_n of_o he_o this_o bless_a temper_n our_o saviour_n possess_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n this_o exalt_a he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o will_v infallible_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o same_o glory_n if_o his_o most_o excellent_a example_n can_v invite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n second_o the_o life_n and_o conduct_n of_o christ_n be_v exemplar_n in_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o true_a piety_n for_o this_o be_v found_v in_o a_o just_a conception_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o it_o can_v subsist_v without_o a_o earnest_n concern_v for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n among_o man_n can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o love_v our_o creator_n and_o yet_o patient_o endure_v to_o hear_v his_o name_n blaspheme_v and_o his_o attribute_n perhaps_o also_o his_o existence_n call_v in_o question_n can_v we_o true_o reverence_v his_o adorable_a name_n and_o yet_o secure_o see_v it_o vilify_v by_o profane_a person_n without_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o testify_v our_o displeasure_n at_o such_o bare-faceed_a impiety_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o least_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o nor_o can_v we_o just_o deny_v that_o to_o god_n which_o we_o afford_v to_o the_o mean_a friend_n whofe_o injure_v name_n we_o be_v wont_n to_o vindicate_v and_o not_o hear_v they_o revile_v without_o impatience_n our_o saviour_n have_v set_v we_o a_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n in_o this_o kind_n with_o what_o indignation_n do_v he_o receive_v the_o proposal_n of_o the_o devil_n disadvantageous_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o father_n he_o content_v himself_o bare_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v how_o much_o the_o very_a propose_v of_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o but_o in_o no_o occasion_n do_v his_o zeal_n more_o signal_o appear_v than_o in_o drive_v the_o money-changer_n buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n a_o action_n very_o remarkable_a if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o which_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v perform_v by_o he_o at_o two_o several_a time_n for_o st._n john_n chap._n ii_o relate_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n and_o the_o other_o three_o evangelist_n as_o perform_v immediate_o before_o his_o passion_n therein_o he_o have_v to_o encounter_v with_o a_o numerous_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o can_v plead_v prescription_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o long_a permission_n for_o their_o traffic_n in_o the_o temple_n person_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v move_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n when_o interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n a_o powerful_a garrison_n be_v at_o hand_n in_o the_o tower_n of_o antonias_n to_o repress_v all_o sedition_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o himself_o a_o single_a person_n arm_v with_o no_o apparent_a authority_n nor_o any_o other_o weapon_n than_o a_o simple_a whip_n yet_o all_o these_o difficulty_n the_o bless_a jesus_n overlook_v that_o he_o may_v vindicate_v the_o injure_a honour_n of_o his_o father_n disdain_v that_o his_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o house_n of_o merchandise_n and_o that_o the_o temple_n build_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n this_o holy_a transport_v of_o zeal_n draw_v even_o his_o disciple_n into_o admiration_n who_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o till_o they_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v write_v the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o joh._n ii_o 17._o this_o vigorous_a zeal_n obtain_v ever_o in_o the_o church_n while_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v visible_o decay_v in_o our_o age_n we_o be_v certain_a thaâ—…_n piety_n and_o true_a devotion_n have_v decay_v with_o it_o among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n nothing_o be_v esteem_v so_o dear_a as_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n this_o they_o fear_v not_o to_o vindicate_v with_o their_o dear_a life_n and_o think_v the_o expense_n of_o their_o blood_n a_o just_a tribute_n to_o it_o they_o content_v not_o themselves_o to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o belief_n in_o god_n when_o urge_v to_o it_o but_o voluntary_o and_o unprovoke_v perform_v it_o when_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v adjudge_v and_o punish_v as_o a_o capital_a crime_n by_o their_o persecutor_n they_o throng_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o heathen_a judge_n and_o open_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o rack_n and_o gibbet_n and_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n attend_v the_o profession_n this_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o high_a evidence_n of_o a_o most_o fervent_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o voluntary_a profession_n and_o thereby_o the_o expose_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v their_o duty_n i_o will_v not_o exhort_v you_o to_o the_o like_a zeal_n which_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o practicable_a in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n but_o certain_o this_o abundant_o condemn_v the_o lukewarmness_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o their_o creator_n defame_v by_o profane_a discourse_n when_o the_o vindication_n of_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o no_o more_o than_o a_o gentle_a reproof_n or_o some_o small_a testimony_n of_o displeasure_n thus_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o excellent_a example_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o life_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o his_o temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chaftity_n be_v remarkable_a neither_o give_v way_n to_o luxurious_a pleasure_n nor_o aim_v at_o great_a austerity_n the_o pharifee_n indeed_o his_o profess_a enemy_n tax_v he_o as_o a_o glutton_n and_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o this_o calumny_n proceed_v as_o well_o from_o their_o inveterate_a rancour_n and_o malice_n as_o from_o a_o fond_a opinion_n that_o the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o free_a deportment_n and_o oblige_a conversation_n to_o they_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o temperance_n consist_v in_o austere_a maceration_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o utter_a renunciation_n of_o all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n not_o a_o sober_a in_o and_o rational_a use_n of_o they_o hence_o they_o imagine_v john_n the_o baptist_n only_o who_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v to_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o accuse_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v without_o any_o unusual_a abstinence_n and_o maceration_n of_o looseness_n and_o
intemperance_n but_o as_o christ_n true_o reply_v to_o they_o herein_o also_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o gratify_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n by_o conform_v his_o practice_n to_o they_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n in_o their_o genuine_a purity_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o rectify_v the_o mistake_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o also_o render_v his_o example_n convenient_a to_o the_o imitation_n of_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n how_o far_o himself_o be_v above_o the_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n how_o little_o he_o indulge_v the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n or_o seek_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o passion_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o generous_a contentment_n under_o the_o severe_a adversity_n be_v the_o most_o genuine_a character_n of_o christianity_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v most_o just_a in_o itself_o so_o also_o most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o riches_n and_o honour_n add_v nothing_o to_o our_o real_a happiness_n that_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o the_o affliction_n which_o may_v accompany_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n mankind_n be_v most_o averse_a to_o these_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o depress_v his_o outward_a dignity_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o improve_v his_o inward_a worth_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o riches_n and_o worldly_a honour_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o conduce_v to_o true_a felicity_n the_o heathen_n have_v all_o along_o adore_v these_o more_o than_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o by_o describe_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o uninterrupted_a fruition_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n have_v introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n among_o the_o vulgar_a that_o unhappiness_n consist_v in_o the_o want_n of_o the_o same_o pleasure_n even_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o same_o error_n they_o measure_v their_o well_o be_v and_o even_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n be_v induce_v thereto_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o open_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n to_o wean_v mankind_n therefore_o of_o this_o fond_a opinion_n and_o induce_v man_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o lord_n shall_v by_o his_o example_n as_o well_o as_o precept_n promote_v a_o just_a contempt_n of_o all_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n and_o reduce_v man_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o he_o have_v abundant_o do_v by_o give_v to_o we_o a_o incomparable_a example_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n voluntary_a poverty_n and_o contentment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n his_o descent_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v humane_a flesh_n upon_o he_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o astonish_a condescension_n that_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n philip._n ii_o 6_o 7._o that_o be_v that_o be_v from_o all_o age_n no_o less_o than_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o eternal_a trinity_n and_o equal_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o his_o father_n he_o make_v no_o pompous_a ostentation_n of_o that_o equality_n nor_o affect_v to_o preserve_v his_o majesty_n inviolate_a and_o undiminish_a but_o condescend_v to_o divest_v himself_o in_o appearance_n of_o that_o divine_a character_n and_o assume_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o infirmity_n of_o one_o of_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o mortal_a man_n see_v a_o degree_n of_o humility_n of_o which_o none_o but_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v capable_a which_o exceed_v even_o our_o apprehension_n as_o well_o as_o imitation_n which_o may_v be_v admire_v but_o never_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross._n he_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v forsake_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o assume_v the_o mean_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n but_o to_o carry_v his_o condescension_n to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n he_o place_v himself_o in_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o man_n bear_v the_o great_a affliction_n incident_a to_o mankind_n undergo_v poverty_n nakedness_n and_o contempt_n and_o at_o last_o submit_v to_o a_o violent_a death_n even_o the_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n of_o the_o cross._n if_o he_o have_v think_v a_o external_a show_n of_o greatness_n any_o way_n conducive_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o have_v intend_v to_o procure_v to_o himself_o those_o pleasure_n which_o man_n so_o greedy_o seek_v after_o he_o may_v have_v engross_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o royal_a magnificence_n exceed_v even_o the_o carnal_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v entire_o at_o his_o devotion_n and_o whole_a legion_n of_o angel_n ready_a to_o minister_v to_o he_o but_o he_o wave_v all_o these_o advantage_n spend_v his_o private_a year_n in_o a_o laborious_a and_o mechanic_n life_n and_o when_o he_o enter_v on_o his_o public_a office_n increase_v both_o his_o labour_n and_o his_o poverty_n he_o willing_o want_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n and_o even_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o nature_n for_o as_o himself_o tell_v the_o fox_n bave_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v â—…ests_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n thus_o he_o give_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n generous_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o renunciation_n of_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o shall_v we_o imagine_v ourselves_o not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o himself_o have_v prevent_v any_o such_o mistake_n by_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o will_v come_v after_o he_o or_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o matth._n xvi_o 24._o and_o if_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n john_n xiii_o 14._o and_o sure_o most_o reasonable_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o undergo_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o mankind_n shall_v we_o presume_v to_o expect_v a_o undisturbed_a course_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o murmur_v at_o any_o affliction_n which_o befall_v we_o if_o he_o forsake_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o redeem_v we_o shall_v not_o we_o willing_o quit_v all_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o obey_v he_o if_o he_o think_v it_o not_o incongruous_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o perform_v such_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n shall_v the_o great_a of_o man_n think_v it_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o dignity_n to_o be_v humble_a with_o their_o god_n and_o gentle_a with_o their_o fellow_n creature_n sure_o if_o the_o divine_a precept_n can_v engage_v we_o to_o humility_n the_o divine_a example_n shall_v shame_v we_o to_o it_o last_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o duty_n to_o other_o man_n his_o justice_n meekness_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v most_o exemplary_a his_o justice_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o pay_v to_o every_o man_n fear_n to_o who_o fear_n be_v due_a honour_n to_o who_o honour_n in_o injure_v no_o man_n nor_o just_o offend_v any_o one_o that_o even_o pilate_n who_o interest_n it_o then_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a after_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o violent_a accusation_n of_o his_o numerous_a and_o potent_a enemy_n be_v by_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o innocence_n force_v thrice_o to_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o luk._n xxiii_o 14_o 22._o confirm_v also_o his_o own_o sentence_n with_o the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o herod_n a_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a tyrant_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v send_v but_o be_v full_o clear_v by_o he_o ver._n 15._o so_o far_o
of_o heathen_a philosopher_n tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o foment_n their_o pride_n and_o create_v in_o they_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n they_o refer_v it_o not_o to_o god_n nor_o employ_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o abate_v not_o their_o passion_n reform_v not_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o visible_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n save_v in_o make_v they_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a the_o constant_a character_n of_o those_o philosopher_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n will_n that_o we_o express_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n nor_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n either_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o understanding_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o expect_v either_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o we_o perpetual_o maintain_v a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o command_v of_o our_o almighty_a lawgiver_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o submission_n that_o we_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a threat_n or_o terror_n nor_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o supine_n negligence_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n but_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n which_o natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o that_o by_o this_o term_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o our_o faith_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o frequent_a acceptation_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o religion_n as_o it_o carry_v eminent_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n on_o many_o other_o account_n so_o chief_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o it_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n i._o if_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n propose_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o exact_o rational_a and_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o consideration_n but_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o no_o more_o than_o two_o as_o i._o christianity_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o secure_v his_o honour_n among_o man_n the_o brimary_n end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v intend_v cither_o to_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n and_o thanks_o which_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o right_a of_o creation_n redemption_n and_o other_o benefit_n require_v or_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n supply_v our_o necessity_n or_o confer_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o these_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o may_v best_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n our_o soul_n alone_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o religion_n can_v alone_o entertain_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o corporeal_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o otherwise_o holy_a or_o to_o be_v account_v of_o than_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o show_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o declare_v its_o thought_n and_o motion_n when_o vehement_a and_o intense_a by_o external_a indication_n all_o other_o voluntary_a external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o inward_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n serve_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o relate_v no_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n if_o we_o real_o employ_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n love_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v his_o justice_n these_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o discover_v themselves_o in_o outward_a act_n and_o gesture_n and_o can_v be_v suppress_v these_o external_a action_n declare_v to_o other_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o tend_v to_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v his_o glory_n but_o deserve_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v regard_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o inward_a piety_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o external_a show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o make_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o any_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o represent_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n by_o corporeal_a symbol_n rather_o than_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a service_n instead_o of_o a_o near_a conformity_n to_o himself_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n such_o a_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v true_a but_o neither_o agrceable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nor_o answer_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n god_n may_v accept_v it_o or_o even_o command_v it_o for_o a_o time_n in_o compassion_n to_o the_o blindness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n not_o capable_a under_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a religion_n but_o can_v never_o intend_v to_o continue_v it_o any_o long_o than_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a and_o open_a revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o the_o heathen_n deserve_v not_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v among_o who_o religious_a worship_n consist_v whole_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o action_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o wash_n and_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n in_o observation_n of_o time_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n which_o although_o they_o serve_v to_o typefie_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o with_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a religion_n yet_o do_v not_o direct_o signify_v any_o inward_a act_n of_o reverence_n piety_n or_o devotion_n nor_o be_v necessary_o accompany_v by_o they_o the_o perpetual_a offering_n of_o carnal_a sacrifice_n alone_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o worship_n since_o therein_o the_o sacrificer_n desire_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v the_o life_n of_o beast_n instead_o of_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n the_o devote_v their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o respect_v no_o ceremonial_a observance_n impose_v on_o we_o nor_o indeed_o any_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n save_v only_o those_o foederal_n rite_n i_o mean_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o
most_o holy_a reform_a religion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n by_o decry_v it_o as_o heretical_a and_o damnable_a to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o these_o man_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a than_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o study_n of_o christianity_n to_o inquire_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o search_v the_o design_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o his_o ignorance_n may_v not_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o the_o attempt_v of_o design_v man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o betray_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o error_n and_o superstition_n to_o this_o pursuance_n and_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n our_o church_n encourage_v and_o earnest_o entreat_v we_o she_o take_v no_o refuge_n in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o communicant_o nor_o discourage_v they_o from_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o know_v that_o this_o examination_n will_v end_v in_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o impartial_a study_n of_o they_o will_v infallible_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v concern_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o so_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o objection_n and_o escape_v the_o assault_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o seduceus_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o enrour_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o which_o proper_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o capable_a of_o reward_n a_o assent_n to_o christianity_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o ignorant_a person_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o enjoy_v those_o opportunity_n which_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o assent_n such_o as_o be_v education_n in_o a_o christian_a country_n or_o under_o christian_a parent_n or_o master_n whereby_o through_o custom_n or_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o person_n they_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v lead_v thereby_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n but_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v a_o act_n deserve_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o even_o comparable_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o moral_a virtue_n before_o all_o which_o a_o true_a divine_a faith_n be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o eminent_o prefer_v in_o scripture_n for_o since_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n i_o mean_v a_o inclination_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o country_n parent_n or_o master_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o religion_n receive_v by_o they_o may_v and_o do_v equal_o dispose_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o error_n as_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o thing_n whole_o indifferent_a and_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o a_o wilful_a negligence_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n when_o mean_n and_o ability_n be_v not_o want_v to_o we_o be_v extreme_o vicious_a but_o no_o otherwise_o laudable_a than_o in_o the_o happy_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o opportunity_n it_o may_v possible_o minister_v of_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n indeed_o christianity_n be_v so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o upon_o any_o ground_n whatsoever_o even_o by_o the_o most_o ignorant_a person_n without_o a_o precedent_a habit_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o excellent_a and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n testify_v a_o profound_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o the_o person_n assent_v may_v not_o unfit_o be_v think_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o christianity_n propose_v such_o rule_n as_o restrain_v the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n teach_v a_o strict_a sobriety_n and_o abstinence_n from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n forbid_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o command_a man_n to_o deny_v to_o themselves_o what_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v a_o extreme_a happiness_n the_o unlimited_a fruition_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o even_o upon_o occasion_n to_o forforsake_v the_o convenience_n of_o life_n itself_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n than_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n none_o can_v assent_v to_o a_o religion_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o first_o overcome_v his_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o all_o these_o aught_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o a_o disposition_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o in_o they_o who_o want_v mean_n of_o attain_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n be_v reward_v by_o god_n as_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a act_n of_o faith_n who_o condescend_v to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n and_o require_v of_o none_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v to_o he_o supply_v by_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v want_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a faith_n that_o it_o may_v consist_v without_o it_o and_o be_v join_v with_o error_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o faith_n which_o have_v all_o those_o glorious_a and_o particular_a pro_fw-la rise_v of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v only_o in_o assent_v to_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o that_o we_o can_v but_o do_v none_o ever_o that_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n dis-believed_n what_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n can_v err_v or_o lie_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o god_n such_o a_o assent_n therefore_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n and_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o infidel_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v be_v esteem_v faithful_a from_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o to_o have_v only_o moral_a and_o not_o demonstrative_a proof_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o advantageous_a to_o it_o for_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o 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happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n 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one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
to_o be_v to_o we_o the_o grand_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a motive_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v for_o that_o purpose_n i._o then_o that_o gratitude_n or_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o consequent_o to_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n by_o other_o argument_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o bare_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o our_o own_o relation_n to_o god_n our_o creator_n ourselves_o and_o our_o fellow_n creature_n suggest_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n if_o these_o consideration_n have_v be_v due_o ponder_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n they_o will_v have_v prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a none_o will_v deny_v who_o acknowledge_v their_o fall_n to_o have_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o choice_n not_o of_o necessity_n yet_o be_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n confer_v on_o they_o very_o small_a and_o dim_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o evidence_n which_o god_n confer_v on_o follow_a age_n he_o show_v they_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o promise_v that_o in_o due_a time_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o creation_n add_v that_o of_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o creation_n yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o maintain_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o preserâ—…ed_v a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v forget_v that_o god_n have_v produce_v man_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o eminent_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o they_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n can_v not_o easy_o be_v obliterated_a from_o their_o mind_n but_o for_o many_o age_n keep_v alive_a a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o beneficence_n when_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o decay_a and_o therewith_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n ensue_v god_n reinforce_v it_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n from_o the_o common_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n his_o descendant_n can_v not_o but_o for_o many_o age_n retain_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o so_o signal_n a_o mercy_n which_o have_v rescue_v they_o from_o a_o universal_a calamity_n and_o manifest_v thereby_o how_o dear_a they_o be_v to_o god_n yet_o in_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o benefit_n grow_v faint_a and_o man_n think_v themselves_o little_o concern_v in_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o preservation_n they_o require_v near_a and_o more_o particular_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n which_o be_v appropriate_a to_o themselves_o may_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o man_n by_o a_o great_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n indeed_o of_o a_o irrational_a judgement_n and_o prevail_a ingratitude_n for_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o continuer_n of_o their_o being_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o his_o service_n but_o a_o effect_n to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o to_o restore_v decay_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o revive_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o set_v apart_o a_o peculiar_a people_n who_o he_o may_v oblige_v by_o particular_a benefit_n to_o retrieve_v that_o gratitude_n which_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o universal_a benefit_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o have_v produce_v yet_o want_v its_o effect_n hence_o forward_o god_n be_v worship_v primary_o not_o as_o the_o creator_n of_o mankind_n and_o producer_n of_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o providence_n but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o particular_a and_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o however_o can_v have_v no_o other_o direct_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thus_o signal_o oblige_v than_o to_o produce_v a_o extraordinary_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n since_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n tend_v more_o natural_o to_o beget_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o it_o thus_o god_n separate_v abraham_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o assure_v he_o with_o his_o posterity_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n and_o promise_v of_o give_v to_o he_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v worship_v by_o abraham_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o promise_n by_o isaac_n as_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n by_o jacob_n as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o fâ—…ar_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n by_o their_o descendant_n till_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n that_o be_v as_o the_o god_n who_o by_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n have_v entail_v upon_o themselves_o particular_a blessing_n after_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o those_o many_o wonder_n and_o prodigy_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o god_n choose_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o deliverance_n and_o usher_n in_o all_o his_o command_n with_o this_o preface_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egpt_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o according_o he_o be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n worship_v by_o they_o under_o that_o notion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o frequent_a commemoration_n of_o that_o benefit_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o which_o god_n challenge_v adoration_n and_o worship_n from_o they_o not_o as_o the_o author_n of_o their_o creation_n but_o of_o their_o deliverance_n who_o have_v so_o signal_o employ_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o their_o favour_n and_o by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o often_o repeat_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n whereby_o he_o manifest_o employ_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o to_o all_o other_o man_n he_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o creator_n but_o to_o they_o only_o he_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o particular_a benefactor_n the_o memory_n of_o these_o particular_a benefit_n be_v every_o where_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o he_o employ_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o his_o service_n or_o reduce_v they_o to_o obedience_n when_o go_v astray_o thus_o esai_n xli_o 8_o 9_o but_o thou_o israel_n art_n my_o servant_n jacob_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n my_o friend_n thou_o who_o i_o have_v take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o call_v thou_o from_o the_o chief_a man_n thereof_o and_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v my_o servant_n i_o have_v choose_v thou_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v more_o passionate_o or_o more_o effectual_a to_o gain_v the_o devotion_n of_o that_o people_n who_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o be_v the_o servant_n the_o friend_n and_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n can_v not_o persuade_v to_o a_o exact_a obedience_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n will_v be_v little_o able_a to_o over-rule_v they_o not_o only_o do_v he_o own_v they_o in_o other_o place_n for_o his_o choose_a people_n but_z as_o if_o for_o their_o sake_n he_o disclaim_v his_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o condescend_v to_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v their_o god_n as_o esai_n xliii_o 14_o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n your_o redeemer_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o holy_a one_o the_o creator_n of_o israel_n your_o king_n in_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o command_n he_o seldom_o make_v use_n of_o his_o supreme_a authority_n or_o claim_v obedience_n to_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o gratitude_n to_o those_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n mercy_n thus_o ezek._n xx._n 5_o 6_o 7._o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n he_o justify_v his_o law_n whereby_o he_o have_v appropriate_v all_o divine_a worship_n to_o himself_o alone_o not_o from_o the_o incommunicativeness_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n but_o from_o the_o right_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v by_o confer_v on_o they_o those_o many_o benefit_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n
that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v on_o the_o cross_n may_v confess_v and_o firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n be_v bury_v and_o rise_v again_o but_o then_o i_o fear_v this_o remembrance_n will_v without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o commemorative_a rite_n which_o god_n ordain_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o the_o complete_a manifestation_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n become_v pure_o historical_a and_o have_v little_a influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n and_o contribute_v much_o less_o to_o excite_v that_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o direction_n who_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o this_o be_v best_a procure_v by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o most_o holy_a mystery_n where_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o significant_a manner_n represent_v to_o we_o where_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a apply_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o where_o every_o single_a communicant_a may_v behold_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n break_v and_o his_o bloodshed_n for_o he_o and_o by_o descend_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o form_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o benefit_n which_o will_v then_o only_o appear_v infinite_a and_o transcendent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a and_o may_v be_v productive_a of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o can_v but_o raise_v the_o utmost_a affection_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o create_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n as_o shall_v not_o easy_o expire_v but_o endeavour_v to_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o those_o action_n which_o shall_v be_v judge_v acceptable_a to_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n while_o the_o lively_a memory_n of_o those_o benefit_n continue_v which_o shall_v ever_o continue_v if_o often_o repair_v renew_v and_o increase_v by_o a_o frequent_a participation_n in_o that_o solemn_a act_n of_o their_o commemoration_n how_o great_a therefore_o be_v the_o prudence_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a time_n which_o repeat_v that_o commemoration_n every_o day_n and_o when_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n permit_v not_o that_o at_o least_o every_o sunday_n and_o esteem_v every_o baptize_v person_n who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n omit_v constant_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o it_o to_o have_v by_o that_o intermission_n fall_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o produce_v and_o secure_v that_o last_a gratitude_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o grand_a motive_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n permit_v not_o their_o zeal_n to_o grow_v cold_a and_o continue_v the_o same_o heat_n of_o devotion_n among_o they_o as_o if_o their_o saviour_n have_v be_v yet_o present_a with_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o deplore_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o ancient_a time_n and_o yet_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o they_o raise_v and_o foment_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o therein_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o so_o much_o celebrate_v piety_n we_o be_v equal_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o benefit_n we_o no_o less_o firm_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o than_o they_o do_v we_o no_o less_o passionate_o desire_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o have_v all_o other_o mean_n of_o instruction_n equal_o afford_v to_o we_o we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o have_v the_o same_o innate_a generous_a inclination_n of_o mind_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v no_o lef_n abound_v to_o we_o and_o the_o same_o reward_n do_v yet_o attend_v we_o how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o can_v equal_v their_o piety_n and_o holiness_n that_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o come_v so_o far_o beneath_o the_o example_n of_o those_o holy_a person_n that_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o a_o different_a religion_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o another_o master_n this_o can_v rational_o be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o to_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o those_o assistance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n bequeath_v to_o we_o of_o which_o the_o chief_a and_o infinite_o great_a be_v the_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n whereby_o that_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n in_o reveal_v religion_n i_o mean_v gratitude_n may_v be_v produce_v keep_v alive_a and_o receive_v continual_a accession_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n this_o to_o the_o no_o less_o scandal_n than_o prejudice_n of_o christianity_n have_v in_o latter_a age_n be_v fatal_o 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next_o place_n if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o
they_o and_o when_o neglect_v their_o duty_n punish_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o prophet_n amos_n chap._n iii_o ver._n 2._o you_o only_o have_v i_o know_v of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o you_o beyond_o other_o will_n i_o punish_v for_o all_o your_o iniquity_n and_o if_o god_n require_v a_o great_a return_n of_o obedience_n in_o proportion_n to_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o more_o signal_n obligation_n we_o must_v conclude_v ourselves_o far_o more_o near_o concern_v than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o in_o the_o divine_a favour_n so_o in_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hebr._n x._o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n 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be_v various_o and_o obscure_o divide_v among_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v all_o unite_a and_o concentre_v in_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o finite_a soul_n to_o comprehend_v the_o fullness_n of_o this_o infinite_a perfection_n we_o can_v only_o entertain_v a_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o it_o and_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o several_a excellency_n of_o create_a being_n imagine_v it_o yet_o somewhat_o great_a than_o they_o all_o we_o admire_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o can_v without_o astonishment_n view_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n we_o revere_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o have_v sometime_o be_v amaze_v at_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o men._n the_o nature_n of_o angel_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a and_o their_o perfection_n more_o refine_v these_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o alas_o imperfect_a pattern_n which_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n with_o the_o original_a yet_o if_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v these_o how_o glorious_a and_o far_o exceed_v all_o imagination_n must_v the_o fountain_n of_o they_o be_v of_o which_o these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o minute_n stream_n or_o obscure_a ray_n to_o so_o glorious_a so_o infinite_o perfect_v a_o be_v what_o adoration_n be_v not_o due_a what_o sacrifice_n less_o than_o of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n can_v be_v proportionate_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o this_o so_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a a_o be_v have_v admit_v we_o to_o a_o near_a participation_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o life_n and_o promise_v to_o we_o a_o much_o near_o in_o the_o next_o that_o he_o have_v entail_v unconceivable_a reward_n on_o the_o faithfulobserver_n of_o his_o command_n and_o threaten_v the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n to_o the_o violator_n of_o they_o and_o then_o that_o all_o this_o will_v be_v most_o certain_o perform_v that_o his_o nature_n and_o decrecs_n be_v immutable_a that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n neither_o shadow_n of_o change_n we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n annex_v to_o these_o reward_n as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o success_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v the_o next_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v invisibility_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o precedent_a perfection_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n visible_a or_o material_a shall_v be_v infinite_o perfect_a or_o eternal_a for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n iu_o 18._o this_o former_o distinguish_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n from_o heathen_n and_o idolater_n who_o frame_v to_o themselves_o visible_a god_n and_o be_v not_o without_o use_n even_o
suffer_v our_o reason_n to_o take_v place_n if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v not_o our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o embolden_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o when_o discover_v we_o can_v but_o repent_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n and_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o truth_n clear_o and_o full_o manifest_v thus_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v he_o be_v abundant_o convince_v that_o the_o dismission_n of_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n he_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dreadful_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n by_o recur_v to_o he_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o he_o desire_v the_o plague_n to_o be_v remove_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perverse_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o make_v a_o example_n of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v yet_o a_o near_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o the_o psalmist_n in_o these_o word_n particular_o reflect_v on_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n they_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o choose_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v by_o the_o most_o amaze_a temporal_a benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v confer_v on_o any_o feed_v with_o a_o constant_a miracle_n lead_v by_o a_o prophet_n and_o confirm_v by_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o here_o be_v sufficient_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n yet_o we_o find_v frequent_a defection_n in_o they_o contempt_n of_o his_o precept_n vilify_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o disbelief_n of_o his_o promife_n which_o enforce_v god_n in_o indignation_n to_o say_v of_o they_o how_o long_o will_v this_o people_n provoke_v i_o and_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v ever_o they_o believe_v on_o i_o for_o all_o the_o sign_n which_o i_o have_v show_v among_o they_o i_o will_v smite_v they_o with_o the_o pestilence_n and_o disinherit_v they_o etc._n etc._n numb_a fourteen_o 11_o 12._o so_o then_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n and_o impulse_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n a_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a enormity_n against_o which_o god_n express_v the_o great_a indignation_n and_o on_o which_o he_o inflict_v the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n this_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o willing_o confess_v we_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o pharaoh_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v indignation_n and_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o he_o when_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v his_o history_n we_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v after_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o rebel_n against_o god_n slight_a his_o favour_n and_o endeavour_v to_o stone_n his_o prophet_n and_o their_o own_o deliverer_n we_o condemn_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonable_a conduct_n of_o both_o and_o be_v prone_a to_o conclude_v with_o ourselves_o have_v we_o then_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o pharaoh_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v imitate_v his_o obstinacy_n or_o their_o perverseness_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o better_a in_o such_o circumstance_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o behaviour_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o omission_n of_o it_o to_o be_v in_o no_o less_o a_o degree_n a_o harden_v of_o the_o heart_n than_o be_v the_o crime_n either_o of_o pharaoh_n or_o of_o the_o jew_n for_o our_o conviction_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v that_o of_o pharaoh_n our_o obligation_n great_a than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v without_o doubt_n full_o satisfy_v that_o our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o lay_v his_o command_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o require_v our_o obedience_n we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o although_o he_o have_v reserve_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n for_o sinner_n yet_o that_o this_o be_v dispense_v upon_o no_o othercondition_n than_o that_o of_o repentance_n without_o the_o practice_n therefore_o of_o this_o no_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v or_o be_v preserve_v and_o then_o may_v not_o he_o just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n and_o defy_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n by_o forsake_v bewail_a and_o amend_v his_o former_a disobedience_n who_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o to_o owe_v to_o his_o liberality_n both_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o continue_v to_o profess_v enmity_n to_o he_o by_o retain_v his_o sinful_a habit_n who_o believe_v all_o his_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a power_n wisdom_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o neither_o dread_v his_o anger_n nor_o reveres_fw-la his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o that_o if_o man_n consider_v but_o the_o natural_a obligation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o disobey_v he_o or_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n by_o unrepentance_n without_o either_o the_o constant_a accusation_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o a_o studious_a stifle_a of_o they_o by_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o then_o who_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n without_o conclude_v impenitent_a christian_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o unparalleled_a obstinacy_n when_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o universal_a decay_n of_o piety_n want_v their_o effect_n and_o fail_v in_o promote_a among_o man_n obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o maker_n god_n contrive_v such_o a_o method_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o inexcusable_a ingratitude_n do_v not_o oppose_v can_v not_o miscarry_v he_o invite_v they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n proclaim_v pardon_n to_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n propose_v infinite_a reward_n to_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o settle_v a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o may_v renew_v these_o promise_n and_o promote_v repentance_n by_o constant_a exhortation_n after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o corroborate_v or_o add_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o message_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n send_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o theapostle_n sermon_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v pre-required_n to_o it_o the_o main_a design_n of_o that_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o procure_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o adoration_n of_o himself_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o devotion_n to_o his_o will._n none_o of_o which_o can_v take_v place_n until_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v first_o renounce_v and_o change_v into_o a_o steady_a resolution_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a precept_n if_o then_o neither_o the_o offer_v of_o pardon_n can_v persuade_v we_o nor_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o if_o the_o frequent_a exhortation_n of_o faithful_a monitor_n can_v move_v we_o nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o engage_v we_o if_o these_o argument_n contrive_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n become_v fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o obduration_n great_a than_o any_o other_o because_o oppose_v reason_n strong_a than_o any_o other_o if_o to_o slight_a and_o overlook_a all_o these_o obligation_n be_v so_o enormous_a a_o obduration_n much_o more_o criminal_a will_v it_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o glorious_a
be_v increase_v how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v god_n only_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o reveal_v religion_n which_o we_o profess_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v he_o also_o as_o the_o common_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o office_n nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o impartial_a execution_n of_o justice_n which_o can_v consist_v if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v distribute_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n if_o the_o reward_v propose_v to_o the_o diligent_a observer_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o the_o neglecter_n of_o they_o in_o vain_a then_o will_v good_a man_n employ_v so_o much_o industry_n zeal_n and_o caution_n in_o vain_a shall_v they_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n deny_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o more_o arduous_a duty_n of_o christianity_n if_o by_o all_o this_o they_o gain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o negligent_a sinner_n may_v secure_v to_o themselves_o and_o yet_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o a_o deprave_a will_n can_v desire_v nor_o can_v we_o account_v for_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v require_v such_o difficult_a duty_n of_o his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n and_o yet_o allow_v the_o same_o reward_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o they_o our_o lord_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n indeed_o those_o great_a pretender_n to_o holiness_n that_o the_o sinner_n and_o publican_n go_v into_o heaven_n before_o they_o and_o in_o another_o place_n say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n but_o then_o those_o sinner_n do_v repent_v which_o the_o pharisee_n refuse_v to_o do_v and_o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o heaven_n be_v there_o no_o other_o than_o prayer_n and_o tear_n without_o those_o the_o supreme_a judge_n will_v continue_v inexorable_a to_o they_o who_o have_v promise_v indeed_o to_o lay_v open_a heaven_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n will_v admit_v they_o into_o it_o otherwise_o what_o abraham_n say_v to_o god_n gen._n xviii_o 25._o when_o he_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v involve_v the_o just_a inhabitant_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o univeâ—…sal_a destruction_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o bring_v upon_o those_o city_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a the_o same_o we_o may_v just_o apply_v if_o god_n communicate_v the_o reward_n of_o just_a man_n such_o as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o hope_v of_o future_a happiness_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o sar_n be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v any_o such_o uneven_a conduct_n in_o god_n who_o from_o the_o in_o variable_a distribution_n of_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a of_o punishment_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n raise_v the_o proof_n of_o his_o own_o justice_n ezek._n xviii_o 25_o 26_o 27._o hear_v now_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a when_o a_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v die_v again_o when_o the_o wicked_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v save_v his_o soul_n alive_a therefore_o i_o will_v judge_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o head_n that_o i_o have_v little_a time_n leave_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o usefulness_n of_o repentance_n in_o that_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a sincere_a and_o right_o apply_v it_o avert_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n not_o through_o any_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o its_o own_o but_o through_o the_o gracious_a acceptance_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v pardon_n upon_o true_a repentance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v therefore_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o repentance_n be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v do_v nothing_o without_o most_o evident_a reason_n god_n therefore_o whensoever_o he_o take_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o caâ—…th_v it_o to_o judgement_n judge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o present_a disposition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o man_n have_v former_o live_v up_o to_o his_o command_n but_o do_v afterward_o apostatise_v from_o they_o and_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o die_v in_o that_o corrupt_a habit_n of_o mind_n he_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o former_o neglect_v his_o duty_n but_o before_o his_o death_n have_v change_v all_o the_o habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n into_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o love_n of_o piety_n and_o die_v in_o they_o god_n will_v reward_v he_o according_a to_o that_o prefent_a dispofition_n such_o a_o repentance_n then_o which_o god_n will_v accept_v must_v be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o mind_n not_o a_o slight_a sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n nor_o even_o a_o bitter_a sorrow_n for_o they_o if_o found_v only_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o punishment_n attend_v they_o it_o proceed_v not_o to_o change_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o with_o such_o a_o sorrow_n a_o love_n of_o sin_n may_v well_o consist_v nor_o even_o if_o this_o sorrow_n shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o duty_n for_o many_o day_n together_o and_o often_o break_v out_o into_o ardent_a ejaculation_n of_o devotion_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o avail_n unless_o the_o will_v be_v firm_o settle_v in_o resolution_n of_o continue_v the_o work_n so_o well_o begin_v and_o take_v off_o from_o all_o complacency_n in_o sin_n as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v sound_n or_o healthful_a although_o it_o have_v now_o and_o then_o some_o interval_n of_o health_n unless_o the_o whole_a crasis_n of_o it_o be_v strong_a and_o uncorrupted_a that_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o himself_o herein_o let_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o the_o great_a temptation_n which_o he_o know_v can_v affect_v he_o let_v he_o imagine_v himself_o secure_a from_o be_v discover_v in_o this_o world_n and_o not_o be_v immediate_o snatch_v away_o to_o judgement_n then_o let_v he_o impartial_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o those_o circumstance_n he_o shall_v prefer_v his_o duty_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o resolution_n therein_o he_o may_v then_o hope_v well_o of_o his_o own_o condition_n but_o because_o man_n in_o such_o examination_n will_v be_v partial_a to_o themselves_o let_v he_o take_v a_o view_n of_o his_o late_a action_n in_o which_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o sin_n commit_v deliberate_o after_o consideration_n in_o cool_a blood_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_a then_o let_v he_o assure_o conclude_v that_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v deprave_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o must_v be_v change_v by_o repentance_n before_o god_n will_v extend_v any_o mercy_n to_o he_o and_o that_o without_o such_o repentance_n he_o be_v for_o ever_o lose_v for_o in_o every_o such_o deliberate_a sin_n man_n real_o choose_v damnation_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o precedent_a deliberation_n of_o it_o his_o conscience_n set_v before_o he_o life_n and_o death_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o command_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o obedience_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n affix_v to_o it_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o his_o will_v be_v overrule_v by_o the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o vice_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n man_n do_v therein_o make_v a_o absolute_a choice_n of_o damnation_n for_o himself_o and_o do_v as_o true_o renounce_v obedience_n to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o make_v a_o open_a and_o formal_a abjuration_n of_o it_o a_o mind_n therefore_o so_o corrupt_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v say_v to_o be_v well_o dispose_v or_o