more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a
the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n depend_v upon_o its_o be_v present_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v please_v to_o promise_n his_o immediate_a presence_n how_o much_o more_o efficacious_a than_o must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o not_o once_o a_o year_n but_o continual_o not_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n or_o goat_n but_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n not_o in_o a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n but_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o if_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n can_v avert_v temporal_a punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n much_o more_o will_v the_o mediation_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n free_a mankind_n from_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o their_o priest_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o same_o nature_n can_v more_o sensible_o commiserate_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o his_o people_n we_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n take_v our_o nature_n on_o he_o but_o whereas_o their_o priest_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o intercede_v we_o know_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v be_v admit_v no_o far_a than_o to_o the_o symbol_n of_o god_n presence_n to_o the_o cherubim_n and_o the_o mercy_n seat_n we_o to_o the_o very_a throne_n of_o his_o majesty_n where_o he_o continual_o plead_v his_o suffering_n on_o our_o behalf_n diffuse_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o and_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o we_o last_o if_o we_o consider_v christ_n as_o the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o humane_a life_n his_o ascension_n will_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o teach_v we_o with_o he_o to_o exalt_v our_o affection_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o place_v they_o in_o heaven_n this_o inference_n the_o apostle_n draw_v from_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n colos._n iii_o 1._o if_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n christ_n die_v to_o the_o world_n to_o instruct_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o mortify_v our_o worldly_a lust_n to_o restrain_v and_o subdue_v to_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o our_o affection_n ought_v principal_o to_o be_v fix_v that_o there_o our_o chief_a interest_n be_v place_v and_o there_o only_o perfect_a happiness_n to_o be_v expect_v can_v the_o pleasure_n the_o power_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n have_v give_v the_o most_o complete_a happiness_n our_o lord_n who_o deserve_v it_o by_o the_o most_o complete_a obedience_n which_o be_v ever_o pay_v who_o be_v more_o dear_a to_o god_n than_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o be_v himself_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o will_v have_v fix_v his_o abode_n here_o and_o not_o remove_v it_o into_o heaven_n but_o when_o immediate_o after_o his_o exaltation_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v to_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n he_o forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n he_o have_v thereby_o instruct_v we_o that_o in_o vain_a be_v true_a felicity_n to_o be_v seek_v here_o below_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v no_o adequate_a recompense_n for_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o we_o be_v indeed_o but_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o as_o many_o as_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o study_v to_o be_v true_o happy_a aught_o to_o seek_v a_o better_a country_n even_o that_o into_o which_o christ_n the_o forerunner_n be_v enter_v for_o we_o that_o so_o where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o may_v be_v also_o receive_v the_o same_o reward_n and_o be_v crown_v with_o the_o same_o happiness_n that_o so_o as_o we_o have_v imitate_v his_o ascension_n we_o may_v share_v in_o his_o glory_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_n the_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v on_o july_n 13_o 1690_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n matth._n v._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o our_o lord_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o mix_a multitude_n of_o auditor_n and_o treat_v altogether_o of_o universal_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o all_o who_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o he_o who_o speak_v it_o upon_o which_o account_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o reject_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o will_v restrain_v to_o the_o apostle_n only_o and_o their_o successor_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o this_o and_o the_o three_o forego_v verse_n which_o require_v the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n not_o to_o confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o single_a breast_n or_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o have_v discharge_v the_o office_n of_o piety_n in_o secret_a but_o to_o perform_v such_o eminent_a act_n of_o devotion_n temperance_n and_o charity_n and_o so_o to_o direct_v they_o as_o may_v promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o instruction_n of_o men._n the_o whole_a precede_a part_n of_o this_o sermon_n be_v direct_v to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_n deliver_v the_o promise_n of_o those_o beatitude_n in_o which_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v equal_o concern_v what_o follow_v treat_v concern_v the_o general_a law_n of_o justice_n temperance_n and_o charity_n so_o that_o with_o no_o good_a reason_n can_v these_o intermediate_v verse_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o apostle_n only_o if_o they_o be_v here_o call_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 13._o our_o lord_n address_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o word_n to_o great_a multitude_n as_o we_o read_v luk._n fourteen_o 25._o if_o they_o be_v style_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o 14_o verse_n sy_n paul_n apply_v the_o same_o expression_n to_o the_o philipian_o ii_o 15._o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n shine_v among_o they_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o eminent_o the_o salt_n and_o light_n of_o the_o world_n purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n remove_v the_o darkness_n of_o mankind_n by_o example_n and_o instruction_n to_o effect_v this_o by_o their_o doctrine_n be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o not_o common_a to_o other_o christian_n to_o promote_v it_o by_o their_o example_n be_v a_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o other_o christian_n it_o be_v my_o present_a purpose_n to_o treat_v of_o it_o as_o a_o universal_a duty_n to_o which_o my_o text_n direct_v i_o by_o place_v the_o light_n of_o this_o exemplariness_n which_o be_v command_v not_o in_o verbal_a instruction_n but_o in_o good_a work_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n of_o this_o than_o i_o will_v discourse_n under_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n impose_v such_o a_o exemplary_a conduct_n as_o may_v become_v a_o light_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o manner_n of_o be_v thus_o exemplary_a by_o good_a work_n iii_o the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v direct_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n iv._o the_o good_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o promotion_n of_o the_o same_o good_a work_n in_o other_o i._o concern_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v that_o of_o a_o illustrious_a example_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v direct_v we_o both_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o style_v himself_o and_o true_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v foretell_v under_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n his_o precept_n chief_o concern_v moral_a duty_n which_o he_o restore_v first_o to_o their_o primitive_a notion_n and_o purity_n and_o then_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o follower_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a manner_n than_o have_v ever_o before_o be_v do_v what_o before_o be_v esteem_v a_o attempt_n fit_a only_o for_o great_a and_o noble_a mind_n he_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n what_o other_o think_v a_o sufficient_a glory_n to_o practice_v single_o to_o excel_v in_o this_o or_o that_o single_a virtue_n he_o require_v to_o be_v perform_v conjunct_o without_o the_o omission_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v
testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o propose_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n concern_v the_o external_a government_n of_o god_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v mistake_v all_o of_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o mistake_v in_o the_o application_n of_o those_o attribute_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v form_v the_o reason_n be_v well_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o in_o they_o also_o sufficient_a matter_n to_o confute_v the_o several_a error_n propose_v by_o these_o men._n touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v therefore_o do_v man_n fear_v he_o the_o word_n therefore_o will_v natural_o give_v i_o a_o occasion_n to_o discourse_n i._o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n found_v in_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o text._n ii_o of_o the_o error_n commit_v by_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n which_o they_o draw_v indeed_o from_o these_o attribute_n but_o may_v more_o true_o be_v confute_v by_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o worship_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n among_o man_n be_v declare_v by_o enumeration_n of_o those_o attribute_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o in_o the_o conception_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o first_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o on_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v found_v be_v that_o he_o enjoy_v all_o perfection_n which_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o be_v and_o this_o be_v design_v by_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n where_o the_o word_n almighty_a in_o our_o translation_n signify_v all-sufficient_a or_o supreme_o perfect_a in_o the_o original_a we_o admire_v single_a perfection_n in_o other_o object_n in_o one_o power_n in_o another_o wisdom_n in_o a_o three_o virtue_n and_o these_o not_o only_o possess_v by_o so_o many_o several_a object_n but_o also_o 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of_o his_o name_n by_o inflict_v exemplary_a punishment_n upon_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o worship_v he_o or_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a his_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n so_o than_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o consider_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n so_o it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o if_o most_o just_a must_v certain_o be_v require_v by_o god_n that_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o to_o who_o the_o injury_n be_v offer_v may_v be_v annihilate_v by_o a_o single_a nod_n may_v be_v chastife_v with_o severe_a punishment_n may_v be_v render_v miserable_a for_o ever_o this_o attribute_n of_o power_n in_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n produce_v fear_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o external_a respect_n beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n this_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o majesty_n of_o prince_n that_o the_o one_o can_v be_v violate_v the_o other_o can_v be_v contemn_v without_o danger_n this_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v at_o first_o beget_v idolatry_n when_o man_n follow_v the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n fond_o imagine_v that_o their_o prince_n their_o leader_n or_o conqueror_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a of_o all_o being_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n render_v that_o tribute_n to_o they_o which_o be_v due_a to_o omnipotence_n i_o mean_v adoration_n they_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v at_o their_o disposal_n their_o life_n at_o their_o mercy_n or_o extraordinary_a action_n effect_v by_o they_o and_o believe_v these_o to_o be_v the_o most_o illustrious_a mark_n of_o power_n deify_v the_o possessor_n of_o they_o if_o then_o the_o prospect_n of_o that_o little_a power_n which_o be_v vest_v in_o man_n can_v procure_v adoration_n from_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o sense_n only_o much_o more_o will_v the_o excellence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o it_o be_v here_o call_v induce_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v both_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o mortal_a man_n power_n far_o from_o be_v adorable_a may_v ofttimes_o become_v execrable_a may_v occasion_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o may_v administer_v assistance_n to_o sin_n and_o violence_n and_o notwithstanding_o such_o wicked_a power_n may_v awe_v and_o terrify_v man_n as_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a idolater_n have_v worship_v devil_n lest_o they_o shall_v hurt_v they_o this_o will_v never_o create_v a_o internal_a reverence_n in_o man_n in_o which_o chief_o adoration_n consist_v the_o most_o exalt_a power_n of_o finite_a being_n can_v rescue_v they_o from_o their_o own_o imperfection_n receive_v limit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o dissolution_n if_o yet_o such_o a_o power_n can_v strike_v
thy_o mind_n can_v affright_v thou_o from_o perform_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o it_o if_o thou_o dare_v not_o resist_v its_o command_n and_o quiet_o submite_v to_o it_o how_o much_o more_o be_v thou_o oblige_v to_o revere_a the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n where_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v sweet_o join_v together_o where_o no_o limitation_n can_v be_v find_v nothing_o exclude_v from_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o no_o cessation_n to_o be_v expect_v if_o thou_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v this_o power_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o judge_v whether_o omnipotence_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v if_o thou_o appeale_v to_o sense_n view_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n pass_v through_o heaven_n and_o earth_n thou_o shall_v discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o omnipotence_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o pretend_v yet_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o evident_a reflect_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o say_v who_o give_v they_o to_o thou_o consider_v the_o fabric_n of_o thy_o body_n who_o form_v it_o for_o thou_o these_o be_v undeniable_a mark_n of_o thy_o subjection_n to_o a_o almighty_a power_n which_o even_o if_o thou_o do_v deny_v it_o be_v by_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n create_v by_o he_o that_o thou_o can_v deny_v it_o thus_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v whatsoever_o punishment_n he_o please_v on_o his_o disobedient_a creature_n and_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v vain_o imagine_v this_o power_n to_o be_v useless_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o like_o antiquate_a law_n never_o put_v in_o execution_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n be_v excellent_a in_o judgement_n also_o that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o judge_v mank_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o so_o judgement_n do_v almost_o every_o where_o signify_v in_o scripture_n the_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n upon_o delinquent_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o public_a law_n which_o be_v fix_v to_o mankind_n and_o prescribe_v for_o their_o direction_n nothing_o but_o the_o most_o extreme_a stupidity_n can_v defeat_v the_o success_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o divine_a worship_n since_o this_o equal_o affect_v both_o the_o wife_n and_o foolish_a by_o strike_v their_o imagination_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n a_o fear_n which_o will_v affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o no_o other_o argument_n can_v prevail_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n may_v be_v slight_v the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n may_v be_v neglect_v his_o power_n may_v be_v deride_v when_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o sinner_n will_v awaken_v the_o conscience_n and_o affright_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o although_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o as_o in_o natural_a religion_n for_o let_v the_o punishment_n be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o their_o quality_n let_v the_o time_n of_o their_o execution_n be_v hide_v from_o sinner_n yet_o this_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o such_o he_o will_v exercise_v judgement_n and_o that_o as_o his_o power_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o most_o formidable_a judicature_n on_o earth_n so_o his_o punishment_n will_v be_v correspondent_a exceed_v what_o man_n can_v inflict_v and_o herein_o appear_v the_o excellence_n of_o this_o judgement_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n humane_a judicature_n can_v take_v hold_v only_o of_o the_o external_a action_n of_o man_n and_o even_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o offender_n may_v set_v he_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o punishment_n they_o may_v be_v evade_v by_o crafty_a defence_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o great_a power_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o death_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v finish_v by_o it_o but_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o the_o most_o secret_a action_n of_o man_n be_v call_v in_o question_n even_o their_o thought_n can_v escape_v discovery_n the_o judge_n can_v be_v blind_v by_o crafty_a insinuation_n nor_o divert_v from_o his_o resolution_n by_o extraneous_a cause_n nothing_o can_v rescue_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n not_o even_a death_n itself_o his_o dominion_n extend_v beyond_o the_o grave_a reach_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o surmount_v the_o resistance_n of_o all_o create_a being_n if_o then_o fear_n can_v affect_v man_n if_o punishment_n can_v deter_v they_o if_o power_n can_v awe_v they_o if_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o these_o can_v convince_v they_o they_o do_v all_o combine_v to_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o continue_v religion_n in_o mankind_n but_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v slave_n to_o god_n and_o servant_n through_o fear_n only_o he_o dispense_v reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n to_o men._n he_o be_v excellent_a in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n he_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n to_o his_o precept_n not_o because_o any_o reward_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o dispense_n his_o benefit_n and_o then_o his_o justice_n will_v require_v that_o he_o dispense_v they_o to_o the_o most_o worthy_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o powerful_a a_o argument_n interest_n be_v in_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n what_o draw_v attendant_n to_o prince_n or_o servant_n to_o great_a man_n but_o the_o power_n of_o reward_v they_o and_o the_o prospect_n of_o preferment_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o their_o favour_n this_o seldom_o fail_v to_o secure_v to_o they_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v due_a from_o dependent_n honour_n and_o service_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o raise_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v they_o beyond_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o will_v no_o less_o effectual_o secure_v what_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o we_o adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v attain_v be_v far_o great_a such_o as_o the_o donor_n will_v not_o and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o other_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o from_o we_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o time_n nor_o restrain_v by_o any_o limitation_n the_o assurance_n also_o of_o obtain_v they_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o can_v give_v what_o he_o please_v and_o will_v give_v what_o he_o promise_v whereas_o the_o favour_n expect_v from_o man_n may_v be_v defeat_v by_o forgetfulness_n by_o unfaithfulness_n may_v be_v intercept_v by_o other_o may_v become_v impossible_a to_o be_v bestow_v if_o then_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a and_o most_o certain_a reward_n can_v procure_v what_o man_n obtain_v by_o their_o petty_a and_o uncertain_a favour_n fear_v and_o reverence_n we_o must_v deplore_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinate_a perverseness_n of_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n propose_v by_o god_n yield_v to_o those_o propose_v by_o man_n which_o yet_o affect_v the_o same_o passion_n that_o of_o desire_n but_o in_o a_o much_o low_a degree_n last_o to_o secure_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o be_v befit_v his_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n lest_o our_o adoration_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v with_o any_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n entertain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v in_o this_o life_n the_o rule_n and_o method_n whereby_o god_n dispense_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n may_v be_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o he_o may_v suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v afflict_v he_o may_v permit_v the_o wicked_a to_o prosper_v he_o may_v in_o appearance_n cut_v off_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a man_n by_o present_a misery_n and_o encourage_v the_o disobedience_n of_o bad_a man_n by_o temporal_a felicity_n his_o way_n may_v be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o judgement_n past_o find_v out_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v any_o opinion_n of_o injustice_n in_o god_n or_o imperfection_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o government_n although_o the_o secret_n of_o providence_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o that_o be_v such_o he_o will_v not_o afflict_v the_o mysterious_a obscurity_n of_o providence_n herein_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o
of_o happiness_n and_o then_o be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v against_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o effect_v we_o scorn_v that_o imperfect_a happiness_n which_o his_o providence_n have_v assign_v we_o in_o the_o world_n we_o esteem_v it_o inferior_a to_o the_o suppose_a dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v not_o enjoy_v some_o great_a happiness_n than_o what_o we_o find_v belong_v to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n this_o happiness_n most_o man_n place_v in_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o sense_n but_o then_o quick_o perceive_v that_o even_o more_o ignoble_a being_n enjoy_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n they_o turmoil_v themselves_o about_o enhance_a the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o either_o seek_v after_o riches_n or_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o luxury_n but_o after_o all_o find_v themselves_o disappoint_v they_o become_v discontent_v because_o not_o obtain_v a_o happiness_n correspondent_a to_o the_o esteem_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n or_o if_o any_o of_o better_a education_n and_o more_o noble_a thought_n seek_v this_o felicity_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o soul_n yet_o be_v not_o they_o free_v from_o the_o like_a mistake_n but_o aim_v at_o great_a perfection_n than_o their_o nature_n will_v bear_v carry_v their_o inquiry_n into_o matter_n too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o then_o become_v disquiet_v because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o because_o they_o find_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v ofttimes_o dull_a and_o devoid_a of_o vigour_n and_o can_v hinder_v the_o perturbation_n of_o they_o by_o commotion_n from_o the_o body_n and_o ofttimes_o experience_v the_o decay_n of_o their_o faculty_n with_o these_o thought_n they_o afflict_v themselves_o and_o imagine_v their_o nature_n to_o be_v somewhat_o great_a than_o it_o real_o be_v vain_o endeavour_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o these_o imperfection_n such_o be_v the_o common_a mistake_n of_o mankind_n mistake_n which_o few_o escape_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o particular_a yet_o frequent_a mistake_v derive_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n which_o be_v no_o less_o gross_a and_o far_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n from_o this_o irrational_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o excellency_n many_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n when_o they_o execute_v his_o command_n and_o perform_v his_o will._n they_o imagine_v the_o benefit_n redound_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a kindness_n to_o he_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o proposal_n of_o salvation_n and_o thence_o be_v often_o draw_v into_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v wink_v at_o their_o impenitence_n rather_o than_o forfeit_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o save_v they_o this_o error_n have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o among_o many_o christian_n it_o be_v believe_v that_o god_n may_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v make_v a_o debtor_n to_o man_n by_o work_n of_o supererogation_n and_o other_o persuade_v themselves_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o particular_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o predestination_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o they_o may_v pretend_v indeed_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n the_o arbitrary_a will_n of_o god_n but_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o it_o will_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o proud_a opinion_n of_o their_o excellency_n beyond_o their_o fellow_n christian_n which_o make_v they_o arrogant_a and_o morose_a and_o so_o possess_v their_o brain_n that_o they_o imagine_v god_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o relax_v the_o general_a term_n of_o salvation_n and_o forego_v his_o command_n of_o a_o strict_a obedience_n for_o their_o sake_n this_o false_a persuasion_n sometime_o advance_v so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v themselves_o place_v by_o their_o extraordinary_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n unaccountable_a excellency_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o common_a law_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thence_o bold_o invade_v those_o office_n which_o be_v never_o entrust_v to_o they_o and_o disturb_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o not_o oblige_v to_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a which_o offence_n the_o apostle_n more_o particular_o complain_v of_o in_o this_o place_n these_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a error_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o unreasonable_a conceit_n of_o man_n concern_v their_o own_o worth_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o pretence_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o very_o frivolous_a man_n be_v far_o from_o such_o a_o excellent_a be_v as_o these_o pretence_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v his_o original_a be_v mean_a and_o common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o most_o ignoble_a animal_n while_o yet_o a_o infant_n nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v in_o he_o which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o brute_n beast_n except_o a_o great_a inability_n of_o help_v himself_o nothing_o of_o reason_n can_v be_v discern_v in_o he_o which_o must_v afterward_o be_v instill_v by_o degree_n by_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o other_o or_o if_o bear_v with_o he_o yet_o exert_v itself_o but_o slow_o and_o will_v never_o become_v considerable_a without_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o ill_a conceit_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o man_n at_o first_o be_v bear_v a_o animal_n and_o afterward_o become_v rational_a be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o education_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o man_n will_v creep_v upon_o all_o four_o and_o imitate_v beast_n as_o well_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o his_o body_n as_o in_o the_o brutishness_n of_o his_o life_n when_o after_o a_o thousand_o chance_n which_o may_v have_v destroy_v he_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o man_n he_o still_o lead_v a_o more_o precarious_a life_n than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o element_n perform_v not_o their_o office_n if_o the_o earth_n shall_v deny_v her_o fruit_n or_o the_o air_n its_o benign_a influence_n if_o any_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o possible_a accident_n shall_v light_v upon_o he_o his_o life_n be_v end_v which_o whilst_o it_o continue_v be_v perplex_v with_o continual_a care_n turmoil_v with_o constant_a labour_n expose_v to_o infinite_a adversity_n and_o after_o all_o support_v with_o inconsiderable_a pleasure_n for_o what_o great_a matter_n do_v we_o enjoy_v here_o below_o than_o more_o ignoble_a creature_n do_v length_n of_o life_n agility_n accuracy_n of_o sense_n satisfaction_n of_o it_o and_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v even_o common_a to_o they_o we_o can_v employ_v indeed_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v but_o alas_o this_o privilege_n will_v have_v be_v scarce_o desirable_a have_v not_o god_n promote_v art_n and_o science_n among_o man_n by_o raise_v their_o apprehension_n at_o first_o with_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o although_o god_n do_v not_o at_o first_o reveal_v these_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o will_v man_n never_o have_v obtain_v that_o sagacity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o they_o if_o god_n have_v not_o raise_v they_o from_o the_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n by_o communicate_v to_o they_o supernatural_a revelation_n that_o part_n and_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v those_o advantage_n do_v so_o little_a exercise_n these_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o unthinking_a beast_n to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o condition_n or_o if_o all_o man_n can_v natural_o obtain_v clear_a and_o noble_a thought_n of_o thing_n yet_o will_v this_o but_o add_v little_a to_o their_o happiness_n while_o uncertain_a of_o its_o future_a state_n for_o want_v of_o revelation_n to_o a_o soul_n which_o grasp_v eternity_n it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o continual_a affliction_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o what_o will_v succeed_v it_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v these_o melancholy_a thought_n by_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o will_v find_v little_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o if_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o whole_o to_o they_o he_o will_v soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o they_o when_o he_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o enjoyment_n he_o will_v confess_v the_o emptiness_n of_o they_o and_o scarce_o desire_v to_o retrieve_v they_o such_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v may_v perhaps_o wish_v to_o live_v over_o his_o life_n again_o but_o then_o it_o be_v only_o in_o hope_n of_o obtain_n great_a happiness_n
stone_n last_o by_o the_o merit_n or_o gild_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n will_v be_v hereafter_o either_o save_v or_o condemn_v if_o then_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v primary_o bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a receptacle_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a grace_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o it_o if_o all_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o the_o body_n depend_v upon_o the_o well-doing_n of_o the_o soul_n certain_o this_o soul_n deserve_v our_o great_a regard_n and_o consideration_n as_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o by_o imitate_v his_o perfection_n as_o far_o as_o our_o finite_a nature_n will_v permit_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n alone_o which_o distinguish_v one_o man_n from_o another_o and_o make_v any_o person_n more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o childish_a mistake_n of_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o temporal_a greatness_n give_v a_o real_a excellency_n to_o mankind_n or_o confer_v a_o true_a dignity_n upon_o the_o possessor_n of_o they_o since_o all_o these_o outward_a advantage_n be_v common_a to_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o profligate_v of_o man_n who_o as_o they_o be_v most_o miserable_a in_o themselves_o so_o they_o deserve_v no_o other_o than_o the_o slight_a and_o contempt_n of_o all_o who_o know_v they_o not_o to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frail_a and_o momentany_a of_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bereave_v in_o a_o hour_n either_o by_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o fortune_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o but_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o wise_a creator_n shall_v assign_v that_o to_o be_v our_o chief_a perfection_n of_o which_o we_o may_v either_o be_v deprive_v or_o defraud_v and_o that_o our_o happiness_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o another_o man._n in_o that_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o miserable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o become_v happy_a so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a endowment_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o poor_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v and_o when_o obtain_v can_v by_o no_o art_n or_o fraud_n be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o eminent_a perfection_n of_o daniel_n the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n pay_v to_o he_o and_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o he_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v in_o he_o dan._n vi_o 3._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o cause_v he_o to_o surpass_v the_o ordinary_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n not_o that_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a soul_n be_v infuse_v at_o first_o into_o he_o than_o into_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n for_o all_o soul_n be_v create_v equal_a and_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o improvement_n but_o that_o he_o have_v adorn_v it_o with_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o worthy_a the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o esteem_v of_o men._n and_o herein_o clear_o appear_v both_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n that_o all_o these_o improvement_n and_o cultivation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v equal_o possible_a to_o the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a men._n poverty_n and_o temporal_a calamity_n can_v exclude_v we_o from_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o in_o that_o from_o the_o great_a happiness_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n to_o be_v true_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o rich_a neighbour_n and_o to_o ensure_v to_o himself_o the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n although_o not_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n thus_o god_n have_v in_o truth_n make_v a_o equal_a distribution_n to_o all_o man_n by_o assign_v to_o all_o soul_n a_o equal_a capacity_n for_o as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o put_v in_o the_o scale_n with_o piety_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n they_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o consideration_n there_o be_v some_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n indeed_o which_o be_v not_o common_a and_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o all_o man_n as_o learning_n and_o a_o exquisite_a knowledge_n these_o may_v put_v in_o a_o fair_a plea_n for_o a_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o excellency_n as_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o soul_n when_o once_o acquire_v of_o infinite_a use_n in_o this_o life_n and_o perhaps_o great_a in_o the_o next_o but_o then_o there_o be_v disadvantage_n attend_v such_o acquire_v knowledge_n which_o may_v just_o take_v off_o the_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o become_v no_o reasonable_a object_n of_o envy_n to_o a_o pious_a unlearned_a christian._n as_o that_o it_o render_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n infinite_o more_o difficult_a to_o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o expose_v they_o to_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n not_o common_a to_o all_o other_o person_n but_o chief_o because_o more_o and_o great_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o great_a and_o more_o severe_a punishment_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n god_n require_v no_o more_o than_o a_o hearty_a sincerity_n belief_n and_o sure_a trust_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n in_o they_o he_o willing_o over-seeth_a small_a and_o trivial_a fault_n and_o impute_v not_o error_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o influence_n and_o corrupt_v their_o practice_n but_o of_o the_o more_o learned_a sort_n of_o christian_n he_o require_v right_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o worthy_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n employ_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o after_o all_o a_o exact_a observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n punctilio_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o they_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o pardon_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v obtain_v if_o indeed_o at_o last_o they_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n they_o will_v shine_v there_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a station_n and_o bright_a glory_n but_o then_o even_o the_o low_a degree_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o we_o can_v either_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v thus_o all_o the_o true_o desirable_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v possible_a to_o all_o and_o debar_v from_o none_o those_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n a_o active_a zeal_n to_o his_o service_n a_o strict_a sobriety_n in_o ourselves_o and_o a_o fervent_a charity_n to_o all_o our_o neighbour_n how_o far_o these_o will_v advance_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o soul_n appear_v hence_o that_o these_o only_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o uninterrupted_a possession_n of_o these_o which_o make_v angel_n and_o the_o want_n of_o these_o which_o make_v devil_n last_o our_o body_n when_o consider_v alone_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a beyond_o other_o material_a creature_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o improvement_n it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o same_o mass_n of_o matter_n with_o other_o body_n and_o after_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o death_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o same_o corruption_n become_v filth_n and_o rottenness_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o most_o odious_a of_o all_o thing_n nay_o even_o in_o this_o life_n it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o miserable_a condition_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n if_o it_o be_v not_o actuate_v by_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a soul_n which_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o dull_a and_o vile_a matter_n and_o give_v it_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o and_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o so_o far_o be_v this_o body_n from_o receive_v new_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n that_o it_o continual_o decay_v till_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n and_o become_v as_o the_o dung_n of_o the_o earth_n none_o yet_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n can_v give_v beauty_n to_o their_o body_n or_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o add_v one_o cubit_n to_o their_o stature_n none_o with_o the_o great_a art_n and_o industry_n can_v make_v their_o sense_n more_o quick_a and_o accurate_a but_o certain_o not_o any_o can_v procure_v immortality_n to_o their_o body_n a_o privilege_n which_o natural_o belong_v
life_n as_o it_o be_v high_o generous_a so_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o retain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therewith_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o so_o great_a that_o your_o own_o imagination_n will_v amplify_v it_o more_o than_o any_o word_n i_o can_v use_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o choose_a servant_n to_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v of_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o christian_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v incite_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o interval_n of_o piety_n this_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o in_o the_o 3d._a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o suffer_v such_o enormous_a sinner_n whole_o to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o therefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v undergo_v sharp_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n not_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n have_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n or_o that_o temporal_a calamity_n do_v always_o attend_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o as_o in_o a_o general_a persecution_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o precedent_a sin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o particular_a man_n although_o not_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n to_o have_v require_v to_o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o partake_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n so_o neither_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o those_o first_o christian_n be_v before_o their_o conversion_n for_o this_o reason_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o same_o visible_a manner_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o fear_v that_o a_o far_o great_a punishment_n be_v reserve_v to_o we_o hereafter_o if_o by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n we_o prevent_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o this_o precedent_n sinful_a course_n of_o life_n be_v another_o great_a difficulty_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n who_o have_v contract_v before_o their_o conversion_n long_o and_o fix_a habit_n of_o vice_n efface_v by_o disuse_n all_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o honesty_n which_o to_o restore_v can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o application_n if_o to_o these_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o those_o time_n we_o add_v the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v what_o just_a reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v i_o will_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o particular_a duty_n the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n with_o many_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o piety_n which_o we_o experience_n and_o lament_v that_o which_o chief_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o man_n in_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n be_v enure_v to_o follow_v the_o perception_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v easy_o form_v and_o affect_v the_o mind_n without_o any_o precedent_a preparation_n of_o it_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o object_n which_o sense_n present_v to_o he_o without_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n or_o form_v any_o conclusion_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n whereas_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o christianity_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o man_n not_o put_v into_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o they_o they_o can_v obtain_v nor_o yet_o conceive_v they_o without_o a_o regular_a proceed_n of_o judgement_n they_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o dignity_n power_n and_o other_o attribute_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o their_o own_o action_n to_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n the_o certain_a immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o possible_a immortality_n of_o their_o body_n the_o assurance_n of_o both_o from_o he_o who_o can_v perform_v it_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o such_o immortality_n shall_v be_v confer_v to_o receive_v then_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a conduct_n of_o this_o life_n all_o this_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v and_o examine_v before_o any_o conviction_n can_v be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o convince_v there_o want_v a_o second_o series_n of_o thought_n to_o convince_v mankind_n that_o to_o embrace_v this_o truth_n be_v their_o real_a interest_n the_o reward_v propose_v by_o it_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a they_o affect_v not_o the_o sense_n nor_o strike_v the_o imagination_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o measure_v the_o fruition_n of_o all_o pleasure_n he_o relish_v but_o little_a the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o scarce_o know_v wherein_o they_o consist_v and_o that_o which_o draw_v near_a to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o conception_n and_o meditation_n of_o intellectual_a object_n he_o find_v himself_o soon_o weary_a of_o it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o when_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v overcome_v here_o be_v still_o require_v another_o train_n of_o thought_n to_o fix_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n notwithstanding_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v till_o another_o life_n if_o then_o so_o much_o consideration_n be_v require_v to_o render_v the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n effectual_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o hardly_o conceive_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o present_a fruition_n and_o so_o little_a grateful_a to_o those_o organ_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o fruition_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v foresee_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n for_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n allow_v their_o soul_n to_o entertain_v any_o conception_n beyond_o what_o sense_n administer_v to_o they_o how_o few_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o immaterial_a being_n or_o spiritual_a interest_n not_o that_o any_o extraordinary_a strength_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v to_o form_v such_o thought_n and_o conviction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o frequent_o urge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v retain_v such_o thought_n improve_v they_o and_o act_n upon_o they_o but_o even_o this_o be_v irksome_a to_o his_o deprave_a nature_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v his_o body_n his_o soul_n he_o little_o know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o the_o noble_a pleasure_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o one_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o other_o he_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o disadvantage_n betray_v he_o either_o to_o neglect_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o to_o prefer_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n before_o they_o unless_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o diligent_a attention_n he_o have_v form_v a_o full_a conviction_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o value_n of_o they_o that_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o follow_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o even_o the_o reversion_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n another_o difficulty_n alike_o common_a to_o all_o be_v the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v that_o it_o include_v every_o action_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o any_o one_o part_n destroy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o exercise_v this_o or_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n unless_o the_o whole_a life_n be_v uniform_a and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o put_v a_o christian_a
righteous_a if_o he_o always_o note_v and_o ofttimes_o punish_v their_o small_a failures_n if_o with_o all_o their_o care_n and_o vigilance_n their_o mortification_n and_o circumspection_n they_o be_v but_o hardly_o save_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hope_v that_o heaven_n will_v open_v to_o they_o who_o have_v live_v remiss_o and_o secure_o have_v betray_v their_o profession_n and_o by_o a_o impenitent_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n have_v dishonour_v the_o author_n of_o salvation_n and_o rebel_v against_o the_o author_n of_o their_o be_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v it_o do_v appear_v what_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v careful_a of_o their_o salvation_n shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v their_o care_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v negligent_a of_o it_o shall_v shake_v off_o their_o stupidity_n and_o apply_v themselves_o with_o their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o salvation_n ought_v neither_o to_o discourage_v the_o good_a nor_o affright_v the_o bad_a the_o worth_a and_o happiness_n of_o it_o infinite_o countervail_v all_o the_o labour_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v about_o it_o nor_o will_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a deprivation_n a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n but_o the_o begin_n of_o exceed_v and_o endless_a torment_n the_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v it_o aught_o to_o confirm_v the_o diligent_a and_o awaken_v the_o negligent_a to_o increase_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o one_o and_o expel_v the_o remissness_n of_o the_o other_o that_o so_o the_o one_o may_v continue_v his_o course_n so_o well_o begin_v the_o other_o may_v find_v the_o right_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o enter_v into_o it_o god_n grant_v that_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o both_o the_o twelve_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23._o of_o febr._n 1689_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n matth._n xi_o 30._o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o various_a interpretation_n of_o yoke_n and_o burden_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o distinction_n make_v by_o some_o between_o they_o i_o suppose_v the_o peculiar_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v a_o recommendation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o easiness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n all_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v may_v be_v fit_o express_v by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o yoke_n and_o burden_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o restrain_v the_o action_n of_o man_n limit_v they_o to_o certain_a rule_n impose_v upon_o he_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o and_o abstinence_n from_o other_o action_n which_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v regard_v and_o use_v they_o as_o indifferent_a which_o demonstrate_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n the_o author_n of_o such_o religion_n as_o full_o as_o a_o yoke_n do_v the_o subjection_n of_o beast_n to_o their_o possessor_n or_o of_o captive_n to_o their_o conqueror_n yet_o this_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o however_o the_o latter_a may_v be_v repine_v at_o with_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v the_o deprivation_n of_o precedent_a liberty_n the_o former_a be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o result_n and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o god_n do_v upon_o that_o account_n owe_v absolute_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o enjoy_v the_o use_n of_o freewill_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v and_o practise_v such_o rule_n of_o conduct_n as_o the_o sovereign_a lawgiver_n shall_v appoint_v so_o that_o although_o in_o the_o former_a case_n it_o may_v be_v ofttimes_o lawful_a to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n or_o at_o least_o desire_v the_o removal_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v no_o more_o reasonable_a to_o deny_v subjection_n than_o to_o receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o while_o man_n therefore_o put_v any_o value_n upon_o the_o benefit_n of_o life_n and_o be_v it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v receive_v it_o with_o those_o inseparable_a burden_n which_o it_o please_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o annex_v to_o it_o such_o as_o subjection_n to_o himself_o and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o as_o natural_a religion_n may_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v true_o call_v a_o yoke_n so_o much_o more_o all_o institute_v religion_n wherein_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o natural_a and_o common_a reason_n of_o subjection_n to_o god_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o for_o some_o more_o particular_a reason_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n and_o testify_v their_o subjection_n by_o solemn_a profession_n and_o some_o external_a rite_n the_o jew_n do_v therefore_o fit_o express_v the_o whole_a obligation_n of_o their_o law_n by_o the_o denomination_n of_o a_o yoke_n and_o whosoever_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o it_o be_v say_v to_o take_v the_o yoke_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o man_n who_o deny_v all_o obedience_n to_o god_n either_o in_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n be_v call_v man_n of_o belial_n that_o be_v man_n without_o a_o yoke_n in_o compliance_n to_o this_o receive_a form_n of_o speech_n among_o they_o our_o lord_n also_o call_v his_o religion_n a_o yoke_n and_o confess_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o burden_n but_o then_o as_o well_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o jewish_a as_o to_o encourage_v mankind_n to_o take_v that_o yoke_n upon_o they_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o design_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o word_n i._n comparative_o as_o this_o description_n of_o the_o yoke_n or_o religion_n of_o christ_n distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o ii_o absolute_o as_o it_o imply_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o take_v either_o separately_z or_o all_o together_o to_o be_v easy_a of_o practice_n and_o not_o grievous_a to_o be_v undergo_v the_o easiness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o his_o religion_n above_o all_o other_o our_o lord_n intimate_v in_o his_o whole_a discourse_n precede_v this_o final_a sentence_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n in_o the_o 28_o verse_n which_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v be_v oppress_v and_o even_o to_o have_v yield_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o burden_n to_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n or_o complacency_n therein_o that_o they_o grow_v weary_a of_o they_o seek_v for_o rest_n and_o relief_n and_o afflict_a themselves_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o can_v not_o but_o be_v very_o grievous_a when_o no_o prospect_n of_o reward_n appear_v to_o the_o conscientious_a observer_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o some_o good_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o which_o excite_v the_o diligence_n of_o man_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o those_o hope_n will_v support_v he_o under_o all_o difficulty_n nothing_o less_o than_o the_o prospect_n of_o some_o excellent_a reward_n can_v encourage_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o maintain_v a_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a war_n against_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n to_o afflict_v itself_o with_o continual_a carefulness_n and_o enter_v upon_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n when_o no_o reward_n therefore_o be_v promise_v when_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n be_v if_o not_o unknown_a yet_o at_o least_o uncertain_a as_o they_o want_v a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n so_o the_o very_a ignorance_n of_o true_a happiness_n be_v none_o of_o their_o least_o anxiety_n they_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o more_o noble_a enjoyment_n than_o what_o their_o sense_n can_v present_v to_o they_o and_o they_o can_v not_o stifle_v the_o restless_a desire_n of_o this_o happiness_n they_o set_v themselves_o to_o inquire_v after_o it_o frame_v nice_a system_n and_o subtle_a definition_n of_o it_o yet_o all_o their_o labour_n end_v in_o empty_a and_o uncertain_a notion_n what_o a_o continual_a vexation_n be_v it_o then_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o great_a improument_n of_o felicity_n and_o yet_o know_v not_o either_o wherein_o they_o consist_v or_o how_o they_o may_v be_v obtain_v to_o view_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o many_o and_o laborious_a virtue_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o be_v unsatisfied_a to_o what_o purpose_n all_o this_o tend_v or_o wherein_o they_o shall_v receive_v any_o
commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a a_o proposition_n which_o may_v perhaps_o appear_v incredible_a to_o any_o one_o who_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o obedience_n require_v and_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n be_v limit_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o that_o it_o extend_v not_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n alone_o but_o include_v the_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o enjoin_v man_n to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o quit_v his_o dear_a affection_n to_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o occasion_n even_o life_n itself_o that_o therefore_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v which_o find_v it_o and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o continual_a war_n against_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n these_o 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be_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o this_o be_v decent_a that_o unfit_a for_o he_o this_o become_v that_o dishonour_v his_o nature_n nay_o whether_o he_o take_v council_n from_o reason_n or_o not_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o suggest_v to_o he_o in_o every_o action_n what_o be_v good_a just_a and_o honourable_a what_o impious_a injust_a and_o disgraceful_a to_o he_o now_o all_o these_o natural_a suggestion_n of_o reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o make_v up_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ._n the_o action_n and_o rule_n of_o conduct_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o the_o only_a difference_n lie_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o every_o action_n be_v to_o proceed_v for_o whereas_o nature_n direct_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v perform_v because_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n that_o omit_v because_o repugnant_a to_o it_o christianity_n require_v that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v do_v the_o other_o forbear_v chief_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n and_o in_o gratitude_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o redemption_n however_o the_o act_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o do_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o whatsoever_o oppose_v his_o will_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o denial_n of_o dependence_n on_o he_o that_o the_o appetite_n passion_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o more_o noble_a faculty_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o constitute_v a_o man_n and_o distinguish_v his_o conduct_n from_o that_o of_o beast_n that_o to_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o these_o lust_n to_o gratify_v any_o of_o they_o without_o the_o assent_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o violate_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n that_o to_o be_v just_a true_a and_o charitable_a be_v what_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n require_v to_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o conform_v himself_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o it_o that_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v any_o other_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o he_o be_v unworthy_a to_o continue_v his_o station_n among_o man_n all_o this_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man._n these_o draw_v not_o their_o original_a from_o any_o reveal_v religion_n but_o be_v only_o enforce_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o by_o some_o patron_n of_o atheism_n though_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v believe_v that_o themselves_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o that_o all_o these_o notion_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o precedent_a impression_n of_o some_o reveal_v or_o supposed_o reveal_v religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o age_n and_o nation_n all_o order_n of_o man_n have_v agree_v in_o these_o common_a notion_n which_o can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o 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whether_o your_o conscience_n do_v not_o instruct_v you_o that_o many_o thing_n you_o ought_v to_o do_v other_o to_o omit_v and_o whether_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o upbraid_v to_o you_o the_o omission_n or_o violation_n of_o your_o duty_n if_o then_o all_o the_o momentous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o what_o our_o lord_n exact_v of_o we_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o reason_n will_v have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o if_o no_o revelation_n have_v intervene_v sure_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o christianity_n be_v a_o burden_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o practise_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o contrary_a conduct_n be_v a_o force_n of_o nature_n 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agreeableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n than_o that_o a_o grateful_a complacency_n always_o attend_v they_o while_o the_o soul_n congratulate_v to_o herself_o the_o performance_n of_o her_o duty_n the_o conquest_n of_o adverse_a lust_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o she_o own_o faculty_n no_o joy_n can_v be_v conceive_v more_o intense_a than_o this_o none_o more_o serene_a and_o undisturbed_a because_o none_o more_o spiritual_a or_o found_v upon_o better_a reason_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o every_o good_a man_n can_v confirm_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n nor_o do_v even_o bad_a man_n want_v the_o same_o conviction_n for_o none_o almost_o be_v find_v so_o total_o corrupt_v who_o do_v not_o sometime_o practise_v good_a action_n and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o receive_v not_o a_o inward_a satisfaction_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o degree_n of_o complacency_n be_v find_v in_o they_o who_o through_o disuse_n be_v wont_n little_a to_o relish_v or_o value_v spiritual_a pleasure_n what_o infinite_a satisfaction_n must_v good_a man_n reap_v from_o thence_o who_o by_o a_o well_o fix_a determination_n have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o present_a happiness_n and_o will_v hereafter_o procure_v yet_o more_o noble_a enjoyment_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o vicious_a action_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o no_o less_o constant_a dissatisfaction_n and_o regret_n of_o mind_n raise_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n only_o for_o who_o can_v be_v impious_a or_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o not_o conceive_v indignation_n at_o his_o own_o ingratitude_n who_o ever_o reflect_v upon_o any_o inordinate_a lust_n commit_v by_o he_o and_o do_v not_o afterward_o vex_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o command_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o can_v not_o overcome_v a_o foolish_a desire_n who_o ever_o yield_v to_o drunkenness_n and_o do_v not_o at_o the_o return_n of_o his_o wit_n conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o himself_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o sin_n reason_n do_v not_o fail_v to_o upbraid_v to_o man_n that_o he_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o his_o nature_n degrade_v his_o soul_n and_o dishonour_v himself_o this_o remorse_n alone_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a punishment_n make_v know_v by_o revelation_n bring_v far_o more_o affliction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o sin_n bring_v pleasure_n to_o it_o these_o expire_v in_o a_o moment_n those_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n remain_v which_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suspend_v by_o violent_a lust_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o will_v certain_o break_v out_o with_o great_a force_n and_o torment_v the_o mind_n with_o inward_a shame_n anxiety_n and_o distrust_n upon_o the_o whole_a a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v most_o agreeable_a most_o easy_a and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n 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weight_n of_o glory_n facility_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a notion_n and_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n which_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v bear_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o hazard_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o eminent_a advantage_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o proportionable_a industry_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n when_o therefore_o the_o great_a happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o freewill_n as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n the_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o easy_a burden_n when_o it_o procure_v to_o we_o such_o a_o infinite_a reward_n and_o not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n from_o christ_n impose_v so_o strict_a and_o universal_a holiness_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v also_o a_o 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thought_n to_o a_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a than_o can_v be_v now_o conceive_v this_o will_v carry_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n baffle_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o temporal_a affliction_n much_o more_o effectual_o than_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n the_o ambition_n of_o a_o crown_n or_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o violent_a passion_n have_v engage_v many_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a undertake_n for_o in_o these_o latter_a case_n the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o end_n be_v never_o ascertain_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o design_n the_o most_o vigorous_a industry_n and_o courage_n be_v in_o they_o subject_a to_o the_o chance_n of_o fortune_n whereas_o in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a conjunction_n between_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n between_o
his_o own_o immediate_a power_n or_o by_o those_o commissioner_n to_o who_o he_o have_v delegated_a part_n of_o his_o power_n not_o to_o prevent_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n herein_o and_o forestall_v his_o judgement_n for_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n leave_v room_n for_o the_o wrath_n or_o just_a anger_n of_o god_n against_o such_o sinner_n to_o take_v place_n and_o display_v itself_o do_v not_o you_o therein_o arrogate_v to_o yourselves_o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n and_o by_o pretend_v to_o punish_v the_o offender_n prevent_v the_o punishment_n design_v by_o the_o proper_a judge_n the_o reason_n follow_v and_o that_o not_o new_a but_o deliver_v many_o age_n since_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o i_o only_o as_o such_o it_o belong_v to_o execute_v judgement_n and_o punish_v the_o demerit_n of_o men._n whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o avenge_v himself_o violate_v my_o authority_n and_o invade_v my_o office_n a_o hard_a lesson_n this_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o restrain_v the_o natural_a passion_n of_o man_n to_o forbid_v the_o return_v of_o evil_a to_o avow_a enemy_n to_o tie_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v from_o retaliate_v past_a injury_n but_o also_o from_o prevent_v future_a wrong_n nay_o to_o reluctant_a mind_n this_o general_o appear_v and_o be_v represent_v as_o yet_o more_o difficult_a as_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n take_v away_o the_o mean_n of_o self-defence_n and_o expose_v the_o observer_n of_o it_o to_o the_o injury_n and_o tyranny_n of_o all_o other_o men._n yet_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o consider_v nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a or_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o it_o may_v be_v universal_o affirm_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o more_o eminent_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o this_o point_n to_o have_v restore_v the_o deprave_a notion_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o to_o have_v introduce_v a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o suffering_n and_o return_v of_o injury_n to_o clear_v this_o we_o must_v first_o fix_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o revenge_n and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n self-defence_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o revenge_n the_o want_n of_o which_o distinction_n have_v mighty_o promote_v the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n while_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o warrant_v a_o self-defence_n man_n have_v employ_v in_o assertion_n of_o revenge_n christianity_n forbid_v not_o those_o lawful_a mean_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o nature_n allow_v and_o have_v not_o herein_o in_o the_o least_o abridge_v the_o privilege_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v still_o lawful_a to_o repel_v force_n with_o force_n to_o seek_v the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o fortune_n even_o with_o the_o destruction_n of_o a_o adversary_n if_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v no_o other_o way_n provide_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v never_o employ_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o lawful_a power_n to_o who_o both_o life_n and_o fortune_n be_v subject_v so_o far_o be_v god_n from_o disarm_v his_o people_n in_o this_o case_n and_o forbid_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o self-defence_n that_o he_o often_o exhort_v they_o to_o fight_v their_o battle_n courageous_o send_v they_o prophet_n to_o conduct_v they_o endue_v their_o commander_n with_o wisdom_n and_o valour_n and_o be_v even_o content_a that_o his_o own_o positive_a precept_n shall_v yield_v to_o self-defence_n when_o the_o latter_a can_v not_o be_v maintain_v without_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o former_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o fight_v on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n a_o plain_a argument_n that_o self-defence_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v by_o god_n to_o man_n but_o even_o command_v to_o they_o otherwise_o it_o can_v never_o take_v place_n of_o a_o positive_a divine_a precept_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o neglect_v the_o lawful_a mean_n of_o self-prefervation_a in_o the_o gospel_n our_o lord_n bid_v we_o indeed_o if_o any_o one_o smite_v we_o on_o the_o one_o cheek_n to_o turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o he_o take_v away_o our_o coat_n to_o give_v he_o our_o cloak_n also_o but_o all_o this_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n to_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o revenge_n which_o be_v familiar_a to_o and_o think_v lawful_a by_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o plain_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o rather_o than_o to_o endeavour_v revenge_n proper_o so_o call_v rather_o than_o to_o delight_v in_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o enemy_n retaliate_v by_o we_o upon_o he_o we_o shall_v suffer_v a_o yet_o much_o great_a loss_n that_o it_o be_v more_o preferable_a to_o endure_v a_o double_a injury_n than_o to_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o malice_n or_o revenge_n otherwise_o our_o lord_n who_o profess_v it_o far_o from_o his_o intention_n to_o alter_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n have_v neither_o forbid_v nor_o discountenance_v a_o self-defence_n when_o free_a from_o revenge_n and_o malice_n on_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v ratify_v and_o approve_v and_o even_o institute_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o put_v the_o sword_n into_o his_o hand_n on_o purpose_n to_o punish_v malefactor_n and_o repel_v the_o injury_n of_o one_o man_n from_o another_o by_o violence_n for_o upon_o this_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n all_o government_n be_v found_v and_o every_o act_n of_o it_o every_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o a_o malefactor_n be_v do_v in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o same_o design_n thus_o do_v not_o this_o self-defence_n in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o the_o prohibition_n of_o revenge_n since_o it_o necessary_o include_v not_o hatred_n or_o desire_n of_o revenge_n or_o if_o it_o shall_v include_v it_o it_o have_v pass_v its_o bound_n and_o be_v to_o be_v call_v by_o another_o name_n the_o sole_a end_n of_o self-defence_n be_v to_o preserve_v life_n or_o good_n not_o to_o offend_v any_o other_o whereas_o the_o nature_n of_o revenge_n consist_v whole_o in_o design_v or_o desire_v the_o death_n loss_n or_o misery_n of_o another_o not_o as_o contribute_v to_o our_o own_o self-preservation_n but_o as_o return_v and_o punish_v his_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o we_o thus_o revenge_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o self-defence_n will_v easy_o appear_v what_o it_o true_o be_v and_o will_v want_v those_o argument_n to_o recommend_v it_o which_o it_o borrow_v from_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v the_o desire_n or_o endeavour_v of_o bring_v evil_a upon_o another_o man_n sole_o or_o chief_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v some_o loss_n or_o grief_n when_o we_o return_v a_o injury_n to_o any_o one_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o we_o have_v receive_v one_o either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a from_o he_o thus_o self-defence_n may_v easy_o degenerate_v into_o revenge_n when_o a_o man_n not_o content_a to_o have_v secure_v his_o own_o safety_n to_o have_v disarm_v his_o enemy_n or_o to_o have_v make_v a_o fair_a retreat_n press_v upon_o his_o adversary_n pursue_v his_o advantage_n and_o seek_v the_o hurt_n or_o destruction_n of_o he_o when_o any_o one_o project_n how_o to_o return_v a_o like_a injury_n to_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v when_o he_o conceive_v a_o personal_a hatred_n of_o the_o man_n study_v to_o create_v some_o disadvantage_n to_o he_o at_o least_o retain_v so_o much_o malice_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o envy_v and_o malign_v he_o and_o shall_v entertain_v his_o misfortune_n with_o complacency_n the_o method_n and_o kind_n of_o revenge_n be_v as_o different_a as_o be_v the_o secret_a work_n of_o malice_n nor_o can_v either_o malice_n or_o envy_n be_v ever_o find_v without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o revenge_n and_o imagination_n of_o some_o past_a injury_n it_o be_v say_v that_o cain_n slay_v his_o brother_n out_o of_o envy_n yet_o be_v that_o envy_n accompany_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o revenge_n for_o have_v as_o he_o think_v rob_v he_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o procure_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o other_o act_n of_o revenge_n may_v more_o eminent_o appear_v to_o belong_v to_o that_o denomination_n as_o when_o joab_n kill_v abner_n for_o the_o
their_o secret_a malice_n assign_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o to_o be_v their_o love_n of_o justice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o of_o their_o country_n and_o such_o be_v the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n that_o these_o pretence_n seldom_o want_v success_n cover_v the_o malice_n and_o rancour_n of_o a_o canker_a soul_n and_o give_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o secure_a opportunity_n of_o revenge_n all_o be_v apt_a to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v revenge_n when_o proceed_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o false_a honour_n which_o be_v before_o mention_v because_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v dissemble_v yet_o in_o truth_n this_o sort_n of_o revenge_n be_v infinite_o less_o criminal_a than_o the_o former_a arise_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n however_o dissemble_v and_o assume_v to_o itself_o more_o specious_a name_n this_o be_v form_v by_o a_o violent_a commotion_n of_o mind_n which_o last_v not_o many_o hour_n but_o that_o by_o a_o harden_a malice_n which_o work_v secret_o for_o many_o year_n together_o this_o be_v common_o effect_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o blood_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v scarce_o time_n to_o recollect_v itself_o or_o command_v the_o unruly_a passion_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a aggravation_n that_o any_o sin_n can_v receive_v this_o may_v sometime_o fall_v even_o upon_o a_o good_a man_n who_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n and_o from_o a_o violent_a indignation_n of_o receive_v unworthy_a injury_n may_v sudden_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o desire_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n but_o of_o the_o other_o a_o good_a man_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o hatred_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v habitual_a sin_n shall_v consist_v with_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o all_o habitual_a sin_n the_o mind_n can_v but_o many_o time_n reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o disease_n and_o be_v as_o often_o convince_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o it_o nourish_v the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o those_o sin_n often_o recur_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a of_o her_o own_o disease_n yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o man_n resolve_v to_o retain_v his_o hatred_n and_o malice_n towards_o other_o and_o in_o this_o resolution_n be_v encourage_v from_o the_o consideration_n that_o these_o sin_n be_v close_o and_o secret_a will_v consist_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o in_o his_o base_a design_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrite_n fix_v and_o determinate_a resolution_n of_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o still_o make_v use_n of_o his_o glorious_a name_n to_o carry_v on_o private_a design_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o scripture_n the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n be_v still_o denounce_v against_o hypocrite_n since_o they_o be_v all_o deliberate_a sin_n such_o as_o oppression_n covetousness_n injustice_n lie_v slander_v perfidiousness_n hatred_n and_o malice_n all_o sin_n of_o the_o most_o enormous_a gild_n and_o heighten_v by_o this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o piety_n religion_n and_o zeal_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o execute_v the_o several_a design_n of_o they_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o pretend_v a_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n as_o if_o they_o will_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o punish_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordinary_o provide_v no_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n reserve_v it_o to_o another_o yet_o oftentimes_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o these_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o punish_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o opposition_n to_o their_o humour_n fancy_n and_o design_n it_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o some_o man_n a_o unpardonable_a crime_n to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a or_o another_o party_n to_o have_v cross_v or_o oppose_v a_o design_n of_o the_o other_o although_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a or_o perhaps_o to_o have_v once_o perform_v their_o duty_n without_o partiality_n and_o corrupt_a favour_n to_o other_o when_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n do_v require_v it_o certain_o if_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n will_v be_v find_v the_o great_a of_o all_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a calamites_n overturning_a the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n great_a and_o numerous_a society_n of_o man_n such_o as_o this_o nation_n be_v can_v easy_o be_v dissolve_v without_o intestine_a division_n and_o such_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v find_v almost_o all_o the_o great_a society_n of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v break_v when_o they_o have_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o those_o continual_o practise_v upon_o each_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o preserve_v the_o religious_a or_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o country_n against_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o each_o prevail_v employ_v their_o interest_n and_o power_n not_o to_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o religion_n or_o law_n but_o to_o the_o ruin_n or_o vexation_n of_o the_o other_o i_o will_v not_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o own_o nation_n or_o bring_v any_o instance_n from_o our_o time_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o engage_v in_o any_o party_n but_o if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o example_n of_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n cover_v under_o such_o specious_a pretence_n thus_o when_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n resolve_v to_o take_v away_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o put_v on_o a_o mighty_a show_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a service_n and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o roman_a governor_n as_o a_o enemy_n unto_o cesar_n although_o themselves_o indeed_o care_v so_o little_a for_o cesar_n that_o they_o have_v at_o that_o very_a time_n form_v the_o design_n of_o a_o general_a rebellion_n against_o he_o as_o appear_v short_o after_o and_o when_o this_o rebellion_n break_v out_o and_o the_o people_n unanimous_o attempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o ancient_a liberty_n the_o most_o bloody_a and_o wicked_a part_n of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o zealot_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a concern_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o punish_v the_o secret_a favourer_n and_o friend_n of_o the_o roman_n murder_v or_o rob_v every_o man_n his_o private_a enemy_n and_o by_o this_o division_n make_v way_n to_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o without_o this_o advantage_n can_v not_o easy_o have_v overcome_v that_o populous_a and_o resolute_a nation_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o a_o resolve_a prosecution_n of_o revenge_n and_o much_o more_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scope_n or_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v produce_v this_o effect_n if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o when_o almost_o every_o man_n plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o command_n which_o oppose_v his_o peculiar_a passion_n when_o little_a beside_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v among_o we_o and_o even_o that_o pretence_n continue_v not_o out_o of_o any_o reverence_n to_o religion_n but_o because_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o secular_a and_o mean_a design_n we_o can_v but_o despair_v of_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n therein_o however_o we_o must_v declare_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n than_o to_o study_v revenge_n to_o continue_v hatred_n and_o animosity_n without_o end_n and_o never_o to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v a_o injury_n such_o a_o conduct_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o however_o cover_v with_o specious_a colour_n of_o wonderful_a zeal_n or_o purity_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o party_n will_v be_v no_o less_o damnable_a in_o a_o christian_a than_o idolatry_n in_o a_o heathen_a last_o if_o neither_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n nor_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n nor_o the_o regard_n of_o public_a security_n concern_v therein_o nor_o the_o direct_a opposition_n of_o christianity_n to_o it_o can_v draw_v man_n from_o the_o love_n of_o revenge_n yet_o at_o
of_o gratitude_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a corporeal_a bondage_n and_o leave_v we_o without_o any_o obligation_n of_o render_v public_a and_o solemn_a honour_n to_o he_o for_o free_v we_o from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a slavery_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o feast_n of_o easter_n institute_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o redemption_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o they_o appoint_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n christ_n be_v our_o passover_n as_o we_o hear_v this_o morning_n from_o 1_o cor._n v._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o christian_a festival_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v they_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o no_o less_o religion_n than_o be_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n gratitude_n and_o devotion_n because_o they_o commemorate_v far_o great_a benefit_n that_o this_o festival_n therefore_o be_v particular_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n immediate_o after_o their_o time_n do_v most_o evident_o manifest_v it_o scarce_o be_v st._n john_n the_o last_o liver_n of_o the_o apostle_n dead_a when_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n begin_v to_o divide_v about_o the_o time_n of_o solemnize_n easter_n not_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v solemnize_v but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a or_o a_o movable_a feast_n both_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o custom_n as_o for_o a_o essential_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o indeed_o strain_v a_o circumstance_n too_o far_o but_o clear_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o easter_n be_v then_o by_o all_o christian_n account_v a_o essential_a institution_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a to_o vary_v the_o least_o circumstance_n former_o receive_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o festival_n have_v succeed_v instead_o of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o do_v prefigure_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o our_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o they_o in_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb._n as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o remove_v all_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o house_n so_o we_o be_v to_o put_v away_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o they_o then_o sing_v hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o consummate_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o day_n as_o they_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n in_o a_o habit_n and_o posture_n express_v their_o readiness_n to_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a testimony_n of_o rejoice_v and_o mutual_a kindness_n so_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o be_v pay_v upon_o this_o day_n with_o a_o bitter_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n to_o go_v wherever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o be_v for_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a thanksgiving_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v form_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o more_o particular_o for_o raise_v to_o life_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n so_o by_o worthy_o celebrate_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o shall_v obtain_v to_o be_v hereafter_o admit_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o share_v in_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o now_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o april_n 5_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o whereby_o we_o chief_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o god_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o necessity_n to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v annex_v and_o so_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o effect_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o which_o this_o verse_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n in_o it_o the_o word_n easy_o direct_v i_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v ii_o the_o place_n of_o it_o every_o where_o iii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n to_o enforce_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o command_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_v herein_o by_o divine_a commission_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v long_o since_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n found_v by_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v his_o commission_n before_o he_o impose_v the_o command_n a_o command_n not_o first_o introduce_v by_o he_o but_o often_o repeat_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o since_o none_o as_o i_o suppose_v will_v dispute_v the_o command_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o proceed_v to_o do_v first_o then_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v by_o man_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v necessary_a to_o we_o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n at_o first_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o afterward_o all_o his_o life_n long_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o maintain_v by_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o that_o service_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o pay_v and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o adore_v his_o majesty_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o own_o his_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o profess_v himself_o the_o creature_n the_o servant_n the_o subject_a of_o god_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o as_o such_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n for_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o we_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n have_v set_v he_o beyond_o all_o want_n of_o external_a aid_n and_o even_o beyond_o all_o increase_n of_o happiness_n even_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o our_o worship_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o less_o require_v of_o we_o since_o it_o declare_v our_o conviction_n of_o that_o gratitude_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o benefit_n and_o his_o power_n that_o honour_n worship_n and_o reverence_n which_o belong_v
worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o if_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a prayer_n be_v more_o eminent_o so_o the_o intention_n of_o private_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o obtain_v supply_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o then_o to_o worship_v god_n whereas_o in_o public_a prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o necessity_n but_o a_o secondary_a intention_n so_o that_o to_o intermit_v the_o use_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o pray_v only_o in_o private_a be_v for_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o own_o design_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o public_a worship_n and_o prayer_n do_v far_o more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v open_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o other_o confess_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n magnify_v his_o benefit_n deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n whereas_o he_o who_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o a_o closet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v so_o much_o to_o other_o man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o he_o equal_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v also_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o want_v his_o mercy_n the_o psalmist_n therefore_o upon_o the_o receive_n of_o great_a and_o eminent_a benefit_n be_v wont_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o congregation_n as_o well_o know_v that_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o do_v far_o more_o contribute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o more_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n receive_v no_o increase_n of_o honour_n from_o our_o praise_n for_o neither_o do_v he_o receive_v any_o such_o advantage_n from_o private_a worship_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impious_a to_o say_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o man._n but_o by_o public_a worship_n man_n do_v more_o evident_o manifest_v their_o gratitude_n to_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v of_o his_o benefit_n and_o their_o own_o obligation_n than_o by_o private_a prayer_n and_o adoration_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o former_a be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n which_o good_a can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o procure_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n one_o part_n of_o which_o be_v a_o just_a return_n of_o gratitude_n and_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n receive_v not_o increase_v of_o honour_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o from_o those_o of_o men._n yet_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o find_v of_o heaven_n represent_v they_o as_o incessant_o sing_v praise_n to_o their_o great_a creator_n who_o not_o content_a to_o retain_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o their_o own_o thought_n communicate_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n find_v church_n that_o be_v separate_z society_n of_o man_n unite_v by_o certain_a law_n and_o under_o one_o common_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o one_o common_a form_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o private_a worship_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o contrive_v and_o find_v church_n by_o wonder_n of_o providence_n as_o he_o have_v that_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o vain_a have_v he_o give_v to_o they_o particular_a law_n and_o annex_v many_o privilege_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o under_o the_o old_a law_n he_o require_v every_o male_a to_o appear_v before_o he_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o command_v public_a worship_n to_o be_v continual_o pay_v to_o himself_o in_o daily_a sacrifice_n yet_o as_o he_o declare_v although_o he_o care_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o bullock_n nor_o for_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v the_o duty_n and_o adjoin_v reward_n to_o it_o because_o it_o public_o declare_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devout_a sacrificer_n to_o himself_o in_o these_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n our_o lord_n while_o one_o earth_n constant_o give_v his_o attendance_n at_o appoint_a time_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n frequent_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v in_o the_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n there_o make_v use_v of_o although_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v pour_v out_o extempore_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o devout_a prayer_n than_o those_o receive_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n if_o then_o god_n so_o strict_o exact_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o exact_o perform_v it_o if_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n god_n have_v gather_v and_o unite_v a_o church_n under_o common_a law_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o common_a reward_n what_o account_n can_v they_o make_v who_o either_o lie_v aside_o all_o public_a worship_n as_o superfluous_a or_o decry_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o meet_v once_o a_o week_n to_o worship_n god_n place_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o day_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o exhortation_n to_o and_o direction_n how_o to_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o private_a so_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a than_o to_o the_o other_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n wheresoever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n join_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o with_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n he_o will_v excite_v and_o render_v effectual_a their_o devotion_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o will_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o petition_n and_o how_o effectual_a must_v those_o prayer_n be_v wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o concur_v or_o what_o doubt_n can_v remain_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n when_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o assistance_n pardon_v favour_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v ancient_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o translate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o among_o they_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v give_v not_o to_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o same_o privilege_n be_v make_v common_a to_o all_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n do_v prevail_v to_o worship_n offer_v up_o from_o public_a place_n alone_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a and_o more_o illustrious_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v appear_v by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a honour_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n while_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n stand_v while_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o worship_n be_v perform_v therein_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o
repentance_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinner_n if_o the_o repentance_n be_v true_a perfect_a and_o serious_a the_o sinner_n thereby_o cleanse_v his_o soul_n and_o in_o that_o moment_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n if_o not_o so_o a_o imperfect_a or_o a_o feign_a repentance_n will_v no_o more_o promote_v the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n than_o if_o the_o supplicant_n have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o his_o sin_n nor_o ought_v this_o to_o be_v any_o dissuasion_n from_o early_a and_o constant_a innocence_n that_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o audience_n and_o favour_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n as_o to_o those_o of_o holy_a man_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o be_v no_o total_a change_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n that_o be_v indeed_o object_v by_o the_o envious_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n against_o the_o good_a housholder_n who_o reward_v the_o late-comer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n as_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o unequal_a distribution_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v what_o that_o good_a housholder_n represent_v god_n in_o the_o parable_n reply_v be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a that_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o man_n pious_a from_o his_o infancy_n without_o any_o notorious_a sin_n deserve_v no_o more_o from_o god_n than_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n new_o return_v to_o obedience_n yet_o to_o assert_v both_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o to_o enforce_v a_o constant_a holiness_n from_o the_o motive_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o it_o a_o little_a further_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o petition_n of_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o iniquity_n take_v away_o their_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n this_o he_o do_v to_o manasseh_n to_o the_o ninevite_n to_o many_o both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o we_o find_v neither_o promise_n nor_o example_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a favour_n beside_o pardon_n confer_v immediate_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_n such_o as_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o enemy_n prolongation_n of_o life_n communication_n of_o benefit_n to_o other_o for_o their_o sake_n effusion_n of_o eminent_a grace_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v reward_v reserve_v to_o person_n of_o more_o illustrious_a and_o more_o constant_a piety_n who_o by_o a_o long_a obedience_n give_v undoubted_a proof_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o their_o time_n as_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o abraham_n moses_n and_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v never_o defile_v with_o any_o notorious_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o world_n by_o remarkable_a act_n and_o uninterrupted_a habit_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o god_n by_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n consequent_a to_o their_o prayer_n their_o piety_n patience_n and_o obedience_n be_v raise_v far_o above_o the_o standard_n of_o latter_a time_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o we_o who_o have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o their_o example_n find_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o even_o dare_v not_o to_o ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o many_o indeed_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a benefit_n grant_v at_o the_o prayer_n of_o ancient_a saint_n be_v intend_v as_o so_o many_o miraculous_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o under_o the_o law_n be_v the_o only_o promise_a reward_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n yet_o still_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n do_v at_o this_o day_n decrease_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o piety_n and_o may_v be_v raise_v with_o it_o a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o chief_a design_n of_o it_o which_o as_o i_o before_o large_o prove_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o acknowledge_v his_o dominion_n over_o mankind_n his_o justice_n his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o omniscience_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n man_n declare_v his_o belief_n of_o all_o these_o divine_a attribute_n but_o without_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o affront_v they_o all_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o prayer_n and_o far_o from_o worship_v god_n in_o it_o deny_v his_o perfection_n and_o overthrow_v what_o otherwise_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o reason_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o obedience_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o god_n no_o less_o be_v that_o concomitant_a purity_n command_v for_o which_o we_o now_o plead_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o require_v prayer_n will_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n to_o perform_v the_o act_n and_o withhold_v the_o condition_n be_v then_o no_o other_o than_o to_o confess_v a_o obligation_n and_o immediate_o to_o deny_v it_o if_o prayer_n include_v a_o confession_n of_o our_o want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n continuance_n in_o sin_n argue_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o that_o imperfection_n that_o we_o affect_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o god_n and_o exempt_v from_o his_o government_n if_o in_o that_o man_n profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o by_o not_o purge_v his_o mind_n from_o sin_n he_o make_v his_o profession_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o protestation_n against_o plain_a fact_n if_o there_o he_o imply_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o he_o manifest_v by_o his_o practice_n that_o he_o think_v it_o not_o just_a to_o be_v deprive_v by_o his_o law_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o belove_a lusts._n if_o by_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n he_o confess_v he_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v every_o where_o present_a by_o his_o sin_n he_o pretend_v to_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o retire_v from_o his_o presence_n if_o in_o the_o one_o he_o publish_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o the_o other_o he_o defi_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o bow_v his_o knee_n indeed_o and_o prostrate_v his_o body_n in_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o his_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n thus_o a_o sinner_n wilful_o continue_v in_o sin_n destroy_v that_o adoration_n which_o by_o prayer_n he_o pretend_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n nor_o be_v that_o the_o only_a consequence_n attend_v sin_n in_o prayer_n that_o it_o defeat_v the_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o obstruct_v the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o it_o far_o involve_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o that_o he_o therein_o affront_v all_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o in_o pray_v to_o he_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n consist_v in_o commit_v the_o fact_n after_o a_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a invocation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n in_o revile_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n after_o a_o particular_a mention_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o both_o these_o and_o many_o more_o crime_n be_v act_v as_o often_o as_o a_o love_n or_o resolution_n of_o sin_v be_v retain_v with_o prayer_n so_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o deprave_v to_o a_o most_o deplorable_a degree_n it_o will_v fear_v to_o approach_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n without_o a_o perfect_a innocence_n that_o be_v either_o conscience_n of_o have_v commit_v no_o sin_n or_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o it_o if_o we_o join_v all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o we_o still_o shall_v not_o conceive_v a_o great_a than_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n god_n profess_v his_o supreme_a dominion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n proceed_v to_o violate_v the_o â—aws_n which_o he_o have_v found_v to_o call_v he_o by_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n yet_o neither_o to_o revere_v his_o majesty_n nor_o to_o fear_v his_o punishment_n to_o celebrate_v
of_o god_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n ministerial_a office_n here_o on_o earth_n will_v permit_v he_o to_o expose_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o unbelieving_a world_n as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o wisdom_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v act_v any_o thing_n without_o just_a cause_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a direction_n alone_o of_o create_a being_n that_n he_o exert_v not_o his_o power_n without_o just_a occasion_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o receive_v as_o a_o axiom_n in_o philosophy_n that_o nature_n work_v nothing_o in_o vain_a but_o also_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_n concern_v in_o sound_v method_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n he_o proceed_v by_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n exact_o fit_v to_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v fit_v i_o mean_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n if_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v herein_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o divine_a operation_n reject_v not_o wilful_o what_o be_v intend_v for_o its_o benefit_n in_o that_o case_n god_n seek_v not_o other_o remedy_n exceed_v not_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o salvation_n fix_v by_o he_o nor_o employ_v new_a and_o more_o powerful_a engine_n to_o effect_v his_o design_n those_o he_o before_o employ_v be_v sufficient_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v fail_v of_o their_o end_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v not_o to_o their_o want_n of_o force_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n harden_v his_o mind_n against_o receive_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o thus_o god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n a_o power_n of_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n of_o overcome_v the_o violent_a motion_n of_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n of_o resist_v all_o temptation_n offer_v to_o he_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o man_n use_v not_o his_o freewill_n aright_o if_o he_o yield_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o embrace_v sinful_a temptation_n god_n do_v not_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n restrain_v these_o sinful_a action_n or_o violent_o over-rule_v the_o inordinate_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man._n when_o the_o serpent_n tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n god_n if_o he_o have_v please_v may_v as_o well_o have_v interpose_v before_o their_o consent_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o serpent_n in_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n as_o he_o do_v afterward_o denounce_v their_o punishment_n and_o have_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v dare_v to_o transgress_v yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o have_v require_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v interpose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n he_o have_v give_v they_o sufficient_a strength_n of_o will_n to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o have_v do_v that_o just_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n thus_o also_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n god_n have_v grant_v to_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o particular_a promise_n and_o 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and_o christ_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a external_a effect_n or_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o unbeliever_n or_o if_o discover_v will_v not_o affect_v they_o with_o they_o no_o example_n but_o of_o such_o action_n as_o be_v universal_o allow_v to_o be_v excellent_a namely_o of_o good_a work_n will_v be_v of_o any_o power_n and_o therefore_o our_o most_o wise_a saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o continue_v all_o other_o mean_v of_o continue_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n which_o our_o lord_n propose_v will_v be_v find_v whole_o ineffectual_a and_o as_o to_o those_o without_o so_o also_o to_o those_o within_o the_o church_n but_o need_v the_o direction_n of_o example_n no_o other_o will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n the_o benefit_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o consist_v in_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o such_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o admire_v or_o respect_n or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a 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lest_o they_o shall_v swell_v with_o the_o conceit_n of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n of_o give_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n by_o their_o own_o conduct_n they_o be_v teach_v that_o all_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v to_o promote_v their_o own_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o advance_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n while_o good_a work_n be_v indeed_o direct_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n of_o pride_n shall_v intervene_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o peevish_a and_o morose_a man_n will_v detract_v from_o they_o as_o do_v for_o sinister_a end_n and_o vain_a glory_n our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o this_o a_o remedy_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o precede_v this_o exhortation_n to_o a_o good_a example_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o 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