but_o not_o its_o channel_n the_o water_n arise_v in_o one_o place_n but_o it_o stream_n in_o another_o and_o fountain_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o value_v if_o they_o do_v not_o produce_v river_n one_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o proclaim_v and_o publish_v god_n sovereignty_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o by_o cause_v our_o light_n to_o shine_v before_o they_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v do_v but_o as_o it_o beam_n through_o our_o good_a work_n when_o a_o man_n lead_v a_o pious_a and_o good_a life_n every_o hour_n he_o live_v be_v virtual_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o inward_a grace_n be_v not_o exert_v and_o draw_v forth_o into_o outward_a practice_n man_n have_v no_o inspection_n into_o our_o heart_n to_o discern_v it_o there_o and_o let_v this_o be_v fix_v upon_o as_o a_o stand_a principle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o honour_n god_n before_o man_n but_o only_o by_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v observable_a by_o man_n it_o be_v our_o faith_n indeed_o that_o recognize_v he_o for_o our_o god_n but_o it_o be_v our_o obedience_n only_o that_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n second_o the_o other_o end_v of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o good_a and_o mutual_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o way_n of_o society_n and_o herein_o do_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o calculate_v and_o contrive_v such_o a_o instrument_n to_o govern_v as_o may_v also_o benefit_v the_o world_n god_n plant_v religion_n among_o man_n as_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o though_o it_o be_v to_o spring_v upward_o direct_o to_o himself_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o spread_v its_o branch_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o below_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o necessity_n or_o convenience_n of_o mankind_n but_o what_o be_v in_o a_o large_a measure_n serve_v and_o provide_v for_o by_o this_o great_a blessing_n as_o well_o as_o business_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o he_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v not_o only_o a_o better_a man_n but_o also_o a_o better_a neighbour_n a_o better_a subject_n and_o a_o true_a friend_n than_o he_o that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o be_v ever_o any_o thing_n more_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n than_o to_o forgive_v injury_n to_o love_v and_o caress_n our_o mortal_a adversary_n and_o instead_o of_o our_o enemy_n to_o hate_v only_o our_o revenge_n of_o such_o a_o double_a yet_o benign_a aspect_n be_v christianity_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n like_o incense_n while_o it_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n it_o perfume_v all_o about_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o instrumental_a to_o god_n worship_n and_o the_o worshipper_n refreshment_n as_o it_o hold_v up_o one_o hand_n in_o supplication_n so_o it_o reach_v forth_o the_o other_o in_o benefaction_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n thus_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o support_n and_o benefit_n of_o society_n sure_o it_o must_v needs_o consist_v in_o the_o active_a piety_n of_o our_o life_n not_o in_o empty_a thought_n and_o fruitless_a persuasion_n for_o what_o can_v one_o man_n be_v the_o better_a for_o what_o another_o think_v or_o believe_v when_o a_o poor_a man_n beg_v a_o alm_n of_o i_o can_v i_o believe_v my_o bread_n into_o his_o mouth_n or_o my_o money_n into_o his_o hand_n believe_v without_o do_v be_v a_o very_a cheap_a and_o easy_a but_o withal_o a_o very_a worthless_a way_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o thus_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o active_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a bottom_n for_o we_o to_o build_v upon_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v namely_o to_o show_v those_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n which_o many_o venture_n to_o build_v upon_o and_o be_v accord_o deceive_v by_o which_o though_o they_o be_v exceed_o various_a and_o according_a to_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o man_n temper_n business_n and_o occasion_n almost_o infinite_a and_o like_o the_o sand_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n not_o only_o infirm_a but_o numberless_a also_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o poor_a judgement_n and_o observation_n i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o three_o head_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v a_o naked_a unoperative_a faith_n ask_v but_o some_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o will_v answer_v because_o they_o firm_o believe_v that_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o but_o since_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n to_o be_v confident_a of_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o know_v such_o as_o be_v more_o cautious_a will_v tell_v you_o further_o that_o to_o desire_v to_o believe_v be_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o desire_v to_o repent_v be_v to_o repent_v but_o as_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a since_o no_o act_n can_v be_v its_o own_o object_n without_o be_v not_o itself_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n be_v distinct_a thing_n and_o consequent_o a_o desire_n to_o believe_v can_v no_o more_o be_v belief_n than_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v save_v can_v be_v salvation_n so_o it_o be_v further_a intolerable_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o quite_o dispirit_n religion_n by_o place_v it_o in_o languid_a abortive_a velleity_n and_o so_o cut_v the_o nerve_n of_o all_o endeavour_n by_o rate_v glory_n at_o a_o bare_a desire_n and_o eternity_n at_o a_o wish_n but_o because_o the_o poison_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v so_o easy_o enter_v and_o so_o strange_o intoxicate_a i_o shall_v presume_v to_o give_v a_o antidote_n against_o it_o in_o this_o one_o observation_n namely_o that_o all_o along_o the_o scripture_n where_o justification_n be_v ascribe_v to_o faith_n alone_o there_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v still_o use_v by_o a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o antecedent_n for_o the_o consequent_a and_o do_v not_o signify_v abstract_o a_o mere_a persuasion_n but_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n perform_v in_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n not_o that_o this_o justify_v meritorious_o by_o any_o inherent_a worth_n or_o value_n in_o itself_o but_o instrumental_o as_o a_o condition_n appoint_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o he_o free_o impute_v to_o we_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a proper_a and_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n so_o that_o that_o instrumentality_n which_o some_o in_o the_o business_n of_o justification_n attribute_n to_o one_o single_a act_n of_o credence_n be_v by_o this_o ascribe_v to_o the_o whole_a aggregate_v series_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n as_o be_v that_o which_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n without_o we_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o stand_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v with_o full_a accord_n both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o state_n the_o business_n of_o justification_n by_o a_o equal_a poise_n both_o against_o the_o arrogant_a assertion_n of_o self-iusticiaries_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o wild_a opinion_n of_o the_o antinomian_o on_o the_o other_o but_o whether_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o pious_a life_n perform_v out_o of_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o pass_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o justify_v or_o only_o for_o the_o effect_n or_o consequent_a of_o it_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o issue_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o con-natural_a constant_a efficiency_n and_o result_n from_o it_o so_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o be_v distinguishable_a by_o their_o respective_a action_n from_o one_o another_o they_o be_v absolute_o inseparable_a by_o a_o mutual_a and_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n it_o belong_v no_o less_o to_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v to_o be_v operative_a than_o to_o justify_v indeed_o upon_o a_o essential_a account_n more_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v operative_a by_o its_o nature_n but_o justify_v only_o by_o institution_n second_o the_o second_o false_a ground_n which_o some_o build_v upon_o be_v a_o fond_a reliance_n upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o honesty_n of_o their_o intention_n a_o profitable_a and_o therefore_o a_o very_a prevail_a fallacy_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o devil_n seldom_o use_v but_o with_o success_n it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o old_a and_o long_o experiment_a fetch_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o good_a heart_n to_o supplant_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n but_o to_o allege_v the_o honesty_n of_o the_o mind_n against_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o evil_a course_n be_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o fact_n which_o do_v not_o excuse_n but_o
office_n of_o conscience_n clear_a beyond_o all_o objection_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o premise_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o light_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o intend_v for_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n which_o light_n as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a and_o sovereign_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o government_n of_o their_o action_n in_o all_o that_o concern_v they_o with_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n 〈◊〉_d a_o better_a so_o it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n and_o thereby_o make_v whole_o useless_a for_o so_o nobl_a 〈…〉_z purpose_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n of_o the_o tâ—â—_n import_n nor_o do_v they_o import_n only_o bare_a possibility_n that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o aâ—_n so_o a_o very_a high_a probability_n that_o witâ—â—â—â—_n a_o extraordinary_a prevention_n it_o will_v bâ—_n so_o for_o as_o mâ—ch_v as_o all_o warn_v in_o thâ—_n very_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o according_a to_o the_o naturâ—l_a force_n of_o such_o expression_n imply_v in_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o some_o very_a considerable_a evil_n or_o mischief_n warn_v against_o and_o second_o a_o equal_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o iâ—_n without_o which_o all_o warn_v will_v be_v not_o only_o superfluous_a but_o ridiculous_a now_o both_o these_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v very_o great_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o first_o for_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o be_v warn_v or_o caution_v against_o to_o wit_n the_o turn_v of_o this_o light_n within_o we_o into_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d evil_a so_o unconceivable_a great_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o it_o will_v pose_v our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o nonplus_n our_o expression_n but_o yet_o to_o help_v our_o apprehension_n of_o it_o the_o best_a we_o 〈◊〉_d let_v â—s_n but_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o those_o intolerable_a evil_n which_o bodily_a blindness_n deafness_n stupefaction_n and_o a_o utter_a deprivation_n of_o all_o sense_n must_v unavoidable_o subject_v the_o outward_a man_n to_o for_o what_o be_v one_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n able_a to_o do_v and_o what_o be_v he_o not_o liable_a to_o suffer_v and_o yet_o do_v and_o suffer_v upon_o the_o matter_n comprehend_v all_o that_o concern_v a_o man_n in_o this_o world_n if_o such_o a_o one_o enemy_n seek_v his_o life_n as_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o some_o or_o other_o will_n and_o possible_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o take_v for_o his_o true_a friend_n in_o this_o forlorn_a case_n he_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v nor_o perceive_v his_o approach_n till_o he_o find_v himself_o actual_o in_o his_o murder_v hand_n he_o can_v neither_o encounter_v nor_o escape_v he_o neither_o in_o his_o own_o â—â—fence_n give_v nor_o ward_v off_o a_o blow_n 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o blind_v a_o man_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la disarm_v he_o so_o that_o be_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d rest_n both_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o of_o all_o his_o senseâ—_n beside_o what_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o set_v up_o for_o prophecy_n or_o believe_v transubstantiation_n i_o can_v imagine_v thâ—â—_n i_o say_v be_v some_o of_o those_o fâ—â—tal_a mischief_n which_o corporal_a blindness_n and_o insensibility_n expose_v the_o body_n to_o and_o be_v not_o those_o of_o a_o spiritual_a blindness_n unexpressible_o great_a for_o must_v 〈◊〉_d man_n labour_v under_o this_o be_v utter_o 〈◊〉_d at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o distinguish_v betweâ—â—â—_n the_o two_o grand_a govern_n concern_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—fe_n good_a and_o evil_a and_o may_v not_o thâ—â—_n ignorance_n of_o these_o cost_n we_o as_o dear_a as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o do_v our_o first_o parents_n life_n and_o death_n vice_n and_o virtue_n comâ—_n alike_o to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v oâ—_n the_o same_o colour_n to_o he_o who_o can_v seâ—_n his_o whole_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o night_n and_o confusion_n darkness_n and_o indistinction_n he_o can_v neither_o see_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v he_o choose_v it_o noâ—_n yet_o to_o destruction_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v he_o avoid_v it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o sense_n of_o thing_n there_o can_v be_v no_o distinction_n and_o â—here_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n there_o can_v be_v no_o choice_n a_o man_n destitute_a of_o this_o direct_n and_o distinguish_v light_n within_o he_o be_v and_o must_v be_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d nature_n that_o will_v impose_v or_o serve_v 〈◊〉_d turn_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v he_o do_v that_o 〈◊〉_d must_v do_v whithersoever_o any_o exâ—â—â—tant_a desire_n or_o design_n hurry_v he_o thither_o he_o must_v go_v whatsoever_o any_o base_a interest_n shall_v prescribe_v that_o he_o must_v set_v his_o hand_n to_o whether_o his_o heart_n go_v along_o with_o it_o or_o no._n if_o he_o be_v a_o statesman_n he_o must_v be_v as_o willing_a to_o sell_v as_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o country_n can_v be_v to_o bay_n if_o a_o churchman_n he_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o surrender_v and_o give_v up_o the_o church_n and_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o altar_n itself_o though_o he_o live_v by_o it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n take_v that_o for_o a_o full_a discharge_n from_o all_o his_o subscription_n and_o obligation_n to_o it_o to_o do_v as_o he_o be_v bid_v which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o steer_v by_o a_o false_a light_n certain_o no_o slave_n in_o the_o galley_n be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o such_o a_o wretched_a condition_n of_o slavery_n as_o a_o man_n thus_o abandon_v by_o conscience_n and_o bereave_v of_o all_o inward_a principle_n that_o shall_v either_o guide_n or_o control_v he_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o conversation_n so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o the_o transcendent_a greatness_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v caution_v against_o but_o then_o second_o if_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a that_o seldom_o happen_v that_o very_o hardly_o and_o raâ—â—ly_o befall_v a_o man_n this_o might_n in_o a_o 〈◊〉_d measure_n supersede_n the_o strictness_n of_o tâ—â—â—_n caution_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shaâ—â—_n find_v that_o as_o great_a as_o the_o evil_n be_v which_o we_o be_v to_o fence_v against_o and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d great_a as_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o danger_n be_v still_o commensurate_a for_o it_o be_v a_o case_n that_o usual_o happen_v it_o be_v a_o mischief_n as_o frequent_v in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v fatal_a in_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v as_o in_o a_o common_a plague_n in_o which_o the_o infectionâ—â—_n as_o hard_o to_o be_v escape_v as_o the_o distempâ—â—_n to_o be_v cure_a for_o that_o which_o bring_v this_o darkness_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v sin_n and_o as_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n now_o be_v the_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n as_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n indeed_o so_o close_o be_v the_o union_n between_o they_o that_o one_o will_v even_o think_v the_o soul_n itself_o as_o much_o a_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v be_v the_o matter_n and_o sin_n the_o form_n in_o our_o present_a constitution_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v a_o set_a combination_n of_o all_o without_o a_o man_n and_o all_o within_o he_o of_o all_o above_o ground_n and_o all_o under_o it_o if_o hell_n be_v so_o first_o to_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o then_o to_o draw_v or_o drive_v he_o headlong_o into_o perdition_n from_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v we_o must_v needs_o see_v reason_n more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o this_o admonition_n of_o our_o saviour_n take_v heed_n that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n a_o admonition_n found_v upon_o no_o less_o a_o concern_v than_o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v save_v and_o all_o that_o he_o can_v lose_v to_o eternity_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v both_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o evil_n itself_o and_o the_o extreme_a danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o it_o since_o no_o man_n can_v be_v at_o all_o the_o wise_a or_o the_o safe_a bare_o for_o know_v his_o danger_n without_o a_o vigorous_a application_n to_o prevent_v it_o and_o since_o the_o sure_a and_o most_o rational_a preventive_a of_o it_o be_v to_o know_v by_o what_o art_n and_o method_n our_o enemy_n will_v encounter_v we_o and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v over_o we_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o and_o consider_v those_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o common_o attempt_n and_o too_o frequent_o effect_n this_o so_o dismal_a a_o change_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o strip_v we_o even_o of_o the_o poor_a
strong_a and_o flame_n out_o bright_a and_o bright_a till_o at_o length_n have_v lead_v we_o through_o this_o vale_n of_o darkness_n and_o mortality_n it_o shall_v bring_v we_o to_o those_o happy_a mansion_n where_o there_o be_v light_a and_o life_n for_o evermore_o which_o god_n the_o great_a author_n of_o both_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o all_o to_o who_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o more_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n may_v 29._o 1670._o matt._n v._o 44_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n before_o we_o descend_v to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o consider_v the_o scheme_n and_o form_n of_o they_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o context_n they_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o adversative_a particle_n but_o which_o stand_v as_o a_o 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enemy_n it_o include_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o discharge_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o rancour_n and_o virulence_n towards_o a_o adversary_n the_o scripture_n most_o significant_o call_v it_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o we_o know_v that_o be_v of_o a_o spread_a and_o ferment_a nature_n and_o will_v in_o time_n diffuse_v a_o sourness_n upon_o a_o man_n whole_a behaviour_n but_o we_o will_v suppose_v which_o be_v yet_o seldom_o find_v that_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o absolute_a empire_n and_o command_n over_o his_o heart_n as_o for_o ever_o to_o stifle_v his_o disgust_n and_o to_o manage_v his_o action_n in_o a_o constant_a contradiction_n to_o his_o affection_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o friendly_a converse_n while_o he_o be_v hot_a with_o the_o rancour_n of_o a_o enemy_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o the_o mystery_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o to_o act_n a_o part_n instead_o of_o act_v a_o friend_n beside_o the_o trouble_v and_o anxiety_n to_o the_o very_a person_n who_o 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pain_n for_o a_o man_n to_o appear_v what_o he_o be_v and_o to_o declare_v a_o real_a principle_n of_o love_n in_o sensible_a demonstration_n do_v a_o man_n therefore_o find_v that_o both_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v deport_v himself_o with_o all_o sign_n of_o love_n to_o his_o enemy_n let_v he_o but_o take_v this_o easy_a course_n as_o to_o entertain_v the_o thing_n in_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o will_v manifest_v in_o his_o converse_n and_o then_o he_o will_v find_v that_o his_o work_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o easy_a as_o it_o be_v for_o fire_n to_o cast_v abroad_o a_o flame_n art_n be_v difficult_a but_o whatsoever_o be_v natural_a be_v easy_a too_o 2._o to_o love_v a_o enemy_n be_v to_o do_v he_o all_o the_o real_a office_n of_o kindness_n that_o opportunity_n shall_v lay_v in_o our_o way_n love_n be_v of_o too_o substantial_a a_o nature_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o mere_a negative_n and_o withal_o too_o operative_a to_o terminate_v in_o bare_a desire_n do_v providence_n cast_v any_o of_o my_o enemy_n concernment_n under_o my_o power_n as_o his_o health_n his_o estate_n preferment_n or_o any_o thing_n conduce_v to_o the_o conveniency_n of_o his_o life_n why_o in_o all_o this_o it_o give_v i_o a_o opportunity_n to_o manifest_v whether_o or_o no_o i_o can_v reach_v the_o sublimity_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o love_v my_o enemy_n be_v my_o enemy_n sick_a and_o languish_v and_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o cure_v he_o as_o easy_o or_o to_o kill_v he_o as_o safe_o as_o if_o i_o be_v his_o physician_n christianity_n here_o command_v i_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o his_o weakness_n to_o show_v he_o a_o remedy_n and_o to_o rescue_v he_o from_o the_o grave_a and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o preserve_v that_o life_n which_o perhaps_o will_v have_v once_o destroy_v i_o do_v i_o see_v my_o enemy_n defraud_v and_o circumvent_v and_o like_a to_o be_v undo_v in_o his_o estate_n i_o must_v not_o sit_v still_o and_o see_v he_o ruin_v and_o tell_v he_o i_o wish_v he_o well_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o practice_n and_o a_o impudent_a ill-natured_a sarcasm_n but_o i_o must_v contribute_v my_o hearty_a assistance_n to_o discover_v the_o fraud_n and_o to_o repel_v the_o force_n and_o as_o ready_o keep_v he_o from_o be_v poor_a as_o relieve_v he_o if_o he_o be_v i_o must_v be_v as_o forward_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o thief_n who_o steal_v his_o good_n who_o once_o plunder_v i_o as_o if_o the_o injury_n have_v light_a upon_o my_o friend_n my_o kinsman_n or_o myself_o and_o last_o do_v it_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n to_o put_v in_o a_o word_n to_o dash_v or_o promote_v my_o enemy_n business_n or_o interest_n to_o give_v he_o a_o secret_a blow_n such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v strike_v his_o interest_n to_o the_o ground_n for_o ever_o and_o he_o never_o know_v the_o hand_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v can_v i_o by_o my_o power_n obstruct_v his_o lawful_a advantage_n and_o preferment_n and_o so_o reap_v the_o diabolical_a satisfaction_n of_o a_o close_a revenge_n can_v i_o do_v he_o all_o the_o mischief_n imaginable_a and_o that_o easy_o safe_o and_o successful_o and_o so_o applaud_v myself_o in_o my_o power_n my_o wit_n and_o my_o subtle_a contrivance_n for_o which_o the_o world_n shall_v court_v i_o as_o formidable_a and_o considerable_a yet_o all_o these_o wretched_a practice_n and_o accurse_a method_n of_o grow_v great_a and_o rise_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v to_o be_v detest_v as_o infinite_o opposite_a to_o that_o innocence_n and_o clearness_n of_o spirit_n that_o openness_n and_o freedom_n from_o design_n that_o become_v a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o contrary_a amid_o all_o these_o opportunity_n of_o do_v mischief_n i_o must_v espouse_v my_o enemy_n just_a cause_n as_o his_o advocate_n or_o solicitor_n i_o must_v help_v it_o forward_o by_o favourable_a speech_n of_o his_o person_n acknowledgement_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o merit_n by_o a_o fair_a construction_n of_o doubtful_a passage_n and_o all_o this_o if_o need_v be_v in_o secret_a where_o my_o enemy_n neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v i_o do_v he_o these_o service_n and_o consequent_o where_o i_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n and_o temptation_n to_o do_v otherwise_o in_o short_a the_o gospel_n enjoin_v a_o great_a love_n to_o our_o enemy_n than_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n now_o adays_o show_v their_o friend_n 3._o the_o last_o and_o crown_a instance_n of_o our_o love_n to_o our_o enemy_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o for_o by_o this_o a_o man_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v himself_o unable_a to_o do_v enough_o for_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n and_o engage_v omnipotence_n to_o complete_a the_o kindness_n he_o will_v fain_o outdo_v himself_o and_o therefore_o find_v his_o own_o store_n short_a and_o dry_a he_o repair_v to_o infinity_o prayer_n for_o a_o man_n self_n be_v indeed_o a_o choice_a duty_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o lawful_a and_o pious_a selfishness_n for_o who_o will_v not_o solicit_v for_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v importunate_n for_o his_o own_o concern_v but_o when_o i_o pray_v as_o hearty_o for_o my_o enemy_n as_o i_o do_v for_o my_o daily_a bread_n when_o i_o strive_v with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o make_v god_n his_o friend_n who_o himself_o will_v not_o be_v i_o when_o i_o reckon_v his_o felicity_n among_o my_o own_o necessity_n sure_o this_o be_v such_o a_o love_n as_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o no_o body_n judge_n that_o a_o small_a and_o a_o trivial_a thing_n for_o which_o he_o dare_v to_o pray_v no_o man_n come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o king_n to_o beg_v pin_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a of_o his_o enemy_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o near_o affect_v himself_o he_o can_v not_o own_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o a_o petition_n and_o endeavour_v to_o concern_v god_n about_o that_o with_o which_o he_o will_v not_o concern_v himself_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n also_o be_v infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o man_n personal_a endeavour_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o his_o enemy_n for_o prayer_n without_o endeavour_n be_v but_o a_o affront_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o lazy_a throw_v that_o which_o be_v our_o own_o duty_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v god_n forgive_v you_o god_n relieve_v and_o comfort_v you_o for_o i_o will_v not_o but_o if_o to_o pray_v for_o a_o enemy_n be_v a_o duty_n sure_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o do_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o not_o such_o as_o shall_v turn_v
they_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o teach_v they_o to_o love_v their_o enemy_n that_o they_o find_v their_o bitter_a enmity_n and_o most_o inveterate_a hatred_n only_o upon_o religion_n which_o have_v teach_v they_o first_o to_o call_v their_o malice_n zeal_n and_o then_o to_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v malicious_a and_o implacable_a 3._o a_o enemy_n may_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o love_n because_o though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v change_v and_o make_v a_o friend_n by_o it_o which_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v be_v next_o to_o impossible_a yet_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v shame_v and_o render_v inexcusable_a and_o shame_n may_v smooth_v over_o his_o behaviour_n though_o no_o kindness_n can_v change_v his_o disposition_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n shame_v his_o enemy_n so_o far_o he_o also_o disarm_v he_o for_o he_o leave_v he_o strip_v of_o the_o assistance_n and_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n round_o about_o he_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n live_v to_o be_v considerable_a either_o in_o his_o friendship_n or_o his_o enmity_n love_n be_v the_o fire_n that_o must_v both_o heap_n and_o kindle_v those_o coal_n upon_o our_o enemy_n head_n that_o shall_v either_o melt_v or_o consume_v he_o for_o that_o man_n i_o account_v as_o good_a as_o consume_v and_o ruin_v who_o all_o people_n even_o upon_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o mankind_n abhor_v for_o his_o ingratitude_n as_o a_o pest_n and_o a_o public_a enemy_n so_o that_o if_o my_o enemy_n be_v resolve_v to_o treat_v i_o spiteful_o notwithstanding_o all_o my_o endeavour_n to_o befriend_v and_o oblige_v he_o and_o if_o he_o will_v still_o revile_v and_o rail_v at_o i_o after_o i_o have_v employ_v both_o tongue_n and_o hand_n to_o serve_v and_o promote_v he_o sure_o i_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n at_o least_o make_v his_o virulent_a word_n recoil_v upon_o his_o bold_a face_n and_o his_o foul_a mouth_n and_o so_o turn_v that_o stream_n of_o public_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n just_o upon_o himself_o which_o he_o be_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o i_o do_v no_o more_o it_o be_v yet_o worth_a while_n even_o upon_o a_o temporal_a account_n to_o obey_v this_o precept_n of_o christ_n of_o love_v my_o enemy_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o general_a argument_n to_o enforce_v this_o duty_n ground_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o my_o enemy_n person_n 2._o a_o second_o motive_n or_o argument_n to_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n that_o humane_a nature_n can_v reach_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o shine_v upon_o the_o heâ—ds_n and_o rain_v upon_o the_o field_n of_o the_o sinful_a and_o unjust_a and_o heap_n blessing_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v busy_a only_o to_o heap_v up_o wrath_n to_o themselves_o to_o love_v â—n_a enemy_n be_v to_o stretch_v humanity_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v go_v it_o be_v a_o heroic_a action_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o grow_v not_o upon_o a_o ordinary_a plebiean_a spirit_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v sufficient_o proclaim_v by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o practice_n for_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o when_o the_o passion_n be_v high_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o injury_n quick_a and_o power_n ready_a for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v himself_o in_o that_o luscious_a morsel_n of_o revenge_n to_o do_v violence_n to_o himself_o instead_o of_o do_v it_o to_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o command_v down_o the_o strong_a principle_n and_o the_o great_a heat_n that_o usual_o act_v the_o soul_n when_o it_o exert_v itself_o upon_o such_o object_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o such_o a_o behaviour_n be_v no_o less_o declare_v by_o its_o be_v so_o rare_o and_o seldom_o observe_v in_o men._n for_o who_o almost_o can_v we_o see_v who_o open_v his_o arm_n to_o his_o enemy_n or_o put_v any_o other_o bound_n to_o his_o hatred_n of_o he_o but_o satiety_n or_o disability_n either_o because_o it_o be_v even_o glut_v with_o have_v do_v so_o much_o against_o he_o already_o or_o want_v power_n to_o do_v more_o indeed_o where_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o love_n be_v find_v it_o appear_v glorious_a and_o glister_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o and_o much_o admire_v and_o commend_v it_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o see_v man_n admire_v and_o commend_v some_o rare_a piece_n of_o art_n which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o imitate_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o attempt_v a_o imitation_n of_o nothing_o certain_o but_o a_o excellent_a disposition_n improve_v by_o a_o mighty_a grace_n can_v bear_v a_o man_n up_o to_o this_o perfection_n 3._o the_o three_o motive_n or_o argument_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a example_n which_o recommend_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o first_o of_o all_o from_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o footstep_n in_o the_o path_n of_o love_n we_o may_v trace_v out_o and_o follow_v by_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o give_v his_o life_n for_o sinner_n that_o be_v for_o enemy_n yea_o and_o enemy_n with_o the_o high_a aggravation_n for_o nothing_o can_v make_v one_o man_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o another_o as_o sin_n make_v he_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n say_v christ_n that_o be_v i_o emphatical_o i_o who_o say_v it_o by_o my_o example_n as_o much_o as_o by_o my_o precept_n for_o christ_n go_v about_o do_v good_a act_v 10.38_o yea_o and_o he_o do_v it_o still_o in_o a_o miracle_n every_o work_n that_o he_o do_v be_v equal_o beneficial_a and_o miraculous_a and_o the_o place_n where_o he_o do_v such_o wonder_n of_o charity_n be_v jerusalem_n a_o city_n red_a with_o the_o blood_n god_n messenger_n and_o pave_v with_o the_o scull_n of_o prophet_n a_o city_n which_o he_o know_v will_v short_o complete_a 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remove_v and_o true_a one_o lay_v for_o such_o wise_a builder_n as_o design_n to_o build_v for_o eternity_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary_n oxon_n before_o the_o university_n decem._n 10._o 1661._o matt._n vii_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand._n and_o the_o rain_v descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o prime_a art_n and_o method_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n not_o be_v able_a to_o root_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o man_n heart_n yet_o by_o his_o sophistry_n and_o delusion_n to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o it_o upon_o their_o life_n and_o either_o by_o empty_a notion_n or_o false_a persuasion_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o main_a business_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v duty_n and_o obedience_n by_o bribe_v the_o conscience_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o something_o less_o a_o project_n extreme_o suitable_a to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n who_o chief_a or_o rather_o sole_a quarrel_n to_o religion_n be_v the_o severity_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o practice_n so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o he_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a as_o to_o breath_n yet_o he_o have_v rather_o lose_v and_o miss_v of_o happiness_n than_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n upon_o which_o account_v nothing_o speak_v so_o full_a and_o home_o to_o the_o very_a inmost_a desire_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o those_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n which_o will_v persuade_v he_o that_o it_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o hereafter_o without_o any_o necessity_n of_o his_o live_n well_o here_o which_o great_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v careful_o manage_v by_o the_o utmost_a skill_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o greedy_o embrace_v by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o treacherous_a affection_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o false_a religion_n and_o eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o vital_n of_o the_o true_a for_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o some_o hope_n to_o be_v save_v by_o believe_v well_o some_o by_o mean_v well_o some_o by_o pay_v well_o and_o some_o by_o shed_v a_o few_o insipid_a tear_n and_o utter_v a_o few_o hard_a word_n against_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o controversy_n with_o but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o unkind_a as_o to_o leave_v the_o sinner_n before_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o leave_v they_o for_o all_o this_o man_n can_v well_o enough_o submit_v to_o as_o not_o force_v they_o to_o abandon_v any_o one_o of_o their_o belove_a lusts._n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o think_v themselves_o hardly_o deal_v with_o though_o you_o require_v faith_n of_o they_o if_o you_o will_v but_o dispense_v 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a_o violent_a flame_n can_v present_o melt_v down_o a_o constant_a though_o a_o gentle_a heat_n will_v at_o length_n exhale_v it_o be_v our_o know_a duty_n to_o fight_v and_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o scarce_o any_o temptation_n ever_o encounter_v the_o soul_n without_o its_o second_o so_o then_o you_o see_v here_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o this_o great_a overthrow_n namely_o the_o assault_n and_o impression_n make_v from_o without_o by_o the_o tempter_n which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v render_v effectual_a by_o the_o impotence_n and_o nonresistance_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v so_o oppose_v which_o peculiar_o answer_v his_o threefold_a opposition_n with_o three_o contrary_a qualification_n first_o as_o first_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_o unprepared_a the_o soul_n god_n know_v be_v but_o seldom_o upon_o the_o watch_n it_o be_v spiritual_a armour_n be_v seldom_o buckle_v on_o the_o business_n the_o care_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n 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particular_a philosopher_n but_o like_o a_o baffle_v to_o philosophy_n itself_o the_o devil_n will_v let_v a_o man_n build_v and_o practise_v high_a that_o he_o may_v at_o length_n fetch_v he_o down_o with_o the_o great_a shame_n and_o so_o make_v even_o a_o christian_n a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n the_o subdue_a of_o any_o soul_n be_v a_o conquest_n but_o of_o such_o a_o one_o a_o triumph_n a_o signal_n professor_n can_v perish_v without_o a_o train_n and_o in_o his_o very_a destruction_n his_o example_n be_v authentic_a second_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o fall_v here_o speak_v of_o appear_v also_o in_o this_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v hardly_o and_o very_o rare_o recover_v he_o who_o house_n fall_v have_v not_o usual_o either_o riches_n or_o heart_n to_o build_v another_o it_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o life_n once_o to_o build_v god_n indeed_o can_v cement_v the_o ruin_n and_o heal_v the_o breach_n of_o a_o apostate_n soul_n but_o usual_o a_o shipwreck_a faith_n and_o a_o deflower_v conscience_n admit_v of_o no_o repair_n like_o the_o present_a time_n which_o when_o once_o go_v never_o return_v what_o may_v be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o secret_a of_o a_o decree_n or_o the_o unlimited_a strain_n of_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v not_o here_o dispute_v but_o as_o it_o will_v be_v arrogance_n for_o we_o man_n to_o define_v the_o power_n of_o grace_n so_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o spiritual_a prudence_n to_o observe_v its_o method_n and_o upon_o such_o observation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o apostate_n be_v not_o the_o custom_n but_o the_o prerogative_n of_o mercy_n a_o man_n be_v ruin_v but_o once_o a_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o new-birth_n be_v dangerous_a and_o very_o fatal_a it_o general_o prove_v to_o pass_v the_o critical_a season_n of_o a_o defeat_a conversion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n dispatch_v what_o 〈◊〉_d at_o first_o propose_v now_o the_o word_n themselves_o being_n as_o i_o say_v before_o christ_n application_n of_o his_o own_o sermon_n can_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o better_a and_o consequent_o need_v not_o into_o another_o except_o what_o their_o own_o natural_a consequence_n do_v suggest_v and_o that_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o intimate_v elsewhere_o namely_o that_o he_o who_o be_v about_o to_o build_v will_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v like_a to_o cost_v he_o for_o building_n be_v chargeable_a especial_o if_o a_o man_n lay_v out_o his_o money_n like_o a_o fool_n will_v a_o man_n build_v for_o eternity_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n will_v he_o be_v save_v let_v he_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o charge_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o nothing_o under_o a_o universal_a sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v entitle_v he_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o and_o deep_o he_o must_v go_v if_o he_o will_v lay_v his_o foundation_n true_a it_o be_v in_o hard_a and_o a_o rocky_a work_n i_o confess_v but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o lay_v it_o will_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o firmness_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v lay_v but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o mortify_a consideration_n to_o think_v upon_o what_o false_a and_o sink_a ground_n or_o rather_o upon_o what_o whirlepool_n and_o quicksand_n many_o venture_n to_o build_v some_o you_o shall_v have_v amuse_v their_o conscience_n with_o a_o set_n of_o fantastical_a new-coined_a phrase_n such_o as_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n get_v into_o christ_n and_o roll_a themselves_o upon_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o rational_a hope_n of_o salvation_n thereupon_o which_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o general_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v it_o be_v all_o but_o
we_o can_v fetch_v in_o no_o information_n or_o relief_n to_o our_o understanding_n from_o our_o sense_n no_o picture_n or_o draught_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o report_n of_o the_o eye_n but_o we_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o fancy_n to_o the_o flight_n and_o venture_n of_o a_o bold_a imagination_n and_o here_o to_o illustrate_v the_o case_n a_o little_a let_v we_o imagine_v a_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a able_a upon_o bare_a hear-say_n to_o conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o variety_n and_o curiosity_n of_o colour_n to_o draw_v a_o exact_a scheme_n of_o constantinople_n or_o a_o map_n of_o france_n to_o describe_v the_o town_n point_v out_o the_o river_n and_o distinguish_v the_o situation_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a great_a and_o extraordinary_a place_n and_o when_o such_o a_o one_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o and_o not_o before_o then_o perhaps_o may_v we_o also_o apprehend_v what_o a_o spirit_n a_o angel_n or_o a_o immaterial_a be_v be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o understanding_n which_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o this_o one_o consideration_n that_o in_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o make_v of_o god_n angel_n and_o spirit_n we_o still_o describe_v they_o by_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o see_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v we_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v invisible_a but_o then_o to_o do_v this_o argument_n right_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o it_o will_v be_v extreme_o sottish_a and_o irrational_a for_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o conclude_v and_o affirm_v positive_o that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o colour_n picture_n or_o landscape_n because_o he_o find_v that_o he_o can_v form_v to_o himself_o any_o true_a notion_n idea_n or_o mental_a perception_n of_o they_o so_o will_v it_o be_v equal_o or_o rather_o superlative_o more_o unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o deny_v the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o christianity_n because_o we_o can_v frame_v in_o our_o mind_n any_o clear_a explicit_fw-la and_o exact_a representation_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o of_o the_o ratiocination_n of_o some_o man_n about_o it_o how_o absurd_a and_o inconsequent_a soever_o we_o see_v it_o be_v let_v this_o therefore_o be_v another_o and_o a_o second_o cause_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o treat_v of_o and_o be_v conversant_a about_o such_o thing_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v mysterious_a three_o a_o three_o property_n of_o matter_n belong_v to_o christianity_n and_o which_o also_o render_v they_o mysterious_a be_v their_o strangeness_n and_o vnreducibleness_n to_o the_o common_a method_n and_o observation_n of_o nature_n i_o for_o my_o part_n can_v look_v upon_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o other_o can_v as_o a_o more_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o sin_n by_o which_o alone_o the_o lose_a son_n of_o adam_n be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o offend_a god_n and_o so_o put_v into_o new_a capacity_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o surprise_v strange_a and_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o common_a reason_n than_o this_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o general_a course_n and_o way_n of_o man_n act_v for_o that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o offend_a person_n shall_v project_v and_o provide_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o he_o who_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n concern_v himself_o to_o solicit_v a_o reconciliation_n with_o those_o who_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o but_o may_v with_o equal_a justice_n and_o honour_n have_v destroy_v they_o be_v a_o thing_n quite_o beside_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v deliver_v up_o a_o innocent_a and_o infinite_o belove_a son_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o just_o hate_a and_o abhor_a enemy_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o a_o son_n who_o love_v his_o father_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v be_v love_v by_o he_o shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o declare_v rebel_n and_o enemy_n of_o he_o who_o he_o so_o transcendent_o love_v and_o of_o himself_o too_o this_o i_o say_v be_v such_o a_o transaction_n as_o we_o can_v find_v nothing_o like_o or_o analogous_a to_o in_o all_o the_o deal_n of_o man_n and_o can_v but_o be_v own_v as_o whole_o beside_o if_o not_o also_o direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a method_n and_o so_o true_a be_v this_o that_o several_a thing_n express_o affirm_v of_o god_n in_o scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v deny_v or_o elude_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o socinian_o because_o they_o cross_v and_o contradict_v the_o notion_n take_v up_o by_o they_o from_o what_o they_o have_v observe_v in_o create_a being_n and_o particular_o in_o man_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o gross_a fallacy_n and_o inconsequence_n conclude_v ab_fw-la imparibus_fw-la tamquà m_fw-la paribus_fw-la and_o more_o than_o sufficient_o confute_v and_o blow_v off_o by_o that_o one_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n nor_o his_o way_n as_o our_o way_n isa._n 55.8_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o neither_o be_v his_o nature_n as_o our_o nature_n nor_o his_o divine_a person_n as_o our_o person_n and_o if_o so_o where_o be_v the_o socinian_n logic_n in_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o hardly_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o argue_v concern_v the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o the_o church_n but_o this_o but_o there_o be_v also_o two_o other_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o do_v as_o much_o transcend_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o former_a one_o of_o which_o be_v the_o conversion_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n sinful_a nature_n common_o call_v the_o work_n of_o regenâ—â—â—â—â—â—on_n or_o the_o new-birth_n concern_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o wonder_n and_o deserve_o too_o by_o what_o strange_a power_n and_o efficacy_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o ever_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o conquer_v and_o shake_v off_o those_o inveterate_a appetite_n and_o desire_n which_o be_v both_o so_o violent_a in_o their_o act_n and_o so_o early_o in_o their_o original_a as_o be_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o have_v other_o new_a one_o and_o those_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a plant_v in_o their_o room_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n in_o john_n 3._o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o nicodemus_n a_o great_a rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o he_o be_v present_o amaze_v and_o non-plus_a at_o it_o as_o at_o a_o great_a paradox_n and_o impossibility_n and_o forth_o with_o begin_v to_o question_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o indeed_o he_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n live_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v concern_v most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n but_o above_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o lie_v marvellous_o cross_v to_o 〈◊〉_d â—ommon_a experience_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v yet_o see_v by_o they_o after_o a_o total_a consumption_n into_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o resume_v the_o same_o numerical_a body_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o among_o all_o the_o rare_a occurrence_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o wonder_n and_o anomaly_n of_o nature_n be_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o in_o any_o one_o single_a instance_n and_o consequent_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v apt_a to_o startle_v and_o to_o be_v full_a of_o thought_n and_o scruple_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n to_o their_o understanding_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o can_v make_v this_o out_o by_o bare_a reason_n as_o possible_o some_o opiniator_n may_v let_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o next_o place_n try_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o doughty_a reason_n about_o transubstantiation_n or_o turn_v knight_n errant_a in_o divinity_n encounter_v giant_n and_o windmill_n and_o adventure_v to_o explain_v thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v explain_v this_o therefore_o be_v a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o unavoidable_a mysteriousness_n of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n namely_o that_o most_o of_o they_o fall_v neither_o within_o the_o common_a course_n of_o man_n act_n nor_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o observation_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o mystery_n namely_o the_o nature_n
concern_v a_o truth_n mere_o upon_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o way_n of_o expression_n yet_o till_o the_o reason_v ground_v upon_o it_o be_v disprove_v i_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v despise_v though_o it_o may_v be_v second_v with_o much_o better_a but_o the_o man_n who_o we_o contend_v with_o seem_v huge_o injurious_a to_o he_o who_o they_o call_v their_o saviour_n while_o they_o even_o crucify_v he_o in_o his_o divinity_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v never_o do_v make_v his_o very_a kindness_n a_o argument_n against_o his_o prerogative_n for_o his_o condescend_v to_o be_v a_o man_n make_v they_o infer_v that_o he_o be_v no_o more_o and_o faith_n must_v stop_v here_o because_o sight_n can_v go_v no_o further_o but_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v deign_v to_o be_v familiar_a and_o to_o converse_v with_o those_o upon_o who_o he_o may_v trample_v shall_v his_o condescension_n therefore_o unk_v he_o and_o his_o familiarity_n rob_v he_o of_o his_o royalty_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o christ._n man_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o a_o deity_n and_o infinity_o shall_v lie_v within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o the_o contemptible_a dimension_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n that_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n shall_v be_v ever_o wrap_v in_o swaddle_a clothes_n and_o abase_v to_o the_o homely_a usage_n of_o a_o stable_a and_o a_o manger_n that_o the_o glorious_a artificer_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n who_o spread_v out_o the_o heaven_n like_o a_o curtain_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v ever_o turn_v carpenter_n and_o exercise_v a_o inglorious_a trade_n in_o a_o little_a cell_n they_o can_v imagine_v that_o he_o who_o command_v the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n and_o take_v up_o the_o ocean_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o meaness_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v afflict_v in_o all_o his_o appetite_n that_o he_o who_o once_o create_v and_o at_o present_a govern_v and_o shall_v hereafter_o judge_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v abuse_v in_o all_o his_o concern_v and_o relation_n be_v scourge_v spit_v upon_o mock_v and_o at_o last_o crucify_v all_o which_o be_v passage_n which_o lie_v extreme_o cross_v to_o the_o notion_n and_o conception_n that_o reason_n have_v frame_v to_o itself_o of_o that_o high_a and_o impassable_a perfection_n that_o reside_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v to_o judge_v thing_n to_o be_v any_o more_o than_o what_o they_o appear_v and_o it_o be_v also_o as_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o measure_v all_o appearance_n by_o sense_n or_o at_o the_o further_a by_o reason_n though_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v here_o discourse_v of_o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n from_o which_o christ_n come_v and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n from_o the_o incomprehensible_a surpass_a glory_n of_o the_o godhead_n from_o a_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o absolute_a uninterrupted_a bliss_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o mutual_a ineffable_a intercourse_n between_o he_o and_o his_o father_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n be_v his_o habitation_n and_o legion_n of_o cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n his_o humble_a and_o constant_a attendant_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o disrobe_v himself_o of_o all_o this_o magnificence_n to_o lay_v aside_o his_o sceptre_n and_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o empty_v himself_o as_o far_o as_o the_o essential_a fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o dispensation_n and_o now_o if_o by_o the_o poor_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n we_o may_v take_v a_o estimate_n of_o this_o great_a action_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v how_o irksome_a it_o be_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a to_o descend_v some_o step_n lower_v to_o exchange_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o prince_n for_o that_o of_o a_o peasant_n and_o to_o view_v our_o happiness_n only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o memory_n and_o long_a reflection_n for_o how_o hard_o a_o task_n must_v obedience_n need_v be_v to_o a_o spirit_n accustom_v to_o rule_n and_o to_o dominion_n how_o uneasy_a must_v the_o leather_n and_o the_o frieze_n â—it_n upon_o the_o shoulder_n that_o use_v to_o shine_v with_o the_o purple_a and_o the_o ermine_n all_o change_n must_v be_v grievous_a to_o a_o estate_n of_o absolute_a entire_a unmingled_a happiness_n but_o then_o to_o change_v to_o the_o low_a pitch_n and_o that_o at_o first_o without_o inure_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o burden_n by_o gradual_a intermediate_v lessening_n and_o declension_n this_o be_v the_o sharp_a and_o most_o afflict_a calamity_n that_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o christ_n humiliation_n he_o who_o tumble_v from_o a_o tower_n sure_o have_v a_o great_a blow_n than_o he_o who_o slide_v from_o a_o molehill_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o compare_v the_o fall_n of_o a_o crumb_n from_o the_o table_n to_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o star_n from_o the_o firmament_n as_o think_v the_o abasement_n of_o a_o alexander_n from_o his_o imperial_a throne_n and_o from_o the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o persian_a and_o macedonian_a greatness_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o mean_a scullion_n that_o follow_v his_o camp_n any_o way_n comparable_a to_o the_o descension_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o servant_n and_o crucify_a malefactor_n for_o so_o be_v christ_n treat_v this_o be_v the_o strange_a leap_n that_o he_o make_v from_o the_o great_a height_n to_o the_o low_a bottom_n concern_v which_o it_o may_v be_v well_o pronounce_v the_o great_a wonder_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a so_o 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