all_o temptation_n that_o excuse_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o receive_v not_o now_o indeed_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v once_o endue_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o those_o contribute_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v equal_o obtain_v without_o they_o and_o lose_v with_o they_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a all_o that_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o be_v yet_o continue_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o diffuse_v his_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n excite_v they_o by_o inward_a motion_n confirm_v they_o by_o his_o assistance_n perfect_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n which_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v that_o he_o still_o plentiful_o bestow_v on_o we_o for_o want_v of_o some_o external_a assurance_n he_o have_v institute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n more_o particular_o the_o eucharist_n as_o visible_a pledge_n of_o his_o distribution_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o faithful_a believer_n herein_o bestow_v no_o less_o a_o benefit_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o do_v when_o he_o former_o descend_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n attend_v with_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o cure_n of_o disease_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o although_o any_o one_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n although_o he_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v mountain_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o miscarry_v and_o become_v a_o castaway_n but_o to_o he_o that_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n worthy_o to_o he_o that_o bewail_v his_o former_a sin_n and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v they_o to_o he_o that_o enter_v a_o new_a into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n to_o he_o that_o herein_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o christ_n his_o head_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o unfeigned_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o miss_v his_o desire_a end_n the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n because_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v it_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o son_n have_v seal_v it_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confirm_v it_o as_o at_o first_o by_o his_o descent_n upon_o this_o day_n so_o now_o also_o by_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o diffuse_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n to_o these_o three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o second_o sermon_n on_o trinity-sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o 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therefore_o impossible_a that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o primary_n notion_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o allow_v principle_n of_o reason_n even_o many_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v act_v by_o a_o divine_a mission_n yet_o stumble_v at_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v it_o have_v take_v up_o unwarrantable_a opinion_n plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o arrian_n of_o old_a and_o socinian_o in_o late_a day_n that_o we_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o delusion_n and_o even_o overcome_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o these_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n and_o modesty_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a business_n of_o this_o day_n for_o although_o '_o it_o become_v we_o not_o too_o narrow_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n and_o rash_o determine_v matter_n the_o cognizance_n of_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reveal_v this_o mystery_n to_o mankind_n and_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n it_o now_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n debar_v we_o not_o from_o a_o scrupulous_a search_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o place_v no_o merit_n in_o a_o blind_a belief_n of_o her_o proposition_n it_o be_v accept_v indeed_o by_o god_n as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o merit_n i_o mean_v merit_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n to_o believe_v his_o promise_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n after_o death_n as_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n that_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n of_o give_v he_o a_o better_a inheritance_n in_o another_o land_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n although_o neither_o we_o nor_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o those_o promise_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o possession_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n neither_o require_v nor_o accept_v a_o irrational_a belief_n in_o man_n but_o as_o he_o at_o first_o endue_v he_o with_o reasonable_a faculty_n so_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n so_o much_o diminish_v as_o by_o affix_v to_o he_o revelation_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o include_v contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o such_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v as_o plain_o as_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v permit_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o the_o context_n of_o it_o which_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v and_o therein_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o accompany_v i_o by_o look_v upon_o the_o place_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o first_o eight_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n declare_v the_o nature_n and_o simplicity_n of_o his_o preach_a and_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o recommend_v by_o pompous_a and_o affect_a ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n that_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o sillogism_n and_o nice_a speculation_n as_o do_v that_o of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o be_v esteem_v the_o only_o know_v man_n of_o the_o age_n that_o the_o matter_n declare_v by_o he_o be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o when_o find_v out_o be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v applaud_v by_o the_o world_n as_o extraordinary_a flight_n of_o speculation_n they_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n ver._n 5_o and_o 6._o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n matter_n not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a guidance_n of_o reason_n but_o deliver_v by_o the_o infallible_a revelation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o the_o miracle_n and_o successful_a preach_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v seem_v incredible_a to_o any_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v inconceivable_a to_o human_a reason_n act_v by_o its_o own_o power_n he_o show_v we_o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n who_o veracity_n be_v allow_v by_o
but_o these_o man_n proceed_v chief_o upon_o those_o objection_n which_o we_o have_v already_o refute_v and_o upon_o unreasonable_a and_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o wrest_v to_o their_o sense_n while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o remove_v it_o whole_o but_o while_o they_o attempt_v this_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o far_o great_a difficulty_n and_o even_o in_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o god_n have_v command_v that_o all_o shall_v worship_v the_o son_n even_o as_o they_o do_v the_o father_n and_o themselves_o never_o dare_v to_o deny_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o christ_n hereby_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o be_v which_o be_v not_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o palpable_a contradiction_n infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o they_o so_o much_o dread_v for_o a_o act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n consist_v chief_o in_o a_o awful_a conception_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o object_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o adore_v christ_n with_o divine_a honour_n the_o mind_n must_v consider_v he_o as_o god_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a repugnance_n of_o conception_n and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n remain_v in_o full_a force_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v attend_v it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v those_o argument_n it_o remain_v that_o if_o we_o act_v rational_o we_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o discourse_n from_o this_o place_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v but_o that_o can_v not_o be_v avoid_v in_o a_o subject_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o you_o not_o only_o in_o confirm_v the_o steadiness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o general_a in_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o require_v nothing_o to_o be_v believe_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o give_v you_o some_o rule_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o your_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o in_o arm_v you_o against_o the_o snare_n and_o delusion_n of_o a_o pestilent_a sect_n which_o have_v very_o late_o take_v advantage_n from_o our_o division_n to_o revive_v their_o objection_n and_o public_o to_o propose_v they_o may_n what_o have_v be_v say_v conduce_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o your_o faith_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o your_o thought_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o your_o doubt_n if_o any_o such_o be_v and_o therein_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n to_o who_o be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o error_n and_o false_a persuasion_n to_o which_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v subject_a none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o common_a than_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o irrational_a part_n be_v direct_v by_o their_o creator_n to_o some_o supreme_a end_n the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n while_o man_n the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n miscarry_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a soul_n capacious_a faculty_n and_o the_o uncontrolled_a use_n of_o a_o freewill_n which_o bestow_v on_o man_n a_o possibility_n of_o be_v true_o happy_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o miscarriage_n he_o set_v the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n on_o work_n to_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n he_o run_v through_o all_o the_o pleasure_n whether_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n of_o which_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a he_o fix_v his_o desire_n upon_o those_o which_o most_o of_o all_o strike_v his_o imagination_n or_o gratify_v his_o sense_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o obtain_v they_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o freewill_n when_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o one_o end_n he_o invent_v another_o he_o grow_v wanton_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o more_o he_o indulge_v his_o rove_a thought_n the_o far_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o true_a end_n a_o miserable_a calamity_n indeed_o that_o man_n alone_o shall_v miscarry_v in_o his_o supreme_a end_n yet_o a_o calamity_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v a_o calamity_n which_o have_v involve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o know_v no_o other_o end_n than_o what_o be_v terminate_v in_o this_o life_n seek_v no_o other_o happine_v than_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o expire_v with_o they_o many_o have_v indeed_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o thought_n rescue_v themselves_o from_o this_o common_a calamity_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v by_o the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n deliver_v from_o it_o they_o know_v a_o better_a and_o more_o last_a happiness_n they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o their_o nature_n yet_o by_o a_o miserable_a corruption_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v betray_v to_o neglect_v this_o end_n to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n and_o over-rule_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a esteem_n of_o corporeal_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n which_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n divert_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n take_v root_n in_o his_o imagination_n raise_v his_o passion_n and_o by_o their_o assistance_n continue_v its_o possession_n nothing_o therefore_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o the_o retrieve_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o real_a happiness_n to_o rectify_v the_o thought_n and_o secure_v the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o to_o obviate_v the_o deceitfulness_n to_o defeat_v the_o delusion_n of_o sensual_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n by_o manifest_v how_o unsatisfactory_a it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n how_o unable_a to_o fill_v the_o capacious_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o vain_a and_o trifle_a how_o unworthy_a our_o study_n and_o desire_v this_o will_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a end_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o end_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o when_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o no_o real_a happiness_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o that_o however_o it_o may_v flatter_v the_o sense_n and_o please_v the_o imagination_n it_o will_v fill_v no_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o effect_v this_o conviction_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o various_a argument_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o mutability_n of_o fortune_n the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n forfeit_v by_o a_o blind_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n the_o vanity_n of_o it_o when_o obtain_v the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o it_o when_o expire_v but_o above_o all_o the_o example_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o after_o they_o have_v obtain_v all_o which_o they_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n rest_v unsatisfied_a or_o become_v unhappy_a be_v divest_v of_o their_o felicity_n and_o reduce_v to_o misery_n or_o amid_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n by_o a_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v declare_v and_o confess_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o much_o court_v and_o other_o so_o much_o admire_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o of_o haman_n in_o my_o text_n who_o amid_o all_o his_o honour_n and_o title_n his_o wealth_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n amid_o all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o this_o life_n can_v receive_v convince_v by_o undeniable_a experience_n confess_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o that_o both_o these_o consideration_n therefore_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o experience_n confirm_v
henry_n wharton_z a.m._n one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v in_o lambeth_n chapel_n before_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n dr._n william_n sancroft_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o year_n mdclxxxix_o mdcxc_o by_o the_o learned_a henry_n wharton_n m._n a._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n be_v the_o second_o and_o last_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o â—i_fw-la chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n church_n yard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n p._n 25_o sermon_n iii_o esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o p._n 51_o sermon_n iu._n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o 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 man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o p._n 76_o sermon_n v._o rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v p._n 99_o sermon_n vi_o and_o vii_o 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n p._n 124_o 150_o sermon_n viii_o s._n mark_n viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n p._n 181_o sermon_n ix_o s._n luk._n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 220_o sermon_n x._o s._n john_n viii_o 12._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n p._n 243_o sermon_n xi_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a source_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v p._n 266_o sermon_n xii_o 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 p._n 291_o sermon_n xiii_o rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_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 p._n 318_o sermon_n fourteen_o act_n x._o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o p._n 352_o sermon_n xv_o xvi_o xvii_o 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 p._n 380_o 411_o 431_o sermon_n xviii_o act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n p._n 466_o sermon_n xix_o 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_n of_o god_n p._n 494_o sermon_n xx._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 heaven_n p._n 521_o sermon_n xxi_o luk._n ii_o 14._o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n p._n 567_o the_o first_o sermon_n on_o whit_n sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v be_v the_o final_a confirmation_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o perfect_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n set_v the_o last_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o long_o before_o gather_v a_o select_a number_n of_o faithful_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n but_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o have_v found_v a_o church_n till_o he_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o till_o than_o their_o notion_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o false_a and_o frivolous_a and_o as_o they_o certain_o know_v not_o what_o form_n of_o faith_n to_o profess_v so_o they_o dare_v not_o profess_v it_o open_o their_o religious_a meeting_n be_v yet_o in_o secret_a and_o no_o attempt_n yet_o make_v to_o form_v a_o church_n by_o conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n their_o thought_n be_v not_o so_o much_o fix_v upon_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o their_o master_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v as_o upon_o the_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o more_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o comforter_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o they_o want_v yet_o those_o perfection_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v qualify_v they_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o design_a office_n that_o zeal_n and_o charity_n which_o may_v animate_v and_o direct_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o master_n all_o these_o advantage_n be_v abundant_o confer_v these_o necessity_n supply_v by_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n then_o they_o receive_v internal_a light_n a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o messiah_n a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o then_o they_o obtain_v ability_n to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o courage_n to_o undertake_v it_o then_o they_o begin_v as_o to_o possess_v a_o assure_a and_o rational_a belief_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o profess_v and_o declare_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o so_o that_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o they_o what_o baptism_n be_v to_o we_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n hence_o these_o be_v the_o advantage_n confer_v upon_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o propagate_a the_o belief_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o confound_v the_o opposition_n of_o his_o adversary_n to_o this_o grand_a design_n the_o aforementioned_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v subservient_fw-fr be_v such_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n the_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v hitherto_o be_v reserve_v shut_v up_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o parabolical_a expression_n confine_v to_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o disciple_n which_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o acts._n but_o from_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n communicate_v to_o all_o without_o obscurity_n or_o reserve_v and_o propagate_v to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v hitherto_o appear_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a no_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v find_v but_o now_o he_o be_v to_o be_v rescue_v from_o that_o imputation_n by_o visible_a and_o undeniable_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n his_o kingdom_n be_v to_o commence_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o become_v glorious_a both_o from_o the_o number_n and_o piety_n of_o his_o follower_n the_o jew_n have_v
to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n adoration_n then_o consist_v as_o well_o in_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n absolute_o consider_v as_o in_o profess_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o we_o either_o do_v already_o enjoy_v or_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o receive_v in_o both_o these_o respect_n prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o significant_a manner_n of_o adoration_n for_o by_o it_o we_o profess_v our_o want_n of_o which_o we_o desire_v relief_n we_o thereby_o confess_v ourselves_o finite_a and_o imperfect_a creature_n we_o proclaim_v ourselves_o the_o dependent_n of_o god_n from_o who_o we_o beg_v the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n we_o confess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o all-sufficiency_n from_o who_o we_o expect_v the_o relief_n of_o all_o our_o necessity_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n whence_o we_o raise_v our_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o petition_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o can_v effect_v our_o desire_n all_o these_o acknowledgement_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o all_o petition_n for_o supply_v of_o want_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o who_o address_v himself_o to_o another_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o any_o want_v therein_o confess_v there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v to_o his_o own_o perfection_n that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o make_v this_o address_n be_v not_o only_o in_o be_v for_o otherwise_o all_o address_n to_o he_o will_v be_v frivolous_a but_o also_o able_a to_o relieve_v he_o if_o in_o all_o case_n and_o want_v he_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o remedy_n he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o hope_v relief_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_n in_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o supplication_n of_o pardon_n which_o among_o person_n especial_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n be_v wont_a to_o constitute_v no_o small_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n to_o he_o be_v more_o eminent_o acknowledge_v for_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o confession_n and_o entreaty_n of_o pardon_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o sense_n that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o that_o subjection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o the_o sinner_n be_v hereby_o subject_a to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o follow_v unless_o it_o be_v avert_v by_o obtain_v of_o pardon_n further_o it_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n otherwise_o all_o such_o entreaty_n will_v be_v but_o vain_a since_o it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n which_o can_v pardon_v a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n in_o both_o case_n and_o in_o all_o other_o form_n of_o prayer_n man_n ow_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n and_o dependant_a of_o god_n even_o by_o make_v application_n to_o he_o but_o that_o which_o chief_o manifest_v that_o conviction_n which_o all_o supplicant_n have_v of_o the_o majesty_n and_o infinity_n of_o god_n be_v that_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n to_o he_o although_o invisible_a and_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v in_o all_o place_n whence_o they_o evident_o declare_v that_o they_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o since_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n tell_v they_o that_o none_o but_o god_n possess_v those_o perfection_n they_o thereby_o testify_v their_o belief_n that_o he_o to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o extend_v the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o attribute_n such_o as_o power_n knowledge_n goodness_n and_o the_o like_a to_o all_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o this_o alone_a if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v will_v make_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o adoration_n such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n nor_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o possess_v true_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_o god_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n direct_v his_o prayer_n to_o any_o be_v shall_v not_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v hear_v by_o it_o nor_o do_v any_o pretend_v to_o it_o they_o who_o address_v their_o prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v hear_v by_o they_o which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v without_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n attribute_n peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o in_o pray_v to_o they_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o own_v they_o to_o be_v so_o many_o god_n and_o every_o petition_n be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n give_v to_o they_o just_o therefore_o do_v the_o psalmist_n say_v thou_o that_o hear_v the_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v thou_o only_o o_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n therefore_o to_o thou_o only_o shall_v they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n thus_o prayer_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o although_o no_o such_o explicit_a acknowledgement_n be_v make_v in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o general_a form_n of_o prayer_n receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o religion_n not_o only_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o those_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n be_v compose_v but_o among_o all_o nation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n man_n have_v be_v wont_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o prayer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n of_o they_o to_o confess_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o magnify_v those_o attribute_n the_o benefit_n of_o which_o they_o then_o implore_v if_o they_o desire_v pardon_n they_o magnify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n commit_v in_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n if_o they_o beg_v extraordinary_a relief_n and_o assistance_n in_o any_o emergency_n they_o declare_v their_o opinion_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o in_o general_a any_o favour_n they_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o dependence_n on_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o find_v either_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o in_o the_o write_n of_o heathen_n in_o both_o which_o a_o great_a number_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v find_v any_o wherein_o such_o express_a word_n of_o adoration_n be_v omit_v the_o first_o formal_a prayer_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v that_o of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n xviii_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o sodom_n from_o the_o destruction_n intend_v by_o god_n and_o therein_o the_o supplicant_n do_v more_o than_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o himself_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o can_v not_o act_n any_o otherwise_o than_o just_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o heathen_n general_o begin_v with_o what_o in_o our_o language_n be_v o_o almighty_a god_n and_o o_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o that_o most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n give_v his_o disciple_n and_o intend_v as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n as_o for_o a_o form_n to_o we_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v with_o a_o express_a adoration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n we_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v our_o father_n the_o author_n of_o our_o life_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o do_v govern_v the_o earth_n in_o the_o end_n we_o profess_v that_o to_o he_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o mankind_n that_o he_o possess_v infinite_a power_n that_o glory_n belong_v to_o he_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v render_v to_o he_o that_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o further_o if_o every_o supplicant_n to_o god_n do_v
sharpen_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o unhappy_a influence_n which_o their_o action_n have_v to_o dispose_v othen_fw-ge man_n to_o sin_n the_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o require_v it_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v thus_o clear_v i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o head_n to_o consider_v the_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v whereby_o to_o raise_v this_o example_n that_o be_v by_o good_a work_n 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 none_o but_o these_o will_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n or_o who_o judge_n right_o and_o none_o but_o these_o will_v avail_v such_o as_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o make_v little_a use_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o become_v a_o light_n and_o a_o glorious_a example_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v eminent_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o world_n to_o be_v good_a excellent_a and_o of_o intrinsic_a worth_n such_o be_v all_o action_n of_o moral_a virtue_n but_o more_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v positive_a as_o justice_n truth_n zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n such_o be_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n also_o call_v good_a work_n which_o whosoever_o do_v illustrious_o perform_v all_o other_o man_n although_o of_o a_o different_a or_o no_o religion_n will_v bear_v he_o witness_n that_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o precept_n he_o therein_o obey_v be_v good_a and_o just_a that_o his_o example_n deserve_v praise_n and_o imitation_n and_o what_o effect_n must_v we_o not_o believe_v this_o example_n have_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n before_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o latter_a age_n when_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v her_o adversary_n to_o produce_v from_o among_o her_o follower_n a_o unclean_a or_o a_o injust_a a_o intemperate_a or_o a_o profane_a person_n when_o their_o piety_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o the_o constant_a frequent_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n when_o their_o charity_n appear_v so_o conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o own_o member_n but_o now_o even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a in_o clothe_v the_o naked_a in_o redeem_v captive_n in_o communicate_v to_o all_o when_o a_o heathen_a governor_n and_o he_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o age_n employ_v by_o his_o emperor_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o christian_n make_v this_o report_n to_o he_o that_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o injure_v no_o man_n defraud_v none_o abstain_v from_o murder_n lust_n and_o perjury_n give_v frequent_a demonstration_n of_o admirable_a charity_n and_o meet_v once_o every_o week_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n bind_v themselves_o by_o religious_a tie_n and_o sacrament_n to_o do_v all_o this_o when_o a_o learned_a adversary_n after_o a_o full_a search_n can_v make_v no_o other_o report_n than_o this_o what_o remain_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v indeed_o among_o they_o so_o wise_o christianity_n contrive_v to_o draw_v in_o unbelieving_a but_o unprejudiced_a spectator_n by_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o example_n the_o force_n of_o which_o none_o can_v withstand_v while_o its_o great_a adversary_n dare_v not_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o primitive_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o not_o the_o duty_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o interest_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o mankind_n our_o lord_n propose_v not_o to_o form_v this_o example_n by_o extreme_a austerity_n and_o maceration_n by_o paradox_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n by_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n which_o may_v easy_o raise_v the_o amazement_n but_o not_o the_o reverence_n of_o other_o men._n judicious_a man_n will_v esteem_v they_o folly_n if_o propose_v as_o matter_n of_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o even_o ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v astonish_v at_o they_o yet_o can_v they_o never_o discover_v any_o real_a worth_n in_o they_o or_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o gross_a conception_n instead_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n direct_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v those_o excellent_a end_n which_o he_o intend_v thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o her_o latter_a saint_n have_v chief_o respect_v extravagant_a austerity_n and_o the_o report_n of_o foolish_a miracle_n and_o some_o other_o have_v make_v the_o indication_n or_o sign_n of_o saint-ship_n to_o be_v unaccountable_a rapture_n or_o internal_a pretend_a consolation_n or_o union_n to_o god_n 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 which_o action_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o require_v good_a work_n the_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v happy_o effect_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n promote_v their_o salvation_n secure_v the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o give_v the_o example_n increase_v but_o if_o the_o action_n be_v of_o any_o other_o nature_n they_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o indifferent_a not_o worthy_a imitation_n and_o without_o any_o promise_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n propose_v the_o end_n towards_o which_o these_o exemplary_a good_a work_n shall_v be_v direct_v which_o be_v that_o other_o may_v see_v they_o and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o see_v they_o may_v glorify_v god_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v betray_v into_o pride_n or_o arrogance_n through_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n they_o be_v command_v to_o refer_v all_o not_o to_o their_o own_o but_o to_o the_o divine_a glory_n 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 odious_a and_o distasteful_a than_o ostentation_n in_o religion_n or_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v this_o raise_v the_o indignation_n of_o our_o lord_n against_o the_o pharisee_n and_o still_o excit_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o judicious_a man_n when_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v form_v on_o purpose_n to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n when_o their_o praise_n and_o applause_n be_v thereby_o court_v and_o studious_o contrive_v but_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v exemplary_a in_o good_a work_n as_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o contrive_v the_o ordinary_a performance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o man_n so_o there_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v whether_o he_o who_o perform_v
god_n if_o no_o vain_a glory_n or_o desire_v of_o humane_a praise_n be_v intermix_v therewith_o but_o the_o sole_a design_n be_v the_o advancement_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v of_o rashness_n all_o those_o noble_a ancient_a martyr_n who_o without_o any_o force_n confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n and_o thereby_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o torment_v and_o death_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o example_n of_o constancy_n to_o less_o courageous_a christian_n who_o can_v not_o otherwise_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o generous_a example_n do_v more_o effectual_o raise_v the_o courage_n of_o other_o christian_n labour_v under_o persecution_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a reward_n propose_v by_o christ_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v for_o his_o name_n and_o to_o justify_v this_o proceed_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n sy_n paul_n himself_o as_o we_o read_v act_n xxi_o have_v resolve_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o continue_v his_o resolution_n although_o it_o be_v foretell_v to_o he_o by_o agabus_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o himself_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n do_v abide_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v there_o suffer_v a_o grievous_a persecution_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a or_o commendable_a to_o perform_v good_a work_n public_o and_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o men._n many_o other_o such_o case_n may_v be_v find_v i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o penance_n and_o charity_n as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o practice_n of_o public_a penance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o present_a time_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v then_o the_o great_a preserver_n of_o unfeigned_a piety_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o the_o discontinuance_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o want_n and_o coldness_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o time_n they_o very_o well_o know_v former_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o that_o god_n chief_o regard_v inward_a repentance_n the_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o admonition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o anoint_v thy_o head_n and_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o but_o unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o what_o be_v say_v of_o fast_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o act_n and_o indication_n of_o repentance_n yet_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o penance_n require_v the_o institution_n and_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o then_o be_v religion_n and_o piety_n maintain_v in_o its_o full_a vigour_n when_o person_n guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a crime_n however_o eminent_a by_o birth_n or_o station_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n seclude_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o separate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o appear_v in_o sackcloth_n or_o other_o penitential_a dress_n beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o god_n with_o tear_n and_o desire_a reconciliation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o many_o day_n but_o ofttimes_o for_o many_o year_n together_o such_o discipline_n can_v not_o but_o produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o behold_v it_o a_o exceed_a dread_n of_o sin_n and_o caution_n in_o abstain_v from_o such_o scandal_n as_o will_v certain_o draw_v upon_o they_o either_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o undergo_a the_o same_o severity_n the_o sight_n of_o those_o penitent_n be_v more_o instructive_a to_o ordinary_a christian_n than_o all_o the_o most_o elaborate_a invective_n against_o sin_n or_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n represent_v to_o they_o at_o once_o the_o gild_n the_o horror_n the_o shame_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v their_o repentance_n to_o be_v account_v less_o real_a or_o internal_a because_o attend_v with_o such_o outward_a profession_n rather_o these_o give_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n since_o to_o take_v away_o the_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o scandal_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n they_o refuse_v not_o to_o undergo_v the_o long_a and_o strict_a severity_n of_o public_a penance_n and_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o put_v themselves_o to_o open_a shame_n in_o like_a manner_n however_o ordinary_o speak_v charity_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o our_o lord_n have_v large_o warn_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n to_o be_v see_v of_o they_o that_o be_v for_o this_o only_a reason_n that_o we_o may_v be_v see_v and_o praise_v by_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o and_o by_o see_v they_o may_v be_v excite_v either_o to_o glorify_v god_n or_o to_o practise_v the_o like_a charity_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a not_o only_o secure_v the_o reward_n promise_v to_o charity_n but_o also_o become_v of_o excellent_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n due_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n however_o it_o may_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o former_a age_n when_o almost_o all_o christian_n exercise_v charity_n even_o to_o profuseness_n certain_o in_o our_o age_n which_o be_v chief_o deficient_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n in_o any_o to_o restore_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o any_o eminent_a and_o public_a example_n and_o although_o very_o great_a reward_n be_v promise_v to_o secret_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o to_o public_a charity_n exercise_v in_o such_o case_n much_o great_a be_v reserve_v if_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v with_o any_o mixture_n of_o vain_a glory_n or_o ignoble_a design_n because_o such_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o secret_a charity_n in_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o but_z far_a also_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o men._n in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o like_a case_n the_o advantage_n produce_v thereby_o to_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o exciting_a other_o by_o the_o force_n of_o example_n to_o the_o imitation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o good_a work_n although_o that_o be_v very_o great_a as_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o it_o invincible_o form_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n to_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o knowledge_n such_o as_o constitute_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o that_o the_o same_o be_v profess_v by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o profession_n of_o other_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o real_a themselves_o will_v assent_v without_o any_o scruple_n if_o they_o suspect_v their_o reality_n themselves_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n now_o the_o public_a and_o eminent_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n give_v the_o only_a evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o man_n since_o in_o a_o country_n where_o any_o religion_n prevail_v by_o custom_n and_o education_n a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o it_o may_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o either_o and_o not_o to_o contradict_v it_o may_v be_v due_a only_o to_o common_a civility_n but_o whoever_o public_o perform_v good_a work_n give_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o he_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o thereby_o dispose_v other_o to_o the_o same_o belief_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n perform_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o my_o text_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o exemplary_a piety_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o end_n will_v real_o be_v