to_o the_o action_n and_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n god_n neither_o promise_v nor_o exercise_v any_o such_o constant_a visible_a justice_n which_o may_v distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a and_o sensible_o teach_v man_n the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o the_o more_o spiritual_a religion_n of_o christ_n and_o more_o abstract_a from_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n any_o such_o discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o external_n circumstance_n of_o prosperity_n shall_v take_v place_n that_o god_n shall_v constant_o awaken_v the_o negligence_n of_o slothful_a christian_n by_o severe_a and_o visible_a judgement_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o approve_v their_o conduct_n yet_o be_v this_o error_n almost_o as_o frequent_v among_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v former_o among_o the_o jew_n while_o man_n enjoy_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n secure_o and_o find_v themselves_o at_o ease_n they_o fond_o imagine_v that_o heaven_n also_o have_v declare_v itself_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n towards_o their_o vicious_a course_n lest_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o shall_v abridge_v their_o present_a happiness_n they_o be_v tell_v indeed_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n but_o conceive_v no_o great_a pleasure_n than_o what_o they_o now_o enjoy_v nor_o fear_v any_o great_a punishment_n than_o the_o deprivation_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n because_o they_o find_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o continue_v to_o they_o they_o â—…magine_v themselves_o secure_a and_o think_v that_o they_o either_o have_v escape_v the_o divine_a punishment_n or_o not_o deserve_v it_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o conclusion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o god_n public_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n take_v separately_z say_v to_o increase_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v a_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a life_n undergo_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n of_o man_n most_o dread_v as_o poverty_n hunger_n pain_n and_o a_o violent_a death_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n continue_v to_o be_v the_o most_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o example_n his_o apostle_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o profess_v a_o extraordinary_a love_n suffer_v all_o the_o sensible_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v yet_o the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n now_o exalt_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o temporal_a affliction_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n any_o indication_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o contrary_a of_o his_o favour_n so_o then_o in_o vain_a do_v man_n reject_v or_o defer_v repentance_n because_o they_o see_v not_o the_o constant_a execution_n of_o his_o displeasure_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n for_o how_o shall_v that_o displeasure_n exert_v itself_o not_o in_o poverty_n affliction_n or_o in_o temporal_a calamity_n for_o these_o we_o find_v in_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o dear_a servant_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o the_o disfavour_n of_o god_n yet_o from_o these_o character_n alone_o man_n will_v take_v his_o measure_n who_o fond_o imagine_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o such_o disaster_n and_o know_v no_o great_a misery_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o they_o while_o he_o consult_v his_o sense_n alone_o but_o god_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v he_o know_v what_o will_v be_v real_a happiness_n and_o misery_n to_o man_n and_o therein_o place_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o his_o reward_n be_v not_o adapt_v to_o the_o sensual_a imagination_n of_o man_n so_o neither_o be_v his_o punishment_n to_o their_o fear_n and_o passion_n what_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a punishment_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o certain_o be_v so_o small_a a_o punishment_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o compensate_a the_o guilt_n of_o have_v offend_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n to_o revenge_v therefore_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n whole_o in_o this_o life_n can_v not_o but_o come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o demerit_n of_o their_o action_n and_o after_o all_o will_v but_o little_o contribute_v to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a justice_n of_o god_n or_o excite_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n since_o what_o god_n will_v in_o that_o case_n inflict_v will_v be_v far_o different_a from_o what_o man_n esteem_v the_o great_a misery_n which_o render_v the_o constant_a execution_n of_o divine_a justice_n in_o this_o life_n unpracticable_a other_o consideration_n make_v it_o unreasonable_a and_o first_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o time_n wherein_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n during_o which_o time_n neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n of_o his_o action_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v distribute_v but_o both_o reserve_v till_o that_o probation_n shall_v expire_v and_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o man_n be_v know_v this_o time_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o life_n on_o earth_n in_o which_o man_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n have_v propose_v to_o he_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n the_o reward_n of_o that_o obedience_n and_o all_o other_o motive_n to_o his_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n allure_v he_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n tempt_v he_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n fit_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o sense_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o any_o other_o interest_n than_o that_o of_o this_o life_n his_o will_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n be_v still_o reserve_v entire_a to_o he_o life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o he_o as_o it_o be_v by_o moses_n before_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v which_o he_o please_v still_o remember_v that_o upon_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o life_n depend_v the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o his_o future_a state_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n god_n ordinary_o affright_v he_o not_o into_o his_o duty_n by_o a_o certain_a execution_n of_o punishment_n consequent_a in_o this_o life_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o his_o sin_n neither_o do_v he_o draw_v he_o to_o obedience_n by_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o reward_n for_o that_o will_v destroy_v all_o the_o merit_n of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n since_o the_o action_n of_o man_n will_v then_o proceed_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o sense_n not_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o believe_v this_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o or_o do_v that_o because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o i_o say_v that_o ordinary_o god_n do_v not_o dispose_v man_n to_o obedience_n by_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o justice_n execute_v in_o this_o life_n although_o often_o in_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n he_o do_v extraordinary_o in_o this_o life_n reward_v the_o eminent_a good_a action_n of_o his_o obedient_a servant_n and_o punish_v the_o more_o notorious_a sin_n of_o wicked_a men._n this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o man_n to_o who_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a light_n of_o revelation_n he_o do_v sometime_o indulge_v these_o extraordinary_a admonition_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o any_o rule_n by_o we_o we_o may_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o prosperity_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o not_o inflict_v of_o exemplary_a revenge_n a_o sign_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o rather_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o a_o trial_n of_o obedience_n during_o which_o he_o patient_o await_v our_o resolution_n all_o this_o our_o lord_n manifest_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n which_o the_o housholder_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n but_o till_o then_o be_v mix_v secure_o among_o the_o corn_n plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n make_v no_o discrimination_n between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o suffer_v both_o alike_o to_o live_v secure_a without_o any_o denunciation_n of_o his_o judgement_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n which_o himself_o explain_v to_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n shall_v be_v sever_v from_o each_o other_o this_o proceed_n indeed_o do_v shock_n the_o common_a understanding_n of_o man_n but_o that_o arise_v from_o
intemperance_n but_o as_o christ_n true_o reply_v to_o they_o herein_o also_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o gratify_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n by_o conform_v his_o practice_n to_o they_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n in_o their_o genuine_a purity_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o rectify_v the_o mistake_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o also_o render_v his_o example_n convenient_a to_o the_o imitation_n of_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n how_o far_o himself_o be_v above_o the_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n how_o little_o he_o indulge_v the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n or_o seek_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o passion_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o generous_a contentment_n under_o the_o severe_a adversity_n be_v the_o most_o genuine_a character_n of_o christianity_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v most_o just_a in_o itself_o so_o also_o most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o riches_n and_o honour_n add_v nothing_o to_o our_o real_a happiness_n that_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o the_o affliction_n which_o may_v accompany_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n mankind_n be_v most_o averse_a to_o these_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o depress_v his_o outward_a dignity_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o improve_v his_o inward_a worth_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o riches_n and_o worldly_a honour_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o conduce_v to_o true_a felicity_n the_o heathen_n have_v all_o along_o adore_v these_o more_o than_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o by_o describe_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o uninterrupted_a fruition_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n have_v introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n among_o the_o vulgar_a that_o unhappiness_n consist_v in_o the_o want_n of_o the_o same_o pleasure_n even_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o same_o error_n they_o measure_v their_o well_o be_v and_o even_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n be_v induce_v thereto_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o open_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n to_o wean_v mankind_n therefore_o of_o this_o fond_a opinion_n and_o induce_v man_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o lord_n shall_v by_o his_o example_n as_o well_o as_o precept_n promote_v a_o just_a contempt_n of_o all_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n and_o reduce_v man_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o he_o have_v abundant_o do_v by_o give_v to_o we_o a_o incomparable_a example_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n voluntary_a poverty_n and_o contentment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n his_o descent_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v humane_a flesh_n upon_o he_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o astonish_a condescension_n that_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n philip._n ii_o 6_o 7._o that_o be_v that_o be_v from_o all_o age_n no_o less_o than_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o eternal_a trinity_n and_o equal_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o his_o father_n he_o make_v no_o pompous_a ostentation_n of_o that_o equality_n nor_o affect_v to_o preserve_v his_o majesty_n inviolate_a and_o undiminish_a but_o condescend_v to_o divest_v himself_o in_o appearance_n of_o that_o divine_a character_n and_o assume_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o infirmity_n of_o one_o of_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o mortal_a man_n see_v a_o degree_n of_o humility_n of_o which_o none_o but_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v capable_a which_o exceed_v even_o our_o apprehension_n as_o well_o as_o imitation_n which_o may_v be_v admire_v but_o never_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross._n he_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v forsake_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o assume_v the_o mean_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n but_o to_o carry_v his_o condescension_n to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n he_o place_v himself_o in_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o man_n bear_v the_o great_a affliction_n incident_a to_o mankind_n undergo_v poverty_n nakedness_n and_o contempt_n and_o at_o last_o submit_v to_o a_o violent_a death_n even_o the_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n of_o the_o cross._n if_o he_o have_v think_v a_o external_a show_n of_o greatness_n any_o way_n conducive_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o have_v intend_v to_o procure_v to_o himself_o those_o pleasure_n which_o man_n so_o greedy_o seek_v after_o he_o may_v have_v engross_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o royal_a magnificence_n exceed_v even_o the_o carnal_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v entire_o at_o his_o devotion_n and_o whole_a legion_n of_o angel_n ready_a to_o minister_v to_o he_o but_o he_o wave_v all_o these_o advantage_n spend_v his_o private_a year_n in_o a_o laborious_a and_o mechanic_n life_n and_o when_o he_o enter_v on_o his_o public_a office_n increase_v both_o his_o labour_n and_o his_o poverty_n he_o willing_o want_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n and_o even_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o nature_n for_o as_o himself_o tell_v the_o fox_n bave_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v â—…ests_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n thus_o he_o give_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n generous_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o renunciation_n of_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o shall_v we_o imagine_v ourselves_o not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o himself_o have_v prevent_v any_o such_o mistake_n by_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o will_v come_v after_o he_o or_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o matth._n xvi_o 24._o and_o if_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n john_n xiii_o 14._o and_o sure_o most_o reasonable_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o undergo_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o mankind_n shall_v we_o presume_v to_o expect_v a_o undisturbed_a course_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o murmur_v at_o any_o affliction_n which_o befall_v we_o if_o he_o forsake_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o redeem_v we_o shall_v not_o we_o willing_o quit_v all_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o obey_v he_o if_o he_o think_v it_o not_o incongruous_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o perform_v such_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n shall_v the_o great_a of_o man_n think_v it_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o dignity_n to_o be_v humble_a with_o their_o god_n and_o gentle_a with_o their_o fellow_n creature_n sure_o if_o the_o divine_a precept_n can_v engage_v we_o to_o humility_n the_o divine_a example_n shall_v shame_v we_o to_o it_o last_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o duty_n to_o other_o man_n his_o justice_n meekness_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v most_o exemplary_a his_o justice_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o pay_v to_o every_o man_n fear_n to_o who_o fear_n be_v due_a honour_n to_o who_o honour_n in_o injure_v no_o man_n nor_o just_o offend_v any_o one_o that_o even_o pilate_n who_o interest_n it_o then_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a after_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o violent_a accusation_n of_o his_o numerous_a and_o potent_a enemy_n be_v by_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o innocence_n force_v thrice_o to_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o luk._n xxiii_o 14_o 22._o confirm_v also_o his_o own_o sentence_n with_o the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o herod_n a_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a tyrant_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v send_v but_o be_v full_o clear_v by_o he_o ver._n 15._o so_o far_o
not_o full_o to_o know_v it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o happiness_n if_o we_o both_o know_v and_o do_v it_o second_o the_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n example_n be_v most_o wise_o propose_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n for_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o christianity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_o speculative_a but_o a_o practical_a religion_n man_n will_v have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v take_v up_o with_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v by_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imagine_v the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a have_v not_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o own_o example_n confute_v that_o opinion_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o most_o exalt_a knowledge_n be_v not_o sufficient_a without_o a_o correspondent_a virtue_n if_o we_o view_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n in_o which_o christ_n publish_v his_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o have_v be_v more_o necessary_a to_o his_o design_n than_o this_o method_n all_o mankind_n at_o that_o time_n seem_v to_o conspire_v in_o this_o common_a error_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o reveal_v religion_n draw_v no_o obligation_n of_o practice_n with_o they_o the_o heathen_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v any_o the_o jew_n possess_v true_o a_o divine_a religion_n yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o false_a opinion_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o think_v nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o to_o know_v the_o prerogative_n of_o their_o nation_n even_o the_o pharisee_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o pretend_v to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o perfect_a holiness_n labour_v indeed_o to_o know_v the_o precept_n and_o punctilio_n of_o the_o law_n but_o believe_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o a_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o it_o fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o will_v be_v abundant_o supply_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n so_o prone_a be_v mankind_n to_o this_o fatal_a error_n which_o flatter_v their_o ease_n and_o indulge_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n this_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o unanswerable_o confute_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o thereby_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o religion_n be_v design_v no_o less_o to_o reform_v the_o will_n than_o instruct_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o how_o necessary_a this_o conduct_n be_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o prevail_a error_n of_o those_o time_n but_o also_o from_o the_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o our_o age_n there_o be_v not_o want_v unreasonable_a man_n who_o pretend_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o bind_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o a_o error_n than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o mosaic_a must_v necessary_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n this_o make_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o all_o his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o in_o urge_v this_o his_o famous_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n consist_v of_o three_o whole_a chapter_n be_v almost_o entire_o take_v up_o last_o that_o no_o argument_n may_v be_v want_v to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o he_o have_v recommend_v it_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o prescribe_v no_o duty_n to_o we_o which_o he_o practise_v not_o invariable_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o as_o his_o religion_n include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n so_o himself_n exercise_v it_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o perfect_a manner_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o ii_o that_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o imitation_n all_o other_o man_n be_v never_o able_a to_o live_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o perform_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a righteousness_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n but_o to_o represent_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o to_o you_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o illustrious_a branch_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n first_o then_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n to_o who_o as_o partake_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n he_o owe_v the_o same_o subjection_n that_o we_o do_v his_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v remarkable_a he_o often_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o disciple_n and_o retire_v into_o solitary_a place_n that_o he_o may_v calm_o enjoy_v the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o prayer_n unto_o he_o sometime_o depart_v late_o in_o the_o evening_n alone_o into_o a_o mountain_n to_o pray_v matth._n fourteen_o 23._o john_n vi_o 16._o other_o time_n rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o withdraw_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o office_n mark_v i._n 35._o and_o more_o than_o once_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o dedicate_v sometime_o daily_o to_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o the_o closet_n where_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o our_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n he_o ofttimes_o deny_v to_o his_o body_n its_o natural_a rest_n and_o sleep_n to_o enjoy_v his_o father_n in_o private_a contemplation_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o petition_n to_o he_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o set_v apart_o some_o of_o our_o vacant_a hour_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o piety_n our_o subjection_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n sure_o be_v not_o less_o and_o our_o want_n infinite_o great_a the_o subject_n of_o his_o prayer_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o intercede_v for_o other_o whereas_o we_o beside_o all_o this_o have_v many_o sin_n to_o bewail_v and_o to_o implore_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o then_o as_o for_o the_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o tend_v most_o direct_o to_o increase_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o procure_v to_o he_o due_a adoration_n among_o man_n our_o saviour_n manifest_v by_o his_o constant_a performance_n of_o they_o how_o dear_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o he_o he_o frequent_v all_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a festival_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o that_o whether_o of_o divine_a as_o the_o passover_n or_o humane_a institution_n as_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n omit_v no_o ocsion_n whereby_o he_o may_v advance_v the_o divine_a honour_n by_o join_v in_o all_o the_o usual_a solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n even_o in_o his_o private_a state_n before_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n however_o silent_a the_o sacred_a history_n be_v as_o to_o his_o other_o action_n yet_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o use_v to_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n for_o so_o st._n luke_n relate_v chap._n iu._n 16._o where_o describe_v his_o entrance_n upon_o his_o ministerial_a office_n he_o tell_v we_o and_o he_o come_v to_o nazareth_n where_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o as_o his_o custom_n be_v he_o go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n what_o can_v be_v now_o want_v to_o render_v this_o example_n of_o piety_n most_o complete_a and_o worthy_a our_o imitation_n he_o frequent_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v private_a devotion_n to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o intermit_v not_o the_o pious_a exercise_n of_o the_o closet_n lest_o we_o shall_v rest_v content_a with_o have_v join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o proceed_v no_o far_o if_o we_o view_v the_o other_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v eminent_o unite_v in_o this_o illustrious_a example_n with_o what_o profound_a humility_n do_v he_o profess_v himself_o to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o perform_v his_o father_n will_v how_o constant_o do_v he_o ascribe_v the_o
we_o may_v do_v it_o those_o first_o and_o chief_a disciple_n have_v enable_v we_o by_o give_v we_o large_a account_n of_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n himself_o tell_v we_o john_n xv._n 8._o if_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o ver._n 10._o explain_v their_o bear_v much_o fruit_n by_o imitate_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n if_o you_o keep_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n even_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n so_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o religious_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o bless_a jesus_n live_v on_o earth_n he_o pursue_v the_o true_a end_n of_o happiness_n and_o cultivate_v those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o office_n what_o honour_n then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n of_o action_n it_o be_v the_o high_a ambition_n of_o the_o more_o generous_a among_o the_o heathen_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o their_o ancient_a hero_n and_o be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o ardent_o desire_v to_o resemble_v our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n their_o ambition_n be_v misplace_v and_o therefore_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o unhappiness_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v too_o great_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o pious_a soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o same_o duty_n wherein_o the_o bless_a jesus_n spend_v his_o life_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o devotion_n to_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n this_o consideration_n will_v dispel_v all_o weariness_n will_v add_v vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o all_o temporal_a evil_n which_o may_v attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n this_o will_v support_v we_o under_o all_o outward_a calamity_n alleviate_v our_o sorrow_n and_o calm_v our_o tempest_n to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n endure_v the_o same_o affliction_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n if_o he_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o fury_n of_o devil_n shall_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o same_o enemy_n if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o john_n xv._n 18._o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o same_o fortune_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n no_o sure_o only_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o they_o be_v on_o he_o that_o be_v not_o through_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n so_o shall_v we_o imitate_v he_o as_o well_o in_o the_o most_o happy_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o affliction_n as_o in_o the_o affliction_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o last_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n will_v be_v our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n if_o only_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v be_v give_v to_o we_o we_o may_v have_v be_v daily_o distract_v with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v the_o meaning_n extent_n and_o application_n of_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o error_n and_o craft_n of_o man_n and_o render_v useless_a by_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n whereas_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v away_o all_o these_o scruple_n and_o place_v every_o precept_n in_o its_o full_a light_n if_o we_o true_o imitate_v his_o example_n we_o be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v in_o all_o thing_n do_v our_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o perform_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o once_o obtain_v that_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n may_v we_o have_v by_o follow_v his_o example_n than_o by_o respect_v his_o precept_n only_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n after_o so_o many_o rule_n and_o precept_n give_v to_o his_o convert_v still_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o but_o then_o no_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ._n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ._n r_o cor._n xi_o 1._o by_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o gainsay_n of_o foolish_a man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o profound_a knowledge_n or_o deep_a speculation_n if_o they_o deride_v our_o christian_a virtue_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o duty_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o mortification_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o in_o practise_v they_o we_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n let_v they_o please_v themselves_o with_o their_o mirth_n and_o false_a supposal_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o pattern_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o place_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o precept_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n have_v at_o least_o recommend_v they_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o can_v assert_v they_o by_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o result_n from_o it_o let_v we_o by_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o follow_v this_o most_o excellent_a example_n fullfil_v the_o obligation_n and_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v on_o earth_n make_v like_o unto_o he_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n so_o we_o may_v hereafter_o in_o heaven_n be_v make_v yet_o more_o like_a unto_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o immortality_n the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v october_n 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n have_v so_o contrive_v that_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v equal_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o excellency_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o it_o propose_v in_o its_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o beget_v and_o establish_v due_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o admirable_a congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n his_o goodness_n be_v conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o those_o infinite_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o liberal_a distribution_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o which_o more_o direct_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n in_o adapt_a that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o thereby_o render_v it_o no_o less_o easy_a than_o advantageous_a and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a among_o the_o heathen_n many_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n have_v employ_v their_o wit_n in_o refine_n the_o superstition_n of_o their_o country_n and_o assign_v reason_n for_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o obtain_v among_o they_o but_o their_o notion_n be_v abstruse_a and_o mystical_a their_o
eucharist_n whereby_o we_o be_v initiate_v and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n profess_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o adherence_n to_o it_o entitle_v ourselves_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o continue_v to_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n such_o foederal_n rite_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o so_o little_o derogate_v from_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o they_o be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o it_o thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o also_o most_o effectual_o secure_v his_o honour_n and_o majesty_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o root_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o introduce_v the_o sole_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o how_o admirable_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o this_o purpose_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o precept_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o which_o have_v provide_v most_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n which_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n betray_v it_o to_o a_o universal_a idolatry_n the_o two_o great_a motive_n and_o cause_n of_o idolatry_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v first_o that_o man_n enure_v to_o sensual_a and_o corporeal_a object_n either_o lose_v all_o notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a god_n and_o then_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o fellow_n creature_n or_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n desire_v to_o worship_v he_o by_o some_o visible_a representation_n which_o may_v strike_v their_o sense_n or_o second_o that_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v deserve_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n they_o form_v to_o themselves_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inexorable_a deity_n who_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o prayer_n from_o their_o pollute_a hand_n nor_o be_v entreat_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o earthly_a prince_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o friend_n and_o favourite_n hence_o they_o set_v up_o innumerable_a intercessor_n with_o god_n either_o angel_n who_o they_o term_v demon_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o depart_a hero_n who_o they_o imagine_v dear_a to_o god_n solicit_v their_o mediation_n direct_v their_o prayer_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o they_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o supreme_a god_n these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a persuasion_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o idolatry_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v excellent_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n forbid_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o by_o any_o corporeal_a representation_n upon_o earth_n have_v invest_v his_o own_o son_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o express_v image_n of_o his_o person_n with_o our_o flesh_n and_o command_v we_o through_o he_o to_o worship_v himself_o and_o then_o to_o cure_v the_o fondness_n of_o mankind_n desire_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o intercessor_n he_o have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a intercessor_n and_o promise_v to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o in_o his_o name_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n and_o at_o his_o mediation_n to_o be_v propitious_a to_o we_o thus_o the_o wise_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n have_v most_o admirable_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o most_o successful_o for_o hereby_o idolatry_n be_v root_v out_o the_o constant_a worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n introduce_v and_o while_o the_o church_n continue_v uncorrupted_a preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n not_o the_o least_o resemblance_n of_o idolatry_n can_v be_v discover_v the_o very_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v their_o worship_n to_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o most_o worthy_a the_o nature_n of_o god_n no_o image_n be_v use_v by_o they_o nor_o any_o prayer_n offer_v up_o but_o by_o the_o alone_a mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n which_o admit_v corporeal_a representation_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o new_a intercessor_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n saint_n and_o angel_n who_o may_v receive_v and_o manage_v their_o request_n that_o so_o palpable_a a_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v shall_v be_v still_o defend_v as_o lawful_a and_o continue_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n after_o so_o manifest_a conviction_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o be_v admire_v but_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n have_v enforce_v they_o to_o do_v this_o which_o nothing_o but_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o desperate_a cause_n can_v persuade_v man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o no_o such_o corruption_n be_v practise_v nor_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n teach_v which_o be_v not_o even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n undoubted_o lawful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o condemnation_n if_o after_o so_o plain_a conviction_n we_o depart_v from_o a_o rational_a and_o true_o divine_a worship_n to_o embrace_v one_o corrupt_v with_o so_o gross_a a_o superstition_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o downright_o i_o dolatry_n have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o resemblance_n of_o it_o second_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o direct_v the_o natural_a religious_a inclination_n of_o man_n into_o the_o right_a channel_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n but_o also_o promote_v the_o real_a perfection_n of_o man_n by_o prescribe_v to_o he_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o conduct_n which_o be_v no_o small_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o manifest_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o excellent_a and_o holy_a more_o conduce_v to_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n than_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v his_o happiness_n to_o practise_v they_o although_o enforce_v with_o no_o command_n nor_o crown_v with_o any_o reward_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a a_o rational_a soul_n than_o to_o entertain_v noble_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o its_o creator_n to_o express_v a_o unlimited_a devotion_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o by_o all_o imaginable_a action_n of_o respect_n and_o honour_n to_o subdue_v our_o carnal_a affection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o reason_n conquer_v our_o lust_n and_o trample_v under_o foot_n all_o consideration_n of_o interest_n and_o prosperity_n when_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n to_o maintain_v a_o exact_a justice_n to_o all_o mankind_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o delight_n in_o act_n of_o charity_n such_o a_o conduct_n of_o life_n even_o the_o more_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n esteem_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o humane_a perfection_n and_o believe_v thofe_n person_n who_o possess_v it_o already_o enstate_v in_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o that_o they_o may_v manifest_v themselves_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o opinion_n there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o generous_a soul_n who_o choose_v to_o forego_v all_o temporal_a convenience_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o violate_v any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o aforementioned_a virtue_n the_o very_a design_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o those_o the_o very_a precept_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o practise_v they_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a and_o perfect_a manner_n and_o to_o refer_v all_o to_o god_n perform_v they_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n our_o saviour_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o guard_v our_o thought_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o vigilance_n with_o which_o we_o do_v our_o outward_a action_n and_o possess_v those_o virtue_n in_o our_o soul_n which_o other_o be_v content_a to_o do_v in_o appearance_n the_o jewish_a religion_n require_v no_o more_o than_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o several_a rite_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o whosoever_o perform_v they_o although_o without_o any_o inward_a sense_n of_o piety_n have_v fulfil_v all_o legal_a righteousness_n and_o be_v no_o long_o a_o debtor_n to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o evangelical_n righteousness_n soar_v high_a and_o scorn_v to_o stoop_v at_o such_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a element_n primary_o respect_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o can_v discover_v the_o most_o secret_a recess_n
present_a joy_n and_o in_o this_o will_v consist_v our_o future_a reward_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o perform_v continual_a act_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v urge_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o action_n in_o this_o life_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o anticipation_n of_o those_o future_a joy_n than_o a_o imposition_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o happiness_n in_o angel_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o continual_a act_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o a_o infinite_a favour_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o office_n it_o be_v now_o at_o least_o some_o degree_n of_o happiness_n to_o perform_v that_o imperfect_o which_o we_o shall_v then_o complete_o and_o so_o much_o the_o great_a degree_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o be_v intent_n on_o it_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n when_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v rank_v among_o those_o of_o who_o god_n complain_v that_o they_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o we_o must_v take_v especial_a care_n that_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n we_o pay_v to_o god_n be_v real_a and_o unfeigned_a the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v sincere_a in_o this_o duty_n by_o affix_v a_o amen_n to_o the_o end_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v indeed_o or_o may_v it_o be_v so_o may_v man_n sincere_o and_o in_o earnest_n give_v honour_n and_o glory_n unto_o god_n may_v their_o heart_n agree_v with_o their_o mouth_n and_o their_o action_n with_o their_o declaration_n otherwise_o instead_o of_o honour_v we_o shall_v but_o vilify_v and_o affront_n god_n and_o deny_v his_o attribute_n of_o omniscience_n vain_o imagine_v that_o our_o hypocrisy_n be_v conceal_v from_o he_o and_o undiscerned_a by_o he_o and_o indeed_o no_o deliberate_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o overthrow_v our_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o efface_v or_o at_o least_o for_o a_o while_n cloud_v all_o notion_n of_o religion_n arise_v from_o they_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o such_o sin_n we_o disow_v he_o to_o be_v our_o king_n withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o his_o government_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o law_n we_o set_v up_o to_o ourselves_o and_o pursue_v a_o different_a end_n from_o that_o appoint_a by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o wrest_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o price_n of_o who_o blood_n we_o be_v redeem_v and_o deliver_v ourselves_o to_o his_o and_o our_o profess_a enemy_n the_o devil_n we_o deny_v he_o thereby_o to_o be_v a_o king_n eternal_a who_o continue_v his_o government_n even_o after_o death_n and_o exercise_v severe_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n for_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n we_o disbelieve_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o will_n and_o fond_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v in_o our_o favour_n reverse_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n pronounce_v against_o obstinate_a and_o deliberate_a sinner_n we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o fatal_a and_o erroneous_a be_v every_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o it_o either_o destroy_v or_o debase_v for_o a_o time_n all_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o thereby_o become_v a_o temporary_a apostasy_n that_o we_o therefore_o may_v escape_v the_o danger_n of_o that_o unhappiness_n let_v we_o constant_o keep_v in_o mind_n the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o they_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n our_o king_n and_o our_o redeemer_n that_o he_o will_v after_o death_n take_v a_o exact_a and_o impartial_a account_n of_o our_o action_n that_o he_o have_v decree_v damnation_n to_o all_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o will_v not_o recall_v his_o sentence_n that_o he_o know_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o see_v our_o most_o private_a motion_n let_v we_o frequent_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o act_n as_o if_o we_o have_v they_o continual_o before_o our_o eye_n so_o shall_v we_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o our_o life_n so_o may_v we_o without_o the_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n confess_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n with_o our_o mouth_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v admit_v to_o sing_v glory_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o eternal_o in_o heaven_n which_o god_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 17_o 1688_o 9_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n psal._n xcv_o 7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n no_o full_a demonstration_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o flesh_n over_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o complain_v than_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n allow_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n this_o happiness_n all_o man_n earnest_o desire_v and_o none_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v repentance_n and_o obedience_n all_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a yet_o all_o find_v and_o deplore_v in_o themselves_o a_o continual_a aversion_n to_o set_v immediate_o upon_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o these_o condition_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o indeed_o with_o some_o hope_n at_o least_o of_o attain_v the_o propose_a happiness_n and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o this_o support_n themselves_o whensoever_o they_o give_v their_o soul_n leave_v to_o entertain_v any_o serious_a reflection_n the_o scripture_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n tell_v they_o that_o these_o hope_n be_v vain_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o unrepentance_n yet_o they_o defer_v their_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o fond_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o set_v upon_o it_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o this_o necessary_a duty_n and_o say_v to_o their_o soul_n hitherto_o thou_o have_v serve_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n henceforward_o from_o this_o very_a moment_n abandon_v they_o and_o devote_v thyself_o too_o god_n wise_o therefore_o have_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n set_v apart_o a_o solemn_a time_n in_o every_o year_n which_o we_o call_v lend_v wherein_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v teach_v and_o oblige_v to_o attend_v more_o diligent_o upon_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o be_v exhort_v to_o begin_v a_o resolute_a opposition_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n by_o inure_v themselves_o to_o a_o severe_a exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n by_o deny_v to_o gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o its_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o untameable_a to_o reduce_v it_o by_o maceration_n or_o other_o sober_a austerity_n by_o this_o mean_n sinner_n be_v induce_v to_o bethink_v themselves_o in_o earnest_n of_o their_o forlorn_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o unwilling_a to_o fix_v themselves_o the_o time_n of_o their_o repentance_n be_v appoint_v for_o they_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o this_o excellent_a discipline_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n and_o then_o that_o we_o may_v not_o neglect_v it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v immediate_a repentance_n to_o be_v unnecessary_a that_o we_o may_v not_o omit_v either_o to_o fix_v a_o time_n to_o it_o ourselves_o or_o to_o embrace_v the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n wherein_o all_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n apply_v themselves_o to_o exercise_v act_n of_o repentance_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o yet_o at_o least_o god_n have_v set_v a_o time_n wherein_o he_o expect_v our_o repentance_n and_o beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o await_v to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n enjoin_v in_o those_o word_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n ii_o the_o term_n prefix_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v do_v immediate_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v etc._n etc._n i._o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n enjoin_v which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o these_o word_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n for_o if_o we_o
hope_n by_o mortify_v and_o change_v our_o former_a vicious_a course_n of_o life_n into_o a_o new_a and_o heavenly_a life_n or_o by_o conceive_v firm_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v our_o own_o resurrection_n by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n the_o former_a manner_n indeed_o be_v pure_o allegorical_a but_o a_o allegory_n as_o well_o most_o natural_a in_o its_o self_n as_o most_o familiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o treat_v of_o it_o often_o and_o large_o and_o inculcate_n it_o in_o almost_o all_o his_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v my_o text_n he_o tell_v the_o colossian_n col._n ii_o 12_o 20._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o and_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n galat._n ii_o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ._n philip._n iii_o 10._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 10._o alwayâ—…_n bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o iii_o and_o ivth_o chapter_n of_o 1_o pet._n and_o rom._n vi_o this_o conformity_n between_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o in_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o be_v at_o large_a explain_v we_o be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n these_o allegorical_a conclusion_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o fancy_n but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o so_o admirable_o contrive_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o our_o instruction_n than_o his_o precept_n and_o can_v not_o but_o have_v exceed_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n who_o thought_n be_v then_o and_o aught_o now_o to_o be_v chief_o employ_v about_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n they_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o both_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o jewish_a doctor_n employ_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o in_o allegorical_a explication_n of_o natural_a or_o divine_a truth_n and_o be_v more_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n consist_v in_o type_n shadow_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o lest_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o these_o allegorical_a inference_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a penman_n the_o present_a allegory_n draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v most_o excellent_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o more_o full_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o his_o lose_a condition_n free_v he_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devil_n reform_v his_o life_n and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o god_n have_v design_v for_o he_o in_o another_o life_n to_o this_o end_n a_o total_a desertion_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v before_o engage_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v whole_o impossible_a that_o a_o vicious_a soul_n shall_v receive_v that_o reward_n as_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o grant_v the_o reward_n on_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v his_o follower_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v relinquish_v all_o those_o temporal_a enjoyment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n place_v the_o whole_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o life_n in_o these_o unlawful_a enjoyment_n whoever_o renounce_v the_o use_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o promise_n at_o their_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o a_o new_a life_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o be_v excellent_o represent_v in_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v refer_v wherein_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v whole_o immerge_v in_o the_o water_n so_o that_o the_o immersion_n represent_v his_o resolution_n of_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v by_o death_n take_v from_o the_o world_n and_o then_o his_o emersion_n present_o follow_v signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n revive_v and_o appear_v after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o to_o mortify_v one_o single_a lust_n or_o to_o give_v up_o this_o or_o that_o sinful_a affection_n in_o exchange_n for_o eternal_a reward_n and_o retain_v the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o soul_n be_v full_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n till_o the_o resurrection_n he_o satisfy_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v endure_v scourge_n reproach_n and_o buffet_n he_o descend_v not_o from_o the_o cross_n after_o he_o have_v endure_v most_o bitter_a torment_n till_o he_o have_v complete_v his_o suffering_n by_o death_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v till_o it_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o then_o we_o be_v real_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n we_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o god_n permit_v to_o we_o we_o must_v absolute_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n suppose_v a_o full_a conviction_n that_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o place_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o his_o great_a concern_v here_o be_v only_o to_o improve_v his_o short_a term_n of_o life_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o durable_a happiness_n hereafter_o from_o this_o persuasion_n it_o will_v easy_o follow_v that_o different_a interest_n from_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pursue_v in_o this_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o herein_o a_o christian_a true_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o best_o of_o all_o manifest_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n by_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n willing_o that_o his_o design_n be_v far_o from_o sound_v a_o empire_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o he_o submit_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o true_o crucify_a with_o he_o until_o we_o as_o absolute_o forsake_v all_o desire_n and_o inclinaons_n to_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n as_o if_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n itself_o that_o we_o retain_v not_o the_o least_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o our_o former_a vicious_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o a_o total_a relinquish_a of_o they_o even_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o recall_v and_o re-establish_a they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o view_v the_o dreadful_a horror_n and_o anxiety_n under_o which_o our_o saviour_n labour_v while_o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o the_o cross_n if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o melancholy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n his_o ignominious_a condition_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n while_o he_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o grave_a we_o may_v perceive_v the_o desperate_a and_o deplorable_a state_n of_o man_n while_o yet_o detain_v in_o sin_n labour_v under_o the_o just_a displeasure_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n
and_o not_o break_v loose_a from_o the_o chain_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o state_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n be_v indeed_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o high_a confusion_n without_o any_o consolation_n or_o apparent_a possibility_n of_o recovery_n yet_o much_o great_a be_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o unrepentant_a sinner_n who_o suffer_v all_o this_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o until_o he_o be_v regenerate_v see_v no_o approach_a delivery_n from_o all_o these_o calamity_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o church_n be_v rescue_v by_o his_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o from_o all_o these_o misery_n be_v unhappy_a man_n deliver_v by_o his_o regeneration_n our_o lord_n by_o his_o resurrection_n vindicate_v his_o honour_n from_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v argue_v against_o his_o divinity_n from_o the_o seem_a imperfection_n of_o his_o suffering_n overthrow_v the_o design_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o the_o ignominy_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o disgrace_n and_o despair_n which_o it_o have_v by_o his_o death_n incur_v such_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n resurrection_n and_o no_o less_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o rise_v with_o christ_n from_o sin_n unto_o a_o new_a life_n which_o remove_v that_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n introduce_v into_o our_o nature_n by_o sin_n restore_v it_o to_o that_o primitive_a glory_n which_o it_o obtain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n rescue_v we_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n repair_v the_o honour_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o render_v we_o infinite_o happy_a by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o argument_n which_o enhance_v the_o glory_n os_fw-la christ_n resurrection_n that_o god_n by_o interpose_v in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n in_o his_o behalf_n evident_o manifest_v how_o dear_a he_o be_v unto_o he_o who_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n in_o a_o state_n of_o disgrace_n nor_o suffer_v to_o see_v corruption_n this_o raise_v he_o beyond_o the_o degree_n of_o all_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a man_n and_o place_v he_o in_o such_o a_o height_n of_o glory_n as_o can_v be_v resemble_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o regeneration_n of_o a_o christian_a wherein_o god_n interpose_v by_o his_o power_n not_o so_o visible_o indeed_o but_o no_o less_o miraculous_o convert_v assist_v and_o confirm_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n without_o which_o this_o admirable_a change_n can_v be_v effect_v a_o change_n which_o however_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n declare_v the_o power_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o produce_v habit_n of_o the_o most_o exalt_a virtue_n in_o a_o soul_n before_o overwhelm_v with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n for_o resurrection_n denote_v not_o only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o calamity_n of_o death_n and_o corruption_n but_o also_o a_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o renew_v a_o active_a course_n of_o life_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o bare_o content_a to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n but_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o triumphant_o into_o heaven_n and_o there_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n employ_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o mediate_v continual_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n if_o then_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o vital_a action_n proper_a to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a virtue_n and_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o new_a society_n with_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v far_o a_o bare_a recovery_n of_o life_n deserve_v not_o the_o title_n of_o a_o resurrection_n for_o then_o the_o intermediate_v death_n will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n at_o least_o it_o reach_v not_o the_o illustrious_a example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n who_o after_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a state_n than_o before_o his_o death_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n sin_n only_o except_v after_o his_o resurrection_n exempt_v from_o they_o all-before_a his_o passion_n subject_a to_o change_v and_o decay_n after_o his_o resurrection_n instate_v in_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a possession_n of_o glory_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n amplify_v this_o very_a matter_n rom._n vi_o 9_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o his_o life_n precede_v and_o follow_v his_o resurrection_n be_v infinite_o different_a that_o contemptible_a and_o mean_a this_o glorious_a and_o terrible_a that_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n this_o exalt_a above_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n converse_v not_o open_o among_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o from_o that_o time_n a_o new_a and_o different_a state_n of_o life_n be_v to_o commence_v never_o any_o more_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o relinquish_v whence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o express_v it_o near_o in_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o improve_v our_o obedience_n far_o than_o be_v exact_v of_o we_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o no_o more_o than_o temporary_a reward_n be_v promise_v at_o least_o that_o after_o our_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a life_n after_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n we_o walk_v invariable_o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o to_o relapse_n into_o our_o former_a state_n which_o we_o relinquish_v bydy_v with_o christ_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o partake_v in_o his_o resurrection_n by_o a_o similitude_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v otherwise_o secure_v to_o we_o a_o near_a imitation_n of_o he_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n in_o the_o next_o of_o this_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n without_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n man_n will_v have_v be_v prone_a to_o disbelieve_v they_o it_o seem_v a_o matter_n incredible_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o god_n shall_v after_o many_o age_n recollect_v the_o scatter_a part_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o reunite_a they_o into_o their_o former_a frame_n once_o more_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o live_a soul_n this_o to_o some_o seem_v impossible_a to_o other_o improbable_a but_o both_o be_v refute_v by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n which_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n always_o urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v and_o be_v employ_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o chief_a argument_n against_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o 1_o epist._n xv._n chapter_n god_n have_v promise_v as_o well_o to_o raise_v up_o mankind_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o the_o certain_a completion_n of_o this_o latter_a promise_n secure_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a benefit_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o how_o all_o precede_a promise_n be_v infallible_o perform_v and_o thus_o in_o some_o sense_n all_o mankind_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n inasmuch_o as_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 20._o that_o as_o the_o whole_a mass_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n so_o all_o mankind_n receive_v a_o earnest_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v their_o resurrection_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n but_o then_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o proper_a manner_n all_o faithful_a christian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ._n there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n a_o terrible_a as_o well_o as_o a_o desirable_a resurrection_n to_o rise_v therefore_o with_o christ_n be_v the_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o that_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o epist._n i._n 4._o be_v to_o rise_v to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o good_a and_o pious_a christian_n the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o they_o to_o such_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n
and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o what_o more_o consistent_a than_o for_o soldier_n to_o follow_v their_o captain_n he_o be_v their_o forerunner_n and_o what_o more_o usual_a than_o for_o traveller_n to_o follow_v their_o leader_n a_o forerunner_n who_o be_v for_o we_o enter_v hebr._n vi_o 20._o that_o be_v to_o take_v possession_n in_o our_o name_n and_o for_o our_o behalf_n agreeable_o to_o what_o himself_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n that_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n only_o to_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o they_o and_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o how_o bless_v and_o desirable_a then_o shall_v the_o state_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v after_o the_o resurrection_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v companion_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o even_o share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o present_a happiness_n a_o happiness_n which_o however_o inconceivable_a in_o this_o life_n be_v excellent_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o latter_a word_n of_o my_o text_n where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o sit_v to_o denote_v the_o permanence_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o show_v the_o power_n majesty_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o he_o be_v invest_v such_o be_v the_o glorious_a consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o such_o will_v be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o we_o also_o if_o we_o diligent_o observe_v the_o apostle_n precept_n which_o he_o infer_v from_o our_o rise_n with_o christ_n that_o we_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o châ—…ist_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n settle_v not_o his_o abode_n upon_o earth_n he_o stay_v no_o long_o than_o to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v even_o while_o he_o remain_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v far_o more_o reserve_v than_o before_o his_o resurrection_n abstain_v from_o a_o public_a and_o ordinary_a conversation_n and_o resume_v not_o the_o common_a office_n of_o mortal_a life_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v but_o only_o to_o convince_v his_o follower_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o resurrection_n not_o but_o that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v continue_v all_o these_o action_n until_o his_o ascension_n with_o the_o same_o innocency_n and_o freedom_n from_o sin_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o his_o whole_a life_n but_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o teach_v we_o thereby_o that_o after_o our_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a resurrection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o employ_v our_o care_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o live_v here_o as_o if_o we_o live_v not_o carry_v our_o thought_n much_o high_o even_o whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n not_o but_o that_o we_o may_v and_o even_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o prudent_a care_n for_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o world_n while_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o rest_v here_o or_o make_v this_o our_o ultimate_a end_n but_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o secure_v those_o more_o noble_a end_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o society_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n this_o all_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v our_o far_a great_a concern_v and_o then_o sure_o our_o utmost_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o what_o we_o earnest_o love_v we_o can_v but_o diligent_o seek_v it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o desire_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o action_n in_o we_o and_o whatsoever_o we_o perform_v even_o the_o most_o trifle_a action_n arise_v from_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v say_v so_o much_o as_o to_o desire_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v not_o to_o obtain_v they_o by_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o propose_v by_o god_n if_o we_o retain_v a_o unlawful_a love_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o prefer_v the_o satisfaction_n proceed_v from_o they_o before_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o next_o and_o however_o we_o be_v say_v abstract_o to_o desire_n these_o yet_o certain_o in_o that_o case_n we_o desire_v they_o not_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o nay_o we_o even_o quit_v our_o desire_n of_o they_o which_o we_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o reject_v when_o we_o espouse_v a_o interest_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o far_o be_v this_o from_o any_o christian_a to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o lord_n resurrection_n and_o yet_o refuse_v the_o offer_n of_o share_v with_o he_o in_o it_o we_o have_v all_o already_o by_o our_o baptism_n and_o by_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n profess_v to_o die_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o rise_v with_o he_o and_o if_o we_o falsify_v not_o these_o resolution_n we_o can_v but_o set_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o to_o die_v be_v to_o suspend_v or_o to_o cease_v the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n and_o if_o yet_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v retain_v if_o the_o same_o care_n be_v employ_v on_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o which_o be_v before_o any_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a &_o better_a life_n be_v give_v if_o the_o same_o love_n the_o same_o desire_n of_o earthly_a satisfaction_n continue_v such_o a_o person_n can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o body_n to_o be_v natural_o dead_a which_o yet_o continue_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o walk_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n after_o those_o thing_n do_v the_o gentile_n seek_v who_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v hope_v only_o in_o this_o life_n who_o expect_v no_o satisfaction_n but_o what_o they_o reap_v here_o below_o from_o these_o a_o christian_a separate_v himself_o by_o his_o baptism_n profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o a_o different_a society_n which_o proceed_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o found_v his_o interest_n in_o another_o life_n he_o abandon_v his_o pretension_n to_o the_o unlimited_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n crucify_v his_o affection_n and_o die_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v rise_v with_o christ_n rise_v with_o he_o here_o to_o a_o new_a life_n that_o he_o may_v rise_v with_o he_o to_o glory_n hereafter_o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o bless_a hope_n he_o often_o consider_v of_o his_o lord_n resurrection_n he_o celebrate_v the_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o comfort_v his_o afflict_a church_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n by_o restore_v to_o her_o the_o presence_n of_o her_o belove_a saviour_n he_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o himself_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v raise_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o now_o that_o the_o bodily_a presence_n of_o his_o lord_n be_v after_o his_o ascension_n take_v from_o he_o he_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o confirm_v his_o hope_n by_o the_o frequent_a participation_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o he_o esteem_v these_o sacred_a symbol_n receive_v and_o eat_v by_o he_o as_o a_o infallible_a pledge_n of_o his_o own_o resurrection_n agreeable_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o account_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a earnest_n of_o their_o future_a resurrection_n as_o be_v persuade_v that_o as_o god_n permit_v not_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n to_o see_v corruption_n so_o neither_o will_v he_o suffer_v his_o symbolical_a body_n to_o be_v imprison_v in_o the_o grave_a for_o ever_o by_o the_o reception_n of_o these_o sacred_a element_n we_o be_v incorporate_v with_o christ_n and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o thereby_o obtain_v the_o high_a assurance_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v that_o as_o he_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o three_o day_n so_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o we_o who_o be_v thereby_o member_n of_o his_o body_n in_o his_o due_a time_n only_o let_v we_o by_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o live_n to_o he_o by_o renounce_v the_o inordinate_a affection_n of_o the_o flesh_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o
of_o singular_a instance_n of_o providence_n in_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a and_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a and_o relate_v not_o only_o particular_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o also_o from_o the_o frequency_n of_o they_o form_v and_o deliver_v general_a rule_n that_o wickedness_n never_o escape_v unpunished_a or_o innocence_n unrewarded_a in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o act_n cheerful_o and_o submissive_o in_o that_o station_n on_o in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o the_o supreme_a author_n of_o life_n have_v place_v he_o to_o receive_v not_o only_o without_o murmur_v but_o also_o with_o reverence_n all_o dispensation_n proceed_v from_o he_o he_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v he_o if_o sincere_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o he_o nor_o suffer_v his_o innocence_n to_o pass_v unregarded_a which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o rely_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o necessary_a one_o of_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o these_o hope_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o unerring_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o goodness_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v abundant_o find_v there_o i_o come_v next_o to_o show_v by_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n ii_o what_o force_n and_o weight_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v superad_v to_o the_o natural_a or_o precedent_a reason_n and_o '_o ground_n of_o trust_n and_o reliance_n in_o god_n and_o therein_o of_o consolation_n in_o danger_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o natural_a or_o under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o mankind_n be_v terminate_v in_o this_o life_n and_o although_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o visible_a experience_n of_o the_o great_a disproportion_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n induce_v many_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o impartial_a survey_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n will_v be_v take_v after_o death_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o dissolution_n receive_v then_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o its_o action_n as_o consider_v man_n can_v not_o but_o esteem_v this_o as_o most_o rational_a in_o itself_o so_o not_o unlikely_a yet_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gentile_n little_o more_o than_o some_o faint_a hope_n and_o wish_n and_o in_o the_o jew_n wrap_v up_o in_o obscure_a prophecy_n or_o uncertain_a interpretation_n but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n these_o conjecture_n be_v advance_v into_o certainty_n these_o hope_n into_o assurance_n the_o reliance_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n consequent_a to_o they_o which_o in_o the_o former_a can_v not_o but_o be_v faint_a and_o weak_a become_v now_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a to_o a_o christian_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n who_o disow_v the_o place_n of_o his_o hope_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n it_o seem_v not_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o labour_n under_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n since_o these_o affect_v not_o his_o grand_a concern_v hinder_v not_o his_o real_a happiness_n and_o many_o time_n tend_v high_o to_o promote_v it_o in_o take_v that_o profession_n on_o he_o he_o renounce_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gratify_v his_o lust_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n profess_v himself_o a_o citizen_n of_o another_o country_n and_o list_v himself_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o these_o resolution_n proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n to_o attain_v his_o end_n be_v not_o amaze_v at_o any_o terror_n or_o disaster_n which_o may_v meet_v he_o in_o the_o way_n decline_v they_o indeed_o as_o far_o as_o prudence_n will_v permit_v but_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n to_o avoid_v they_o a_o natural_a consequence_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v root_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o the_o real_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o another_o life_n that_o cross_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n hinder_v not_o the_o acquifition_n of_o this_o supreme_a good_a and_o ofttimes_o promote_v it_o if_o public_a calamity_n invade_v the_o church_n if_o private_a misery_n affect_v himself_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v neither_o scandalize_v at_o the_o one_o nor_o despair_n through_o the_o other_o he_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v happy_a if_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n without_o his_o own_o fault_n his_o affliction_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o he_o may_v correct_v his_o wander_a thought_n and_o fix_v his_o hope_n upon_o god_n alone_o but_o that_o in_o no_o case_n it_o tend_v to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o chief_a and_o ultimate_a end_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o another_o life_n the_o exceed_a happiness_n of_o that_o fruition_n so_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o petty_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o life_n that_o no_o affliction_n no_o calamity_n so_o grievous_a can_v happen_v to_o any_o one_o which_o will_v not_o seem_v light_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o bless_a hope_n man_n may_v lessen_v our_o enjoyment_n here_o below_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n or_o envy_n of_o man_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o augment_v and_o improve_v they_o above_o for_o so_o the_o father_n do_v general_o expound_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n follow_v the_o text_n in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v many_o and_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n prepare_v for_o you_o to_o be_v distribute_v according_a to_o your_o great_a or_o less_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o only_a ambition_n worthy_a of_o a_o christian_a to_o aim_v at_o a_o eminent_a station_n in_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o preference_n will_v be_v no_o injury_n to_o another_o nor_o diminish_v another_o happiness_n contrary_a to_o the_o proceed_n of_o this_o world_n where_o the_o greatness_n or_o estate_n of_o one_o man_n can_v be_v raise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o upon_o the_o ruin_n or_o decay_n of_o another_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v indeed_o nor_o be_v it_o expect_v by_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v free_v himself_o absolute_o from_o all_o concern_n for_o thing_n here_o below_o such_o impassibility_n will_v be_v one_o of_o our_o chief_a perfection_n when_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v raise_v above_o this_o corruptible_a condition_n and_o become_v spiritualise_v but_o to_o aim_v at_o it_o in_o this_o life_n may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o impossible_a design_n but_o certain_o not_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v here_o citizen_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o such_o bind_v to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o general_a member_n of_o a_o civil_a society_n and_o as_o such_o oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o our_o country_n member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o as_o such_o command_v to_o labour_n for_o the_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n last_o in_o our_o own_o private_a capacity_n god_n design_v at_o least_o some_o sort_n of_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n for_o man_n when_o he_o place_v he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o we_o may_v lawful_o pursue_v and_o improve_v as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n sobriety_n and_o religion_n will_v permit_v to_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o require_v by_o god_n that_o in_o most_o case_n it_o may_v become_v a_o crime_n but_o the_o exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n require_v we_o not_o to_o be_v anxious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o any_o contingency_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o transport_v with_o passion_n arise_v from_o either_o the_o sense_n or_o the_o prospect_n of_o unhappy_a accident_n in_o this_o world_n as_o may_v embroil_v our_o mind_n disturb_v our_o thought_n and_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o more_o noble_a and_o divine_a duty_n much_o less_o to_o conclude_v ourselves_o unhappy_a to_o despond_v and_o murmur_v to_o repine_v at_o the_o public_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o distract_v the_o soul_n with_o melancholy_a thought_n of_o private_a misfortune_n such_o a_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n will_v be_v most_o unworthy_a a_o rational_a man_n much_o moâ—…e_o a_o know_v christian_a who_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o
be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o render_v himself_o true_o happy_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n and_o amid_o all_o the_o disaster_n of_o fortune_n the_o injury_n of_o man_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n to_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o high_a call_n and_o attain_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o labour_n but_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o warn_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v that_o common_a error_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v so_o prone_a of_o conclude_v from_o private_a misfortune_n or_o public_a â—…alamities_n that_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o and_o withdraw_v his_o protection_n and_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o despair_n and_o misery_n man_n be_v so_o much_o enure_v to_o pass_v judgement_n from_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v apt_a false_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n have_v disow_v they_o and_o withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n as_o often_o as_o he_o interpose_v not_o his_o power_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o injury_n and_o oppression_n from_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n thus_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o news_n of_o their_o lord_n intention_n to_o leave_v the_o earth_n and_o return_v to_o heaven_n can_v hardly_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o bodily_a preâ—…ence_n from_o they_o he_o will_v continuâ—…_n his_o care_n of_o they_o or_o favour_n to_o they_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o grief_n and_o despair_n give_v up_o themselves_o for_o lose_v and_o begin_v to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o love_n and_o reality_n of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o great_a a_o affliction_n to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o their_o belove_a master_n that_o no_o christian_a since_o those_o day_n can_v pretend_v to_o have_v endure_v such_o a_o loss_n but_o in_o a_o christian_a assure_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o another_o life_n know_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n and_o the_o method_n direct_v by_o christ_n to_o attain_v it_o it_o be_v inexcusable_a to_o form_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o disfavour_n of_o god_n from_o temporal_a affliction_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n it_o can_v but_o happen_v that_o misfortune_n will_v attend_v the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o whole_a society_n be_v involve_v in_o general_a calamity_n but_o then_o none_o will_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o the_o fix_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v violate_v to_o satisfy_v these_o particular_a case_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concern_v than_o the_o relief_n of_o particular_a irregularity_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v both_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v settle_v such_o law_n of_o government_n in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v themselves_o true_o happy_a none_o become_v true_o miserable_a but_o through_o their_o own_o default_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o god_n do_v often_o even_o in_o this_o world_n interpose_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n or_o faithful_a servant_n but_o the_o motive_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n herein_o may_v be_v so_o various_a and_o different_a that_o no_o certain_a argument_n of_o favour_n or_o disfavour_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o he_o may_v bring_v misfortune_n upon_o pious_a man_n to_o correct_v they_o to_o restrain_v their_o passion_n or_o afford_v they_o opportunity_n of_o improve_n particular_a virtue_n and_o duty_n he_o may_v confer_v temporal_a felilicity_n on_o wicked_a man_n to_o oblige_v they_o by_o benefit_n to_o repentance_n or_o to_o serve_v and_o promote_v some_o wonderful_a end_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n which_o they_o little_o think_v of_o and_o contribute_v to_o it_o without_o their_o knowledge_n he_o may_v punish_v the_o good_a in_o this_o life_n for_o their_o sin_n of_o omission_n passion_n or_o inadvertency_n that_o so_o he_o may_v reward_v they_o in_o the_o next_o for_o their_o more_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n he_o may_v reward_v bad_a man_n in_o this_o life_n for_o those_o few_o good_a action_n which_o they_o do_v that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n when_o he_o shall_v punish_v they_o in_o another_o world_n for_o their_o habitual_a wickedness_n and_o disobedience_n he_o may_v continue_v their_o present_a condition_n whether_o of_o riches_n or_o poverty_n to_o either_o because_o he_o who_o know_v the_o constitution_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n foresee_v that_o the_o one_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v his_o innocenâ—…e_n and_o the_o other_o grow_v much_o worse_o in_o a_o different_a state_n of_o life_n he_o may_v punish_v with_o general_a calamity_n the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o public_a society_n which_o can_v be_v punish_v as_o such_o in_o another_o life_n and_o than_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o any_o good_a man_n who_o share_n in_o the_o society_n shall_v require_v to_o be_v exempt_v by_o so_o many_o private_a miracle_n from_o the_o universal_a calamity_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v receive_v indeed_o many_o and_o greatpromise_n of_o particular_a favour_n and_o assistance_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o this_o divine_a favour_n shall_v exert_v itself_o in_o bestow_v of_o temporal_a prosperity_n affliction_n and_o persecution_n may_v be_v sometime_o far_o more_o convenient_a to_o the_o church_n to_o restore_v her_o decay_a diâ—…cipline_n to_o revive_v her_o languish_a zeal_n to_o awaken_v the_o negligent_a to_o separate_v the_o false_a to_o reform_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o the_o church_n have_v indeed_o experience_v in_o all_o age_n manifest_a interposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o favour_n of_o she_o she_o have_v be_v often_o free_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o her_o persecutor_n the_o design_n of_o apostate_n and_o infection_n of_o heretic_n king_n have_v be_v she_o nurse_v father_n and_o queen_n her_o nurse_n mother_n she_o have_v surmount_v the_o opposition_n of_o all_o her_o enemy_n and_o through_o a_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o many_o age_n enjoy_v both_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n reduce_v at_o the_o crucifixion_n and_o departure_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o that_o miserable_a condition_n which_o we_o before_o represent_v be_v comfort_v and_o reanimated_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o the_o approach_a feast_n of_o pentecost_n heaven_n then_o declare_v for_o they_o by_o confer_v extraordinary_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n on_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o confirm_v their_o preach_a with_o no_o less_o wonderful_a miracle_n which_o remove_v their_o anxiety_n convince_v they_o that_o the_o love_n of_o their_o master_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v both_o continue_a and_o increase_v to_o they_o and_o enable_v they_o to_o subdue_v the_o victorious_a roman_a empire_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v the_o arm_n of_o god_n to_o be_v shorten_v to_o we_o we_o of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v more_o than_o once_o even_o in_o this_o age_n deliver_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n from_o danger_n of_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o fanaticism_n on_o the_o other_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o be_v not_o to_o raise_v confident_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o prosperity_n to_o his_o church_n he_o have_v promise_v indeed_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o the_o faith_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o destroy_v nor_o a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n want_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o have_v no_o where_o engage_v that_o she_o shall_v always_o enjoy_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o outward_a peace_n external_n grandeur_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o land_n of_o rest_n in_o a_o upper_a chamber_n as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o stately_a temple_n after_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n our_o lord_n bid_v we_o not_o be_v trouble_v nor_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o overmuch_o anxiety_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o design_a reward_n but_o then_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o require_v as_o a_o