salvation_n of_o man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v procure_v thereby_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v incline_v by_o their_o own_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o wish_v well_o to_o their_o fellow-creature_n to_o be_v concern_v at_o their_o welfare_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v if_o not_o with_o equal_a yet_o with_o like_a reason_n who_o possess_v soul_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o alike_o immortal_a by_o these_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o number_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n former_o diminish_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o lucifer_n and_o his_o associate_n be_v to_o be_v repair_v all_o which_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v unconcern_v in_o the_o felicity_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o although_o the_o divine_a dispoposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n of_o it_o but_o when_o by_o the_o order_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n as_o we_o read_v hebr._n i._n 14._o there_o be_v abundant_a reason_n for_o this_o their_o exultation_n since_o without_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n their_o labour_n have_v be_v whole_o vain_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n not_o capable_a of_o relief_n but_o after_o they_o see_v this_o at_o once_o make_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a in_o a_o rapture_n of_o joy_n they_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o hymn_n of_o praise_n for_o if_o there_o be_v joy_n among_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o be_v save_v how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n be_v redeem_v and_o make_v capable_a of_o salvation_n even_o the_o angel_n themselves_o although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o mankind_n receive_v signal_n benefit_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o their_o happiness_n consist_v in_o contemplate_v and_o praise_v the_o nature_n the_o attribute_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n their_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v finite_a as_o be_v their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o every_o addition_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o increase_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o great_a benefit_n which_o in_o their_o state_n they_o can_v receive_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n i._n 12._o that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o that_o before_o this_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n xxiv_o 36._o but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n but_o my_o father_n only_o when_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o thereby_o begin_v to_o complete_a the_o wonderful_a mystery_n of_o man_n salvation_n then_o clear_o appear_v to_o these_o bless_a spirit_n what_o be_v before_o obscure_a to_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n the_o mysterious_a secret_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o signification_n of_o prophecy_n which_o go_v before_o the_o purport_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o other_o rational_a being_n this_o new_a knowledge_n administer_v to_o they_o fresh_a reason_n of_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o increase_v their_o happiness_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o angel_n move_v by_o great_a reason_n to_o join_v in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n but_o why_o they_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o audible_o so_o as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o shepherd_n as_o st._n luke_n relate_v we_o be_v still_o to_o inquire_v that_o angel_n which_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o this_o office_n have_v new_o finish_v his_o message_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o happiness_n which_o will_v thence_o ensue_v to_o all_o mankind_n when_o immediate_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n be_v present_a with_o he_o and_o sing_v this_o hymn_n this_o without_o doubt_n be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o hear_v it_o and_o other_o who_o shall_v know_v by_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o benefit_n to_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o birth_n be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n on_o who_o the_o angel_n so_o attend_v we_o find_v not_o that_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o prophet_n be_v usher_v in_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n as_o on_o mount_n sina_n to_o moses_n on_o mount_n horeb_n to_o elias_n but_o it_o be_v still_o attend_v with_o some_o other_o visible_a sign_n as_o in_o both_o those_o place_n by_o extraordinary_a commotion_n in_o the_o air_n which_o also_o represent_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o old_a law_n and_o in_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o which_o god_n descend_v upon_o earth_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o we_o find_v it_o foretell_v by_o one_o angel_n proclaim_v by_o another_o and_o celebrate_a 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n this_o declare_v his_o majesty_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n if_o not_o of_o his_o person_n yet_o at_o least_o of_o his_o mission_n now_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o angel_n praise_v god_n upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o will_v show_v that_o all_o those_o reason_n which_o may_v induce_v the_o angel_n to_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o hymn_n of_o praise_n be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o more_o persuasive_a to_o they_o if_o the_o angel_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o divine_a glory_n wrought_v hereby_o and_o be_v not_o we_o oblige_v to_o magnify_v the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a emanation_n of_o they_o both_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o rational_a soul_n if_o the_o angel_n so_o far_o rejoice_v in_o the_o benefit_n and_o salvation_n of_o other_o how_o much_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v thankful_a who_o reap_v the_o advantage_n upon_o who_o the_o benefit_n be_v bestow_v if_o the_o angel_n be_v glad_a to_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n accomplish_v much_o more_o sure_o shall_v men_n esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v who_o enjoy_v it_o so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n if_o the_o angel_n have_v reason_n man_n have_v much_o more_o to_o celebrate_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n with_o this_o hymn_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n i_o will_v consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o and_o first_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o desire_n of_o what_o have_v not_o as_o a_o approbation_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v towards_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n the_o addition_n of_o in_o the_o high_a signify_v either_o in_o heaven_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o what_o follow_v peace_n on_o earth_n be_v a_o completion_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n sing_v o_o heaven_n and_o rejoice_v o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v redeem_v jacob_n etc._n etc._n or_o more_o natural_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o higheâ—â—â—â—gree_n in_o which_o sense_n this_o phrase_n be_v â—ost_o frequent_o understand_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o psal._n xciii_o 4._o where_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o septuagint_n the_o lord_n be_v mighty_a in_o the_o high_a that_o be_v mighty_a above_o all_o and_o sure_o with_o great_a reason_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o give_v the_o high_a glory_n to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o eternal_a attribute_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o any_o other_o effect_n whatsoever_o and_o from_o whence_o he_o receive_v the_o great_a glory_n which_o be_v ever_o pay_v by_o mankind_n to_o god_n to_o pursue_v this_o in_o particular_a consideration_n the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n do_v never_o appear_v so_o eminent_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o this_o mystery_n true_o do_v st._n john_n say_v 1_o joh._n iu_o 9_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v
of_o gratitude_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a corporeal_a bondage_n and_o leave_v we_o without_o any_o obligation_n of_o render_v public_a and_o solemn_a honour_n to_o he_o for_o free_v we_o from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a slavery_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o feast_n of_o easter_n institute_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o redemption_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o they_o appoint_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n christ_n be_v our_o passover_n as_o we_o hear_v this_o morning_n from_o 1_o cor._n v._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o christian_a festival_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v they_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o no_o less_o religion_n than_o be_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n gratitude_n and_o devotion_n because_o they_o commemorate_v far_o great_a benefit_n that_o this_o festival_n therefore_o be_v particular_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n immediate_o after_o their_o time_n do_v most_o evident_o manifest_v it_o scarce_o be_v st._n john_n the_o last_o liver_n of_o the_o apostle_n dead_a when_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n begin_v to_o divide_v about_o the_o time_n of_o solemnize_n easter_n not_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v solemnize_v but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a or_o a_o movable_a feast_n both_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o custom_n as_o for_o a_o essential_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o indeed_o strain_v a_o circumstance_n too_o far_o but_o clear_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o easter_n be_v then_o by_o all_o christian_n account_v a_o essential_a institution_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a to_o vary_v the_o least_o circumstance_n former_o receive_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o festival_n have_v succeed_v instead_o of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o do_v prefigure_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o our_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o they_o in_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb._n as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o remove_v all_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o house_n so_o we_o be_v to_o put_v away_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o they_o then_o sing_v hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o consummate_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o day_n as_o they_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n in_o a_o habit_n and_o posture_n express_v their_o readiness_n to_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a testimony_n of_o rejoice_v and_o mutual_a kindness_n so_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o be_v pay_v upon_o this_o day_n with_o a_o bitter_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n to_o go_v wherever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o be_v for_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a thanksgiving_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v form_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o more_o particular_o for_o raise_v to_o life_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n so_o by_o worthy_o celebrate_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o shall_v obtain_v to_o be_v hereafter_o admit_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o share_v in_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o now_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o april_n 5_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o whereby_o we_o chief_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o god_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o necessity_n to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v annex_v and_o so_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o effect_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o which_o this_o verse_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n in_o it_o the_o word_n easy_o direct_v i_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v ii_o the_o place_n of_o it_o every_o where_o iii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n to_o enforce_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o command_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_v herein_o by_o divine_a commission_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v long_o since_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n found_v by_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v his_o commission_n before_o he_o impose_v the_o command_n a_o command_n not_o first_o introduce_v by_o he_o but_o often_o repeat_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o since_o none_o as_o i_o suppose_v will_v dispute_v the_o command_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o proceed_v to_o do_v first_o then_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v by_o man_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v necessary_a to_o we_o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n at_o first_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o afterward_o all_o his_o life_n long_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o maintain_v by_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o that_o service_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o pay_v and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o adore_v his_o majesty_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o own_o his_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o profess_v himself_o the_o creature_n the_o servant_n the_o subject_a of_o god_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o as_o such_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n for_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o we_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n have_v set_v he_o beyond_o all_o want_n of_o external_a aid_n and_o even_o beyond_o all_o increase_n of_o happiness_n even_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o our_o worship_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o less_o require_v of_o we_o since_o it_o declare_v our_o conviction_n of_o that_o gratitude_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o benefit_n and_o his_o power_n that_o honour_n worship_n and_o reverence_n which_o belong_v
more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a
miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v yet_o present_a to_o confess_v he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n while_o his_o body_n be_v yet_o visible_a to_o acknowledge_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a when_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n proclaim_v no_o less_o all_o this_o will_v have_v be_v so_o slight_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n so_o little_o deserve_v any_o commendation_n or_o reward_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o even_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v to_o avoid_v but_o when_o the_o object_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o yet_o discover_v by_o reason_n when_o the_o eye_n do_v not_o see_v what_o the_o affection_n still_o embrace_v when_o the_o soul_n cease_v not_o to_o hope_v upon_o probable_a and_o just_a motive_n what_o it_o never_o receive_v by_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o noble_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n worthy_a of_o a_o spiritual_a be_v and_o worthy_a of_o a_o divine_a reward_n and_o such_o a_o reward_n have_v our_o lord_n annex_v to_o it_o pronounce_v joh._n xx._n 29._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v this_o blessedness_n christ_n by_o his_o ascension_n have_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o without_o that_o have_v want_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n to_o acquire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n further_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therein_o his_o exaltation_n to_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o glory_n be_v in_o justice_n due_a to_o his_o precedent_n meritorious_a suffering_n which_o be_v therefore_o assign_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o exaltation_n by_o st._n paul_n phil._n ii_o he_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 etc._n etc._n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o etc._n etc._n the_o humility_n manifest_v by_o he_o in_o his_o incarnation_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o passion_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o example_n of_o former_a time_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o descend_v from_o his_o seat_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o in_o this_o nature_n he_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o the_o ordinary_a satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o but_o live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n and_o all_o this_o for_o his_o own_o creature_n who_o far_o from_o deserve_v such_o a_o favour_n from_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o from_o their_o creation_n will_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o and_o continue_v their_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a humiliation_n that_o none_o other_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v have_v effect_v and_o therefore_o be_v in_o justice_n to_o be_v crown_v with_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v receive_v namely_o that_o that_o body_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o depress_v shall_v be_v raise_v above_o all_o creature_n shall_v be_v place_v above_o angel_n and_o archangel_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n shall_v for_o ever_o remain_v unite_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therewith_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o principal_a seat_n and_o throne_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n last_o to_o name_v no_o more_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o so_o he_o may_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n perform_v all_o which_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n have_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n or_o he_o have_v denounce_v of_o himself_o it_o be_v long_o since_o typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o propitiation_n which_o represent_v the_o final_a atonement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v command_v by_o god_n that_o the_o high_a priest_n shall_v enter_v but_o once_o every_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n that_o be_v upon_o that_o day_n when_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n he_o pass_v through_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o part_n of_o it_o into_o that_o place_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n represent_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n this_o visible_a world_n from_o which_o opinion_n join_v with_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n of_o that_o day_n it_o appear_v as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n argue_v ix_o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v by_o a_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a tabernacle_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v slay_v shall_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n here_o below_o and_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n the_o throne_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n shall_v there_o present_v his_o blood_n blood_n of_o that_o inestimable_a value_n as_o need_v not_o be_v shed_v and_o present_v every_o year_n but_o as_o he_o once_o appear_v in_o the_o low_a world_n to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o so_o once_o for_o all_o he_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n not_o to_o appear_v again_o until_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n with_o majesty_n and_o great_a glory_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a the_o same_o be_v fortolde_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n lxviii_o 18._o and_o from_o thence_o urge_v by_o st._n paul_n ephes._n iu._n 8._o thou_o have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a into_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o original_a word_n thou_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a thou_o have_v receive_v gift_n for_o men._n a_o prophecy_n which_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v neither_o be_v apply_v to_o moses_n nor_o to_o joshua_n nor_o to_o david_n himself_o nor_o to_o any_o illustrious_a conqueror_n of_o that_o nation_n who_o never_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o to_o christ_n alone_o who_o real_o and_o bodily_a ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o subdue_v sin_n death_n hell_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o ascension_n visible_o triumph_v over_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o captive_n when_o that_o body_n which_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o itself_o have_v destroy_v sin_n be_v in_o reward_n of_o that_o meritorious_a suffer_v advance_v into_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v continual_o present_a with_o god_n when_o that_o body_n which_o have_v be_v subject_v to_o death_n and_o afterward_o be_v raise_v from_o it_o receive_v now_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o its_o immortality_n be_v raise_v into_o heaven_n where_o be_v no_o place_n of_o corruption_n leave_v when_o the_o captain_n of_o man_n salvation_n visible_o ascend_v unto_o the_o eternal_a place_n of_o happiness_n have_v first_o promise_v to_o draw_v all_o his_o faithful_a follower_n after_o he_o and_o from_o whence_o he_o dispense_v the_o precious_a and_o glorious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n if_o these_o prophecy_n and_o type_n foretell_v and_o prefigure_v the_o ascension_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v seem_v obscure_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o glorious_a kingdom_n this_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o lord_n office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n permit_v he_o not_o to_o receive_v on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n there_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mean_a reward_n to_o his_o humility_n patience_n and_o suffering_n precede_v his_o resurrection_n to_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v dignify_v with_o a_o reward_n common_a ofttimes_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n the_o greatness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o design_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v contemn_v by_o he_o and_o that_o divinity_n which_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v cloud_v or_o depress_v but_o to_o shine_v forth_o in_o its_o full_a lustre_n can_v find_v no_o fit_a habitation_n upon_o earth_n which_o in_o
it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o i_o will_v proceed_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o example_n of_o haman_n confess_v that_o all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n avail_v he_o nothing_o ii_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o avail_v he_o nor_o will_v avail_v any_o other_o who_o with_o haman_n place_v his_o happiness_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o they_o i._o the_o example_n of_o haman_n be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o instructive_a a_o most_o evident_a argument_n of_o that_o truth_n for_o which_o we_o now_o contend_v which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o greatness_n he_o enjoy_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o can_v enhance_v the_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n among_o these_o none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v that_o he_o rise_v to_o this_o grandeur_n from_o a_o mean_a estate_n which_o set_v a_o better_a relish_n upon_o his_o happiness_n and_o make_v it_o the_o more_o valuable_a to_o he_o to_o one_o who_o have_v all_o his_o life_n long_o enjoy_v the_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o prosperity_n these_o honour_n may_v appear_v of_o lesser_a value_n a_o satiety_n of_o pleasure_n may_v in_o such_o have_v extinguish_v a_o esteem_n of_o they_o he_o may_v not_o know_v how_o to_o prize_v they_o because_o he_o never_o know_v the_o want_n of_o they_o to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o constant_a plenty_n of_o all_o that_o sense_n can_v desire_v will_v ofttimes_o produce_v a_o greatness_n of_o mind_n surmount_v at_o last_o those_o petty_a object_n for_o the_o desire_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v restless_a so_o that_o what_o he_o have_v always_o possess_v he_o will_v scarce_o think_v desirable_a it_o be_v novelty_n which_o recommend_v temporal_a enjoyment_n the_o want_n of_o they_o first_o raise_v a_o desire_n of_o they_o and_o their_o absence_n minister_v a_o esteem_n of_o their_o greatness_n haman_n have_v no_o doubt_n while_o yet_o in_o a_o mean_a condition_n before_o he_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o or_o advance_v by_o his_o prince_n admire_v the_o honour_n and_o riches_n of_o other_o man_n envy_v their_o happiness_n and_o bound_v his_o hope_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o like_a fortune_n he_o have_v often_o imagine_v he_o shall_v be_v true_o happy_a when_o he_o shall_v have_v obtain_v what_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o happiness_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o his_o mind_n have_v fill_v his_o thought_n and_o possess_v his_o soul_n and_o now_o after_o his_o desire_n be_v accomplish_v his_o hope_n be_v fulfil_v when_o he_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o great_a dignity_n than_o himself_o before_o have_v even_o dare_v to_o hope_n when_o he_o be_v far_o advance_v above_o all_o those_o who_o happiness_n he_o have_v so_o long_o both_o envy_v and_o admire_v when_o he_o be_v new_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o have_v not_o so_o long_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o they_o as_o to_o be_v glut_v by_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o advantage_n he_o declare_v this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o again_o if_o such_o a_o confession_n shall_v proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o philosopher_n it_o may_v possible_o be_v attribute_v to_o somewhat_o else_o than_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n it_o may_v arise_v from_o vainglory_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o be_v repute_v superior_a to_o all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v speak_v with_o design_n of_o raise_v a_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o extraordinary_a wisdom_n or_o mortification_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o object_v to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o they_o secret_o entertain_v the_o love_n of_o those_o vice_n against_o which_o they_o so_o furious_o declaim_v and_o direct_v their_o discourse_n rather_o for_o applause_n than_o conviction_n or_o if_o such_o a_o say_n shall_v proceed_v from_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n in_o they_o it_o still_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v because_o they_o know_v or_o pretend_v to_o know_v a_o more_o real_a and_o desirable_a happiness_n so_o that_o to_o depress_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o exaggerate_v those_o of_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o more_o than_o their_o profession_n do_v require_v of_o they_o or_o if_o a_o christian_a shall_v make_v such_o a_o declaration_n after_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o reward_v propose_v to_o he_o in_o another_o we_o shall_v much_o less_o be_v move_v at_o it_o in_o he_o that_o will_v be_v but_o natural_a he_o profess_v himself_o a_o citizen_n of_o another_o world_n a_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n upon_o the_o earth_n who_o hope_n and_o expectation_n be_v place_v in_o heaven_n but_o when_o a_o profess_a worlding_n who_o know_v no_o happiness_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o this_o life_n who_o never_o consider_v or_o conceive_v a_o spiritual_a felicity_n who_o greedy_o seek_v after_o secular_a advantage_n and_o make_v those_o the_o only_a object_n of_o his_o desire_n if_o such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o fruition_n declare_v his_o unsatisfaction_n this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a evidence_n which_o nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v extort_v which_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o such_o be_v haman_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n a_o slave_n to_o his_o passion_n a_o votary_n to_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o even_o he_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v hitherto_o so_o ardent_o desire_v confess_v that_o it_o avail_v he_o nothing_o further_o this_o speech_n of_o haman_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o sudden_a motion_n but_o of_o mature_a deliberation_n a_o worldly_a man_n perhaps_o may_v be_v drive_v by_o some_o disappointment_n or_o unwelcome_a accident_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o mammon_n and_o in_o a_o hasty_a concession_n to_o declare_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n to_o renounce_v his_o part_n in_o they_o and_o pretend_v that_o he_o do_v not_o value_v they_o yet_o will_v be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v take_v at_o his_o word_n and_o strip_v of_o all_o such_o sally_n of_o passion_n declare_v not_o the_o fix_a judgement_n of_o a_o man_n and_o not_o proceed_v from_o deliberation_n carry_v no_o authority_n with_o they_o but_o the_o resolution_n of_o haman_n in_o my_o text_n be_v far_o otherwise_o he_o pronounce_v this_o in_o a_o sedate_n disposition_n after_o long_a consultation_n he_o send_v for_o his_o friend_n to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v do_v not_o immediate_o break_v out_o into_o a_o transport_n of_o passion_n and_o bewail_v his_o misfortune_n he_o recount_v and_o amplify_v the_o benefit_n of_o fortune_n to_o he_o take_v a_o full_a prospect_n of_o all_o his_o imaginary_a happiness_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 11._o verse_n and_o haman_n tell_v they_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o child_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o king_n have_v promote_v he_o and_o how_o he_o have_v advance_v he_o above_o the_o prince_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o king_n he_o give_v its_o due_a weight_n to_o every_o circumstance_n of_o his_o present_a fortune_n insist_v upon_o all_o the_o topic_n which_o may_v amplify_v the_o greatness_n of_o it_o magnify_v it_o in_o a_o set_a harangue_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o a_o strange_a conclusion_n for_o a_o haman_n to_o make_v which_o yet_o will_v carry_v great_a weight_n along_o with_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o representation_n make_v to_o he_o by_o his_o friend_n who_o he_o have_v call_v together_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o riches_n the_o mutability_n of_o his_o fortune_n or_o the_o mortality_n of_o his_o nature_n such_o suggestion_n may_v possible_o have_v divert_v his_o vainglorious_a humour_n for_o a_o while_n to_o a_o melancholy_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o in_o that_o disposition_n have_v force_v he_o to_o make_v this_o concession_n as_o solon_n do_v to_o croesus_n make_v a_o pompous_a show_n of_o his_o â—_z and_o magnificence_n and_o the_o prophet_n reduce_v king_n hezekiah_n to_o more_o humble_a thought_n after_o he_o have_v in_o ostentation_n expose_v his_o riches_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o ambassador_n of_o babylon_n by_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v carry_v away_o to_o babylon_n in_o that_o case_n to_o restrain_v the_o love_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o for_o a_o while_o seem_v weary_a of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v accountable_a but_o here_o the_o friend_n of_o haman_n far_o from_o perform_v such_o a_o office_n seek_v rather_o to_o congratulate_v his_o fortune_n to_o flatter_v his_o passion_n to_o foment_n his_o pride_n and_o ambition_n by_o concur_v in_o a_o
his_o kingdom_n thus_o far_o reason_n will_v direct_v we_o but_o then_o revelation_n give_v we_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o immediate_a protection_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o be_v tell_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n with_o faith_n exclude_v doubt_n he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o argument_n include_v a_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o administer_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n satisfy_v his_o justice_n and_o declare_v his_o goodness_n thus_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o thus_o we_o can_v conceive_v his_o nature_n without_o adore_v it_o can_v consider_v his_o judgement_n and_o justice_n without_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n and_o obey_v his_o command_n thus_o be_v we_o on_o every_o side_n surround_v with_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n improve_v the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o argument_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o four_o of_o august_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v among_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o mankind_n none_o be_v more_o fatal_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o ordinary_a than_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o merit_n it_o be_v a_o deplorable_a misfortune_n indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n so_o near_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o who_o pretend_v to_o fathom_n heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o discover_v the_o property_n of_o invisible_a being_n and_o extend_v his_o knowledge_n both_o to_o precedent_n and_o future_a time_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o his_o own_o condition_n and_o entertain_v erroneous_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v merit_n not_o to_o comprehend_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v no_o wonder_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o essence_n surpass_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o finite_a understanding_n not_o to_o conceive_v accurate_o the_o property_n of_o immaterial_a being_n whether_o angel_n or_o separate_a soul_n may_v be_v excusable_a immateriality_n may_v easy_o confound_v a_o apprehension_n enure_v only_o to_o sensible_a object_n but_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o dignity_n the_o capacity_n of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v just_o admire_v if_o the_o frequency_n of_o such_o mistake_v do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o admiration_n of_o they_o if_o they_o extend_v no_o far_a than_o speculation_n they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v pardon_v and_o befit_v the_o consideration_n of_o philosopher_n only_o and_o think_v man_n but_o when_o they_o reach_v to_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o soul_n introduce_v false_a principle_n of_o practice_n which_o at_o last_o become_v fatal_a to_o the_o real_a interest_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v concern_v all_o man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o acquire_v more_o just_a conception_n to_o this_o purpose_n reason_n invite_v we_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o ourselves_o to_o contract_v our_o thought_n and_o not_o carry_v they_o beyond_o our_o merit_n to_o form_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o our_o perfection_n and_o not_o in_o a_o overween_a confidence_n of_o they_o enlarge_v our_o pretension_n beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v direct_v indeed_o more_o particular_o to_o those_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n whether_o of_o knowledge_n miracle_n or_o other_o grace_n despise_v their_o fellow_n christian_n who_o be_v less_o gift_v become_v proud_a and_o arrogant_a invade_v the_o office_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o violate_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o deliver_v in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o equal_o oppose_v all_o other_o error_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o merit_n recommend_v by_o a_o peculiar_a preface_n of_o divine_a authority_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o direct_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o although_o all_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o particular_a exorbitance_n and_o propose_v in_o such_o a_o general_a precept_n as_o will_v obviate_v all_o the_o aforemention_v mistake_v and_o inconvenience_n not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v i_o shall_v consider_v it_o then_o as_o such_o a_o general_a precept_n and_o show_v i._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o ii_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o i._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o fond_a and_o exorbitant_a pretension_n of_o man_n with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o nature_n man_n be_v apt_a falâ—ly_o to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a sort_n of_o be_v than_o he_o real_o be_v he_o please_v himself_o with_o vast_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o dignity_n and_o upon_o confidence_n of_o they_o raise_v his_o pretension_n to_o matter_n beyond_o his_o capacity_n at_o least_o beyond_o his_o merit_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n from_o hence_o be_v derive_v the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v our_o present_a and_o future_a misery_n the_o wicked_a angel_n have_v lead_v the_o way_n who_o be_v no_o soon_o create_v but_o reflect_v on_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o dignity_n of_o their_o order_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o understanding_n become_v proud_a and_o insolent_a rebel_v against_o god_n and_o attempt_v a_o independency_n on_o the_o crown_n of_o heaven_n man_n soon_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o reflect_v on_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v then_o entire_a and_o vigorous_a exalt_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o present_a condition_n which_o be_v then_o free_a from_o care_n and_o cross_n entertain_v a_o foolish_a ambition_n of_o improve_n his_o nature_n to_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a even_o of_o make_v himself_o like_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o be_v false_o persuade_v by_o the_o serpent_n that_o the_o way_n to_o compass_n his_o design_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o fall_v from_o his_o former_a happiness_n and_o entail_v misery_n upon_o all_o his_o posterity_n who_o happiness_n be_v from_o thence_o abate_v their_o faculty_n enervate_v and_o their_o perfection_n lessen_v yet_o can_v not_o the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o their_o first_o parent_n nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o much_o great_a imperfection_n divert_v succeed_a mankind_n from_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o mistake_v they_o lose_v the_o dignity_n but_o retain_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o forefather_n keep_v up_o their_o pretension_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o overgreat_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o impiety_n of_o atheist_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v whole_o independent_a from_o god_n and_o deny_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o existence_n from_o he_o to_o omit_v the_o profaneness_n of_o ancient_a epicurean_o and_o many_o modern_a deist_n who_o disown_n his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_v absolute_o from_o his_o dominion_n even_o those_o who_o own_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o still_o continue_v extravagant_a pretence_n to_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v design_v for_o they_o we_o common_o imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o that_o all_o other_o being_n heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o animal_n be_v create_v mere_o for_o our_o service_n hence_o we_o form_v a_o lofty_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o excellence_n and_o look_v down_o upon_o other_o creature_n with_o disdain_n we_o grow_v angry_a if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v not_o continual_o conspire_v to_o advance_v our_o interest_n we_o think_v ourselves_o injure_v if_o the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o violate_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o concern_v we_o project_n extraordinary_a scheme_n
therein_o than_o he_o do_v before_o scarce_o any_o man_n however_o have_v plentiful_o enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n if_o his_o life_n can_v be_v renew_v to_o he_o upon_o condition_n of_o live_v again_o in_o the_o same_o and_o in_o no_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o do_v before_o will_v esteem_v it_o any_o great_a benefit_n he_o may_v perhaps_o accept_v it_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n because_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v but_o for_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o it_o he_o will_v hardly_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v desirable_a such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n consider_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o what_o great_a excellency_n can_v be_v discover_v in_o all_o this_o which_o may_v nourish_v our_o pride_n or_o enlarge_v our_o pretence_n so_o inconsiderable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v mankind_n and_o then_o shall_v so_o mean_v a_o be_v vie_n with_o god_n require_v the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v overrule_v for_o his_o sake_n become_v swell_v with_o pride_n think_v himself_o more_o worthy_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o continual_o aspire_v to_o great_a privilege_n than_o be_v at_o first_o assign_v to_o he_o alas_o poor_a mortal_n however_o thou_o may_v advance_v thy_o pretence_n and_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o thy_o own_o greatness_n that_o body_n which_o thou_o carry_v about_o with_o thou_o and_o can_v not_o shake_v off_o that_o very_a body_n upon_o which_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o it_o thou_o so_o much_o valu_a thyself_o proclaim_v thy_o imperfection_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v thou_o dust_n and_o ash_n thy_o end_n will_v manifest_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o will_v only_o express_v thy_o infirmity_n i_o want_v a_o word_n to_o express_v the_o vanity_n of_o thy_o mind_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v thou_o nothing_o thyself_o have_v often_o confess_v thyself_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o nothing_o when_o amid_o the_o cross_n of_o fortune_n or_o torment_n of_o disease_n thou_o have_v often_o wish_v to_o become_v nothing_o for_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o will_v once_o again_o wish_v it_o after_o death_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o correct_v thy_o foolish_a arrogance_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v man_n in_o general_a to_o value_v himself_o upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o as_o to_o the_o divers_a pretension_n beforementioned_a have_v yet_o much_o less_o if_o atheist_n pretend_v a_o independent_a existence_n from_o god_n let_v they_o demonstrate_v it_o by_o continue_v their_o existence_n for_o ever_o if_o they_o can_v at_o first_o bestow_v existence_n upon_o themselves_o they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o power_n always_o continue_v it_o if_o this_o exceed_v their_o ability_n much_o more_o will_v the_o other_o if_o deist_n assert_v the_o action_n of_o man_n to_o be_v uncontrolled_a by_o god_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o he_o let_v they_o reconcile_v to_o such_o stupid_a negligence_n the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v in_o god_n let_v they_o stifle_v if_o they_o can_v the_o check_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o sin_n commit_v in_o secret_a and_o solve_v the_o undeniable_a character_n of_o extraordinary_a providence_n interpose_v in_o the_o world_n these_o impious_a opinion_n indeed_o can_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o any_o reveal_v religion_n but_o the_o other_o may_v as_o first_o that_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o the_o service_n of_o man_n alone_o a_o opinion_n which_o however_o general_o take_v up_o by_o man_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o excite_v their_o gratitude_n to_o their_o creator_n yet_o seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o too_o great_a a_o esteem_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o tend_v direct_o to_o â—oment_n its_o pride_n it_o be_v certain_a indeed_o that_o almost_o all_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n that_o god_n have_v not_o deny_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o may_v indeed_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n man_n be_v create_v for_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o woman_n for_o the_o man_n that_o be_v not_o for_o that_o end_n alone_o but_o for_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n and_o thus_o even_o the_o angel_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o man_n be_v send_v forth_o as_o minister_a spirit_n to_o such_o as_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o imagine_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v only_o for_o the_o use_n and_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n have_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o be_v so_o far_o superior_a to_o we_o in_o dignity_n will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a arrogance_n and_o to_o assert_v it_o even_o of_o other_o create_a being_n will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n perhaps_o not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o what_o be_v we_o concern_v in_o so_o many_o vast_a orb_n as_o be_v beyond_o our_o heaven_n i_o know_v many_o have_v imagine_v they_o to_o have_v be_v create_v for_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reception_n of_o our_o glorify_a body_n after_o the_o resurrection_n but_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o conceit_n to_o need_v any_o refutation_n even_o in_o the_o visible_a world_n no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n lay_v undiscovered_a and_o not_o a_o little_a of_o what_o we_o know_v be_v whole_o unuseful_a to_o we_o it_o become_v we_o rather_o with_o reverence_n to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n our_o common_a creator_n than_o endeavour_n to_o set_v ourselves_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o flatter_v ourselves_o into_o a_o ambitious_a opinion_n of_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o ascribe_v so_o much_o excellency_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n ought_v to_o be_v violate_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o be_v a_o pride_n exceed_v all_o comparison_n as_o if_o the_o petty_a interest_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n than_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a order_n and_o therein_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o earth_n and_o heaven_n which_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n direct_v by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o we_o but_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v overturn_v and_o the_o general_a law_n of_o its_o government_n be_v reverse_v for_o we_o yet_o this_o unreasonable_a expectation_n general_o seize_v man_n in_o affliction_n when_o all_o the_o hard_a word_n which_o they_o heap_v upon_o adverse_a fortune_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o impartial_a execution_n of_o which_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o little_a interest_n of_o private_a man_n produce_v that_o diversity_n of_o accident_n which_o be_v general_o call_v fortune_n far_o to_o murmur_v at_o the_o divine_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n because_o no_o more_o excellent_a or_o more_o certain_a happiness_n be_v assign_v to_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a ambition_n of_o be_v more_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o real_o be_v for_o while_o we_o be_v a_o compound_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n endue_v with_o gross_a organ_n of_o sense_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o pleasure_n shall_v be_v other_o than_o gross_a and_o adapt_v to_o the_o organ_n of_o their_o reception_n that_o be_v our_o sense_n we_o may_v tire_v ourselves_o in_o hunt_v after_o new_a method_n of_o happiness_n and_o afflict_v ourselves_o in_o the_o disappointment_n of_o they_o but_o while_o our_o nature_n continue_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o same_o order_n be_v preferve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v any_o other_o than_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v mean_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o duration_n to_o propose_v the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n of_o a_o absolute_a imperturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o constant_a infallibility_n be_v no_o less_o vain_a and_o to_o boast_v of_o such_o perfection_n as_o some_o have_v do_v little_o less_o than_o madness_n our_o present_a nature_n admit_v no_o such_o improvement_n which_o while_o we_o be_v content_a to_o own_o we_o must_v also_o own_o those_o
imperfection_n which_o necessary_o do_v attend_v it_o error_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v yet_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o unreasonable_a because_o not_o found_v in_o internal_a perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o in_o extraneous_a advantage_n such_o as_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o unaccountable_a favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o prefer_v some_o man_n before_o other_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o either_o a_o easy_a way_n indeed_o of_o gain_v heaven_n and_o as_o what_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o man_n be_v common_o acceptable_a to_o they_o a_o please_a delusion_n but_o such_o man_n be_v to_o know_v that_o although_o themselves_o proceed_v herein_o without_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o a_o strong_a imagination_n prompt_v by_o a_o vehement_a pride_n yet_o that_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n never_o act_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o any_o partiality_n and_o dispense_v his_o favour_n with_o the_o most_o exact_a justice_n if_o they_o believe_v god_n will_v oversee_v fault_n in_o they_o which_o he_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o in_o other_o they_o prefer_v themselves_o to_o the_o inestimable_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o purchase_v a_o particular_a covenant_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n they_o fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o their_o sake_n last_o if_o any_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n by_o their_o own_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o extraordinary_a dignity_n since_o it_o imply_v a_o absolute_a independency_n from_o god_n but_o as_o this_o be_v blasphemous_a so_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v high_o criminal_a if_o we_o perform_v a_o exact_a and_o unsine_v obedience_n we_o shall_v still_o do_v no_o more_o than_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v what_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o right_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o even_o in_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o have_v oblige_v any_o person_n when_o we_o pay_v a_o just_a debt_n to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o many_o sin_n more_o numerous_a than_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o first_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o our_o own_o will_n the_o latter_a the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n enable_v we_o and_o work_v with_o we_o that_o the_o first_o be_v always_o perfect_a the_o latter_a even_o when_o best_a still_o imperfect_a we_o shall_v find_v abundant_a argument_n of_o humility_n but_o none_o of_o arrogance_n ii_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v by_o i_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o prevent_v these_o fatal_a error_n which_o have_v be_v mark_v out_o and_o oppose_v by_o we_o but_o also_o extend_v to_o many_o action_n of_o life_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o first_o this_o will_v secure_v to_o we_o constant_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n amid_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o be_v wont_a to_o render_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n uneasy_a may_v be_v reduce_v either_o to_o the_o want_n of_o some_o desire_a good_a or_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o vexarious_a evil._n and_o herein_o man_n put_v no_o bound_n to_o their_o desire_n or_o resentment_n they_o passionate_o desire_v the_o acquisition_n of_o some_o good_a or_o removal_n of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v sometime_o impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o ofttimes_o deny_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n hereupon_o they_o grow_v discontent_v many_o time_n repine_v against_o god_n and_o think_v themselves_o injure_v and_o all_o upon_o a_o mistake_a supposal_n of_o their_o deserve_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v desire_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v contract_v their_o ambitious_a desire_n and_o think_v sober_o as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o man_n be_v no_o such_o excellent_a creature_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v change_v or_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o please_v his_o fancy_n that_o if_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n attend_v his_o body_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o if_o adverse_a fortune_n do_v afflict_v he_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o steady_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o universe_n whereof_o himself_o be_v but_o a_o inconsiderable_a member_n if_o the_o grant_n of_o his_o desire_n be_v deny_v to_o he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n his_o merit_n be_v too_o small_a to_o require_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o wish_n if_o all_o these_o together_o trouble_v he_o he_o have_v no_o injury_n do_v unto_o he_o he_o can_v accuse_v heaven_n of_o injustice_n all_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o then_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o continue_v his_o existence_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o absurd_a to_o desire_v to_o change_v the_o property_n of_o it_o if_o he_o murmur_v against_o god_n because_o his_o nature_n be_v not_o more_o excellent_a he_o show_v himself_o yet_o more_o unreasonable_a since_o all_o proceed_v from_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o our_o creator_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v thankful_a that_o we_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o order_n of_o beast_n than_o repine_v because_o we_o be_v set_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o angel_n second_o this_o will_v teach_v we_o humility_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sobriety_n of_o thought_n or_o just_a esteem_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o that_o first_o with_o our_o fellow_n christian_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a precept_n direct_v it_o against_o those_o who_o upon_o supposal_n of_o their_o extraordinary_a merit_n above_o other_o man_n boast_v of_o a_o particular_a favour_n with_o god_n despise_v their_o brethren_n as_o carnal_a and_o perhaps_o reprobate_a make_v ostentation_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o pretend_v to_o those_o which_o real_o they_o do_v not_o possess_v and_o in_o confidence_n of_o either_o invade_v those_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o presume_v to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o such_o spiritual_a pride_n have_v in_o all_o age_n continue_v to_o infest_v the_o church_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o molest_v it_o but_o since_o i_o have_v hitherto_o wave_v the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o particular_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o will_v return_v to_o the_o more_o general_a use_v of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o 3._o this_o will_v teach_v we_o humility_n towards_o god_n and_o give_v we_o a_o just_a idea_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o form_v any_o rational_a act_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o without_o obtain_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n which_o can_v attract_v his_o love_n that_o our_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n can_v confer_v no_o benefit_n upon_o he_o that_o neither_o our_o celebrate_v he_o on_o earth_n nor_o our_o society_n in_o heaven_n will_v add_v to_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o present_a happiness_n it_o will_v demonstrate_v the_o inconceivable_a greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n towards_o we_o in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o in_o proclaim_v pardon_n to_o our_o sin_n in_o offer_v term_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o when_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v in_o we_o which_o can_v deserve_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n it_o will_v add_v to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o such_o inconsiderable_a creature_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o bestow_v upon_o we_o one_o full_a pardon_n of_o all_o precedent_a sin_n but_o renew_v his_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o man_n shall_v sincere_o renew_v their_o repentance_n in_o give_v assurance_n to_o we_o of_o all_o this_o by_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o own_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n which_o for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o continue_v and_o often_o celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o whosoever_o approach_v with_o humility_n faith_n and_o repentance_n will_v assure_o receive_v remission_n of_o his_o sin_n past_a and_o grace_n to_o avoid_v they_o for_o the_o future_a but_o without_o these_o preparative_n disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v the_o benefit_n upon_o a_o
our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o manner_n of_o temptation_n in_o each_o case_n be_v not_o different_a be_v in_o each_o case_n effect_v by_o inward_a suggestion_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n visible_o appear_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n to_o have_v propose_v his_o allure_a temptation_n without_o any_o disguise_n will_v more_o have_v prejudice_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o than_o all_o the_o specious_a argument_n wherewith_o he_o recommend_v they_o can_v have_v enforce_v they_o he_o tempt_v christ_n by_o insinuate_v secret_o into_o his_o mind_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o that_o since_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n he_o have_v better_o satisfy_v his_o hunger_n by_o turn_v the_o stone_n into_o bread_n than_o endure_v it_o any_o long_o in_o await_v the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o to_o leap_v off_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o be_v carry_v safe_a in_o the_o air_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o raise_v his_o glory_n and_o fame_n among_o man_n and_o that_o if_o he_o will_v employ_v that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o gain_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o lord_n and_o thus_o he_o continue_v to_o tempt_v we_o with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o excellent_a wisdom_n know_v that_o all_o those_o suggestion_n proceed_v from_o that_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v those_o evil_a motion_n which_o we_o then_o find_v within_o ourselves_o to_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o since_o these_o suggestion_n be_v usual_o specious_a argument_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o be_v find_v in_o sin_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o this_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o understanding_n which_o as_o they_o imagine_v raise_v they_o beyond_o the_o trifle_a superstition_n of_o religious_a fool_n who_o be_v content_a to_o forfeit_v the_o chief_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v they_o know_v not_o who_o and_o suffer_v they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n whereby_o they_o alone_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o reconcile_v all_o these_o sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v to_o their_o pretence_n of_o future_a happiness_n when_o indeed_o pious_a man_n know_v no_o less_o than_o they_o what_o be_v the_o specious_a argument_n recommend_v sinful_a pleasure_n and_o by_o what_o method_n they_o may_v be_v best_a enhance_v but_o they_o will_v not_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o such_o consideration_n and_o if_o suggest_v to_o they_o present_o do_v remove_v they_o not_o only_o because_o by_o attention_n to_o they_o they_o be_v endanger_v to_o be_v allure_v or_o betray_v to_o consent_v to_o they_o but_o also_o because_o voluntary_o to_o continue_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o dwell_v upon_o they_o be_v a_o sin_n since_o this_o include_v a_o connivance_n of_o the_o will_n not_o restrain_v the_o imagination_n from_o such_o impure_a idea_n and_o be_v common_o attend_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o complacency_n which_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o put_v the_o please_a sin_n in_o practice_n so_o then_o the_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o elude_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o decline_v his_o suggestion_n immediate_o to_o remove_v even_o the_o first_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o divert_v the_o soul_n to_o some_o lawful_a object_n but_o because_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o strong_o excite_v by_o some_o violent_a object_n or_o impression_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v even_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o suppress_v it_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n as_o we_o see_v in_o violent_a passion_n which_o can_v no_o more_o be_v allay_v by_o one_o act_n of_o dissent_n in_o the_o will_n than_o a_o tempestuous_a sea_n be_v calm_v in_o one_o minute_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o provide_v remedy_n against_o such_o adventure_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a be_v that_o prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n v._o 29._o 30._o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o otherwise_o indifferent_a object_n thou_o find_v thyself_o often_o betray_v to_o a_o unlawful_a use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o any_o other_o sin_n deprive_v thyself_o even_o of_o that_o lawful_a pleasure_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o expose_v thy_o soul_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o total_a destruction_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_a not_o only_o that_o apparent_a but_o even_o all_o real_a satisfaction_n if_o by_o any_o please_a object_n of_o sight_n thou_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v tempt_v to_o unlawful_a desire_n by_o a_o prudent_a caution_n debar_v thyself_o even_o of_o those_o otherwise_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o that_o noble_a faculty_n if_o grateful_a object_n of_o touch_n do_v often_o excite_v such_o vehement_a passion_n in_o thou_o as_o can_v be_v satisfy_v without_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o thence_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n without_o lust_a after_o she_o suffer_v not_o thy_o eye_n to_o gaze_v upon_o she_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o engage_v in_o company_n without_o be_v tempt_v to_o drunkenness_n deny_v thyself_o so_o dangerous_a a_o satisfaction_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n a_o most_o divine_a counsel_n and_o excellent_o fit_v to_o defeat_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o propensity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n to_o sin_n every_o man_n may_v discover_v in_o himself_o a_o proneness_n to_o some_o particular_a sin_n beyond_o other_o of_o which_o evil_a spirit_n make_v their_o advantage_n and_o most_o frequent_o assault_v man_n by_o incite_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o here_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v chief_o careful_a and_o rather_o than_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o it_o dread_v even_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o suspect_v even_o his_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o object_n to_o which_o the_o sin_n relate_v and_o if_o all_o this_o circumspection_n prevent_v not_o the_o return_n of_o his_o unlawful_a passion_n as_o oft_o as_o the_o object_n be_v renew_v to_o renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o at_o least_o until_o those_o passion_n can_v be_v so_o far_o allay_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v again_o entertain_v the_o object_n without_o any_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o most_o frequent_a case_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o that_o be_v when_o the_o idea_n produce_v by_o the_o object_n or_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o it_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o a_o single_a dissent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o caution_n be_v either_o by_o our_o own_o negligence_n or_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o our_o adversary_n or_o both_o actual_o produce_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n chief_o appear_v the_o devil_n be_v vigilant_a and_o unwearied_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o design_n attack_n we_o on_o all_o side_n successive_o if_o he_o be_v repulse_v at_o one_o post_n he_o assault_v we_o at_o another_o and_o never_o give_v over_o till_o he_o gain_v entrance_n here_o be_v the_o chief_a conflict_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_n spirit_n excit_v his_o imagination_n when_o his_o passion_n be_v raise_v by_o this_o conception_n when_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n grow_v impetuous_a oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o reason_n and_o require_v blind_o to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o this_o to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v the_o devil_n opportunity_n to_o assault_v we_o and_o success_n in_o it_o this_o proceed_v no_o far_a than_o the_o bare_a satisfaction_n of_o sense_n it_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n look_v not_o up_o to_o heaven_n nor_o discern_v any_o future_a hope_n therein_o common_a with_o beast_n who_o pursue_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o present_a object_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o futurity_n this_o continual_o incit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v the_o object_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o without_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v allow_v or_o forbid_v
to_o the_o soul_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o invest_v with_o immortality_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n devest_v of_o these_o gross_a sense_n which_o now_o accompany_v we_o and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o worldly_a and_o admire_a pleasure_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vileness_n of_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o can_v be_v make_v happy_a without_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o any_o real_a worth_n god_n will_v have_v continue_v they_o to_o we_o in_o another_o life_n but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v way_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o humane_a happiness_n by_o the_o abolishment_n of_o all_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o despoil_v the_o body_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n be_v light_a and_o trifle_a incompatible_a with_o real_a happiness_n and_o unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o the_o body_n those_o pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o our_o body_n be_v capable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a so_o much_o to_o admire_v here_o below_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n delight_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n finite_a short_a and_o contemptible_a the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o increase_v their_o worth_n but_o then_o this_o very_a repetition_n become_v nauseous_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v common_o produce_v by_o a_o irregular_a appetite_n but_o always_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o when_o perform_v they_o leave_v no_o satisfaction_n behind_o they_o they_o cloy_v the_o appetite_n and_o by_o their_o frequency_n become_v troublesome_a and_o even_o odious_a to_o we_o be_v finish_v in_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o leave_v nothing_o grateful_a behind_o they_o but_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v end_n with_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o life_n may_v be_v obstruct_v by_o disease_n and_o calamity_n a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n in_o who_o all_o the_o greatness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v join_v he_o preside_v over_o a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a people_n and_o that_o in_o great_a glory_n than_o all_o the_o king_n before_o or_o after_o he_o so_o that_o if_o ambition_n worldly_a honour_n and_o pomp_n can_v make_v he_o happy_a he_o possess_v they_o all_o in_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o fame_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n among_o neighbour_n nation_n can_v increase_v this_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v from_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o east_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o mouth_n if_o riches_n can_v confer_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o desire_a perfection_n none_o can_v put_v in_o a_o better_a claim_n for_o it_o than_o he_o in_o who_o time_n gold_n be_v esteem_v no_o more_o than_o iron_n and_o silver_n as_o stone_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o last_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v complete_a our_o happiness_n none_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o he_o at_o who_o command_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o profound_a and_o uninterrupted_a peace_n all_o his_o life_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v that_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o suppose_a mean_n of_o happiness_n he_o assure_v we_o eccles._n ii_o 10._o that_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o nor_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n nay_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o curiosity_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v nothing_o unattempted_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o know_v madness_n and_o folly_n eccles._n i._n 17._o one_o who_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o can_v by_o his_o exquisite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n heighten_v and_o refine_v these_o pleasure_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o they_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n if_o then_o no_o real_a happiness_n if_o no_o solid_a pleasure_n can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n from_o riches_n and_o the_o outward_a pomp_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v recur_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o happiness_n true_o solid_a and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a none_o but_o a_o vast_a and_o infinite_a good_a can_v satisfy_v the_o unbounded_a desire_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o eternity_n itself_o can_v satiate_v a_o immortal_a be_v for_o however_o our_o soul_n be_v finite_a as_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v yet_o our_o will_n have_v no_o limit_n but_o continual_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o unless_o that_o good_a which_o they_o already_o possess_v can_v receive_v no_o far_o addition_n this_o good_a be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v fix_v our_o restless_a will_n and_o by_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n ravish_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pleasure_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o be_v a_o happiness_n true_o peculiar_a to_o spiritual_a being_n who_o alone_o can_v contemplate_v the_o majesty_n and_o inimitable_a goodness_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o by_o so_o do_v secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n infinite_a in_o itself_o not_o inferior_a to_o the_o vast_a desire_n of_o the_o will_n which_o survive_v all_o the_o change_n of_o fortune_n malice_n of_o man_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o if_o we_o can_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o greatness_n of_o these_o spiritual_a pleasure_n their_o convenience_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o infinite_a duration_n of_o they_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o they_o immerse_v in_o gross_a and_o earthly_a delight_n so_o far_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o willing_a nor_o perhaps_o able_a to_o receive_v these_o great_a and_o more_o real_a enjoyment_n by_o attend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v even_o change_v the_o nature_n and_o nobleness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o from_o guide_n and_o director_n make_v they_o mere_a instrument_n to_o our_o body_n devest_v they_o of_o all_o remembrance_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a degrade_v they_o into_o a_o servile_a condition_n and_o be_v we_o not_o sometime_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v perhaps_o forget_v that_o we_o be_v create_v in_o a_o condition_n little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thus_o far_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n revelation_n do_v the_o same_o no_o less_o full_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o wean_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o thing_n above_o to_o withdraw_v we_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o seat_v we_o at_o last_o in_o heaven_n to_o this_o the_o whole_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o religion_n plain_o tend_v command_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n undergo_v persecution_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o even_o suffer_v death_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o who_o love_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n or_o possession_n beyond_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o among_o other_o precept_n command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n of_o nature_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n precept_n all_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v forgo_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n destroy_v rather_o than_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o least_o be_v injure_v our_o
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o mean_n we_o miss_v the_o end_n and_o by_o pursue_v contrary_a method_n render_v ourselves_o miserable_a that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o general_n and_o of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n to_o which_o our_o text_n more_o peculiar_o relate_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o then_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o rational_a be_v and_o as_o such_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v its_o action_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v worse_o than_o insensible_a being_n which_o all_o perform_v the_o several_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o by_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o command_n of_o their_o creator_n whereas_o the_o soul_n in_o contract_a habit_n of_o sin_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n debase_v its_o own_o nature_n rebel_n against_o god_n and_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o its_o creation_n for_o for_o this_o very_a end_n our_o soul_n be_v create_v that_o they_o shall_v act_n as_o spiritual_a being_n and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n insert_v in_o they_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n form_v by_o our_o reason_n at_o least_o maintain_v if_o not_o advance_v our_o nature_n when_o afterward_o through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n these_o rule_n be_v corrupt_v and_o our_o judgement_n blind_v god_n give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n and_o let_v we_o know_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n give_v we_o and_o a_o soul_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n then_o or_o violate_v it_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v our_o nature_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a sort_n of_o being_n for_o as_o sin_n turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n so_o it_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o somewhat_o worse_a than_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v still_o continue_v soul_n but_o that_o do_v but_o augment_v their_o misery_n because_o be_v immortal_a they_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a always_o gnaw_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o degenerous_a action_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o own_o deprave_a nature_n second_o sin_n destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v and_o in_o these_o will_v consist_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o serene_a meditation_n upon_o the_o unparalleled_a perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o a_o ardent_a and_o perpetual_a love_n of_o he_o and_o conscience_n of_o be_v love_v by_o he_o now_o sin_n set_v a_o man_n at_o enmity_n with_o god_n make_v he_o unworthy_a his_o favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o such_o contemplation_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v on_o he_o with_o delight_n who_o we_o account_v our_o enemy_n or_o how_o can_v we_o not_o esteem_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o law_n we_o violate_v and_o who_o precept_n we_o contemn_v the_o conscience_n of_o this_o divine_a anger_n alone_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n than_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v force_v to_o say_v god_n have_v create_v i_o and_o do_v now_o preserve_v i_o but_o think_v i_o unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o esteem_v i_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o heaven_n shall_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a miracle_n be_v bestow_v upon_o wicked_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o relish_v with_o they_o nor_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o last_o sin_n defeat_v the_o future_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o exclude_v it_o from_o its_o intend_a reward_n and_o engage_v it_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o probationer_n for_o another_o be_v a_o be_v of_o itself_o capable_a of_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o act_v here_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o great_a perfection_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o by_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o this_o world_n gain_v admittance_n into_o the_o next_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
nature_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v it_o that_o it_o will_v infinite_o aggravate_v the_o sharpness_n of_o its_o pain_n for_o its_o immortality_n will_v render_v they_o eternal_a and_o its_o understanding_n will_v heighten_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n sinner_n often_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o miserable_a condition_n and_o fancy_n themselves_o seat_v in_o paradise_n when_o environ_v with_o pleasure_n and_o glut_v with_o enjoyment_n they_o can_v stifle_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o secure_o make_v use_n of_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n but_o in_o hell_n their_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o the_o sharpness_n of_o their_o torment_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o rest_n and_o if_o those_o shall_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o will_v they_o still_o be_v torment_v with_o a_o inward_a fire_n so_o much_o the_o more_o violent_a because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v certain_o convince_v in_o judgement_n that_o they_o act_v against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o reason_n in_o run_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o gross_a and_o trifle_a pleasure_n we_o may_v next_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o chief_o intend_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n against_o which_o christ_n fore-arm_n his_o follower_n by_o inculcate_v this_o necessary_a truth_n of_o prefer_v the_o good_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n for_o this_o foul_a sin_n be_v ever_o commit_v for_o some_o temporal_a end_n be_v too_o odious_a to_o recommend_v itself_o without_o some_o outward_a advantage_n man_n deny_v not_o their_o god_n out_o of_o a_o dislike_n or_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o a_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n prevent_v some_o inconvenience_n or_o gratify_v some_o lusts._n this_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o contagion_n with_o idolatry_n under_o the_o old_a law_n for_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o true_a one_o and_o the_o first_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o latter_a how_o heinous_a god_n account_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v chief_o direct_v against_o this_o sin_n alone_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v employ_v against_o it_o and_o all_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n ever_o inflict_v upon_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o this_o cause_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o record_n leave_v in_o sacred_a history_n of_o any_o pardon_n ever_o grant_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o indeed_o a_o wilful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n dissolve_v the_o very_a union_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o pardon_n such_o a_o person_n open_o by_o his_o act_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o god_n bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o and_o disclaim_v his_o pardon_n it_o will_v prostitute_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o make_v it_o cheap_a and_o easy_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o such_o execrable_a villainy_n which_o do_v violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o very_a last_o effort_n of_o impiety_n this_o can_v but_o degrade_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o affinity_n to_o god_n and_o debar_v it_o from_o all_o near_a approach_n to_o his_o presence_n we_o can_v hope_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n leave_v in_o god_n after_o a_o denial_n of_o he_o nor_o can_v without_o horror_n entertain_v any_o remembrance_n of_o he_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v our_o soul_n happy_a with_o the_o continual_a meditation_n of_o his_o perfection_n or_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o future_a fruition_n of_o he_o in_o that_o case_n it_o will_v be_v our_o interest_n to_o banish_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o remove_v from_o ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a all_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o dread_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o future_a torment_n thus_o a_o denial_n of_o god_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o only_o render_v we_o unhappy_a but_o cause_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v yet_o more_o unhappy_a by_o a_o total_a and_o wilful_a stifle_v of_o all_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o god_n in_o which_o alone_a true_a happiness_n consist_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o notorious_a apostasy_n when_o any_o one_o open_o renounce_v his_o religion_n and_o deny_v his_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o case_n in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o often_o happen_v but_o also_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o no_o less_o formal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n than_o that_o beforementioned_a where_o the_o sinner_n put_v in_o the_o scale_n the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o sin_n with_o the_o future_a consequence_n and_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o it_o and_o after_o have_v weigh_v each_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n of_o which_o he_o be_v very_o conscious_a and_o prefer_v the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sin_n this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o no_o less_o true_a apostasy_n than_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o god_n for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whosoever_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a choice_n prefer_v the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v never_o forego_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v first_o then_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o great_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o due_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o render_v our_o soul_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o happy_a as_o we_o possible_o can_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o all_o the_o care_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o provide_v necessary_n or_o rather_o superfluity_n to_o the_o body_n or_o attend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o that_o no_o far_a use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o serve_v as_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o body_n to_o heighten_v its_o enjoyment_n and_o refine_v its_o pleasure_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o a_o more_o noble_a be_v which_o deserve_v our_o care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o the_o loss_n of_o happiness_n may_v not_o god_n just_o say_v to_o mankind_n i_o have_v give_v to_o you_o great_a and_o celestial_a soul_n endue_v with_o wonderful_a perfection_n and_o capable_a of_o much_o great_a when_o right_o cultivate_v your_o body_n i_o form_v from_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o your_o soul_n i_o send_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o one_o i_o permit_v to_o return_v to_o corruption_n but_o the_o other_o i_o have_v invest_v with_o immortality_n how_o just_o may_v i_o expect_v that_o you_o will_v have_v value_v these_o two_o according_a to_o their_o several_a worth_n and_o dignity_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o indeed_o starve_v the_o body_n nor_o tyrannize_v over_o it_o but_o however_o attend_v chief_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o intend_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n which_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o alas_o man_n be_v turn_v back_o and_o grow_v foolish_a employ_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o procure_v pleasure_n for_o his_o body_n rise_v early_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n to_o heap_v up_o riches_n for_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o bodily_a enjoyment_n make_v this_o the_o only_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o else_o as_o for_o his_o soul_n he_o make_v it_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o body_n refuse_v to_o receive_v direction_n from_o it_o and_o sometime_o forget_v that_o he_o have_v any_o what_o shall_v we_o answer_v to_o these_o expostulation_n of_o god_n i_o fear_v we_o can_v plead_v innocence_n our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n demonstrate_v the_o contrary_n we_o be_v continual_o busy_a about_o enlarge_a our_o petty_a acquisition_n in_o the_o world_n we_o trouble_v and_o turmoil_v ourselves_o about_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o body_n but_o
scripture_n be_v faid_fw-we to_o be_v the_o footstool_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a just_a and_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n ii_o and_o that_o he_o real_o do_v ascend_v thither_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o ascension_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v feel_v and_o handle_v that_o with_o which_o they_o have_v converse_v for_o forty_o day_n together_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o material_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n again_o and_o have_v perform_v all_o manner_n of_o vital_a action_n that_o very_a body_n they_o see_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o jesus_n who_o have_v rose_n again_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o who_o have_v lead_v they_o out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v visible_a and_o present_a to_o they_o till_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o his_o ascension_n as_o he_o be_v yet_o speak_v with_o they_o be_v part_v from_o they_o and_o carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n as_o we_o read_v luk._n xxiv_o which_o refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o christ_n ascend_v in_o spirit_n only_o have_v first_o put_v off_o and_o return_v to_o the_o several_a element_n that_o body_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o again_o that_o body_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v local_o present_a with_o they_o upon_o earth_n they_o see_v soon_o after_o to_o be_v real_o remove_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v into_o heaven_n for_o as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n when_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o bless_a they_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o testify_v his_o real_a and_o corporeal_a presence_n with_o they_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o next_o moment_n even_o while_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o part_v from_o they_o and_o while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n which_o prove_v his_o ascension_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o local_a translation_n from_o the_o part_n here_o below_o to_o those_o above_o and_o that_o at_o that_o moment_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_o humane_a body_n whatever_o glorious_a change_n it_o undergo_v after_o its_o reception_n into_o heaven_n the_o seat_n of_o immortality_n and_o spiritual_a being_n other_o circumstance_n deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o this_o ascension_n and_o first_o our_o lord_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v please_v to_o call_v together_o many_o if_o not_o all_o his_o disciple_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o a_o favour_n which_o be_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o conduct_n indeed_o be_v different_a but_o the_o reason_n not_o unlike_a in_o both_o case_n both_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v thenceforth_o to_o pass_v into_o necessary_a article_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o principal_a support_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o mankind_n both_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v place_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n by_o the_o attestation_n of_o many_o and_o credible_a witness_n to_o effect_v this_o at_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o any_o witness_n shall_v be_v present_a since_o the_o action_n of_o life_n visible_o and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o perform_v by_o he_o after_o his_o know_a crucifixion_n and_o burial_n abundant_o and_o even_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o some_o few_o day_n before_o he_o be_v true_o dead_a their_o sense_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o be_v now_o true_o alive_a whence_o they_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o they_o have_v actual_o see_v his_o resurrection_n whereas_o in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o ascension_n he_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v see_v by_o they_o in_o this_o life_n no_o mortal_a be_v thenceforward_o to_o see_v his_o state_n of_o glory_n or_o testify_v his_o station_n in_o heaven_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o that_o action_n which_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o testify_v and_o preach_v to_o other_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n be_v add_v to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o bless_a spirit_n far_o from_o repine_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o ascension_n exalt_v to_o a_o superior_a degree_n of_o glory_n descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o bear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o his_o arrival_n there_o as_o at_o his_o nativity_n they_o have_v do_v to_o proclaim_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o deity_n upon_o earth_n for_o it_o follow_v act_v i._o 10._o behold_v two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n which_o also_o say_v you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o apparition_n of_o angel_n a_o empty_a pageant_n or_o a_o unnecessary_a addition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n ascension_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o attendance_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n by_o their_o testimony_n concern_v his_o ascension_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o see_v he_o receive_v upon_o the_o cloud_n they_o look_v up_o and_o follow_v he_o with_o their_o eye_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sight_n can_v reach_v but_o that_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o low_a region_n and_o not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n their_o sense_n can_v not_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o lord_n be_v carry_v thither_o to_o evidence_n therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o remain_v that_o god_n by_o these_o ministerial_a spirit_n shall_v declare_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n these_o angel_n be_v wont_a to_o minister_v before_o and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v know_v to_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o they_o testify_v that_o christ_n have_v ascend_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v descend_v and_o thereby_o perfect_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n who_o sight_n can_v not_o reach_v so_o far_o far_o these_o bless_a spirit_n not_o only_o bring_v evidence_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o real_a ascension_n of_o their_o master_n into_o heaven_n but_o also_o give_v they_o comfort_n and_o alleviate_v their_o sorrow_n conceive_v for_o his_o departure_n by_o add_v those_o word_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o you_o have_v see_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n elisha_n have_v see_v his_o master_n elijah_n carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n yet_o know_v not_o certain_o how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v dispose_v of_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v he_o again_o he_o entertain_v the_o sight_n with_o grief_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o it_o rend_v his_o clothes_n nor_o have_v the_o disciple_n be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o anxiety_n without_o the_o present_a consolation_n of_o these_o angel_n when_o their_o lord_n have_v before_o his_o death_n declare_v to_o they_o his_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o the_o father_n john_n xvi_o they_o can_v not_o dissemble_v their_o grief_n as_o himself_o observe_v verse_n 6._o because_o i_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n unto_o you_o sorrow_n have_v fill_v your_o heart_n and_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n still_o retain_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o they_o have_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v not_o at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n which_o hope_n be_v total_o defeat_v by_o his_o departure_n into_o heaven_n both_o these_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o the_o angel_n happy_o do_v remove_v in_o these_o word_n they_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o take_v from_o they_o but_o themselves_o shall_v see_v he_o return_v in_o the_o last_o of_o day_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imagine_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v abolish_v they_o
the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n depend_v upon_o its_o be_v present_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v please_v to_o promise_n his_o immediate_a presence_n how_o much_o more_o efficacious_a than_o must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o not_o once_o a_o year_n but_o continual_o not_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n or_o goat_n but_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n not_o in_o a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n but_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o if_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n can_v avert_v temporal_a punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n much_o more_o will_v the_o mediation_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n free_a mankind_n from_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o their_o priest_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o same_o nature_n can_v more_o sensible_o commiserate_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o his_o people_n we_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n take_v our_o nature_n on_o he_o but_o whereas_o their_o priest_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o intercede_v we_o know_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v be_v admit_v no_o far_a than_o to_o the_o symbol_n of_o god_n presence_n to_o the_o cherubim_n and_o the_o mercy_n seat_n we_o to_o the_o very_a throne_n of_o his_o majesty_n where_o he_o continual_o plead_v his_o suffering_n on_o our_o behalf_n diffuse_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o and_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o we_o last_o if_o we_o consider_v christ_n as_o the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o humane_a life_n his_o ascension_n will_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o teach_v we_o with_o he_o to_o exalt_v our_o affection_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o place_v they_o in_o heaven_n this_o inference_n the_o apostle_n draw_v from_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n colos._n iii_o 1._o if_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n christ_n die_v to_o the_o world_n to_o instruct_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o mortify_v our_o worldly_a lust_n to_o restrain_v and_o subdue_v to_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o our_o affection_n ought_v principal_o to_o be_v fix_v that_o there_o our_o chief_a interest_n be_v place_v and_o there_o only_o perfect_a happiness_n to_o be_v expect_v can_v the_o pleasure_n the_o power_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n have_v give_v the_o most_o complete_a happiness_n our_o lord_n who_o deserve_v it_o by_o the_o most_o complete_a obedience_n which_o be_v ever_o pay_v who_o be_v more_o dear_a to_o god_n than_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o be_v himself_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o will_v have_v fix_v his_o abode_n here_o and_o not_o remove_v it_o into_o heaven_n but_o when_o immediate_o after_o his_o exaltation_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v to_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n he_o forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n he_o have_v thereby_o instruct_v we_o that_o in_o vain_a be_v true_a felicity_n to_o be_v seek_v here_o below_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v no_o adequate_a recompense_n for_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o we_o be_v indeed_o but_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o as_o many_o as_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o study_v to_o be_v true_o happy_a aught_o to_o seek_v a_o better_a country_n even_o that_o into_o which_o christ_n the_o forerunner_n be_v enter_v for_o we_o that_o so_o where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o may_v be_v also_o receive_v the_o same_o reward_n and_o be_v crown_v with_o the_o same_o happiness_n that_o so_o as_o we_o have_v imitate_v his_o ascension_n we_o may_v share_v in_o his_o glory_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_n the_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v on_o july_n 13_o 1690_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n matth._n v._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o our_o lord_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o mix_a multitude_n of_o auditor_n and_o treat_v altogether_o of_o universal_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o all_o who_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o he_o who_o speak_v it_o upon_o which_o account_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o reject_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o will_v restrain_v to_o the_o apostle_n only_o and_o their_o successor_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o this_o and_o the_o three_o forego_v verse_n which_o require_v the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n not_o to_o confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o single_a breast_n or_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o have_v discharge_v the_o office_n of_o piety_n in_o secret_a but_o to_o perform_v such_o eminent_a act_n of_o devotion_n temperance_n and_o charity_n and_o so_o to_o direct_v they_o as_o may_v promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o instruction_n of_o men._n the_o whole_a precede_a part_n of_o this_o sermon_n be_v direct_v to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_n deliver_v the_o promise_n of_o those_o beatitude_n in_o which_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v equal_o concern_v what_o follow_v treat_v concern_v the_o general_a law_n of_o justice_n temperance_n and_o charity_n so_o that_o with_o no_o good_a reason_n can_v these_o intermediate_v verse_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o apostle_n only_o if_o they_o be_v here_o call_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 13._o our_o lord_n address_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o word_n to_o great_a multitude_n as_o we_o read_v luk._n fourteen_o 25._o if_o they_o be_v style_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o 14_o verse_n sy_n paul_n apply_v the_o same_o expression_n to_o the_o philipian_o ii_o 15._o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n shine_v among_o they_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o eminent_o the_o salt_n and_o light_n of_o the_o world_n purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n remove_v the_o darkness_n of_o mankind_n by_o example_n and_o instruction_n to_o effect_v this_o by_o their_o doctrine_n be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o not_o common_a to_o other_o christian_n to_o promote_v it_o by_o their_o example_n be_v a_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o other_o christian_n it_o be_v my_o present_a purpose_n to_o treat_v of_o it_o as_o a_o universal_a duty_n to_o which_o my_o text_n direct_v i_o by_o place_v the_o light_n of_o this_o exemplariness_n which_o be_v command_v not_o in_o verbal_a instruction_n but_o in_o good_a work_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n of_o this_o than_o i_o will_v discourse_n under_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n impose_v such_o a_o exemplary_a conduct_n as_o may_v become_v a_o light_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o manner_n of_o be_v thus_o exemplary_a by_o good_a work_n iii_o the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v direct_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n iv._o the_o good_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o promotion_n of_o the_o same_o good_a work_n in_o other_o i._o concern_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v that_o of_o a_o illustrious_a example_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v direct_v we_o both_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o style_v himself_o and_o true_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v foretell_v under_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n his_o precept_n chief_o concern_v moral_a duty_n which_o he_o restore_v first_o to_o their_o primitive_a notion_n and_o purity_n and_o then_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o follower_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a manner_n than_o have_v ever_o before_o be_v do_v what_o before_o be_v esteem_v a_o attempt_n fit_a only_o for_o great_a and_o noble_a mind_n he_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n what_o other_o think_v a_o sufficient_a glory_n to_o practice_v single_o to_o excel_v in_o this_o or_o that_o single_a virtue_n he_o require_v to_o be_v perform_v conjunct_o without_o the_o omission_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v