their_o secret_a malice_n assign_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o to_o be_v their_o love_n of_o justice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o of_o their_o country_n and_o such_o be_v the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n that_o these_o pretence_n seldom_o want_v success_n cover_v the_o malice_n and_o rancour_n of_o a_o canker_a soul_n and_o give_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o secure_a opportunity_n of_o revenge_n all_o be_v apt_a to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v revenge_n when_o proceed_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o false_a honour_n which_o be_v before_o mention_v because_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v dissemble_v yet_o in_o truth_n this_o sort_n of_o revenge_n be_v infinite_o less_o criminal_a than_o the_o former_a arise_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n however_o dissemble_v and_o assume_v to_o itself_o more_o specious_a name_n this_o be_v form_v by_o a_o violent_a commotion_n of_o mind_n which_o last_v not_o many_o hour_n but_o that_o by_o a_o harden_a malice_n which_o work_v secret_o for_o many_o year_n together_o this_o be_v common_o effect_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o blood_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v scarce_o time_n to_o recollect_v itself_o or_o command_v the_o unruly_a passion_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a aggravation_n that_o any_o sin_n can_v receive_v this_o may_v sometime_o fall_v even_o upon_o a_o good_a man_n who_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n and_o from_o a_o violent_a indignation_n of_o receive_v unworthy_a injury_n may_v sudden_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o desire_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n but_o of_o the_o other_o a_o good_a man_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o hatred_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v habitual_a sin_n shall_v consist_v with_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o all_o habitual_a sin_n the_o mind_n can_v but_o many_o time_n reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o disease_n and_o be_v as_o often_o convince_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o it_o nourish_v the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o those_o sin_n often_o recur_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a of_o her_o own_o disease_n yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o man_n resolve_v to_o retain_v his_o hatred_n and_o malice_n towards_o other_o and_o in_o this_o resolution_n be_v encourage_v from_o the_o consideration_n that_o these_o sin_n be_v close_o and_o secret_a will_v consist_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o in_o his_o base_a design_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrite_n fix_v and_o determinate_a resolution_n of_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o still_o make_v use_n of_o his_o glorious_a name_n to_o carry_v on_o private_a design_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o scripture_n the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n be_v still_o denounce_v against_o hypocrite_n since_o they_o be_v all_o deliberate_a sin_n such_o as_o oppression_n covetousness_n injustice_n lie_v slander_v perfidiousness_n hatred_n and_o malice_n all_o sin_n of_o the_o most_o enormous_a gild_n and_o heighten_v by_o this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o piety_n religion_n and_o zeal_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o execute_v the_o several_a design_n of_o they_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o pretend_v a_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n as_o if_o they_o will_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o punish_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordinary_o provide_v no_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n reserve_v it_o to_o another_o yet_o oftentimes_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o these_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o punish_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o opposition_n to_o their_o humour_n fancy_n and_o design_n it_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o some_o man_n a_o unpardonable_a crime_n to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a or_o another_o party_n to_o have_v cross_v or_o oppose_v a_o design_n of_o the_o other_o although_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a or_o perhaps_o to_o have_v once_o perform_v their_o duty_n without_o partiality_n and_o corrupt_a favour_n to_o other_o when_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n do_v require_v it_o certain_o if_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n will_v be_v find_v the_o great_a of_o all_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a calamites_n overturning_a the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n great_a and_o numerous_a society_n of_o man_n such_o as_o this_o nation_n be_v can_v easy_o be_v dissolve_v without_o intestine_a division_n and_o such_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v find_v almost_o all_o the_o great_a society_n of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v break_v when_o they_o have_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o those_o continual_o practise_v upon_o each_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o preserve_v the_o religious_a or_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o country_n against_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o each_o prevail_v employ_v their_o interest_n and_o power_n not_o to_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o religion_n or_o law_n but_o to_o the_o ruin_n or_o vexation_n of_o the_o other_o i_o will_v not_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o own_o nation_n or_o bring_v any_o instance_n from_o our_o time_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o engage_v in_o any_o party_n but_o if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o example_n of_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n cover_v under_o such_o specious_a pretence_n thus_o when_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n resolve_v to_o take_v away_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o put_v on_o a_o mighty_a show_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a service_n and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o roman_a governor_n as_o a_o enemy_n unto_o cesar_n although_o themselves_o indeed_o care_v so_o little_a for_o cesar_n that_o they_o have_v at_o that_o very_a time_n form_v the_o design_n of_o a_o general_a rebellion_n against_o he_o as_o appear_v short_o after_o and_o when_o this_o rebellion_n break_v out_o and_o the_o people_n unanimous_o attempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o ancient_a liberty_n the_o most_o bloody_a and_o wicked_a part_n of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o zealot_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a concern_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o punish_v the_o secret_a favourer_n and_o friend_n of_o the_o roman_n murder_v or_o rob_v every_o man_n his_o private_a enemy_n and_o by_o this_o division_n make_v way_n to_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o without_o this_o advantage_n can_v not_o easy_o have_v overcome_v that_o populous_a and_o resolute_a nation_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o a_o resolve_a prosecution_n of_o revenge_n and_o much_o more_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scope_n or_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v produce_v this_o effect_n if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o when_o almost_o every_o man_n plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o command_n which_o oppose_v his_o peculiar_a passion_n when_o little_a beside_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v among_o we_o and_o even_o that_o pretence_n continue_v not_o out_o of_o any_o reverence_n to_o religion_n but_o because_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o secular_a and_o mean_a design_n we_o can_v but_o despair_v of_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n therein_o however_o we_o must_v declare_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n than_o to_o study_v revenge_n to_o continue_v hatred_n and_o animosity_n without_o end_n and_o never_o to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v a_o injury_n such_o a_o conduct_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o however_o cover_v with_o specious_a colour_n of_o wonderful_a zeal_n or_o purity_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o party_n will_v be_v no_o less_o damnable_a in_o a_o christian_a than_o idolatry_n in_o a_o heathen_a last_o if_o neither_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n nor_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n nor_o the_o regard_n of_o public_a security_n concern_v therein_o nor_o the_o direct_a opposition_n of_o christianity_n to_o it_o can_v draw_v man_n from_o the_o love_n of_o revenge_n yet_o at_o
his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n he_o have_v before_o employ_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o procure_v universal_a happiness_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v give_v to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a leave_v to_o he_o indeed_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n but_o deter_v he_o from_o the_o choice_n of_o evil_a as_o well_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o by_o the_o denunciation_n of_o extreme_a punishment_n which_o shall_v attend_v it_o when_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o man_n embrace_v the_o evil_a god_n in_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n provide_v a_o expiation_n for_o this_o sin_n which_o in_o after_o age_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o own_o son_n upon_o this_o he_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n receive_v he_o to_o mercy_n and_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o this_o intend_a happiness_n may_v not_o be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o disobedience_n of_o man_n he_o allure_v they_o by_o promise_n direct_v they_o by_o his_o law_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o support_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o messiah_n or_o a_o saviour_n to_o come_v so_o that_o upon_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n be_v found_v not_o only_o the_o mercy_n the_o grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o also_o all_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o favour_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n all_o these_o be_v confer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o in_o time_n shall_v take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o and_o therein_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n the_o benefit_n indeed_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o the_o divine_a glory_n become_v chief_o manifest_a when_o this_o mystery_n be_v fulfil_v when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh._n before_o it_o lay_v hide_v in_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n but_o be_v now_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n before_o the_o divine_a glory_n which_o shall_v hence_o arise_v be_v dark_o foretell_v in_o type_n and_o prophecy_n but_o now_o set_v in_o a_o full_a light_n now_o be_v all_o subsequent_a age_n oblige_v to_o magnify_v god_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o mystery_n in_o due_a time_n which_o have_v so_o long_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o precede_a age_n and_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o both_o further_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o effect_v the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n be_v most_o illustrious_a if_o wisdom_n be_v take_v for_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n what_o great_a argument_n can_v be_v desire_v of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o that_o it_o foresee_v this_o great_a event_n so_o long_o before_o foretell_v it_o and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o be_v effect_v or_o if_o wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o prudent_a direction_n of_o mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o end_n propose_v we_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n when_o mankind_n have_v commit_v that_o foul_a apostasy_n in_o their_o forefather_n adam_n when_o succeed_a generation_n be_v find_v no_o less_o rebellious_a the_o law_n of_o god_n violate_v and_o his_o exhortation_n slight_v what_o seem_v hope_n of_o salvation_n can_v remain_v to_o man_n to_o have_v pardon_v all_o these_o sin_n simple_o and_o without_o any_o condition_n be_v indeed_o possible_a to_o god_n but_o neither_o consistent_a with_o his_o honour_n nor_o his_o justice_n he_o be_v lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o as_o such_o can_v not_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n upon_o they_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v they_o and_o then_o his_o veracity_n oblige_v he_o to_o do_v it_o again_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v of_o such_o gild_n as_o can_v not_o be_v expiate_v by_o a_o slight_a punishment_n be_v offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n who_o call_v for_o proportionable_a punishment_n on_o the_o offender_n if_o they_o be_v indeed_o inflict_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o have_v sin_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a if_o they_o be_v not_o inflict_v the_o denunciation_n of_o punishment_n make_v by_o god_n will_v appear_v vain_a his_o office_n of_o judge_n must_v be_v disow_v and_o his_o justice_n call_v in_o question_n in_o this_o seem_a impossibility_n of_o reconcile_a the_o salvation_n of_o man_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n decree_v to_o effect_v it_o by_o send_v the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v take_v humane_a flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o that_o undergo_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n this_o mystery_n after_o many_o age_n be_v this_o day_n make_v manifest_a and_o therewith_o the_o supreme_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n last_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v never_o receive_v a_o more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o that_o in_o effect_v all_o those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v long_o before_o foretell_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o christ._n these_o circumstance_n have_v be_v so_o often_o repeat_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o much_o inquire_v after_o by_o they_o as_o near_o concern_v they_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o they_o so_o earnest_o expect_v by_o they_o that_o the_o completion_n of_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n become_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o ever_o be_v exhibit_v as_o first_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n a_o circumstance_n which_o shall_v effectual_o declare_v both_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o shall_v produce_v it_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v confer_v upon_o any_o other_o member_n of_o mankind_n and_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o other_o than_o the_o author_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o nature_n who_o at_o first_o form_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o ever_o after_o direct_v they_o as_o himself_o please_v that_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v indeed_o a_o virgin_n can_v not_o ordinary_o appear_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o this_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o that_o the_o prophecy_n take_v place_n in_o jesus_n god_n provide_v abundant_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o as_o the_o apparition_z and_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n the_o miracle_n afterward_o ensue_v to_o the_o affirmation_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o testimony_n of_o joseph_n account_v by_o all_o a_o good_a and_o a_o just_a man_n and_o he_o assure_v so_o by_o a_o message_n from_o heaven_n as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n it_o be_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n to_o effect_v this_o the_o divine_a power_n direct_v the_o mind_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n to_o command_v a_o universal_a tax_n at_o that_o very_a time_n a_o thing_n before_o not_o know_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o so_o the_o mother_n of_o christ_n go_v from_o nazareth_n where_o she_o dwell_v to_o bethlehem_n the_o place_n whither_o the_o descendant_n of_o david_n resort_v to_o be_v tax_v may_v be_v deliver_v of_o her_o son_n in_o the_o place_n long_o since_o foretell_v as_o for_o the_o time_n jacob_n move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prophesy_v that_o when_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v fail_v from_o judah_n then_o shall_v shiloh_n or_o messiah_n come_v and_o at_o this_o time_n the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v that_o herod_n have_v obtain_v the_o kingdom_n who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n obtain_v that_o government_n daniel_n have_v foretell_v that_o after_o seventy_o week_n of_o year_n that_o be_v seventy_o time_n seven_o year_n messiah_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o exact_o thirty_o three_o year_n before_o the_o expiration_n of_o this_o time_n our_o lord_n be_v bear_v who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o thirty_o three_o year_n of_o his_o age._n all_o these_o completion_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o many_o infallible_a proof_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n who_o can_v dispose_v of_o time_n and_o season_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v assure_o bring_v to_o pass_v whatsoever_o himself_o propose_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o almighty_a power_n contribute_v great_o to_o the_o divine_a glory_n when_o
the_o aid_n and_o difficulty_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v equal_a i_o wish_v i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o effect_n be_v also_o equal_a and_o as_o we_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o so_o must_v we_o acknowledge_v his_o justice_n also_o it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v too_o severe_a that_o salvation_n the_o supreme_a happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v render_v thus_o difficult_a to_o he_o that_o god_n shall_v invite_v we_o to_o it_o and_o then_o by_o so_o many_o difficulty_n exclude_v we_o from_o it_o to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reply_v that_o salvation_n be_v pure_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o as_o such_o he_o may_v bestow_v upon_o whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v nor_o in_o require_v so_o many_o such_o laborious_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o we_o have_v he_o raise_v the_o price_n i_o mean_v the_o condition_n above_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n the_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o his_o felicity_n now_o look_v into_o the_o write_n of_o all_o philosopher_n consult_v the_o common_a voice_n of_o mankind_n they_o do_v all_o confess_v that_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n not_o only_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o chief_a design_n but_o also_o can_v be_v obtain_v at_o no_o less_o expense_n than_o his_o utmost_a diligence_n the_o constant_a and_o most_o exquisite_a operation_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o business_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n look_v into_o your_o own_o action_n and_o daily_a experience_n and_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n desirable_a in_o this_o life_n even_o as_o yourselves_o value_v it_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o a_o proportionable_a difficulty_n and_o then_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n require_v when_o he_o annex_v so_o many_o difficulty_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o salvation_n the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o propose_a design_n i_o mean_v the_o consequence_n raise_v in_o the_o text_n if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o need_v say_v little_a to_o it_o for_o if_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o so_o many_o difficulty_n so_o many_o affliction_n endure_v and_o labour_n employ_v a_o righteous_a man_n do_v but_o very_a hardly_o obtain_v salvation_n sure_o no_o hope_n can_v be_v leave_v for_o he_o who_o affright_v by_o these_o difficulty_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o unruly_a lust_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o mean_v propose_v to_o obtain_v this_o ultimate_a happiness_n this_o reason_n assure_v and_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n confirm_v to_o we_o not_o only_o that_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n shall_v miss_v of_o that_o excellent_a reward_n which_o shall_v be_v render_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o also_o shall_v draw_v upon_o himself_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o extreme_a misery_n in_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o express_v in_o the_o proverb_n xi_o 31._o from_o whence_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v word_n for_o word_n take_v according_a to_o the_o septuagint_a translation_n but_o in_o the_o original_a according_a to_o our_o translation_n they_o run_v thus_o behold_v the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v recompense_v in_o the_o earth_n much_o more_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v since_o god_n suffer_v not_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o righteous_a to_o pass_v unpunished_a but_o correct_v and_o chastise_v they_o in_o this_o world_n with_o sensible_a affliction_n much_o more_o have_v he_o reserve_v the_o extremity_n of_o torment_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o sinner_n as_o in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n peter_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o chastise_v the_o former_a sin_n of_o the_o convert_n christian_n with_o a_o fierce_a and_o terrible_a persecution_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n draw_v a_o like_a consequence_n in_o the_o 17_o verse_n and_o if_o judgement_n first_o begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n so_o the_o example_n also_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n agree_v herein_o wherein_o we_o find_v that_o god_n inflict_v temporal_a calamity_n upon_o his_o most_o belove_a servant_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n even_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o he_o may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o expect_v any_o pardon_n for_o a_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o continuance_n in_o impiety_n thus_o moses_n who_o have_v this_o testimony_n from_o god_n himself_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n yet_o for_o some_o slight_a appearance_n only_o of_o distrust_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n in_o bring_v forth_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n be_v exclude_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n although_o a_o ancient_a writer_n aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o moses_n from_o hence_o that_o in_o all_o that_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a converse_n which_o he_o afterward_o have_v with_o god_n he_o be_v never_o find_v to_o have_v beg_v pardon_n for_o his_o sin_n but_o however_o that_o be_v we_o must_v all_o confess_v that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v far_o exceed_v moses_n both_o in_o the_o number_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o aught_o therefore_o much_o more_o to_o fear_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n afterward_o we_o read_v that_o god_n propose_v to_o david_n the_o man_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o choice_n of_o three_o signal_n calamity_n only_o in_o punishment_n of_o a_o light_a vainglory_n manifest_v in_o his_o design_n of_o number_v his_o subject_n for_o the_o same_o failure_n he_o threaten_v good_a king_n hezekiah_n with_o the_o deprivation_n and_o carry_v away_o of_o his_o treasure_n and_o send_v the_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n some_o bodily_a infirmity_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o and_o if_o god_n excuse_v not_o these_o great_a and_o excellent_a person_n from_o punishment_n for_o such_o small_a offence_n with_o what_o reason_n can_v we_o promise_v impunity_n to_o ourselves_o do_v we_o fancy_v ourselves_o more_o dear_a to_o god_n or_o more_o righteous_a than_o they_o be_v sure_o no._n rather_o if_o they_o be_v not_o save_v without_o some_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v not_o without_o the_o most_o extreme_a hazard_n and_o this_o although_o we_o do_v with_o earnest_a study_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o attain_v salvation_n although_o we_o be_v worthy_a which_o be_v it_o far_o from_o we_o to_o arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v range_v among_o those_o who_o in_o the_o text_n be_v call_v righteous_a but_o of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v but_o that_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v admit_v to_o mercy_n they_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o it_o to_o they_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v chapter_n x._o 27._o there_o remain_v only_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o most_o profligate_n christian_n do_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o upon_o confidence_n of_o it_o proceed_v secure_o in_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o christian_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v whensoever_o they_o give_v their_o mind_n leave_v to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o only_o they_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o far_o from_o they_o and_o whensoever_o either_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o the_o admonition_n of_o other_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o they_o render_v both_o unsuccessful_a through_o a_o vain_a hope_n which_o they_o take_v up_o upon_o they_o know_v not_o what_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o save_v to_o this_o foolish_a persuasion_n many_o cause_n may_v contribute_v a_o constant_a and_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o world_n too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o endowment_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n or_o whatsoever_o may_v raise_v in_o man_n a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o worth_n a_o strong_a imagination_n a_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o a_o unhappy_a illusion_n derive_v from_o the_o teacher_n of_o absolute_a predestination_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o cause_n may_v contribute_v to_o this_o fatal_a error_n notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n have_v particular_o provide_v against_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v but_o conclude_v that_o if_o god_n take_v so_o severe_a a_o account_n of_o the_o action_n of_o the_o
advantage_n by_o it_o they_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v indeed_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v require_v a_o discrimination_n of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o than_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o because_o the_o bad_a be_v to_o be_v punish_v the_o good_a must_v be_v reward_v with_o any_o supernatural_a favour_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o man_n for_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o be_v and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o life_n from_o god_n and_o enjoy_v they_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n or_o if_o a_o extraordinary_a reward_n may_v be_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n yet_o can_v no_o man_n in_o that_o state_n conceive_v a_o assurance_n of_o his_o title_n to_o it_o since_o no_o such_o reward_n can_v be_v claim_v but_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o every_o one_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v in_o any_o such_o claim_n last_o to_o remove_v all_o this_o anxiety_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o renounce_v all_o hope_n of_o future_a or_o supernatural_a happiness_n and_o live_v regardless_o of_o it_o for_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v still_o suggest_v to_o he_o that_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o if_o he_o slight_v the_o suggestion_n his_o conscience_n will_v afflict_v and_o torment_v he_o will_v upbraid_v he_o with_o it_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o condemn_v himself_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v these_o suggestion_n he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a and_o if_o he_o can_v effect_v it_o he_o must_v conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o beast_n upon_o the_o whole_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v not_o but_o labour_n with_o great_a anxiety_n grow_v restless_a and_o impatient_a under_o the_o burden_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v thereby_o necessitate_v to_o betake_v itself_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o christ_n who_o promise_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o it_o but_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n more_o particular_o refer_v to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n a_o religion_n encumber_a with_o so_o many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o many_o positive_a precept_n and_o observation_n that_o st._n peter_n just_o complain_v of_o it_o in_o act_n xv._n 10._o as_o of_o a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o their_o father_n nor_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o at_o first_o intend_v to_o perfect_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n or_o immediate_o to_o procure_v happiness_n but_o rather_o to_o guard_v that_o stiff-necked_a people_n from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o incline_v that_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v about_o these_o legal_a observation_n they_o may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o superstitious_a rite_n and_o even_o conceive_v a_o hatred_n of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o contribute_v little_a to_o raise_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o improve_v his_o faculty_n or_o give_v he_o assurance_n of_o what_o he_o most_o desire_a a_o happiness_n equal_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o undeserved_o call_v the_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o ezek._n xx._n say_v to_o be_v statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o judgement_n whereby_o the_o observer_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o live_v to_o have_v be_v give_v in_o his_o anger_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o many_o rebellion_n and_o apostasy_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a number_n of_o their_o positive_a precept_n ceremony_n and_o observation_n how_o little_o they_o contribute_v to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o will_n or_o enlighten_v of_o the_o understanding_n how_o obscure_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v and_o how_o inconsiderable_a the_o reward_n annex_v to_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o institution_n infinite_o more_o severe_a than_o what_o be_v afterward_o introduce_v by_o christ._n there_o be_v â—ndeed_o a_o reward_n adjoin_v to_o it_o but_o â—hat_n so_o far_o beneath_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n terminate_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o even_o this_o reward_n they_o find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v common_a to_o the_o observer_n and_o violator_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o good_a alone_o yet_o be_v subject_a to_o as_o many_o variation_n as_o be_v the_o body_n which_o it_o principal_o concern_v again_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o sensible_a vexation_n to_o a_o consider_v mind_n that_o they_o be_v treat_v by_o god_n at_o such_o distance_n debar_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o be_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o prescribe_v of_o they_o can_v discover_v no_o reasonableness_n or_o excellency_n in_o they_o no_o agreeableness_n between_o they_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o such_o carnal_a observation_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o or_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v they_o yet_o when_o they_o view_v the_o number_n the_o extent_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o they_o even_o despair_v to_o perform_v they_o they_o have_v indeed_o all_o the_o reason_n common_a to_o natural_a religion_n and_o some_o peculiar_a to_o themselves_o to_o expect_v from_o the_o divine_a justice_n a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a reward_n but_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o legal_a righteousness_n consist_v in_o a_o universal_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n extinguish_v their_o hope_n and_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o all_o the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v provide_v remedy_n expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n of_o omission_n inadvertency_n and_o a_o lesser_a gild_n but_o give_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n to_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o heinous_a nature_n have_v assign_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o expiation_n nor_o allow_v any_o mean_n of_o pardon_n for_o they_o amid_o all_o these_o difficulty_n the_o mind_n be_v afflict_v be_v conscious_a of_o her_o own_o offence_n but_o not_o discover_v the_o remedy_n of_o the_o guilt_n despise_v the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o temporal_a felicity_n yet_o promise_v no_o better_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o precept_n but_o take_v no_o complacency_n therein_o fear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o scarce_o able_a to_o avoid_v it_o thus_o be_v the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o itself_o a_o heavy_a burden_n even_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o pharisaical_a interpretation_n who_o by_o their_o scruple_n nicety_n and_o supererrogation_n have_v at_o that_o time_n almost_o double_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o in_o relief_n of_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n our_o lord_n invite_v the_o weary_a soul_n to_o take_v refuge_n in_o his_o religion_n assure_v she_o of_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n therein_o ease_n of_o scruple_n and_o removal_n of_o anxiety_n in_o the_o 28_o verse_n bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o past_a sin_n nor_o despair_n of_o pardon_n not_o fear_v to_o approach_v to_o he_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o mount_n sina_n when_o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v by_o god_n from_o thence_o for_o that_o himself_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n in_o the_o 29_o verse_n ready_a to_o forgive_v their_o sin_n upon_o sincere_a repentance_n condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n willing_a to_o lay_v open_a all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o their_o understanding_n to_o adapt_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a to_o treat_v all_o with_o a_o constant_a sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o fill_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o the_o promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o reward_n which_o shall_v be_v nothing_o inferior_a to_o their_o most_o extend_a desire_n the_o far_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o ii_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o yoke_n and_o lightness_n of_o the_o burden_n impose_v upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n separate_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o it_o more_o near_o respect_v our_o practice_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o this_o yoke_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n or_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n which_o word_n st._n john_n make_v use_v of_o to_o express_v the_o same_o sense_n 1_o joh._n v._o 3._o for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o
limit_n of_o a_o just_a punishment_n and_o the_o excess_n of_o that_o punishment_n be_v a_o real_a injury_n entitle_v the_o other_o to_o a_o fresh_a revenge_n i_o may_v therefore_o insist_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o revenge_n to_o man_n from_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n too_o inconsiderable_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a to_o return_v therefore_o to_o the_o former_a consideration_n since_o the_o justice_n of_o all_o punishment_n consist_v in_o the_o parity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v and_o vehemence_n of_o passion_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v incident_a suffer_v not_o man_n to_o observe_v that_o parity_n in_o execution_n of_o revenge_n and_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n as_o in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o in_o this_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o justice_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o a_o singular_a benefit_n that_o god_n have_v take_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o not_o leave_v the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o our_o discretion_n lest_o it_o shall_v unavoidable_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n either_o in_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o just_a bound_n or_o in_o execute_v it_o for_o other_o reason_n than_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n or_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n when_o he_o cit_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n vengeance_n be_v i_o etc._n etc._n which_o in_o the_o place_n refer_v to_o deut._n xxxii_o 35._o plain_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n for_o there_o god_n have_v denounce_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o punishment_n he_o will_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o case_n of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o tell_v they_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n into_o the_o power_n of_o strange_a nation_n who_o shall_v tyrannize_v over_o they_o and_o mighty_o oppress_v they_o and_o therein_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o those_o punishment_n which_o he_o design_v to_o their_o sin_n not_o that_o thereby_o their_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n shall_v become_v the_o less_o unlawful_a because_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o in_o oppress_v the_o jew_n have_v no_o regard_n but_o only_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o other_o passion_n and_o therefore_o this_o oppression_n so_o far_o exceed_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n god_n in_o the_o 35th_o verse_n aforecited_a threaten_v that_o he_o will_v severe_o revenge_v upon_o they_o and_o according_o in_o xxv_o of_o ezekiel_n 12_o god_n foretell_v the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o edom_n for_o take_v a_o too_o severe_a revenge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n although_o himself_o have_v deliver_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v plague_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o no_o other_o argument_n dissuade_v we_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n if_o a_o moderate_a revenge_n be_v even_o permit_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o difficulty_n of_o observe_v moderation_n in_o it_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v sin_n thereby_o shall_v deter_v we_o from_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v make_v unfit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n for_o that_o they_o know_v not_o certain_o the_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o suppose_a crime_n and_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o it_o and_o although_o they_o be_v secure_v of_o it_o yet_o will_v rather_o consult_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n when_o it_o be_v support_v by_o so_o many_o passion_n as_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o the_o like_a these_o indeed_o to_o mind_n of_o more_o happy_a education_n and_o noble_a thought_n natural_o appear_v odious_a and_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o better_a blood_n and_o great_a mind_n find_v their_o practice_n of_o revenge_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o honour_n to_o which_o they_o fancy_v all_o other_o consideration_n ought_v to_o yield_v entertain_v a_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o this_o honour_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o patient_a endure_v of_o injury_n and_o that_o every_o affront_v unrevenged_a draw_v upon_o they_o the_o imputation_n of_o cowardice_n a_o opinion_n build_v upon_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n and_o valour_n and_o which_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n manifest_v a_o real_a weakness_n in_o it_o for_o wherein_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n to_o be_v place_v but_o in_o such_o perfection_n as_o may_v improve_v his_o faculty_n adorn_v his_o nature_n and_o promote_v his_o happiness_n if_o upon_o these_o principle_n he_o raise_v the_o favourable_a esteem_n of_o other_o man_n his_o honour_n be_v then_o true_o found_v if_o for_o other_o reason_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o perfection_n he_o fanci_v himself_o to_o be_v admire_v he_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o that_o he_o pride_n himself_o in_o the_o admiration_n of_o other_o no_o less_o injudicious_a such_o be_v when_o esteem_n be_v found_v upon_o rashness_n or_o a_o precipitate_a boldness_n upon_o impatience_n of_o bear_v the_o least_o indignity_n and_o prefer_v this_o resolution_n to_o all_o consideration_n if_o this_o be_v a_o real_a honour_n than_o such_o a_o passionate_a determination_n must_v be_v indeed_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n a_o improvement_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a to_o affirm_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o nor_o yet_o can_v any_o argument_n of_o valour_n or_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o such_o a_o conduct_n valour_n indeed_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o mind_n as_o can_v be_v move_v or_o over-turned_n by_o any_o external_a accident_n can_v be_v interrupt_v by_o fear_n and_o passion_n and_o a_o mind_n true_o great_a be_v place_v above_o all_o such_o mean_a resentment_n and_o rather_o scorn_v than_o fear_v the_o attempt_n of_o other_o men._n how_o then_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o make_v good_a this_o character_n who_o a_o injury_n shall_v torment_v and_o disquiet_v who_o thought_n may_v be_v ruffle_v and_o his_o passion_n raise_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o who_o by_o manifest_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v in_o little_a matter_n betray_v the_o consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o want_n of_o real_a worth_n and_o happiness_n which_o can_v be_v so_o far_o impair_v by_o trifle_n and_o petty_a injury_n that_o without_o revenge_n it_o can_v be_v restore_v in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o great_a indication_n of_o a_o abject_a and_o mean_a spirit_n of_o cowardice_n and_o imperfection_n of_o mind_n than_o that_o impatience_n that_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o always_o attend_v revenge_n thus_o found_v upon_o mistake_a honour_n but_o i_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o cause_n i_o handle_v when_o i_o seek_v to_o recommend_v the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v revenge_n by_o a_o argument_n so_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o presume_v my_o speech_n do_v reach_v no_o other_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o revenge_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v forbid_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o since_o his_o religion_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o restore_v right_a notion_n of_o all_o moral_a action_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o true_a honour_n or_o valour_n shall_v promote_v the_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n be_v vain_a indeed_o yet_o not_o so_o criminal_a as_o that_o other_o ordinary_a pretence_n of_o satisfy_a justice_n therein_o when_o man_n prosecute_v their_o revenge_n against_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o justice_n and_o lest_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o those_o be_v wont_a to_o allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o revenge_n who_o revenge_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o malice_n not_o of_o mistake_a honour_n to_o confess_v open_o that_o they_o take_v revenge_n because_o they_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n will_v be_v too_o shameless_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o may_v also_o overthrow_v those_o artifices_fw-la by_o which_o such_o man_n common_o work_v their_o revenge_n for_o which_o they_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o
least_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v have_v take_v from_o they_o that_o common_a pretence_n before_o mention_v of_o zeal_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o justice_n lest_o if_o revenge_n shall_v not_o be_v inflict_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o therefore_o god_n have_v full_o provide_v for_o who_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o fall_v so_o far_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o justice_n as_o to_o permit_v any_o sin_n to_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o he_o neither_o expiate_v by_o repentance_n nor_o attend_v with_o punishment_n and_o have_v moreover_o oblige_v himself_o by_o promise_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n offer_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o that_o as_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v do_v although_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o luk._n xviii_o 25._o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o his_o punishment_n shall_v always_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o unjust_a aggressor_n in_o this_o life_n nor_o have_v he_o promise_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o place_n in_o deuteronomy_n refer_v to_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o to_o i_o belong_v vengeance_n or_o recompense_n in_o time_n or_o to_o be_v execute_v in_o due_a time_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o his_o punishment_n shall_v always_o immediate_o follow_v the_o commission_n of_o every_o crime_n or_o injury_n unless_o we_o desire_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n dispeople_v and_o become_v a_o theatre_n of_o dreadful_a tragedy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o have_v ordinary_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o more_o disquiet_v injury_n of_o unjust_a man_n by_o the_o commission_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o revenge_v they_o in_o his_o stead_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o entrust_v office_n we_o be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o single_o to_o deserve_v a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o providence_n in_o behalf_n of_o we_o if_o we_o desire_v this_o revenge_n shall_v be_v extend_v yet_o far_o and_o shall_v punish_v in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o our_o sake_n even_o the_o gild_n of_o injury_n offer_v to_o we_o we_o manifest_v a_o inhuman_a disposition_n of_o mind_n delight_v in_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o men._n god_n have_v promise_v indeed_o as_o a_o benefit_n to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n that_o he_o will_v revenge_v the_o injury_n offer_v to_o they_o but_o if_o this_o revenge_n be_v take_v in_o this_o life_n the_o benefit_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n arise_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o enemy_n but_o either_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o temporal_a peace_n secure_v thereby_o or_o in_o the_o persuasion_n which_o good_a man_n may_v thence_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n if_o the_o revenge_n be_v take_v in_o another_o life_n the_o benefit_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o latter_a for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n now_o in_o heaven_n who_o be_v injure_v by_o bad_a man_n when_o alive_a to_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a because_o they_o be_v once_o their_o enemy_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o enhance_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o such_o unworthy_a consideration_n complacency_n in_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o revenge_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v find_v no_o place_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o may_v find_v no_o place_n on_o barth_n may_v this_o discourse_n conduce_v the_o fourteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o easter-day_n 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n xi_o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o how_o glorious_a the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v how_o undeniable_a at_o that_o time_n how_o powerful_a a_o assurance_n of_o all_o his_o precedent_n promise_v and_o revelation_n what_o effect_v it_o have_v both_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o his_o crucifier_n how_o effectual_o it_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o divinity_n both_o of_o his_o mission_n and_o his_o person_n as_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o their_o action_n immediate_o subsequent_a to_o it_o do_v demonstrate_v so_o this_o declaration_n make_v by_o they_o in_o the_o text_n do_v evince_v they_o who_o before_o have_v flee_v upon_o his_o apprehension_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o hope_n at_o his_o crucifixion_n have_v either_o deny_v or_o forsake_v he_o who_o begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o give_v up_o all_o for_o lose_v resume_v their_o courage_n and_o their_o faith_n at_o the_o news_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o now_o see_v that_o salvation_n wrought_v which_o before_o they_o have_v even_o cease_v to_o hope_n for_o the_o most_o incredulous_a of_o they_o can_v now_o say_v to_o he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n nor_o do_v they_o henceforward_o admit_v any_o doubt_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n of_o which_o they_o have_v herein_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n they_o fear_v not_o to_o profess_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o open_o to_o arraign_v the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a a_o innocent_a person_n and_o he_o no_o other_o than_o their_o own_o messiah_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n to_o denounce_v to_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o destruction_n without_o belief_n in_o he_o not_o only_o to_o testify_v his_o resurrection_n in_o that_o great_a concourse_n of_o the_o jew_n meet_v together_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o also_o to_o declare_v it_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v rise_v again_o as_o in_o these_o word_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o which_o present_v we_o with_o i._o the_o affirmation_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o ii_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n iii_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a etc._n etc._n 1._o the_o word_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n a_o truth_n both_o well_o know_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v then_o relate_v it_o and_o attest_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n verse_n 3._o so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v only_o hear_v it_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o proof_n both_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o amplify_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o mystery_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o which_o this_o day_n be_v sacred_a in_o relate_v then_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o holy_a penman_n have_v be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o manifest_v that_o he_o be_v real_o dead_a after_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o as_o true_o alive_a again_o after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o this_o be_v know_v to_o his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o disciple_n and_o attest_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o the_o point_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_o prove_v and_o none_o remain_v liable_a to_o the_o least_o exception_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v require_v that_o assurance_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o his_o have_v be_v real_o dead_a a_o article_n which_o be_v full_o express_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o common_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n wherein_o we_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o bury_v 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egypt_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n bring_v thou_o out_o thence_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretch_a out_o arm_n therefore_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n command_v thou_o to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n as_o the_o jew_n therefore_o date_v their_o seven_o day_n for_o ever_o from_o that_o day_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o the_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n continue_v to_o date_n their_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o day_n upon_o which_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_v a_o redemption_n so_o far_o great_a than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n that_o well_o may_v the_o day_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n give_v way_n to_o the_o day_n celebrate_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o redemption_n this_o change_n therefore_o be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o even_o before_o his_o ascension_n and_o 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be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o so_o illustrious_a a_o manner_n as_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o his_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o comforter_n not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n both_o jew_n and_o stranger_n upon_o they_o and_o tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n than_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o prediction_n indeed_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v fulfil_v fifty_o day_n before_o but_o become_v not_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n till_o now_o as_o be_v not_o till_o now_o public_o attest_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o report_n of_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v indeed_o rumour_v in_o jerusalem_n which_o put_v the_o sanhedrim_n upon_o that_o shameful_a device_n of_o corrupt_v the_o soldier_n who_o guard_v his_o 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remission_n of_o it_o otherwise_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o most_o severe_a execution_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n for_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n as_o moses_n have_v assure_v they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n deut._n xviii_o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o this_o sentence_n and_o therein_o the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n execute_v and_o fulfil_v in_o the_o destruction_n and_o entire_a desolation_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o alive_a act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v far_o enable_v invincible_o to_o plead_v his_o cause_n against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o 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the_o whole_a world_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n also_o if_o right_o judge_v that_o in_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o have_v sin_v against_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o nothing_o remain_v to_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o fiery_a judgement_n to_o be_v most_o just_o inflict_v on_o they_o the_o second_o point_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o righteousness_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v assign_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o you_o see_v i_o no_o more_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cloud_v when_o he_o permit_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o be_v deliver_v up_o and_o crucify_v by_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o rescue_v he_o not_o from_o the_o insult_v of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n from_o heaven_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o 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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 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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 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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
life_n as_o it_o be_v high_o generous_a so_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o retain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therewith_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o so_o great_a that_o your_o own_o imagination_n will_v amplify_v it_o more_o than_o any_o word_n i_o can_v use_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o choose_a servant_n to_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v of_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o christian_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v incite_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o interval_n of_o piety_n this_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o in_o the_o 3d._a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o suffer_v such_o enormous_a sinner_n whole_o to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o therefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v undergo_v sharp_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n not_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n have_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n or_o that_o temporal_a calamity_n do_v always_o attend_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o as_o in_o a_o general_a persecution_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o precedent_a sin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o particular_a man_n although_o not_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n to_o have_v require_v to_o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o partake_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n so_o neither_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o those_o first_o christian_n be_v before_o their_o conversion_n for_o this_o reason_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o same_o visible_a manner_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o fear_v that_o a_o far_o great_a punishment_n be_v reserve_v to_o we_o hereafter_o if_o by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n we_o prevent_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o this_o precedent_n sinful_a course_n of_o life_n be_v another_o great_a difficulty_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n who_o have_v contract_v before_o their_o conversion_n long_o and_o fix_a habit_n of_o vice_n efface_v by_o disuse_n all_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o honesty_n which_o to_o restore_v can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o application_n if_o to_o these_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o those_o time_n we_o add_v the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v what_o just_a reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v i_o will_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o particular_a duty_n the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n with_o many_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o piety_n which_o we_o experience_n and_o lament_v that_o which_o chief_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o man_n in_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n be_v enure_v to_o follow_v the_o perception_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v easy_o form_v and_o affect_v the_o mind_n without_o any_o precedent_a preparation_n of_o it_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o object_n which_o sense_n present_v to_o he_o without_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n or_o form_v any_o conclusion_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n whereas_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o christianity_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o man_n not_o put_v into_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o they_o they_o can_v obtain_v nor_o yet_o conceive_v they_o without_o a_o regular_a proceed_n of_o judgement_n they_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o dignity_n power_n and_o other_o attribute_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o their_o own_o action_n to_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n the_o certain_a immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o possible_a immortality_n of_o their_o body_n the_o assurance_n of_o both_o from_o he_o who_o can_v perform_v it_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o such_o immortality_n shall_v be_v confer_v to_o receive_v then_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a conduct_n of_o this_o life_n all_o this_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v and_o examine_v before_o any_o conviction_n can_v be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o convince_v there_o want_v a_o second_o series_n of_o thought_n to_o convince_v mankind_n that_o to_o embrace_v this_o truth_n be_v their_o real_a interest_n the_o reward_v propose_v by_o it_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a they_o affect_v not_o the_o sense_n nor_o strike_v the_o imagination_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o measure_v the_o fruition_n of_o all_o pleasure_n he_o relish_v but_o little_a the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o scarce_o know_v wherein_o they_o consist_v and_o that_o which_o draw_v near_a to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o conception_n and_o meditation_n of_o intellectual_a object_n he_o find_v himself_o soon_o weary_a of_o it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o when_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v overcome_v here_o be_v still_o require_v another_o train_n of_o thought_n to_o fix_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n notwithstanding_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v till_o another_o life_n if_o then_o so_o much_o consideration_n be_v require_v to_o render_v the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n effectual_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o hardly_o conceive_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o present_a fruition_n and_o so_o little_a grateful_a to_o those_o organ_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o fruition_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v foresee_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n for_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n allow_v their_o soul_n to_o entertain_v any_o conception_n beyond_o what_o sense_n administer_v to_o they_o how_o few_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o immaterial_a being_n or_o spiritual_a interest_n not_o that_o any_o extraordinary_a strength_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v to_o form_v such_o thought_n and_o conviction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o frequent_o urge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v retain_v such_o thought_n improve_v they_o and_o act_n upon_o they_o but_o even_o this_o be_v irksome_a to_o his_o deprave_a nature_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v his_o body_n his_o soul_n he_o little_o know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o the_o noble_a pleasure_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o one_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o other_o he_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o disadvantage_n betray_v he_o either_o to_o neglect_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o to_o prefer_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n before_o they_o unless_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o diligent_a attention_n he_o have_v form_v a_o full_a conviction_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o value_n of_o they_o that_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o follow_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o even_o the_o reversion_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n another_o difficulty_n alike_o common_a to_o all_o be_v the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v that_o it_o include_v every_o action_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o any_o one_o part_n destroy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o exercise_v this_o or_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n unless_o the_o whole_a life_n be_v uniform_a and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o put_v a_o christian_a
eternal_a happiness_n and_o true_a christian_a obedience_n which_o no_o change_n of_o fortune_n can_v dissolve_v no_o unforeseen_a calamity_n can_v overthrow_v therein_o the_o undertaker_n be_v only_o to_o answer_v for_o his_o diligence_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n require_v to_o complete_a his_o success_n but_o what_o be_v entire_o in_o his_o power_n if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v rest_v secure_a of_o the_o reward_n the_o nature_n the_o extent_n the_o duration_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v full_o make_v know_v unto_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o any_o long_o be_v distract_v with_o anxious_a thought_n about_o it_o and_o so_o have_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o as_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n give_v rest_n unto_o his_o soul_n weary_v before_o with_o a_o fruitless_a and_o uncertain_a search_n of_o happiness_n the_o last_o argument_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v take_v from_o the_o external_a assistance_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v and_o do_v still_o continue_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n in_o impose_v his_o yoke_n upon_o mankind_n know_v very_o well_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o opposition_n of_o his_o precept_n to_o their_o ordinary_a passion_n the_o tenderness_n and_o clemency_n which_o become_v the_o saviour_n redeemer_n and_o mediator_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o freewill_n alone_a but_o assist_v their_o obedience_n with_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o those_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n which_o render_v the_o imposition_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o he_o lay_v upon_o they_o easie_n and_o pleasant_a to_o they_o to_o convey_v this_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o it_o he_o have_v found_v a_o church_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v and_o public_o declare_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o those_o rite_n which_o himself_o have_v institute_v he_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o as_o such_o communicate_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o we_o who_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o if_o any_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o body_n whereof_o himself_o be_v the_o head_n they_o cease_v to_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o he_o receive_v none_o of_o those_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o body_n at_o least_o they_o can_v receive_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n appoint_v to_o convey_v they_o and_o if_o any_o pretend_v new_a light_n and_o new_a way_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v therefore_o what_o may_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o set_v up_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a light_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n to_o compensate_a the_o neglect_n of_o temperance_n and_o meekness_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v off_o the_o ordinary_a communication_n between_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o that_o channel_n find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o practise_v those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o our_o lord_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o annul_v the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o alleviate_v but_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n to_o claim_v the_o benefit_n and_o refuse_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o mankind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o vain_a persuasion_n and_o arrogant_a pretence_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o therein_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v he_o have_v settle_v the_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o change_v if_o we_o slight_v the_o assistance_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o mean_n we_o be_v incapable_a let_v we_o right_o esteem_v and_o implore_v this_o assistance_n to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v receive_v it_o that_o be_v a_o constant_a communion_n with_o his_o body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o her_o holy_a office_n and_o sacrament_n so_o shall_v we_o experience_v that_o his_o command_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o render_v pleasant_a by_o their_o reward_n but_o be_v also_o make_v easie_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o find_v assurance_n of_o what_o he_o promise_v rest_v to_o our_o weary_a soul_n the_o thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n and_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o many_o argument_n at_o last_o conclude_v his_o argument_n with_o these_o word_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o to_o act_v in_o a_o contrary_a manner_n be_v to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o invade_v what_o he_o claim_v peculiarly_a to_o himself_o and_o sure_o no_o less_o a_o argument_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o violate_v the_o majesty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n can_v deter_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o passion_n in_o man_n and_o can_v plead_v for_o itself_o with_o more_o plausible_a argument_n than_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o as_o that_o nature_n direct_v all_o creature_n to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o repel_v the_o assault_n of_o enemy_n that_o for_o this_o purpose_n all_o animal_n be_v endue_v with_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o courage_n that_o to_o pass_v by_o one_o enemy_n unrevenged_a expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o insult_v of_o enemy_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o friend_n and_o to_o renew_v wrong_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o baseness_n and_o cowardice_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o timorous_a soul_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o the_o affront_v and_o wrong_n of_o another_o man_n and_o that_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n to_o punish_v the_o malice_n of_o a_o offender_n by_o procure_v loss_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o part_n of_o distributive_a justice_n of_o which_o every_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n that_o so_o as_o the_o smart_n of_o revenge_n inflict_v may_v punish_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o aggressor_n the_o pleasure_n of_o inflict_a revenge_n may_v make_v some_o amends_o for_o the_o undeserved_a suffering_n of_o the_o injure_a party_n such_o argument_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o revenge_n and_o such_o do_v once_o introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o revenge_n be_v not_o only_o a_o matter_n allow_v but_o even_o a_o virtue_n the_o duty_n of_o every_o noble_a and_o courageous_a mind_n consonant_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o every_o private_a man._n thus_o the_o great_a master_n of_o morality_n among_o the_o heathen_n among_o who_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o that_o revenge_n be_v sweet_a than_o life_n itself_o that_o moderation_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o create_v but_o none_o in_o revenge_a injury_n that_o not_o to_o revenge_v a_o wrong_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o fear_n and_o sloth_n of_o a_o unmanly_a and_o degenerous_a mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v teach_v throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n to_o bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v we_o to_o recompense_v to_o no_o man_n evil_a for_o evil_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n which_o concern_v my_o present_a design_n not_o to_o avenge_v ourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o any_o sin_n of_o injustice_n commit_v against_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n either_o by_o
death_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o herod_n seek_v the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o reprehend_v his_o incestuous_a marriage_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o as_o revenge_n can_v never_o be_v form_v in_o the_o mind_n without_o precedent_a malice_n and_o subsequent_a envy_n of_o the_o other_o out-living_a although_o but_o for_o one_o moment_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o revenge_n so_o neither_o can_v malice_n or_o envy_n take_v place_n without_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n and_o then_o as_o in_o all_o other_o sin_n so_o in_o this_o also_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o precedent_a approbation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o will_n and_o become_v not_o the_o less_o because_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o as_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v propose_v to_o the_o will_n under_o some_o specious_a pretence_n so_o revenge_n assume_v the_o show_n of_o justice_n and_o therein_o chief_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n which_o we_o before_o mention_v of_o encroach_a upon_o the_o prerogative_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o plausible_a plea_n to_o pretend_v that_o justice_n must_v be_v strict_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v the_o least_o injury_n of_o man_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o expiate_v the_o gild_n of_o their_o injury_n by_o a_o proportionable_a punishment_n that_o otherwise_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v maintain_v and_o good_a man_n will_v be_v always_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v and_o oppression_n of_o other_o upon_o this_o ground_n and_o with_o these_o pretence_n man_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o a_o supreme_a judge_n they_o will_v needs_o determine_v the_o quantity_n of_o every_o man_n demerit_n and_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o it_o this_o arrogance_n be_v visible_a in_o every_o act_n of_o revenge_n where_o the_o person_n revenge_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o punish_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o offender_n not_o only_o to_o secure_v his_o own_o safety_n for_o while_o it_o proceed_v no_o far_o it_o be_v not_o revenge_n but_o also_o to_o procure_v such_o a_o punishment_n to_o the_o other_o as_o may_v compensate_a for_o the_o flagitiousness_n of_o the_o injury_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o herein_o chief_o consist_v the_o offence_n of_o a_o revengeful_a mind_n against_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o offence_n against_o our_o neighbour_n i_o do_v not_o now_o consider_v it_o this_o constitute_v the_o gild_n of_o it_o that_o it_o invade_v the_o office_n of_o the_o supreme_a judge_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o upon_o this_o be_v found_v the_o reason_n bring_v against_o revenge_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n await_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o all_o sinner_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n god_n take_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n from_o man_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o i_o will_v consider_v both_o together_o for_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n to_o man_n affix_v it_o to_o god_n and_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o man_n because_o it_o belong_v sole_o to_o god_n to_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o the_o demerit_n of_o every_o sinful_a action_n to_o determine_v the_o quantity_n of_o the_o gild_n and_o affix_v a_o proper_a punishment_n to_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n which_o office_n be_v invest_v in_o god_n as_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n live_v and_o the_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o he_o have_v form_v he_o quit_v not_o to_o the_o blind_a operation_n of_o chance_n nor_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a spirit_n nor_o yet_o to_o the_o unruly_a will_n of_o man_n but_o retain_v the_o government_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n gen._n xviii_o 25._o one_o part_n of_o this_o office_n of_o judge_n be_v to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o vengeance_n more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o nine_o psalm_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o just_a sentence_n upon_o sinner_n be_v term_v revenge_n and_o sinner_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v call_v his_o adversary_n as_o deut._n xxxii_o 43._o he_o will_v render_v vengeance_n to_o his_o adversary_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o claim_v that_o office_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o recompense_v in_o due_a manner_n the_o gild_n of_o every_o injurious_a act_n and_o all_o sin_n be_v such_o to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o full_a right_o to_o judge_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n his_o justice_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o escape_v unpunished_a he_o be_v merciful_a and_o far_o from_o punish_v offence_n beyond_o their_o merit_n chastise_v sinner_n less_o than_o they_o deserve_v he_o search_v the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v by_o false_a representation_n nor_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n he_o know_v exact_o the_o true_a demerit_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o can_v uner_o proportion_n the_o punishment_n to_o the_o crime_n he_o have_v promise_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o by_o a_o positive_a precept_n have_v take_v revenge_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o men._n if_o after_o all_o this_o man_n will_v presume_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n and_o pretend_v to_o punish_v the_o pravity_n of_o any_o action_n they_o manifest_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o god_n and_o place_n themselves_o in_o his_o seat_n of_o judicature_n a_o attempt_n which_o he_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o pardon_v who_o as_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o indeed_o can_v such_o revenge_n be_v execute_v without_o pretend_v to_o that_o supreme_a power_n which_o be_v invest_v in_o god_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o therein_o to_o renounce_v his_o government_n who_o have_v command_v the_o contrary_a to_o pass_v by_o that_o to_o revenge_v a_o injury_n must_v suppose_v a_o absolute_a subjection_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o the_o revenge_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v for_o after_o every_o man_n have_v use_v the_o privilege_n of_o self-defence_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o he_o have_v no_o more_o right_o leave_v of_o act_v any_o against_o he_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o injurious_a malice_n belong_v not_o to_o he_o unless_o the_o absolute_a subjection_n of_o the_o other_o give_v he_o just_a title_n to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o other_o for_o that_o do_v often_o happen_v but_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o secret_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v also_o belong_v to_o he_o who_o judge_v of_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o fact_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v how_o much_o or_o how_o little_a malice_n the_o injury_n include_v in_o it_o whereas_o in_o this_o respect_n no_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o we_o be_v all_o equal_o fellow-servant_n to_o god_n and_o then_o the_o expostulation_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v take_v place_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o assume_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o master_n and_o this_o be_v certain_o do_v as_o often_o as_o revenge_n be_v intend_v or_o effect_v but_o not_o only_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v we_o injurious_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v all_o fellow-creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n if_o we_o take_v revenge_n and_o in_o that_o make_v ourselves_o judge_n of_o such_o our_o fellow-servant_n but_o in_o that_o while_o we_o all_o equal_o hope_v for_o pardon_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n our_o common_a judge_n we_o deny_v it_o to_o one_o another_o and_o presume_v to_o require_v that_o from_o god_n which_o we_o will_v not_o grant_v ourselves_o if_o in_o plead_v for_o revenge_n we_o allege_v that_o
repentance_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinner_n if_o the_o repentance_n be_v true_a perfect_a and_o serious_a the_o sinner_n thereby_o cleanse_v his_o soul_n and_o in_o that_o moment_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n if_o not_o so_o a_o imperfect_a or_o a_o feign_a repentance_n will_v no_o more_o promote_v the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n than_o if_o the_o supplicant_n have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o his_o sin_n nor_o ought_v this_o to_o be_v any_o dissuasion_n from_o early_a and_o constant_a innocence_n that_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o audience_n and_o favour_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n as_o to_o those_o of_o holy_a man_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o be_v no_o total_a change_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n that_o be_v indeed_o object_v by_o the_o envious_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n against_o the_o good_a housholder_n who_o reward_v the_o late-comer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n as_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o unequal_a distribution_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v what_o that_o good_a housholder_n represent_v god_n in_o the_o parable_n reply_v be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a that_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o man_n pious_a from_o his_o infancy_n without_o any_o notorious_a sin_n deserve_v no_o more_o from_o god_n than_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n new_o return_v to_o obedience_n yet_o to_o assert_v both_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o to_o enforce_v a_o constant_a holiness_n from_o the_o motive_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o it_o a_o little_a further_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o petition_n of_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o iniquity_n take_v away_o their_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n this_o he_o do_v to_o manasseh_n to_o the_o ninevite_n to_o many_o both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o we_o find_v neither_o promise_n nor_o example_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a favour_n beside_o pardon_n confer_v immediate_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_n such_o as_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o enemy_n prolongation_n of_o life_n communication_n of_o benefit_n to_o other_o for_o their_o sake_n effusion_n of_o eminent_a grace_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v reward_v reserve_v to_o person_n of_o more_o illustrious_a and_o more_o constant_a piety_n who_o by_o a_o long_a obedience_n give_v undoubted_a proof_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o their_o time_n as_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o abraham_n moses_n and_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v never_o defile_v with_o any_o notorious_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o world_n by_o remarkable_a act_n and_o uninterrupted_a habit_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o god_n by_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n consequent_a to_o their_o prayer_n their_o piety_n patience_n and_o obedience_n be_v raise_v far_o above_o the_o standard_n of_o latter_a time_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o we_o who_o have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o their_o example_n find_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o even_o dare_v not_o to_o ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o many_o indeed_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a benefit_n grant_v at_o the_o prayer_n of_o ancient_a saint_n be_v intend_v as_o so_o many_o miraculous_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o under_o the_o law_n be_v the_o only_o promise_a reward_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n yet_o still_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n do_v at_o this_o day_n decrease_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o piety_n and_o may_v be_v raise_v with_o it_o a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o chief_a design_n of_o it_o which_o as_o i_o before_o large_o prove_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o acknowledge_v his_o dominion_n over_o mankind_n his_o justice_n his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o omniscience_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n man_n declare_v his_o belief_n of_o all_o these_o divine_a attribute_n but_o without_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o affront_v they_o all_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o prayer_n and_o far_o from_o worship_v god_n in_o it_o deny_v his_o perfection_n and_o overthrow_v what_o otherwise_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o reason_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o obedience_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o god_n no_o less_o be_v that_o concomitant_a purity_n command_v for_o which_o we_o now_o plead_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o require_v prayer_n will_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n to_o perform_v the_o act_n and_o withhold_v the_o condition_n be_v then_o no_o other_o than_o to_o confess_v a_o obligation_n and_o immediate_o to_o deny_v it_o if_o prayer_n include_v a_o confession_n of_o our_o want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n continuance_n in_o sin_n argue_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o that_o imperfection_n that_o we_o affect_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o god_n and_o exempt_v from_o his_o government_n if_o in_o that_o man_n profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o by_o not_o purge_v his_o mind_n from_o sin_n he_o make_v his_o profession_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o protestation_n against_o plain_a fact_n if_o there_o he_o imply_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o he_o manifest_v by_o his_o practice_n that_o he_o think_v it_o not_o just_a to_o be_v deprive_v by_o his_o law_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o belove_a lusts._n if_o by_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n he_o confess_v he_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v every_o where_o present_a by_o his_o sin_n he_o pretend_v to_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o retire_v from_o his_o presence_n if_o in_o the_o one_o he_o publish_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o the_o other_o he_o defi_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o bow_v his_o knee_n indeed_o and_o prostrate_v his_o body_n in_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o his_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n thus_o a_o sinner_n wilful_o continue_v in_o sin_n destroy_v that_o adoration_n which_o by_o prayer_n he_o pretend_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n nor_o be_v that_o the_o only_a consequence_n attend_v sin_n in_o prayer_n that_o it_o defeat_v the_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o obstruct_v the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o it_o far_o involve_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o that_o he_o therein_o affront_v all_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o in_o pray_v to_o he_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n consist_v in_o commit_v the_o fact_n after_o a_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a invocation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n in_o revile_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n after_o a_o particular_a mention_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o both_o these_o and_o many_o more_o crime_n be_v act_v as_o often_o as_o a_o love_n or_o resolution_n of_o sin_v be_v retain_v with_o prayer_n so_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o deprave_v to_o a_o most_o deplorable_a degree_n it_o will_v fear_v to_o approach_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n without_o a_o perfect_a innocence_n that_o be_v either_o conscience_n of_o have_v commit_v no_o sin_n or_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o it_o if_o we_o join_v all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o we_o still_o shall_v not_o conceive_v a_o great_a than_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n god_n profess_v his_o supreme_a dominion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n proceed_v to_o violate_v the_o â—aws_n which_o he_o have_v found_v to_o call_v he_o by_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n yet_o neither_o to_o revere_v his_o majesty_n nor_o to_o fear_v his_o punishment_n to_o celebrate_v
of_o god_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n ministerial_a office_n here_o on_o earth_n will_v permit_v he_o to_o expose_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o unbelieving_a world_n as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o wisdom_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v act_v any_o thing_n without_o just_a cause_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a direction_n alone_o of_o create_a being_n that_n he_o exert_v not_o his_o power_n without_o just_a occasion_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o receive_v as_o a_o axiom_n in_o philosophy_n that_o nature_n work_v nothing_o in_o vain_a but_o also_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_n concern_v in_o sound_v method_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n he_o proceed_v by_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n exact_o fit_v to_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v fit_v i_o mean_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n if_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v herein_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o divine_a operation_n reject_v not_o wilful_o what_o be_v intend_v for_o its_o benefit_n in_o that_o case_n god_n seek_v not_o other_o remedy_n exceed_v not_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o salvation_n fix_v by_o he_o nor_o employ_v new_a and_o more_o powerful_a engine_n to_o effect_v his_o design_n those_o he_o before_o employ_v be_v sufficient_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v fail_v of_o their_o end_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v not_o to_o their_o want_n of_o force_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n harden_v his_o mind_n against_o receive_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o thus_o god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n a_o power_n of_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n of_o overcome_v the_o violent_a motion_n of_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n of_o resist_v all_o temptation_n offer_v to_o he_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o man_n use_v not_o his_o freewill_n aright_o if_o he_o yield_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o embrace_v sinful_a temptation_n god_n do_v not_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n restrain_v these_o sinful_a action_n or_o violent_o over-rule_v the_o inordinate_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man._n when_o the_o serpent_n tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n god_n if_o he_o have_v please_v may_v as_o well_o have_v interpose_v before_o their_o consent_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o serpent_n in_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n as_o he_o do_v afterward_o denounce_v their_o punishment_n and_o have_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v dare_v to_o transgress_v yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o have_v require_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v interpose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n he_o have_v give_v they_o sufficient_a strength_n of_o will_n to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o have_v do_v that_o just_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n thus_o also_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n god_n have_v grant_v to_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o particular_a promise_n and_o covenant_n such_o a_o measure_n of_o assist_a grace_n as_o may_v repair_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o will_v enervate_v by_o that_o fall_n and_o full_o enable_v he_o to_o discharge_v the_o several_a duty_n require_v of_o he_o but_o if_o neither_o with_o this_o the_o will_n of_o man_n direct_v if_o self_n aright_o god_n do_v not_o double_a treble_a or_o multiply_v his_o grace_n or_o put_v a_o force_n upon_o the_o will._n that_o be_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o man_n as_o with_o a_o rational_a be_v and_o to_o over-rule_v or_o force_v the_o will_n will_v be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o the_o will._n and_o as_o god_n direct_v his_o most_o wise_a method_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o also_o he_o act_v in_o relation_n to_o his_o understanding_n he_o have_v propose_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o conviction_n to_o every_o point_n which_o he_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o man_n if_o he_o gain_v not_o assent_n he_o proceed_v no_o far_o heap_v not_o one_o demonstration_n upon_o another_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o resurrection_n our_o lord_n in_o his_o triennial_n preach_v before_o his_o crucifixion_n have_v offer_v to_o the_o jew_n abundant_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o almost_o daily_a miracle_n by_o prove_v that_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n do_v clear_o belong_v to_o his_o person_n by_o visible_a declaration_n from_o heaven_n by_o his_o own_o incomparable_a persuasion_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o john_n baptist_n and_o his_o apostle_n after_o so_o many_o and_o evident_a argument_n produce_v in_o vain_a and_o render_v ineffectual_a by_o the_o perverseness_n and_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n can_v we_o think_v it_o just_a to_o require_v that_o god_n shall_v change_v his_o method_n and_o propose_v other_o yet_o more_o forcible_a argument_n or_o must_v we_o not_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v do_v enough_o and_o that_o to_o go_v yet_o far_o be_v to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o depress_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n he_o have_v before_o the_o deluge_n when_o no_o such_o extraordinary_a method_n of_o conviction_n be_v employ_v just_o resolve_v my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n and_o after_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n so_o many_o revelation_n confer_v on_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n to_o have_v still_o strive_v with_o their_o unbelief_n by_o the_o public_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n will_v have_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o unreasonable_a thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o deny_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o personal_a conversation_n of_o christ_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a his_o justice_n also_o may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v incline_v he_o to_o the_o same_o that_o people_n in_o reject_v the_o messiah_n in_o oppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o his_o miracle_n have_v commit_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v even_o capable_a of_o have_v offer_v as_o great_a a_o affront_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v conceive_v so_o signal_n a_o impiety_n deserve_v a_o no_o less_o eminent_a punishment_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o visible_a execution_n of_o which_o punishment_n may_v be_v defer_v as_o it_o be_v for_o near_o forty_o year_n till_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o their_o nation_n yet_o other_o punishment_n less_o visible_a but_o no_o less_o grievous_a the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v immediate_o inflict_v and_o that_o be_v in_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n not_o offer_v to_o they_o the_o most_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o messiah_n the_o conviction_n of_o his_o resurrection_n by_o their_o own_o sense_n when_o they_o have_v reject_v all_o those_o precedent_a argument_n which_o will_v more_o than_o have_v suffice_v to_o convince_v and_o inform_v they_o if_o their_o wicked_a perverseness_n have_v not_o prevent_v the_o conviction_n they_o have_v by_o deny_v belief_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o evident_a argument_n declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o far_o from_o deserve_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v a_o favour_n than_o which_o a_o great_a can_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o what_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o belove_a disciple_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n can_v not_o in_o justice_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n nor_o do_v it_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o the_o jew_n therein_o that_o they_o proceed_v according_a to_o their_o present_a judgement_n and_o act_v upon_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n for_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o many_o of_o they_o oppose_v he_o even_o while_o inward_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o argument_n of_o it_o as_o those_o do_v to_o who_o he_o upbraid_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o conscience_n simple_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o warrant_v of_o humane_a action_n but_o conscience_n direct_v by_o right_a reason_n god_n have_v give_v to_o man_n a_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o will_v full_a power_n of_o judge_v right_o in_o all_o matter_n absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o as_o of_o follow_v the_o report_n of_o this_o judgement_n when_o make_v he_o require_v a_o like_a right_a use_n of_o both_o these_o faculty_n and_o punish_v equal_o
the_o miscarriage_n of_o either_o if_o it_o concern_v matter_n of_o obedience_n to_o himself_o or_o of_o ordinary_a duty_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v no_o less_o fatal_a or_o criminal_a to_o pervert_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o corrupt_v the_o will_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n will_v be_v no_o more_o allow_v than_o to_o plead_v drunkenness_n for_o crime_n commit_v in_o that_o absence_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o history_n a_o more_o enormous_a sin_n to_o be_v find_v than_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o messiah_n by_o they_o none_o so_o severe_o brand_v in_o scripture_n or_o punish_v with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o our_o saviour_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n declare_v that_o those_o his_o persecutor_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o although_o he_o then_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o charity_n intercede_v for_o their_o pardon_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n will_v not_o grant_v it_o much_o less_o continue_v to_o they_o the_o former_a favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o will_v have_v be_v the_o visible_a and_o public_a preach_v of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n far_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v herein_o nor_o be_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n reason_n do_v require_v and_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v pass_v through_o a_o double_a state_n that_o be_v of_o humiliation_n and_o glory_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v undergo_v all_o the_o misery_n ignominy_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v subject_a he_o be_v press_v with_o the_o want_n of_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v afflict_v with_o the_o insult_v provocation_n and_o injury_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v deliver_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v treat_v at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o these_o meritorious_a suffering_n be_v to_o ensue_v a_o state_n of_o glory_n wherein_o christ_n shall_v be_v place_v far_o above_o the_o rank_n and_o the_o power_n of_o mortal_a man_n shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n and_o enter_v upon_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n this_o state_n of_o exaltation_n be_v begin_v in_o his_o resurrection_n perfect_v by_o his_o ascension_n and_o continue_v without_o interruption_n to_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o then_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a honour_n that_o the_o sacred_a body_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n now_o exalt_v to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v again_o subject_v to_o the_o attempt_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n and_o reduce_v to_o his_o former_a mean_a condition_n 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