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
thy_o mind_n can_v affright_v thou_o from_o perform_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o it_o if_o thou_o dare_v not_o resist_v its_o command_n and_o quiet_o submite_v to_o it_o how_o much_o more_o be_v thou_o oblige_v to_o revere_a the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n where_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v sweet_o join_v together_o where_o no_o limitation_n can_v be_v find_v nothing_o exclude_v from_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o no_o cessation_n to_o be_v expect_v if_o thou_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v this_o power_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o judge_v whether_o omnipotence_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v if_o thou_o appeale_v to_o sense_n view_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n pass_v through_o heaven_n and_o earth_n thou_o shall_v discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o omnipotence_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o pretend_v yet_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o evident_a reflect_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o say_v who_o give_v they_o to_o thou_o consider_v the_o fabric_n of_o thy_o body_n who_o form_v it_o for_o thou_o these_o be_v undeniable_a mark_n of_o thy_o subjection_n to_o a_o almighty_a power_n which_o even_o if_o thou_o do_v deny_v it_o be_v by_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n create_v by_o he_o that_o thou_o can_v deny_v it_o thus_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v whatsoever_o punishment_n he_o please_v on_o his_o disobedient_a creature_n and_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v vain_o imagine_v this_o power_n to_o be_v useless_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o like_o antiquate_a law_n never_o put_v in_o execution_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n be_v excellent_a in_o judgement_n also_o that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o judge_v mank_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o so_o judgement_n do_v almost_o every_o where_o signify_v in_o scripture_n the_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n upon_o delinquent_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o public_a law_n which_o be_v fix_v to_o mankind_n and_o prescribe_v for_o their_o direction_n nothing_o but_o the_o most_o extreme_a stupidity_n can_v defeat_v the_o success_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o divine_a worship_n since_o this_o equal_o affect_v both_o the_o wife_n and_o foolish_a by_o strike_v their_o imagination_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n a_o fear_n which_o will_v affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o no_o other_o argument_n can_v prevail_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n may_v be_v slight_v the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n may_v be_v neglect_v his_o power_n may_v be_v deride_v when_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o sinner_n will_v awaken_v the_o conscience_n and_o affright_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o although_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o as_o in_o natural_a religion_n for_o let_v the_o punishment_n be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o their_o quality_n let_v the_o time_n of_o their_o execution_n be_v hide_v from_o sinner_n yet_o this_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o such_o he_o will_v exercise_v judgement_n and_o that_o as_o his_o power_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o most_o formidable_a judicature_n on_o earth_n so_o his_o punishment_n will_v be_v correspondent_a exceed_v what_o man_n can_v inflict_v and_o herein_o appear_v the_o excellence_n of_o this_o judgement_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n humane_a judicature_n can_v take_v hold_v only_o of_o the_o external_a action_n of_o man_n and_o even_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o offender_n may_v set_v he_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o punishment_n they_o may_v be_v evade_v by_o crafty_a defence_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o great_a power_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o death_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v finish_v by_o it_o but_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o the_o most_o secret_a action_n of_o man_n be_v call_v in_o question_n even_o their_o thought_n can_v escape_v discovery_n the_o judge_n can_v be_v blind_v by_o crafty_a insinuation_n nor_o divert_v from_o his_o resolution_n by_o extraneous_a cause_n nothing_o can_v rescue_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n not_o even_a death_n itself_o his_o dominion_n extend_v beyond_o the_o grave_a reach_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o surmount_v the_o resistance_n of_o all_o create_a being_n if_o then_o fear_n can_v affect_v man_n if_o punishment_n can_v deter_v they_o if_o power_n can_v awe_v they_o if_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o these_o can_v convince_v they_o they_o do_v all_o combine_v to_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o continue_v religion_n in_o mankind_n but_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v slave_n to_o god_n and_o servant_n through_o fear_n only_o he_o dispense_v reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n to_o men._n he_o be_v excellent_a in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n he_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n to_o his_o precept_n not_o because_o any_o reward_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o dispense_n his_o benefit_n and_o then_o his_o justice_n will_v require_v that_o he_o dispense_v they_o to_o the_o most_o worthy_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o powerful_a a_o argument_n interest_n be_v in_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n what_o draw_v attendant_n to_o prince_n or_o servant_n to_o great_a man_n but_o the_o power_n of_o reward_v they_o and_o the_o prospect_n of_o preferment_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o their_o favour_n this_o seldom_o fail_v to_o secure_v to_o they_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v due_a from_o dependent_n honour_n and_o service_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o raise_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v they_o beyond_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o will_v no_o less_o effectual_o secure_v what_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o we_o adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v attain_v be_v far_o great_a such_o as_o the_o donor_n will_v not_o and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o other_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o from_o we_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o time_n nor_o restrain_v by_o any_o limitation_n the_o assurance_n also_o of_o obtain_v they_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o can_v give_v what_o he_o please_v and_o will_v give_v what_o he_o promise_v whereas_o the_o favour_n expect_v from_o man_n may_v be_v defeat_v by_o forgetfulness_n by_o unfaithfulness_n may_v be_v intercept_v by_o other_o may_v become_v impossible_a to_o be_v bestow_v if_o then_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a and_o most_o certain_a reward_n can_v procure_v what_o man_n obtain_v by_o their_o petty_a and_o uncertain_a favour_n fear_v and_o reverence_n we_o must_v deplore_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinate_a perverseness_n of_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n propose_v by_o god_n yield_v to_o those_o propose_v by_o man_n which_o yet_o affect_v the_o same_o passion_n that_o of_o desire_n but_o in_o a_o much_o low_a degree_n last_o to_o secure_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o be_v befit_v his_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n lest_o our_o adoration_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v with_o any_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n entertain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v in_o this_o life_n the_o rule_n and_o method_n whereby_o god_n dispense_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n may_v be_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o he_o may_v suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v afflict_v he_o may_v permit_v the_o wicked_a to_o prosper_v he_o may_v in_o appearance_n cut_v off_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a man_n by_o present_a misery_n and_o encourage_v the_o disobedience_n of_o bad_a man_n by_o temporal_a felicity_n his_o way_n may_v be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o judgement_n past_o find_v out_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v any_o opinion_n of_o injustice_n in_o god_n or_o imperfection_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o government_n although_o the_o secret_n of_o providence_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o that_o be_v such_o he_o will_v not_o afflict_v the_o mysterious_a obscurity_n of_o providence_n herein_o be_v the_o occasion_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
the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o theâ—e_n and_o many_o other_o prophecy_n after_o the_o actual_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o give_v a_o more_o visible_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n of_o his_o pleasure_n herein_o a_o argument_n which_o not_o only_a may_v have_v convince_v the_o jew_n of_o those_o day_n but_o unanswerable_o confute_v their_o infidelity_n to_o this_o day_n and_o grow_v more_o strong_a with_o time_n that_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o thereupon_o the_o perpetual_a cessation_n of_o the_o legal_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n contrive_v and_o effect_v by_o his_o providence_n not_o many_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v go_v out_o into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_v gentile_a world_n which_o put_v it_o past_o all_o doubt_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n which_o can_v no_o long_o take_v place_n than_o while_o that_o temple_n do_v exist_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o which_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v have_v god_n intend_v still_o to_o have_v oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o ceremonious_a worship_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o must_v also_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o continue_v the_o existence_n and_o possession_n of_o that_o temple_n to_o they_o the_o temple_n indeed_o be_v once_o before_o destroy_v and_o the_o worship_n of_o it_o discontinue_v under_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n but_o that_o be_v only_o for_o one_o generation_n till_o that_o universal_a idolatry_n which_o have_v then_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v wear_v out_o and_o to_o preserve_v their_o faith_n during_o that_o interruption_n god_n foretell_v by_o his_o prophet_n that_o they_o shall_v return_v again_o and_o serve_v he_o in_o that_o very_a place_n fix_v the_o number_n of_o year_n in_o which_o this_o restauration_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o seventy_o year_n and_o at_o that_o time_n according_o do_v perform_v it_o whereas_o this_o latter_a destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v without_o any_o promise_n of_o restitution_n and_o the_o jew_n now_o keep_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o for_o more_o than_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n no_o prophet_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n appear_v to_o comfort_n and_o keep_v up_o the_o external_a presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o as_o be_v eminent_o do_v during_o all_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n it_o can_v but_o be_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n will_v not_o any_o long_o confine_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o himself_o to_o one_o certain_a place_n that_o by_o his_o providence_n contrive_v the_o destruction_n of_o that_o temple_n he_o have_v offer_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o appropriate_v his_o worship_n to_o their_o temple_n and_o to_o we_o that_o he_o hear_v we_o alike_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n since_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o other_o fix_a place_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o in_o proof_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n advance_v in_o these_o word_n the_o universality_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o to_o the_o place_n of_o it_o a_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v inculcate_v and_o set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a offence_n and_o even_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v so_o hardly_o draw_v from_o that_o persuasion_n which_o they_o once_o receive_v and_o which_o indeed_o once_o be_v true_a that_o worship_n and_o prayer_n be_v no_o where_o so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o many_o of_o they_o continue_v to_o pay_v their_o public_a worship_n in_o that_o place_n even_o until_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o great_a use_n to_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n encourage_v they_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n with_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v give_v they_o more_o noble_a and_o enlarge_v thought_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n the_o encouragement_n arise_v from_o those_o many_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v be_v there_o peculiarly_a present_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v the_o petition_n of_o devout_a supplicant_n present_v in_o it_o that_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o of_o all_o these_o promise_v he_o give_v assurance_n not_o only_o by_o the_o many_o example_n of_o success_n attend_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n offer_v up_o therein_o which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o also_o by_o those_o visible_a symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o he_o place_v in_o it_o such_o as_o be_v the_o urim_n and_o thummim_n the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o mercy-seat_n the_o fire_n consume_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o which_o induce_v all_o who_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o worship_n at_o the_o temple_n to_o address_v themselves_o bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o with_o assurance_n of_o success_n be_v convince_v by_o those_o visible_a symbol_n and_o by_o the_o often_o repeat_v promise_n and_o protestation_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v indeed_o there_o eminent_o present_a and_o ready_a to_o bestow_v those_o favour_n in_o it_o which_o in_o vain_a have_v be_v beg_v in_o any_o other_o place_n under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v appoint_v public_a place_n of_o worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o believe_a world_n and_o to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v transfer_v those_o same_o promise_n of_o favour_n and_o peculiar_a presence_n which_o be_v once_o appropriate_v to_o the_o temple_n the_o certainty_n of_o success_n the_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o only_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o benefit_n be_v more_o universal_a which_o serve_v also_o to_o raise_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v equal_o due_a to_o god_n from_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n but_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o all_o shall_v worship_v he_o in_o that_o single_a place_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n be_v there_o no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o world_n where_o any_o reveal_v promise_n of_o gracious_o hear_v the_o prayer_n and_o reward_v the_o devotion_n of_o man_n be_v give_v so_o that_o it_o easy_o appear_v that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n be_v not_o yet_o display_v in_o its_o full_a lustre_n in_o that_o god_n confine_v his_o presence_n and_o appropriate_v his_o promise_n to_o that_o place_n alone_o whereas_o in_o sound_v a_o better_a and_o more_o last_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v communicate_v the_o promise_n and_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o all_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v now_o undeniable_o manifest_a that_o his_o favour_n be_v found_v in_o eternal_a reason_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o goodness_n not_o in_o denomination_n of_o sect_n or_o party_n or_o nation_n or_o kindred_n all_o which_o raise_v a_o more_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o beneficence_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o last_o it_o give_v to_o man_n right_a information_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n who_o while_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n be_v prone_a to_o believe_v that_o not_o so_o much_o the_o devotion_n or_o internal_a qualification_n of_o the_o supplicant_n recommend_v the_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o the_o place_n from_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o that_o god_n respect_v not_o so_o much_o the_o fervour_n submission_n and_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v chief_o regard_v by_o he_o but_o since_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o kind_a reception_n of_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o be_v by_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n alike_o grant_v to_o all_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o external_a circumstance_n be_v so_o much_o respect_v as_o the_o internal_a condition_n of_o it_o faith_n and_o submission_n obedience_n and_o intention_n that_o these_o he_o require_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o the_o other_o only_o in_o subordination_n to_o