mankind_n by_o a_o studious_a communication_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v at_o first_o act_v in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o judea_n not_o in_o a_o desert_n or_o in_o a_o cell_n not_o spend_v in_o a_o solitary_a retirement_n or_o know_v to_o few_o and_o after_o that_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n commit_v to_o write_v whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o that_o light_a which_o first_o arise_v and_o shine_v in_o a_o small_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o universe_n and_o become_v a_o general_a and_o eternal_a standard_n of_o duty_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o this_o light_n shall_v confer_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o which_o our_o lord_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o walk_v not_o in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n for_o if_o the_o light_n which_o christ_n communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n be_v so_o illustrious_a as_o we_o before_o describe_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o or_o imitate_v the_o other_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o darkness_n in_o the_o same_o ignorance_n and_o error_n in_o which_o he_o be_v before_o involve_v he_o have_v thereby_o his_o mistake_v remove_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o duty_n ascertain_v to_o he_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n convey_v to_o he_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n our_o lord_n chief_o intend_v in_o these_o word_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v put_v themselves_o under_o his_o discipline_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o easy_a and_o practical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v of_o more_o use_n to_o we_o light_a and_o darkness_n in_o scripture_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v those_o two_o contrary_a state_n of_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o reveal_v light_n and_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o those_o who_o former_o live_v or_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n hence_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v often_o call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v express_v by_o darkness_n as_o ephes._n v._n 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_n walk_v as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o all_o sin_n be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o rom._n xiii_o 12._o let_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o ephes._n v._n 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o lord_n therefore_o in_o this_o place_n teach_v we_o that_o his_o true_a disciple_n they_o who_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o light_n walk_v in_o the_o right_a way_n cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v direct_v into_o and_o follow_v the_o path_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n many_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o be_v before_o subject_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o ignorance_n occasion_v by_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o know_v they_o not_o to_o be_v sin_n their_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n can_v not_o direct_v the_o will_n aright_o or_o betray_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a choice_n even_o when_o it_o be_v dispose_v aright_o and_o as_o reason_n will_v resolve_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o miserable_a state_n indeed_o when_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o know_v it_o not_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n fit_o describe_v matth._n vi_o 23._o if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n if_o thy_o judgement_n be_v corrupt_v with_o error_n or_o ignorance_n of_o thy_o duty_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n from_o this_o unhappiness_n our_o saviour_n full_o free_v his_o disciple_n by_o teach_v they_o all_o necessary_a truth_n by_o inform_v their_o judgement_n by_o set_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o full_a light_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v use_v any_o ordinary_a diligence_n they_o can_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o further_o these_o work_n of_o darknse_n even_o among_o the_o gentile_n much_o less_o among_o christian_n proceed_v not_o always_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o judgement_n from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n but_o more_o ordinary_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n be_v act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n and_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n while_o act_v yet_o fit_o call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n because_o as_o our_o lord_n tell_v nicodemus_n john_n iii_o 20._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a detestation_n of_o sin_n when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o in_o all_o man_n which_o make_v the_o most_o profligate_v man_n desire_v their_o sin_n may_v be_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o not_o consider_v perhaps_o as_o they_o seldom_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n which_o occasion_n such_o work_n of_o darkness_n christ_n have_v also_o provide_v for_o and_o remove_v by_o propose_v such_o argument_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o can_v fail_v to_o persuade_v by_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n and_o thereby_o influence_v the_o will._n for_o beside_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o interest_n concern_v in_o it_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o right_o understand_v carry_v internal_a and_o powerful_a argument_n of_o persuasion_n with_o it_o further_o this_o sentence_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o to_o the_o discover_v the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o other_o relation_n to_o christ._n for_o as_o he_o that_o follow_v this_o light_n can_v walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n shall_v follow_v this_o light_n it_o be_v former_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o retain_v their_o infidelity_n and_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n because_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o condemnation_n of_o as_o many_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n they_o still_o walk_v in_o darkness_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o by_o christianity_n be_v confer_v to_o they_o they_o practise_v the_o same_o vice_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o infidel_n be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v to_o they_o by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n who_o nevertheless_o call_v themselves_o the_o son_n of_o light_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o of_o such_o st._n john_n have_v pronounce_v 1_o john_n i._n 6._o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o to_o gaze_v upon_o and_o please_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n if_o much_o less_o the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v mere_o to_o promote_v the_o speculation_n and_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n of_o man_n if_o a_o rational_a and_o virtuous_a conduct_n of_o life_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n enforce_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n that_o this_o light_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v find_v shall_v exert_v and_o discover_v itself_o in_o action_n conformable_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pretend_v that_o light_n have_v there_o any_o influence_n where_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v perform_v or_o that_o two_o such_o contrary_n
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
the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o 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which_o be_v in_o he_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o inferior_a be_v if_o it_o can_v speak_v and_o argue_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o noble_a faculty_n because_o it_o can_v conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o for_o one_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o because_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o than_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v in_o the_o text_n even_n so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unreasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o then_o all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o conception_n cease_v and_o it_o remain_v only_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o allege_a revelation_n be_v true_o divine_a this_o therefore_o the_o 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he_o who_o judge_v these_o revelation_n only_o according_a to_o his_o preconceive_a notion_n take_v up_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o receive_v not_o from_o they_o who_o weigh_v not_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n reinforcing_a these_o revelation_n he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v truth_n which_o surmount_v the_o reach_n of_o naked_a reason_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v only_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o regard_v not_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o revelation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v recommend_v so_o that_o while_o he_o act_v in_o this_o irrational_a method_n he_o can_v know_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v 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can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o finite_a soul_n it_o have_v its_o bound_n and_o sphere_n of_o activity_n fix_v to_o it_o which_o if_o it_o exceed_v it_o can_v judge_v without_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o illusion_n if_o we_o desire_v to_o extend_v our_o knowledge_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o object_n the_o desire_n be_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o pretence_n be_v foolish_a the_o limitation_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v exclude_v all_o such_o hope_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o alter_v our_o nature_n and_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o condition_n of_o finite_a to_o infinite_a being_n it_o become_v we_o to_o receive_v with_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n those_o perfection_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o not_o to_o repine_v that_o he_o give_v we_o not_o better_o much_o less_o be_v angry_a that_o they_o be_v not_o infinite_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o creature_n shall_v have_v a_o infinite_a understanding_n further_o 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to_o conceive_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o even_o in_o these_o the_o same_o imperfection_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v discover_v for_o however_o they_o may_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o finite_a being_n and_o cause_n of_o visible_a effect_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o suitable_a object_n of_o human_a understanding_n yet_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v their_o ignorance_n in_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o what_o they_o do_v pretend_v to_o know_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n other_o ofttimes_o no_o less_o learned_a will_v deny_v and_o if_o themselves_o now_o fancy_n that_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n yet_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o once_o know_v it_o not_o or_o perhaps_o have_v different_a conception_n of_o it_o and_o then_o that_o very_a improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o man_n shall_v always_o 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the_o trinity_n can_v be_v full_o conceive_v by_o we_o so_o then_o since_o humane_a reason_n can_v by_o its_o own_o conception_n alone_o find_v out_o and_o determine_v all_o which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o second_o consideration_n propose_v will_v take_v place_n namely_o that_o in_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v their_o internal_a probability_n so_o much_o as_o their_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o since_o we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n many_o property_n may_v be_v in_o it_o which_o we_o can_v never_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nor_o yet_o when_o discover_v to_o we_o full_o conceive_v they_o but_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v we_o can_v judge_v of_o from_o internal_a argument_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v deny_v to_o we_o we_o can_v form_v any_o 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but_o these_o man_n proceed_v chief_o upon_o those_o objection_n which_o we_o have_v already_o refute_v and_o upon_o unreasonable_a and_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o wrest_v to_o their_o sense_n while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o remove_v it_o whole_o but_o while_o they_o attempt_v this_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o far_o great_a difficulty_n and_o even_o in_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o god_n have_v command_v that_o all_o shall_v worship_v the_o son_n even_o as_o they_o do_v the_o father_n and_o themselves_o never_o dare_v to_o deny_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o christ_n hereby_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o be_v which_o be_v not_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o palpable_a contradiction_n infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o they_o so_o much_o dread_v for_o a_o act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n consist_v chief_o in_o a_o awful_a conception_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o object_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o adore_v christ_n with_o divine_a honour_n the_o mind_n must_v consider_v he_o as_o god_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a repugnance_n of_o conception_n and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n remain_v in_o full_a force_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v attend_v it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v those_o argument_n it_o remain_v that_o if_o we_o act_v rational_o we_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o discourse_n from_o this_o 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and_o everblessed_n trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n to_o who_o be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o error_n and_o false_a persuasion_n to_o which_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v subject_a none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o common_a than_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o irrational_a part_n be_v direct_v by_o their_o creator_n to_o some_o supreme_a end_n the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n while_o man_n the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n miscarry_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a soul_n capacious_a faculty_n and_o the_o uncontrolled_a use_n of_o a_o freewill_n which_o bestow_v on_o man_n a_o possibility_n of_o be_v true_o happy_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o miscarriage_n he_o set_v the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n on_o work_n to_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n he_o run_v through_o all_o the_o pleasure_n whether_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n of_o which_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a he_o fix_v his_o desire_n upon_o those_o which_o most_o of_o all_o strike_v his_o imagination_n or_o gratify_v his_o sense_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o obtain_v they_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o freewill_n when_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o one_o end_n he_o invent_v another_o he_o grow_v wanton_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o more_o he_o indulge_v his_o 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to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n and_o over-rule_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a esteem_n of_o corporeal_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n which_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n divert_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n take_v root_n in_o his_o imagination_n raise_v his_o passion_n and_o by_o their_o assistance_n continue_v its_o possession_n nothing_o therefore_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o the_o retrieve_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o real_a happiness_n to_o rectify_v the_o thought_n and_o secure_v the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o to_o obviate_v the_o deceitfulness_n to_o defeat_v the_o delusion_n of_o sensual_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n by_o manifest_v how_o unsatisfactory_a it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n how_o unable_a to_o fill_v the_o capacious_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o vain_a and_o trifle_a how_o unworthy_a our_o study_n and_o desire_v this_o will_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a end_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o end_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o when_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o no_o real_a happiness_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o that_o however_o it_o may_v flatter_v the_o sense_n and_o please_v the_o imagination_n it_o will_v fill_v no_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o effect_v this_o conviction_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o various_a argument_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o mutability_n of_o fortune_n the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n forfeit_v by_o a_o blind_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n the_o vanity_n of_o it_o when_o obtain_v the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o it_o when_o expire_v but_o above_o all_o the_o example_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o after_o they_o have_v obtain_v all_o which_o they_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n rest_v unsatisfied_a or_o become_v unhappy_a be_v divest_v of_o their_o felicity_n and_o reduce_v to_o misery_n or_o amid_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n by_o a_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v declare_v and_o confess_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o much_o court_v and_o other_o so_o much_o admire_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o of_o haman_n in_o my_o text_n who_o amid_o all_o his_o honour_n and_o title_n his_o wealth_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n amid_o all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o this_o life_n can_v receive_v convince_v by_o undeniable_a experience_n confess_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o that_o both_o these_o consideration_n therefore_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o experience_n confirm_v
to_o the_o soul_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o invest_v with_o immortality_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n devest_v of_o these_o gross_a sense_n which_o now_o accompany_v we_o and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o worldly_a and_o admire_a pleasure_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vileness_n of_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o can_v be_v make_v happy_a without_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o any_o real_a worth_n god_n will_v have_v continue_v they_o to_o we_o in_o another_o life_n but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v way_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o humane_a happiness_n by_o the_o abolishment_n of_o all_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o despoil_v the_o body_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n be_v light_a and_o trifle_a incompatible_a with_o real_a happiness_n and_o unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o the_o body_n those_o pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o our_o body_n be_v capable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a so_o much_o to_o admire_v here_o below_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n delight_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n finite_a short_a and_o contemptible_a the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o increase_v their_o worth_n but_o then_o this_o very_a repetition_n become_v nauseous_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v common_o produce_v by_o a_o irregular_a appetite_n but_o always_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o when_o perform_v they_o leave_v no_o satisfaction_n behind_o they_o they_o cloy_v the_o appetite_n and_o by_o their_o frequency_n become_v troublesome_a and_o even_o odious_a to_o we_o be_v finish_v in_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o leave_v nothing_o grateful_a behind_o they_o but_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v end_n with_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o life_n may_v be_v obstruct_v by_o disease_n and_o calamity_n a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n in_o who_o all_o the_o greatness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v join_v he_o preside_v over_o a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a people_n and_o that_o in_o great_a glory_n than_o all_o the_o king_n before_o or_o after_o he_o so_o that_o if_o ambition_n worldly_a honour_n and_o pomp_n can_v make_v he_o happy_a he_o possess_v they_o all_o in_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o fame_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n among_o neighbour_n nation_n can_v increase_v this_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v from_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o east_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o mouth_n if_o riches_n can_v confer_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o desire_a perfection_n none_o can_v put_v in_o a_o better_a claim_n for_o it_o than_o he_o in_o who_o time_n gold_n be_v esteem_v no_o more_o than_o iron_n and_o silver_n as_o stone_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o last_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v complete_a our_o happiness_n none_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o he_o at_o who_o command_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o profound_a and_o uninterrupted_a peace_n all_o his_o life_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v that_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o suppose_a mean_n of_o happiness_n he_o assure_v we_o eccles._n ii_o 10._o that_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o nor_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n nay_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o curiosity_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v nothing_o unattempted_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o know_v madness_n and_o folly_n eccles._n i._n 17._o one_o who_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o can_v by_o his_o exquisite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n heighten_v and_o refine_v these_o pleasure_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o they_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n if_o then_o no_o real_a happiness_n if_o no_o solid_a pleasure_n can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n from_o riches_n and_o the_o outward_a pomp_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v recur_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o happiness_n true_o solid_a and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a none_o but_o a_o vast_a and_o infinite_a good_a can_v satisfy_v the_o unbounded_a desire_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o eternity_n itself_o can_v satiate_v a_o immortal_a be_v for_o however_o our_o soul_n be_v finite_a as_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v yet_o our_o will_n have_v no_o limit_n but_o continual_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o unless_o that_o good_a which_o they_o already_o possess_v can_v receive_v no_o far_o addition_n this_o good_a be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v fix_v our_o restless_a will_n and_o by_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n ravish_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pleasure_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o be_v a_o happiness_n true_o peculiar_a to_o spiritual_a being_n who_o alone_o can_v contemplate_v the_o majesty_n and_o inimitable_a goodness_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o by_o so_o do_v secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n infinite_a in_o itself_o not_o inferior_a to_o the_o vast_a desire_n of_o the_o will_n which_o survive_v all_o the_o change_n of_o fortune_n malice_n of_o man_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o if_o we_o can_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o greatness_n of_o these_o spiritual_a pleasure_n their_o convenience_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o infinite_a duration_n of_o they_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o they_o immerse_v in_o gross_a and_o earthly_a delight_n so_o far_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o willing_a nor_o perhaps_o able_a to_o receive_v these_o great_a and_o more_o real_a enjoyment_n by_o attend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v even_o change_v the_o nature_n and_o nobleness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o from_o guide_n and_o director_n make_v they_o mere_a instrument_n to_o our_o body_n devest_v they_o of_o all_o remembrance_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a degrade_v they_o into_o a_o servile_a condition_n and_o be_v we_o not_o sometime_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v perhaps_o forget_v that_o we_o be_v create_v in_o a_o condition_n little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thus_o far_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n revelation_n do_v the_o same_o no_o less_o full_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o wean_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o thing_n above_o to_o withdraw_v we_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o seat_v we_o at_o last_o in_o heaven_n to_o this_o the_o whole_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o religion_n plain_o tend_v command_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n undergo_v persecution_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o even_o suffer_v death_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o who_o love_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n or_o possession_n beyond_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o among_o other_o precept_n command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n of_o nature_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n precept_n all_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v forgo_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n destroy_v rather_o than_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o least_o be_v injure_v our_o
his_o justice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o defraud_v oppress_v and_o injure_v to_o own_o his_o goodness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o deny_v compassion_n to_o his_o creature_n make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n to_o intercede_v with_o he_o for_o new_a benefit_n and_o employ_v those_o already_o grant_v in_o oppose_v his_o authority_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o have_v receive_v life_n and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o to_o yield_v he_o any_o service_n for_o it_o to_o confess_v his_o unlimited_a knowledge_n and_o presence_n and_o therewith_o retain_v secret_a resolution_n of_o sin_v all_o these_o be_v as_o heinous_a provocation_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o form_v all_o yet_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o pray_v with_o impure_a heart_n and_o mind_n and_o all_o yet_o receive_v this_o far_a aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o prayer_n such_o be_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n but_o to_o those_o who_o profess_v belief_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n no_o less_o weighty_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o prayer_n consist_v in_o our_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v grant_v mere_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o christian_a prayer_n and_o if_o ourselves_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o that_o in_o he_o and_o through_o he_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n to_o we_o no_o christian_a therefore_o have_v any_o other_o title_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o relation_n can_v consist_v without_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v all_o direct_v to_o promote_v purity_n justice_n and_o holiness_n the_o want_n of_o these_o condition_n break_v off_o the_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o man_n who_o then_o in_o vain_a supplicate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o disobedience_n he_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o may_v plead_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a but_o himself_o have_v no_o share_n in_o they_o he_o may_v fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n seat_n but_o will_v find_v no_o high_a priest_n to_o intercede_v for_o he_o who_o by_o his_o sin_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o crucify_a he_o afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n ii_o the_o second_o condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o without_o wrath_n that_o be_v without_o malice_n or_o hatred_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o anger_v grow_v inveterate_a the_o passion_n of_o anger_n be_v indeed_o no_o less_o unlawful_a to_o those_o that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o while_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o passion_n continue_v any_o one_o shall_v be_v dispose_v to_o pray_v while_o that_o commotion_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o attend_v anger_n last_v the_o mind_n can_v attend_v to_o nothing_o else_o and_o can_v direct_v its_o thought_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o during_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o only_o impious_a but_o unnatural_a to_o undertake_v it_o in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o engage_v its_o whole_a strength_n and_o intention_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v do_v when_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v between_o prayer_n and_o anger_n it_o ought_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o compose_v itself_o in_o a_o sedate_n and_o quiet_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o can_v do_v while_o disorder_v by_o any_o passion_n which_o reason_n will_v also_o make_v prayer_n unbefitting_a and_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n impossible_a not_o only_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o anger_n but_o also_o in_o such_o a_o hatred_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o violence_n of_o it_o continual_o employ_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n especial_o where_o the_o person_n hate_v be_v present_a to_o it_o and_o allow_v to_o it_o no_o interval_n of_o calm_a and_o quiet_a until_o it_o be_v either_o satisfy_v with_o revenge_n or_o expire_v with_o long_a time_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o hatred_n be_v a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a anger_n which_o for_o the_o former_a reason_n exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o prayer_n during_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o but_o such_o a_o degree_n be_v monstrous_a the_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n allow_v frequent_a interval_n of_o serenity_n to_o the_o mind_n fret_v not_o the_o thought_n continual_o and_o have_v this_o immediate_a effect_n only_o that_o whensoever_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o do_v return_v or_o the_o cause_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v first_o found_v be_v recall_v to_o mind_n either_o resolution_n or_o desire_n of_o revenge_n be_v conceive_v and_o a_o purpose_n form_v of_o not_o forgive_a even_o this_o moderate_a and_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n render_v the_o soul_n unfit_a for_o prayer_n and_o always_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o it_o for_o in_o prayer_n if_o direct_v and_o conceive_v aright_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o resign_v up_o his_o affection_n and_o faculty_n entire_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o but_o he_o who_o nourish_v hatred_n in_o his_o mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a neither_o resign_v up_o himself_o nor_o confess_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n for_o that_o very_a affection_n he_o retain_v in_o opposition_n to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o seek_v or_o desire_v revenge_n he_o make_v himself_o a_o judge_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o suppose_a injury_n and_o thereby_o invade_v the_o office_n and_o usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o if_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o have_v the_o only_a right_a to_o exercise_v such_o a_o judgement_n this_o confession_n therefore_o of_o subjection_n and_o self-resignation_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o prayer_n can_v consist_v with_o hatred_n and_o indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o prayer_n join_v with_o hatred_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o lord_n i_o resign_v up_o myself_o to_o thy_o disposal_n but_o will_v not_o commit_v my_o cause_n to_o thy_o decision_n i_o devote_v my_o affection_n and_o faculty_n to_o thy_o service_n but_o will_v not_o quit_v my_o hatred_n for_o thy_o command_n i_o acknowledge_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o reserve_v to_o myself_o a_o right_a to_o judge_v and_o punish_v by_o revenge_n my_o enemy_n who_o yet_o be_v my_o equal_a and_o thy_o subject_n so_o absurd_a incongruous_a and_o repugnant_a be_v the_o thought_n and_o petition_n of_o a_o malicious_a soul_n compare_v together_o as_o do_v not_o only_o just_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o petition_n but_o also_o deserve_v a_o eminent_a punishment_n for_o dare_v thus_o to_o collude_v with_o god_n but_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o hatred_n with_o prayer_n be_v yet_o behind_o namely_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n who_o may_v just_o affix_v whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v to_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o to_o the_o assurance_n of_o success_n in_o prayer_n he_o have_v above_o all_o other_o qualification_n pre-required_n freedom_n from_o envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n this_o he_o have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v before_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o especial_o that_o solemn_a one_o of_o prayer_n be_v pay_v to_o himself_o as_o in_o matth._n v._n 23._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n he_o have_v make_v this_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n to_o mankind_n forgive_v that_o you_o may_v be_v forgive_v for_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o not_o neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n matth._n vi_o 14._o he_o have_v insert_v this_o condition_n into_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v give_v both_o as_o a_o form_n and_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o christian_n forgive_v we_o our_o