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in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o then_o temptation_n in_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o crime_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n can_v not_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o all_o those_o ill_a consequence_n as_o may_v attend_v such_o temptation_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n derive_v from_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o only_o whatsoever_o happen_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n or_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o any_o creature_n be_v only_o permit_v by_o he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o answer_v for_o it_o but_o what_o be_v cause_v by_o his_o extraordinary_a power_n delegated_a to_o any_o creature_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o his_o direct_a will_n and_o special_a commission_n so_o that_o to_o avoid_v the_o charge_v of_o injustice_n upon_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o such_o opinion_n of_o he_o he_o permit_v 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which_o the_o bless_a angel_n still_o enjoy_v and_o although_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n endeavour_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o subjection_n to_o god_n which_o endeavour_v occasion_v their_o fall_n yet_o what_o be_v none_o of_o their_o least_o torment_n they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o subjection_n by_o execute_v his_o command_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o person_n who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n with_o the_o high_a censure_n or_o formal_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n be_v seize_v on_o by_o he_o in_o a_o conspicuous_a manner_n and_o either_o whole_o possess_v by_o he_o and_o deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n or_o immediate_o afflict_v with_o violent_a disease_n thus_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a st._n paul_n command_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n solemn_o to_o excommunicate_v he_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n v._o a_o employment_n sure_o very_o ungrateful_a to_o the_o devil_n since_o nothing_o can_v tend_v more_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n than_o such_o visible_a punishment_n which_o conduce_v also_o to_o the_o salvation_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o strike_v they_o with_o a_o due_a awe_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n and_o force_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o unhappy_a state_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o occasion_v it_o if_o such_o exemplary_a punishment_n do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n attend_v the_o solemn_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v deny_v to_o it_o although_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o devil_n acquire_v still_o no_o small_a power_n over_o such_o person_n when_o the_o sentence_n be_v right_o and_o just_o pronounce_v by_o their_o loss_n of_o that_o supernatural_a grace_n which_o all_o true_a christian_n receive_v in_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v chief_o enable_v to_o withstand_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n another_o example_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a power_n give_v to_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v that_o of_o demoniac_n who_o number_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v considerable_a at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o perhaps_o somewhat_o of_o a_o like_a if_o not_o the_o same_o kind_n may_v still_o be_v find_v that_o the_o devil_n possess_v these_o unhappy_a person_n not_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a power_n but_o by_o extraordinary_a commission_n derive_v from_o god_n seem_v unquestionable_a for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o finite_a be_v can_v by_o its_o ordinary_a power_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n if_o so_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n will_v fall_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o frequent_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o cure_n of_o demoniac_n now_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v take_v possession_n of_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n they_o may_v also_o quit_v that_o possession_n at_o their_o will_n and_o by_o quit_v it_o opportune_o perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n as_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v they_o act_v therefore_o herein_o as_o the_o executioner_n of_o god_n who_o may_v command_v and_o empower_v they_o to_o seize_v on_o the_o body_n of_o man_n to_o alter_v their_o natural_a constitution_n bereave_v they_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o afflict_v they_o with_o continual_a torment_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o we_o may_v well_o believe_v these_o demoniac_n to_o have_v be_v more_o numerous_a among_o the_o jew_n than_o they_o ever_o be_v among_o christian_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o jew_n include_v chief_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o inflict_v dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n even_o in_o this_o life_n while_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o make_v full_o know_v to_o the_o world_n his_o resolution_n of_o punish_v man_n in_o another_o life_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o case_n do_v infer_v a_o command_n or_o commission_n to_o the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v man_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n in_o scripture_n which_o if_o not_o right_o understand_v may_v seem_v to_o infer_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o job_n who_o patience_n and_o submission_n god_n try_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o such_o extraordinary_a example_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n and_o illustration_n of_o the_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o we_o than_o be_v his_o command_n to_o abraham_n of_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n isaac_n however_o neither_o here_o do_v the_o devil_n receive_v any_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o tempt_a job_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n he_o be_v impower_v indeed_o to_o raise_v that_o tempest_n whereby_o the_o son_n of_o job_n be_v bury_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o house_n but_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o and_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o which_o job_n be_v so_o sensible_a that_o he_o daily_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n in_o expiation_n of_o they_o the_o devil_n be_v further_o enable_v to_o destroy_v his_o possession_n and_o torment_v his_o body_n with_o a_o loathsome_a disease_n but_o all_o this_o
uncontrolled_a tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v withdraw_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cause_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o to_o become_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o all_o nation_n except_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v often_o seduce_v to_o idolatry_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o have_v new_o instigate_v they_o to_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o messiah_n all_o these_o enormous_a crime_n this_o continue_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o particular_o the_o last_o and_o great_a the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v from_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n a_o severe_a punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v judgement_n in_o the_o text_n because_o a_o sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n this_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v above_o in_o the_o xii_o 31._o now_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o world_n now_o shall_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v cast_v out_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v destroy_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n free_a man_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o withdraw_v the_o world_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o devil_n this_o to_o those_o proud_a spirit_n be_v the_o sharp_a punishment_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o carry_v on_o and_o complete_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n derive_v down_o and_o continue_v to_o the_o church_n from_o his_o bless_a influence_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v ability_n and_o courage_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n to_o ruin_v the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n from_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o blessing_n the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o defend_v from_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a assault_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n the_o governor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o preach_v the_o truth_n and_o discharge_v their_o office_n successful_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o support_v against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n so_o eminent_o do_v god_n upon_o this_o day_n exercise_v judgement_n upon_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o thenceforward_o his_o kingdom_n continual_o decrease_v his_o oracle_n be_v silence_v his_o altar_n abandon_v his_o worship_n relinquish_v his_o disciple_n diminish_v until_o a_o glorious_a church_n be_v found_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o by_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n her_o vow_n in_o baptism_n profess_v enmity_n unto_o he_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o most_o faithful_a advocate_n at_o his_o first_o mission_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o his_o adversary_n whether_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o jew_n his_o persecutor_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n do_v that_o bless_a spirit_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o remain_v with_o the_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o advocate_n till_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n still_o continue_v to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o be_v high_o requisite_a the_o devil_n still_o assault_v the_o church_n by_o open_a force_n or_o secret_a temptation_n and_o to_o these_o the_o holy_a spirit_n oppose_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n still_o profess_v unbelief_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o to_o these_o he_o oppose_v the_o same_o argument_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v before_o manifest_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o his_o mission_n all_o these_o remain_v yet_o in_o their_o full_a force_n last_o even_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v many_o to_o be_v find_v against_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v still_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o discredit_v by_o their_o sin_n and_o blaspheme_v by_o their_o life_n crucify_a afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n in_o that_o no_o less_o guilty_a than_o all_o those_o enemy_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o first_o mission_n be_v to_o convince_v for_o do_v the_o jew_n disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o undeniable_a confirmation_n add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n these_o man_n by_o their_o action_n proclaim_v their_o unbelief_n even_o after_o the_o reception_n of_o this_o confirmation_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o manifest_v the_o unerring_a justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o all_o these_o man_n live_v insensible_a of_o either_o slight_v his_o reward_n and_o defy_v his_o punishment_n do_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a death_n do_v god_n exert_v his_o power_n in_o so_o many_o miracle_n do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n descend_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o devil_n these_o man_n by_o perseverance_n in_o sin_n endeavour_v to_o re-establish_a it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v effectual_o restore_v it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n just_o therefore_o may_v this_o eternal_a advocate_n implead_v these_o man_n before_o the_o last_o tribunal_n i_o have_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n even_o to_o these_o sinner_n i_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v convince_v i_o have_v nourish_v this_o knowledge_n by_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o their_o edification_n i_o have_v endeavour_v the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o the_o constant_a exhortation_n of_o those_o my_o officer_n which_o i_o have_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v assist_v it_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o all_o necessary_a grace_n as_o often_o as_o desire_v yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o have_v live_v as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o of_o it_o much_o less_o as_o if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o all_o my_o grace_n and_o solicitation_n of_o they_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o render_v their_o sin_n the_o more_o heinous_a in_o that_o they_o have_v wilful_o disobey_v my_o command_n slight_v my_o direction_n contemn_v my_o exhortation_n and_o stifle_v my_o motion_n all_o false_a persuasion_n which_o may_v betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n i_o have_v long_o since_o correct_v if_o they_o imagine_v the_o disbelief_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o neglect_v of_o my_o doctrine_n to_o be_v no_o heinous_a crime_n i_o have_v long_o since_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o fancy_v god_n not_o to_o be_v a_o unerring_a and_o infallible_a judge_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o have_v long_o ago_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o righteousness_n if_o they_o pretend_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v irresistible_a i_o have_v long_o since_o judge_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n take_v away_o his_o kingdom_n and_o limit_v his_o power_n these_o than_o be_v the_o most_o criminal_a enemy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v by_o i_o convince_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n refuse_v to_o perform_v they_o who_o serve_v under_o his_o banner_n and_o kind_o entreat_v by_o he_o desert_v his_o service_n and_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o and_o their_o own_o enemy_n from_o who_o tyranny_n i_o have_v before_o free_v they_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o at_o that_o dreadful_a day_n shall_v we_o allege_v want_n of_o conviction_n that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v by_o the_o wonder_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n effectual_o confute_v that_o pretence_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v not_o god_n to_o have_v be_v in_o earnest_n when_o he_o allure_v we_o with_o reward_n or_o threaten_v we_o with_o punishment_n that_o plea_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n make_v upon_o this_o day_n or_o shall_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o with_o want_n of_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o overcome_v
upon_o his_o constant_a guard_n lest_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v surprise_v and_o sure_o a_o surprise_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v avoid_v where_o so_o many_o passage_n must_v be_v guard_v when_o the_o enemy_n may_v enter_v in_o by_o the_o sense_n or_o imagination_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o external_a object_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o internal_a thought_n and_o all_o these_o as_o numerous_a and_o various_a as_o be_v the_o object_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v or_o about_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v scarce_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v we_o not_o discover_v some_o passion_n predominant_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o may_v he_o be_v allow_v to_o indulge_v he_o will_v confident_o undertake_v for_o the_o good_a behaviour_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o liberty_n christianity_n deny_v to_o he_o enjoin_v he_o a_o universal_a conquest_n of_o all_o his_o passion_n a_o general_a performance_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n upon_o pain_n of_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o all_o and_o this_o be_v true_o so_o great_a a_o difficulty_n that_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v any_o far_a reason_n why_o the_o best_a christian_n of_o all_o age_n be_v but_o hardly_o save_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o two_o 1._o the_o want_n of_o a_o universal_a example_n and_o 2._o the_o want_n of_o miracle_n by_o these_o the_o ancient_a christian_n convert_v the_o heathen_a world_n and_o through_o want_n of_o these_o we_o be_v almost_o return_v to_o heathenism_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n of_o virtue_n to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n when_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o retain_v the_o character_n they_o have_v undertake_v without_o a_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o piety_n when_o to_o be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a be_v to_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n when_o vice_n be_v a_o singularity_n and_o dissent_n from_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o denomination_n whereas_o in_o latter_a age_n the_o whole_a have_v be_v invert_v the_o character_n universal_o retain_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o a_o pious_a christian_a must_v dissent_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o virtue_n be_v become_v a_o singularity_n inasmuch_o as_o what_o can_v be_v sufficienty_n lament_v many_o ingenuous_a mind_n have_v be_v betray_v to_o sin_n to_o which_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o incline_v lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v uncivil_a and_o morose_a and_o when_o unlawful_a custom_n can_v acquire_v the_o esteem_n of_o civility_n among_o christian_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v a_o extreme_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o example_n in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v more_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n such_o as_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christendom_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o man_n do_v of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o country_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o severe_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n trifle_n with_o it_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o hope_v for_o impunity_n in_o a_o multitude_n to_o fall_v into_o impiety_n when_o no_o shame_n restrain_v they_o when_o a_o prevail_a example_n lead_v they_o as_o for_o man_n of_o more_o raise_v understanding_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o even_o those_o escape_n not_o this_o universal_a contagion_n they_o fear_v to_o be_v account_v singular_a be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v and_o perhaps_o at_o last_o to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n this_o difficulty_n receive_v yet_o far_o aggravation_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o gild_n that_o ourselves_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n be_v pure_o extraneous_a for_o which_o those_o christian_n be_v not_o accountable_a they_o bring_v not_o their_o persecution_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o sin_n commit_v before_o conversion_n can_v not_o afterward_o be_v just_o impute_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n whereas_o this_o disadvantage_n we_o now_o complain_v of_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v contribute_v somewhat_o and_o beside_o the_o internal_a gild_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v have_v upon_o that_o account_n increase_v our_o sin_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o exemplariness_n of_o our_o future_a conduct_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n and_o retrieve_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o former_a time_n for_o that_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v but_o to_o compensate_a the_o injury_n which_o we_o have_v do_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o our_o sinful_a deportment_n the_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o present_a age_n which_o i_o mention_v the_o want_n of_o miracle_n can_v indeed_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o nor_o yet_o be_v retrieve_v by_o we_o yet_o a_o sensible_a disadvantage_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v when_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o former_a time_n who_o faith_n and_o zeal_n be_v constant_o awaken_v keep_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o the_o frequent_a sight_n of_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o expect_v and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v but_o i_o wave_v the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o difficulty_n because_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n yet_o this_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o it_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o it_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o have_v so_o contrive_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n that_o both_o of_o they_o have_v very_o near_o equal_a assistance_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o so_o he_o may_v without_o derogation_n to_o his_o justice_n perform_v what_o our_o lord_n promise_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o housholder_n in_o the_o xx._n of_o st._n matthew_n reward_v those_o who_o he_o have_v call_v in_o the_o eleven_o hour_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o he_o have_v hire_v in_o the_o morning_n who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n which_o the_o father_n general_o expound_v of_o this_o very_a case_n for_o now_o those_o who_o he_o call_v first_o who_o undergo_v such_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o fierce_a persecution_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v just_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v equal_o reward_v with_o they_o who_o endure_v none_o of_o those_o calamity_n the_o church_n indeed_o in_o latter_a age_n have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quiet_n have_v not_o maintain_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o expense_n of_o her_o blood_n so_o neither_o do_v she_o enjoy_v those_o miracle_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o which_o they_o be_v bless_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o eminent_a example_n the_o miracle_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a the_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a who_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o god_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n the_o same_o gift_n and_o miracle_n be_v continue_v till_o peace_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o advantage_n we_o want_v which_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o security_n we_o have_v which_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o if_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o comparison_n we_o want_v also_o that_o glorious_a example_n of_o universal_a piety_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o their_o day_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o enter_v not_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n with_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o habit_n of_o vice_n with_o which_o they_o do_v they_o feel_v not_o the_o mischief_n of_o a_o ill_a example_n prevail_v among_o christian_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n thus_o god_n have_v most_o wise_o in_o all_o age_n make_v
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
of_o gratitude_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a corporeal_a bondage_n and_o leave_v we_o without_o any_o obligation_n of_o render_v public_a and_o solemn_a honour_n to_o he_o for_o free_v we_o from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a slavery_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o feast_n of_o easter_n institute_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o redemption_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o they_o appoint_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n christ_n be_v our_o passover_n as_o we_o hear_v this_o morning_n from_o 1_o cor._n v._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o christian_a festival_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v they_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o no_o less_o religion_n than_o be_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n gratitude_n and_o devotion_n because_o they_o commemorate_v far_o great_a benefit_n that_o this_o festival_n therefore_o be_v particular_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n immediate_o after_o their_o time_n do_v most_o evident_o manifest_v it_o scarce_o be_v st._n john_n the_o last_o liver_n of_o the_o apostle_n dead_a when_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n begin_v to_o divide_v about_o the_o time_n of_o solemnize_n easter_n not_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v solemnize_v but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a or_o a_o movable_a feast_n both_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o custom_n as_o for_o a_o essential_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o indeed_o strain_v a_o circumstance_n too_o far_o but_o clear_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o easter_n be_v then_o by_o all_o christian_n account_v a_o essential_a institution_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a to_o vary_v the_o least_o circumstance_n former_o receive_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o festival_n have_v succeed_v instead_o of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o do_v prefigure_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o our_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o they_o in_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb._n as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o remove_v all_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o house_n so_o we_o be_v to_o put_v away_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o they_o then_o sing_v hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o consummate_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o day_n as_o they_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n in_o a_o habit_n and_o posture_n express_v their_o readiness_n to_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a testimony_n of_o rejoice_v and_o mutual_a kindness_n so_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o be_v pay_v upon_o this_o day_n with_o a_o bitter_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n to_o go_v wherever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o be_v for_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a thanksgiving_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v form_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o more_o particular_o for_o raise_v to_o life_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n so_o by_o worthy_o celebrate_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o shall_v obtain_v to_o be_v hereafter_o admit_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o share_v in_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o now_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o april_n 5_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o whereby_o we_o chief_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o god_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o necessity_n to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v annex_v and_o so_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o effect_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o which_o this_o verse_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n in_o it_o the_o word_n easy_o direct_v i_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v ii_o the_o place_n of_o it_o every_o where_o iii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n to_o enforce_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o command_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_v herein_o by_o divine_a commission_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v long_o since_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n found_v by_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v his_o commission_n before_o he_o impose_v the_o command_n a_o command_n not_o first_o introduce_v by_o he_o but_o often_o repeat_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o since_o none_o as_o i_o suppose_v will_v dispute_v the_o command_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o proceed_v to_o do_v first_o then_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v by_o man_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v necessary_a to_o we_o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n at_o first_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o afterward_o all_o his_o life_n long_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o maintain_v by_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o that_o service_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o pay_v and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o adore_v his_o majesty_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o own_o his_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o profess_v himself_o the_o creature_n the_o servant_n the_o subject_a of_o god_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o as_o such_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n for_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o we_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n have_v set_v he_o beyond_o all_o want_n of_o external_a aid_n and_o even_o beyond_o all_o increase_n of_o happiness_n even_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o our_o worship_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o less_o require_v of_o we_o since_o it_o declare_v our_o conviction_n of_o that_o gratitude_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o benefit_n and_o his_o power_n that_o honour_n worship_n and_o reverence_n which_o belong_v
profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o appear_v from_o that_o frequent_a expression_n employ_v by_o he_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n at_o jerusalem_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v be_v move_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o temple_n sake_n which_o be_v pure_o material_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o merit_n but_o that_o it_o be_v erect_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n by_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o illustrious_a sign_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o that_o nation_n believe_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o while_o that_o fabric_n stand_v consecrate_v to_o his_o name_n and_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o it_o to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o be_v dissemble_v that_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o they_o his_o people_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a and_o yet_o undeniable_a that_o wherever_o the_o solemn_a and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o 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of_o long_a continuance_n but_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n give_v they_o liberty_n therewith_o to_o exercise_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o in_o public_a solemn_a and_o sacred_a place_n can_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v maintain_v by_o private_a and_o clancular_a meeting_n the_o zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o time_n will_v have_v effect_v it_o yet_o than_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a to_o perform_v it_o nor_o will_v god_n have_v interpose_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o providence_n to_o restore_v his_o church_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a church_n have_v not_o such_o worship_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o that_o direct_v from_o corner_n of_o private_a house_n and_o therefore_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o storm_n of_o any_o persecution_n blow_v over_o but_o the_o christian_n immediate_o set_v themselves_o to_o erect_v magnificent_a church_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o they_o to_o 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the_o chief_a end_n of_o all_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o confine_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n or_o movable_a congregation_n be_v what_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v the_o great_a misfortune_n attend_v their_o persecution_n and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n pay_v no_o more_o solemn_a worship_n to_o god_n than_o what_o be_v real_o necessary_a to_o pay_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n if_o they_o shall_v indeed_o be_v persecute_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a will_v pay_v no_o manner_n of_o worship_n at_o least_o to_o decry_v the_o erection_n and_o consecration_n of_o sacred_a place_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o oppose_v the_o increase_n of_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o include_v a_o fear_n least_o posterity_n shall_v know_v from_o those_o durable_a fabric_n that_o their_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n last_o if_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o place_n solemn_o set_v 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they_o of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o his_o constant_a and_o immediate_a presence_n in_o they_o that_o veneration_n therefore_o which_o the_o devout_a member_n of_o this_o church_n pay_v to_o sacred_a place_n be_v neither_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n nor_o the_o remain_v of_o popery_n but_o arise_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o rational_a persuasion_n of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o he_o a_o practice_n as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o as_o receive_v and_o confess_v among_o all_o christian_n when_o reprove_v the_o indecency_n commit_v by_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o church_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 22._o he_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o they_o by_o this_o consideration_n what_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o material_a church_n and_o no_o less_o plain_a that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o allow_v by_o they_o that_o so_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o these_o church_n that_o even_o for_o the_o sole_a consideration_n of_o their_o holiness_n no_o indecent_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v commit_v in_o they_o before_o he_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o the_o same_o regard_v due_a to_o sacred_a place_n when_o he_o scourge_v the_o money-changer_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o they_o have_v place_v themselves_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a porch_n and_o avenue_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a and_o public_a worship_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v be_v this_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o
more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a
miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v yet_o present_a to_o confess_v he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n while_o his_o body_n be_v yet_o visible_a to_o acknowledge_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a when_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n proclaim_v no_o less_o all_o this_o will_v have_v be_v so_o slight_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n so_o little_o deserve_v any_o commendation_n or_o reward_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o even_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v to_o avoid_v but_o when_o the_o object_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o yet_o discover_v by_o reason_n when_o the_o eye_n do_v not_o see_v what_o the_o affection_n still_o embrace_v when_o the_o soul_n cease_v not_o to_o hope_v upon_o probable_a and_o just_a motive_n what_o it_o never_o receive_v by_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o noble_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n worthy_a of_o a_o spiritual_a be_v and_o worthy_a of_o a_o divine_a reward_n and_o such_o a_o reward_n have_v our_o lord_n annex_v to_o it_o pronounce_v joh._n xx._n 29._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v this_o blessedness_n christ_n by_o his_o ascension_n have_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o without_o that_o have_v want_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n to_o acquire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n further_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therein_o his_o exaltation_n to_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o glory_n be_v in_o justice_n due_a to_o his_o precedent_n meritorious_a suffering_n which_o be_v therefore_o assign_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o exaltation_n by_o st._n paul_n phil._n ii_o he_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o etc._n etc._n the_o humility_n manifest_v by_o he_o in_o his_o incarnation_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o passion_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o example_n of_o former_a time_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o descend_v from_o his_o seat_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o in_o this_o nature_n he_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o the_o ordinary_a satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o but_o live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n and_o all_o this_o for_o his_o own_o creature_n who_o far_o from_o deserve_v such_o a_o favour_n from_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o from_o their_o creation_n will_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o and_o continue_v their_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a humiliation_n that_o none_o other_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v have_v effect_v and_o therefore_o be_v in_o justice_n to_o be_v crown_v with_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v receive_v namely_o that_o that_o body_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o depress_v shall_v be_v raise_v above_o all_o creature_n shall_v be_v place_v above_o angel_n and_o archangel_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n shall_v for_o ever_o remain_v unite_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therewith_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o principal_a seat_n and_o throne_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n last_o to_o name_v no_o more_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o so_o he_o may_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n perform_v all_o which_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n have_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n or_o he_o have_v denounce_v of_o himself_o it_o be_v long_o since_o typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o propitiation_n which_o represent_v the_o final_a atonement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v command_v by_o god_n that_o the_o high_a priest_n shall_v enter_v but_o once_o every_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n that_o be_v upon_o that_o day_n when_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n he_o pass_v through_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o part_n of_o it_o into_o that_o place_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n represent_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n this_o visible_a world_n from_o which_o opinion_n join_v with_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n of_o that_o day_n it_o appear_v as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n argue_v ix_o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v by_o a_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a tabernacle_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v slay_v shall_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n here_o below_o and_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n the_o throne_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n shall_v there_o present_v his_o blood_n blood_n of_o that_o inestimable_a value_n as_o need_v not_o be_v shed_v and_o present_v every_o year_n but_o as_o he_o once_o appear_v in_o the_o low_a world_n to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o so_o once_o for_o all_o he_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n not_o to_o appear_v again_o until_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n with_o majesty_n and_o great_a glory_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a the_o same_o be_v fortolde_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n lxviii_o 18._o and_o from_o thence_o urge_v by_o st._n paul_n ephes._n iu._n 8._o thou_o have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a into_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o original_a word_n thou_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a thou_o have_v receive_v gift_n for_o men._n a_o prophecy_n which_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v neither_o be_v apply_v to_o moses_n nor_o to_o joshua_n nor_o to_o david_n himself_o nor_o to_o any_o illustrious_a conqueror_n of_o that_o nation_n who_o never_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o to_o christ_n alone_o who_o real_o and_o bodily_a ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o subdue_v sin_n death_n hell_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o ascension_n visible_o triumph_v over_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o captive_n when_o that_o body_n which_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o itself_o have_v destroy_v sin_n be_v in_o reward_n of_o that_o meritorious_a suffer_v advance_v into_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v continual_o present_a with_o god_n when_o that_o body_n which_o have_v be_v subject_v to_o death_n and_o afterward_o be_v raise_v from_o it_o receive_v now_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o its_o immortality_n be_v raise_v into_o heaven_n where_o be_v no_o place_n of_o corruption_n leave_v when_o the_o captain_n of_o man_n salvation_n visible_o ascend_v unto_o the_o eternal_a place_n of_o happiness_n have_v first_o promise_v to_o draw_v all_o his_o faithful_a follower_n after_o he_o and_o from_o whence_o he_o dispense_v the_o precious_a and_o glorious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n if_o these_o prophecy_n and_o type_n foretell_v and_o prefigure_v the_o ascension_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v seem_v obscure_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o glorious_a kingdom_n this_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o lord_n office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n permit_v he_o not_o to_o receive_v on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n there_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mean_a reward_n to_o his_o humility_n patience_n and_o suffering_n precede_v his_o resurrection_n to_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v dignify_v with_o a_o reward_n common_a ofttimes_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n the_o greatness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o design_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v contemn_v by_o he_o and_o that_o divinity_n which_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v cloud_v or_o depress_v but_o to_o shine_v forth_o in_o its_o full_a lustre_n can_v find_v no_o fit_a habitation_n upon_o earth_n which_o in_o
just_o to_o be_v account_v laudable_a for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a line_n and_o main_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o direct_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o by_o all_o the_o world_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a to_o be_v laudable_a and_o divine_a such_o as_o be_v justice_n sobriety_n devotion_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v not_o among_o christian_n alone_o that_o such_o action_n be_v esteem_v praiseworthy_a all_o party_n of_o sober_a man_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o those_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o common_a sentiment_n in_o the_o veneration_n and_o praise_n of_o all_o such_o virtue_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o even_o when_o the_o heathen_n deride_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o cross_n they_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o person_n who_o profess_v it_o they_o also_o be_v convince_v that_o all_o those_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o mankind_n only_o in_o this_o they_o disagree_v that_o whereas_o they_o account_v the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o undertake_n possible_a only_o to_o more_o exalt_a mind_n christ_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n although_o even_o this_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v not_o but_o raise_v their_o thought_n to_o a_o extreme_a veneration_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n who_o form_v these_o law_n and_o even_o force_v from_o they_o a_o confession_n of_o that_o praise_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o institution_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n fit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a example_n to_o other_o he_o distinguish_v his_o religion_n from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v observe_v they_o must_v distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o natural_o infer_v in_o the_o twenty_o verse_n except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v the_o exact_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o legal_a institution_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n of_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o other_o ceremony_n which_o abstract_v from_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o jew_n kill_v their_o sacrifice_v beast_n wash_v their_o body_n often_o or_o circumcise_n themselves_o be_v no_o motive_n of_o holiness_n or_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o discern_v nothing_o laudable_a in_o all_o this_o and_o be_v rather_o prompt_v to_o pity_v the_o slavery_n than_o to_o imitate_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o service_n whereas_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o christianity_n impose_v be_v amiable_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n ever_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o commendation_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o spectator_n thus_o our_o lord_n fit_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v fail_v of_o its_o design_a end_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o its_o right_a use_n and_o therein_o have_v lead_v the_o way_n by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o confine_v not_o himself_o to_o a_o desert_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o converse_v in_o their_o city_n and_o more_o frequent_v meeting_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o constant_a piety_n goodness_n and_o charity_n which_o attend_v all_o his_o action_n be_v instruct_v by_o they_o and_o draw_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o he_o indulge_v his_o conversation_n to_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v they_o first_o to_o a_o love_n of_o his_o person_n and_o then_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o his_o virtue_n he_o disdain_v not_o the_o company_n of_o any_o who_o may_v receive_v advantage_n from_o his_o doctrine_n or_o example_n and_o that_o he_o may_v fit_v his_o life_n for_o a_o universal_a pattern_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n he_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o extraordinary_a austerity_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o amid_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o strict_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n allow_v to_o himself_o the_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o world_n he_o refuse_v not_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o those_o who_o invite_v he_o to_o splendid_a entertainment_n as_o with_o levi_n and_o zacheus_n nor_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o marriage-feast_n at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v hunger_n and_o cold_a contempt_n and_o the_o vile_a injury_n to_o undergo_v long_o watch_v in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o so_o it_o behove_v he_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o to_o perform_v all_o righteousness_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a exemplar_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n not_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o method_n of_o life_n lest_o thereby_o his_o example_n shall_v become_v deficient_a to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v engage_v in_o another_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o more_o ordinary_a action_n and_o variety_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o in_o all_o case_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o approve_v and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v concern_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o example_n both_o the_o observation_n therefore_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v equal_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a engage_v he_o to_o be_v exemplar_n in_o his_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o thus_o first_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n will_v become_v a_o light_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o each_o other_o our_o lord_n describe_v both_o in_o this_o place_n very_o lively_a you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 13._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n will_v remain_v in_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o in_o the_o numerous_a society_n which_o i_o shall_v found_v and_o call_v by_o my_o name_n piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a shall_v be_v maintain_v yet_o not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o society_n alone_o but_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v receive_v instruction_n from_o it_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 14._o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o i_o have_v place_v my_o church_n as_o a_o glorious_a light_n to_o dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o remove_v this_o ignorance_n that_o so_o all_o who_o do_v but_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o least_o inclination_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n may_v there_o discover_v the_o light_n and_o repair_v to_o it_o and_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o take_v effect_n while_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o light_n shall_v remain_v while_o the_o church_n shall_v continue_v glorious_a and_o unspotted_a while_o the_o member_n of_o it_o shall_v all_o or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o perform_v their_o duty_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o light_n place_v in_o a_o room_n can_v be_v hide_v if_o indeed_o those_o virtue_n which_o i_o command_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o who_o profess_v my_o name_n if_o justice_n chastity_n beneficence_n and_o other_o mark_n of_o goodness_n be_v indeed_o so_o eminent_o exercise_v by_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n of_o man_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o darkness_n will_v approach_v to_o this_o light_n or_o if_o through_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n they_o still_o continue_v afar_o off_o however_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v that_o they_o see_v the_o light_n and_o must_v admire_v both_o it_o and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o mean_a christian_n may_v make_v himself_o true_o exemplary_a by_o perform_v his_o duty_n conscientious_o in_o the_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o although_o his_o understanding_n and_o ability_n have_v not_o fit_v he_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o single_o consider_v if_o he_o well_o discharge_v his_o single_a station_n although_o never_o so_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n he_o contribute_v to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n of_o make_v his_o church_n a_o
they_o intend_v it_o or_o not_o they_o can_v be_v conceal_v or_o pass_v unregarded_a upon_o which_o account_n christ_n just_o resemble_v they_o to_o a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n and_o to_o a_o candle_n set_v on_o a_o candlestick_n in_o the_o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n which_o natural_o appear_v and_o give_v light_a to_o all_o round_a about_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v do_v but_o you_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v good_a work_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o become_v exemplar_n i_o do_v not_o require_v you_o to_o publish_v and_o blazon_n they_o abroad_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o perform_v they_o can_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n of_o other_o men._n far_o not_o only_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a work_n make_v the_o ostentation_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unnecessary_a in_o order_n to_o become_v exemplar_n but_o also_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o less_o temptation_n to_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n than_o any_o other_o act_n either_o of_o true_a or_o suppose_a religion_n if_o the_o ground_n and_o more_o ordinary_a reason_n of_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n in_o religion_n be_v search_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o common_o in_o mistake_a point_n of_o religion_n as_o of_o old_a among_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o punctual_a performance_n of_o wash_n and_o other_o ritual_a observation_n among_o the_o more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n in_o pilgrimage_n bead_n and_o other_o trifle_n among_o their_o saint_n in_o extraordinary_a austerity_n or_o unusual_a act_n of_o self-denial_n among_o enthusiast_n in_o rapture_n and_o pretend_a inspiration_n all_o these_o natural_o tend_v to_o foment_n the_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n of_o man_n they_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o on_o they_o and_o serve_v to_o make_v unwary_a people_n believe_v they_o extreme_o conscientious_a and_o have_v this_o far_a advantage_n towards_o the_o design_n of_o hypocrite_n that_o they_o be_v cheap_o perform_v cross_v no_o passion_n restrain_v no_o lust_n make_v a_o great_a show_n and_o cost_v they_o nothing_o and_o when_o they_o be_v perform_v not_o afford_v any_o inward_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n as_o have_v no_o internal_a worth_n it_o be_v but_o natural_a for_o the_o actor_n of_o they_o to_o seek_v that_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o praise_n and_o applause_n of_o other_o man_n which_o they_o reap_v not_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n whereas_o the_o performance_n of_o good_a work_n raise_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o sweet_a a_o complacency_n when_o reflect_v on_o that_o external_a commendation_n can_v add_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o the_o internal_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v be_v neglect_v when_o compare_v with_o it_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o many_o good_a work_n and_o most_o signal_o the_o great_a of_o they_o that_o of_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a do_v natural_o dispose_v to_o humility_n accustom_v the_o mind_n to_o consider_v and_o compassionate_v the_o want_n and_o infirmity_n of_o inferior_a person_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o pride_n or_o a_o overvalue_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n be_v in_o some_o man_n the_o cause_n of_o uncharitableness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n betray_v they_o to_o imagine_v it_o beneath_o their_o quality_n to_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n the_o necessity_n of_o distress_a person_n and_o to_o be_v aggrieve_v for_o they_o which_o sort_n of_o pride_n can_v consist_v with_o real_a charity_n and_o where_o this_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o former_a can_v have_v no_o place_n at_o least_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o hypocrisy_n may_v consist_v with_o all_o those_o mistake_a indication_n of_o holiness_n i_o before_o mention_v but_o with_o good_a work_n with_o mercy_n justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v consist_v for_o that_o whosoever_o perform_v these_o do_v real_o perform_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o do_v that_o be_v satisfy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o profess_v however_o although_o ordinary_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o to_o direct_v the_o performance_n of_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v not_o escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v always_o unlawful_a to_o direct_v they_o in_o that_o manner_n for_o this_o end_n alone_o to_o obtain_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o perform_v they_o public_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o other_o not_o to_o obtain_v their_o praise_n but_o to_o promote_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v also_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o serviceable_a to_o his_o church_n this_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n which_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o cause_v their_o light_n so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v god_n if_o this_o design_n do_v at_o last_o terminate_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v so_o intend_v it_o be_v not_o only_o warrantable_a but_o recommendable_a by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v certain_o reward_v by_o he_o only_o great_a caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o and_o a_o scrupulous_a care_n to_o be_v observe_v lest_o any_o thing_n of_o vain_a glory_n any_o sinister_a end_n shall_v intervene_v and_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o in_o case_n of_o exceed_a moment_n such_o be_v when_o any_o age_n or_o large_a society_n of_o man_n be_v especial_o deficient_a in_o any_o duty_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o noble_a undertake_n for_o any_o private_a person_n to_o give_v the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a lustre_n to_o their_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n that_o so_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o their_o eminen_n example_n therein_o they_o may_v retrieve_v the_o public_a practice_n of_o it_o and_o whensoever_o any_o great_a and_o common_a good_a although_o of_o another_o nature_n may_v be_v attain_v or_o promote_v thereby_o such_o be_v the_o case_n more_o particular_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n general_o devoid_a not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o noble_a act_n of_o charity_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n and_o sense_n to_o those_o who_o before_o want_v they_o shall_v be_v perform_v public_o that_o themselves_o shall_v decline_v no_o opportunity_n of_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o deep_a impression_n of_o it_o upon_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o this_o cause_n also_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o relate_v at_o large_a and_o to_o glory_n in_o the_o many_o affliction_n hazard_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o have_v undergo_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o amplify_a of_o his_o labour_n and_o patience_n tend_v to_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o the_o corinthian_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o consequent_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n this_o design_n also_o justify_v the_o bravery_n of_o those_o ancient_a christian_n who_o voluntary_o and_o unsought_a for_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o persecutor_n when_o they_o observe_v a_o general_a cowardice_n and_o frequent_a example_n of_o apostasy_n among_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v apprehend_v and_o bring_v before_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n that_o so_o by_o their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n they_o may_v excite_v other_o to_o persist_v resolute_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o simple_o to_o throw_v themselves_o into_o danger_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v unlawful_a our_o lord_n in_o matth._n x._o 23._o have_v command_v his_o disciple_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n to_o fly_v into_o another_o and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v forbid_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o such_o rash_a undertake_n yet_o whensoever_o so_o great_a a_o good_a may_v be_v attain_v thereby_o as_o to_o raise_v the_o deject_a courage_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o to_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o heathen_n boast_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o many_o weak_a christian_n it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o engage_v in_o voluntary_a martyrdom_n but_o high_o meritorious_a and_o reward_v as_o such_o by_o
god_n if_o no_o vain_a glory_n or_o desire_v of_o humane_a praise_n be_v intermix_v therewith_o but_o the_o sole_a design_n be_v the_o advancement_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v of_o rashness_n all_o those_o noble_a ancient_a martyr_n who_o without_o any_o force_n confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n and_o thereby_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o torment_v and_o death_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o example_n of_o constancy_n to_o less_o courageous_a christian_n who_o can_v not_o otherwise_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o generous_a example_n do_v more_o effectual_o raise_v the_o courage_n of_o other_o christian_n labour_v under_o persecution_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a reward_n propose_v by_o christ_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v for_o his_o name_n and_o to_o justify_v this_o proceed_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n sy_n paul_n himself_o as_o we_o read_v act_n xxi_o have_v resolve_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o continue_v his_o resolution_n although_o it_o be_v foretell_v to_o he_o by_o agabus_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o himself_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n do_v abide_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v there_o suffer_v a_o grievous_a persecution_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a or_o commendable_a to_o perform_v good_a work_n public_o and_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o men._n many_o other_o such_o case_n may_v be_v find_v i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o penance_n and_o charity_n as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o practice_n of_o public_a penance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o present_a time_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v then_o the_o great_a preserver_n of_o unfeigned_a piety_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o the_o discontinuance_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o want_n and_o coldness_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o time_n they_o very_o well_o know_v former_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o that_o god_n chief_o regard_v inward_a repentance_n the_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o admonition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o anoint_v thy_o head_n and_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o but_o unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o what_o be_v say_v of_o fast_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o act_n and_o indication_n of_o repentance_n yet_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o penance_n require_v the_o institution_n and_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o then_o be_v religion_n and_o piety_n maintain_v in_o its_o full_a vigour_n when_o person_n guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a crime_n however_o eminent_a by_o birth_n or_o station_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n seclude_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o separate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o appear_v in_o sackcloth_n or_o other_o penitential_a dress_n beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o god_n with_o tear_n and_o desire_a reconciliation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o many_o day_n but_o ofttimes_o for_o many_o year_n together_o such_o discipline_n can_v not_o but_o produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o behold_v it_o a_o exceed_a dread_n of_o sin_n and_o caution_n in_o abstain_v from_o such_o scandal_n as_o will_v certain_o draw_v upon_o they_o either_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o undergo_a the_o same_o severity_n the_o sight_n of_o those_o penitent_n be_v more_o instructive_a to_o ordinary_a christian_n than_o all_o the_o most_o elaborate_a invective_n against_o sin_n or_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n represent_v to_o they_o at_o once_o the_o gild_n the_o horror_n the_o shame_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v their_o repentance_n to_o be_v account_v less_o real_a or_o internal_a because_o attend_v with_o such_o outward_a profession_n rather_o these_o give_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n since_o to_o take_v away_o the_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o scandal_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n they_o refuse_v not_o to_o undergo_v the_o long_a and_o strict_a severity_n of_o public_a penance_n and_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o put_v themselves_o to_o open_a shame_n in_o like_a manner_n however_o ordinary_o speak_v charity_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o our_o lord_n have_v large_o warn_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n to_o be_v see_v of_o they_o that_o be_v for_o this_o only_a reason_n that_o we_o may_v be_v see_v and_o praise_v by_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o and_o by_o see_v they_o may_v be_v excite_v either_o to_o glorify_v god_n or_o to_o practise_v the_o like_a charity_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a not_o only_o secure_v the_o reward_n promise_v to_o charity_n but_o also_o become_v of_o excellent_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n due_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n however_o it_o may_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o former_a age_n when_o almost_o all_o christian_n exercise_v charity_n even_o to_o profuseness_n certain_o in_o our_o age_n which_o be_v chief_o deficient_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n in_o any_o to_o restore_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o any_o eminent_a and_o public_a example_n and_o although_o very_o great_a reward_n be_v promise_v to_o secret_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o to_o public_a charity_n exercise_v in_o such_o case_n much_o great_a be_v reserve_v if_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v with_o any_o mixture_n of_o vain_a glory_n or_o ignoble_a design_n because_o such_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o secret_a charity_n in_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o but_z far_a also_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o men._n in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o like_a case_n the_o advantage_n produce_v thereby_o to_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o exciting_a other_o by_o the_o force_n of_o example_n to_o the_o imitation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o good_a work_n although_o that_o be_v very_o great_a as_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o it_o invincible_o form_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n to_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o knowledge_n such_o as_o constitute_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o that_o the_o same_o be_v profess_v by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o profession_n of_o other_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o real_a themselves_o will_v assent_v without_o any_o scruple_n if_o they_o suspect_v their_o reality_n themselves_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n now_o the_o public_a and_o eminent_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n give_v the_o only_a evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o man_n since_o in_o a_o country_n where_o any_o religion_n prevail_v by_o custom_n and_o education_n a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o it_o may_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o either_o and_o not_o to_o contradict_v it_o may_v be_v due_a only_o to_o common_a civility_n but_o whoever_o public_o perform_v good_a work_n give_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o he_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o thereby_o dispose_v other_o to_o the_o same_o belief_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n perform_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o my_o text_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o exemplary_a piety_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o end_n will_v real_o be_v
the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o example_n of_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n to_o the_o fix_a star_n which_o however_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o be_v seat_v in_o heaven_n and_o communicate_v to_o the_o earth_n a_o light_n never_o to_o be_v extinguish_v and_o that_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o these_o luminous_a body_n the_o great_a light_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o they_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n while_o alive_a be_v so_o many_o shine_a and_o burn_a light_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n will_v derive_v exceed_v influence_n to_o succeed_a age_n so_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v continue_v those_o excellent_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v those_o noble_a testimony_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o give_v tend_v no_o less_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o christian_n than_o to_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o beneficial_a to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n it_o be_v because_o we_o either_o take_v no_o care_n to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o or_o suffer_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v undeniable_a indeed_o that_o in_o this_o present_a age_n and_o among_o we_o especial_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v almost_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o present_a example_n of_o equal_a lustre_n be_v very_o rare_a or_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o those_o holy_a person_n cease_v not_o to_o retain_v their_o glorious_a seat_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n as_o the_o fix_a star_n always_o maintain_v their_o station_n and_o preserve_v their_o light_n although_o at_o any_o time_n not_o see_v by_o we_o to_o this_o glorious_a station_n in_o heaven_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o advance_v all_o those_o who_o by_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o the_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o to_o profit_v the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o other_o in_o particular_a may_v the_o hope_n of_o this_o glorious_a reward_n excite_v every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o may_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n accept_v and_o crown_v your_o endeavour_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v on_o decemb._n 25_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luk._n ii_o 14._o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o man_n what_o the_o patriarch_n see_v afar_o off_o and_o desire_v what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v and_o just_a man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n do_v assure_o expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v wrought_v thereby_o do_v this_o day_n receive_v its_o final_a accomplishment_n by_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o commemoration_n of_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o present_a solemnity_n nor_o can_v we_o more_o fit_o commemorate_v it_o than_o by_o this_o admirable_a hymn_n which_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n upon_o this_o occasion_n sing_v before_o we_o and_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n since_o retain_v in_o she_o most_o sacred_a office_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n this_o hymn_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o have_v be_v employ_v by_o they_o to_o express_v and_o celebrate_v the_o most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o they_o for_o we_o find_v acclamation_n very_o like_a to_o it_o in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o particular_o upon_o the_o triumphant_a entry_n of_o christ_n into_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n be_v persuade_v that_o their_o long-looked_n for_o messiah_n be_v now_o come_v and_o all_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v attend_v his_o come_v cry_v out_o peace_n in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o high_a but_o sure_o upon_o no_o occasion_n be_v it_o ever_o so_o just_o use_v as_o by_o the_o angel_n upon_o this_o day_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a glory_n do_v so_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n do_v commence_v for_o from_o the_o angel_n we_o receive_v this_o hymn_n and_o be_v teach_v to_o sing_v it_o by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o verse_n precede_v the_o text_n and_o sudden_o there_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n praise_v god_n and_o say_n etc._n etc._n one_o angel_n declare_v to_o the_o shepherd_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n the_o birth_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o whole_a choir_n of_o angel_n the_o host_n of_o heaven_n join_v to_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n and_o celebrate_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v that_o day_n derive_v down_o upon_o all_o mankind_n themselves_o receive_v not_o like_a benefit_n to_o man_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o return_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o lay_v down_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o first_o then_o the_o angel_n be_v move_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n among_o man_n which_o they_o foresee_v will_v be_v consequent_a to_o this_o incarnation_n their_o office_n be_v to_o attend_v continual_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v praise_n without_o intermission_n to_o he_o so_o that_o every_o new_a increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n inflame_v their_o zeal_n in_o this_o holy_a office_n the_o primary_n reason_n indeed_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o praise_n which_o they_o continual_o yield_v to_o god_n be_v eternal_a be_v draw_v from_o his_o immutable_a attribute_n of_o supreme_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o majesty_n yet_o every_o illustrious_a manifestation_n of_o any_o of_o these_o glorious_a attribute_n by_o external_a effect_n become_v also_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o praise_n thus_o in_o in_o revel_n iv._o 8._o we_o find_v the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n in_o that_o hymn_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n celebrate_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o attribute_n as_o rev._n xv._n 3._o great_a and_o marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o xix_o 7._o let_v we_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v and_o give_v honour_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v nay_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o compare_v the_o several_a form_n of_o doxology_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n the_o angel_n since_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a have_v in_o a_o manner_n change_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o doxology_n and_o confine_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o book_n while_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v still_o suppose_v to_o be_v seal_v up_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n not_o yet_o to_o be_v full_o disclose_v all_o their_o doxology_n insist_v upon_o the_o general_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o after_o the_o full_a declaration_n and_o completion_n of_o those_o glorious_a event_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o be_v there_o describe_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hymn_n be_v alter_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o celebrate_n the_o victory_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v so_o eminent_a and_o admirable_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n so_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o divine_a glory_n that_o since_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v become_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o holy_a spirit_n who_o hereby_o best_a of_o all_o discern_v and_o be_v enable_v to_o celebrate_v that_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o before_o admire_v in_o god_n far_o the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o christ_n as_o rejoice_v at_o the_o