just_a to_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o with_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o have_v speak_v most_o severe_a thing_n and_o denounce_v no_o less_o than_o hell_n fire_n against_o the_o false_a brethren_n among_o they_o yet_o thus_o he_o comfort_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o but_o belove_a say_v he_o we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o do_v accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v the_o reason_n he_o be_v thus_o persuade_v very_o this_o 11._o ver_fw-la 11._o for_o god_n say_v he_o be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v to_o his_o name_n in_o that_o you_o have_v minister_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o do_v minister_v it_o be_v pure_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o make_v he_o have_v these_o good_a hope_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n though_o that_o church_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a condition_n yet_o consider_v they_o have_v be_v laborious_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o still_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v god_n will_v not_o forget_v they_o nay_o he_o be_v not_o so_o unrighteous_a as_o to_o forget_v they_o and_o then_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v very_o observable_a 11._o verse_n 11._o and_o we_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a life_n assure_v to_o they_o the_o way_n to_o do_v it_o be_v to_o persevere_v in_o their_o diligent_a attendence_n to_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n and_o charity_n the_o second_o passage_n be_v that_o of_o st._n john_n hereby_o say_v he_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o etc._n 1_o john_n 3._o 16._o etc._n etc._n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_a and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_v and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o my_o little_a child_n let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o i_o pray_v mind_n that_o by_o our_o charitable_a disposition_n and_o do_v good_a to_o our_o brethren_n by_o this_o we_o know_v we_o be_v true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o will_v assure_v our_o heart_n will_v give_v we_o confidence_n to_o appear_v before_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o the_o apostle_n think_v so_o considerable_a that_o he_o go_v over_o with_o it_o again_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n belove_v if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o i._n e._n condemn_v we_o not_o as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n the_o last_o text_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o i_o desire_n may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o of_o st._n peter_n above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n 4.8_o 1_o pet._n 4.8_o have_v fervent_a charity_n among_o yourselves_o for_o charity_n shall_v cover_v the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n o_o how_o comfortable_a be_v these_o word_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o even_o the_o best_a but_o have_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n to_o answer_v for_o by_o what_o mean_v now_o must_v we_o obtain_v that_o these_o sin_n shall_v be_v cover_v that_o be_v shall_v be_v forgive_v 33.1_o psal_n 33.1_o for_o cover_v of_o sin_n be_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture-language_n why_o the_o apostle_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o method_n above_o all_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n for_o it_o be_v charity_n that_o shall_v cover_v the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n charity_n be_v of_o that_o power_n with_o god_n that_o it_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o malignity_n of_o many_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o frailty_n that_o will_v otherwise_o do_v we_o mischief_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v make_v atonement_n for_o the_o carelessness_n and_o the_o many_o fail_n of_o our_o life_n and_o prevent_v the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v very_o charitable_a and_o to_o do_v much_o good_a charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n a_o great_a many_o temporal_a judgement_n that_o will_v otherwise_o have_v fall_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n be_v hereby_o prevent_v and_o that_o not_o only_o private_a one_o but_o public_a too_o and_o i_o think_v it_o no_o popery_n to_o affirm_v that_o charity_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o other_o life_n also_o that_o be_v whoever_o be_v of_o a_o true_o charitable_a disposition_n and_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a in_o his_o generation_n though_o he_o may_v have_v a_o great_a many_o infirmity_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o answer_v for_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v sincere_o virtuous_a in_o the_o main_a and_o so_o capable_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o other_o world_n his_o other_o fail_n will_v be_v overlook_v they_o will_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o good_a deed_n and_o the_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v notwithstanding_o or_o if_o he_o be_v a_o vicious_a person_n and_o so_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v yet_o still_o in_o proportion_n the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n will_v cover_v the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n though_o it_o will_v not_o be_v available_a for_o the_o make_v he_o happy_a because_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v so_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o lessen_v his_o punishment_n he_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o much_o more_o supportable_a condition_n among_o the_o miserable_a than_o those_o that_o have_v be_v unmerciful_a or_o cruel_a or_o uncharitable_a in_o their_o life_n o_o therefore_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a 25.18_o 1_o cor._n 25.18_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o these_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n etc._n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o etc._n etc._n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n 1â—_n verse_n 1â—_n by_o our_o good_a work_n make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a so_o some_o copy_n have_v the_o 10_o verse_n of_o 1_o pet._n 1._o that_o do_v these_o thing_n we_o may_v never_o fall_v but_o a_o entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sermon_n v._n preach_v at_o bow-church_n on_o the_o 29_o of_o september_n 1680._o psalm_n cxij_o 4._o to_o the_o upright_o there_o arise_v light_a in_o the_o darkness_n godliness_n say_v s._n paul_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v of_o this_o proposition_n of_o he_o the_o psalm_n we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o explication_n or_o paraphrase_n for_o in_o this_o psalm_n two_o thing_n be_v design_v a_o description_n of_o the_o pious_a man_n and_o a_o description_n of_o his_o blessedness_n in_o this_o life_n each_o of_o which_o be_v do_v in_o five_o instance_n or_o particular_n the_o term_n wherein_o the_o pious_a man_n be_v here_o describe_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o he_o be_v one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o great_o delight_v in_o his_o commandment_n v._o 1._o second_o he_o be_v one_o that_o be_v righteous_a and_o upright_o in_o his_o conversation_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o 6._o three_o he_o be_v one_o that_o be_v prudent_a and_o discreet_a in_o the_o manage_n of_o his_o affair_n verse_n 5._o he_o guide_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n four_o he_o it_o one_o who_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n v._o 7._o last_o he_o be_v one_o that_o be_v extreme_o charitable_a he_o be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n
this_o state_n of_o life_n we_o gratify_v our_o high_a and_o noble_a power_n the_o intellectual_a appetite_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o as_o they_o be_v infinite_o capacious_a so_o have_v they_o a_o infinite_a good_a to_o fill_v they_o whereas_o in_o the_o sensual_a life_n the_o mean_a the_o dull_a and_o the_o most_o contract_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v only_o provide_v for_o but_o what_o need_v i_o carry_v you_o out_o into_o these_o speculation_n when_o your_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n will_v ascertain_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n above_o a_o thousand_o argument_n do_v but_o serious_o set_v yourselves_o to_o serve_v god_n if_o you_o have_v yet_o never_o do_v it_o do_v but_o once_o try_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o reason_n and_o verive_v and_o religion_n and_o i_o dare_v confident_o pronounce_v that_o you_o will_v in_o one_o mouth_n find_v more_o joy_n more_o peace_n more_o content_a to_o arise_v in_o your_o spirit_n from_o the_o sense_n that_o you_o have_v resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a and_o do_v what_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o do_v than_o in_o many_o year_n spend_v in_o vanity_n and_o a_o licentious_a course_n of_o live_v i_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o after_o you_o have_v once_o see_v and_o taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v how_o good_a all_o his_o way_n be_v but_o you_o will_v proclaim_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o one_o day_n spend_v in_o his_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o nay_o you_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o roman_a orator_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o quote_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o heathen_a after_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a psalmist_n that_o one_o day_n live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o immortality_n of_o sin_n you_o will_v then_o alter_v all_o your_o sentiment_n of_o thing_n and_o wonder_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o strange_o abuse_v by_o false_a representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n you_o will_v then_o see_v that_o religion_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o it_o appear_v to_o you_o before_o you_o become_v acquaint_v with_o it_o instead_o of_o that_o grim_a sour_a unpleasant_a countenance_n in_o which_o you_o heretofore_o paint_a she_o to_o yourself_o you_o will_v then_o discover_v nothing_o in_o she_o but_o what_o be_v infinite_o lovely_a and_o charm_a those_o very_a action_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o now_o can_v think_v upon_o with_o patience_n they_o seem_v so_o harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a you_o will_v then_o find_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o wonderful_a delight_n you_o will_v not_o then_o complain_v of_o the_o narrowness_n of_o the_o bound_n or_o the_o scantiness_n of_o the_o measure_n that_o it_o have_v confine_v your_o desire_n to_o for_o you_o will_v then_o find_v that_o you_o have_v hereby_o gain_v a_o entrance_n into_o a_o far_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a liberty_n how_o ungentile_o how_o much_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o nature_n soever_o it_o now_o look_v to_o forgive_v a_o injury_n or_o a_o affront_n you_o will_v then_o find_v it_o to_o be_v as_o far_o more_o easy_a so_o far_o more_o sweet_a than_o to_o revenge_v one_o you_o will_v no_o long_o think_v work_n of_o charity_n burdensome_a or_o expensive_a or_o that_o to_o do_v good_a office_n to_o every_o one_o be_v a_o employment_n too_o mean_a for_o you_o for_o you_o will_v then_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sensuality_n like_o that_o of_o do_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n to_o do_v a_o kindness_n than_o to_o riceive_v one_o how_o will_v you_o chide_v yourself_o for_o have_v be_v so_o averse_a to_o prayer_n and_o other_o devout_a exercise_n account_v they_o as_o tiresome_a unsavoury_a thing_n when_o you_o begin_v to_o feel_v the_o delicious_a relish_v they_o leave_v upon_o your_o spirit_n you_o will_v then_o confess_v that_o no_o conversation_n be_v half_a so_o agreeable_a as_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v with_o god_n almighty_a in_o prayer_n no_o cordial_n so_o revive_v as_o hearty_o to_o pour_v out_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o and_o then_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o his_o mercy_n to_o praise_v and_o give_v thanks_o to_o he_o for_o his_o benefit_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o very_a heaven_n upon_o earth_n a_o anticipation_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n nay_o you_o will_v not_o be_v without_o your_o pleasure_n even_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o religion_n then_o when_o you_o exercise_v act_n of_o repentance_n when_o you_o mourn_v and_o afflict_v yourself_o for_o your_o sin_n which_o seem_v the_o frightfull_a thing_n in_o all_o religion_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o holy_a sorrow_n that_o you_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n be_v without_o it_o and_o you_o will_v find_v far_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o grieve_v for_o your_o offence_n than_o ever_o you_o do_v receive_v from_o the_o commit_v they_o but_o o_o the_o ineffable_a pleasure_n that_o do_v continual_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o good_a man_n from_o the_o snse_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o fair_a prospect_n he_o have_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n how_o please_v how_o transport_v will_n the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o you_o be_v one_o of_o those_o happy_a soul_n that_o be_v of_o a_o enemy_n become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n that_o your_o way_n please_v he_o and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o only_o pardon_v but_o accept_v and_o belove_v by_o he_o to_o think_v that_o you_o a_o poor_a creature_n who_o be_v of_o yourself_o nothing_o and_o by_o your_o sin_n have_v make_v yourself_o far_o worse_o than_o nothing_o be_v yet_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o your_o saviour_n become_v so_o considerable_a a_o be_v as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v delight_n to_o the_o king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o cause_n joy_n in_o heaven_n among_o the_o bless_a angel_n by_o your_o repentance_n to_o think_v that_o god_n charge_v his_o providence_n with_o you_o takes_z care_n of_o all_o your_o concern_v hear_v all_o your_o prayer_n provide_v all_o thing_n needful_a for_o you_o and_o that_o he_o will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n take_v you_o up_o unto_o himself_o to_o live_v everlasting_o in_o his_o presence_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v ravish_v with_o his_o love_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o counsel_n to_o know_v and_o be_v know_v by_o angel_n archangel_n and_o seraphim_n to_o enjoy_v a_o conversation_n with_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o all_o the_o raise_a and_o glorify_a spirit_n of_o brave_a man_n and_o with_o all_o these_o to_o spend_v a_o happy_a and_o a_o rapturous_a eternity_n in_o adore_v in_o love_v in_o praise_v god_n for_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n can_v there_o be_v any_o pleasure_n like_o this_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n put_v you_o into_o such_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n as_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o what_o a_o mighty_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n will_v you_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o look_v down_o upon_o all_o the_o little_a gaudery_n and_o sickly_a satisfaction_n that_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n keep_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o how_o empty_a and_o evanid_a how_o flat_a and_o unsavoury_a will_v the_o best_a pleasure_n on_o earth_n appear_v to_o you_o in_o comparison_n of_o these_o divine_a contentment_n you_o will_v perpetual_o rejoice_v you_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o your_o saviour_n you_o will_v bless_v they_o day_n that_o ever_o you_o become_v acquaint_v with_o he_o you_o will_v confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o you_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o epicure_n indeed_o till_o you_o become_v a_o christian_n thus_o have_v i_o go_v through_o all_o those_o head_n which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o insist_v on_o what_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o resume_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n with_o which_o i_o begin_v this_o discourse_n that_o since_o as_o you_o have_v see_v godliness_n be_v so_o exceed_o profitable_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o since_o as_o you_o have_v see_v length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o all_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n you_o will_v also_o be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o that_o you_o may_v do_v god_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n
day_n render_v for_o so_o do_v three_o mens_fw-la religion_n and_o christianity_n be_v also_o deep_o concern_v in_o this_o point_n work_n of_o charity_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o all_o religion_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o we_o call_v christian_a that_o without_o they_o it_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a name_n in_o whosoever_o profess_v it_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o their_o belief_n or_o regular_a in_o their_o conversation_n or_o strict_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v hard_o heart_v and_o uncharitable_a if_o god_n have_v give_v they_o wealth_n and_o they_o have_v not_o heart_n to_o do_v good_a with_o it_o they_o have_v no_o true_a piety_n towards_o god_n they_o may_v have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o they_o be_v real_o dead_a a_o unmerciful_a christian_a or_o a_o religious_a covetous_a man_n be_v term_n that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o the_o satisfy_n you_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v but_o need_v to_o put_v these_o follow_a question_n can_v that_o man_n be_v account_v religious_a that_o neither_o love_n god_n nor_o his_o neighbour_n sure_o he_o can_v for_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n often_o assure_v we_o but_o now_o the_o covetous_a man_n neither_o do_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o his_o neighbour_n he_o do_v not_o love_n that_o be_v certain_a for_o if_o he_o do_v they_o will_v find_v some_o fruit_n of_o it_o unless_o this_o be_v to_o be_v account_v love_n etc._n james_n 2.14_o etc._n etc._n to_o give_v they_o good_a word_n to_o say_v to_o a_o brother_n or_o a_o sister_n that_o be_v naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o daily_a food_n depart_v in_o peace_n be_v you_o warm_v and_o fill_v when_o notwithstanding_o they_o give_v they_o not_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o body_n but_o this_o kind_n of_o love_n s._n james_n have_v long_o ago_o declare_v not_o to_o be_v worth_a any_o thing_n and_o as_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n another_o apostle_n have_v put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o the_o uncharitable_a man_n have_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o he_o 3.17_o 1_o john_n 3.17_o whoso_o say_v s._n john_n have_v this_o world_n good_a and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 4.20_o cap._n 4.20_o for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v can_v he_o be_v think_v a_o religious_a man_n or_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o want_v the_o two_o main_a qualification_n that_o go_v to_o the_o make_v up_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v faith_n and_o repentance_n yet_o this_o do_v he_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n but_o be_v not_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n good_a work_n be_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o alive_a without_o they_o than_o the_o body_n be_v without_o the_o spirit_n as_o s._n james_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o 2.26_o jam._n 2.26_o if_o we_o mean_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v avail_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o must_v work_v or_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n 5.6_o gal._n 5.6_o say_v s._n paul_n for_o though_o a_o man_n have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o he_o can_v remove_v mountain_n i._n e._n though_o he_o be_v so_o hearty_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n religion_n as_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o belief_n to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n his_o faith_n be_v nothing_o 13.2_o 1_o cor._n 13.2_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o charity_n that_o s._n paul_n make_v so_o necessary_a to_o effectual_a faith_n be_v not_o give_v alm_n but_o quite_o another_o thing_n for_o according_a to_o he_o a_o man_n may_v give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o yet_o want_v the_o charity_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v give_v alm_n and_o very_o large_o and_o yet_o want_v that_o charity_n that_o s._n paul_n here_o so_o much_o recommend_v but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n none_o can_v have_v that_o charity_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o but_o they_o will_v certain_o express_v it_o in_o alm_n and_o bounty_n as_o they_o have_v ability_n and_o opportunity_n so_o that_o for_o all_o this_o suggestion_n alm_n and_o bounty_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n if_o there_o be_v opportunity_n of_o do_v they_o the_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o charity_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o inward_a principle_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o universal_a kindness_n and_o goodwill_n to_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n and_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o outward_a fruit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o good_a work_n especial_o work_v of_o mercy_n and_o bounty_n but_o both_o these_o come_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o our_o purpose_n for_o the_o one_o always_o follow_v the_o other_o wherever_o there_o be_v charity_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n show_v itself_o in_o these_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n otherwise_o the_o charity_n be_v not_o true_a but_o only_o pretend_v for_o as_o s._n john_n have_v tell_v we_o he_o that_o love_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o truth_n must_v love_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o work_n and_o in_o deed_n and_o then_o as_o for_o repentance_n charity_n and_o almsgiving_n be_v a_o necessary_a ingredient_n into_o that_o also_o 11._o luke_n 3.10_o 11._o when_o s._n john_n baptist_n come_v preach_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n the_o people_n ask_v he_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v mean_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o shall_v express_v their_o repentance_n his_o answer_n be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v two_o coat_n let_v he_o impart_v to_o he_o that_o have_v none_o and_o he_o that_o have_v meat_n let_v he_o do_v so_o likewise_o and_o suitable_a to_o this_o be_v the_o prophet_n advice_n to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n when_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o repentance_n 4.27_o dan._n 4.27_o break_v off_o thy_o sin_n say_v he_o by_o righteousness_n and_o thy_o iniquity_n by_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v evidence_n thy_o repentance_n by_o thy_o almsgiving_n and_o charity_n furthermore_o can_v he_o be_v either_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o good_a christian_a that_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o virtue_n god_n in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o set_v the_o great_a value_n upon_o and_o contrariwise_o practise_v that_o which_o god_n have_v most_o particular_o declare_v his_o hatred_n and_o aversion_n to_o yet_o thus_o do_v he_o that_o be_v not_o charitable_a with_o what_o he_o have_v so_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n that_o they_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n with_o which_o he_o be_v well_o please_v heb_fw-mi 13.8_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o do_v delight_n jerem._n 9.24_o and_o bless_a and_o happy_a be_v they_o pronounce_v that_o do_v they_o pro._n 22.9_o cap._n 14.21_o for_o hereby_o man_n become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n luke_n 6.35_o and_o entitle_v to_o his_o more_o especial_a care_n and_o protection_n ps_n 41.1_o etc._n etc._n nay_o so_o dear_a do_v they_o render_v a_o man_n to_o his_o maker_n that_o the_o wise_a son_n of_o sirach_n scruple_v not_o to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o these_o term_n be_v thou_o say_v he_o a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a 4.10_o ecclus._n 4.10_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o husband_n unto_o their_o mother_n so_o shall_v thou_o be_v as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o he_o shall_v love_v thou_o more_o than_o thy_o own_o mother_n do_v on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o odious_a to_o god_n than_o the_o contrary_a quality_n and_o practice_n the_o love_n of_o money_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o uncharitableness_n 6.10_o 1_o tim._n 6.10_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a as_o certain_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n do_v often_o take_v their_o beginning_n from_o thence_o those_o that_o be_v covetous_a be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o idolater_n 5.5_o eph._n 5.5_o than_o which_o no_o more_o hateful_a appellation_n can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o man_n in_o the_o sacred_a language_n it_o be_v say_v
but_o a_o mean_a employment_n to_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o spin_v fine_a net_n for_o the_o catch_n of_o fly_n beside_o this_o divine_a life_n if_o it_o once_o take_v place_n in_o we_o will_v strange_o dilate_v and_o enlarge_v our_o heart_n in_o charity_n towards_o our_o brethren_n it_o will_v make_v we_o open_v our_o arm_n wide_a to_o the_o whole_a creation_n it_o will_v perfect_o work_v out_o of_o we_o all_o that_o peevishness_n and_o sowrness_n and_o penuriousness_n of_o spirit_n which_o we_o do_v too_o often_o contract_v by_o be_v addict_v to_o a_o sect_n and_o will_v make_v we_o sweet_a and_o benign_a and_o oblige_v and_o ready_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v all_o condition_n of_o men._n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v quite_o swallow_v up_o all_o distinction_n of_o party_n and_o whatever_o do_v but_o bear_v upon_o it_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o superscription_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n will_v need_v no_o other_o commendatory_n to_o our_o affection_n but_o will_v upon_o that_o alone_a account_n be_v infinite_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o we_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o earnest_o contend_v after_o this_o divine_a principle_n of_o holiness_n let_v we_o bring_v down_o religion_n from_o our_o head_n to_o our_o heart_n from_o speculation_n to_o practice_n let_v we_o make_v it_o our_o business_n hearty_o to_o love_n god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o then_o we_o may_v hope_v to_o see_v peace_n in_o our_o day_n this_o this_o be_v that_o that_o will_v restore_v to_o the_o world_n the_o golden_a age_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n when_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a and_o remarkable_a that_o it_o become_v into_o a_o proverb_n see_v how_o the_o christian_n love_v one_o another_o this_o this_o be_v that_o that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a promise_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o his_o church_n then_o shall_v the_o wolf_n dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n then_o shall_v not_o ephraim_n envy_v judah_n nor_o judah_n vex_v ephraim_n but_o we_o shall_v turn_v our_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o our_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o consume_v or_o devour_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a mountain_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o general_a point_n in_o my_o propose_a method_n of_o handle_v this_o text_n viz._n to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o very_a great_a engagement_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v upon_o we_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o that_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n and_o contrivance_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o from_o the_o great_a weight_n the_o scripture_n lay_v upon_o this_o duty_n 3._o from_o the_o great_a vnreasonableness_n of_o our_o religious_a difference_n 4._o from_o the_o very_a evil_a consequence_n that_o attend_v they_o as_o 1._o in_o that_o they_o be_v great_a hindrance_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 2._o they_o be_v very_o pernicious_a to_o the_o civil_a peace_n of_o the_o state_n 3._o they_o be_v high_o opprobrious_a to_o christianity_n in_o general_n and_o 4._o and_o last_o very_o dangerous_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o give_v too_o many_o advantage_n and_o too_o much_o encouragement_n to_o the_o factor_n of_o the_o papacy_n but_o i_o have_v i_o fear_v already_o exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o a_o sermon_n and_o therefore_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o god_n open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v in_o this_o our_o day_n understand_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n sermon_n ii_o preach_v at_o bow-church_n on_o the_o 30_o of_o january_n 1675._o 1_o tim._n four_o 8._o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v these_o word_n be_v the_o enforcement_n of_o a_o exhortation_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v make_v to_o timothy_n in_o the_o verse_n beforego_v which_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v avoid_v profane_a and_o old-wife_n fable_n mean_v those_o impious_a and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o carnal_a and_o unchristian_a observance_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o they_o some_o of_o which_o he_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o some_o at_o that_o time_n do_v endeavour_v to_o introduce_v into_o christianity_n and_o instead_o of_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o these_o that_o he_o shall_v rather_o exercise_v himself_o unto_o true_a godliness_n this_o be_v the_o exhortation_n the_o argument_n wherewith_o he_o enforce_v it_o be_v two_o first_o the_o unprofitableness_n of_o these_o carnal_a and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n bodily_a exercise_n say_v he_o profit_v little_a second_o the_o real_a usefulness_n of_o solid_a virtue_n and_o godliness_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o life_n godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o meddle_v at_o all_o with_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n or_o the_o argument_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o but_o shall_v apply_v myself_o whole_o to_o the_o latter_a crave_v leave_n most_o plain_o and_o affectionate_o to_o press_v upon_o you_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n upon_o those_o ground_n and_o consideration_n on_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o recommend_v it_o indeed_o to_o a_o man_n that_o consider_v well_o it_o will_v appear_v the_o most_o unaccountable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o among_o all_o those_o several_a exercise_n that_o mankind_n busy_a themselves_o about_o this_o of_o godliness_n shall_v be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n neglect_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o diligent_a so_o industrious_a so_o unwearied_a some_o in_o get_v estate_n other_o in_o purvey_v for_o pleasure_n other_o in_o learn_v art_n and_o trade_n all_o in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o relate_v to_o this_o sensible_a world_n and_o so_o few_o shall_v study_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o learn_v the_o art_n of_o virtue_n and_o religious_a conversation_n certain_a it_o be_v this_o piece_n of_o skill_n be_v not_o more_o above_o our_o reach_n than_o many_o of_o those_o other_o thing_n we_o so_o industrious_o pursue_v nay_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v more_o within_o our_o power_n than_o most_o of_o they_o for_o in_o our_o other_o labour_n we_o can_v always_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o certain_a success_n a_o thousand_o thing_n may_v intervene_v which_o we_o know_v not_o of_o that_o may_v defeat_v all_o our_o plot_n and_o design_n though_o never_o so_o careful_o lay_v but_o no_o man_n ever_o serious_o undertake_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o accomplish_v it_o nay_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o great_a certainty_n so_o can_v we_o with_o less_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n promise_v to_o ourselves_o success_n in_o this_o affair_n than_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o compass_v most_o of_o our_o worldly_a design_n which_o so_o much_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n i_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o less_o labour_n less_o trouble_n less_o solicitude_n will_v serve_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_a than_o to_o get_v a_o estate_n or_o to_o attain_v a_o competent_a skill_n in_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n and_o then_o for_o other_o motive_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v incomparable_o more_o and_o great_a than_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o pursuit_n of_o any_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a concernment_n we_o have_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n god_n send_v we_o into_o the_o world_n about_o it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o his_o son_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v conclude_v everlasting_o happy_a or_o everlasting_o miserable_a after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v these_o thing_n well_o consider_v we_o may_v just_o i_o say_v stand_v amaze_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o prodigious_o supine_n and_o negligent_a in_o a_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o importance_n as_o we_o see_v they_o general_o be_v if_o there_o can_v any_o account_n be_v give_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o suppose_v it_o must_v be_v some_o such_o as_o this_o that_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n upon_o which_o we_o bestow_v our_o care_n our_o time_n our_o courtship_n be_v present_a to_o we_o we_o see_v they_o every_o day_n before_o our_o eye_n we_o taste_v we_o feel_v the_o sweetness_n of_o they_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o their_o enjoyment_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a well-being_n but_o as_o
serviceableness_n to_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o challenge_v man_n esteem_n the_o other_o their_o love_n now_o both_o these_o quality_n religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v eminent_o possess_v we_o of_o for_o first_o the_o religious_a man_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a person_n for_o he_o of_o all_o other_o live_v most_o up_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v design_v which_o be_v the_o natural_a measure_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o worth_n of_o thing_n whatever_o external_n advantage_n a_o man_n may_v have_v yet_o if_o he_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o virtuous_a quality_n he_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o true_a worth_n or_o excellence_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o esteem_n because_o he_o want_v that_o which_o shall_v make_v he_o perfect_a and_o good_a in_o his_o kind_a for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o comely_a personage_n or_o a_o long_a race_n of_o famous_a ancestor_n or_o a_o large_a revenue_n or_o a_o multitude_n of_o servant_n or_o many_o swell_a title_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n without_o a_o man_n that_o speak_v he_o a_o complete_a man_n or_o make_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o right_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n the_o employ_v his_o liberty_n and_o choice_n to_o the_o best_a purpose_n the_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o faculty_n about_o the_o fit_a object_n and_o in_o the_o most_o due_a measure_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o excellent_a now_o none_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v this_o but_o only_o he_o that_o be_v virtuous_a second_o religion_n also_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n most_o useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o other_o for_o it_o effectual_o secure_v his_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n whereby_o both_o the_o security_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a and_o also_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v most_o attain_v it_o make_v man_n lover_n of_o their_o country_n loyal_a to_o 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and_o willing_a to_o embrace_v with_o open_a arm_n and_o a_o hearty_a love_n all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o men._n in_o every_o relation_n wherein_o we_o can_v stand_v to_o one_o another_o it_o influence_v upon_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v we_o more_o useful_a it_o make_v parent_n kind_a and_o indulgent_a and_o careful_a of_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n and_o child_n love_v and_o obedient_a to_o their_o parent_n it_o make_v servant_n diligent_a to_o please_v their_o master_n and_o to_o do_v their_o work_n in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n not_o with_o eye-service_n as_o men-pleasers_a but_o as_o unto_o god_n and_o it_o make_v master_n gentle_a and_o forbear_n and_o careful_a to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o family_n as_o those_o that_o know_v they_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n that_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n or_o capacity_n in_o which_o religion_n will_v not_o be_v signal_o a_o instrument_n of_o 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religion_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v good_a themselves_o yet_o they_o rare_o have_v the_o confidence_n not_o to_o commend_v goodness_n in_o other_o add_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n ever_o raise_v to_o himself_o a_o good_a name_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o virtue_n either_o real_a or_o pretend_a vice_n have_v sometime_o get_v riches_n and_o advance_v itself_o into_o preferment_n but_o it_o never_o be_v account_v honourable_a in_o any_o nation_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v sometime_o happen_v that_o vicious_a man_n may_v be_v have_v in_o esteem_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o vice_n that_o they_o be_v esteem_v but_o for_o some_o good_a quality_n or_o other_o they_o be_v eminent_a in_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n if_o those_o man_n be_v without_o those_o vice_n their_o reputation_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v thereby_o 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the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n beget_v before_o all_o world_n and_o man_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o mother_n bear_v in_o the_o world_n perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o person_n for_o as_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o the_o body_n make_v one_o man_n so_o here_o god_n and_o man_n make_v one_o christ._n as_o our_o creed_n express_v it_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o his_o office_n this_o divine_a person_n god-man_n that_o the_o text_n here_o say_v appear_v be_v by_o his_o office_n the_o christ_n the_o messiah_n that_o be_v that_o great_a minister_n of_o god_n that_o anoint_v king_n and_o priest_n and_o prophet_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n he_o promise_v to_o send_v down_o upon_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v believe_v in_o by_o the_o patriarch_n typify_v by_o the_o law_n foretell_v by_o all_o the_o prophet_n shadow_v out_o in_o all_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n expect_v by_o all_o the_o israelite_n and_o wish_v for_o by_o the_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_a world_n this_o person_n invest_v with_o this_o office_n at_o last_o appear_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n you_o all_o know_v from_o his_o story_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o virgin_n as_o be_v foretell_v of_o he_o by_o the_o prophet_n of_o which_o a_o angel_n of_o the_o high_a order_n in_o heaven_n first_o bring_v the_o happy_a tiding_n to_o the_o virgin_n herself_o this_o virgin_n by_o as_o strange_a a_o providence_n when_o the_o time_n of_o her_o delivery_n draw_v near_o be_v bring_v from_o she_o own_o city_n and_o habitation_n in_o galilee_n to_o bethlehem_n a_o city_n of_o judah_n where_o she_o bring_v forth_o this_o illustrious_a babe_n and_o thereby_o fulfil_v another_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o namely_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n which_o also_o the_o scribe_n at_o that_o time_n acknowledge_v the_o circumstance_n indeed_o of_o his_o birth_n be_v far_o from_o any_o outward_a pomp_n and_o magnificence_n the_o virgin_n his_o mother_n be_v poor_a and_o a_o stranger_n and_o so_o ill_o befriend_v that_o in_o the_o confluence_n of_o people_n with_o which_o the_o city_n be_v then_o crowd_v she_o be_v able_a to_o procure_v no_o better_o a_o lodging_n than_o the_o stable_a of_o a_o inn_n so_o that_o a_o manger_n be_v the_o place_n that_o first_o receive_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n this_o slur_n this_o affront_n god_n then_o think_v fit_a to_o put_v upon_o all_o that_o external_a splendour_n and_o grandeur_n which_o usual_o do_v so_o much_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o mortal_a men._n but_o god_n fail_v not_o to_o make_v abundant_a amends_o for_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n by_o give_v sundry_a other_o demonstrable_a evidence_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v then_o bear_v for_o the_o magi_n from_o the_o east_n prince_n shall_v i_o call_v they_o or_o philosopher_n be_v conduct_v by_o a_o new_a star_n come_v and_o pay_v their_o homage_n and_o bring_v their_o offering_n to_o this_o king_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o manger_n and_o the_o shepherd_n that_o be_v watch_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o field_n by_o night_n be_v surprise_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v round_o about_o they_o and_o a_o angel_n that_o thus_o speak_v to_o they_o fear_v not_o for_o behold_v i_o bring_v you_o tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n for_o unto_o you_o be_v bear_v this_o day_n in_o the_o city_n of_o david_n a_o saviour_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o lord_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o sign_n unto_o you_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o babe_n wrap_v in_o swaddle_a clothes_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_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_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o men._n after_o this_o manner_n be_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v his_o follow_a life_n it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o much_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n as_o to_o outward_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o life_n in_o every_o period_n of_o it_o fraught_v with_o wonder_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o admirable_a goodness_n and_o charmingness_n of_o his_o temper_n or_o the_o exemplary_a virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o do_v shine_v out_o in_o all_o his_o conversation_n or_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o sermon_n and_o doctrine_n or_o his_o prodigious_a inimitable_a miracle_n or_o the_o attestation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n or_o the_o usage_n he_o receive_v from_o man_n or_o the_o event_n which_o follow_v upon_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v his_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o we_o be_v this_o day_n meet_v together_o to_o commemorate_v and_o never_o have_v mankind_n so_o noble_a a_o argument_n give_v they_o to_o exercise_v their_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n appear_v that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v wrap_v with_o wonder_n and_o astonishment_n at_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o the_o divine_a condescension_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n at_o such_o a_o never-to-be-parallelled_n instance_n of_o god_n kindness_n to_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v so_o love_v we_o as_o to_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o son_n of_o god_n resolve_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n of_o all_o other_o way_n choose_v to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o flesh_n and_o so_o unite_v both_o the_o deity_n and_o humanity_n in_o one_o person_n o_o what_o a_o sense_n aught_o this_o to_o impress_v upon_o we_o of_o the_o honour_n that_o be_v here_o do_v to_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n it_o be_v advance_v to_o and_o how_o ought_v that_o sense_n either_o to_o fright_v we_o or_o to_o shame_v we_o from_o prostitute_v this_o our_o nature_n to_o any_o vile_a unworthy_a mixture_n and_o communication_n which_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o take_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o himself_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o god_n in_o humane_a flesh_n come_v as_o the_o messiah_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n so_o long_o before_o promise_v and_o so_o long_o expect_v how_o ought_v this_o to_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n how_o shall_v it_o move_v we_o to_o pour_v out_o our_o soul_n in_o benediction_n to_o god_n for_o have_v thus_o visited_n and_o redeem_v his_o people_n and_o put_v we_o into_o that_o dispensation_n which_o so_o many_o holy_a man_n for_o so_o many_o age_n wish_v to_o see_v but_o do_v not_o see_v it_o nay_o and_o which_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o and_o which_o the_o jew_n for_o reject_v at_o the_o time_n it_o be_v publish_v be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o stand_a monument_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o vengeance_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o many_o evidence_n that_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v at_o his_o appearance_n of_o his_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n how_o exact_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o his_o life_n he_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n which_o go_v before_o of_o he_o and_o how_o convince_a the_o testimony_n be_v which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n how_o ought_v this_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o christ_n to_o make_v we_o constant_a to_o the_o death_n in_o own_v he_o for_o our_o saviour_n our_o messiah_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n and_o sceptic_n to_o the_o contrary_n last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o mean_a circumstance_n that_o this_o our_o christ_n choose_v to_o appear_v in_o so_o far_o below_o the_o dignity_n of_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a beggar_n be_v child_n among_o we_o but_o general_o find_v better_a accommodation_n when_o it_o come_v into_o the_o world_n o_o what_o a_o check_n what_o a_o rebuke_v aught_o this_o to_o be_v to_o that_o spirit_n of_o ambition_n and_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n that_o too_o often_o possess_v we_o poor_a mortal_n how_o ought_v it_o to_o take_v off_o our_o admiration_n and_o lessen_v the_o too_o great_a esteem_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v of_o all_o outward_a pomp_n and_o greatness_n nay_o and_o to_o make_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o glitter_a show_n and_o and_o bravery_n of_o the_o world_n since_o god_n have_v give_v we_o so_o visible_a a_o