certain_o never_o till_o the_o anabaptistical_n madness_n and_o enthusiastical_a frenzy_n of_o these_o last_o age_n do_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n presume_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o own_o to_o declare_v themselves_o absolve_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n within_o they_o from_o the_o eternal_a bond_n of_o reason_n right_o and_o justice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o indispensable_o oblige_v not_o only_o as_o we_o be_v man_n but_o much_o more_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o manifest_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o all_o for_o these_o usurpation_n be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o the_o very_a same_o man_n who_o most_o of_o all_o man_n that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n have_v invade_v the_o right_n of_o public_a government_n and_o private_a virtue_n the_o romanist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o enthusiast_n on_o the_o other_o the_o very_a same_o man_n have_v make_v the_o great_a 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can_v have_v little_a or_o no_o real_a influence_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o disciple_n be_v not_o mankind_n a_o society_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o righteousness_n contribute_v to_o make_v it_o a_o society_n as_o religion_n do_v to_o make_v it_o a_o church_n be_v it_o not_o righteousness_n that_o first_o make_v man_n begin_v to_o confide_v in_o one_o another_o to_o commit_v their_o private_a safety_n and_o profit_n to_o each_o other_o fidelity_n that_o therefore_o be_v the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o first_o people_v the_o world_n that_o first_o draw_v and_o entice_v man_n into_o house_n and_o city_n and_o then_o secure_v they_o there_o and_o so_o divide_a mankind_n from_o beast_n in_o condition_n as_o well_o as_o habitation_n certain_o it_o be_v righteousness_n as_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o first_o make_v man_n to_o be_v man_n and_o so_o prepare_v and_o then_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o reveal_v religion_n and_o at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v christian_n and_o saint_n if_o righteousness_n have_v not_o temper_v and_o soften_v and_o reconcile_v humane_a nature_n within_o itself_o no_o creature_n have_v be_v more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a than_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n none_o will_v have_v have_v more_o vehement_a passion_n to_o desire_v mischief_n none_o more_o cunning_a to_o contrive_v it_o none_o a_o great_a power_n to_o effect_v it_o if_o we_o take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n we_o leave_v nothing_o there_o of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n after_o which_o he_o be_v create_v take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o a_o private_a family_n and_o it_o soon_o turn_v into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o a_o state_n and_o that_o only_a become_v a_o more_o regular_a more_o politic_a more_o combine_v and_o therefore_o a_o more_o pernicious_a society_n of_o mighty_a robber_n take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n will_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o the_o complete_a work_n of_o god_n hand_n but_o a_o chaos_n still_o or_o a_o rude_a forest_n or_o wilderness_n or_o something_o worse_a for_o to_o be_v inhabit_v only_o by_o rapine_n and_o violence_n be_v worse_a than_o to_o be_v only_o a_o innocent_a unfrequented_a desert_n thus_o whatever_o increase_n of_o civil_a art_n whatever_o flourish_v of_o populous_a nation_n whatever_o intercourse_n between_o people_n and_o people_n have_v be_v practise_v to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n convenience_n and_o ornament_n of_o humane_a life_n they_o be_v all_o at_o first_o found_v on_o righteousness_n from_o that_o be_v derive_v to_o we_o all_o our_o temporal_a blessing_n without_o that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o eternal_a blessing_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a righteousness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a humanity_n no_o civility_n no_o kindness_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n no_o true_a religion_n for_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o some_o true_a humanity_n wherever_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n come_v it_o either_o find_v some_o civility_n or_o make_v it_o what_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o follow_v glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o righteousness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a will_n where_o there_o be_v no_o good_a will_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n or_o no_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o man_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o my_o text_n righteousness_n a_o virtue_n so_o beneficial_a so_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n so_o high_o value_v of_o god_n himself_o this_o deal_v with_o man_n as_o man_n upon_o the_o square_a upon_o even_a term_n just_o expect_v a_o like_a return_n of_o good_a office_n the_o next_o be_v mercy_n but_o that_o have_v more_o of_o superiority_n and_o majesty_n in_o it_o that_o take_v man_n on_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o the_o great_a generosity_n when_o they_o be_v either_o miserable_a by_o distress_n or_o obnoxious_a by_o injury_n relieve_v the_o one_o pardon_v the_o other_o whatever_o therefore_o i_o have_v say_v or_o can_v be_v say_v in_o praise_n of_o righteousness_n still_o the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o praise_n and_o practice_n aught_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o mercy_n great_a indeed_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o both_o these_o together_o all_o below_o righteousness_n be_v sin_n nothing_o be_v above_o mercy_n so_o that_o both_o together_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a compass_n of_o man_n duty_n to_o one_o another_o from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a part_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v all_o contain_v in_o two_o word_n honesty_n and_o charity_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n in_o my_o text._n thus_o they_o be_v best_a together_o but_o if_o consider_v asunder_o or_o compare_v than_o mercy_n
must_v triumph_v over_o 13._o and_o rejoice_v against_o judgement_n righteousness_n be_v a_o virtue_n unblamable_a mercy_n be_v a_o grace_n most_o lovely_a and_o honourable_a righteousness_n oblige_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o other_o man_n their_o own_o mercy_n incline_v we_o to_o give_v they_o our_o own_o too_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o righteousness_n make_v you_o not_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o other_o unjust_o mercy_n make_v you_o not_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o your_o enemy_n nay_o to_o be_v their_o friend_n their_o benefactor_n even_o their_o go_n most_o certain_o 13._o as_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n so_o god_n will_v require_v mercy_n with_o the_o great_a mercy_n for_o he_o will_v requite_v even_o righteousness_n with_o mercy_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n god_n be_v delight_v to_o exercise_v his_o mercy_n to_o man_n more_o than_o any_o nay_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v but_o esteem_v mercy_n in_o man_n above_o all_o other_o humane_a endowment_n so_o essential_a so_o dear_o be_v mercy_n to_o god_n himself_o that_o in_o his_o own_o inexpressibly-divine_a nature_n he_o seem_v to_o give_v it_o some_o special_a preeminence_n over_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n though_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o themselves_o all_o equal_o divine_a and_o infinite_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o mercy_n god_n seem_v willing_a to_o change_v his_o own_o eternal_a mind_n which_o be_v undoubted_o immutable_a 45._o it_o be_v say_v he_o repent_v according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n when_o he_o enjoin_v it_o we_o he_o prefer_v it_o before_o his_o own_o worship_n he_o say_v 13._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v his_o mercy_n may_v be_v say_v to_o sweeten_v his_o holiness_n to_o moderate_v his_o power_n to_o delay_v to_o stop_v his_o revenge_n to_o enlarge_v beyond_o all_o proportion_n his_o distributive_a and_o after_o all_o provocation_n to_o restrain_v his_o vindicative_a justice_n his_o mercy_n god_n often_o employ_v without_o any_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o his_o severe_a attribute_n but_o he_o seldom_o or_o never_o exercise_v any_o of_o they_o in_o this_o world_n so_o as_o utter_o irreparable_o to_o exclude_v his_o mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n he_o remember_v mercy_n the_o two_o great_a attribute_n by_o which_o god_n condescend_v to_o govern_v all_o humane_a affair_n be_v his_o power_n or_o his_o mercy_n but_o a_o almighty_a power_n alone_o have_v be_v rather_o dreadful_a than_o auspicious_a to_o mankind_n it_o may_v have_v fill_v man_n mind_n with_o fear_n and_o terror_n and_o have_v fright_v they_o into_o a_o servile_a compliance_n it_o be_v only_a mercy_n add_v to_o power_n that_o bring_v authority_n with_o it_o and_o charm_n man_n heart_n into_o a_o willing_a obedience_n which_o of_o these_o two_o god_n himself_o prefer_v can_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a instance_n than_o in_o the_o person_n and_o administration_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n moses_n the_o vicegerent_n of_o god_n power_n our_o saviour_n of_o his_o mercy_n moses_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n the_o son_n of_o god_n nay_o god_n himself_o during_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n we_o read_v much_o of_o country_n lay_v waist_n of_o nation_n plague_v of_o the_o first-born_a cut_v off_o of_o kingdom_n and_o army_n overwhelmed_a and_o destroy_v then_o religion_n seem_v rather_o incline_v to_o terrify_v the_o world_n than_o to_o pardon_v it_o to_o enforce_v a_o law_n than_o to_o persuade_v it_o to_o subdue_v enemy_n than_o to_o make_v friend_n but_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n religion_n seem_v on_o a_o sudden_a reconcile_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o not_o only_o to_o require_v by_o its_o divinity_n but_o to_o deserve_v by_o its_o clemency_n the_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o in_o our_o saviour_n work_n though_o there_o be_v undeniable_a testimony_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n yet_o there_o be_v more_o of_o his_o boundless_a mercy_n though_o both_o in_o he_o be_v infinite_a yet_o his_o mercy_n be_v most_o apparent_a such_o be_v mercy_n so_o wonderful_a adorable_a and_o universal_a in_o the_o first_o great_a example_n and_o most_o perfect_a original_a of_o it_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o in_o truth_n of_o imitation_n shall_v be_v the_o imperfect_a copy_n that_o we_o take_v of_o it_o from_o he_o though_o we_o can_v come_v near_o that_o mercy_n in_o any_o measure_n of_o equality_n yet_o we_o shall_v all_o strive_v to_o resemble_v it_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o it_o 9_o to_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a as_o he_o be_v merciful_a yes_o as_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o own_o work_n and_o above_o all_o our_o sin_n so_o shall_v our_o mercy_n be_v in_o our_o weak_a degree_n of_o proportion_n above_o all_o our_o own_o good_a work_n to_o other_o man_n above_o all_o other_o man_n ill_a work_n and_o offence_n against_o we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o we_o frail_a and_o sinful_a creature_n to_o be_v like_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o that_o very_a thing_n in_o which_o he_o be_v most_o our_o father_n most_o our_o heavenly_a father_n these_o than_o be_v the_o two_o great_a duty_n here_o recommend_v both_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n nothing_o bring_v heaven_n down_o so_o near_o to_o earth_n nothing_o raise_v earth_n so_o much_o towards_o heaven_n what_o then_o can_v be_v do_v better_a on_o earth_n what_o more_o worthy_a of_o heaven_n than_o to_o follow_v after_o they_o both_o and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o follow_v after_o they_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n in_o a_o true_a scripture_n sense_n which_o be_v my_o second_o head_n propose_v we_o read_v it_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n &c_n he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v find_v &_o indeed_o whoever_o will_v right_o pursue_v these_o or_o any_o other_o grace_n they_o must_v do_v it_o in_o a_o way_n not_o by_o secret_a shift_n and_o turn_n not_o in_o by-path_n or_o indirect_o not_o after_o any_o private_a fancy_n or_o spirit_n but_o by_o a_o tread_a direct_a lawful_a rule_n let_v i_o say_v it_o in_o the_o king_n highway_n thus_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v righteous_a to_o all_o man_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o friend_n or_o sect_n or_o party_n we_o may_v it_o be_v true_a be_v merciful_a to_o some_o man_n more_o than_o to_o other_o according_a to_o our_o opportunity_n or_o obligation_n or_o discretion_n but_o then_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v exceed_o careful_a that_o we_o be_v not_o unmerciful_a to_o any_o man_n thus_o to_o follow_v after_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o set_v about_o their_o performance_n speedy_o zealous_o indefatigable_o with_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n especial_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o christian_a man_n of_o this_o world_n plain_o and_o sincere_o to_o set_v your_o mind_n your_o tongue_n your_o hand_n your_o foot_n to_o the_o work_n with_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o your_o understanding_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v but_o chief_o with_o the_o most_o ardent_a and_o unwearied_a affection_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o the_o practice_n for_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v practice_n that_o god_n most_o regard_v and_o to_o follow_v after_o both_o these_o grace_n aright_o be_v to_o practise_v they_o both_o in_o their_o season_n and_o proportion_n never_o to_o divide_v two_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v so_o near_o join_v in_o his_o command_n in_o his_o own_o incomprehensible_a godhead_n have_v indissoluble_o unite_v they_o so_o we_o to_o conjoin_v and_o mingle_v they_o both_o together_o never_o to_o omit_v either_o of_o they_o on_o a_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o other_o but_o with_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o harmonious_a mixture_n of_o both_o in_o one_o to_o season_n to_o strengthen_v to_o justify_v all_o our_o mercy_n with_o righteousness_n to_o qualify_v to_o allay_v to_o sweeten_v all_o our_o righteousness_n with_o mercy_n and_o thus_o real_o to_o follow_v after_o both_o these_o thing_n in_o scripture-language_n be_v real_o to_o obtain_v they_o so_o gracious_a and_o benign_a be_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o your_o unfeigned_a labour_n and_o well-directed_n industry_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n bring_v with_o it_o a_o infallible_a success_n your_o very_a endeavour_n after_o they_o if_o uncounterfeit_a and_o persevere_v be_v often_o here_o take_v for_o the_o effect_n itself_o so_o gentle_o so_o compassionate_o do_v our_o good_a and_o only_o wise_a
moor_n mayor_n martis_n xxxi_o o._n die_v januarii_n 1681._o annoque_fw-la regni_fw-la regis_fw-la caroli_n secundi_fw-la angliae_fw-la etc._n etc._n xxxiv_o this_o court_n do_v desire_n dr._n sprat_n to_o print_v his_o sermon_n preach_v on_o sunday_n morning_n last_o in_o the_o guild-hall-chappel_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n of_o this_o city_n wagstaffe_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o the_o 29_o of_o january_n 1681_o 2_o by_o thomas_n sprat_n d.d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a london_n print_v by_o m._n c._n for_o joanna_n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1682._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n moor_n k_o t._n lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a the_o alderman_n his_o brethren_n my_o lord_n though_o the_o favour_n of_o your_o command_n be_v a_o abundant_a excuse_n for_o my_o print_n this_o very_a plain_a sermon_n yet_o i_o doubt_v i_o need_v some_o apology_n for_o preach_v it_o in_o such_o a_o auditory_a as_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n that_o day_n to_o serve_v i_o fear_v it_o may_v seem_v a_o presumption_n for_o i_o to_o discourse_v on_o this_o subject_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o reverend_a judge_n of_o the_o land_n the_o learned_a sergeant_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o your_o great_a and_o honourable_a city_n a_o assembly_n of_o man_n from_o who_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n such_o as_o i_o may_v better_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n i_o can_v only_o say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n so_o it_o be_v my_o endeavour_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o argument_n mere_o as_o a_o divine_a i_o design_v not_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o these_o virtue_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a prudence_n which_o such_o a_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o want_v but_o rather_o to_o confirm_v you_o in_o they_o by_o the_o obligation_n and_o promise_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o my_o profession_n it_o be_v therefore_o enough_o for_o i_o in_o that_o place_n on_o that_o text_n to_o perform_v the_o part_n not_o so_o much_o of_o a_o teacher_n as_o of_o a_o remembrancer_n and_o i_o have_v attain_v my_o end_n if_o i_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a praise_n and_o reward_n that_o the_o scripture_n bestow_v on_o these_o two_o excellent_a grace_n whereof_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o be_v so_o much_o more_o able_a to_o give_v rule_n and_o what_o be_v much_o better_a example_n to_o the_o world_n my_o lord_n i_o be_o your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n tho._n sprat_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n proverb_n xxi_o 21._o he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n find_v life_n righteousness_n and_o honour_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o most_o eminent_a virtue_n recommend_v to_o we_o one_o the_o most_o useful_a the_o other_o the_o most_o amiable_a of_o all_o that_o we_o can_v acquire_v towards_o our_o be_v or_o well_o be_v in_o this_o life_n or_o the_o next_o righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o all_o natural_a virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o christian_a grace_n mercy_n the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o christian_a grace_n these_o two_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n not_o in_o the_o severe_a stile_n of_o a_o strict_a command_n nor_o in_o the_o rigid_a term_n of_o a_o legal_a precept_n though_o if_o god_n have_v only_o thus_o require_v they_o of_o we_o they_o have_v deserve_v our_o most_o dutiful_a obedience_n consider_v the_o high_a prerogative_n the_o almighty_a lawgiver_n have_v over_o we_o but_o here_o they_o be_v set_v off_o to_o we_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o gentle_a allure_a and_o delightful_a form_n of_o a_o promise_n that_o which_o be_v our_o necessary_a duty_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o free_a ample_a immense_a reward_n the_o duty_n be_v double_a the_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n the_o follow_v after_o mercy_n the_o reward_n be_v treble_a life_n righteousness_n and_o honour_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n gracious_a deal_n with_o man_n his_o promise_n always_o go_v beyond_o our_o performance_n his_o reward_n both_o in_o weight_n and_o number_n by_o far_o exceed_v our_o duty_n of_o these_o study_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n we_o shall_v all_o be_v follower_n as_o we_o be_v man_n we_o all_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v follower_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n what_o then_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a work_n for_o we_o all_o in_o this_o our_o solemn_a meeting_n either_o as_o man_n or_o as_o christian_n than_o to_o reason_n with_o ourselves_o concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o duty_n to_o excite_v our_o affection_n towards_o they_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o reward_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v please_v that_o i_o examine_v first_o what_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o propose_v to_o our_o zealous_a prosecution_n second_o what_o be_v the_o way_n the_o best_a way_n of_o follow_v after_o they_o three_o let_v we_o encourage_v one_o another_o in_o their_o attainment_n by_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o recompense_n which_o be_v here_o assure_v to_o we_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n itself_o my_o text_n you_o see_v consist_v of_o a_o twofold_a duty_n and_o a_o threefold_a reward_n the_o duty_n come_v first_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o both_o its_o part_n righteousness_n and_o mercy_n both_o which_o solomon_n the_o wise_a king_n have_v here_o most_o wise_o put_v together_o and_o in_o their_o right_a order_n for_o wherever_o they_o both_o be_v righteousness_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o mercy_n mercy_n be_v the_o ornament_n of_o righteousness_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v complete_a without_o the_o other_o whatever_o be_v not_o just_a can_v never_o be_v merciful_a whatever_o be_v mere_o strict_o just_a without_o any_o compassion_n it_o be_v to_o a_o proverb_n high_o injurious_a it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o 16._o the_o word_n righteousness_n have_v several_a different_a signification_n in_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o old_a it_o sometime_o pass_v for_o all_o manner_n of_o goodness_n frequent_o for_o the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o new_a it_o common_o signify_v the_o same_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v often_o raise_v to_o a_o high_a meaning_n to_o express_v the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o attend_v it_o i_o believe_v my_o text_n be_v most_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o righteousness_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v integrity_n of_o action_n and_o honesty_n of_o conversation_n in_o all_o our_o public_a and_o private_a relation_n in_o this_o world_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v chief_o handle_v it_o though_o indeed_o the_o other_o more_o divine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v exclude_v in_o our_o present_a meditation_n for_o to_o all_o i_o shall_v say_v on_o this_o argument_n it_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o without_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o consecrate_v all_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v he_o can_v deserve_v by_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o account_n either_o honour_n or_o righteousness_n or_o life_n itself_o but_o first_o i_o begin_v with_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o usual_a sense_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o common_a justice_n and_o moral_a honesty_n and_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n in_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o virtue_n it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o modest_a undertake_n for_o i_o to_o make_v a_o large_a discourse_n before_o this_o venerable_a assembly_n where_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v but_o to_o regulate_v and_o steer_v the_o whole_a nation_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o only_o for_o our_o clear_a proceed_v something_o must_v be_v say_v concern_v it_o i_o humble_o conceive_v a_o thing_n or_o person_n may_v be_v call_v right_a or_o righteous_a or_o just_a either_o by_o reason_n it_o be_v so_o original_o and_o independent_o in_o its_o own_o be_v or_o because_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o some_o certain_a rule_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v by_o comparison_n to_o who_o perfection_n the_o moral_a straitness_n or_o crookedness_n of_o all_o inferior_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v judge_v now_o nothing_o can_v be_v absolute_o righteous_a and_o primitive_o just_a but_o only_o god_n
himself_o who_o be_v the_o sole_a author_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o justice_n the_o only_a donor_n of_o it_o to_o we_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n his_o unerring_a will_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o all_o righteousness_n as_o therefore_o this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v display_v in_o several_a manifestation_n to_o mankind_n so_o according_a to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o our_o will_n and_o action_n to_o his_o will_n thus_o manifest_v there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v various_a kind_n of_o righteousness_n among_o man_n as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n express_v itself_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o dictate_v of_o rectify_v nature_n and_o right_a reason_n so_o a_o observance_n of_o that_o will_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a righteousness_n as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v in_o his_o write_a word_n so_o a_o submission_n to_o that_o will_n be_v religious_a righteousness_n as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o image_n and_o representative_n of_o god_n power_n on_o earth_n so_o a_o obedience_n to_o their_o law_n be_v political_n nay_o it_o be_v religious_a righteousness_n too_o as_o far_o as_o those_o law_n do_v not_o transgress_v the_o high_a principle_n of_o god_n natural_a moral_a or_o divine_a law_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o righteousness_n in_o general_n and_o this_o threefold_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n either_o write_v in_o our_o own_o heart_n or_o speak_v in_o his_o word_n or_o pronounce_v in_o the_o voice_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a if_o not_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o that_o distinction_n between_o right_n and_o wrong_v equity_n and_o injury_n by_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o all_o condition_n either_o as_o superior_n equal_n or_o inferior_n and_o now_o that_o this_o most_o commendable_a virtue_n may_v not_o pass_v among_o any_o of_o we_o as_o it_o have_v with_o too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n only_o for_o a_o old_a testament_n duty_n rather_o belong_v to_o a_o moral_a man_n than_o to_o a_o christian_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n how_o essential_a it_o be_v to_o christianity_n itself_o what_o commendation_n and_o privilege_n the_o holy_a scripture_n ascribe_v to_o it_o what_o high_a rank_n and_o dignity_n it_o hold_v in_o god_n statute-book_n as_o well_o as_o in_o mens_fw-la and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o law_n but_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o only_o spiritual_a righteousness_n but_o natural_a and_o political_a righteousness_n too_o if_o we_o shall_v reflect_v on_o the_o whole_a progress_n and_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o god_n dispensation_n to_o mankind_n we_o may_v easy_o observe_v he_o have_v always_o proceed_v with_o we_o not_o only_o according_a to_o the_o unaccountable_a purpose_n of_o his_o own_o secret_a will_n who_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o its_o way_n past_o find_v out_o but_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n so_o as_o i_o may_v say_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n too_o by_o a_o stand_n plain_a declare_v write_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n by_o truth_n of_o contract_n by_o covenant_n a_o double_a covenant_n in_o which_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v his_o what_o we_o by_o his_o gift_n a_o covenant_n in_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v our_o work_n and_o if_o we_o perform_v it_o well_o may_v claim_v our_o recompense_n thus_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o have_v a_o unlimited_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v yet_o so_o much_o delight_v to_o have_v mankind_n govern_v by_o know_a law_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v please_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n to_o bind_v and_o circumscribe_v that_o part_n of_o his_o own_o omnipotence_n by_o the_o like_a method_n and_o in_o the_o first_o most_o public_a appearance_n of_o god_n presence_n to_o the_o world_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o establish_v a_o settle_a religion_n do_v not_o then_o his_o care_n of_o common_a justice_n and_o civil_a right_n keep_v a_o equal_a pace_n with_o his_o provision_n for_o his_o own_o worship_n be_v his_o first_o law_n to_o the_o jew_n ceremonial_a and_o ritual_a only_a relate_v to_o his_o own_o service_n alone_o be_v they_o not_o judicial_a and_o moral_a also_o respect_v as_o well_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o humane_a society_n of_o all_o which_o law_n do_v not_o god_n himself_o seem_v to_o give_v the_o advantage_n to_o this_o latter_a kind_n he_o do_v in_o this_o at_o least_o that_o his_o own_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o he_o then_o prescribe_v be_v sometime_o to_o be_v abolish_v but_o his_o moral_a law_n never_o for_o upon_o his_o second_o more_o perfect_a and_o last_o revelation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a service_n be_v indeed_o much_o alter_v but_o not_o any_o one_o common_a rule_n of_o human_a justice_n no_o abrogation_n of_o any_o one_o precept_n of_o righteousness_n or_o honesty_n follow_v upon_o the_o great_a reformation_n from_o judaisme_n to_o christianity_n but_o rather_o a_o new_a addition_n of_o more_o strength_n and_o authority_n to_o they_o all_o whoever_o shall_v recollect_v the_o whole_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n preach_a can_v he_o possible_o think_v otherwise_o do_v not_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o his_o divine_a doctrine_n seem_v well_o nigh_o calculate_v and_o fit_v as_o much_o to_o establish_v and_o direct_v the_o court_n of_o legislator_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o justice_n as_o for_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o pulpit_n be_v not_o all_o his_o sermon_n especial_o his_o great_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n a_o perfect_a comment_n on_o the_o ancient_a precept_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n do_v he_o not_o there_o free_v they_o all_o one_o by_o one_o from_o gross_a corruption_n do_v he_o not_o vindicate_v they_o all_o by_o most_o genuine_a interpretation_n do_v he_o not_o establish_v they_o all_o by_o severe_a punishment_n and_o more_o glorious_a reward_n especial_o do_v he_o not_o exemplify_v they_o all_o by_o his_o own_o most_o innocent_a just_a unblamable_a and_o merciful_a life_n thus_o confirm_v thus_o advance_v do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n deliver_v down_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o right_n and_o justice_n and_o thus_o the_o same_o rule_n have_v continue_v unchangeable_a in_o all_o succession_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n never_o hinder_v the_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n but_o exceed_o promote_a it_o and_o be_v themselves_o incorporate_v into_o it_o so_o that_o all_o along_o the_o same_o do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v to_o the_o same_o definition_n of_o reason_n and_o righteousness_n the_o same_o general_a precept_n of_o honesty_n in_o commerce_n and_o judicial_a proceed_n the_o same_o law_n of_o ruling_n and_o obey_v have_v be_v common_a to_o christian_n with_o the_o wise_a heathen_a nation_n or_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n the_o christian_a law_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o strict_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o too_o among_o christian_n for_o many_o age_n be_v as_o their_o principle_n require_v it_o ever_o to_o be_v far_o more_o exact_a whatever_o our_o new_a saint_n that_o be_v only_o so_o of_o their_o own_o make_n have_v devise_v be_v it_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o question_v among_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n whether_o the_o new_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o that_o be_v style_v in_o scripture_n the_o royal_a law_n of_o liberty_n whether_o that_o do_v infranchise_v and_o set_v any_o man_n loose_a from_o the_o precept_n of_o internal_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n or_o of_o external_a submission_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o internal_a too_o a_o question_n indeed_o there_o be_v 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