salvation_n of_o man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v procure_v thereby_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v incline_v by_o their_o own_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o wish_v well_o to_o their_o fellow-creature_n to_o be_v concern_v at_o their_o welfare_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v if_o not_o with_o equal_a yet_o with_o like_a reason_n who_o possess_v soul_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o alike_o immortal_a by_o these_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o number_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n former_o diminish_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o lucifer_n and_o his_o associate_n be_v to_o be_v repair_v all_o which_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v unconcern_v in_o the_o felicity_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o although_o the_o divine_a dispoposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n of_o it_o but_o when_o by_o the_o order_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n as_o we_o read_v hebr._n i._n 14._o there_o be_v abundant_a reason_n for_o this_o their_o exultation_n since_o without_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n their_o labour_n have_v be_v whole_o vain_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n not_o capable_a of_o relief_n but_o after_o they_o see_v this_o at_o once_o make_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a in_o a_o rapture_n of_o joy_n they_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o hymn_n of_o praise_n for_o if_o there_o be_v joy_n among_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o be_v save_v how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n be_v redeem_v and_o make_v capable_a of_o salvation_n even_o the_o angel_n themselves_o although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o mankind_n receive_v signal_n benefit_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o their_o happiness_n consist_v in_o contemplate_v and_o praise_v the_o nature_n the_o attribute_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n their_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v finite_a as_o be_v their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o every_o addition_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o increase_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o great_a benefit_n which_o in_o their_o state_n they_o can_v receive_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n i._n 12._o that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o that_o before_o this_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n xxiv_o 36._o but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n but_o my_o father_n only_o when_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o thereby_o begin_v to_o complete_a the_o wonderful_a mystery_n of_o man_n salvation_n then_o clear_o appear_v to_o these_o bless_a spirit_n what_o be_v before_o obscure_a to_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n the_o mysterious_a secret_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o signification_n of_o prophecy_n which_o go_v before_o the_o purport_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o other_o rational_a being_n this_o new_a knowledge_n administer_v to_o they_o fresh_a reason_n of_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o increase_v their_o happiness_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o angel_n move_v by_o great_a reason_n to_o join_v in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n but_o why_o they_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o audible_o so_o as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o shepherd_n as_o st._n luke_n relate_v we_o be_v still_o to_o inquire_v that_o angel_n which_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o this_o office_n have_v new_o finish_v his_o message_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o happiness_n which_o will_v thence_o ensue_v to_o all_o mankind_n when_o immediate_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n be_v present_a with_o he_o and_o sing_v this_o hymn_n this_o without_o doubt_n be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o hear_v it_o and_o other_o who_o shall_v know_v by_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o benefit_n to_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o birth_n be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n on_o who_o the_o angel_n so_o attend_v we_o find_v not_o that_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o prophet_n be_v usher_v in_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n as_o on_o mount_n sina_n to_o moses_n on_o mount_n horeb_n to_o elias_n but_o it_o be_v still_o attend_v with_o some_o other_o visible_a sign_n as_o in_o both_o those_o place_n by_o extraordinary_a commotion_n in_o the_o air_n which_o also_o represent_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o old_a law_n and_o in_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o which_o god_n descend_v upon_o earth_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o we_o find_v it_o foretell_v by_o one_o angel_n proclaim_v by_o another_o and_o celebrate_a 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n this_o declare_v his_o majesty_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n if_o not_o of_o his_o person_n yet_o at_o least_o of_o his_o mission_n now_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o angel_n praise_v god_n upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o will_v show_v that_o all_o those_o reason_n which_o may_v induce_v the_o angel_n to_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o hymn_n of_o praise_n be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o more_o persuasive_a to_o they_o if_o the_o angel_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o divine_a glory_n wrought_v hereby_o and_o be_v not_o we_o oblige_v to_o magnify_v the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a emanation_n of_o they_o both_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o rational_a soul_n if_o the_o angel_n so_o far_o rejoice_v in_o the_o benefit_n and_o salvation_n of_o other_o how_o much_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v thankful_a who_o reap_v the_o advantage_n upon_o who_o the_o benefit_n be_v bestow_v if_o the_o angel_n be_v glad_a to_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n accomplish_v much_o more_o sure_o shall_v men_n esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v who_o enjoy_v it_o so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n if_o the_o angel_n have_v reason_n man_n have_v much_o more_o to_o celebrate_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n with_o this_o hymn_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n i_o will_v consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o and_o first_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o desire_n of_o what_o have_v not_o as_o a_o approbation_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v towards_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n the_o addition_n of_o in_o the_o high_a signify_v either_o in_o heaven_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o what_o follow_v peace_n on_o earth_n be_v a_o completion_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n sing_v o_o heaven_n and_o rejoice_v o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v redeem_v jacob_n etc._n etc._n or_o more_o natural_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o higheâ—â—â—â—gree_n in_o which_o sense_n this_o phrase_n be_v â—ost_o frequent_o understand_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o psal._n xciii_o 4._o where_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o septuagint_n the_o lord_n be_v mighty_a in_o the_o high_a that_o be_v mighty_a above_o all_o and_o sure_o with_o great_a reason_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o give_v the_o high_a glory_n to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o eternal_a attribute_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o any_o other_o effect_n whatsoever_o and_o from_o whence_o he_o receive_v the_o great_a glory_n which_o be_v ever_o pay_v by_o mankind_n to_o god_n to_o pursue_v this_o in_o particular_a consideration_n the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n do_v never_o appear_v so_o eminent_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o this_o mystery_n true_o do_v st._n john_n say_v 1_o joh._n iu_o 9_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v
therefore_o it_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o must_v have_v therefore_o some_o rule_n whereby_o to_o direct_v our_o assent_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o be_v very_o obvious_a for_o the_o understanding_n necessary_o at_o least_o reasonable_o incline_v to_o that_o part_n which_o carry_v the_o great_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o any_o proposition_n be_v great_a than_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n we_o must_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n embrace_v and_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n exceed_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o may_v safe_o reject_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v the_o evidence_n of_o both_o side_n matter_n of_o revelation_n may_v concern_v either_o finite_a or_o infinite_a nature_n example_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o such_o proposition_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o second_o all_o such_o as_o respect_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o first_o case_n which_o exceed_v not_o the_o natural_a capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n nothing_o can_v be_v true_a which_o may_v not_o be_v full_o conceive_v by_o we_o for_o although_o many_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o finite_a being_n may_v lie_v for_o ever_o undiscovered_a to_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n yet_o when_o discover_v to_o we_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o conceive_v by_o we_o if_o they_o carry_v any_o truth_n with_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o in_o finite_a nature_n be_v inconceivable_a to_o we_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o we_o can_v imagine_v any_o revelation_n to_o be_v make_v without_o a_o intend_a obligation_n of_o assent_n now_o since_o god_n have_v require_v we_o to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o great_a evidence_n he_o can_v never_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n the_o evidence_n of_o who_o falsity_n exceed_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n and_o since_o we_o be_v proper_a judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o finite_a being_n when_o discover_v to_o we_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v any_o proposition_n relate_v to_o they_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o it_o since_o if_o it_o be_v true_a we_o shall_v be_v easy_o able_a to_o conceive_v it_o and_o reconcile_v it_o to_o all_o other_o truth_n and_o the_o receive_a law_n of_o reason_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n can_v never_o be_v any_o part_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n but_o in_o matter_n relate_v to_o infinite_a being_n it_n be_v far_o otherwise_o in_o those_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v they_o as_o we_o before_o show_v the_o only_a internal_a argument_n which_o can_v be_v use_v in_o this_o case_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n must_v be_v found_v upon_o a_o contradiction_n include_v in_o it_o to_o wit_n if_o the_o revelation_n propose_v any_o thing_n which_o destroy_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o object_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o introduce_v a_o conception_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o it_o such_o will_v be_v to_o affirm_v there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v a_o corporeal_a be_v and_o such_o like_a for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o a_o infinite_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v the_o primary_n cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o other_o being_n to_o suppose_v any_o other_o be_v independent_a from_o he_o or_o himself_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o division_n and_o limitation_n the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o all_o corporeal_a being_n will_v destroy_v the_o notion_n of_o he_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v affirm_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o contrary_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o consist_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o the_o only_a internal_a rule_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o any_o revelation_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o include_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o term_n or_o by_o self-evident_a consequence_n for_o no_o other_o consequence_n can_v be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n since_o the_o consequence_n upon_o which_o a_o contradiction_n be_v to_o be_v found_v must_v be_v of_o equal_a evidence_n with_o a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n which_o be_v always_o self-evident_a if_o we_o apply_v these_o rule_n to_o the_o question_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v it_o for_o god_n be_v confess_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o property_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o require_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v contradictory_n and_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o include_v no_o contradiction_n in_o term_n for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o three_o god_n which_o will_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o not_o one_o god_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v there_o be_v one_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n and_o three_o person_n which_o will_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v one_o person_n and_o not_o one_o person_n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o son_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n these_o be_v the_o only_a imaginable_a contradiction_n in_o term_n and_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o consequential_a contradiction_n chief_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v these_o two_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o each_o person_n be_v god_n then_o there_o be_v three_o god_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o a_o allow_a proposition_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 2._o if_o these_o three_o person_n agree_v in_o a_o three_o viz._n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o must_v agree_v among_o themselves_o and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v but_o one_o person_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o viz._n there_o be_v three_o person_n the_o first_o consequence_n be_v found_v upon_o this_o proposition_n there_o can_v be_v a_o plurality_n of_o person_n without_o a_o plurality_n of_o nature_n the_o second_o upon_o this_o there_o can_v be_v a_o communication_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o identity_n of_o person_n now_o who_o will_v say_v that_o either_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v self-evident_a nay_o that_o they_o carry_v the_o least_o evidence_n with_o they_o since_o nothing_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o can_v judge_v and_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o these_o two_o proposition_n unless_o we_o full_o understand_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v general_o imagine_v indeed_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o finite_a being_n but_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o infinite_a being_n nor_o be_v we_o yet_o sure_a that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o finite_a being_n for_o even_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o small_a resemblance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v several_a faculty_n which_o can_v operate_v independent_o from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o single_o possess_v all_o the_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n consider_v as_o such_o as_o its_o immateriality_n immortality_n and_o such_o like_a so_o in_o the_o deity_n there_o be_v several_a person_n obtain_v distinct_a operation_n but_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o common_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n such_o as_o eternity_n omnipotency_n and_o other_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n that_o the_o difficulty_n upon_o which_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n proceed_v be_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v the_o general_a motive_n of_o credibility_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o that_o christ_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o perform_v many_o miracle_n which_o be_v attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o his_o disciple_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o wrought_v other_o miracle_n in_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o at_o last_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n have_v first_o consign_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o to_o write_v which_o have_v be_v invariable_o hand_v down_o to_o we_o in_o all_o age_n these_o argument_n be_v plain_a obvious_a and_o certain_a whereas_o the_o forementioned_a difficulty_n be_v obscure_a and_o inconceivable_a to_o many_o and_o to_o all_o uncertain_a there_o be_v indeed_o many_o erroneous_a christian_n and_o have_v former_o be_v more_o who_o pretend_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n reveal_v no_o such_o thing_n
we_o seek_v for_o true_a happiness_n somewhere_o else_o if_o the_o former_a can_v be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o some_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n and_o when_o find_v out_o to_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o here_o perhaps_o humane_a reason_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v may_v continue_v to_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o after_o a_o tedious_a disquisition_n be_v unable_a to_o discover_v either_o the_o end_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o god_n have_v therefore_o in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n mark_v out_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supreme_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o therein_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n hereafter_o which_o hope_n shall_v then_o be_v turn_v into_o possession_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n by_o these_o we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v fill_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v co-extended_n with_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o but_o never_o weary_v we_o which_o shall_v affect_v all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o no_o cross_n and_o disaster_n which_o will_v never_o expire_v but_o be_v renew_v every_o moment_n which_o no_o adversity_n of_o fortune_n nor_o infirmity_n of_o body_n which_o neither_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v from_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o yourselves_o to_o obtain_v this_o bless_a state_n i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v be_v no_o small_a motive_n to_o you_o you_o all_o desire_n happiness_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o full_o convince_v what_o be_v the_o only_a true_a happiness_n it_o can_v but_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o exert_v all_o its_o faculty_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o after_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o end_n of_o man_n there_o need_v no_o exhortation_n to_o pursue_v it_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o natural_a than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o hunger_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a appetite_n the_o misfortune_n be_v that_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n and_o unruly_a passion_n represent_v and_o amplify_a to_o we_o the_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o secular_a delight_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a these_o passion_n shall_v arise_v we_o permit_v these_o false_a judgement_n to_o be_v form_v we_o be_v please_v at_o first_o with_o the_o delusion_n although_o conscious_a of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o become_v so_o far_o stupefy_v that_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o until_o at_o last_o a_o terrible_a affliction_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n awaken_v the_o soul_n and_o revive_v its_o better_a notion_n what_o those_o dreadful_a remembrancer_n may_v then_o do_v reason_n may_v now_o much_o more_o easy_o and_o more_o certain_o effect_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n to_o consider_v their_o vanity_n and_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n when_o this_o conviction_n be_v thorough_o form_v we_o shall_v be_v even_o necessitate_v to_o look_v upward_o and_o fix_v our_o hope_n in_o heaven_n and_o then_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o labour_n direct_v thither_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o god_n promote_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o crown_v with_o success_n success_n which_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n here_o and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n hereafter_o to_o this_o joy_n may_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23d_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o represent_v he_o to_o man_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o adoration_n the_o latter_a persuade_v man_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o latter_a no_o obligation_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o accurate_a delivery_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o give_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o teach_v with_o certainty_n the_o method_n of_o his_o external_a action_n the_o former_a be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o admit_v no_o variation_n the_o latter_a may_v receive_v improvement_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n and_o lie_v great_a obligation_n on_o he_o under_o one_o dispensation_n than_o under_o another_o so_o much_o of_o both_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o may_v direct_v man_n aright_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o they_o employ_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o convince_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o both_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o mistake_v will_v equal_o defeat_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o nature_n lead_v man_n into_o idolatry_n of_o the_o second_o into_o negligence_n and_o impiety_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a indeed_o to_o mistake_v concern_v the_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o weak_a understanding_n i_o mean_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o serve_v to_o beget_v notion_n of_o religion_n in_o men._n all_o man_n whether_o true_a believer_n or_o idolater_n agree_v in_o this_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v whether_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n omnipresence_n and_o such_o like_a be_v necessary_a perfection_n without_o which_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v subsist_v yet_o mankind_n have_v most_o miserable_o mistake_v in_o this_o plain_a and_o easy_a matter_n have_v deify_v creature_n which_o have_v none_o of_o all_o these_o perfection_n have_v quit_v sometime_o even_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o ofttimes_o corrupt_v it_o and_o these_o mistake_v reveal_v religion_n do_v rectify_v and_o restore_v to_o man_n what_o they_o have_v wilful_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a action_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o mistake_v derive_v his_o knowledge_n from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o form_v such_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o external_a conduct_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o may_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o it_o but_o this_o persuasion_n will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o conviction_n and_o this_o direction_n of_o that_o certainty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o reveal_v religion_n and_o even_o in_o revelation_n admit_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o his_o intend_a benefit_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o revelation_n so_o that_o however_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o worship_v god_n continue_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o reveal_v religion_n they_o be_v both_o improve_v and_o enhance_v and_o also_o secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o how_o great_a that_o danger_n be_v the_o scripture_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n that_o whole_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n and_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v discover_v for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v yet_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o till_o after_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n all_o of_o they_o both_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v eminent_a for_o wisdom_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o one_o of_o they_o approve_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
short_a if_o the_o devil_n bring_v great_a detriment_n to_o the_o spiritual_a interest_n of_o mankind_n the_o angel_n bring_v no_o less_o advantage_n to_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o eligible_a for_o man_n to_o suffer_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a spirit_n or_o to_o want_v they_o both_o together_o only_o the_o same_o caution_n which_o we_o before_o observe_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o procure_v and_o continue_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v also_o require_v here_o that_o we_o render_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o it_o by_o a_o diligent_a concurrence_n and_o that_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o by_o our_o perverseness_n grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n grieve_v the_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reward_n which_o for_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o care_v bestow_v on_o we_o they_o require_v of_o we_o that_o together_o with_o they_o we_o pay_v a_o due_a obedience_n to_o our_o common_a master_n that_o we_o defeat_v not_o their_o charitable_a design_n by_o our_o own_o wilfulness_n worship_n and_o other_o sign_n of_o divine_a honour_n they_o affect_v not_o nay_o this_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v from_o we_o the_o end_n of_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o procure_v happiness_n to_o man_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o next_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v obey_v their_o great_a master_n be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o success_n in_o it_o their_o only_a aim_n be_v that_o we_o will_v join_v with_o they_o here_o in_o pay_v entire_a obedience_n to_o our_o common_a creator_n that_o so_o we_o may_v join_v with_o they_o hereafter_o in_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o to_o he_o therefore_o be_v ascribe_v the_o glory_n and_o thanks_o of_o all_o their_o charitable_a operation_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n to_o he_o be_v render_v all_o praise_n and_o honour_n who_o at_o first_o create_v such_o excellent_a being_n and_o afterward_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o minister_n to_o our_o salvation_n who_o have_v place_v in_o we_o soul_n not_o unlike_a to_o these_o noble_a being_n and_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o he_o will_v in_o due_a time_n make_v we_o full_o like_a unto_o they_o to_o he_o with_o his_o son_n and_o bless_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o power_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20_o of_o octob._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n mark_v viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v adapt_v as_o well_o to_o the_o interest_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o consentaneous_a to_o our_o nature_n but_o advantageous_a to_o our_o person_n that_o it_o not_o only_o prescribe_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n but_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n herein_o it_o infinite_o surpass_v even_o all_o the_o more_o refine_a system_n of_o the_o gentile_a divinity_n and_o philosophy_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o refine_v our_o reason_n and_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o they_o can_v produce_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o satiate_v the_o unbounded_a appetite_n of_o the_o will_n and_o create_v a_o real_a happiness_n many_o of_o they_o indeed_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o neither_o hope_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o any_o reward_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n indeed_o have_v a_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o desire_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o rational_a being_n as_o be_v whole_o restrain_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n of_o man_n the_o body_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n communicate_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o our_o nature_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a perfection_n have_v consult_v not_o only_o the_o reason_n but_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n he_o have_v satisfy_v the_o first_o by_o give_v we_o a_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a religion_n not_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o beggarly_a element_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o whole_o immerse_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o agree_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v advance_v our_o interest_n by_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a reward_n far_o surpass_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n our_o most_o wise_a and_o ever_o bless_a lawgiver_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v more_o move_v with_o argument_n of_o profit_n than_o with_o consideration_n of_o duty_n the_o latter_a only_o affect_v our_o understanding_n but_o the_o first_o strike_v our_o sense_n and_o ravish_v our_o will._n he_o may_v as_o well_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n as_o redemption_n have_v enjoin_v to_o we_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o annex_v any_o reward_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o it_o have_v even_o then_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o a_o sufficient_a happiness_n by_o obey_v to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o patriarch_n before_o abraham_n serve_v god_n without_o any_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o reward_n much_o less_o a_o reward_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o value_n as_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o just_o hope_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o then_o that_o favour_n may_v consist_v only_o in_o provide_v they_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o other_o common_a benefit_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v not_o with_o any_o certainty_n be_v extend_v far_a since_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o together_o with_o a_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o require_v our_o obedience_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o obtain_v this_o reward_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n so_o must_v we_o condemn_v our_o own_o extreme_a folly_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v so_o great_a happiness_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n high_o accommodate_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o frequent_o urge_v by_o christ_n who_o begin_v his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n in_o the_o v._o chap._n of_o st._n matthew_n with_o affix_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o great_a and_o more_o arduous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o so_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o may_v willing_o be_v oversee_v by_o we_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o matth._n xiii_o 44._o he_o compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n the_o which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o a_o merchant_n sell_v all_o his_o estate_n to_o buy_v on_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n by_o which_o saleâ—_n and_o by_o the_o joyfulness_n attend_v it_o he_o intimate_v that_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n be_v to_o be_v forgo_v when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n a_o position_n which_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o paradox_n if_o that_o infallible_a mouth_n have_v not_o pronounce_v it_o and_o reason_n do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o prescribe_v to_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o he_o choose_v to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o either_o the_o will_n or_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n can_v be_v incite_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o life_n can_v not_o enforce_v we_o if_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o our_o redeemer_n die_v for_o we_o can_v not_o persuade_v we_o if_o gratitude_n to_o both_o can_v not_o oblige_v we_o if_o neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o
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and_o everblessed_n trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n to_o who_o be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o error_n and_o false_a persuasion_n to_o which_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v subject_a none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o common_a than_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o irrational_a part_n be_v direct_v by_o their_o creator_n to_o some_o supreme_a end_n the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n while_o man_n the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a 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to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n and_o over-rule_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a esteem_n of_o corporeal_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n which_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n divert_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n take_v root_n in_o his_o imagination_n raise_v his_o passion_n and_o by_o their_o assistance_n continue_v its_o possession_n nothing_o therefore_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o the_o retrieve_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o real_a happiness_n to_o rectify_v the_o thought_n and_o secure_v the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o to_o obviate_v the_o deceitfulness_n to_o defeat_v the_o delusion_n of_o sensual_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n by_o manifest_v how_o unsatisfactory_a it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n how_o unable_a to_o fill_v the_o capacious_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o vain_a and_o trifle_a how_o unworthy_a our_o study_n and_o desire_v this_o will_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a end_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o end_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o when_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o no_o real_a happiness_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o that_o however_o it_o may_v flatter_v the_o sense_n and_o please_v the_o imagination_n it_o will_v fill_v no_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o effect_v this_o conviction_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o various_a argument_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o mutability_n of_o fortune_n the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n forfeit_v by_o a_o blind_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n the_o vanity_n of_o it_o when_o obtain_v the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o it_o when_o expire_v but_o above_o all_o the_o example_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o after_o they_o have_v obtain_v all_o which_o they_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n rest_v unsatisfied_a or_o become_v unhappy_a be_v divest_v of_o their_o felicity_n and_o reduce_v to_o misery_n or_o amid_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n by_o a_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v declare_v and_o confess_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o much_o court_v and_o other_o so_o much_o admire_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o of_o haman_n in_o my_o text_n who_o amid_o all_o his_o honour_n and_o title_n his_o wealth_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n amid_o all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o this_o life_n can_v receive_v convince_v by_o undeniable_a experience_n confess_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o that_o both_o these_o consideration_n therefore_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o experience_n confirm_v
opinion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a happiness_n himself_o in_o order_n recount_v his_o dignity_n and_o they_o admire_v they_o he_o report_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o they_o extol_v they_o he_o boast_v of_o his_o grandeur_n and_o riches_n and_o they_o proclaim_v he_o happy_a yet_o himself_o who_o best_o know_v what_o happiness_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o declare_v himself_o unhappy_a and_o all_o this_o to_o avail_v he_o nothing_o last_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o haman_n whilst_o yet_o in_o full_a favour_n with_o his_o prince_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v great_a demonstration_n of_o it_o he_o suffer_v no_o apprehension_n of_o lose_v his_o present_a enjoyment_n such_o thought_n indeed_o distract_v a_o worldly_a man_n embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o rest_v content_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o he_o to_o relish_v any_o delight_n while_o afflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n while_o despair_v to_o retain_v his_o present_a 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of_o his_o speech_n ver._n 12._o for_o he_o say_v moreover_o yea_o esther_n the_o queen_n do_v let_v no_o man_n come_v in_o with_o the_o king_n unto_o the_o banquet_n that_o she_o have_v prepare_v but_o myself_o and_o to_o morrow_n be_o i_o invite_v unto_o she_o also_o with_o the_o king_n far_o from_o fear_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o present_a greatness_n he_o probable_o hope_v the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o if_o then_o haman_n under_o all_o these_o circumstance_n miss_v of_o his_o desire_a end_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o worldly_a enjoyment_n we_o may_v reasonable_o suspect_v some_o defect_n to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o neither_o haman_n can_v nor_o any_o other_o can_v receive_v any_o real_a happiness_n from_o thence_o and_o this_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o in_o some_o few_o consideration_n first_o then_o nothing_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n be_v able_a to_o satiate_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o however_o temporal_a benefit_n may_v at_o a_o distance_n ravish_v the_o imagination_n and_o create_v extraordinary_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o excellency_n yet_o when_o obtain_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v empty_a and_o trifle_a unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o fill_v its_o capacity_n they_o be_v like_o the_o fruit_n of_o sodom_n which_o by_o their_o external_a beauty_n attract_v the_o eye_n but_o when_o touch_v crumble_v into_o ash_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o only_a object_n of_o desire_n man_n frame_v to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v system_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o they_o no_o soon_o do_v they_o become_v object_n of_o fruition_n but_o the_o meanness_n of_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o after_o a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o man_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v not_o that_o he_o desire_v that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o be_v never_o enable_v by_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o to_o say_v i_o be_o now_o complete_o happy_a i_o here_o terminate_v my_o desire_n he_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v his_o desire_n yet_o far_o and_o seek_v true_a felicity_n somewhere_o else_o which_o while_o constant_a to_o his_o principle_n he_o can_v place_v no_o where_o else_o than_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o therefore_o he_o earnest_o pursue_v yet_o never_o attain_v that_o degree_n if_o he_o fix_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o degree_n he_o may_v indeed_o arrive_v at_o that_o but_o when_o arrive_v find_v himself_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o remove_v from_o true_a happiness_n he_o turmoil_v and_o distract_v himself_o experience_v the_o vanity_n of_o former_a project_n invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n until_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o life_n and_o design_n together_o the_o great_a of_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v riches_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o latter_a be_v common_a even_o to_o beast_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o sense_n no_o less_o strong_a and_o lively_a than_o men._n and_o then_o sure_o none_o will_v so_o far_o debase_v his_o nature_n as_o to_o level_v himself_o with_o beast_n by_o propose_v to_o himself_o a_o felicity_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o as_o we_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n god_n intend_v happiness_n to_o each_o part_n that_o he_o put_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a even_o in_o this_o life_n but_o then_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o constitute_v but_o one_o person_n the_o pleasure_n of_o either_o must_v be_v such_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o as_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o body_n by_o impose_v on_o it_o unnecessary_a rigour_n and_o mortification_n so_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debase_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o body_n a_o limit_v use_n of_o pleasure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o body_n but_o then_o that_o very_a limitation_n suppose_v a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n of_o man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o after_o all_o the_o real_a happiness_n of_o such_o limit_a pleasure_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n enjoy_v they_o as_o in_o the_o reflex_n thought_n of_o the_o soul_n form_v to_o its_o self_n a_o act_n of_o complacency_n for_o have_v limit_v they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o unlimited_a use_n of_o these_o pleasure_n instead_o of_o confer_v a_o real_a benefit_n involve_v man_n in_o trouble_n and_o anxiety_n in_o care_n and_o danger_n and_o when_o enjoy_v endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n no_o long_o than_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n continue_v when_o expire_v leave_v only_o a_o weariness_n and_o nauseousness_n behind_o they_o so_o then_o sensual_a pleasure_n conduce_v little_a to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n unless_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o to_o be_v the_o utmost_a happiness_n of_o man_n which_o render_v he_o happy_a but_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o as_o to_o riches_n the_o natural_a use_n of_o they_o be_v subordinate_v to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o can_v bestow_v nothing_o beyond_o they_o if_o any_o imagine_v as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o too_o many_o do_v that_o the_o very_a satisfaction_n of_o possess_v riches_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o bear_v any_o part_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o unmanly_a a_o conception_n as_o nothing_o can_v exceed_v the_o wickedness_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v equal_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a depravation_n of_o nature_n than_o all_o the_o villainy_n of_o sense_n or_o sin_n of_o violence_n and_o if_o no_o punishment_n attend_v it_o hereafter_o will_v rather_o deserve_v our_o scorn_n than_o envy_n the_o acquisition_n of_o riches_n be_v general_o indeed_o at_o least_o indirect_o refer_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o be_v procure_v by_o they_o and_o as_o such_o can_v carry_v the_o happiness_n of_o they_o no_o far_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v which_o we_o before_o consider_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o riches_n that_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o although_o in_o the_o acquire_n of_o they_o they_o general_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o command_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v obtain_v they_o yet_o they_o seldom_o begin_v in_o earnest_a a_o fruition_n of_o they_o ever_o propose_v a_o end_n to_o themselves_o
mistake_v of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n which_o i_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o solve_n this_o difficulty_n every_o one_o of_o they_o form_v a_o different_a opinion_n yet_o all_o come_v short_a of_o truth_n eliphaz_n who_o speak_v first_o assert_v that_o god_n inflict_v temporal_a misfortune_n on_o no_o man_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o some_o enormous_a sin_n and_o therefore_o urge_v job_n to_o confess_v his_o secret_a sin_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v xxii_o 5._o be_v not_o thy_o wickedness_n great_a and_o thy_o iniquity_n infinite_a and_o so_o on_o where_o he_o affirm_v job_n to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n only_o because_o god_n have_v heap_v extraordinary_a calamity_n upon_o he_o bildad_o maintain_v that_o god_n may_v as_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n afflict_v man_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o antecedent_n sin_n but_o than_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o recompense_v it_o to_o he_o by_o subsequent_a prosperity_n for_o thus_o he_o express_v himself_o viii_o 6_o 7._o if_o thou_o be_v pure_a and_o upright_a sure_o now_o he_o will_v awake_v for_o thou_o and_o make_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n prosperous_a though_o thy_o beginning_n be_v small_a yet_o thy_o latter_a end_n shall_v great_o increase_v zophar_n deliver_v his_o opinion_n throughout_o the_o whole_a xi_o chap._n that_o god_n may_v in_o right_n of_o his_o supreme_a power_n lay_v the_o heavy_a affliction_n upon_o man_n without_o any_o respect_n either_o to_o antecedent_n sin_n or_o subsequent_a recompense_n elihu_n think_v that_o god_n may_v afflict_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n indifferent_o but_o that_o if_o good_a man_n receive_v the_o affliction_n humble_o and_o with_o submission_n and_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o and_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v move_v to_o repent_v through_o it_o god_n will_v remove_v the_o affliction_n and_o restore_v prosperity_n to_o they_o especial_o if_o a_o angel_n intercede_v for_o they_o as_o he_o express_v himself_o at_o large_a in_o the_o xxxiii_o chap._n last_o job_n whatever_o his_o opinion_n may_v be_v while_o his_o calamity_n be_v yet_o fresh_a and_o any_o hope_n remain_v of_o the_o speedy_a removal_n of_o it_o or_o however_o he_o may_v alter_v his_o judgement_n after_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o trouble_n when_o the_o disease_n grow_v inveterate_a and_o no_o hope_n of_o delivery_n yet_o appear_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v think_v that_o god_n intermedled_n not_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o world_n and_o reserve_v neither_o reward_n for_o the_o good_a nor_o punishment_n for_o the_o bad_a which_o opinion_n he_o propose_v chief_o in_o the_o xxi_o chap._n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v alike_o erroneous_a and_o yet_o all_o found_v upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n those_o of_o eliphaz_n bildad_n and_o elihu_n upon_o his_o justice_n those_o of_o zophar_n and_o job_n upon_o his_o power_n the_o error_n of_o the_o three_o first_o plain_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o determine_v matter_n above_o their_o knowledge_n confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o this_o life_n only_o have_v this_o which_o they_o all_o suppose_a be_v indeed_o true_a one_o at_o least_o of_o their_o opinion_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v receive_v otherwise_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v clear_v but_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n exercise_v his_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n only_o may_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a soul_n teach_v they_o that_o another_o world_n be_v a_o far_o more_o convenient_a tribunal_n for_o this_o judicature_n or_o if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n for_o want_n of_o revelation_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a and_o wherewith_o our_o saviour_n afterward_o convince_v the_o jew_n may_v not_o i_o say_v the_o experience_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o god_n do_v not_o ultimate_o bestow_v his_o reward_n and_o consequent_o not_o his_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n they_o have_v receive_v glorious_a promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o god_n promise_n which_o may_v just_o make_v they_o expect_v some_o eminent_a advantage_n beyond_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o just_a expectation_n be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n expose_v to_o injury_n and_o trouble_v with_o frequent_a affliction_n and_o that_o till_o death_n a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o god_n reserve_v the_o consummation_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o another_o life_n as_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o zophar_n that_o god_n may_v bring_v affliction_n on_o man_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a power_n over_o mankind_n that_o overthrow_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o will_v render_v his_o government_n tyrannical_a and_o even_o like_a to_o that_o of_o hell_n which_o sport_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v a_o most_o wise_a be_v and_o can_v do_v such_o a_o vain_a act_n he_o be_v a_o most_o just_a be_v and_o can_v execute_v such_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n he_o never_o afflict_v or_o prosper_v man_n by_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o this_o life_n but_o either_o for_o their_o reward_n their_o punishment_n or_o their_o correction_n as_o for_o the_o prosperity_n or_o affliction_n which_o may_v befall_v man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v respect_v indeed_o none_o of_o all_o those_o end_n nor_o do_v they_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n last_o the_o opinion_n of_o job_n that_o god_n interpofe_v not_o extraordinary_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v confute_v from_o the_o same_o attribute_n and_o consideration_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o god_n allow_v and_o ratify_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v say_v when_o he_o give_v such_o a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o integrity_n to_o he_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v only_o to_o vindicate_v he_o from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o his_o friend_n more_o particular_o eliphas_n and_o elihu_n maintain_v that_o his_o affliction_n have_v befall_v he_o for_o the_o enormity_n of_o his_o antecedent_n sin_n god_n confirm_v not_o his_o speech_n make_v in_o answer_n to_o they_o by_o this_o suffrage_n and_o therefore_o job_n himself_o deplore_v the_o rashness_n of_o his_o opinion_n in_o xlii_o 6._o wherefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a or_o derogatory_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o honour_n among_o men._n only_a job_n assert_v not_o pertinacious_o as_o his_o friend_n do_v their_o opinion_n he_o conclude_v not_o peremptory_o but_o only_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v not_o discover_v any_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o god_n by_o visible_a effect_n in_o this_o life_n a_o opinion_n indeed_o which_o too_o many_o have_v take_v up_o and_o some_o do_v yet_o maintain_v but_o which_o can_v be_v allow_v without_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n also_o for_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o just_a that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n but_o can_v we_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o good_a who_o after_o have_v create_v man_n and_o settle_v he_o in_o the_o world_n take_v no_o far_a care_n of_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o chance_n and_o there_o stop_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v he_o be_v perfect_o just_a who_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o universal_a calamity_n or_o opression_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v but_o often_o happen_v notwithstanding_o the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o his_o government_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o maintain_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n do_v we_o not_o destroy_v his_o government_n when_o we_o confine_v it_o only_o to_o another_o life_n or_o perhaps_o allow_v it_o no_o place_n in_o either_o since_o god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n the_o government_n of_o it_o have_v become_v necessary_a to_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o derive_v at_o any_o time_n any_o extraordinary_a influence_n upon_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o commendable_a than_o for_o a_o temporal_a prince_n to_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v unconcern_v for_o the_o affair_n of_o
his_o kingdom_n thus_o far_o reason_n will_v direct_v we_o but_o then_o revelation_n give_v we_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o immediate_a protection_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o be_v tell_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n with_o faith_n exclude_v doubt_n he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o argument_n include_v a_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o administer_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n satisfy_v his_o justice_n and_o declare_v his_o goodness_n thus_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o thus_o we_o can_v conceive_v his_o nature_n without_o adore_v it_o can_v consider_v his_o judgement_n and_o justice_n without_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n and_o obey_v his_o command_n thus_o be_v we_o on_o every_o side_n surround_v with_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n improve_v the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o argument_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o four_o of_o august_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v among_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o mankind_n none_o be_v more_o fatal_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o ordinary_a than_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o merit_n it_o be_v a_o deplorable_a misfortune_n indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n so_o near_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o who_o pretend_v to_o fathom_n heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o discover_v the_o property_n of_o invisible_a being_n and_o extend_v his_o knowledge_n both_o to_o precedent_n and_o future_a time_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o his_o own_o condition_n and_o entertain_v erroneous_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v merit_n not_o to_o comprehend_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v no_o wonder_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o essence_n surpass_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o finite_a understanding_n not_o to_o conceive_v accurate_o the_o property_n of_o immaterial_a being_n whether_o angel_n or_o separate_a soul_n may_v be_v excusable_a immateriality_n may_v easy_o confound_v a_o apprehension_n enure_v only_o to_o sensible_a object_n but_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o dignity_n the_o capacity_n of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v just_o admire_v if_o the_o frequency_n of_o such_o mistake_v do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o admiration_n of_o they_o if_o they_o extend_v no_o far_a than_o speculation_n they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v pardon_v and_o befit_v the_o consideration_n of_o philosopher_n only_o and_o think_v man_n but_o when_o they_o reach_v to_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o soul_n introduce_v false_a principle_n of_o practice_n which_o at_o last_o become_v fatal_a to_o the_o real_a interest_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v concern_v all_o man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o acquire_v more_o just_a conception_n to_o this_o purpose_n reason_n invite_v we_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o ourselves_o to_o contract_v our_o thought_n and_o not_o carry_v they_o beyond_o our_o merit_n to_o form_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o our_o perfection_n and_o not_o in_o a_o overween_a confidence_n of_o they_o enlarge_v our_o pretension_n beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v direct_v indeed_o more_o particular_o to_o those_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n whether_o of_o knowledge_n miracle_n or_o other_o grace_n despise_v their_o fellow_n christian_n who_o be_v less_o gift_v become_v proud_a and_o arrogant_a invade_v the_o office_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o violate_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o deliver_v in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o equal_o oppose_v all_o other_o error_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o merit_n recommend_v by_o a_o peculiar_a preface_n of_o divine_a authority_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o direct_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o although_o all_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o particular_a exorbitance_n and_o propose_v in_o such_o a_o general_a precept_n as_o will_v obviate_v all_o the_o aforemention_v mistake_v and_o inconvenience_n not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v i_o shall_v consider_v it_o then_o as_o such_o a_o general_a precept_n and_o show_v i._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o ii_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o i._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o fond_a and_o exorbitant_a pretension_n of_o man_n with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o nature_n man_n be_v apt_a falâ—ly_o to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a sort_n of_o be_v than_o he_o real_o be_v he_o please_v himself_o with_o vast_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o dignity_n and_o upon_o confidence_n of_o they_o raise_v his_o pretension_n to_o matter_n beyond_o his_o capacity_n at_o least_o beyond_o his_o merit_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n from_o hence_o be_v derive_v the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v our_o present_a and_o future_a misery_n the_o wicked_a angel_n have_v lead_v the_o way_n who_o be_v no_o soon_o create_v but_o reflect_v on_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o dignity_n of_o their_o order_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o understanding_n become_v proud_a and_o insolent_a rebel_v against_o god_n and_o attempt_v a_o independency_n on_o the_o crown_n of_o heaven_n man_n soon_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o reflect_v on_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v then_o entire_a and_o vigorous_a exalt_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o present_a condition_n which_o be_v then_o free_a from_o care_n and_o cross_n entertain_v a_o foolish_a ambition_n of_o improve_n his_o nature_n to_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a even_o of_o make_v himself_o like_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o be_v false_o persuade_v by_o the_o serpent_n that_o the_o way_n to_o compass_n his_o design_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o fall_v from_o his_o former_a happiness_n and_o entail_v misery_n upon_o all_o his_o posterity_n who_o happiness_n be_v from_o thence_o abate_v their_o faculty_n enervate_v and_o their_o perfection_n lessen_v yet_o can_v not_o the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o their_o first_o parent_n nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o much_o great_a imperfection_n divert_v succeed_a mankind_n from_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o mistake_v they_o lose_v the_o dignity_n but_o retain_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o forefather_n keep_v up_o their_o pretension_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o overgreat_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o impiety_n of_o atheist_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v whole_o independent_a from_o god_n and_o deny_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o existence_n from_o he_o to_o omit_v the_o profaneness_n of_o ancient_a epicurean_o and_o many_o modern_a deist_n who_o disown_n his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_v absolute_o from_o his_o dominion_n even_o those_o who_o own_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o still_o continue_v extravagant_a pretence_n to_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v design_v for_o they_o we_o common_o imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o that_o all_o other_o being_n heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o animal_n be_v create_v mere_o for_o our_o service_n hence_o we_o form_v a_o lofty_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o excellence_n and_o look_v down_o upon_o other_o creature_n with_o disdain_n we_o grow_v angry_a if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v not_o continual_o conspire_v to_o advance_v our_o interest_n we_o think_v ourselves_o injure_v if_o the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o violate_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o concern_v we_o project_n extraordinary_a scheme_n
of_o happiness_n and_o then_o be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v against_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o effect_v we_o scorn_v that_o imperfect_a happiness_n which_o his_o providence_n have_v assign_v we_o in_o the_o world_n we_o esteem_v it_o inferior_a to_o the_o suppose_a dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v not_o enjoy_v some_o great_a happiness_n than_o what_o we_o find_v belong_v to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n this_o happiness_n most_o man_n place_v in_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o sense_n but_o then_o quick_o perceive_v that_o even_o more_o ignoble_a being_n enjoy_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n they_o turmoil_v themselves_o about_o enhance_a the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o either_o seek_v after_o riches_n or_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o luxury_n but_o after_o all_o find_v themselves_o disappoint_v they_o become_v discontent_v because_o not_o obtain_v a_o happiness_n correspondent_a to_o the_o esteem_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n or_o if_o any_o of_o better_a education_n and_o more_o noble_a thought_n seek_v this_o felicity_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o soul_n yet_o be_v not_o they_o free_v from_o the_o like_a mistake_n but_o aim_v at_o great_a perfection_n than_o their_o nature_n will_v bear_v carry_v their_o inquiry_n into_o matter_n too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o then_o become_v disquiet_v because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o because_o they_o find_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v ofttimes_o dull_a and_o devoid_a of_o vigour_n and_o can_v hinder_v the_o perturbation_n of_o they_o by_o commotion_n from_o the_o body_n and_o ofttimes_o experience_v the_o decay_n of_o their_o faculty_n with_o these_o thought_n they_o afflict_v themselves_o and_o imagine_v their_o nature_n to_o be_v somewhat_o great_a than_o it_o real_o be_v vain_o endeavour_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o these_o imperfection_n such_o be_v the_o common_a mistake_n 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make_v a_o debtor_n to_o man_n by_o work_n of_o supererogation_n and_o other_o persuade_v themselves_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o particular_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o predestination_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o they_o may_v pretend_v indeed_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n the_o arbitrary_a will_n of_o god_n but_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o it_o will_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o proud_a opinion_n of_o their_o excellency_n beyond_o their_o fellow_n christian_n which_o make_v they_o arrogant_a and_o morose_a and_o so_o possess_v their_o brain_n that_o they_o imagine_v god_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o relax_v the_o general_a term_n of_o salvation_n and_o forego_v his_o command_n of_o a_o strict_a obedience_n for_o their_o sake_n this_o false_a persuasion_n sometime_o advance_v so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v themselves_o place_v by_o their_o extraordinary_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n unaccountable_a excellency_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o common_a law_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thence_o bold_o invade_v those_o office_n which_o be_v never_o entrust_v to_o they_o and_o disturb_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o not_o oblige_v to_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a which_o offence_n the_o apostle_n more_o particular_o complain_v of_o in_o this_o place_n these_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a error_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o unreasonable_a conceit_n of_o man_n concern_v their_o own_o worth_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o pretence_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o very_o frivolous_a man_n be_v far_o from_o such_o a_o excellent_a be_v as_o these_o pretence_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v his_o original_a be_v mean_a and_o common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o most_o ignoble_a animal_n while_o yet_o a_o infant_n nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v in_o he_o which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o brute_n beast_n except_o a_o great_a inability_n of_o help_v himself_o nothing_o of_o reason_n can_v be_v discern_v in_o he_o which_o must_v afterward_o be_v instill_v by_o degree_n by_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o other_o or_o if_o bear_v with_o he_o yet_o exert_v itself_o but_o slow_o and_o will_v never_o become_v considerable_a without_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o ill_a conceit_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o man_n at_o first_o be_v bear_v a_o animal_n and_o afterward_o become_v rational_a be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o education_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o man_n will_v creep_v upon_o all_o four_o and_o imitate_v beast_n as_o well_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o his_o body_n as_o in_o the_o brutishness_n of_o his_o life_n when_o after_o a_o thousand_o chance_n which_o may_v have_v destroy_v he_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o man_n he_o still_o lead_v a_o more_o precarious_a life_n than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o element_n perform_v not_o their_o office_n if_o the_o earth_n shall_v deny_v her_o fruit_n or_o the_o air_n its_o benign_a influence_n if_o any_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o possible_a accident_n shall_v light_v upon_o he_o his_o life_n be_v end_v which_o whilst_o it_o continue_v be_v perplex_v with_o continual_a care_n turmoil_v with_o constant_a labour_n expose_v to_o infinite_a adversity_n and_o after_o all_o support_v with_o inconsiderable_a pleasure_n for_o what_o great_a matter_n do_v we_o enjoy_v here_o below_o than_o more_o ignoble_a creature_n do_v length_n of_o life_n agility_n accuracy_n of_o sense_n satisfaction_n of_o it_o and_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v even_o common_a to_o they_o we_o can_v employ_v indeed_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v but_o alas_o this_o privilege_n will_v have_v be_v scarce_o desirable_a have_v not_o god_n promote_v art_n and_o science_n among_o man_n by_o raise_v their_o apprehension_n at_o first_o with_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o although_o god_n do_v not_o at_o first_o reveal_v these_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o will_v man_n never_o have_v obtain_v that_o sagacity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o they_o if_o god_n have_v not_o raise_v they_o from_o the_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n by_o communicate_v to_o they_o supernatural_a revelation_n that_o part_n and_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v those_o advantage_n do_v so_o little_a exercise_n these_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o unthinking_a beast_n to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o condition_n or_o if_o all_o man_n can_v natural_o obtain_v clear_a and_o noble_a thought_n of_o thing_n yet_o will_v this_o but_o add_v little_a to_o their_o happiness_n while_o uncertain_a of_o its_o future_a state_n for_o want_v of_o revelation_n to_o a_o soul_n which_o grasp_v eternity_n it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o continual_a affliction_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o what_o will_v succeed_v it_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v these_o melancholy_a thought_n by_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o will_v find_v little_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o if_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o whole_o to_o they_o he_o will_v soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o they_o when_o he_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o enjoyment_n he_o will_v confess_v the_o emptiness_n of_o they_o and_o scarce_o desire_v to_o retrieve_v they_o such_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v may_v perhaps_o wish_v to_o live_v over_o his_o life_n again_o but_o then_o it_o be_v only_o in_o hope_n of_o obtain_n great_a happiness_n
therein_o than_o he_o do_v before_o scarce_o any_o man_n however_o have_v plentiful_o enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n if_o his_o life_n can_v be_v renew_v to_o he_o upon_o condition_n of_o live_v again_o in_o the_o same_o and_o in_o no_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o do_v before_o will_v esteem_v it_o any_o great_a benefit_n he_o may_v perhaps_o accept_v it_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n because_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v but_o for_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o it_o he_o will_v hardly_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v desirable_a such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n consider_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o what_o great_a excellency_n can_v be_v discover_v in_o all_o this_o which_o may_v nourish_v our_o pride_n or_o enlarge_v our_o pretence_n so_o inconsiderable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v mankind_n and_o then_o shall_v so_o mean_v a_o be_v vie_n with_o god_n require_v the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v overrule_v for_o his_o sake_n become_v swell_v with_o pride_n think_v himself_o more_o worthy_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o continual_o aspire_v to_o great_a privilege_n than_o be_v at_o first_o assign_v to_o he_o alas_o poor_a mortal_n however_o thou_o may_v advance_v thy_o pretence_n and_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o thy_o own_o greatness_n that_o body_n which_o thou_o carry_v about_o with_o thou_o and_o can_v not_o shake_v off_o that_o very_a body_n upon_o which_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o it_o thou_o so_o much_o valu_a thyself_o proclaim_v thy_o imperfection_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v thou_o dust_n and_o ash_n thy_o end_n will_v manifest_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o will_v only_o express_v thy_o infirmity_n i_o want_v a_o word_n to_o express_v the_o vanity_n of_o thy_o mind_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v thou_o nothing_o thyself_o have_v often_o confess_v thyself_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o nothing_o when_o amid_o the_o cross_n of_o fortune_n or_o torment_n of_o disease_n thou_o have_v often_o wish_v to_o become_v nothing_o for_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o will_v once_o again_o wish_v it_o after_o death_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o correct_v thy_o foolish_a arrogance_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v man_n in_o general_a to_o value_v himself_o upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o as_o to_o the_o divers_a pretension_n beforementioned_a have_v yet_o much_o less_o if_o atheist_n pretend_v a_o independent_a existence_n from_o god_n let_v they_o demonstrate_v it_o by_o continue_v their_o existence_n for_o ever_o if_o they_o can_v at_o first_o bestow_v existence_n upon_o themselves_o they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o power_n always_o continue_v it_o if_o this_o exceed_v their_o ability_n much_o more_o will_v the_o other_o if_o deist_n assert_v the_o action_n of_o man_n to_o be_v uncontrolled_a by_o god_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o he_o let_v they_o reconcile_v to_o such_o stupid_a negligence_n the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v in_o god_n let_v they_o stifle_v if_o they_o can_v the_o check_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o sin_n commit_v in_o secret_a and_o solve_v the_o undeniable_a character_n of_o extraordinary_a providence_n interpose_v in_o the_o world_n these_o impious_a opinion_n indeed_o can_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o any_o reveal_v religion_n but_o the_o other_o may_v as_o first_o that_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o the_o service_n of_o man_n alone_o a_o opinion_n which_o however_o general_o take_v up_o by_o man_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o excite_v their_o gratitude_n to_o their_o creator_n yet_o seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o too_o great_a a_o esteem_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o tend_v direct_o to_o â—oment_n its_o pride_n it_o be_v certain_a indeed_o that_o almost_o all_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n that_o god_n have_v not_o deny_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o may_v indeed_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n man_n be_v create_v for_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o woman_n for_o the_o man_n that_o be_v not_o for_o that_o end_n alone_o but_o for_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n and_o thus_o even_o the_o angel_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o man_n be_v send_v forth_o as_o minister_a spirit_n to_o such_o as_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o imagine_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v only_o for_o the_o use_n and_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n have_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o be_v so_o far_o superior_a to_o we_o in_o dignity_n will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a arrogance_n and_o to_o assert_v it_o even_o of_o other_o create_a being_n will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n perhaps_o not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o what_o be_v we_o concern_v in_o so_o many_o vast_a orb_n as_o be_v beyond_o our_o heaven_n i_o know_v many_o have_v imagine_v they_o to_o have_v be_v create_v for_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reception_n of_o our_o glorify_a body_n after_o the_o resurrection_n but_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o conceit_n to_o need_v any_o refutation_n even_o in_o the_o visible_a world_n no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n lay_v undiscovered_a and_o not_o a_o little_a of_o what_o we_o know_v be_v whole_o unuseful_a to_o we_o it_o become_v we_o rather_o with_o reverence_n to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n our_o common_a creator_n than_o endeavour_n to_o set_v ourselves_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o flatter_v ourselves_o into_o a_o ambitious_a opinion_n of_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o ascribe_v so_o much_o excellency_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n ought_v to_o be_v violate_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o be_v a_o pride_n exceed_v all_o comparison_n as_o if_o the_o petty_a interest_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n than_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a order_n and_o therein_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o earth_n and_o heaven_n which_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n direct_v by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o we_o but_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v overturn_v and_o the_o general_a law_n of_o its_o government_n be_v reverse_v for_o we_o yet_o this_o unreasonable_a expectation_n general_o seize_v man_n in_o affliction_n when_o all_o the_o hard_a word_n which_o they_o heap_v upon_o adverse_a fortune_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o impartial_a execution_n of_o which_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o little_a interest_n of_o private_a man_n produce_v that_o diversity_n of_o accident_n which_o be_v general_o call_v fortune_n far_o to_o murmur_v at_o the_o divine_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n because_o no_o more_o excellent_a or_o more_o certain_a happiness_n be_v assign_v to_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a ambition_n of_o be_v more_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o real_o be_v for_o while_o we_o be_v a_o compound_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n endue_v with_o gross_a organ_n of_o sense_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o pleasure_n shall_v be_v other_o than_o gross_a and_o adapt_v to_o the_o organ_n of_o their_o reception_n that_o be_v our_o sense_n we_o may_v tire_v ourselves_o in_o hunt_v after_o new_a method_n of_o happiness_n and_o afflict_v ourselves_o in_o the_o disappointment_n of_o they_o but_o while_o our_o nature_n continue_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o same_o order_n be_v preferve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v any_o other_o than_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v mean_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o duration_n to_o propose_v the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n of_o a_o absolute_a imperturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o constant_a infallibility_n be_v no_o less_o vain_a and_o to_o boast_v of_o such_o perfection_n as_o some_o have_v do_v little_o less_o than_o madness_n our_o present_a nature_n admit_v no_o such_o improvement_n which_o while_o we_o be_v content_a to_o own_o we_o must_v also_o own_o those_o
presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o a_o peculiar_a unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n dispense_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o any_o one_o or_o indulge_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o such_o be_v the_o presumption_n indeed_o and_o such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a success_n of_o favourite_n on_o earth_n where_o favour_n be_v often_o distribute_v not_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o reason_n of_o who_o favour_n be_v certain_a fixed_z and_o universal_a equal_o distribute_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o none_o who_o shall_v not_o qualify_v himself_o by_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n may_v we_o all_o therefore_o upon_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o impartiality_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o certain_a mean_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o doubt_v to_o obtain_v our_o desire_n the_o assurance_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n give_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o as_o sure_o as_o we_o here_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n so_o sure_o will_v he_o complete_a his_o promise_n to_o we_o of_o happiness_n hereafter_o the_o six_o sermon_n part_n i._o preach_v on_o the_o one_a of_o sept._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o depravity_n of_o nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n that_o aversion_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o readiness_n of_o comply_v with_o unlawful_a suggestion_n which_o all_o discover_v in_o themselves_o all_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n without_o assiduous_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o any_o habit_n of_o piety_n or_o virtue_n can_v be_v form_v that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o struggle_v against_o the_o natural_a desire_n and_o overrule_a the_o propensity_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o negligence_n alone_o or_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n will_v produce_v a_o habit_n of_o vice_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o man_n we_o may_v rather_o hope_v the_o contrary_a since_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o all_o thing_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o their_o end_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o end_n do_v thereby_o become_v unnatural_a yet_o the_o experience_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o it_o have_v put_v man_n in_o all_o age_n upon_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o some_o resolve_v it_o into_o fate_n other_o into_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o body_n some_o into_o the_o malign_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o not_o a_o few_o into_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o all_o these_o conception_n be_v gross_a in_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o matter_n will_v have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v be_v unaccountable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n nor_o do_v all_o revelation_n clear_v this_o doubt_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n little_a light_n be_v add_v to_o it_o it_o be_v christianity_n alone_o which_o full_o manifest_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o unhappiness_n and_o as_o the_o discovery_n of_o disease_n facilitate_v the_o cure_n of_o they_o thereby_o enable_v we_o to_o avoid_v or_o at_o least_o overcome_v the_o contagion_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n manifest_v by_o revelation_n only_o be_v two_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n succeed_v the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o devil_n the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o apply_v fit_a remedy_n to_o they_o yet_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o be_v little_o know_v by_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n and_o frequent_o mistake_v by_o the_o more_o know_a sort_n of_o christian_n i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o latter_a take_v occasion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n of_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o constant_a danger_n whereto_o christian_n be_v expose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o their_o adversary_n walk_v about_o seek_v their_o destruction_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o rage_n and_o force_v wherewith_o he_o assault_v the_o faithful_a denote_v by_o compare_v he_o to_o the_o most_o terrible_a of_o wild_a beast_n when_o enrage_v as_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o from_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v to_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o as_o utter_o deprive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o that_o man_n be_v of_o natural_a life_n who_o be_v devour_v by_o a_o wild_a beast_n for_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o word_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o i._o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n ii_o our_o duty_n ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o first_o then_o although_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o devil_n tempt_v we_o be_v very_o obscure_a as_o be_v all_o the_o action_n of_o immaterial_a being_n and_o although_o it_o become_v we_o not_o to_o determine_v rash_o what_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v yet_o our_o inquiry_n herein_o will_v be_v lawful_a while_o guide_v by_o reason_n and_o useful_a because_o teach_v we_o a_o matter_n which_o do_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v fatal_a to_o we_o and_o convince_a the_o opposition_n of_o unbelieve_a man_n who_o mock_v at_o this_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o evil_a spirit_n for_o although_o '_o the_o common_a and_o constant_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n herein_o produce_v by_o their_o visible_a effect_n do_v render_v it_o high_o probable_a although_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o immaterial_a being_n differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a quality_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o although_o divine_a revelation_n add_v to_o all_o these_o have_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o improve_v and_o urge_v these_o argument_n since_o we_o inquire_v not_o after_o the_o existence_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n it_o will_v however_o be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_a men._n their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o bad_a from_o good_a man_n save_v that_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o angel_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o best_a man_n so_o the_o wickedness_n of_o devil_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n they_o be_v once_o at_o their_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o angel_n endue_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o happiness_n but_o when_o through_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o rebel_v against_o god_n disobey_v his_o command_n forsake_v that_o station_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v they_o and_o aim_v at_o high_a dignity_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o former_a happiness_n and_o throw_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o whereas_o before_o they_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o reflect_v upon_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o perpetual_a communication_n of_o light_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o angel_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n in_o extraordinary_a emanation_n they_o have_v now_o debase_v their_o nature_n by_o violate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o fruition_n of_o any_o divine_a illumination_n be_v reduce_v into_o that_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o loss_n can_v not_o but_o infinite_o disquiet_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o ambitious_a design_n and_o as_o they_o
can_v cunning_o suggest_v those_o sin_n unto_o they_o to_o which_o they_o be_v most_o prone_a he_o be_v unwearied_a in_o his_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o malice_n and_o so_o can_v continual_o renew_v his_o suggestion_n he_o can_v improve_v they_o with_o the_o introduce_v of_o all_o those_o false_a argument_n which_o can_v recommend_v any_o sin_n he_o can_v propose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o specious_a appearance_n be_v not_o discourage_v by_o any_o repulse_n renew_v his_o solicitation_n with_o the_o most_o constant_a diligence_n if_o man_n consider_v what_o pleasure_n the_o world_n can_v give_v he_o he_o amplifi_v to_o he_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o if_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v reflect_v on_o he_o suggest_v their_o difficulty_n if_o past_a sin_n be_v recall_v to_o mind_n he_o exaggerate_v their_o enormity_n and_o suggest_v they_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a if_o good_a christian_n through_o long_o struggle_v and_o constancy_n baffle_v he_o in_o all_o these_o attempt_n by_o stifle_v his_o wicked_a impression_n in_o their_o first_o rise_n by_o withhold_v their_o assent_n and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v his_o motion_n he_o employ_v other_o method_n and_o excile_v wicked_a man_n who_o seldom_o resist_v his_o suggestion_n because_o always_o recommend_v with_o the_o apparent_a show_n of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n or_o some_o other_o advantage_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o his_o design_n by_o bad_a example_n or_o counsel_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a by_o injury_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v the_o very_a case_n st._n peter_n particular_o speak_v of_o in_o this_o place_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o vigilant_a and_o powerful_a adversary_n we_o have_v to_o encounter_v the_o conviction_n of_o which_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o our_o ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o to_o inquire_v the_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o oppose_v he_o and_o serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n and_o successful_a use_n of_o they_o this_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o which_o god_n willing_a shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o seven_o sermon_n part_n ii_o preach_v on_o the_o 29_o of_o sept._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n have_v represent_v to_o you_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n the_o powerful_a and_o constant_a opposition_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o lay_v open_a the_o mean_n of_o resistance_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o man_n against_o these_o violent_a and_o continual_a assault_n lest_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o vigour_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n success_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n carry_v on_o his_o assault_n shall_v discourage_v you_o from_o a_o resolute_a resistance_n what_o in_o other_o combat_n be_v wont_a to_o encourage_v man_n may_v be_v reduce_v either_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o some_o great_a interest_n as_o life_n and_o liberty_n lie_v then_o at_o stake_n to_o be_v recover_v or_o even_o improve_v by_o victory_n and_o forfeit_v by_o a_o defeat_n or_o to_o the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o success_n these_o argument_n we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n want_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o move_v man_n to_o venture_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n even_o single_o and_o without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o each_o other_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o worldly_a happiness_n will_v induce_v man_n to_o fight_v even_o when_o there_o be_v little_a probability_n of_o success_n and_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o success_n will_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n although_o no_o great_a interest_n be_v decide_v by_o it_o it_o may_v be_v wonder_v indeed_o that_o what_o be_v so_o ordinary_a in_o temporal_a matter_n shall_v seldom_o be_v discover_v in_o spiritual_a concern_v where_o both_o these_o motive_n be_v always_o join_v together_o and_o yet_o both_o seldom_o obtain_v their_o effect_n here_o a_o far_o great_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n than_o be_v ever_o the_o occasion_n of_o temporal_a quarrel_n here_o great_a certainty_n of_o success_n appear_v since_o here_o to_o obtain_v a_o victory_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o ally_n the_o courage_n of_o other_o man_n or_o the_o lucky_a accident_n of_o fortune_n but_o upon_o the_o single_a power_n of_o every_o private_a man_n for_o which_o every_o one_o can_v become_v answerable_a if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o resistance_n make_v by_o man_n to_o the_o assault_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v feeble_a and_o ofttimes_o unsuccessful_a we_o must_v ascribe_v it_o not_o to_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o these_o argument_n or_o conviction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o 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fear_v not_o to_o maintain_v that_o god_n give_v not_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o all_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v resist_v with_o success_n if_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o vain_a will_v man_n endeavour_v to_o resist_v he_o nay_o it_o will_v be_v even_o irrational_a to_o undertake_v a_o resistance_n which_o we_o be_v before_o assure_v will_v be_v unsuccessful_a we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v than_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o those_o evil_a spirit_n and_o submit_v ourselves_o quiet_o to_o that_o tyranny_n which_o we_o foresee_v can_v never_o be_v shake_v off_o but_o far_o from_o advise_v this_o submission_n st._n peter_n exhort_v we_o to_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o assure_a hope_n of_o success_n and_o deliverance_n and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o fierceness_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o assault_v make_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n by_o compare_v he_o to_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o amplify_v the_o dreadful_a execution_n which_o he_o perform_v upon_o conquer_a man_n by_o say_v that_o he_o do_v devour_v they_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o resistance_n and_o in_o resist_v he_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n in_o pursue_v the_o design_n and_o improve_n the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o will_v consider_v the_o mean_n of_o resist_v the_o devil_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o man_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a the_o result_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o external_n the_o supernatural_a yet_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n first_o then_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n and_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o the_o internal_a faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o understand_v this_o full_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o 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man_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v never_o withdraw_v from_o we_o nor_o deny_v to_o we_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o man_n can_v claim_v in_o right_a of_o his_o nature_n be_v confer_v only_o to_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n and_o be_v withdraw_v upon_o the_o abuse_n or_o neglect_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o conceive_v how_o god_n herein_o influence_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n after_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o even_o finite_a spirit_n can_v effect_v it_o if_o they_o can_v by_o long_a experince_n find_v out_o what_o cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v annex_v to_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n he_o sure_o who_o do_v at_o first_o unite_v they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o if_o evil_a spirit_n by_o the_o privilege_n of_o immaterial_a being_n can_v communicate_v thought_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o immediate_a influence_n he_o certain_o who_o be_v the_o 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can_v perform_v any_o act_n of_o temptation_n without_o the_o ordinary_a permission_n of_o god_n and_o ofttimes_o he_o be_v extraordinary_o restrain_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n from_o tempt_v faithful_a man_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o ability_n to_o endure_v god_n put_v a_o hook_n in_o the_o nose_n of_o this_o leviathan_n and_o fix_v his_o bound_n unto_o he_o how_o far_o he_o shall_v pass_v and_o no_o far_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n where_o he_o determine_v how_o far_o his_o power_n of_o temptation_n shall_v extend_v and_o forbid_v he_o to_o proceed_v any_o far_a than_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a and_o most_o conspicuous_a benefit_n of_o christianity_n that_o by_o the_o reception_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n that_o old_a dragon_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v chain_v up_o his_o power_n abridge_v his_o malice_n weaken_v before_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o have_v procure_v to_o himself_o a_o universal_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n except_o in_o the_o small_a spot_n of_o judea_n erect_v oracle_n and_o daily_o effect_v lie_v wonder_n man_n be_v from_o their_o infancy_n train_v up_o in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o education_n if_o any_o oppose_v his_o worship_n he_o be_v present_o decry_v as_o a_o atheist_n as_o a_o introducer_n of_o new_a religion_n obnoxious_a to_o severe_a punishment_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n if_o man_n entertain_v a_o suspicion_n of_o that_o irrational_a worship_n which_o he_o have_v form_v he_o can_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o seem_a miracle_n fright_v they_o into_o his_o obedience_n by_o prodigy_n keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o divinity_n by_o sorcery_n and_o prediction_n all_o this_o be_v then_o permit_v to_o he_o till_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v his_o power_n then_o sensible_o decrease_v until_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o determine_v by_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v then_o remand_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o work_v apparent_a miracle_n at_o least_o in_o christian_a country_n confine_v to_o secret_a and_o dark_a operation_n only_o and_o even_o those_o in_o great_a measure_n enervate_v and_o defeat_v by_o that_o ordinary_a grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o public_a sacrament_n and_o office_n of_o the_o church_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v somewhat_o of_o the_o assistance_n give_v to_o we_o by_o good_a spirit_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n of_o which_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n do_v particular_o require_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n which_o be_v pious_o institute_v by_o the_o church_n in_o commemoration_n of_o those_o many_o and_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n among_o these_o none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v what_o we_o now_o treat_v of_o their_o assist_v we_o in_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n for_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n i._n 14._o they_o apply_v themselves_o with_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o this_o charitable_a office_n attend_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n countermine_v the_o stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o affection_n promote_a the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n how_o all_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v after_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n operate_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o whatsoever_o natural_a power_n these_o possess_v equal_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a if_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o move_a matter_n and_o so_o of_o affect_v our_o imagination_n much_o more_o these_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v imprint_v idea_n in_o our_o mind_n by_o immediate_a influence_n much_o more_o these_o who_o pious_a design_n be_v bless_v and_o prosper_v by_o their_o almighty_a patron_n if_o they_o by_o long_a observation_n have_v find_v out_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n these_o possess_v by_o nature_n a_o equal_a knowledge_n and_o have_v obtain_v a_o much_o great_a by_o divine_a communication_n if_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o less_o defensible_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n where_o the_o attempt_n may_v most_o successful_o be_v make_v these_o have_v discern_v the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v most_o persuasive_a to_o every_o single_a man_n and_o fail_v not_o to_o apply_v they_o fit_o if_o they_o prosecute_v their_o hatred_n and_o wicked_a design_n against_o mankind_n with_o unwearied_a malice_n these_o continue_v their_o good_a office_n with_o no_o less_o constant_a diligence_n and_o charity_n if_o they_o be_v render_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a in_o all_o their_o action_n by_o their_o subtlety_n agility_n long_a experience_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n these_o obtain_v the_o same_o faculty_n in_o equal_a perfection_n and_o with_o far_o great_a probability_n of_o success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o therein_o these_o act_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n they_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o these_o with_o a_o constant_a complacency_n and_o prospect_n of_o reward_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o those_o with_o a_o perpetual_a vexation_n as_o know_v the_o increase_n of_o their_o punishment_n do_v attend_v it_o these_o assist_v and_o direct_v by_o god_n those_o restrain_v and_o withheld_a by_o he_o in_o
to_o the_o soul_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o invest_v with_o immortality_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n devest_v of_o these_o gross_a sense_n which_o now_o accompany_v we_o and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o worldly_a and_o admire_a pleasure_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vileness_n of_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o can_v be_v make_v happy_a without_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o any_o real_a worth_n god_n will_v have_v continue_v they_o to_o we_o in_o another_o life_n but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v way_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o humane_a happiness_n by_o the_o abolishment_n of_o all_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o despoil_v the_o body_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n be_v light_a and_o trifle_a incompatible_a with_o real_a happiness_n and_o unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o the_o body_n those_o pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o our_o body_n be_v capable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a so_o much_o to_o admire_v here_o below_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n delight_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n finite_a short_a and_o contemptible_a the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o increase_v their_o worth_n but_o then_o this_o very_a repetition_n become_v nauseous_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v common_o produce_v by_o a_o irregular_a appetite_n but_o always_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o when_o perform_v they_o leave_v no_o satisfaction_n behind_o they_o they_o cloy_v the_o appetite_n and_o by_o their_o frequency_n become_v troublesome_a and_o even_o odious_a to_o we_o be_v finish_v in_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o leave_v nothing_o grateful_a behind_o they_o but_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v end_n with_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o life_n may_v be_v obstruct_v by_o disease_n and_o calamity_n a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n in_o who_o all_o the_o greatness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v join_v he_o preside_v over_o a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a people_n and_o that_o in_o great_a glory_n than_o all_o the_o king_n before_o or_o after_o he_o so_o that_o if_o ambition_n worldly_a honour_n and_o pomp_n can_v make_v he_o happy_a he_o possess_v they_o all_o in_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o fame_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n among_o neighbour_n nation_n can_v increase_v this_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v from_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o east_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o mouth_n if_o riches_n can_v confer_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o desire_a perfection_n none_o can_v put_v in_o a_o better_a claim_n for_o it_o than_o he_o in_o who_o time_n gold_n be_v esteem_v no_o more_o than_o iron_n and_o silver_n as_o stone_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o last_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v complete_a our_o happiness_n none_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o he_o at_o who_o command_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o profound_a and_o uninterrupted_a peace_n all_o his_o life_n and_o 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the_o cross_n undergo_v persecution_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o even_o suffer_v death_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o who_o love_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n or_o possession_n beyond_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o among_o other_o precept_n command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n of_o nature_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n precept_n all_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v forgo_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n destroy_v rather_o than_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o least_o be_v injure_v our_o
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o 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have_v reason_n give_v we_o and_o a_o soul_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n then_o or_o violate_v it_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v our_o nature_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a sort_n of_o being_n for_o as_o sin_n turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n so_o it_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o somewhat_o worse_a than_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v still_o continue_v soul_n but_o that_o do_v but_o augment_v their_o misery_n because_o be_v immortal_a they_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a always_o gnaw_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o degenerous_a action_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o own_o deprave_a nature_n second_o sin_n destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v and_o in_o these_o will_v consist_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o serene_a meditation_n upon_o the_o unparalleled_a perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o a_o ardent_a and_o perpetual_a love_n of_o he_o and_o conscience_n of_o be_v love_v by_o he_o now_o sin_n set_v a_o man_n at_o enmity_n with_o god_n make_v he_o unworthy_a his_o favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o such_o contemplation_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v on_o he_o with_o delight_n who_o we_o account_v our_o enemy_n or_o how_o can_v we_o not_o esteem_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o law_n we_o violate_v and_o who_o precept_n we_o contemn_v the_o conscience_n of_o this_o divine_a anger_n alone_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n than_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v force_v to_o say_v god_n have_v create_v i_o and_o do_v now_o preserve_v i_o but_o think_v i_o unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o esteem_v i_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o heaven_n shall_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a miracle_n be_v bestow_v upon_o wicked_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o relish_v with_o they_o nor_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o last_o sin_n defeat_v the_o future_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o exclude_v it_o from_o its_o intend_a reward_n and_o engage_v it_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o probationer_n for_o another_o be_v a_o be_v of_o itself_o capable_a of_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o act_v here_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o great_a perfection_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o by_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o this_o world_n gain_v admittance_n into_o the_o next_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
afford_v no_o leisure_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o her_o creator_n the_o necessity_n of_o her_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o form_v these_o meditation_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o that_o real_a happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n when_o join_v in_o one_o again_o second_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n deserve_v our_o great_a care_n much_o more_o do_v the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o consummation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o crown_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o infinite_a preference_n which_o be_v due_a to_o these_o beyond_o those_o of_o our_o body_n for_o can_v it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o act_n as_o though_o we_o have_v neither_o soul_n nor_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o another_o more_o glorious_a and_o last_a state_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o our_o rest_n in_o this_o that_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o judge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v of_o make_v our_o account_n ready_a let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o just_o weigh_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o vanity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o shortness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o this_o frail_a life_n remember_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o inconceivable_a happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o we_o must_v either_o put_v off_o our_o reason_n or_o employ_v it_o in_o pursue_v those_o interest_n which_o do_v so_o great_o and_o so_o near_o concern_v we_o let_v we_o be_v so_o brave_a and_o generous_a as_o not_o to_o think_v that_o we_o die_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v that_o we_o be_v make_v for_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n intend_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o spiritual_a being_n which_o can_v die_v and_o will_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o these_o soul_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o receive_v a_o participation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o will_v certain_o do_v so_o if_o they_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o it_o by_o our_o fatal_a stupidity_n and_o neglect_v and_o that_o in_o provide_v for_o this_o more_o excellent_a part_n of_o we_o we_o secure_v likewise_o a_o mansion_n for_o the_o body_n which_o at_o the_o general_a resurrection_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o station_n and_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v perfect_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o we_o can_v not_o consign_v ourselves_o up_o to_o pursue_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o heap_v up_o riches_n which_o be_v of_o no_o service_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n and_o promote_v not_o our_o real_a happiness_n in_o this_o can_v you_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v all_o this_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n employ_v your_o life_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_a hope_v for_o the_o perfection_n design_v and_o make_v no_o step_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o rather_o let_v we_o endeavour_v with_o our_o utmost_a vigour_n to_o maintain_v that_o degree_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o we_o among_o create_a being_n and_o not_o by_o our_o degeneracy_n become_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n let_v we_o do_v nothing_o unworthy_a that_o noble_a be_v which_o be_v seat_v within_o we_o nor_o clothe_v the_o body_n with_o the_o spoil_n of_o it_o let_v we_o maintain_v the_o dignity_n and_o character_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o a_o severe_a and_o unblemished_a integrity_n and_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o assurance_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v allot_v to_o we_o certain_o in_o worldly_a matter_n we_o willing_o oversee_v lesser_o and_o more_o trivial_a gain_n for_o obtain_v of_o a_o great_a and_o more_o substantial_a profit_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o slight_v the_o impertinent_a gaiety_n and_o vile_a allurement_n of_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o treasure_n which_o fade_v not_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n last_o if_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o preferable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n if_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v of_o small_a account_n when_o oppose_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o if_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a perfection_n of_o mankind_n a_o firm_a constancy_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n although_o attend_v in_o this_o life_n with_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n discouragement_n and_o affliction_n will_v not_o only_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o high_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o the_o conclusion_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20._o of_o novemb_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o remarkable_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o scope_n to_o which_o his_o whole_a discourse_n be_v therein_o direct_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o pretence_n wherewith_o unreasonable_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o defend_v or_o excuse_v their_o sin_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n arise_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o visible_a experience_n of_o they_o or_o a_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o constant_a miracle_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n alone_o that_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o also_o in_o their_o ancient_a and_o receive_v doctrine_n they_o entertain_v scruple_n because_o not_o confirm_v by_o a_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n which_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o a_o incredulity_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v hereditary_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o renew_v as_o often_o as_o the_o divine_a miracle_n be_v interrupt_v no_o soon_o be_v joshua_n dead_a and_o that_o generation_n which_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o judge_n ii_o but_o the_o next_o generation_n even_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v and_o although_o miracle_n be_v continue_v down_o among_o they_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n yet_o as_o these_o can_v be_v visible_a but_o to_o a_o certain_a number_n they_o produce_v no_o universal_a influence_n affect_v not_o the_o rest_n and_o even_o in_o those_o who_o see_v they_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o wonder_n and_o amusement_n they_o still_o continue_v their_o disbelief_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o they_o see_v not_o yet_o effect_v and_o of_o that_o future_a state_n which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o perceive_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o but_o it_o have_v find_v place_n even_o among_o christian_n also_o many_o of_o who_o have_v even_o renounce_v and_o deny_v their_o faith_n because_o themselves_o can_v not_o see_v those_o miracle_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o found_v other_o become_v irresolute_a and_o remiss_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n unsatisfied_a in_o the_o event_n of_o it_o and_o all_o pretend_v
perfect_o and_o sufficient_o we_o can_v doubt_v without_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o establish_v it_o but_o if_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o practice_v such_o extraordinary_a method_n it_o will_v be_v absurd_a in_o man_n to_o desire_v it_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v do_v any_o unreasonable_a thing_n further_o if_o the_o majesty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v permit_v it_o it_o will_v yet_o be_v a_o intolerable_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o desire_v or_o expect_v it_o our_o great_a creator_n in_o frame_v the_o universe_n whereof_o mankind_n be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n settle_v general_a law_n whereby_o every_o part_n of_o it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o direct_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n move_v but_o in_o virtue_n of_o these_o general_a law_n nor_o can_v all_o together_o deviate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o they_o now_o every_o miracle_n be_v a_o alteration_n of_o these_o general_a law_n therein_o god_n supercede_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o produce_v somewhat_o which_o will_v never_o have_v happen_v without_o his_o extraordinary_a interposition_n what_o a_o presumption_n than_o will_v it_o be_v in_o man_n to_o require_v that_o god_n shall_v exert_v his_o omnipotence_n as_o often_o as_o his_o vain_a imagination_n shall_v expect_v it_o or_o that_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v alter_v to_o please_v his_o fancy_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a mistake_n of_o many_o deist_n that_o no_o case_n can_v happen_v wherein_o it_o shall_v be_v fit_v to_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o act_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n that_o be_v to_o limit_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bereave_v he_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n dispense_n its_o self_n in_o extraordinary_a emanation_n to_o mankind_n but_o it_o be_v a_o no_o less_o insolence_n to_o desire_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n shall_v attend_v every_o idle_a motion_n or_o capricio_n and_o work_v a_o miracle_n as_o often_o as_o man_n shall_v entertain_v a_o doubt_n not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o will_v vilify_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o suppose_v some_o great_a dignity_n in_o man_n than_o be_v real_o in_o he_o as_o if_o all_o the_o creation_n shall_v be_v reverse_v or_o alter_v to_o satisfy_v his_o will._n this_o will_v destroy_v even_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n which_o lose_v their_o majesty_n and_o their_o efficacy_n by_o be_v prostitute_v upon_o every_o mean_a account_n for_o if_o peculiar_a miracle_n must_v be_v wrought_v to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n of_o every_o man_n they_o must_v be_v so_o frequent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o the_o fix_a course_n of_o nature_n be_v and_o so_o equal_o impossible_a to_o discern_v miraculous_a from_o natural_a action_n or_o if_o they_o can_v be_v separate_v yet_o one_o will_v be_v no_o more_o regard_v than_o the_o other_o since_o it_o be_v the_o rareness_n and_o surprizingness_n of_o it_o which_o make_v a_o miracle_n considerable_a and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v no_o less_o true_o and_o full_o exert_v itself_o in_o every_o ordinary_a act_n of_o nature_n than_o in_o the_o great_a miracle_n only_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o perform_v but_o for_o some_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n be_v just_o esteem_v the_o indication_n of_o some_o particular_a will_n of_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v as_o frequent_a as_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o nature_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v less_o frequent_a if_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o private_a men._n again_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o in_o propose_v any_o religion_n to_o we_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o rational_a creature_n he_o give_v we_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n but_o as_o he_o force_v not_o our_o will_n so_o neither_o our_o understanding_n if_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o demonstrative_a as_o geometrical_a proposition_n as_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v be_v infidel_n so_o neither_o will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o commendable_a to_o be_v believer_n no_o more_o worthy_a of_o reward_n than_o to_o believe_v those_o axiom_n which_o we_o can_v disbelieve_v without_o force_v our_o understanding_n and_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o our_o own_o reason_n all_o religion_n and_o the_o annex_v of_o reward_n to_o it_o suppose_v somewhat_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v if_o as_o often_o as_o any_o man_n shall_v entertain_v a_o doubt_n god_n shall_v visible_o interpose_v and_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o by_o some_o amaze_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n whereas_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v laudable_a or_o capable_a of_o any_o reward_n must_v require_v a_o suitable_a diligence_n in_o enquiry_n a_o fit_a preparation_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o by_o remove_v all_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o inclination_n which_o may_v oppose_v the_o admission_n of_o it_o a_o serious_a examination_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o recommend_v it_o a_o firm_a expectation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n although_o not_o yet_o perceive_v by_o sense_n nor_o ascertain_v by_o any_o proof_n equivalent_a to_o sense_n yet_o confirm_v by_o argument_n which_o in_o a_o mind_n fit_o dispose_v and_o right_o judge_v can_v be_v reject_v all_o these_o end_n be_v excellent_o supply_v in_o a_o fix_a and_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n wherein_o divine_a revelation_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o man_n whereby_o neither_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n be_v prostitute_v in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o all_o occasion_n nor_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n continual_o reverse_v nor_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n foment_v nor_o his_o understanding_n force_v nor_o the_o merit_n of_o faith_n defeat_v but_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o easy_a safe_a and_o sufficient_a method_n and_o when_o such_o a_o excellent_a method_n be_v once_o settle_a by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v violate_v or_o overturn_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a man_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o some_o emergency_n may_v happen_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o general_a constitution_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o foresee_v when_o he_o make_v that_o establishment_n which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v not_o only_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o require_v particular_a miracle_n for_o their_o private_a scruple_n but_o also_o the_o vanity_n and_o mistake_n of_o those_o enthusiast_n who_o after_o this_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v settle_v pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n from_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o either_o the_o fix_a rule_n must_v be_v insufficient_a to_o teach_v they_o the_o faith_n which_o to_o affirm_v be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o their_o faith_n must_v be_v somewhat_o different_a from_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n which_o themselves_o will_v not_o allow_v or_o god_n must_v act_n in_o vain_a when_o he_o bestow_v such_o unnecessary_a illumination_n on_o they_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o such_o man_n fond_a conceit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o vehement_a pride_n whereby_o they_o scorn_v to_o be_v include_v in_o the_o common_a rank_n and_o discipline_n of_o christian_n and_o from_o a_o haughty_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n affect_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o by_o bold_a pretence_n expect_v somewhat_o extraordinary_a shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a person_n which_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o they_o but_o in_o all_o who_o desire_v particular_a miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n for_o of_o these_o few_o or_o none_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o the_o same_o favour_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n but_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o worthy_a and_o as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o high_a rank_n than_o their_o fellow_n creature_n presume_v to_o expect_v that_o somewhat_o more_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o than_o for_o other_o men._n after_o all_o if_o none_o of_o these_o reason_n forbid_v the_o expectation_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a method_n to_o be_v indulge_v to_o any_o yet_o if_o they_o shall_v appear_v no_o less_o ineffectual_a when_o bestow_v than_o the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o desire_v they_o so_o that_o to_o all_o which_o i_o have_v offer_v upon_o this_o head_n a_o new_a confirmation_n will_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v namely_o ii_o that_o such_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o
his_o own_o eye_n the_o miraculous_a work_n perform_v by_o they_o or_o if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o admonish_v he_o by_o the_o admonition_n of_o some_o depart_a soul_n he_o shall_v then_o careful_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o if_o the_o present_a argument_n of_o christianity_n afford_v to_o he_o in_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n can_v induce_v he_o to_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n neither_o will_v that_o extraordinary_a method_n which_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v he_o have_v already_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o exhortation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o very_a office_n and_o if_o he_o reject_v these_o neither_o will_v he_o be_v any_o more_o move_v although_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n the_o same_o lust_n and_o vice_n which_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o one_o will_v defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o other_o and_o even_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o fond_a desire_n he_o will_v still_o fly_v off_o and_o seek_v some_o other_o cloak_n for_o his_o impiety_n let_v we_o rather_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n aâ—d_a admonition_n which_o he_o have_v afford_v â—s_a let_v we_o by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o they_o approve_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o they_o and_o then_o that_o satisfaction_n and_o conviction_n which_o other_o may_v pretend_v they_o can_v receive_v alone_o from_o miracle_n inspiration_n and_o apparition_n we_o shall_v infallible_o find_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o common_a method_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a penman_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a instruction_n of_o the_o church_n this_o knowledge_n will_v be_v raise_v and_o actuate_v by_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o it_o by_o a_o frequent_a converse_v with_o those_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o those_o religious_a office_n and_o participation_n of_o holy_a rite_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v so_o shall_v what_o we_o now_o know_v certain_o indeed_o but_o not_o demonstrative_o be_v at_o last_o advance_v into_o a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v our_o lord_n face_n to_o face_n and_o sensible_o enjoy_v what_o we_o now_o assure_o hope_v to_o the_o fruition_n of_o this_o joy_n and_o completion_n of_o this_o hope_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n amen_n the_o ten_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 22._o of_o decemb._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n john_n viii_o 12._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n among_o all_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n wherewith_o christ_n be_v either_o prefigure_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o denote_v in_o the_o new_a none_o be_v more_o expressive_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o office_n than_o this_o of_o light_n which_o he_o apply_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o text._n nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a and_o desirable_a to_o man_n nothing_o of_o more_o universal_a influence_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o light_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o most_o glorious_a description_n of_o god_n and_o his_o effect_n and_o benefit_n be_v in_o holy_a scripture_n general_o represent_v by_o the_o denomination_n or_o comparison_n of_o light_n himself_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n god_n be_v light_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o epist._n i._n 5._o and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o he_o be_v term_v the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o st._n james_n i._n 17._o his_o habitation_n because_o nothing_o more_o glorious_a than_o light_n can_v be_v conceive_v be_v describe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o the_o light_n dwell_v with_o he_o dan._n ii_o 22._o who_o only_o have_v immortality_n dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n vi_o 16._o the_o magnificence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v amplify_v by_o the_o exceed_a light_n of_o it_o in_o apoc._n xxi_o and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o man_n be_v express_v by_o the_o confer_v of_o light_n upon_o they_o or_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o light_n to_o they_o among_o the_o heathen_n who_o know_v little_a of_o divine_a matter_n and_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o natural_a inclination_n the_o benefit_n of_o light_n be_v always_o esteem_v so_o far_o to_o exceed_v all_o other_o advantage_n of_o nature_n that_o in_o choose_v to_o themselves_o a_o deity_n they_o all_o betake_v themselves_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o the_o sun_n that_o great_a fountain_n of_o light_n and_o pay_v their_o adoration_n to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o most_o beneficial_a of_o all_o visible_a being_n now_o what_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o visible_a world_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o to_o all_o corporeal_a object_n which_o receive_v his_o influence_n the_o same_o be_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n dispense_n the_o same_o benefit_n to_o it_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o it_o dispel_v the_o darkness_n of_o it_o animate_v quicken_a and_o enliven_a it_o enlighten_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o communicate_v his_o beneficial_a influence_n to_o all_o who_o receive_v and_o follow_v the_o light_n which_o he_o hold_v out_o to_o they_o all_o this_o christ_n affirm_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o text_n the_o greatness_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o light_n in_o the_o former_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o light_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o latter_a word_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n a_o great_a and_o eminent_a character_n indeed_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o can_v be_v verify_v of_o none_o but_o that_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o enlighten_v the_o world_n yet_o a_o character_n so_o exact_o agree_v to_o our_o lord_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n this_o alone_a may_v evince_v it_o the_o property_n and_o benefit_n of_o light_n be_v to_o dispel_v darkness_n and_o to_o enlighten_v the_o world_n whereby_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n may_v be_v direct_v in_o their_o motion_n and_o action_n this_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o a_o most_o perfect_a manner_n perform_v to_o the_o intellectual_a world_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o approve_v himself_o the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o abundant_o satisfy_v those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o go_v before_o concern_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v confer_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n upon_o mankind_n dispel_v the_o darkness_n under_o which_o they_o labour_v and_o introduce_v a_o glorious_a state_n of_o light_n he_o be_v of_o old_a prefigure_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o star_n which_o shall_v arise_v in_o jacob_n but_o afterward_o by_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a signification_n isa_n xlix_o 6._o he_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v give_v for_o a_o light_n to_o the_o gentile_n a_o prophecy_n renew_v by_o old_a simeon_n luk._n ii_o 32._o when_o at_o his_o presentation_n in_o the_o temple_n he_o foretell_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n a_o promise_v make_v in_o more_o than_o one_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o we_o read_v also_o in_o the_o xlii_o of_o isa._n i_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v thou_o in_o righteousness_n and_o will_v give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n and_o in_o the_o lx._n ch._n arise_v shine_v for_o thy_o light_n be_v come_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v rise_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v to_o thy_o light_n and_o king_n to_o the_o brightness_n of_o thy_o rise_n and_o of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n xxx_o 26._o moreover_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v seven_o fold_n as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o day_n in_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n bind_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o people_n and_o heal_v the_o stroke_n of_o their_o wound_n and_o lx._n 19_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o thy_o light_n by_o day_n neither_o for_o
life_n as_o it_o be_v high_o generous_a so_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o retain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therewith_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o so_o great_a that_o your_o own_o imagination_n will_v amplify_v it_o more_o than_o any_o word_n i_o can_v use_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o choose_a servant_n to_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v of_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o christian_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v incite_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o interval_n of_o piety_n this_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o in_o the_o 3d._a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o suffer_v such_o enormous_a sinner_n whole_o to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o therefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v undergo_v sharp_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n not_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n have_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n or_o that_o temporal_a calamity_n do_v always_o attend_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o as_o in_o a_o general_a persecution_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o precedent_a sin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o particular_a man_n although_o not_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n to_o have_v require_v to_o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o partake_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n so_o neither_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o those_o first_o christian_n be_v before_o their_o conversion_n for_o this_o reason_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o same_o visible_a manner_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o fear_v that_o a_o far_o great_a punishment_n be_v reserve_v to_o we_o hereafter_o if_o by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n we_o prevent_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o this_o precedent_n sinful_a course_n of_o life_n be_v another_o great_a difficulty_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n who_o have_v contract_v before_o their_o conversion_n long_o and_o fix_a habit_n of_o vice_n efface_v by_o disuse_n all_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o honesty_n which_o to_o restore_v can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o application_n if_o to_o these_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o those_o time_n we_o add_v the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v what_o just_a reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v i_o will_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o particular_a duty_n the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n with_o many_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o piety_n which_o we_o experience_n and_o lament_v that_o which_o chief_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o man_n in_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n be_v enure_v to_o follow_v the_o perception_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v easy_o form_v and_o affect_v the_o mind_n without_o any_o precedent_a preparation_n of_o it_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o object_n which_o sense_n present_v to_o he_o without_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n or_o form_v any_o conclusion_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n whereas_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o christianity_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o man_n not_o put_v into_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o they_o they_o can_v obtain_v nor_o yet_o conceive_v they_o without_o a_o regular_a proceed_n of_o judgement_n they_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o dignity_n power_n and_o other_o attribute_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o their_o own_o action_n to_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n the_o certain_a immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o possible_a immortality_n of_o their_o body_n the_o assurance_n of_o both_o from_o he_o who_o can_v perform_v it_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o such_o immortality_n shall_v be_v confer_v to_o receive_v then_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a conduct_n of_o this_o life_n all_o this_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v and_o examine_v before_o any_o conviction_n can_v be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o convince_v there_o want_v a_o second_o series_n of_o thought_n to_o convince_v mankind_n that_o to_o embrace_v this_o truth_n be_v their_o real_a interest_n the_o reward_v propose_v by_o it_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a they_o affect_v not_o the_o sense_n nor_o strike_v the_o imagination_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o measure_v the_o fruition_n of_o all_o pleasure_n he_o relish_v but_o little_a the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o scarce_o know_v wherein_o they_o consist_v and_o that_o which_o draw_v near_a to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o conception_n and_o meditation_n of_o intellectual_a object_n he_o find_v himself_o soon_o weary_a of_o it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o when_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v overcome_v here_o be_v still_o require_v another_o train_n of_o thought_n to_o fix_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n notwithstanding_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v till_o another_o life_n if_o then_o so_o much_o consideration_n be_v require_v to_o render_v the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n effectual_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o hardly_o conceive_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o present_a fruition_n and_o so_o little_a grateful_a to_o those_o organ_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o fruition_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v foresee_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n for_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n allow_v their_o soul_n to_o entertain_v any_o conception_n beyond_o what_o sense_n administer_v to_o they_o how_o few_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o immaterial_a being_n or_o spiritual_a interest_n not_o that_o any_o extraordinary_a strength_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v to_o form_v such_o thought_n and_o conviction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o frequent_o urge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v retain_v such_o thought_n improve_v they_o and_o act_n upon_o they_o but_o even_o this_o be_v irksome_a to_o his_o deprave_a nature_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v his_o body_n his_o soul_n he_o little_o know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o the_o noble_a pleasure_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o one_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o other_o he_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o disadvantage_n betray_v he_o either_o to_o neglect_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o to_o prefer_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n before_o they_o unless_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o diligent_a attention_n he_o have_v form_v a_o full_a conviction_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o value_n of_o they_o that_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o follow_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o even_o the_o reversion_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n another_o difficulty_n alike_o common_a to_o all_o be_v the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v that_o it_o include_v every_o action_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o any_o one_o part_n destroy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o exercise_v this_o or_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n unless_o the_o whole_a life_n be_v uniform_a and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o put_v a_o christian_a
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
limit_n of_o a_o just_a punishment_n and_o the_o excess_n of_o that_o punishment_n be_v a_o real_a injury_n entitle_v the_o other_o to_o a_o fresh_a revenge_n i_o may_v therefore_o insist_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o revenge_n to_o man_n from_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n too_o inconsiderable_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a to_o return_v therefore_o to_o the_o former_a consideration_n since_o the_o justice_n of_o all_o punishment_n consist_v in_o the_o parity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v and_o vehemence_n of_o passion_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v incident_a suffer_v not_o man_n to_o observe_v that_o parity_n in_o execution_n of_o revenge_n and_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n as_o in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o in_o this_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o justice_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o a_o singular_a benefit_n that_o god_n have_v take_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o not_o leave_v the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o our_o discretion_n lest_o it_o shall_v unavoidable_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n either_o in_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o just_a bound_n or_o in_o execute_v it_o for_o other_o reason_n than_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n or_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n when_o he_o cit_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n vengeance_n be_v i_o etc._n etc._n which_o in_o the_o place_n refer_v to_o deut._n xxxii_o 35._o plain_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n for_o there_o god_n have_v denounce_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o punishment_n he_o will_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o case_n of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o tell_v they_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n into_o the_o power_n of_o strange_a nation_n who_o shall_v tyrannize_v over_o they_o and_o mighty_o oppress_v they_o and_o therein_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o those_o punishment_n which_o he_o design_v to_o their_o sin_n not_o that_o thereby_o their_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n shall_v become_v the_o less_o unlawful_a because_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o in_o oppress_v the_o jew_n have_v no_o regard_n but_o only_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o other_o passion_n and_o therefore_o this_o oppression_n so_o far_o exceed_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n god_n in_o the_o 35th_o verse_n aforecited_a threaten_v that_o he_o will_v severe_o revenge_v upon_o they_o and_o according_o in_o xxv_o of_o ezekiel_n 12_o god_n foretell_v the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o edom_n for_o take_v a_o too_o severe_a revenge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n although_o himself_o have_v deliver_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v plague_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o no_o other_o argument_n dissuade_v we_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n if_o a_o moderate_a revenge_n be_v even_o permit_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o difficulty_n of_o observe_v moderation_n in_o it_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v sin_n thereby_o shall_v deter_v we_o from_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v make_v unfit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n for_o that_o they_o know_v not_o certain_o the_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o suppose_a crime_n and_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o it_o and_o although_o they_o be_v secure_v of_o it_o yet_o will_v rather_o consult_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n when_o it_o be_v support_v by_o so_o many_o passion_n as_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o the_o like_a these_o indeed_o to_o mind_n of_o more_o happy_a education_n and_o noble_a thought_n natural_o appear_v odious_a and_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o better_a blood_n and_o great_a mind_n find_v their_o practice_n of_o revenge_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o honour_n to_o which_o they_o fancy_v all_o other_o consideration_n ought_v to_o yield_v entertain_v a_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o this_o honour_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o patient_a endure_v of_o injury_n and_o that_o every_o affront_v unrevenged_a draw_v upon_o they_o the_o imputation_n of_o cowardice_n a_o opinion_n build_v upon_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n and_o valour_n and_o which_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n manifest_v a_o real_a weakness_n in_o it_o for_o wherein_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n to_o be_v place_v but_o in_o such_o perfection_n as_o may_v improve_v his_o faculty_n adorn_v his_o nature_n and_o promote_v his_o happiness_n if_o upon_o these_o principle_n he_o raise_v the_o favourable_a esteem_n of_o other_o man_n his_o honour_n be_v then_o true_o found_v if_o for_o other_o reason_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o perfection_n he_o fanci_v himself_o to_o be_v admire_v he_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o that_o he_o pride_n himself_o in_o the_o admiration_n of_o other_o no_o less_o injudicious_a such_o be_v when_o esteem_n be_v found_v upon_o rashness_n or_o a_o precipitate_a boldness_n upon_o impatience_n of_o bear_v the_o least_o indignity_n and_o prefer_v this_o resolution_n to_o all_o consideration_n if_o this_o be_v a_o real_a honour_n than_o such_o a_o passionate_a determination_n must_v be_v indeed_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n a_o improvement_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a to_o affirm_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o nor_o yet_o can_v any_o argument_n of_o valour_n or_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o such_o a_o conduct_n valour_n indeed_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o mind_n as_o can_v be_v move_v or_o over-turned_n by_o any_o external_a accident_n can_v be_v interrupt_v by_o fear_n and_o passion_n and_o a_o mind_n true_o great_a be_v place_v above_o all_o such_o mean_a resentment_n and_o rather_o scorn_v than_o fear_v the_o attempt_n of_o other_o men._n how_o then_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o make_v good_a this_o character_n who_o a_o injury_n shall_v torment_v and_o disquiet_v who_o thought_n may_v be_v ruffle_v and_o his_o passion_n raise_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o who_o by_o manifest_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v in_o little_a matter_n betray_v the_o consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o want_n of_o real_a worth_n and_o happiness_n which_o can_v be_v so_o far_o impair_v by_o trifle_n and_o petty_a injury_n that_o without_o revenge_n it_o can_v be_v restore_v in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o great_a indication_n of_o a_o abject_a and_o mean_a spirit_n of_o cowardice_n and_o imperfection_n of_o mind_n than_o that_o impatience_n that_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o always_o attend_v revenge_n thus_o found_v upon_o mistake_a honour_n but_o i_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o cause_n i_o handle_v when_o i_o seek_v to_o recommend_v the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v revenge_n by_o a_o argument_n so_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o presume_v my_o speech_n do_v reach_v no_o other_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o revenge_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v forbid_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o since_o his_o religion_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o restore_v right_a notion_n of_o all_o moral_a action_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o true_a honour_n or_o valour_n shall_v promote_v the_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n be_v vain_a indeed_o yet_o not_o so_o criminal_a as_o that_o other_o ordinary_a pretence_n of_o satisfy_a justice_n therein_o when_o man_n prosecute_v their_o revenge_n against_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o justice_n and_o lest_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o those_o be_v wont_a to_o allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o revenge_n who_o revenge_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o malice_n not_o of_o mistake_a honour_n to_o confess_v open_o that_o they_o take_v revenge_n because_o they_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n will_v be_v too_o shameless_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o may_v also_o overthrow_v those_o artifices_fw-la by_o which_o such_o man_n common_o work_v their_o revenge_n for_o which_o they_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o
to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n adoration_n then_o consist_v as_o well_o in_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n absolute_o consider_v as_o in_o profess_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o we_o either_o do_v already_o enjoy_v or_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o receive_v in_o both_o these_o respect_n prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o significant_a manner_n of_o adoration_n for_o by_o it_o we_o profess_v our_o want_n of_o which_o we_o desire_v relief_n we_o thereby_o confess_v ourselves_o finite_a and_o imperfect_a creature_n we_o proclaim_v ourselves_o the_o dependent_n of_o god_n from_o who_o we_o beg_v the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n we_o confess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o all-sufficiency_n from_o who_o we_o expect_v the_o relief_n of_o all_o our_o necessity_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n whence_o we_o raise_v our_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o petition_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o can_v effect_v our_o desire_n all_o these_o acknowledgement_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o all_o petition_n for_o supply_v of_o want_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o who_o address_v himself_o to_o another_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o any_o want_v therein_o confess_v there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v to_o his_o own_o perfection_n that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o make_v this_o address_n be_v not_o only_o in_o be_v for_o otherwise_o all_o address_n to_o he_o will_v be_v frivolous_a but_o also_o able_a to_o relieve_v he_o if_o in_o all_o case_n and_o want_v he_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o remedy_n he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o hope_v relief_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_n in_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o supplication_n of_o pardon_n which_o among_o person_n especial_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n be_v wont_a to_o constitute_v no_o small_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n to_o he_o be_v more_o eminent_o acknowledge_v for_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o confession_n and_o entreaty_n of_o pardon_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o sense_n that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o that_o subjection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o the_o sinner_n be_v hereby_o subject_a to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o follow_v unless_o it_o be_v avert_v by_o obtain_v of_o pardon_n further_o it_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n otherwise_o all_o such_o entreaty_n will_v be_v but_o vain_a since_o it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n which_o can_v pardon_v a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n in_o both_o case_n and_o in_o all_o other_o form_n of_o prayer_n man_n ow_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n and_o dependant_a of_o god_n even_o by_o make_v application_n to_o he_o but_o that_o which_o chief_o manifest_v that_o conviction_n which_o all_o supplicant_n have_v of_o the_o majesty_n and_o infinity_n of_o god_n be_v that_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n to_o he_o although_o invisible_a and_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v in_o all_o place_n whence_o they_o evident_o declare_v that_o they_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o since_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n tell_v they_o that_o none_o but_o god_n possess_v those_o perfection_n they_o thereby_o testify_v their_o belief_n that_o he_o to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o extend_v the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o attribute_n such_o as_o power_n knowledge_n goodness_n and_o the_o like_a to_o all_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o this_o alone_a if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v will_v make_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o adoration_n such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n nor_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o possess_v true_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_o god_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n direct_v his_o prayer_n to_o any_o be_v shall_v not_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v hear_v by_o it_o nor_o do_v any_o pretend_v to_o it_o they_o who_o address_v their_o prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v hear_v by_o they_o which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v without_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n attribute_n peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o in_o pray_v to_o they_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o own_v they_o to_o be_v so_o many_o god_n and_o every_o petition_n be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n give_v to_o they_o just_o therefore_o do_v the_o psalmist_n say_v thou_o that_o hear_v the_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v thou_o only_o o_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n therefore_o to_o thou_o only_o shall_v they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n thus_o prayer_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o although_o no_o such_o explicit_a acknowledgement_n be_v make_v in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o general_a form_n of_o prayer_n receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o religion_n not_o only_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o those_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n be_v compose_v but_o among_o all_o nation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n man_n have_v be_v wont_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o prayer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n of_o they_o to_o confess_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o magnify_v those_o attribute_n the_o benefit_n of_o which_o they_o then_o implore_v if_o they_o desire_v pardon_n they_o magnify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n commit_v in_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n if_o they_o beg_v extraordinary_a relief_n and_o assistance_n in_o any_o emergency_n they_o declare_v their_o opinion_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o in_o general_a any_o favour_n they_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o dependence_n on_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o find_v either_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o in_o the_o write_n of_o heathen_n in_o both_o which_o a_o great_a number_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v find_v any_o wherein_o such_o express_a word_n of_o adoration_n be_v omit_v the_o first_o formal_a prayer_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v that_o of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n xviii_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o sodom_n from_o the_o destruction_n intend_v by_o god_n and_o therein_o the_o supplicant_n do_v more_o than_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o himself_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o can_v not_o act_n any_o otherwise_o than_o just_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o heathen_n general_o begin_v with_o what_o in_o our_o language_n be_v o_o almighty_a god_n and_o o_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o that_o most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n give_v his_o disciple_n and_o intend_v as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n as_o for_o a_o form_n to_o we_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v with_o a_o express_a adoration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n we_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v our_o father_n the_o author_n of_o our_o life_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o do_v govern_v the_o earth_n in_o the_o end_n we_o profess_v that_o to_o he_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o mankind_n that_o he_o possess_v infinite_a power_n that_o glory_n belong_v to_o he_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v render_v to_o he_o that_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o further_o if_o every_o supplicant_n to_o god_n do_v
efficacy_n of_o it_o with_o a_o unjust_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v introduce_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a and_o benign_a man_n that_o so_o his_o justice_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a clemency_n may_v demonstrate_v the_o force_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o a_o good_a man_n receive_v those_o kind_o who_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n the_o greatness_n of_o who_o bounty_n exceed_v our_o comprehension_n it_o have_v be_v enough_o as_o i_o before_o say_v to_o have_v propose_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a judge_n but_o to_o represent_v a_o cruel_a impious_a inhuman_a judge_n unmerciful_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o easy_a to_o supplicant_n instruct_v we_o that_o even_o a_o wicked_a nature_n may_v be_v by_o prayer_n incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v to_o do_v more_o lively_a to_o express_v the_o force_n foe_fw-mi prayer_n when_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o carry_v we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o severe_a judge_n cruel_a by_o nature_n but_o mollify_v by_o prayer_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n the_o father_n most_o good_a kind_a gentle_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o forgive_a sin_n bear_v with_o insuperable_a patience_n the_o daily_a affront_v of_o man_n the_o honour_n pay_v to_o his_o adversary_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o contumely_n therein_o offer_v to_o his_o own_o son_n what_o success_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hope_v to_o our_o prayer_n make_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v present_v with_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o necessary_a preparation_n the_o unjust_a judge_n although_o he_o fear_v not_o god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o widow_n for_o her_o importunity_n what_o fear_n can_v not_o do_v prayer_n obtain_v neither_o threat_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n can_v incline_v the_o man_n to_o justice_n yet_o the_o cry_n and_o supplication_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n soften_v his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o tractable_a if_o she_o can_v obtain_v so_o much_o from_o a_o rough_a ill-natured_a man_n how_o much_o great_a kindness_n goodness_n and_o love_n may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o god_n who_o always_o desire_v to_o show_v mercy_n but_o never_o to_o exercise_v severity_n who_o very_a threat_n and_o punishment_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o direct_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobedience_n let_v we_o once_o more_o review_v the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o unjust_a judge_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o men._n if_o he_o who_o never_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v any_o good_a change_v on_o the_o sudden_a by_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o poor_a supplicant_n and_o be_v move_v to_o compassion_n much_o more_o will_v the_o importunate_a prayer_n of_o man_n be_v prevalent_a with_o he_o who_o nature_n include_v a_o infinity_n of_o goodness_n and_o who_o dispense_v the_o emanation_n of_o that_o goodness_n in_o vast_a and_o constant_a benefit_n even_o without_o entreaty_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n riches_n life_n and_o health_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o only_a for_o his_o immense_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n but_o if_o he_o so_o favour_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v those_o who_o ask_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a that_o the_o benefit_n proceed_v from_o he_o what_o will_v he_o not_o bestow_v on_o those_o who_o spend_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o last_o reason_n of_o doubt_v in_o prayer_n be_v the_o conscience_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o supplicant_n which_o conscience_n be_v either_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a unworthiness_n of_o man_n or_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o these_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a the_o former_a fall_n in_o with_o that_o doubt_n which_o i_o last_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o remove_v and_o to_o persuade_v the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o that_o removal_n have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o day_n discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a the_o place_n of_o it_o to_o be_v regard_v the_o posture_n not_o to_o be_v neglect_v the_o condition_n indispensable_a and_o the_o success_n certain_a the_o eighteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o may_n 4._o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v so_o undeniable_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n so_o firm_a a_o assurance_n of_o those_o hope_n which_o we_o conceive_v of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n deserve_v at_o this_o season_n more_o than_o a_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o that_o which_o chief_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a continue_v his_o expectation_n of_o enjoy_v hereafter_o a_o better_a state_n and_o after_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o his_o saviour_n here_o on_o earth_n wrought_v for_o his_o sake_n complete_v his_o joy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n therefore_o all_o the_o time_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o joy_n during_o that_o whole_a season_n in_o the_o public_a office_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v no_o less_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o time_n than_o to_o those_o of_o more_o ancient_a age_n so_o our_o gratitude_n and_o rejoice_v in_o memory_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o intense_a it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o those_o ancient_a christian_n live_v near_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n have_v more_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v than_o we_o now_o have_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n always_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v now_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o uncertain_a interest_n as_o they_o be_v then_o when_o the_o experience_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n render_v it_o most_o certain_a or_o that_o however_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n who_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v no_o less_o just_a cause_n of_o joy_n than_o admiration_n yet_o that_o other_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n can_v not_o but_o be_v less_o concern_v at_o the_o relation_n by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fruitful_a in_o invent_v argument_n oppose_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n some_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o other_o even_o to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o after_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v not_o in_o public_a converse_v not_o in_o solemn_a place_n and_o among_o the_o multitude_n as_o before_o but_o only_o show_v himself_o to_o some_o few_o disciple_n of_o his_o own_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v off_o this_o objection_n and_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o conduct_n of_o christ_n relate_v in_o the_o text_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o and_o show_v open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v divide_v my_o design_a discourse_n into_o these_o three_o part_n i._o that_o to_o have_v show_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o whole_a unbelieve_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o create_v a_o universal_a conviction_n iii_o that_o god_n have_v notwithstanding_o offer_v to_o mankind_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o reasonable_a conviction_n first_o then_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o honour_n
add_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o see_v he_o go_v that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o our_o lord_n describe_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n matth._n xiii_o 26._o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o inquire_v into_o what_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v translate_v yet_o not_o unfit_a to_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ascend_v into_o those_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o most_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o ephes._n iu._n 10._o he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v far_o above_o all_o heaven_n and_o hebr._n vii_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o heb._n ix_o 12._o pass_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n even_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o same_o state_n of_o glory_n with_o god_n the_o father_n his_o body_n be_v translate_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v the_o place_n whether_o in_o the_o three_o in_o the_o four_o or_o above_o the_o heaven_n be_v rash_a and_o unwarrantable_a but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o immediate_a residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n whatsoever_o region_n be_v most_o holy_a whatsoever_o place_n be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o those_o celestial_a orb_n thither_o christ_n ascend_v and_o there_o now_o reign_v in_o glory_n iii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o and_o great_a the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a benefit_n derive_v from_o it_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o a_o benefit_n which_o be_v indeed_o more_o sensible_a in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n when_o it_o communicate_v to_o many_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n but_o be_v at_o this_o day_n no_o less_o advantageous_a since_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o church_n be_v still_o maintain_v the_o faithful_a be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o unfaithful_a be_v convert_v thus_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o last_a benefit_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n procure_v to_o they_o those_o grace_n which_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v the_o ascension_n of_o elijah_n make_v one_o elisha_n leave_v a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o one_o disciple_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o no_o other_o but_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o universal_a benefit_n produce_v bless_a effect_n which_o shall_v extend_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o all_o age_n a_o second_o benefit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o from_o thence_o receive_v firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o have_v proclaim_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o own_o disciple_n in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unexpected_a to_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o resolution_n herein_o and_o when_o they_o faw_fw-we effect_v what_o he_o have_v before_o foretell_v they_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n thus_o although_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o our_o lord_n expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o his_o subsequent_a action_n offer_v convince_a argument_n to_o mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o teach_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n thus_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v much_o more_o exalt_v by_o this_o glorious_a triumph_n they_o see_v he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o ample_a power_n which_o they_o so_o long_o wish_v to_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o which_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o reward_v his_o follower_n and_o effect_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o john_n fourteen_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o he_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o intend_v to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o may_v be_v also_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o see_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v accomplish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a motive_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n or_o promise_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o same_o foreknowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o foresee_v the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o can_v as_o easy_o foresee_v the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v exalt_v whosoever_o he_o please_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o his_o power_n can_v not_o be_v question_v and_o his_o will_n therein_o he_o have_v often_o declare_v assure_v they_o joh._n xii_o 32._o when_o i_o be_o lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o herein_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o mankind_n receive_v increase_v and_o strength_n they_o have_v all_o impatient_o wish_v for_o immortality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v still_o exist_v but_o their_o body_n be_v equal_o part_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o both_o yet_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a they_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n he_o affirm_v it_o he_o promise_v it_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a be_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o man_n who_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n all_o this_o do_v seem_v incredible_a till_o they_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v visible_o receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o place_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o like_a immortality_n of_o their_o own_o body_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o while_o they_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o relation_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o forerunner_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o society_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o time_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o since_o what_o he_o foretell_v of_o his_o own_o ascension_n they_o see_v effect_v since_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o follow_v their_o captain_n their_o head_n and_o their_o forerunner_n and_o with_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o place_n of_o their_o desire_a happiness_n far_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n and_o our_o priest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o either_o of_o those_o his_o office_n receive_v increase_v by_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o king_n he_o be_v thereby_o invest_v in_o the_o actual_a dominion_n of_o his_o church_n enable_v to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o her_o wellbeing_a as_o our_o priest_n his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n be_v make_v much_o more_o prevalent_a by_o his_o personal_a presence_n with_o he_o under_o the_o law_n the_o efficacy_n of_o
holiness_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n yet_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o interest_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o obedience_n this_o obviate_v all_o the_o objection_n even_o of_o worldly_a man_n who_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o it_o can_v never_o true_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n a_o thorough_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v banish_v all_o sinful_a temptation_n and_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a and_o irrational_a of_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o prefer_v a_o present_a trifle_n before_o a_o future_a treasure_n and_o voluntary_o quit_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n to_o retain_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o truth_n hold_v in_o quit_v the_o momentany_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o for_o a_o exchange_n of_o future_a glory_n but_o even_o in_o undergo_a the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o our_o saviour_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n for_o when_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o have_v foretell_v that_o bear_v the_o cross_n shall_v be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o decline_v this_o cross_n and_o save_v his_o life_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o his_o faith_n shall_v thereby_o incur_v a_o much_o great_a punishment_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o system_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v institute_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o enlarge_v or_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n improve_v its_o faculty_n and_o procure_v to_o it_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o its_o desire_n and_o the_o liberality_n of_o its_o creator_n whosoever_o therefore_o serious_o intend_v to_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o gospel_n must_v prepare_v himself_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o not_o decline_v death_n whensoever_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o my_o command_n shall_v require_v that_o trial_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v his_o duty_n but_o secure_a and_o promote_v his_o interest_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v base_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o i_o or_o violate_v my_o command_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o avoid_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o much_o great_a loss_n and_o punishment_n than_o that_o which_o they_o so_o cowardly_o fear_v and_o ungenerous_o decline_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o shall_v willing_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o slight_v all_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o preserve_v their_o obedience_n to_o i_o entire_a and_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o gospel_n shall_v be_v certain_o crown_v with_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v attain_v by_o it_o this_o be_v your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o my_o command_n your_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v quit_v that_o particular_a share_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v thereby_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n but_o even_o if_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n be_v â—â—aped_v upon_o one_o single_a man_n or_o can_v be_v all_o obtain_v by_o denial_n of_o my_o religion_n or_o violation_n of_o my_o law_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v prevaricate_v upon_o such_o mean_a consideration_n will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n when_o he_o cast_v up_o his_o account_n that_o he_o have_v gain_v nothing_o to_o evince_v illustrate_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n ii_o that_o this_o interest_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o soul_n render_v miserable_a by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o head_n may_v be_v comprise_v the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o first_o then_o the_o dignity_n and_o precedence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n by_o wife_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n nay_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v ever_o firm_o believe_v this_o as_o a_o opinion_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o least_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o it_o all_o false_a religion_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n propose_v by_o god_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v it_o be_v this_o only_a which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n which_o liken_n we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v this_o whereby_o we_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a and_o wonderful_a perfection_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a whereby_o we_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n grateful_a to_o our_o creator_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will._n and_o therefore_o prov._n xx._n 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v call_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o by_o that_o only_o we_o receive_v the_o divine_a illumination_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n this_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o soul_n beyond_o the_o body_n may_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v from_o many_o other_o consideration_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o three_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n as_o first_o by_o the_o soul_n alone_o we_o receive_v the_o influence_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n some_o divine_a benefit_n indeed_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o body_n as_o creation_n and_o preservation_n but_o those_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o belong_v equal_o to_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o create_a being_n whereas_o the_o favour_n grant_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v peculiar_a to_o it_o and_o to_o infinite_o great_a value_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o knowledge_n desire_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o improvement_n all_o the_o superadded_a happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v entire_o bestow_v on_o it_o alone_o all_o revelation_n be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o happiness_n to_o who_o it_o be_v little_a inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o rescue_v this_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n into_o this_o as_o into_o a_o capacious_a treasure_n be_v all_o the_o divine_a grace_n convey_v grace_n of_o which_o the_o body_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a than_o a_o stock_n or_o