be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o dissent_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o man_n perhaps_o profess_v christianity_n may_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v impossible_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v no_o care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v be_v often_o seduce_v by_o they_o if_o not_o to_o a_o desertion_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o to_o a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n a_o stumling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n and_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o tempt_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o withdraw_v our_o obedience_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v he_o as_o often_o as_o man_n prefer_v their_o worldly_a interest_n to_o the_o least_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o often_o as_o by_o too_o anxious_a a_o diligence_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n they_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o another_o they_o give_v just_a reason_n to_o other_o to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o error_n of_o place_v all_o their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o dis-believing_a the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n do_v the_o jew_n often_o unreasonable_o and_o importunate_o require_v a_o sign_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o induce_v to_o distrust_v providence_n and_o murmur_v against_o the_o divine_a goodness_n as_o often_o as_o god_n deferr_v to_o rescue_v we_o from_o imminent_a danger_n and_o calamity_n and_o immediate_o engage_v not_o his_o miraculous_a power_n in_o our_o assistance_n do_v not_o man_n call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n because_o god_n refuse_v to_o violate_v the_o establish_a law_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sometime_o permit_v the_o good_a to_o pass_v unrewarded_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o christian_a religion_n foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n because_o propose_v by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n and_o have_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v deplore_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n while_o man_n puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o ordinary_a pastor_n scorn_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o rude_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n despise_v christianity_n because_o plain_a and_o simple_a easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o betray_v by_o a_o like_a pre_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a thing_n how_o many_o christian_n be_v at_o this_o day_n displease_v with_o a_o sober_a and_o rational_a form_n of_o worship_n either_o because_o it_o be_v not_o fraught_v with_o pompous_a and_o unuseful_a ceremony_n or_o because_o it_o be_v devoid_a of_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o unintelligible_a impertinency_n so_o that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v no_o less_o concern_v in_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n than_o be_v former_o either_o jew_n or_o greek_n to_o conclude_v if_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n and_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v notwithstanding_o liable_a to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o opposition_n of_o her_o enemy_n nor_o draw_v into_o like_a mistake_v with_o they_o either_o by_o passion_n or_o inadvertency_n let_v we_o give_v most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o send_v his_o son_n as_o at_o this_o time_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n let_v we_o adore_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v contrive_v such_o excellent_a method_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o revelation_n may_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n be_v transmit_v to_o all_o age_n improve_n the_o happiness_n of_o our_o knowledge_n by_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o in_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v here_o with_o comfort_n hold_v fast_o and_o hereafter_o with_o glory_n obtain_v the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o sermon_n preach_v january_n 20_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n hebr._n ix_o 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n i_o intend_v not_o from_o these_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o mortality_n of_o mankind_n or_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o that_o fatal_a doom_n the_o experience_n of_o almost_o six_o thousand_o year_n may_v abundant_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v particular_o exempt_v from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o mankind_n that_o decay_n which_o we_o find_v in_o our_o body_n and_o those_o frequent_a infirmity_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o entertain_v any_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a privilege_n the_o necessity_n of_o end_v this_o life_n be_v so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v trifle_v to_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o however_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o necessity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o which_o may_v just_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n wherein_o be_v express_v the_o divine_a determination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mortality_n and_o future_a judgement_n of_o man_n and_o the_o order_n of_o they_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v once_o die_v and_o that_o after_o death_n they_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o action_n now_o however_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o however_o a_o curious_a desire_n of_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o may_v be_v rash_a and_o fruitless_a yet_o in_o these_o which_o so_o immediate_o and_o universal_o concern_v mankind_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o religion_n no_o enquiry_n can_v be_v unnecessary_a or_o unuseful_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o satisfactory_a such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v discover_v by_o we_o but_o even_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o nothing_o tend_v more_o effectual_o to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decree_n than_o a_o entire_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o respect_v we_o how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o grand_a decree_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a decreâ—…_n of_o death_n to_o all_o men._n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v ii_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v after_o death_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n first_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nothing_o can_v appear_v more_o just_a than_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o impose_v a_o necessity_n of_o die_v upon_o all_o men._n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n may_v just_o dispose_v of_o or_o dispense_v either_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o man_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n without_o expect_v a_o perpetual_a and_o invariable_a conservation_n of_o that_o existence_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v mortal_a and_o then_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o permit_v
thirty_o first_o year_n of_o his_o age_n on_o the_o 5_o of_o march_n that_o sad_a day_n whereon_o that_o never_o sufficient_o to_o be_v lament_v princess_n our_o most_o incomparable_a queen_n be_v inter_v about_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o morning_n he_o with_o a_o humble_a patience_n submit_v to_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n cheerful_o resign_v his_o depart_a soul_n into_o the_o most_o holy_a hand_n of_o his_o gracious_a redeemer_n the_o loss_n of_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o person_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o age_n and_o one_o from_o who_o the_o learned_a world_n have_v just_o conceive_v such_o great_a expectation_n of_o most_o admirable_a performance_n from_o his_o indefatigable_a labour_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v very_o much_o lament_v by_o learned_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o reliquit_fw-la the_o clergy_n in_o particular_a as_o a_o testimony_n of_o that_o value_n which_o they_o have_v for_o he_o do_v in_o great_a number_n attend_v at_o his_o funeral_n here_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o silence_n that_o singular_a honour_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o by_o the_o right_n reverend_a the_o bishop_n many_o of_o which_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n himself_o and_o the_o right_n reverend_a bishop_n of_o litchfield_n who_o have_v both_o of_o they_o visit_v he_o in_o his_o last_o sickness_n be_v present_a at_o it_o while_o another_o of_o that_o venerable_a order_n the_o right_a reverend_n the_o bishop_n of_o rochester_n perform_v the_o funeral_n office_n all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v willing_a to_o show_v their_o respect_n for_o he_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n they_o be_v able_a the_o reverend_n the_o dean_n and_o prebendary_n of_o westminster_n not_o only_o cause_v the_o king_n scholar_n to_o attend_v he_o to_o his_o grave_n a_o uncommon_a respect_n and_o the_o high_a they_o can_v show_v on_o such_o a_o occasion_n but_o do_v also_o each_o for_o himself_o remit_v their_o customary_a due_n for_o interment_n in_o their_o church_n as_o the_o last_o and_o most_o proper_a testimony_n they_o can_v then_o give_v of_o the_o high_a esteem_n in_o which_o they_o hold_v mr._n wharton_n and_o his_o learned_a labour_n the_o choir_n likewise_o commit_v his_o body_n to_o rest_n with_o solemn_a and_o devout_a anthem_n compose_v by_o that_o most_o ingenious_a artist_n mr._n henry_n purcel_n he_o lie_v bury_v in_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o westminster_n towards_o the_o west_n end_n near_o whereunto_o in_o the_o wall_n be_v erect_v a_o small_a but_o decent_a monument_n of_o white_a marble_n whereon_o be_v the_o follow_a inscription_n h._n s._n e._n henricus_n wharton_n a._n m._n ecclesiae_fw-la anglicanae_n presbyter_n rector_n ecclesiae_fw-la de_fw-fr chatham_n necnon_fw-la vicarius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la de_fw-fr minster_n in_o insula_fw-la thanato_n in_o diaecesi_fw-la cantuariensi_fw-la reverendissimo_fw-la ac_fw-la sanctissimo_fw-la praesuli_fw-la wilhelmo_n archiepiscopo_fw-la cantuariensi_fw-la a_fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la qui_fw-la multa_fw-la ad_fw-la augendam_fw-la et_fw-la illustrandam_fw-la rem_fw-la literariam_fw-la multa_fw-la pro_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ghristi_fw-la conscripsit_fw-la plura_fw-la moliebatur_fw-la obiit_fw-la 30._o non._n mart._n a._n d._n mdcxciv_o aetatis_fw-la suae_fw-la xxxi_o the_o content_n sermon_n i._o on_o whit-sunday_n john_n fourteen_o 25_o 26._o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o be_v yet_o present_a with_o you_o but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n p._n 51_o sermon_n iii_o and_o iu_o 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n â—…to_fw-mi every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n p._n 108_o 144_o sermom_n v._o rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n p._n 172_o sermon_n vi_o 1_o corinth_n i._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n p._n 227_o sermon_n vii_o hebr._n ix_o 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n p._n 261_o sermon_n viii_o 1_o tim._n i._n 17._o now_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n p._n 287_o sermon_n ix_o psal._n xcv_o 7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n p._n 313_o sermon_n x._o and_o xi_o luk._n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v p._n 337_o 365_o sermon_n xii_o act_n x._o 34_o 35._o then_o peter_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o p._n 394_o sermon_n xiii_o coloss._n iii_o 1._o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n p._n 417_o sermon_n fourteen_o john_n fourteen_o 1._o let_v not_o your_o beart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o p._n 439_o the_o first_o sermon_n on_o whitsunday_n prâ—…ached_v at_o lambeth_n chapel_n john_n fourteen_o 25_o 26._o these_o thing_n haué_fw-fr i_a speak_v unto_o you_o be_v yet_o present_a with_o you_o but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o day_n â—…o_v not_o only_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o that_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a benefit_n the_o completion_n of_o which_o we_o this_o day_n commeâ—…orate_v but_o also_o declare_v the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o most_o fit_o not_o only_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o grateful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n but_o also_o teach_v we_o to_o form_v true_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a veneration_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n a_o mystery_n which_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o great_a of_o all_o benefit_n which_o may_v alone_o supply_v the_o otherwise_o irreparable_a loss_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o entire_o dispel_v their_o grief_n arise_v from_o the_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o his_o approach_a departure_n a_o mystery_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o ultimate_a consummation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o divine_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v design_v by_o the_o father_n and_o found_v by_o the_o son_n be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o the_o mission_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n be_v so_o mighty_o insist_v on_o by_o christ_n as_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n to_o his_o disciple_n for_o all_o affliction_n and_o the_o last_o and_o great_a legacy_n which_o he_o can_v bequeath_v unto_o they_o if_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o earnest_o expect_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o with_o a_o uninterrupted_a solemnity_n celebrate_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n more_o especial_o by_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o which_o all_o christian_n use_v to_o stand_v continual_o in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n from_o easter_n to_o whitsunday_n thereby_o testify_v the_o impatient_a expectation_n wherewith_o they_o attend_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n the_o declaration_n of_o this_o promise_n make_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o great_a anxiety_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v at_o the_o news_n of_o our_o saviour_n departure_n and_o their_o wonderful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n after_o so_o long_a and_o so_o excellent_a instruction_n from_o their_o divine_a master_n the_o former_a be_v relate_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o precede_a chapter_n which_o therefore_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v by_o a_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o a_o steady_a faith_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o assure_v they_o that_o his_o departure_n be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o their_o reception_n
those_o which_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v indeed_o reveal_v but_o only_o that_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v real_o make_v can_v appear_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o argument_n of_o probability_n three_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v be_v extraordinary_o obtain_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v afterward_o pour_v on_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o convenient_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o former_a for_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o commence_v not_o till_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v to_o himself_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o apostle_n s._n joh._n xvi_o 7._o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o in_o another_o place_n this_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o be_v no_o less_o engage_v which_o may_v just_o have_v be_v arraign_v if_o he_o have_v use_v so_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n a_o miracle_n as_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n since_o no_o such_o instruction_n be_v yet_o necessary_a which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o propose_v to_o prove_v namely_o ii_o that_o a_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a information_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o at_o last_o deliver_v they_o down_o in_o write_v to_o succeed_a age_n infallible_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o any_o intermix_a enrour_n to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v subject_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v every_o point_n of_o it_o and_o attend_v by_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o all_o possible_a danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o create_v this_o clear_a apprehension_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o convey_v down_o this_o assistance_n to_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n and_o the_o principal_a effect_n of_o that_o mission_n at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v so_o that_o since_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v design_v pure_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n of_o preach_v and_o propagate_a the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commence_v till_o after_o his_o ascension_n it_o manifest_o follow_v that_o a_o exact_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n before_o that_o time_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n will_v have_v be_v useful_a indeed_o to_o they_o even_o before_o that_o time_n but_o useful_a to_o they_o only_o as_o private_a person_n not_o as_o bear_v the_o public_a office_n and_o character_n of_o apostle_n who_o office_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n consist_v as_o we_o before_o observe_v in_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o action_n suffering_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a afterward_o to_o testify_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o office_n of_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v no_o exact_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o may_v be_v sufficient_o discharge_v by_o any_o person_n who_o be_v not_o devoid_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o honesty_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v necessary_a upon_o reason_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o will_v have_v continue_v necessary_a although_o the_o apostle_n have_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n for_o however_o they_o may_v then_o sufficient_o understand_v it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perpetual_a extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v infallible_o secure_v they_o from_o all_o future_a error_n in_o deliver_v it_o to_o other_o or_o create_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o probability_n as_o may_v deserve_v the_o assent_n and_o belief_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o future_a age_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a through_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o remedy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o withal_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o conduct_n of_o the_o apostle_n continue_v under_o that_o ignorance_n till_o the_o ascension_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n permit_v it_o till_o that_o time_n disadvantageous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o draw_v some_o few_o conclusion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o proposal_n first_o then_o if_o as_o we_o before_o show_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v unquestionable_o infallible_a never_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n nor_o require_v from_o their_o hearer_n a_o blind_a assent_n to_o their_o dictate_v if_o they_o submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o scripture_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o private_a man_n in_o vain_a do_v any_o at_o this_o day_n pretend_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n from_o who_o lie_v no_o appeal_n either_o to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n and_o thereby_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o never_o claim_v but_o i_o wave_v that_o particular_a and_o choose_v rather_o to_o insist_v on_o some_o more_o practical_a consideration_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n under_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n if_o after_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o triennial_a conversation_n and_o the_o constant_a hear_n of_o his_o divine_a discourse_n they_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o nature_n of_o christianity_n this_o aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o learning_n and_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o inquire_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o our_o saviour_n convey_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o admirable_a simplicity_n have_v fit_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o abstruse_a science_n as_o surmount_v the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v entire_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o school_n and_o knowledge_n of_o learned_a man_n the_o acquisition_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o even_o easy_a to_o all_o man_n but_o then_o god_n in_o propose_v this_o religion_n intend_v not_o pure_o to_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o man_n and_o consult_v their_o ease_n some_o condition_n be_v also_o necessary_a on_o our_o side_n that_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o truth_n examine_v the_o scripture_n harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o pastor_n careful_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o bring_v a_o mind_n ready_a dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o truth_n which_o shall_v evident_o appear_v to_o we_o how_o contrary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o our_o passion_n and_o inclination_n for_o although_o we_o labour_v not_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n
intemperance_n but_o as_o christ_n true_o reply_v to_o they_o herein_o also_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o gratify_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n by_o conform_v his_o practice_n to_o they_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n in_o their_o genuine_a purity_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o rectify_v the_o mistake_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o also_o render_v his_o example_n convenient_a to_o the_o imitation_n of_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n how_o far_o himself_o be_v above_o the_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n how_o little_o he_o indulge_v the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n or_o seek_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o passion_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o generous_a contentment_n under_o the_o severe_a adversity_n be_v the_o most_o genuine_a character_n of_o christianity_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v most_o just_a in_o itself_o so_o also_o most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o riches_n and_o honour_n add_v nothing_o to_o our_o real_a happiness_n that_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o the_o affliction_n which_o may_v accompany_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n mankind_n be_v most_o averse_a to_o these_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o depress_v his_o outward_a dignity_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o improve_v his_o inward_a worth_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o riches_n and_o worldly_a honour_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o conduce_v to_o true_a felicity_n the_o heathen_n have_v all_o along_o adore_v these_o more_o than_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o by_o describe_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o uninterrupted_a fruition_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n have_v introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n among_o the_o vulgar_a that_o unhappiness_n consist_v in_o the_o want_n of_o the_o same_o pleasure_n even_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o same_o error_n they_o measure_v their_o well_o be_v and_o even_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n be_v induce_v thereto_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o open_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n to_o wean_v mankind_n therefore_o of_o this_o fond_a opinion_n and_o induce_v man_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o lord_n shall_v by_o his_o example_n as_o well_o as_o precept_n promote_v a_o just_a contempt_n of_o all_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n and_o reduce_v man_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o he_o have_v abundant_o do_v by_o give_v to_o we_o a_o incomparable_a example_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n voluntary_a poverty_n and_o contentment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n his_o descent_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v humane_a flesh_n upon_o he_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o astonish_a condescension_n that_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n philip._n ii_o 6_o 7._o that_o be_v that_o be_v from_o all_o age_n no_o less_o than_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o eternal_a trinity_n and_o equal_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o his_o father_n he_o make_v no_o pompous_a ostentation_n of_o that_o equality_n nor_o affect_v to_o preserve_v his_o majesty_n inviolate_a and_o undiminish_a but_o condescend_v to_o divest_v himself_o in_o appearance_n of_o that_o divine_a character_n and_o assume_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o infirmity_n of_o one_o of_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o mortal_a man_n see_v a_o degree_n of_o humility_n of_o which_o none_o but_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v capable_a which_o exceed_v even_o our_o apprehension_n as_o well_o as_o imitation_n which_o may_v be_v admire_v but_o never_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross._n he_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v forsake_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o assume_v the_o mean_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n but_o to_o carry_v his_o condescension_n to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n he_o place_v himself_o in_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o man_n bear_v the_o great_a affliction_n incident_a to_o mankind_n undergo_v poverty_n nakedness_n and_o contempt_n and_o at_o last_o submit_v to_o a_o violent_a death_n even_o the_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n of_o the_o cross._n if_o he_o have_v think_v a_o external_a show_n of_o greatness_n any_o way_n conducive_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o have_v intend_v to_o procure_v to_o himself_o those_o pleasure_n which_o man_n so_o greedy_o seek_v after_o he_o may_v have_v engross_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o royal_a magnificence_n exceed_v even_o the_o carnal_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v entire_o at_o his_o devotion_n and_o whole_a legion_n of_o angel_n ready_a to_o minister_v to_o he_o but_o he_o wave_v all_o these_o advantage_n spend_v his_o private_a year_n in_o a_o laborious_a and_o mechanic_n life_n and_o when_o he_o enter_v on_o his_o public_a office_n increase_v both_o his_o labour_n and_o his_o poverty_n he_o willing_o want_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n and_o even_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o nature_n for_o as_o himself_o tell_v the_o fox_n bave_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v â—…ests_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n thus_o he_o give_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n generous_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o renunciation_n of_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o shall_v we_o imagine_v ourselves_o not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o himself_o have_v prevent_v any_o such_o mistake_n by_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o will_v come_v after_o he_o or_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o matth._n xvi_o 24._o and_o if_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n john_n xiii_o 14._o and_o sure_o most_o reasonable_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o undergo_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o mankind_n shall_v we_o presume_v to_o expect_v a_o undisturbed_a course_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o murmur_v at_o any_o affliction_n which_o befall_v we_o if_o he_o forsake_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o redeem_v we_o shall_v not_o we_o willing_o quit_v all_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o obey_v he_o if_o he_o think_v it_o not_o incongruous_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o perform_v such_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n shall_v the_o great_a of_o man_n think_v it_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o dignity_n to_o be_v humble_a with_o their_o god_n and_o gentle_a with_o their_o fellow_n creature_n sure_o if_o the_o divine_a precept_n can_v engage_v we_o to_o humility_n the_o divine_a example_n shall_v shame_v we_o to_o it_o last_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o duty_n to_o other_o man_n his_o justice_n meekness_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v most_o exemplary_a his_o justice_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o pay_v to_o every_o man_n fear_n to_o who_o fear_n be_v due_a honour_n to_o who_o honour_n in_o injure_v no_o man_n nor_o just_o offend_v any_o one_o that_o even_o pilate_n who_o interest_n it_o then_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a after_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o violent_a accusation_n of_o his_o numerous_a and_o potent_a enemy_n be_v by_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o innocence_n force_v thrice_o to_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o luk._n xxiii_o 14_o 22._o confirm_v also_o his_o own_o sentence_n with_o the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o herod_n a_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a tyrant_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v send_v but_o be_v full_o clear_v by_o he_o ver._n 15._o so_o far_o
conception_n dark_a and_o unaccountable_a above_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n fit_v only_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n and_o after_o all_o no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o volatile_a fancy_n so_o little_o adapt_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o indeed_o intend_v for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o conceal_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n and_o impart_v only_o to_o confident_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n relate_v to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o even_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o ceremony_n and_o legal_a observation_n impose_v on_o they_o they_o know_v in_o general_a that_o many_o of_o they_o typify_v the_o come_n of_o a_o future_a messiah_n who_o shall_v institute_v a_o more_o excellent_a religion_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o signal_n benefit_n to_o their_o nation_n but_o alas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o infinite_o unsatisfactory_a to_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a yet_o still_o continue_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o any_o certain_a guide_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o learned_a jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_n these_o employ_v their_o labour_n in_o find_v out_o the_o hide_a meaning_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o those_o ceremonial_a institution_n but_o so_o unsuccessful_o that_o they_o plain_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o their_o divine_a lawgiver_n and_o by_o turn_v all_o his_o ritual_a precept_n into_o allegory_n and_o obscure_a mystery_n defeat_v their_o institution_n and_o corrupt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n with_o false_a notion_n and_o interpretation_n and_o no_o wonder_n indeed_o for_o the_o veil_n be_v not_o yet_o take_v from_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v remove_v but_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n disperse_v the_o dark_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n he_o alone_o have_v make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o easy_a to_o all_o and_o thereby_o make_v the_o ignorance_n of_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v inexcusable_a herein_o complete_n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n xxxi_o 33_o 34._o after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o in_o propose_v this_o plain_a and_o easy_a religion_n god_n intend_v to_o supercede_v all_o labour_n of_o mankind_n and_o imprint_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o even_o violent_o upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n propose_v the_o truth_n clear_o to_o we_o enforce_v it_o with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n fit_v it_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o afford_v we_o easy_a mean_n of_o obtain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o after_o such_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o free_a entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n whether_o we_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v we_o mere_a brute_n and_o machine_n not_o capable_a of_o entertain_v any_o religion_n and_o unfit_a to_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o age_n not_o to_o cast_v holy_a thing_n before_o dog_n nor_o pearl_n before_o swine_n to_o create_v a_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o person_n insensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o mankind_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o and_o who_o make_v no_o advancement_n towards_o their_o reception_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v choose_v to_o propose_v those_o eternal_a truth_n in_o such_o a_o method_n as_o that_o a_o perfect_a acquisition_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v exercise_v the_o diligence_n and_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n we_o must_v bring_v mind_n free_v from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n use_v due_a attention_n search_v the_o scripture_n weigh_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o persuade_v their_o divinity_n and_o be_v once_o convince_v of_o that_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n use_v all_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v abundant_o provide_v for_o our_o instruction_n we_o must_v not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n but_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n reflect_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n a_o subject_a than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian._n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o only_o enforce_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o they_o be_v our_o great_a perfection_n and_o will_v be_v our_o utmost_a happiness_n although_o attend_v with_o no_o reward_n every_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n will_v augment_v the_o force_n of_o our_o obligation_n and_o bring_v some_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n have_v add_v to_o those_o imperfect_a discovery_n make_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o those_o foederal_n rite_n the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o these_o benefit_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a more_o perfect_o to_o comprehend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o these_o advantage_n natural_o flow_v from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o our_o faith_n however_o the_o apostle_n in_o give_v this_o precept_n more_o immediate_o respect_v the_o conviction_n of_o those_o person_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o christian_n as_o of_o evil_a doer_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o live_v godly_o holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o this_o present_a world_n man_n decry_v it_o as_o lead_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o forbid_v any_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o false_a god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a object_n of_o adoration_n at_o that_o time_n and_o change_v all_o pompous_a external_a ceremony_n into_o a_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a worship_n they_o traduce_v it_o as_o irrational_a and_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n because_o not_o propose_v with_o the_o usual_a ostentation_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n and_o require_v man_n to_o deny_v their_o lust_n conquer_v their_o desire_n and_o sorfake_v their_o most_o darling_a passion_n last_o they_o reject_v it_o as_o impious_a and_o execrable_a as_o a_o unheâ—…rd_n of_o superstition_n and_o a_o fond_a credulity_n because_o they_o know_v not_o those_o argument_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v nor_o consider_v the_o demonstrative_a proof_n which_o recommend_v it_o to_o convince_v the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o these_o man_n the_o apostle_n require_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o so_o whereas_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n lead_v to_o immorality_n nor_o their_o practice_n favour_v it_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o speculative_a science_n mere_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n and_o not_o correct_v our_o error_n but_o as_o a_o operative_a knowledge_n which_o may_v visible_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man._n the_o divinity_n
of_o heathen_a philosopher_n tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o foment_n their_o pride_n and_o create_v in_o they_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n they_o refer_v it_o not_o to_o god_n nor_o employ_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o abate_v not_o their_o passion_n reform_v not_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o visible_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n save_v in_o make_v they_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a the_o constant_a character_n of_o those_o philosopher_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n will_n that_o we_o express_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n nor_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n either_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o understanding_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o expect_v either_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o we_o perpetual_o maintain_v a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o command_v of_o our_o almighty_a lawgiver_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o submission_n that_o we_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a threat_n or_o terror_n nor_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o supine_n negligence_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n but_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n which_o natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o that_o by_o this_o term_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o our_o faith_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o frequent_a acceptation_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o religion_n as_o it_o carry_v eminent_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n on_o many_o other_o account_n so_o chief_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o it_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n i._o if_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n propose_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o exact_o rational_a and_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o consideration_n but_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o no_o more_o than_o two_o as_o i._o christianity_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o secure_v his_o honour_n among_o man_n the_o brimary_n end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v intend_v cither_o to_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n and_o thanks_o which_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o right_a of_o creation_n redemption_n and_o other_o benefit_n require_v or_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n supply_v our_o necessity_n or_o confer_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o these_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o may_v best_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n our_o soul_n alone_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o religion_n can_v alone_o entertain_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o corporeal_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o otherwise_o holy_a or_o to_o be_v account_v of_o than_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o show_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o declare_v its_o thought_n and_o motion_n when_o vehement_a and_o intense_a by_o external_a indication_n all_o other_o voluntary_a external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o inward_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n serve_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o relate_v no_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n if_o we_o real_o employ_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n love_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v his_o justice_n these_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o discover_v themselves_o in_o outward_a act_n and_o gesture_n and_o can_v be_v suppress_v these_o external_a action_n declare_v to_o other_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o tend_v to_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v his_o glory_n but_o deserve_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v regard_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o inward_a piety_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o external_a show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o make_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o any_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o represent_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n by_o corporeal_a symbol_n rather_o than_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a service_n instead_o of_o a_o near_a conformity_n to_o himself_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n such_o a_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v true_a but_o neither_o agrceable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nor_o answer_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n god_n may_v accept_v it_o or_o even_o command_v it_o for_o a_o time_n in_o compassion_n to_o the_o blindness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n not_o capable_a under_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a religion_n but_o can_v never_o intend_v to_o continue_v it_o any_o long_o than_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a and_o open_a revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o the_o heathen_n deserve_v not_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v among_o who_o religious_a worship_n consist_v whole_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o action_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o wash_n and_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n in_o observation_n of_o time_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n which_o although_o they_o serve_v to_o typefie_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o with_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a religion_n yet_o do_v not_o direct_o signify_v any_o inward_a act_n of_o reverence_n piety_n or_o devotion_n nor_o be_v necessary_o accompany_v by_o they_o the_o perpetual_a offering_n of_o carnal_a sacrifice_n alone_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o worship_n since_o therein_o the_o sacrificer_n desire_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v the_o life_n of_o beast_n instead_o of_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n the_o devote_v their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o respect_v no_o ceremonial_a observance_n impose_v on_o we_o nor_o indeed_o any_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n save_v only_o those_o foederal_n rite_n i_o mean_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o
the_o natural_a reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v most_o perfective_a of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v already_o in_o some_o measure_n show_v neither_o be_v they_o contrary_a to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o although_o they_o tend_v to_o abolish_v and_o destroy_v the_o mosaic_a institution_n this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o derogate_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o mosaic_a law_n by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o the_o nonage_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n shall_v come_v but_o which_o clear_v the_o matter_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n god_n have_v express_o foretell_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o dispensation_n and_o institute_v a_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a covenant_n infinite_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a passage_n of_o jeremy_n god_n tell_v they_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o only_o not_o contradict_v the_o jewish_a revelation_n but_o also_o receive_v infinite_a confirmation_n from_o it_o god_n by_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o have_v abundant_o provide_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v unless_o a_o fatal_a blindness_n and_o stupidity_n intervene_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o come_v god_n have_v promise_v his_o come_n to_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v assure_v abraham_n that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o carth_n shall_v be_v bless_v have_v reveal_v to_o jacob_n that_o before_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o sceptre_n from_o judah_n shiloh_n shall_v come_v and_o have_v declare_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o they_o like_v unto_o he_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o all_o this_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o full_a and_o more_o clear_a manifestation_n give_v by_o god_n in_o after_o age_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n choose_v to_o prefigure_v he_o by_o more_o express_a character_n according_a as_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n draw_v more_o near_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n the_o manner_n and_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n the_o manner_n and_o bitterness_n of_o his_o suffering_n the_o triumph_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v so_o plain_o point_v out_o and_o relate_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perverse_a blindness_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o person_n design_v by_o they_o among_o the_o latter_a prophet_n daniel_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o week_n of_o year_n and_o malachi_n the_o last_o of_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v before_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o honour_v it_o with_o his_o presence_n so_o that_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o establish_v the_o christian_a faith_n not_o only_o because_o all_o the_o character_n assign_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o denote_v the_o future_a messiah_n meet_v most_o exact_o in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o because_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o no_o one_o else_o for_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v plain_o expire_v and_o yet_o no_o other_o person_n have_v yet_o appear_v to_o who_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v so_o that_o either_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v whole_o false_a or_o the_o christian_a infallible_o true_a then_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o more_o wonderful_a in_o their_o operation_n more_o beneficial_a in_o their_o nature_n more_o convictive_a of_o their_o divine_a original_a or_o better_o attest_v than_o they_o be_v so_o great_a and_o stupendous_a that_o they_o force_v even_o his_o adversary_n to_o confess_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n as_o he_o convince_v the_o multitude_n that_o even_o when_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v he_o can_v not_o do_v great_a work_n than_o those_o and_o induce_v the_o roman_a centurion_n watch_v at_o his_o cross_n even_o at_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o his_o fortune_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o life_n by_o a_o ignominious_a punishment_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o perform_v once_o or_o twice_o but_o frequent_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n not_o in_o corner_n or_o before_o a_o few_o confident_n but_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o public_a street_n before_o vast_a multitude_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o tend_v not_o so_o much_o to_o raise_v the_o amazement_n and_o astonishment_n of_o spectator_n as_o all_o false_a miracle_n do_v as_o to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n cure_v the_o disease_n and_o procure_v the_o benefit_n of_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o mankind_n and_o therein_o by_o a_o wonderful_a mixture_n of_o wisdom_n serve_v no_o less_o to_o declare_v the_o goodness_n than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v or_o at_o lest_o who_o receive_v instruction_n from_o such_o they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v require_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v wilful_o deceive_v we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n call_v in_o doubt_n and_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o relation_n of_o former_a history_n which_o depend_v upon_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o their_o writer_n yet_o shall_v we_o just_o esteem_v he_o mad_a who_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o person_n as_o caesar_n and_o alexander_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o daily_o regulate_v our_o action_n and_o find_v our_o concern_v upon_o matter_n attest_v with_o no_o better_a proof_n but_o to_o our_o comfort_n and_o entire_a conviction_n christianity_n have_v yet_o much_o great_a evidence_n the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v person_n of_o unquestioned_a integrity_n who_o far_o from_o manage_v any_o worldly_a design_n or_o interest_n in_o this_o matter_n quit_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n undergo_v the_o most_o toilsome_a labour_n and_o misery_n suffer_v punishment_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o at_o last_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v relate_v not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o report_n by_o miracle_n while_o alive_a and_o that_o their_o holiness_n sincerity_n and_o miraculous_a power_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n attest_v for_o some_o age_n after_o by_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o 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tend_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o a_o due_a command_n of_o our_o will._n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o dishonour_v by_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o by_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n by_o deny_v his_o existence_n or_o debase_v his_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o misguide_a reason_n than_o by_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o his_o know_a precept_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will._n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o not_o only_o contribute_v exceed_o but_o in_o person_n have_v mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n and_o secure_a to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o iii_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v afford_v to_o we_o many_o and_o great_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o more_o full_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v every_o new_a discovery_n will_v give_v we_o fresh_a occasion_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n eminent_o conspire_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n it_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o lose_a condition_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v expiate_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o mediate_v his_o pardon_n and_o hereby_o will_v increase_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n will_v enhance_v the_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n teach_v we_o to_o adore_v love_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o saviour_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o belief_n to_o his_o revelation_n as_o to_o our_o prophet_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n once_o make_v and_o intercession_n for_o we_o always_o continue_v by_o he_o as_o of_o our_o high_a priest_n to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o precept_n as_o to_o our_o king_n can_v we_o view_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n both_o to_o secure_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o give_v pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n and_o not_o be_v wind_v up_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n can_v we_o consider_v the_o most_o wise_a method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v this_o wonderful_a design_n to_o perfection_n and_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o through_o all_o age_n can_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n without_o fill_v our_o understanding_n with_o awful_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o our_o will_n with_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o and_o enlarge_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o receive_v his_o influence_n or_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o worthy_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o carry_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o a_o gratitude_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o without_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o design_n and_o excellency_n sure_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a which_o so_o earnest_o press_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v commend_v those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o above_o all_o other_o person_n yet_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o induce_v we_o by_o manifold_a argument_n to_o our_o duty_n yet_o these_o also_o have_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o man_n more_o perfective_a of_o his_o nature_n or_o conduce_v to_o enstate_v he_o in_o the_o great_a happiness_n than_o to_o comprehend_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o entertain_v noble_a conception_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n and_o exalt_a knowledge_n raise_v his_o affection_n to_o a_o vehement_a love_n of_o he_o by_o this_o we_o anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o begin_v to_o possess_v they_o even_o before_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o they_o for_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o fruition_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o study_n of_o these_o sacred_a matter_n be_v esteem_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o pious_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a method_n of_o attain_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n upon_o earth_n even_o under_o the_o old_a law_n when_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o make_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_a observation_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n wherein_o such_o inimitable_a strain_n of_o piety_n devotion_n and_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n appear_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n every_o where_o ascribe_v his_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assiduous_a study_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n i_o will_v thank_v thou_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a heart_n when_o i_o shall_v have_v learn_v the_o judgement_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o i_o remember_v thy_o everlasting_a judgement_n o_o lord_n and_o receive_v comfort_n lord_n what_o love_n have_v i_o unto_o thy_o law_n all_o the_o day_n long_o be_v my_o study_n in_o it_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o throâ—…_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counselor_n see_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o soul_n big_a with_o devotion_n and_o fill_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n manifest_v under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n but_o alas_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v this_o if_o compare_v to_o that_o great_a light_n which_o christianity_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n what_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n may_v not_o we_o now_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a goodness_n not_o under_o a_o veil_n and_o shadow_n 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happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n 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one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o 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divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
if_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o we_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o to_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n yet_o we_o know_v a_o church_n that_o have_v whole_o evacuate_v the_o apostle_n precépt_v by_o inhibit_v to_o private_a christian_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o set_v up_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o aught_o blind_o to_o submit_v that_o use_v her_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o disable_v private_a christian_n from_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o have_v make_v christianity_n irrational_a by_o add_v to_o it_o absurd_a and_o contradictive_a doctrine_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o 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and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o false_a the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o sure_o with_o much_o more_o force_n will_v the_o argument_n fall_v upon_o immoral_a christian_n for_o the_o heathen_a sage_n dissemble_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o direct_v not_o their_o action_n by_o they_o whereas_o these_o public_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a consideration_n that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v deliberate_o violate_v those_o law_n upon_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n to_o depend_v do_v we_o real_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o go_v on_o without_o remorse_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n its_o law_n and_o precept_n be_v we_o persuade_v that_o infinite_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o and_o yet_o prefer_v the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o do_v we_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o please_a sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o however_o we_o may_v pretend_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o all_o these_o article_n yet_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o after_o all_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v believer_n in_o christ_n can_v faith_n save_v we_o no_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n if_o a_o sober_a heathen_a shall_v come_v among_o we_o and_o compare_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o all_o moral_a virtue_n command_v by_o the_o one_o in_o the_o hige_a degree_n and_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o impiety_n intemperance_n lust_n and_o all_o enormous_a vice_n open_o and_o greedy_o practise_v by_o the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o please_a fable_n wherewith_o christian_n sometime_o entertain_v themselves_o a_o ancient_a father_n who_o live_v in_o the_o decline_a time_n of_o christianity_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o heathen_n in_o his_o age_n form_v dishonourable_a thought_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o his_o disciple_n quomodo_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la magister_fw-la cujus_fw-la tam_fw-la malos_fw-la videmus_fw-la discipulos_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v a_o good_a lawgiver_n that_o have_v no_o better_a follower_n how_o can_v his_o law_n be_v excellent_a that_o do_v not_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o their_o professor_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o deplore_v this_o scandal_n in_o nobis_fw-la christus_fw-la opprobrium_fw-la patitur_fw-la thus_o we_o defame_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n dishonour_v our_o saviour_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o our_o life_n let_v we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o they_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o this_o be_v unanswerable_o to_o refute_v our_o argument_n by_o our_o practice_n and_o add_v to_o our_o own_o condemnation_n let_v we_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o profess_v a_o entire_a belief_n of_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 2d_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n the_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o the_o various_a method_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o faculty_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a and_o different_a than_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v employ_v to_o render_v we_o happy_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n induce_v we_o by_o all_o those_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o in_o other_o moral_a action_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o we_o he_o have_v engage_v our_o understanding_n by_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n a_o reasonable_a and_o holy_a religion_n attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v assure_v our_o will_n by_o present_v such_o object_n to_o it_o as_o employ_v every_o single_a passion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n can_v move_v we_o he_o have_v allure_v we_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o fear_n of_o misery_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deter_v we_o from_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n by_o affix_v to_o it_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a punishment_n if_o hope_n can_v excite_v we_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o more_o than_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o love_n can_v affect_v we_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a benefit_n last_o if_o reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o favour_n and_o benefit_n can_v together_o engage_v we_o he_o have_v unite_v all_o in_o one_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o any_o one_o of_o these_o method_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v they_o all_o that_o so_o that_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o most_o delight_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o the_o impemtence_n of_o mankind_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o may_v not_o only_o become_v irrational_a but_o even_o monstrous_a it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v propose_v a_o reasonable_a religion_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o
any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n we_o have_v be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n to_o embrace_v and_o practise_v it_o to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o by_o obey_v they_o we_o may_v have_v procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n many_o duty_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o relation_n which_o we_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o will_v not_o have_v cease_v to_o oblige_v we_o although_o no_o revelation_n have_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o or_o if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reinforce_v these_o duty_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v entail_v any_o reward_n on_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o as_o be_v part_n of_o our_o duty_n antecedent_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n if_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o more_o than_o be_v natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n even_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o laborious_a duty_n he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v it_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n as_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v it_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o mankind_n to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o to_o these_o he_o have_v add_v threat_n and_o punishment_n he_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v abundant_o secure_v mankind_n from_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o command_n since_o none_o but_o the_o most_o stupid_a and_o brutal_a person_n will_v for_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o few_o not_o only_o irrational_a but_o trifle_a vanity_n incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a be_v and_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o vengeance_n or_o if_o to_o action_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n action_n have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o they_o beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o difficulty_n he_o have_v adjoin_v a_o promise_n of_o infinite_a reward_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v omit_v they_o without_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o folly_n when_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o may_v procure_v so_o vast_a a_o reward_n the_o sole_a hope_n of_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o force_v our_o inclination_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n but_o when_o to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o preservation_n he_o have_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o adapt_v those_o revelation_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n when_o he_o have_v urge_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o reveal_v truth_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o punishment_n on_o the_o other_o and_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proceed_v to_o heap_v new_a favour_n on_o we_o entreat_v we_o as_o a_o friend_n bear_v with_o we_o as_o a_o father_n and_o by_o prodigy_n of_o mercy_n lead_v we_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o must_v profess_v ourselves_o astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o so_o stupendous_a a_o goodness_n and_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o unable_a to_o celebrate_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o may_v have_v satisfy_v both_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o require_v of_o we_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n without_o any_o reward_n or_o proportion_v his_o reward_n to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o service_n or_o propose_v both_o reward_n and_o duty_n without_o add_v continue_a act_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n yet_o contribute_v all_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v no_o less_o infinite_a than_o his_o nature_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o who_o when_o it_o be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o appeal_v even_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n as_o he_o do_v sometime_o in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a o_o house_n of_o israel_n choose_v rather_o to_o conquer_v we_o by_o kindness_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o goodness_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o understand_v that_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n xix_o 17._o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o one_o that_o be_v god_n as_o his_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o exercise_v act_n of_o beneficence_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o goodness_n as_o psalm_n lxxiii_o 1._o true_o god_n be_v good_a unto_o israel_n even_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o again_o psalm_n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o his_o goodness_n be_v apt_o express_v by_o the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o former_a attribute_n indeed_o represent_v god_n to_o mankind_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o incit_v brave_a and_o generous_a soul_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v a_o near_a similitude_n and_o conformity_n to_o their_o creator_n the_o imitation_n of_o who_o be_v their_o ùtmost_a perfection_n but_o the_o latter_a chief_o create_v in_o we_o that_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o efficacious_a principle_n of_o all_o religious_a action_n by_o represent_v to_o we_o his_o infinite_a affection_n to_o mankind_n his_o benefactive_a nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n which_o even_o although_o we_o forget_v our_o duty_n and_o neglect_v our_o interest_n can_v but_o excite_v a_o lively_a senfe_fw-mi of_o gratitude_n in_o we_o and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o beneficence_n and_o indulgence_n of_o god_n be_v design_v in_o the_o text_n by_o the_o term_n goodness_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a whereby_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o inflict_v the_o deserve_a punishment_n upon_o sinner_n but_o withhold_v his_o anger_n and_o patient_o await_v their_o repentance_n whereby_o he_o do_v not_o present_o revenge_v the_o injury_n and_o affront_v do_v to_o his_o law_n and_o person_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o compassionate_v our_o nature_n and_o at_o all_o time_n reserve_v mercy_n for_o penitent_a sinner_n a_o attribute_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v render_v god_n more_o amiable_a and_o dear_a unto_o we_o or_o more_o effectual_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v not_o the_o perverseness_n of_o mankind_n no_o less_o infinite_a than_o his_o goodness_n yet_o do_v many_o in_o that_o age_n and_o as_o i_o fear_v more_o in_o our_o time_n make_v a_o contrary_a use_n of_o this_o goodness_n by_o thence_o take_v encouragement_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o see_v not_o vengeance_n to_o be_v speedy_o execute_v and_o experience_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o from_o these_o attribute_n infer_v a_o contrary_a conclusion_n to_o what_o they_o have_v form_v namely_o that_o this_o aught_o rather_o to_o dispose_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n by_o enforce_v all_o other_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n of_o gratitude_n which_o be_v violate_v in_o a_o most_o enormous_a manner_n by_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o a_o contrary_a intent_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n in_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v and_o improve_v the_o apostle_n argument_n by_o consider_v it_o as_o well_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o influence_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o all_o our_o action_n in_o general_a as_o in_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n in_o particular_a in_o discourse_v of_o the_o first_o head_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o proposition_n i._o that_o gratitude_n or_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n
that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v on_o the_o cross_n may_v confess_v and_o firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n be_v bury_v and_o rise_v again_o but_o then_o i_o fear_v this_o remembrance_n will_v without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o commemorative_a rite_n which_o god_n ordain_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o the_o complete_a manifestation_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n become_v pure_o historical_a and_o have_v little_a influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n and_o contribute_v much_o less_o to_o excite_v that_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o direction_n who_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o this_o be_v best_a procure_v by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o most_o holy_a mystery_n where_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o significant_a manner_n represent_v to_o we_o where_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a apply_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o where_o every_o single_a communicant_a may_v behold_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n break_v and_o his_o bloodshed_n for_o he_o and_o by_o descend_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o form_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o benefit_n which_o will_v then_o only_o appear_v infinite_a and_o transcendent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a and_o may_v be_v productive_a of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o can_v but_o raise_v the_o utmost_a affection_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o create_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n as_o shall_v not_o easy_o expire_v but_o endeavour_v to_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o those_o action_n which_o shall_v be_v judge_v acceptable_a to_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n while_o the_o lively_a memory_n of_o those_o benefit_n continue_v which_o shall_v ever_o continue_v if_o often_o repair_v renew_v and_o increase_v by_o a_o frequent_a participation_n in_o that_o solemn_a act_n of_o their_o commemoration_n how_o great_a therefore_o be_v the_o prudence_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a time_n which_o repeat_v that_o commemoration_n every_o day_n and_o when_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n permit_v not_o that_o at_o least_o every_o sunday_n and_o esteem_v every_o baptize_v person_n who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n omit_v constant_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o it_o to_o have_v by_o that_o intermission_n fall_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o produce_v and_o secure_v that_o last_a gratitude_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o grand_a motive_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n permit_v not_o their_o zeal_n to_o grow_v cold_a and_o continue_v the_o same_o heat_n of_o devotion_n among_o they_o as_o if_o their_o saviour_n have_v be_v yet_o present_a with_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o deplore_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o ancient_a time_n and_o yet_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o they_o raise_v and_o foment_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o therein_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o so_o much_o celebrate_v piety_n we_o be_v equal_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o benefit_n we_o no_o less_o firm_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o than_o they_o do_v we_o no_o less_o passionate_o desire_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o have_v all_o other_o mean_n of_o instruction_n equal_o afford_v to_o we_o we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o have_v the_o same_o innate_a generous_a inclination_n of_o mind_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v no_o lef_n abound_v to_o we_o and_o the_o same_o reward_n do_v yet_o attend_v we_o how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o can_v equal_v their_o piety_n and_o holiness_n that_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o come_v so_o far_o beneath_o the_o example_n of_o those_o holy_a person_n that_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o a_o different_a religion_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o another_o master_n this_o can_v rational_o be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o to_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o those_o assistance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n bequeath_v to_o we_o of_o which_o the_o chief_a and_o infinite_o great_a be_v the_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n whereby_o that_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n in_o reveal_v religion_n i_o mean_v gratitude_n may_v be_v produce_v keep_v alive_a and_o receive_v continual_a accession_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n this_o to_o the_o no_o less_o scandal_n than_o prejudice_n of_o christianity_n have_v in_o latter_a age_n be_v fatal_o neglect_v and_o discontinue_v reduce_v to_o some_o few_o season_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o year_n and_o then_o perform_v by_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o several_a congregation_n a_o abuse_n which_o perhaps_o can_v be_v equal_v in_o any_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n which_o ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o primary_n and_o essential_a rite_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v general_o omit_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o it_o just_o therefore_o do_v it_o turn_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o general_n that_o it_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n remove_v this_o abuse_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o more_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n over_o all_o christendom_n which_o before_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v by_o long_a disuse_n almost_o become_v unknown_a for_o as_o for_o their_o constant_a private_a mass_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v pretend_v for_o their_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a most_o certain_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o conduce_v to_o commemorate_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n just_o also_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a which_o after_o a_o lamentable_a and_o universal_a disuse_n of_o these_o holy_a mystery_n introduce_v in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n have_v happy_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o they_o renew_v frequent_a communion_n and_o enjoy_v numerous_a communicant_n may_v pastor_n and_o people_n conspire_v to_o make_v this_o excellent_a custom_n become_v universal_a that_o so_o at_o last_o we_o may_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o see_v this_o church_n equal_v the_o apostolic_a time_n in_o zeal_n and_o piety_n as_o it_o do_v in_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n but_o i_o return_v to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o my_o text_n although_o even_o this_o conduce_v mighty_o to_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o argument_n now_o in_o hand_n and_o have_v sufficient_o manifest_v that_o gratitude_n or_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v to_o we_o the_o grand_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o ii_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a motive_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v for_o that_o purpose_n which_o however_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v this_o motive_n be_v before_o all_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o infallible_a wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o to_o salvation_n yet_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o then_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o force_n of_o goodness_n in_o general_n and_o how_o prevalent_a the_o obligation_n of_o benefit_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a of_o all_o argument_n nothing_o be_v so_o amiable_a and_o persuasive_a as_o this_o virtue_n of_o beneficence_n which_o carry_v invincible_a charm_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v great_a conquest_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o all_o the_o force_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n other_o virtue_n may_v create_v a_o veneration_n some_o a_o fear_n and_o other_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o persection_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o but_o this_o alone_a produce_v love_n the_o most_o active_a principle_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o god_n there_o be_v many_o attribute_n which_o may_v confound_v the_o apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o eternity_n and_o omnipresence_n other_o which_o may_v create_v awful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o as_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o omniscience_n and_o some_o which_o may_v produce_v
reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o will_v natural_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o liberality_n without_o these_o man_n will_v esteem_v his_o worship_n both_o unprofitable_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o think_v themselves_o little_o concern_v in_o the_o adoration_n ofhim_n from_o who_o they_o neither_o receive_v nor_o expect_v any_o good_n the_o benefit_n indeed_o of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n if_o man_n will_v due_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o introduce_v and_o secure_v the_o constant_a worship_n of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o little_o consider_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o inanimate_a being_n and_o require_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n as_o who_o alone_o can_v render_v worship_n and_o honour_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o conserve_v a_o grateful_a esteem_n of_o their_o benesactor_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n which_o chief_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o make_v our_o address_n to_o he_o so_o it_o be_v the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o the_o supply_n of_o those_o want_v which_o move_v we_o to_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o it_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n will_v be_v lose_v among_o man_n and_o religion_n vanish_v into_o unaccountable_a superstition_n if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o worship_v god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o suppose_a benefit_n insomuch_o as_o the_o heathen_n enjoy_v no_o peculiar_a benefit_n of_o god_n worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n those_o man_n who_o they_o fancy_v when_o alive_a to_o have_v be_v their_o great_a benefactor_n they_o do_v equal_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o act_v xvii_o 28._o acknowledge_v that_o in_o god_n they_o do_v live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v but_o the_o want_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n confer_v on_o they_o occasion_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o true_a notion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n not_o necessary_o indeed_o for_o than_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inexcusable_a but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n than_o mature_a judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o being_n more_o affect_v with_o the_o visible_a benefit_n of_o mortal_a man_n than_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o god_n which_o however_o infinite_o surpass_v the_o other_o yet_o be_v not_o perceive_v by_o sense_n they_o forget_v their_o creator_n and_o imagine_v beneficence_n to_o be_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o deity_n rank_v among_o the_o god_n their_o sellow_a creature_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n these_o they_o worship_v with_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n which_o however_o be_v in_o they_o direct_v to_o false_a object_n tend_v to_o their_o condemnation_n yet_o may_v just_o make_v we_o ashamed_a who_o incite_v by_o infinite_a benefit_n and_o allure_v by_o subsequent_a reward_n render_v not_o those_o duty_n of_o gratitude_n to_o a_o object_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n worthy_a of_o adoration_n which_o they_o return_v to_o mortal_a man_n for_o petty_a inconsiderable_a favour_n they_o be_v content_a even_o to_o debase_v their_o nature_n and_o stoop_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o fellow_n creature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v in_o return_v thanks_o for_o slight_a and_o temporal_a obligation_n and_o we_o can_v scarce_o be_v induce_v by_o infinite_a benefit_n to_o pay_v that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n to_o our_o creator_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o on_o many_o other_o account_v also_o for_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o our_o gratitude_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n that_o it_o can_v be_v excessive_a or_o degenerate_a into_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n while_o pay_v to_o the_o true_a god_n who_o deserve_v the_o most_o profound_a subjection_n and_o high_a adoration_n from_o we_o even_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o benefit_n for_o which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o the_o utmost_a transport_n of_o gratitude_n that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o awaken_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o wonderful_a act_n of_o bounty_n and_o lay_v new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o lest_o we_o shall_v forget_v the_o old_a that_o he_o shall_v condescend_v to_o conquer_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o mankind_n by_o heap_v new_a benefit_n upon_o we_o and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o true_a knowledge_n by_o strike_v our_o sense_n with_o amaze_a act_n of_o mercy_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a revelation_n make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o extraordinary_a argument_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o that_o people_n unto_o who_o those_o revelation_n be_v make_v which_o may_v raise_v their_o apprehension_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o consider_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o gratitude_n to_o pay_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n thus_o god_n have_v new_o create_v adam_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o creature_n and_o seat_v he_o in_o paradise_n when_o he_o make_v know_v to_o he_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n he_o have_v assure_v abraham_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o continue_a train_n of_o stupendous_a blessing_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o or_o require_v he_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n in_o his_o circumcision_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n upon_o mount_n sina_n be_v the_o most_o express_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o deliver_v until_o god_n have_v abundant_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o bear_v unto_o they_o by_o work_a sign_n and_o miracle_n in_o their_o behalf_n in_o egypt_n bring_v they_o out_o thence_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n drown_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o miraculousty_a nourish_a themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n such_o amaze_a prodigy_n of_o particular_a kindness_n can_v not_o but_o unite_v they_o to_o god_n their_o benefactor_n in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o amid_o all_o their_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n force_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v adore_v who_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n although_o their_o ignorance_n and_o proneness_n to_o superstition_n often_o betray_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a his_o nature_n and_o displease_v to_o he_o insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o when_o they_o commit_v that_o foul_a apostasy_n relate_v in_o the_o xxxii_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o worship_v god_n under_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o melt_a calf_n they_o still_o forget_v not_o that_o benefit_n but_o direct_v their_o worship_n to_o he_o chief_o upon_o that_o account_n say_v these_o be_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n ver._n 4._o and_o when_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o same_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v retain_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o who_o in_o his_o triennial_n preach_v precede_a his_o crucifixion_n and_o final_a completion_n of_o his_o office_n upon_o earth_n go_v about_o do_v good_a heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v demoniac_n and_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n and_o sense_n to_o unhappy_a person_n who_o before_o want_v they_o these_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v likewise_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o perform_v they_o but_o since_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o his_o person_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o far_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o miracle_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o attestation_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n intention_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n feem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o and_o excite_v their_o
gratitude_n by_o their_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n for_o among_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o above_o three_o or_o four_o can_v be_v find_v which_o do_v not_o immediate_o respect_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o infirmity_n the_o relief_n of_o the_o want_v or_o in_o general_a the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n that_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o than_o second_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o manifest_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n how_o much_o great_a influence_n they_o deserve_o challenge_v than_o any_o other_o benefit_n so_o true_o infinite_a and_o exceed_v our_o comprehension_n that_o god_n may_v just_o make_v that_o appeal_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n v._o ver._n 3_o 4._o and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_n i_o pray_v you_o betwixt_o i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o so_o studious_o hathgod_n endeavour_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n os_fw-la mankind_n by_o all_o thoseobligation_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o it_o every_o one_o of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n may_v challenge_v the_o most_o exalt_a gratitude_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o afford_v we_o entertainment_n for_o admiration_n as_o well_o as_o love_n for_o to_o omit_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o peculiar_a one_o of_o redemption_n and_o sanctification_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o gloâ—…y_n i_o will_v consider_v only_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v my_o text_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long_a suffering_n whereby_o he_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n or_o possibility_n of_o reformation_n leave_v prolong_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n give_v â—…s_a space_n for_o repentance_n and_o gentle_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o a_o mercy_n which_o may_v just_o alone_o incline_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o henceforward_o devote_v our_o life_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o forfeit_v to_o his_o justice_n have_v be_v as_o often_o remit_v by_o his_o mercy_n a_o virtue_n which_o have_v be_v always_o wont_a beyond_o other_o to_o win_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o have_v ancient_o procure_v to_o the_o most_o admire_a prince_n the_o title_n of_o father_n of_o their_o country_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o mankind_n in_o they_o it_o be_v esteem_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o to_o deserve_v from_o posterity_n the_o most_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n to_o pardon_v their_o conquer_a enemy_n remit_v the_o offence_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o defer_v the_o execution_n of_o justice_n until_o the_o criminal_a shall_v appear_v incorrigible_a but_o alas_o how_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a be_v these_o act_n of_o clemency_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o divine_a forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a where_o the_o person_n offend_v be_v of_o infinite_a worth_n and_o dignity_n and_o author_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a benefit_n who_o be_v able_a to_o strike_v the_o sinner_n dead_a in_o a_o moment_n and_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n by_o a_o single_a nod_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v repeat_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o very_o often_o perhaps_o every_o day_n and_o moment_n and_o that_o by_o inconsiderable_a creature_n who_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o dependent_n of_o his_o power_n and_o unable_a to_o render_v any_o service_n to_o he_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o interest_n or_o augment_v his_o greatness_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n and_o resolution_n of_o extreme_a gratitude_n a_o condemn_a person_n will_v receive_v his_o prince_n pardon_n and_o if_o the_o same_o affection_n do_v not_o seize_v we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o view_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o life_n and_o consider_v the_o offer_n of_o pardon_n make_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o repentance_n if_o we_o do_v not_o with_o equal_a gratitude_n resent_v the_o remission_n of_o every_o single_a sin_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n which_o can_v be_v convince_v by_o sense_n that_o heinous_a offence_n may_v forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n but_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n that_o more_o heinous_a sin_n do_v forfeit_v they_o to_o the_o divine_a justice_n but_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o believe_v they_o be_v create_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o honour_n god_n by_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n that_o even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o commission_n of_o sin_n render_v we_o obnoxious_a to_o undergo_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o whatsoever_o way_n that_o may_v be_v inflict_v on_o we_o but_o that_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o christianity_n every_o single_a sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n subject_n we_o to_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o in_o that_o to_o eternal_a punishment_n how_o infinite_o therefore_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o celebrate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o immâ—…diately_o pour_v out_o his_o wrath_n upon_o we_o but_o patient_o await_v our_o repentance_n and_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o re-admit_a we_o to_o his_o favour_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o love_a kindness_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o the_o action_n of_o mankind_n passionate_o wish_v that_o by_o our_o repentance_n we_o will_v capacitate_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v his_o favour_n for_o thus_o psalm_n lxxxi_o 14_o 15._o he_o testify_v how_o delightful_a it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o he_o to_o continue_v his_o favour_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n if_o their_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n have_v not_o render_v it_o incongruous_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o do_v it_o o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o for_o if_o israel_n have_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v soon_o have_v put_v down_o their_o enemy_n and_o turn_v my_o hand_n against_o their_o adversary_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n esai_n xlviii_o 17_o 18._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o teach_v thou_o to_o profit_n which_o lead_v thou_o by_o the_o way_n that_o thou_o shall_v go_v o_o that_o thou_o have_v hearken_v to_o my_o commandment_n then_o peace_n have_v be_v as_o a_o river_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o name_v no_o more_o passage_n of_o this_o nature_n how_o passionate_a be_v that_o protestation_n of_o god_n ezek._n xxxiii_o 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o you_o house_n of_o israel_n this_o carne_a desire_n of_o god_n that_o by_o repentance_n we_o will_v qualify_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v his_o mercy_n can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n and_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o since_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a glory_n than_o act_n of_o mercy_n do_v and_o thus_o it_o again_o appear_v that_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v srom_o the_o divine_a benefit_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n since_o his_o benefit_n be_v infinite_a and_o transcendent_a may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v to_o produce_v a_o suitable_a and_o not_o inferior_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n but_o then_o far_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a benefit_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o great_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o whole_o undeserved_a by_o we_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o raise_v the_o esteem_n of_o their_o excellency_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o amplify_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n the_o psalmist_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o this_o consideration_n when_o compare_v the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o the_o
greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n confer_v on_o he_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o regard_v he_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n rom._n v._n 8._o for_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v scarce_o will_v any_o other_o confer_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n upon_o any_o one_o however_o punctual_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o juftice_n and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o those_o office_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o he_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o one_o who_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n do_v more_o than_o be_v in_o common_a justice_n require_v some_o man_n induce_v by_o a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n will_v not_o fear_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o incomparable_a greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o while_o we_o far_o from_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n much_o less_o from_o do_v more_o than_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o we_o have_v by_o our_o sin_n provoke_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o proclaim_v ourselves_o enemy_n to_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o die_v for_o we_o if_o we_o apply_v this_o argument_n to_o our_o own_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o divine_a benefit_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o very_o cogent_a for_o if_o for_o a_o good_a although_o not_o for_o a_o just_a man_n some_o will_v out_o of_o gratitude_n even_o dare_v to_o die_v what_o ought_v not_o we_o to_o do_v for_o god_n who_o by_o his_o superabundant_a goodness_n have_v so_o far_o exceed_v what_o he_o owe_v to_o we_o in_o justice_n that_o the_o latter_a hold_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o former_a in_o strict_a propriety_n of_o speech_n he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o we_o since_o our_o creation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o although_o when_o once_o create_v he_o can_v without_o injustice_n necessitate_v we_o to_o be_v miserable_a or_o lie_v great_a evil_n upon_o we_o without_o respect_n to_o our_o demerit_n than_o what_o may_v be_v countervail_v by_o the_o happiness_n necessary_o flow_v from_o our_o existence_n yet_o be_v this_o owe_v rather_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n than_o to_o any_o right_n acquire_v by_o we_o but_o then_o the_o undeserved_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o we_o be_v great_a than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v and_o hold_v no_o proportion_n with_o any_o thing_n save_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o be_v no_o less_o than_o redemption_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o what_o can_v we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o to_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o in_o his_o sight_n be_v dust_n and_o ash_n not_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o miserable_o debase_v by_o sinsul_n habit_n not_o our_o righteousness_n or_o piety_n which_o be_v infinite_o inferior_a to_o our_o demerit_n and_o although_o most_o perfect_a yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o our_o duty_n not_o the_o ability_n of_o magnify_v the_o persection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o celebrate_v his_o majesty_n for_o that_o be_v infinite_a already_o and_o can_v receive_v no_o addition_n from_o our_o imperfect_a praise_n the_o angel_n be_v much_o more_o fit_v by_o the_o exâ—…lency_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o persorm_v that_o office_n as_o haâ—…ing_v more_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o â—…eing_v able_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o spirituality_n to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o he_o without_o intermission_n yet_o obtain_v not_o they_o the_o same_o favour_n with_o mankind_n nor_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n for_o they_o after_o apostasy_n he_o receive_v not_o to_o mercy_n but_o the_o angel_n which_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o leave_v their_o own_o habitation_n he_o have_v reserve_v in_o everlasting_a chain_n under_o darkness_n unto_o the_o judement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n judas_n vi._n it_o be_v man_n alone_o who_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o darling_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o to_o have_v try_v how_o far_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o oblige_v his_o creature_n by_o undeserved_a benefit_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o this_o consideration_n can_v but_o strike_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n that_o in_o dispense_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n he_o weigh_v not_o our_o merit_n but_o choose_v to_o make_v know_v his_o power_n in_o our_o weakness_n a_o consideration_n which_o may_v just_o find_v matter_n of_o astonishmeâ—…t_n for_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o work_v up_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o gratitude_n constrain_v we_o to_o obedience_n wise_o therefore_o do_v moses_n so_o much_o inculcate_v it_o in_o the_o ix_o of_o deuteronomy_n where_o aggraâ—…ating_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o wonderful_a and_o numerous_a benefit_n he_o charge_v they_o to_o remember_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v undeserved_a speak_v not_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o canaanite_n from_o before_o thou_o say_v for_o my_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n have_v bring_v i_o to_o possess_v this_o land_n not_o for_o thy_o righteousness_n or_o for_o the_o uprightness_n of_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o go_v to_o possess_v their_o land_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o nation_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n do_v drive_v they_o out_o from_o before_o thou_o and_o that_o he_o may_v perform_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o thy_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o the_o divine_a benefit_n ought_v to_o appear_v infinite_a unto_o we_o and_o create_v a_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o thankfulness_n bâ—…cause_n they_o be_v undeserved_a by_o we_o last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o no_o argument_n so_o effectual_a can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o this_o of_o gratitude_n the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v no_o otherwise_o move_v than_o by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o have_v not_o so_o far_o improuâ—…d_v their_o reason_n as_o to_o conceive_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o sensible_a object_n these_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o visible_a and_o most_o remarkable_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n by_o these_o as_o man_n be_v chief_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n so_o they_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v he_o worship_n and_o adoration_n to_o this_o purpose_n no_o action_n of_o god_n be_v so_o adapt_v as_o those_o which_o declare_v his_o beneficence_n and_o liberality_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o other_o action_n indeed_o may_v equal_o manifest_v his_o nature_n if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o but_o these_o few_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o meditation_n man_n seldom_o consider_v god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o relation_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o want_v some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o excite_v their_o attâ—…ntion_n and_o entertain_v their_o consideration_n these_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n make_v the_o deep_a impression_n on_o our_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o continue_v long_a in_o our_o mâ—…mories_n so_o that_o if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o be_v once_o effaced_a we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v all_o other_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n to_o have_v be_v long_o before_o forget_v and_o according_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o express_v the_o final_a apostasy_n of_o man_n from_o religion_n by_o their_o forget_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n thus_o judge_n ii_o after_o it_o have_v be_v say_v verse_n 7._o that_o the_o people_n serve_v god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o do_v for_o israel_n it_o be_v subjoin_v verse_n 10._o that_o when_o all_o that_o generation_n be_v dead_a there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o
imagine_v that_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n riches_n and_o majesty_n do_v more_o become_v the_o messiah_n than_o humility_n and_o affliction_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o respect_n to_o their_o conducement_n to_o some_o better_a end_n which_o in_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o it_o by_o his_o death_n to_o his_o offend_a father_n to_o the_o latter_a contempt_n affliction_n and_o suffer_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o the_o former_a high_o convenient_a for_o since_o our_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v the_o error_n of_o mankind_n by_o his_o infallible_a doctrine_n and_o atone_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o by_o his_o passion_n but_o also_o to_o deliver_v to_o we_o a_o most_o complete_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v high_o expedient_a that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v teach_v man_n by_o his_o own_o example_n patient_o to_o endure_v affliction_n undergo_v poverty_n with_o contentment_n and_o not_o be_v affright_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n from_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n no_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_a to_o induce_v man_n to_o admit_v riches_n pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n but_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o generous_a and_o unrepining_a mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o the_o example_n of_o god_n incarnate_a can_v persuade_v they_o the_o manner_n wherein_o god_n choose_v to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n may_v perhaps_o seem_v strange_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v different_a from_o that_o wherein_o the_o law_n be_v reveal_v on_o mount_n sina_n but_o far_o from_o appear_v incredible_a ought_v rather_o to_o have_v seem_v more_o congruous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n certain_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a bounty_n and_o clemency_n to_o mankind_n require_v not_o to_o be_v reveal_v in_o such_o a_o terrible_a manner_n as_o the_o law_n which_o be_v employ_v rather_o in_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n than_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n which_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o may_v declare_v the_o clemency_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o its_o author_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n not_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n as_o if_o act_n of_o mercy_n do_v not_o equal_o declare_v his_o nature_n and_o lay_v a_o far_o great_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n upon_o we_o or_o if_o act_v of_o power_n must_v be_v employ_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v high_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n they_o be_v far_o more_o numerous_a and_o wonderful_a in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o law_n not_o so_o amaze_a but_o more_o divine_a not_o so_o terrible_a but_o more_o illustrious_a the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v wont_a to_o require_v a_o sign_n as_o the_o last_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o since_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o miracle_n be_v frequent_o wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o no_o other_o than_o either_o that_o great_a and_o final_a miracle_n which_o they_o vain_o expect_v from_o the_o messiah_n the_o restitution_n of_o their_o nation_n to_o its_o temporal_a happiness_n or_o perform_v a_o miracle_n as_o often_o as_o every_o single_a person_n shall_v desire_v it_o for_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o rely_v more_o upon_o miracle_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o never_o urge_v their_o authority_n to_o the_o jew_n without_o some_o concomitant_a miracle_n in_o whethersoever_o of_o these_o sâ—…nses_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_n obstinate_o to_o require_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a or_o impertinent_a for_o will_v it_o not_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o violate_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n to_o gratify_v either_o a_o false_a opinion_n or_o a_o fond_a desire_n the_o restitution_n of_o liberty_n be_v never_o promise_v from_o the_o mâ—…ssias_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o vain_a expect_v from_o he_o the_o prophecy_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o need_v not_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o constant_a miracle_n and_o to_o gratify_v the_o idle_a curiosity_n of_o every_o petulant_a humour_n by_o work_a miracle_n as_o often_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v will_v be_v such_o a_o trifle_a extravagance_n as_o will_v more_o effectual_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o all_o his_o miracle_n will_v confirm_v it_o or_o if_o a_o constant_a uniform_a miracle_n attend_v the_o publication_n of_o christianity_n will_v satisfy_v such_o man_n as_o sure_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o may_v discover_v one_o in_o that_o very_a circumstance_n which_o they_o use_v to_o enforce_v their_o objection_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v successful_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n who_o can_v neither_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o crafty_a artifice_n of_o rhetoric_n or_o insinuation_n nor_o delude_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o name_n a_o circumstance_n which_o unanswerable_o argue_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o assistance_n to_o have_v attend_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o auditor_n and_o then_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o use_v this_o method_n than_o those_o illustrious_a advantage_n which_o it_o administer_v to_o the_o design_a end_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o not_o only_a may_v the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n even_o of_o the_o learned_a world_n wrought_v by_o such_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n convince_v all_o sober_a person_n of_o somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a direct_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o but_o also_o this_o method_n admirable_o conduce_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o destroy_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v be_v qualify_v for_o such_o a_o office_n by_o acquire_v learning_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v ascribe_v their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n to_o their_o own_o sagacity_n not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o success_n to_o their_o own_o prudence_n not_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o further_o may_v have_v induce_v man_n to_o have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o sophistry_n and_o insinuation_n of_o its_o teacher_n not_o the_o power_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o found_v it_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n and_o by_o show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o employ_v unlearned_a person_n defeat_v a_o like_a objection_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n but_o then_o what_o the_o jew_n admit_v that_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n theseman_n deny_v trust_v to_o the_o suppose_a excellency_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o able_a by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n herein_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o they_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o scorn_n idiot_n and_o barbarian_n for_o these_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o failure_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o willing_o admit_v a_o remedy_n whereas_o those_o disow_v all_o disease_n neglect_v the_o cure_n of_o it_o sure_o no_o great_a reason_n be_v require_v to_o confute_v these_o men._n for_o be_v it_o unworthy_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o assist_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o supernatural_a revelation_n even_o although_o it_o may_v although_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a this_o none_o will_v say_v or_o be_v it_o unbefitting_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o unlearned_a person_n by_o revelation_n although_o most_o learned_a man_n may_v not_o want_v it_o this_o can_v be_v doubt_v or_o if_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v can_v it_o be_v do_v in_o any_o more_o prudent_a and_o rational_a manner_n than_o be_v christianity_n this_o none_o will_v affirm_v so_o then_o the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n
of_o it_o to_o all_o person_n without_o distinction_n the_o most_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o ignorant_a be_v no_o less_o apparent_a for_o however_o these_o philosopher_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o their_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a they_o profess_v indeed_o a_o science_n of_o divine_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o include_v only_o unuseful_a and_o ofttimes_o absurd_a notion_n which_o be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o those_o as_o numerous_a as_o the_o whimsy_n of_o ambitious_a man_n and_o all_o deride_v by_o a_o powerful_a and_o learned_a sect_n which_o deny_v any_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o religion_n yet_o be_v it_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o conjecture_n than_o certainty_n which_o therefore_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n nor_o afford_v any_o other_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a state_n than_o what_o be_v found_v only_o on_o faint_a wish_n and_o uncertain_a desire_n such_o as_o will_v never_o induce_v they_o to_o forego_v their_o life_n or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o temporal_a happiness_n rather_o than_o renounce_v it_o or_o give_v they_o entire_a assurance_n of_o any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n if_o to_o pretend_v that_o revelation_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o unuseful_a to_o they_o be_v frivolous_a and_o irrational_a in_o these_o heathen_a philosopher_n much_o more_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o arraign_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o its_o simplicity_n which_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n not_o appropriate_v it_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o philosopher_n only_o by_o propose_v abstruse_a contemplation_n and_o nice_a subtlety_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o unlearned_a person_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o christianity_n be_v by_o they_o account_v folly_n as_o be_v hereby_o become_v the_o portion_n of_o repute_a fool_n as_o well_o as_o the_o science_n of_o those_o who_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o condemn_v the_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o superciliousness_n of_o such_o man_n who_o either_o than_o do_v endeavour_v to_o engross_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n or_o now_o do_v true_a belief_n and_o salvation_n to_o themselves_o only_o religion_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n not_o of_o any_o sect_n or_o denomination_n of_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a party_n who_o by_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o they_o nothing_o therefore_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o declare_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o befit_v the_o holiness_n and_o beneficence_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o the_o generous_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o equal_o admit_v all_o man_n and_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o distinction_n in_o person_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o their_o more_fw-mi or_o less_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o it_o impose_v no_o necessary_a duty_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o what_o be_v command_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o observe_v no_o other_o sacrament_n or_o ceremony_n than_o what_o be_v easy_a and_o significant_a few_o and_o instructive_a and_o if_o this_o must_v be_v account_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n have_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n degenerate_v dislike_a divine_a truth_n because_o rational_a plain_a and_o obvious_a it_o have_v indeed_o be_v a_o common_a mistake_n to_o despise_v all_o doctrine_n recommend_v with_o these_o excellent_a quality_n and_o because_o lie_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a multitude_n and_o to_o pronounce_v they_o foolish_a as_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n in_o the_o text_n account_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v foolishness_n because_o of_o its_o simplicity_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o prejudice_n as_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o most_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v a_o mistake_v however_o to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o humanenature_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o affect_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n but_o also_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o disdain_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o simple_a and_o easy_a religion_n either_o add_v abstruse_a and_o sometime_o incredible_a article_n to_o it_o or_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o artificial_a science_n involve_v in_o the_o most_o perplex_a and_o intricate_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v to_o propose_v and_o deliver_v it_o in_o a_o enthusiastic_a stile_n in_o wild_a and_o undigested_a conception_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o confider_v our_o obligation_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o objection_n and_o the_o scandal_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o open_o to_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n for_o however_o it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n we_o still_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v be_v neither_o scandalize_v at_o the_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n nor_o delude_v by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o which_o two_o head_n i_o will_v brief_o speak_v to_o first_o then_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n if_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n continue_v not_o only_o in_o ignorance_n of_o it_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o appear_v to_o some_o incredible_a and_o the_o manner_n propose_v it_o ridiculous_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o scandalize_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v either_o less_o plain_a or_o less_o certain_a we_o all_o know_v mankind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o experience_n the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o prone_a all_o man_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o than_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n oppose_v and_o restrain_v these_o unruly_a passion_n we_o shall_v cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o its_o rejection_n and_o contradiction_n god_n have_v indeed_o set_v his_o reveal_v truth_n in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n but_o still_o leave_v our_o will_n in_o its_o full_a liberty_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v place_n either_o for_o reward_n of_o belief_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o contrary_n not_o that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n incredible_a or_o extraordinary_a not_o that_o we_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o be_v more_o credulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n or_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n reject_v as_o foolish_a or_o monstrous_a our_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n than_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o rational_a as_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o attribute_n of_o veracity_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o strange_a expression_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n certain_a credible_a and_o meritorious_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v foolish_a incredible_a and_o impossible_a that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o christian_a confidence_n and_o that_o god_n therefore_o choose_v this_o way_n that_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v retaliate_v to_o man_n the_o impudence_n of_o idolatry_n in_o which_o they_o have_v voluntary_o engage_v themselves_o by_o the_o impudence_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o they_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o just_o may_v christianity_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n and_o bless_v be_v that_o holy_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o which_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o assâ—…nt_v to_o although_o no_o reward_n attend_v the_o assent_n in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o
the_o natural_a course_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v observe_v thus_o far_o the_o divine_a decree_n be_v unquestionable_a and_o secure_a from_o all_o objection_n but_o then_o the_o reveal_v history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o include_v some_o apparent_a show_n of_o injustice_n which_o may_v induce_v inconsider_v person_n to_o accuse_v god_n of_o overmuch_a rigour_n and_o even_o tyranny_n in_o condemn_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n for_o the_o single_a fault_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o extend_v the_o punishment_n of_o that_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n which_o be_v yet_o unborn_a and_o therefore_o whole_o innocent_a of_o it_o a_o proceed_n and_o manner_n of_o judicature_n which_o will_v appear_v harsh_a and_o even_o cruel_a among_o man_n especial_o as_o it_o have_v be_v erroneous_o represent_v by_o many_o writer_n and_o divine_n who_o endeavour_v to_o amplify_v the_o unlimited_a power_n of_o god_n and_o meanness_n of_o man_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o herein_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n that_o he_o create_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o make_v they_o miserable_a and_o to_o show_v forth_o in_o their_o punishment_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o that_o in_o punish_v the_o fall_n of_o adam_n he_o subject_v his_o whole_a posterity_n not_o only_o to_o temporal_a but_o eternal_a death_n this_o will_v indeed_o effectual_o declare_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o power_n as_o will_v be_v odious_a and_o intolerable_a unjust_a and_o tyrannical_a far_o unbecoming_a the_o purity_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v it_o become_v we_o to_o entertain_v more_o noble_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o not_o fancy_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o arbitrary_a punishment_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n to_o vindicate_v therefore_o these_o divine_a attribute_n in_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n to_o form_v a_o universal_a decree_n of_o death_n to_o all_o his_o posterity_n it_o will_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o before_o i_o pass_v any_o further_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o compound_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v mortal_a and_o subject_a to_o dissolution_n as_o all_o compound_a body_n be_v it_o be_v our_o soul_n alone_o which_o be_v immaterial_a and_o void_a of_o all_o composition_n can_v promise_v to_o itself_o a_o immortal_a state_n and_o that_o no_o long_o than_o while_o it_o please_v god_n that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n shall_v be_v observe_v death_n then_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o our_o constitution_n even_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n from_o which_o man_n can_v not_o be_v rescue_v but_o by_o a_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n constant_o preserve_v the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n remove_v disease_n repair_v the_o defect_n of_o nature_n and_o renew_v the_o vigour_n of_o it_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n therefore_o and_o mean_n of_o preservation_n be_v a_o superadded_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o he_o may_v confer_v upon_o man_n upon_o whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v subjection_n adoration_n and_o gratitude_n be_v owe_v to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o preserver_n of_o our_o be_v even_o without_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o supernatural_a benefit_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n be_v whole_o independent_a of_o it_o and_o although_o perform_v exact_o and_o without_o any_o intervenient_a sin_n can_v not_o just_o claim_v any_o other_o reward_n from_o god_n than_o the_o continuation_n of_o existence_n as_o long_o as_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n shall_v permit_v it_o the_o gift_n of_o immortality_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o as_o such_o may_v be_v annex_v to_o whatsoever_o condition_n or_o person_n god_n shall_v please_v to_o do_v it_o god_n therefore_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o adam_n and_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o if_o beside_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o ordinary_a state_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v more_o particular_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o by_o abstain_v from_o the_o seem_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n call_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a he_o will_v in_o recompense_n entail_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n perform_v the_o same_o condition_n a_o perpetual_a fruition_n of_o the_o same_o state_n of_o life_n which_o he_o then_o enjoy_v and_o continue_v his_o existence_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n even_o for_o ever_o which_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v without_o some_o extraordinary_a remedy_n and_o assistance_n god_n create_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o the_o powerful_a virtue_n of_o who_o fruit_n the_o decay_a nature_n of_o man_n may_v from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v restore_v and_o preserve_v without_o corruption_n whereas_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o perform_v this_o small_a condition_n and_o be_v tempt_v to_o violate_v the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o taste_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a he_o shall_v forfeit_v this_o superadded_a promise_n of_o immortality_n not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n descend_v from_o he_o not_o to_o be_v immediate_o destroy_v or_o put_v to_o death_n but_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o so_o leave_v to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n when_o adam_n therefore_o real_o break_v the_o condition_n and_o violate_v the_o command_n of_o god_n god_n may_v just_o withdraw_v as_o he_o in_o effect_n do_v the_o supernatural_a benefit_n of_o immortality_n and_o thenceforward_o deny_v it_o to_o mankind_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n be_v thus_o explain_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unexceptionable_a or_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o reason_n hereby_o no_o man_n be_v punish_v for_o the_o fault_n of_o another_o for_o the_o loss_n or_o rather_o not_o obtain_v a_o favour_n to_o which_o we_o have_v natural_o no_o right_a or_o claim_v can_v in_o nowise_o be_v call_v a_o punishment_n hereby_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v clear_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n see_v that_o no_o wrong_a or_o injury_n be_v do_v unto_o any_o his_o goodness_n be_v make_v evident_a in_o entail_v so_o wonderful_a a_o reward_n as_o immortality_n upon_o the_o observation_n of_o so_o easy_a a_o condition_n and_o enforce_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o happiness_n or_o unhappiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n ensue_v to_o it_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o make_v adam_n infinite_o more_o careful_a and_o concern_v in_o it_o last_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v most_o manifest_a herein_o whereby_o this_o mystery_n become_v not_o only_o just_a but_o rational_a for_o by_o this_o fatal_a example_n mankind_n can_v but_o be_v make_v sensible_a how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o temptation_n and_o how_o prone_a to_o sin_n that_o therefore_o if_o what_o they_o natural_o desire_v a_o extraordinary_a reward_n of_o their_o obedience_n be_v expect_v the_o hope_n of_o which_o must_v be_v found_v in_o a_o reveal_v covenant_n it_o can_v be_v obtain_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o frequent_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n may_v be_v bestow_v upon_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o mercy_n allow_v to_o sinner_n until_o they_o shall_v appear_v absolute_o incorrigible_a that_o therefore_o neither_o plenary_a reward_n nor_o punishment_n can_v be_v dispense_v in_o this_o life_n and_o if_o either_o be_v desire_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v defer_v till_o after_o death_n a_o truth_n which_o mankind_n will_v very_o hardly_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o have_v not_o the_o example_n and_o fall_n of_o adam_n teach_v it_o to_o we_o so_o natural_o be_v man_n lead_v to_o imagine_v their_o supreme_a happiness_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o perpetual_a fruition_n of_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o they_o now_o so_o much_o value_n and_o to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n the_o performance_n of_o which_o they_o can_v receive_v till_o after_o death_n whereas_o now_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n can_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o discourse_v upon_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o in_o manifest_v ii_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o defer_v the_o
present_a joy_n and_o in_o this_o will_v consist_v our_o future_a reward_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o perform_v continual_a act_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v urge_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o action_n in_o this_o life_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o anticipation_n of_o those_o future_a joy_n than_o a_o imposition_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o happiness_n in_o angel_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o continual_a act_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o a_o infinite_a favour_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o office_n it_o be_v now_o at_o least_o some_o degree_n of_o happiness_n to_o perform_v that_o imperfect_o which_o we_o shall_v then_o complete_o and_o so_o much_o the_o great_a degree_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o be_v intent_n on_o it_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n when_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v rank_v among_o those_o of_o who_o god_n complain_v that_o they_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o we_o must_v take_v especial_a care_n that_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n we_o pay_v to_o god_n be_v real_a and_o unfeigned_a the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v sincere_a in_o this_o duty_n by_o affix_v a_o amen_n to_o the_o end_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v indeed_o or_o may_v it_o be_v so_o may_v man_n sincere_o and_o in_o earnest_n give_v honour_n and_o glory_n unto_o god_n may_v their_o heart_n agree_v with_o their_o mouth_n and_o their_o action_n with_o their_o declaration_n otherwise_o instead_o of_o honour_v we_o shall_v but_o vilify_v and_o affront_n god_n and_o deny_v his_o attribute_n of_o omniscience_n vain_o imagine_v that_o our_o hypocrisy_n be_v conceal_v from_o he_o and_o undiscerned_a by_o he_o and_o indeed_o no_o deliberate_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o overthrow_v our_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o efface_v or_o at_o least_o for_o a_o while_n cloud_v all_o notion_n of_o religion_n arise_v from_o they_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o such_o sin_n we_o disow_v he_o to_o be_v our_o king_n withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o his_o government_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o law_n we_o set_v up_o to_o ourselves_o and_o pursue_v a_o different_a end_n from_o that_o appoint_a by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o wrest_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o price_n of_o who_o blood_n we_o be_v redeem_v and_o deliver_v ourselves_o to_o his_o and_o our_o profess_a enemy_n the_o devil_n we_o deny_v he_o thereby_o to_o be_v a_o king_n eternal_a who_o continue_v his_o government_n even_o after_o death_n and_o exercise_v severe_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n for_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n we_o disbelieve_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o will_n and_o fond_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v in_o our_o favour_n reverse_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n pronounce_v against_o obstinate_a and_o deliberate_a sinner_n we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o fatal_a and_o erroneous_a be_v every_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o it_o either_o destroy_v or_o debase_v for_o a_o time_n all_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o thereby_o become_v a_o temporary_a apostasy_n that_o we_o therefore_o may_v escape_v the_o danger_n of_o that_o unhappiness_n let_v we_o constant_o keep_v in_o mind_n the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o they_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n our_o king_n and_o our_o redeemer_n that_o he_o will_v after_o death_n take_v a_o exact_a and_o impartial_a account_n of_o our_o action_n that_o he_o have_v decree_v damnation_n to_o all_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o will_v not_o recall_v his_o sentence_n that_o he_o know_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o see_v our_o most_o private_a motion_n let_v we_o frequent_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o act_n as_o if_o we_o have_v they_o continual_o before_o our_o eye_n so_o shall_v we_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o our_o life_n so_o may_v we_o without_o the_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n confess_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n with_o our_o mouth_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v admit_v to_o sing_v glory_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o eternal_o in_o heaven_n which_o god_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 17_o 1688_o 9_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n psal._n xcv_o 7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n no_o full_a demonstration_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o flesh_n over_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o complain_v than_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n allow_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n this_o happiness_n all_o man_n earnest_o desire_v and_o none_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v repentance_n and_o obedience_n all_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a yet_o all_o find_v and_o deplore_v in_o themselves_o a_o continual_a aversion_n to_o set_v immediate_o upon_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o these_o condition_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o indeed_o with_o some_o hope_n at_o least_o of_o attain_v the_o propose_a happiness_n and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o this_o support_n themselves_o whensoever_o they_o give_v their_o soul_n leave_v to_o entertain_v any_o serious_a reflection_n the_o scripture_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n tell_v they_o that_o these_o hope_n be_v vain_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o unrepentance_n yet_o they_o defer_v their_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o fond_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o set_v upon_o it_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o this_o necessary_a duty_n and_o say_v to_o their_o soul_n hitherto_o thou_o have_v serve_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n henceforward_o from_o this_o very_a moment_n abandon_v they_o and_o devote_v thyself_o too_o god_n wise_o therefore_o have_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n set_v apart_o a_o solemn_a time_n in_o every_o year_n which_o we_o call_v lend_v wherein_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v teach_v and_o oblige_v to_o attend_v more_o diligent_o upon_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o be_v exhort_v to_o begin_v a_o resolute_a opposition_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n by_o inure_v themselves_o to_o a_o severe_a exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n by_o deny_v to_o gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o its_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o untameable_a to_o reduce_v it_o by_o maceration_n or_o other_o sober_a austerity_n by_o this_o mean_n sinner_n be_v induce_v to_o bethink_v themselves_o in_o earnest_n of_o their_o forlorn_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o unwilling_a to_o fix_v themselves_o the_o time_n of_o their_o repentance_n be_v appoint_v for_o they_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o this_o excellent_a discipline_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n and_o then_o that_o we_o may_v not_o neglect_v it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v immediate_a repentance_n to_o be_v unnecessary_a that_o we_o may_v not_o omit_v either_o to_o fix_v a_o time_n to_o it_o ourselves_o or_o to_o embrace_v the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n wherein_o all_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n apply_v themselves_o to_o exercise_v act_n of_o repentance_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o yet_o at_o least_o god_n have_v set_v a_o time_n wherein_o he_o expect_v our_o repentance_n and_o beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o await_v to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n enjoin_v in_o those_o word_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n ii_o the_o term_n prefix_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v do_v immediate_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v etc._n etc._n i._o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n enjoin_v which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o these_o word_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n for_o if_o we_o