by_o his_o enemy_n into_o extreme_a danger_n of_o death_n which_o he_o common_o express_v by_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a word_n as_o psal._n xviii_o 4._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o and_o verse_n 5._o the_o sorrow_n of_o hell_n compass_v i_o about_o and_o psal._n cxvi_o 3._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n get_v hold_v upon_o i_o yet_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n amid_o all_o these_o calamity_n he_o rest_v assure_v of_o deliverance_n and_o express_v his_o confidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n my_o flesh_n shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n receive_v and_o on_o all_o hand_n grant_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o david_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o his_o action_n suffering_n and_o deliverance_n prefigure_v the_o office_n the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o and_o particular_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o this_o passage_n be_v much_o more_o evident_o and_o literal_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n than_o in_o david_n he_o indeed_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o enemy_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n yet_o die_v he_o do_v and_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v leave_v in_o hell_n that_o be_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o in_o the_o place_n of_o depart_a soul_n and_o his_o body_n do_v see_v corruption_n have_v be_v bury_v many_o hundred_o year_n but_o as_o for_o christ_n he_o die_v indeed_o yet_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n neither_o do_v his_o body_n see_v corruption_n his_o soul_n be_v present_o reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o even_o during_o the_o separation_n not_o leave_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v join_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v his_o body_n corrupt_v but_o raise_v up_o and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o less_o than_o forty_o hour_n in_o which_o time_n the_o body_n of_o decease_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o the_o second_o interpretation_n christ_n be_v raise_v from_o a_o painful_a death_n to_o a_o opposite_a state_n to_o a_o condition_n of_o glory_n happiness_n power_n and_o immortality_n the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n so_o lively_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n of_o the_o last_o week_n we_o can_v forget_v and_o over_o all_o these_o he_o eminent_o triumph_v in_o his_o resurrection_n upon_o this_o day_n he_o be_v then_o make_v subject_n to_o death_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o set_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o death_n for_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o rom._n vi_o 9_o he_o then_o bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man._n he_o now_o dispense_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n grant_v 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the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o christ_n shall_v both_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o to_o perfect_v our_o salvation_n that_o he_o be_v for_o a_o while_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o iii_o this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o christ_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n the_o apostle_n found_v the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o the_o determination_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o here_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a just_a or_o convenient_a as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n ix_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n to_o mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o convenient_a in_o this_o sense_n than_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a or_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n because_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n the_o divine_a be_v unite_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v have_v appear_v surprise_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o little_a affection_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o his_o own_o nature_n wherein_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a to_o continue_v in_o hell_n in_o the_o common_a state_n of_o mortality_n or_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o divinity_n shall_v suffer_v that_o nature_n to_o be_v corrupt_v or_o lie_v neglect_v among_o the_o dead_a to_o which_o itself_o continue_v to_o be_v unite_v even_o in_o the_o grave_a this_o we_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v believe_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v oppose_v this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o very_a resurrection_n will_v convince_v their_o error_n for_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n again_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o work_n of_o omnipotence_n that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n alone_o yet_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o jew_n john_n ii_o 19_o destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n as_o the_o evangelist_n subjoin_v and_o again_o john_n x._o 18._o no_o man_n take_v my_o life_n from_o i_o but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o myself_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o our_o lord_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o glorify_v he_o will_v never_o have_v claim_v this_o power_n have_v it_o not_o be_v inherent_a in_o himself_o he_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o power_n reunite_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o body_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o exclusion_n to_o the_o other_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n who_o all_o concur_v therein_o for_o power_n be_v a_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n continue_v undivided_a in_o the_o person_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o the_o father_n be_v say_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n since_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a person_n in_o that_o bless_a trinity_n
all_o temptation_n that_o excuse_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o receive_v not_o now_o indeed_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v once_o endue_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o those_o contribute_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v equal_o obtain_v without_o they_o and_o lose_v with_o they_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a all_o that_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o be_v yet_o continue_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o diffuse_v his_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n excite_v they_o by_o inward_a motion_n confirm_v they_o by_o his_o assistance_n perfect_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n which_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v that_o he_o still_o plentiful_o bestow_v on_o we_o for_o want_v of_o some_o external_a assurance_n he_o have_v institute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n more_o 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he_o that_o herein_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o christ_n his_o head_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o unfeigned_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o miss_v his_o desire_a end_n the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n because_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v it_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o son_n have_v seal_v it_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confirm_v it_o as_o at_o first_o by_o his_o descent_n upon_o this_o day_n so_o now_o also_o by_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o diffuse_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n to_o these_o three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o second_o sermon_n on_o trinity-sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o 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therefore_o impossible_a that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o primary_n notion_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o allow_v principle_n of_o reason_n even_o many_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v act_v by_o a_o divine_a mission_n yet_o stumble_v at_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v it_o have_v take_v up_o unwarrantable_a opinion_n plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o arrian_n of_o old_a and_o socinian_o in_o late_a day_n that_o we_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o delusion_n and_o even_o overcome_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o these_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n and_o modesty_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a business_n of_o this_o day_n for_o although_o '_o it_o become_v we_o not_o too_o narrow_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n and_o rash_o determine_v matter_n the_o cognizance_n of_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reveal_v this_o mystery_n to_o mankind_n and_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n it_o now_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n debar_v we_o not_o from_o a_o scrupulous_a search_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o place_v no_o merit_n in_o a_o blind_a belief_n of_o her_o proposition_n it_o be_v accept_v indeed_o by_o god_n as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o merit_n i_o mean_v merit_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n to_o believe_v his_o promise_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n after_o death_n as_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n that_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n of_o give_v he_o a_o better_a inheritance_n in_o another_o land_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n although_o neither_o we_o nor_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o those_o promise_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o possession_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n neither_o require_v nor_o accept_v a_o irrational_a belief_n in_o man_n but_o as_o he_o at_o first_o endue_v he_o with_o reasonable_a faculty_n so_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n so_o much_o diminish_v as_o by_o affix_v to_o he_o revelation_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o include_v contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o such_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v as_o plain_o as_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v permit_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o the_o context_n of_o it_o which_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v and_o therein_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o accompany_v i_o by_o look_v upon_o the_o place_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o first_o eight_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n declare_v the_o nature_n and_o simplicity_n of_o his_o preach_a and_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o recommend_v by_o pompous_a and_o affect_a ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n that_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o sillogism_n and_o nice_a speculation_n as_o do_v that_o of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o be_v esteem_v the_o only_o know_v man_n of_o the_o age_n that_o the_o matter_n declare_v by_o he_o be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o when_o find_v out_o be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v applaud_v by_o the_o world_n as_o 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the_o trinity_n can_v be_v full_o conceive_v by_o we_o so_o then_o since_o humane_a reason_n can_v by_o its_o own_o conception_n alone_o find_v out_o and_o determine_v all_o which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o second_o consideration_n propose_v will_v take_v place_n namely_o that_o in_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v their_o internal_a probability_n so_o much_o as_o their_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o since_o we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n many_o property_n may_v be_v in_o it_o which_o we_o can_v never_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nor_o yet_o when_o discover_v to_o we_o full_o conceive_v they_o but_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v we_o can_v judge_v of_o from_o internal_a argument_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v deny_v to_o we_o we_o can_v form_v any_o 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therefore_o it_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o must_v have_v therefore_o some_o rule_n whereby_o to_o direct_v our_o assent_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o be_v very_o obvious_a for_o the_o understanding_n necessary_o at_o least_o reasonable_o incline_v to_o that_o part_n which_o carry_v the_o great_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o any_o proposition_n be_v great_a than_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n we_o must_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n embrace_v and_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n exceed_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o may_v safe_o reject_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v the_o evidence_n of_o both_o side_n matter_n of_o revelation_n may_v concern_v either_o finite_a or_o infinite_a nature_n example_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o such_o proposition_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o 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but_o these_o man_n proceed_v chief_o upon_o those_o objection_n which_o we_o have_v already_o refute_v and_o upon_o unreasonable_a and_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o wrest_v to_o their_o sense_n while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o remove_v it_o whole_o but_o while_o they_o attempt_v this_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o far_o great_a difficulty_n and_o even_o in_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o god_n have_v command_v that_o all_o shall_v worship_v the_o son_n even_o as_o they_o do_v the_o father_n and_o themselves_o never_o dare_v to_o deny_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o christ_n hereby_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o be_v which_o be_v not_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o palpable_a contradiction_n infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o they_o so_o much_o dread_v for_o a_o act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n consist_v chief_o in_o a_o awful_a conception_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o object_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o adore_v christ_n with_o divine_a honour_n the_o mind_n must_v consider_v he_o as_o god_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a repugnance_n of_o conception_n and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n remain_v in_o full_a force_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v attend_v it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v those_o argument_n it_o remain_v that_o if_o we_o act_v rational_o we_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o discourse_n from_o this_o 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and_o everblessed_n trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n to_o who_o be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o error_n and_o false_a persuasion_n to_o which_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v subject_a none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o common_a than_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o irrational_a part_n be_v direct_v by_o their_o creator_n to_o some_o supreme_a end_n the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n while_o man_n the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a 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to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n and_o over-rule_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a esteem_n of_o corporeal_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n which_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n divert_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n take_v root_n in_o his_o imagination_n raise_v his_o passion_n and_o by_o their_o assistance_n continue_v its_o possession_n nothing_o therefore_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o the_o retrieve_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o real_a happiness_n to_o rectify_v the_o thought_n and_o secure_v the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o to_o obviate_v the_o deceitfulness_n to_o defeat_v the_o delusion_n of_o sensual_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n by_o manifest_v how_o unsatisfactory_a it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n how_o unable_a to_o fill_v the_o capacious_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o vain_a and_o trifle_a how_o unworthy_a our_o study_n and_o desire_v this_o will_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a end_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o end_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o when_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o no_o real_a happiness_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o that_o however_o it_o may_v flatter_v the_o sense_n and_o please_v the_o imagination_n it_o will_v fill_v no_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o effect_v this_o conviction_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o various_a argument_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o mutability_n of_o fortune_n the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n forfeit_v by_o a_o blind_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n the_o vanity_n of_o it_o when_o obtain_v the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o it_o when_o expire_v but_o above_o all_o the_o example_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o after_o they_o have_v obtain_v all_o which_o they_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n rest_v unsatisfied_a or_o become_v unhappy_a be_v divest_v of_o their_o felicity_n and_o reduce_v to_o misery_n or_o amid_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n by_o a_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v declare_v and_o confess_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o much_o court_v and_o other_o so_o much_o admire_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o of_o haman_n in_o my_o text_n who_o amid_o all_o his_o honour_n and_o title_n his_o wealth_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n amid_o all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o this_o life_n can_v receive_v convince_v by_o undeniable_a experience_n confess_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o that_o both_o these_o consideration_n therefore_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o experience_n confirm_v
we_o seek_v for_o true_a happiness_n somewhere_o else_o if_o the_o former_a can_v be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o some_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n and_o when_o find_v out_o to_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o here_o perhaps_o humane_a reason_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v may_v continue_v to_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o after_o a_o tedious_a disquisition_n be_v unable_a to_o discover_v either_o the_o end_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o god_n have_v therefore_o in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n mark_v out_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supreme_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o therein_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n hereafter_o which_o hope_n shall_v then_o be_v turn_v into_o possession_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n by_o these_o we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v fill_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v co-extended_n with_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o but_o never_o weary_v we_o which_o shall_v affect_v all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o no_o cross_n and_o disaster_n which_o will_v never_o expire_v but_o be_v renew_v every_o moment_n which_o no_o adversity_n of_o fortune_n nor_o infirmity_n of_o body_n which_o neither_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v from_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o yourselves_o to_o obtain_v this_o bless_a state_n i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v be_v no_o small_a motive_n to_o you_o you_o all_o desire_n happiness_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o full_o convince_v what_o be_v the_o only_a true_a happiness_n it_o can_v but_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o exert_v all_o its_o faculty_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o after_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o end_n of_o man_n there_o need_v no_o exhortation_n to_o pursue_v it_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o natural_a than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o hunger_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a appetite_n the_o misfortune_n be_v that_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n and_o unruly_a passion_n represent_v and_o amplify_a to_o we_o the_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o secular_a delight_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a these_o passion_n shall_v arise_v we_o permit_v these_o false_a judgement_n to_o be_v form_v we_o be_v please_v at_o first_o with_o the_o delusion_n although_o conscious_a of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o become_v so_o far_o stupefy_v that_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o until_o at_o last_o a_o terrible_a affliction_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n awaken_v the_o soul_n and_o revive_v its_o better_a notion_n what_o those_o dreadful_a remembrancer_n may_v then_o do_v reason_n may_v now_o much_o more_o easy_o and_o more_o certain_o effect_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n to_o consider_v their_o vanity_n and_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n when_o this_o conviction_n be_v thorough_o form_v we_o shall_v be_v even_o necessitate_v to_o look_v upward_o and_o fix_v our_o hope_n in_o heaven_n and_o then_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o labour_n direct_v thither_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o god_n promote_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o crown_v with_o success_n success_n which_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n here_o and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n hereafter_o to_o this_o joy_n may_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23d_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o represent_v he_o to_o man_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o adoration_n the_o latter_a persuade_v man_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o latter_a no_o obligation_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o accurate_a delivery_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o give_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o teach_v with_o certainty_n the_o method_n of_o his_o external_a action_n the_o former_a be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o admit_v no_o variation_n the_o latter_a may_v receive_v improvement_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n and_o lie_v great_a obligation_n on_o he_o under_o one_o dispensation_n than_o under_o another_o so_o much_o of_o both_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o may_v direct_v man_n aright_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o they_o employ_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o convince_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o both_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o mistake_v will_v equal_o defeat_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o nature_n lead_v man_n into_o idolatry_n of_o the_o second_o into_o negligence_n and_o impiety_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a indeed_o to_o mistake_v concern_v the_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o weak_a understanding_n i_o mean_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o serve_v to_o beget_v notion_n of_o religion_n in_o men._n all_o man_n whether_o true_a believer_n or_o idolater_n agree_v in_o this_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v whether_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n omnipresence_n and_o such_o like_a be_v necessary_a perfection_n without_o which_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v subsist_v yet_o mankind_n have_v most_o miserable_o mistake_v in_o this_o plain_a and_o easy_a matter_n have_v deify_v creature_n which_o have_v none_o of_o all_o these_o perfection_n have_v quit_v sometime_o even_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o ofttimes_o corrupt_v it_o and_o these_o mistake_v reveal_v religion_n do_v rectify_v and_o restore_v to_o man_n what_o they_o have_v wilful_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a action_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o mistake_v derive_v his_o knowledge_n from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o form_v such_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o external_a conduct_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o may_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o it_o but_o this_o persuasion_n will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o conviction_n and_o this_o direction_n of_o that_o certainty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o reveal_v religion_n and_o even_o in_o revelation_n admit_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o his_o intend_a benefit_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o revelation_n so_o that_o however_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o worship_v god_n continue_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o reveal_v religion_n they_o be_v both_o improve_v and_o enhance_v and_o also_o secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o how_o great_a that_o danger_n be_v the_o scripture_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n that_o whole_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n and_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v discover_v for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v yet_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o till_o after_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n all_o of_o they_o both_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v eminent_a for_o wisdom_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o one_o of_o they_o approve_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o propose_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n concern_v the_o external_a government_n of_o god_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v mistake_v all_o of_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o mistake_v in_o the_o application_n of_o those_o attribute_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v form_v the_o reason_n be_v well_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o in_o they_o also_o sufficient_a matter_n to_o confute_v the_o several_a error_n propose_v by_o these_o men._n touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v therefore_o do_v man_n fear_v he_o the_o word_n therefore_o will_v natural_o give_v i_o a_o occasion_n to_o discourse_n i._o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n found_v in_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o text._n ii_o of_o the_o error_n commit_v by_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n which_o they_o draw_v indeed_o from_o these_o attribute_n but_o may_v more_o true_o be_v confute_v by_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o worship_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n among_o man_n be_v declare_v by_o enumeration_n of_o those_o attribute_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o in_o the_o conception_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o first_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o on_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v found_v be_v that_o he_o enjoy_v all_o perfection_n which_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o be_v and_o this_o be_v design_v by_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n where_o the_o word_n almighty_a in_o our_o translation_n signify_v all-sufficient_a or_o supreme_o perfect_a in_o the_o original_a we_o admire_v single_a perfection_n in_o other_o object_n in_o one_o power_n in_o another_o wisdom_n in_o a_o three_o virtue_n and_o these_o not_o only_o possess_v by_o so_o many_o several_a object_n but_o also_o in_o a_o limit_a manner_n yet_o we_o revere_a and_o admire_v these_o single_a and_o limit_a perfection_n wheresoever_o we_o find_v they_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v unjust_a to_o deny_v that_o deference_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o when_o therefore_o all_o imaginable_a perfection_n be_v conjoin_v in_o god_n it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o fear_n the_o awe_n the_o regard_n the_o love_n we_o pay_v to_o other_o object_n upon_o account_n of_o those_o single_a perfection_n we_o discover_v in_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v conjoin_v when_o we_o reflect_v on_o god_n and_o be_v pay_v as_o a_o just_a debt_n to_o he_o whosoever_o consider_v they_o may_v perhaps_o through_o a_o stupid_a or_o deprave_a mind_n omit_v or_o even_o reject_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a so_o his_o action_n be_v unsearchable_a or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o which_o may_v respect_v either_o the_o incomprehensible_a essence_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o the_o unsearchableness_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v no_o small_a argument_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o render_v the_o most_o profound_a adoration_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v of_o infinite_a dignity_n so_o great_a that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o or_o measure_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o here_o below_o we_o proportion_n our_o esteem_n and_o devotion_n to_o the_o merit_n and_o dignity_n of_o person_n and_o shall_v confess_v ourselves_o unjust_a if_o we_o make_v not_o a_o distinction_n therein_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o justice_n therefore_o will_v require_v we_o to_o form_n of_o god_n the_o most_o noble_a conception_n to_o render_v to_o he_o the_o most_o humble_a submission_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n again_o if_o the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n be_v unknown_a and_o unsearchable_a to_o man_n this_o will_v yet_o far_o raise_v our_o opinion_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n since_o if_o his_o external_a effect_n exceed_v our_o conception_n much_o more_o will_v his_o nature_n the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o this_o will_v also_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o inquire_v too_o curious_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o providence_n not_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n rash_o concern_v it_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o indeed_o when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o government_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o by_o revelation_n we_o be_v firm_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o may_v without_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o presumption_n apply_v those_o rule_n to_o particular_a case_n but_o as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v fix_v any_o rule_n to_o he_o before_o we_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n so_o after_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o we_o be_v not_o to_o carry_v our_o conjecture_n of_o assertion_n beyond_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o we_o may_v conclude_v indeed_o without_o it_o that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o unjust_a nothing_o which_o be_v not_o holy_a but_o this_o will_v not_o have_v warrant_v we_o to_o determine_v the_o way_n wherein_o his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n shall_v exert_v themselves_o by_o external_a effect_n upon_o account_n of_o these_o attribute_n god_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o adoration_n but_o there_o want_v yet_o somewhat_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o pay_v that_o tribute_n to_o god_n if_o neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n interpose_v man_n will_v esteem_v themselves_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o obligation_n of_o it_o weak_a the_o trouble_v of_o it_o unnecessary_a this_o therefore_o be_v abundant_o supply_v by_o the_o follow_a attribute_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v his_o omnipotence_n he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n god_n be_v able_a to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n by_o inflict_v exemplary_a punishment_n upon_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o worship_v he_o or_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a his_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n so_o than_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o consider_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n so_o it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o if_o most_o just_a must_v certain_o be_v require_v by_o god_n that_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o to_o who_o the_o injury_n be_v offer_v may_v be_v annihilate_v by_o a_o single_a nod_n may_v be_v chastife_v with_o severe_a punishment_n may_v be_v render_v miserable_a for_o ever_o this_o attribute_n of_o power_n in_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n produce_v fear_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o external_a respect_n beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n this_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o majesty_n of_o prince_n that_o the_o one_o can_v be_v violate_v the_o other_o can_v be_v contemn_v without_o danger_n this_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v at_o first_o beget_v idolatry_n when_o man_n follow_v the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n fond_o imagine_v that_o their_o prince_n their_o leader_n or_o conqueror_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a of_o all_o being_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n render_v that_o tribute_n to_o they_o which_o be_v due_a to_o omnipotence_n i_o mean_v adoration_n they_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v at_o their_o disposal_n their_o life_n at_o their_o mercy_n or_o extraordinary_a action_n effect_v by_o they_o and_o believe_v these_o to_o be_v the_o most_o illustrious_a mark_n of_o power_n deify_v the_o possessor_n of_o they_o if_o then_o the_o prospect_n of_o that_o little_a power_n which_o be_v vest_v in_o man_n can_v procure_v adoration_n from_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o sense_n only_o much_o more_o will_v the_o excellence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o it_o be_v here_o call_v induce_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v both_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o mortal_a man_n power_n far_o from_o be_v adorable_a may_v ofttimes_o become_v execrable_a may_v occasion_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o may_v administer_v assistance_n to_o sin_n and_o violence_n and_o notwithstanding_o such_o wicked_a power_n may_v awe_v and_o terrify_v man_n as_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a idolater_n have_v worship_v devil_n lest_o they_o shall_v hurt_v they_o this_o will_v never_o create_v a_o internal_a reverence_n in_o man_n in_o which_o chief_o adoration_n consist_v the_o most_o exalt_a power_n of_o finite_a being_n can_v rescue_v they_o from_o their_o own_o imperfection_n receive_v limit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o dissolution_n if_o yet_o such_o a_o power_n can_v strike_v
thy_o mind_n can_v affright_v thou_o from_o perform_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o it_o if_o thou_o dare_v not_o resist_v its_o command_n and_o quiet_o submite_v to_o it_o how_o much_o more_o be_v thou_o oblige_v to_o revere_a the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n where_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v sweet_o join_v together_o where_o no_o limitation_n can_v be_v find_v nothing_o exclude_v from_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o no_o cessation_n to_o be_v expect_v if_o thou_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v this_o power_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o judge_v whether_o omnipotence_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v if_o thou_o appeale_v to_o sense_n view_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n pass_v through_o heaven_n and_o earth_n thou_o shall_v discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o omnipotence_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o pretend_v yet_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o evident_a reflect_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o say_v who_o give_v they_o to_o thou_o consider_v the_o fabric_n of_o thy_o body_n who_o form_v it_o for_o thou_o these_o be_v undeniable_a mark_n of_o thy_o subjection_n to_o a_o almighty_a power_n which_o even_o if_o thou_o do_v deny_v it_o be_v by_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n create_v by_o he_o that_o thou_o can_v deny_v it_o thus_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v whatsoever_o punishment_n he_o please_v on_o his_o disobedient_a creature_n and_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v vain_o imagine_v this_o power_n to_o be_v useless_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o like_o antiquate_a law_n never_o put_v in_o execution_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n be_v excellent_a in_o judgement_n also_o that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o judge_v mank_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o so_o judgement_n do_v almost_o every_o where_o signify_v in_o scripture_n the_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n upon_o delinquent_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o public_a law_n which_o be_v fix_v to_o mankind_n and_o prescribe_v for_o their_o direction_n nothing_o but_o the_o most_o extreme_a stupidity_n can_v defeat_v the_o success_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o divine_a worship_n since_o this_o equal_o affect_v both_o the_o wife_n and_o foolish_a by_o strike_v their_o imagination_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n a_o fear_n which_o will_v affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o no_o other_o argument_n can_v prevail_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n may_v be_v slight_v the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n may_v be_v neglect_v his_o power_n may_v be_v deride_v when_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o sinner_n will_v awaken_v the_o conscience_n and_o affright_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o although_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o as_o in_o natural_a religion_n for_o let_v the_o punishment_n be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o their_o quality_n let_v the_o time_n of_o their_o execution_n be_v hide_v from_o sinner_n yet_o this_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o such_o he_o will_v exercise_v judgement_n and_o that_o as_o his_o power_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o most_o formidable_a judicature_n on_o earth_n so_o his_o punishment_n will_v be_v correspondent_a exceed_v what_o man_n can_v inflict_v and_o herein_o appear_v the_o excellence_n of_o this_o judgement_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n humane_a judicature_n can_v take_v hold_v only_o of_o the_o external_a action_n of_o man_n and_o even_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o offender_n may_v set_v he_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o punishment_n they_o may_v be_v evade_v by_o crafty_a defence_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o great_a power_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o death_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v finish_v by_o it_o but_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o the_o most_o secret_a action_n of_o man_n be_v call_v in_o question_n even_o their_o thought_n can_v escape_v discovery_n the_o judge_n can_v be_v blind_v by_o crafty_a insinuation_n nor_o divert_v from_o his_o resolution_n by_o extraneous_a cause_n nothing_o can_v rescue_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n not_o even_a death_n itself_o his_o dominion_n extend_v beyond_o the_o grave_a reach_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o surmount_v the_o resistance_n of_o all_o create_a being_n if_o then_o fear_n can_v affect_v man_n if_o punishment_n can_v deter_v they_o if_o power_n can_v awe_v they_o if_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o these_o can_v convince_v they_o they_o do_v all_o combine_v to_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o continue_v religion_n in_o mankind_n but_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v slave_n to_o god_n and_o servant_n through_o fear_n only_o he_o dispense_v reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n to_o men._n he_o be_v excellent_a in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n he_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n to_o his_o precept_n not_o because_o any_o reward_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o dispense_n his_o benefit_n and_o then_o his_o justice_n will_v require_v that_o he_o dispense_v they_o to_o the_o most_o worthy_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o powerful_a a_o argument_n interest_n be_v in_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n what_o draw_v attendant_n to_o prince_n or_o servant_n to_o great_a man_n but_o the_o power_n of_o reward_v they_o and_o the_o prospect_n of_o preferment_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o their_o favour_n this_o seldom_o fail_v to_o secure_v to_o they_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v due_a from_o dependent_n honour_n and_o service_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o raise_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v they_o beyond_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o will_v no_o less_o effectual_o secure_v what_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o we_o adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v attain_v be_v far_o great_a such_o as_o the_o donor_n will_v not_o and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o other_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o from_o we_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o time_n nor_o restrain_v by_o any_o limitation_n the_o assurance_n also_o of_o obtain_v they_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o can_v give_v what_o he_o please_v and_o will_v give_v what_o he_o promise_v whereas_o the_o favour_n expect_v from_o man_n may_v be_v defeat_v by_o forgetfulness_n by_o unfaithfulness_n may_v be_v intercept_v by_o other_o may_v become_v impossible_a to_o be_v bestow_v if_o then_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a and_o most_o certain_a reward_n can_v procure_v what_o man_n obtain_v by_o their_o petty_a and_o uncertain_a favour_n fear_v and_o reverence_n we_o must_v deplore_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinate_a perverseness_n of_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n propose_v by_o god_n yield_v to_o those_o propose_v by_o man_n which_o yet_o affect_v the_o same_o passion_n that_o of_o desire_n but_o in_o a_o much_o low_a degree_n last_o to_o secure_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o be_v befit_v his_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n lest_o our_o adoration_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v with_o any_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n entertain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v in_o this_o life_n the_o rule_n and_o method_n whereby_o god_n dispense_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n may_v be_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o he_o may_v suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v afflict_v he_o may_v permit_v the_o wicked_a to_o prosper_v he_o may_v in_o appearance_n cut_v off_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a man_n by_o present_a misery_n and_o encourage_v the_o disobedience_n of_o bad_a man_n by_o temporal_a felicity_n his_o way_n may_v be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o judgement_n past_o find_v out_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v any_o opinion_n of_o injustice_n in_o god_n or_o imperfection_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o government_n although_o the_o secret_n of_o providence_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o that_o be_v such_o he_o will_v not_o afflict_v the_o mysterious_a obscurity_n of_o providence_n herein_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o
presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o a_o peculiar_a unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n dispense_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o any_o one_o or_o indulge_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o such_o be_v the_o presumption_n indeed_o and_o such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a success_n of_o favourite_n on_o earth_n where_o favour_n be_v often_o distribute_v not_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o reason_n of_o who_o favour_n be_v certain_a fixed_z and_o universal_a equal_o distribute_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o none_o who_o shall_v not_o qualify_v himself_o by_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n may_v we_o all_o therefore_o upon_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o impartiality_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o certain_a mean_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o doubt_v to_o obtain_v our_o desire_n the_o assurance_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n give_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o as_o sure_o as_o we_o here_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n so_o sure_o will_v he_o complete_a his_o promise_n to_o we_o of_o happiness_n hereafter_o the_o six_o sermon_n part_n i._o preach_v on_o the_o one_a of_o sept._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o depravity_n of_o nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n that_o aversion_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o readiness_n of_o comply_v with_o unlawful_a suggestion_n which_o all_o discover_v in_o themselves_o all_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n without_o assiduous_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o any_o habit_n of_o piety_n or_o virtue_n can_v be_v form_v that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o struggle_v against_o the_o natural_a desire_n and_o overrule_a the_o propensity_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o negligence_n alone_o or_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n will_v produce_v a_o habit_n of_o vice_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o man_n we_o may_v rather_o hope_v the_o contrary_a since_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o all_o thing_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o their_o end_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o end_n do_v thereby_o become_v unnatural_a yet_o the_o experience_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o it_o have_v put_v man_n in_o all_o age_n upon_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o some_o resolve_v it_o into_o fate_n other_o into_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o body_n some_o into_o the_o malign_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o not_o a_o few_o into_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o all_o these_o conception_n be_v gross_a in_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o matter_n will_v have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v be_v unaccountable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n nor_o do_v all_o revelation_n clear_v this_o doubt_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n little_a light_n be_v add_v to_o it_o it_o be_v christianity_n alone_o which_o full_o manifest_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o unhappiness_n and_o as_o the_o discovery_n of_o disease_n facilitate_v the_o cure_n of_o they_o thereby_o enable_v we_o to_o avoid_v or_o at_o least_o overcome_v the_o contagion_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n manifest_v by_o revelation_n only_o be_v two_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n succeed_v the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o devil_n the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o apply_v fit_a remedy_n to_o they_o yet_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o be_v little_o know_v by_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n and_o frequent_o mistake_v by_o the_o more_o know_a sort_n of_o christian_n i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o latter_a take_v occasion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n of_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o constant_a danger_n whereto_o christian_n be_v expose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o their_o adversary_n walk_v about_o seek_v their_o destruction_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o rage_n and_o force_v wherewith_o he_o assault_v the_o faithful_a denote_v by_o compare_v he_o to_o the_o most_o terrible_a of_o wild_a beast_n when_o enrage_v as_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o from_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v to_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o as_o utter_o deprive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o that_o man_n be_v of_o natural_a life_n who_o be_v devour_v by_o a_o wild_a beast_n for_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o word_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o i._o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n ii_o our_o duty_n ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o first_o then_o although_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o devil_n tempt_v we_o be_v very_o obscure_a as_o be_v all_o the_o action_n of_o immaterial_a being_n and_o although_o it_o become_v we_o not_o to_o determine_v rash_o what_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v yet_o our_o inquiry_n herein_o will_v be_v lawful_a while_o guide_v by_o reason_n and_o useful_a because_o teach_v we_o a_o matter_n which_o do_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v fatal_a to_o we_o and_o convince_a the_o opposition_n of_o unbelieve_a man_n who_o mock_v at_o this_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o evil_a spirit_n for_o although_o '_o the_o common_a and_o constant_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n herein_o produce_v by_o their_o visible_a effect_n do_v render_v it_o high_o probable_a although_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o immaterial_a being_n differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a quality_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o although_o divine_a revelation_n add_v to_o all_o these_o have_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o improve_v and_o urge_v these_o argument_n since_o we_o inquire_v not_o after_o the_o existence_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n it_o will_v however_o be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_a men._n their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o bad_a from_o good_a man_n save_v that_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o angel_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o best_a man_n so_o the_o wickedness_n of_o devil_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n they_o be_v once_o at_o their_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o angel_n endue_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o happiness_n but_o when_o through_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o rebel_v against_o god_n disobey_v his_o command_n forsake_v that_o station_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v they_o and_o aim_v at_o high_a dignity_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o former_a happiness_n and_o throw_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o whereas_o before_o they_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o reflect_v upon_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o perpetual_a communication_n of_o light_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o angel_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n in_o extraordinary_a emanation_n they_o have_v now_o debase_v their_o nature_n by_o violate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o fruition_n of_o any_o divine_a illumination_n be_v reduce_v into_o that_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o loss_n can_v not_o but_o infinite_o disquiet_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o ambitious_a design_n and_o as_o they_o
can_v cunning_o suggest_v those_o sin_n unto_o they_o to_o which_o they_o be_v most_o prone_a he_o be_v unwearied_a in_o his_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o malice_n and_o so_o can_v continual_o renew_v his_o suggestion_n he_o can_v improve_v they_o with_o the_o introduce_v of_o all_o those_o false_a argument_n which_o can_v recommend_v any_o sin_n he_o can_v propose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o specious_a appearance_n be_v not_o discourage_v by_o any_o repulse_n renew_v his_o solicitation_n with_o the_o most_o constant_a diligence_n if_o man_n consider_v what_o pleasure_n the_o world_n can_v give_v he_o he_o amplifi_v to_o he_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o if_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v reflect_v on_o he_o suggest_v their_o difficulty_n if_o past_a sin_n be_v recall_v to_o mind_n he_o exaggerate_v their_o enormity_n and_o suggest_v they_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a if_o good_a christian_n through_o long_o struggle_v and_o constancy_n baffle_v he_o in_o all_o these_o attempt_n by_o stifle_v his_o wicked_a impression_n in_o their_o first_o rise_n by_o withhold_v their_o assent_n and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v his_o motion_n he_o employ_v other_o method_n and_o excile_v wicked_a man_n who_o seldom_o resist_v his_o suggestion_n because_o always_o recommend_v with_o the_o apparent_a show_n of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n or_o some_o other_o advantage_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o his_o design_n by_o bad_a example_n or_o counsel_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a by_o injury_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v the_o very_a case_n st._n peter_n particular_o speak_v of_o in_o this_o place_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o vigilant_a and_o powerful_a adversary_n we_o have_v to_o encounter_v the_o conviction_n of_o which_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o our_o ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o to_o inquire_v the_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o oppose_v he_o and_o serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n and_o successful_a use_n of_o they_o this_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o which_o god_n willing_a shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o seven_o sermon_n part_n ii_o preach_v on_o the_o 29_o of_o sept._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n have_v represent_v to_o you_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n the_o powerful_a and_o constant_a opposition_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o lay_v open_a the_o mean_n of_o resistance_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o man_n against_o these_o violent_a and_o continual_a assault_n lest_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o vigour_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n success_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n carry_v on_o his_o assault_n shall_v discourage_v you_o from_o a_o resolute_a resistance_n what_o in_o other_o combat_n be_v wont_a to_o encourage_v man_n may_v be_v reduce_v either_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o some_o great_a interest_n as_o life_n and_o liberty_n lie_v then_o at_o stake_n to_o be_v recover_v or_o even_o improve_v by_o victory_n and_o forfeit_v by_o a_o defeat_n or_o to_o the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o success_n these_o argument_n we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n want_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o move_v man_n to_o venture_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n even_o single_o and_o without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o each_o other_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o worldly_a happiness_n will_v induce_v man_n to_o fight_v even_o when_o there_o be_v little_a probability_n of_o success_n and_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o success_n will_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n although_o no_o great_a interest_n be_v decide_v by_o it_o it_o may_v be_v wonder_v indeed_o that_o what_o be_v so_o ordinary_a in_o temporal_a matter_n shall_v seldom_o be_v discover_v in_o spiritual_a concern_v where_o both_o these_o motive_n be_v always_o join_v together_o and_o yet_o both_o seldom_o obtain_v their_o effect_n here_o a_o far_o great_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n than_o be_v ever_o the_o occasion_n of_o temporal_a quarrel_n here_o great_a certainty_n of_o success_n appear_v since_o here_o to_o obtain_v a_o victory_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o ally_n the_o courage_n of_o other_o man_n or_o the_o lucky_a accident_n of_o fortune_n but_o upon_o the_o single_a power_n of_o every_o private_a man_n for_o which_o every_o one_o can_v become_v answerable_a if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o resistance_n make_v by_o man_n to_o the_o assault_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v feeble_a and_o ofttimes_o unsuccessful_a we_o must_v ascribe_v it_o not_o to_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o these_o argument_n or_o conviction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o to_o want_v of_o consideration_n that_o man_n blind_o pursue_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n raise_v not_o their_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o seldom_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o spiritual_a interest_n inquire_v not_o what_o opposition_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o or_o what_o ability_n be_v confer_v on_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v defeat_v this_o opposition_n man_n indeed_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o ascribe_v this_o want_n of_o success_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o rather_o than_o their_o own_o default_n and_o so_o they_o may_v excuse_v themselves_o care_v not_o either_o to_o vilify_v the_o divine_a justice_n or_o depress_v their_o own_o nature_n thus_o the_o marcionite_n and_o other_o heretic_n of_o old_a pretend_a that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o almighty_a be_v who_o will_n can_v not_o be_v resist_v and_o which_o be_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n some_o other_o fear_v not_o to_o maintain_v that_o god_n give_v not_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o all_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v resist_v with_o success_n if_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o vain_a will_v man_n endeavour_v to_o resist_v he_o nay_o it_o will_v be_v even_o irrational_a to_o undertake_v a_o resistance_n which_o we_o be_v before_o assure_v will_v be_v unsuccessful_a we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v than_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o those_o evil_a spirit_n and_o submit_v ourselves_o quiet_o to_o that_o tyranny_n which_o we_o foresee_v can_v never_o be_v shake_v off_o but_o far_o from_o advise_v this_o submission_n st._n peter_n exhort_v we_o to_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o assure_a hope_n of_o success_n and_o deliverance_n and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o fierceness_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o assault_v make_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n by_o compare_v he_o to_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o amplify_v the_o dreadful_a execution_n which_o he_o perform_v upon_o conquer_a man_n by_o say_v that_o he_o do_v devour_v they_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o resistance_n and_o in_o resist_v he_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n in_o pursue_v the_o design_n and_o improve_n the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o will_v consider_v the_o mean_n of_o resist_v the_o devil_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o man_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a the_o result_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o external_n the_o supernatural_a yet_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n first_o then_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n and_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o the_o internal_a faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o understand_v this_o full_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n obtain_v their_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o effect_v their_o temptation_n this_o i_o treat_v large_o of_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o shall_v only_o repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o it_o unto_o you_o the_o devil_n than_o operate_v herein_o as_o a_o natural_a agent_n only_o who_o nature_n be_v finite_a his_o operation_n must_v be_v of_o a_o limit_a power_n also_o he_o can_v violent_o over-rule_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o forcible_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o free-will_n for_o this_o be_v to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n whereas_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o creature_n can_v exceed_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n fix_v by_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o man_n by_o their_o natural_a power_n may_v resist_v and_o surmount_v his_o temptation_n especial_o since_o they_o be_v not_o enforce_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o manner_n of_o temptation_n in_o each_o case_n be_v not_o different_a be_v in_o each_o case_n effect_v by_o inward_a suggestion_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n visible_o appear_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n to_o have_v propose_v his_o allure_a temptation_n without_o any_o disguise_n will_v more_o have_v prejudice_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o than_o all_o the_o specious_a argument_n wherewith_o he_o recommend_v they_o can_v have_v enforce_v they_o he_o tempt_v christ_n by_o insinuate_v secret_o into_o his_o mind_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o that_o since_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n he_o have_v better_o satisfy_v his_o hunger_n by_o turn_v the_o stone_n into_o bread_n than_o endure_v it_o any_o long_o in_o await_v the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o to_o leap_v off_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o be_v carry_v safe_a in_o the_o air_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o raise_v his_o glory_n and_o fame_n among_o man_n and_o that_o if_o he_o will_v employ_v that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o gain_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o lord_n and_o thus_o he_o continue_v to_o tempt_v we_o with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o excellent_a wisdom_n know_v that_o all_o those_o suggestion_n proceed_v from_o that_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v those_o evil_a motion_n which_o we_o then_o find_v within_o ourselves_o to_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o since_o these_o suggestion_n be_v usual_o specious_a argument_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o be_v find_v in_o sin_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o this_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o understanding_n which_o as_o they_o imagine_v raise_v they_o beyond_o the_o trifle_a superstition_n of_o religious_a fool_n who_o be_v content_a to_o forfeit_v the_o chief_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v they_o know_v not_o who_o and_o suffer_v they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n whereby_o they_o alone_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o reconcile_v all_o these_o sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v to_o their_o pretence_n of_o future_a happiness_n when_o indeed_o pious_a man_n know_v no_o less_o than_o they_o what_o be_v the_o specious_a argument_n recommend_v sinful_a pleasure_n and_o by_o what_o method_n they_o may_v be_v best_a enhance_v but_o they_o will_v not_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o such_o consideration_n and_o if_o suggest_v to_o they_o present_o do_v remove_v they_o not_o only_o because_o by_o attention_n to_o they_o they_o be_v endanger_v to_o be_v allure_v or_o betray_v to_o consent_v to_o they_o but_o also_o because_o voluntary_o to_o continue_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o dwell_v upon_o they_o be_v a_o sin_n since_o this_o include_v a_o connivance_n of_o the_o will_n not_o restrain_v the_o imagination_n from_o such_o impure_a idea_n and_o be_v common_o attend_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o complacency_n which_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o put_v the_o please_a sin_n in_o practice_n so_o then_o the_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o elude_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o decline_v his_o suggestion_n immediate_o to_o remove_v even_o the_o first_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o divert_v the_o soul_n to_o some_o lawful_a object_n but_o because_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o strong_o excite_v by_o some_o violent_a object_n or_o impression_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v even_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o suppress_v it_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n as_o we_o see_v in_o violent_a passion_n which_o can_v no_o more_o be_v allay_v by_o one_o act_n of_o dissent_n in_o the_o will_n than_o a_o tempestuous_a sea_n be_v calm_v in_o one_o minute_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o provide_v remedy_n against_o such_o adventure_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a be_v that_o prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n v._o 29._o 30._o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o otherwise_o indifferent_a object_n thou_o find_v thyself_o often_o betray_v to_o a_o unlawful_a use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o any_o other_o sin_n deprive_v thyself_o even_o of_o that_o lawful_a pleasure_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o expose_v thy_o soul_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o total_a destruction_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_a not_o only_o that_o apparent_a but_o even_o all_o real_a satisfaction_n if_o by_o any_o please_a object_n of_o sight_n thou_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v tempt_v to_o unlawful_a desire_n by_o a_o prudent_a caution_n debar_v thyself_o even_o of_o those_o otherwise_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o that_o noble_a faculty_n if_o grateful_a object_n of_o touch_n do_v often_o excite_v such_o vehement_a passion_n in_o thou_o as_o can_v be_v satisfy_v without_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o thence_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n without_o lust_a after_o she_o suffer_v not_o thy_o eye_n to_o gaze_v upon_o she_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o engage_v in_o company_n without_o be_v tempt_v to_o drunkenness_n deny_v thyself_o so_o dangerous_a a_o satisfaction_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n a_o most_o divine_a counsel_n and_o excellent_o fit_v to_o defeat_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o propensity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n to_o sin_n every_o man_n may_v discover_v in_o himself_o a_o proneness_n to_o some_o particular_a sin_n beyond_o other_o of_o which_o evil_a spirit_n make_v their_o advantage_n and_o most_o frequent_o assault_v man_n by_o incite_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o here_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v chief_o careful_a and_o rather_o than_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o it_o dread_v even_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o suspect_v even_o his_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o object_n to_o which_o the_o sin_n relate_v and_o if_o all_o this_o circumspection_n prevent_v not_o the_o return_n of_o his_o unlawful_a passion_n as_o oft_o as_o the_o object_n be_v renew_v to_o renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o at_o least_o until_o those_o passion_n can_v be_v so_o far_o allay_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v again_o entertain_v the_o object_n without_o any_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o most_o frequent_a case_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o that_o be_v when_o the_o idea_n produce_v by_o the_o object_n or_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o it_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o a_o single_a dissent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o caution_n be_v either_o by_o our_o own_o negligence_n or_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o our_o adversary_n or_o both_o actual_o produce_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n chief_o appear_v the_o devil_n be_v vigilant_a and_o unwearied_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o design_n attack_n we_o on_o all_o side_n successive_o if_o he_o be_v repulse_v at_o one_o post_n he_o assault_v we_o at_o another_o and_o never_o give_v over_o till_o he_o gain_v entrance_n here_o be_v the_o chief_a conflict_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_n spirit_n excit_v his_o imagination_n when_o his_o passion_n be_v raise_v by_o this_o conception_n when_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n grow_v impetuous_a oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o reason_n and_o require_v blind_o to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o this_o to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v the_o devil_n opportunity_n to_o assault_v we_o and_o success_n in_o it_o this_o proceed_v no_o far_a than_o the_o bare_a satisfaction_n of_o sense_n it_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n look_v not_o up_o to_o heaven_n nor_o discern_v any_o future_a hope_n therein_o common_a with_o beast_n who_o pursue_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o present_a object_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o futurity_n this_o continual_o incit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v the_o object_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o without_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v allow_v or_o forbid_v
perfect_o and_o sufficient_o we_o can_v doubt_v without_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o establish_v it_o but_o if_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o practice_v such_o extraordinary_a method_n it_o will_v be_v absurd_a in_o man_n to_o desire_v it_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v do_v any_o unreasonable_a thing_n further_o if_o the_o majesty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v permit_v it_o it_o will_v yet_o be_v a_o intolerable_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o desire_v or_o expect_v it_o our_o great_a creator_n in_o frame_v the_o universe_n whereof_o mankind_n be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n settle_v general_a law_n whereby_o every_o part_n of_o it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o direct_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n move_v but_o in_o virtue_n of_o these_o general_a law_n nor_o can_v all_o together_o deviate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o they_o now_o every_o miracle_n be_v a_o alteration_n of_o these_o general_a law_n therein_o god_n supercede_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o produce_v somewhat_o which_o will_v never_o have_v happen_v without_o his_o extraordinary_a interposition_n what_o a_o presumption_n than_o will_v it_o be_v in_o man_n to_o require_v that_o god_n shall_v exert_v his_o omnipotence_n as_o often_o as_o his_o vain_a imagination_n shall_v expect_v it_o or_o that_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v alter_v to_o please_v his_o fancy_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a mistake_n of_o many_o deist_n that_o no_o case_n can_v happen_v wherein_o it_o shall_v be_v fit_v to_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o act_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n that_o be_v to_o limit_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bereave_v he_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n dispense_n its_o self_n in_o extraordinary_a emanation_n to_o mankind_n but_o it_o be_v a_o no_o less_o insolence_n to_o desire_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n shall_v attend_v every_o idle_a motion_n or_o capricio_n and_o work_v a_o miracle_n as_o often_o as_o man_n shall_v entertain_v a_o doubt_n not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o will_v vilify_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o suppose_v some_o great_a dignity_n in_o man_n than_o be_v real_o in_o he_o as_o if_o all_o the_o creation_n shall_v be_v reverse_v or_o alter_v to_o satisfy_v his_o will._n this_o will_v destroy_v even_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n which_o lose_v their_o majesty_n and_o their_o efficacy_n by_o be_v prostitute_v upon_o every_o mean_a account_n for_o if_o peculiar_a miracle_n must_v be_v wrought_v to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n of_o every_o man_n they_o must_v be_v so_o frequent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o the_o fix_a course_n of_o nature_n be_v and_o so_o equal_o impossible_a to_o discern_v miraculous_a from_o natural_a action_n or_o if_o they_o can_v be_v separate_v yet_o one_o will_v be_v no_o more_o regard_v than_o the_o other_o since_o it_o be_v the_o rareness_n and_o surprizingness_n of_o it_o which_o make_v a_o miracle_n considerable_a and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v no_o less_o true_o and_o full_o exert_v itself_o in_o every_o ordinary_a act_n of_o nature_n than_o in_o the_o great_a miracle_n only_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o perform_v but_o for_o some_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n be_v just_o esteem_v the_o indication_n of_o some_o particular_a will_n of_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v as_o frequent_a as_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o nature_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v less_o frequent_a if_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o private_a men._n again_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o in_o propose_v any_o religion_n to_o we_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o rational_a creature_n he_o give_v we_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n but_o as_o he_o force_v not_o our_o will_n so_o neither_o our_o understanding_n if_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o demonstrative_a as_o geometrical_a proposition_n as_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v be_v infidel_n so_o neither_o will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o commendable_a to_o be_v believer_n no_o more_o worthy_a of_o reward_n than_o to_o believe_v those_o axiom_n which_o we_o can_v disbelieve_v without_o force_v our_o understanding_n and_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o our_o own_o reason_n all_o religion_n and_o the_o annex_v of_o reward_n to_o it_o suppose_v somewhat_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v if_o as_o often_o as_o any_o man_n shall_v entertain_v a_o doubt_n god_n shall_v visible_o interpose_v and_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o by_o some_o amaze_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n whereas_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v laudable_a or_o capable_a of_o any_o reward_n must_v require_v a_o suitable_a diligence_n in_o enquiry_n a_o fit_a preparation_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o by_o remove_v all_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o inclination_n which_o may_v oppose_v the_o admission_n of_o it_o a_o serious_a examination_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o recommend_v it_o a_o firm_a expectation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n although_o not_o yet_o perceive_v by_o sense_n nor_o ascertain_v by_o any_o proof_n equivalent_a to_o sense_n yet_o confirm_v by_o argument_n which_o in_o a_o mind_n fit_o dispose_v and_o right_o judge_v can_v be_v reject_v all_o these_o end_n be_v excellent_o supply_v in_o a_o fix_a and_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n wherein_o divine_a revelation_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o man_n whereby_o neither_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n be_v prostitute_v in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o all_o occasion_n nor_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n continual_o reverse_v nor_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n foment_v nor_o his_o understanding_n force_v nor_o the_o merit_n of_o faith_n defeat_v but_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o easy_a safe_a and_o sufficient_a method_n and_o when_o such_o a_o excellent_a method_n be_v once_o settle_a by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v violate_v or_o overturn_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a man_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o some_o emergency_n may_v happen_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o general_a constitution_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o foresee_v when_o he_o make_v that_o establishment_n which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v not_o only_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o require_v particular_a miracle_n for_o their_o private_a scruple_n but_o also_o the_o vanity_n and_o mistake_n of_o those_o enthusiast_n who_o after_o this_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v settle_v pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n from_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o either_o the_o fix_a rule_n must_v be_v insufficient_a to_o teach_v they_o the_o faith_n which_o to_o affirm_v be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o their_o faith_n must_v be_v somewhat_o different_a from_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n which_o themselves_o will_v not_o allow_v or_o god_n must_v act_n in_o vain_a when_o he_o bestow_v such_o unnecessary_a illumination_n on_o they_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o such_o man_n fond_a conceit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o vehement_a pride_n whereby_o they_o scorn_v to_o be_v include_v in_o the_o common_a rank_n and_o discipline_n of_o christian_n and_o from_o a_o haughty_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n affect_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o by_o bold_a pretence_n expect_v somewhat_o extraordinary_a shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a person_n which_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o they_o but_o in_o all_o who_o desire_v particular_a miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n for_o of_o these_o few_o or_o none_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o the_o same_o favour_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n but_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o worthy_a and_o as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o high_a rank_n than_o their_o fellow_n creature_n presume_v to_o expect_v that_o somewhat_o more_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o than_o for_o other_o men._n after_o all_o if_o none_o of_o these_o reason_n forbid_v the_o expectation_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a method_n to_o be_v indulge_v to_o any_o yet_o if_o they_o shall_v appear_v no_o less_o ineffectual_a when_o bestow_v than_o the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o desire_v they_o so_o that_o to_o all_o which_o i_o have_v offer_v upon_o this_o head_n a_o new_a confirmation_n will_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v namely_o ii_o that_o such_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o
his_o own_o eye_n the_o miraculous_a work_n perform_v by_o they_o or_o if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o admonish_v he_o by_o the_o admonition_n of_o some_o depart_a soul_n he_o shall_v then_o careful_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o if_o the_o present_a argument_n of_o christianity_n afford_v to_o he_o in_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n can_v induce_v he_o to_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n neither_o will_v that_o extraordinary_a method_n which_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v he_o have_v already_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o exhortation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o very_a office_n and_o if_o he_o reject_v these_o neither_o will_v he_o be_v any_o more_o move_v although_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n the_o same_o lust_n and_o vice_n which_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o one_o will_v defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o other_o and_o even_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o fond_a desire_n he_o will_v still_o fly_v off_o and_o seek_v some_o other_o cloak_n for_o his_o impiety_n let_v we_o rather_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n aâ—d_a admonition_n which_o he_o have_v afford_v â—s_a let_v we_o by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o they_o approve_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o they_o and_o then_o that_o satisfaction_n and_o conviction_n which_o other_o may_v pretend_v they_o can_v receive_v alone_o from_o miracle_n inspiration_n and_o apparition_n we_o shall_v infallible_o find_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o common_a method_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a penman_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a instruction_n of_o the_o church_n this_o knowledge_n will_v be_v raise_v and_o actuate_v by_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o it_o by_o a_o frequent_a converse_v with_o those_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o those_o religious_a office_n and_o participation_n of_o holy_a rite_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v so_o shall_v what_o we_o now_o know_v certain_o indeed_o but_o not_o demonstrative_o be_v at_o last_o advance_v into_o a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v our_o lord_n face_n to_o face_n and_o sensible_o enjoy_v what_o we_o now_o assure_o hope_v to_o the_o fruition_n of_o this_o joy_n and_o completion_n of_o this_o hope_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n amen_n the_o ten_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 22._o of_o decemb._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n john_n viii_o 12._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n among_o all_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n wherewith_o christ_n be_v either_o prefigure_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o denote_v in_o the_o new_a none_o be_v more_o expressive_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o office_n than_o this_o of_o light_n which_o he_o apply_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o text._n nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a and_o desirable_a to_o man_n nothing_o of_o more_o universal_a influence_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o light_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o most_o glorious_a description_n of_o god_n and_o his_o effect_n and_o benefit_n be_v in_o holy_a scripture_n general_o represent_v by_o the_o denomination_n or_o comparison_n of_o light_n himself_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n god_n be_v light_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o epist._n i._n 5._o and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o he_o be_v term_v the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o st._n james_n i._n 17._o his_o habitation_n because_o nothing_o more_o glorious_a than_o light_n can_v be_v conceive_v be_v describe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o the_o light_n dwell_v with_o he_o dan._n ii_o 22._o who_o only_o have_v immortality_n dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n vi_o 16._o the_o magnificence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v amplify_v by_o the_o exceed_a light_n of_o it_o in_o apoc._n xxi_o and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o man_n be_v express_v by_o the_o confer_v of_o light_n upon_o they_o or_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o light_n to_o they_o among_o the_o heathen_n who_o know_v little_a of_o divine_a matter_n and_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o natural_a inclination_n the_o benefit_n of_o light_n be_v always_o esteem_v so_o far_o to_o exceed_v all_o other_o advantage_n of_o nature_n that_o in_o choose_v to_o themselves_o a_o deity_n they_o all_o betake_v themselves_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o the_o sun_n that_o great_a fountain_n of_o light_n and_o pay_v their_o adoration_n to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o most_o beneficial_a of_o all_o visible_a being_n now_o what_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o visible_a world_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o to_o all_o corporeal_a object_n which_o receive_v his_o influence_n the_o same_o be_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n dispense_n the_o same_o benefit_n to_o it_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o it_o dispel_v the_o darkness_n of_o it_o animate_v quicken_a and_o enliven_a it_o enlighten_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o communicate_v his_o beneficial_a influence_n to_o all_o who_o receive_v and_o follow_v the_o light_n which_o he_o hold_v out_o to_o they_o all_o this_o christ_n affirm_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o text_n the_o greatness_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o light_n in_o the_o former_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o light_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o latter_a word_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n a_o great_a and_o eminent_a character_n indeed_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o can_v be_v verify_v of_o none_o but_o that_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o enlighten_v the_o world_n yet_o a_o character_n so_o exact_o agree_v to_o our_o lord_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n this_o alone_a may_v evince_v it_o the_o property_n and_o benefit_n of_o light_n be_v to_o dispel_v darkness_n and_o to_o enlighten_v the_o world_n whereby_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n may_v be_v direct_v in_o their_o motion_n and_o action_n this_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o a_o most_o perfect_a manner_n perform_v to_o the_o intellectual_a world_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o approve_v himself_o the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o abundant_o satisfy_v those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o go_v before_o concern_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v confer_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n upon_o mankind_n dispel_v the_o darkness_n under_o which_o they_o labour_v and_o introduce_v a_o glorious_a state_n of_o light_n he_o be_v of_o old_a prefigure_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o star_n which_o shall_v arise_v in_o jacob_n but_o afterward_o by_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a signification_n isa_n xlix_o 6._o he_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v give_v for_o a_o light_n to_o the_o gentile_n a_o prophecy_n renew_v by_o old_a simeon_n luk._n ii_o 32._o when_o at_o his_o presentation_n in_o the_o temple_n he_o foretell_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n a_o promise_v make_v in_o more_o than_o one_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o we_o read_v also_o in_o the_o xlii_o of_o isa._n i_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v thou_o in_o righteousness_n and_o will_v give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n and_o in_o the_o lx._n ch._n arise_v shine_v for_o thy_o light_n be_v come_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v rise_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v to_o thy_o light_n and_o king_n to_o the_o brightness_n of_o thy_o rise_n and_o of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n xxx_o 26._o moreover_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v seven_o fold_n as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o day_n in_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n bind_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o people_n and_o heal_v the_o stroke_n of_o their_o wound_n and_o lx._n 19_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o thy_o light_n by_o day_n neither_o for_o
best_o tend_v to_o the_o perpetual_a continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o this_o light_n once_o deliver_v when_o therefore_o by_o these_o mean_n in_o a_o few_o century_n almost_o all_o the_o know_a world_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n free_v from_o its_o ancient_a error_n and_o receive_v the_o truth_n when_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n still_o continue_v to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o benefit_n freedom_n from_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o way_n to_o happiness_n may_v we_o not_o just_o conclude_v all_o the_o glorious_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o happy_a time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o light_n to_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o world_n by_o he_o to_o have_v be_v exact_o complete_v in_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o mankind_n and_o restore_v and_o increase_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n among_o man_n he_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a as_o well_o as_o clear_v and_o bright_a be_v this_o light_n communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n so_o exact_o conformable_a to_o all_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o to_o be_v deduce_v thence_o that_o a_o more_o clear_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v conceive_v or_o desire_v a_o reflection_n which_o may_v be_v worth_a our_o consideration_n a_o while_n as_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o light_n of_o which_o we_o now_o treat_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o a_o person_n devoid_a of_o all_o acquire_v learning_n as_o our_o lord_n confess_o be_v shall_v in_o a_o age_n overrun_v with_o universal_a error_n teach_v and_o deliver_v a_o entire_a system_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n without_o the_o least_o error_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o real_o act_v by_o that_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o pretend_v it_o may_v perhaps_o have_v be_v account_v possible_a if_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n instruct_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o age_n although_o even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o hardly_o possible_a when_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v all_o know_v at_o that_o time_n to_o have_v be_v involve_v in_o so_o many_o error_n and_o how_o gross_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n err_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n we_o before_o instance_a and_o that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v after_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o education_n from_o these_o very_a erroneous_a doctor_n happy_o discover_v all_o the_o error_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o find_v out_o the_o exact_a truth_n in_o all_o 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be_v propose_v to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o this_o system_fw-la there_o be_v no_o one_o virtue_n which_o himself_o possess_v and_o exercise_v not_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n all_o that_o piety_n temperance_n meekness_n and_o charity_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o his_o follower_n himself_o practise_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o in_o a_o degree_n which_o other_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o attain_v to_o without_o any_o interruption_n of_o vice_n or_o imperfection_n such_o a_o example_n may_v well_o be_v term_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o alone_a if_o all_o rule_n of_o piety_n if_o all_o notion_n of_o good_a be_v lose_v among_o man_n they_o may_v be_v entire_o recover_v and_o not_o only_o illustrious_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o industrious_o make_v so_o to_o all_o
advantage_n by_o it_o they_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v indeed_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v require_v a_o discrimination_n of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o than_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o because_o the_o bad_a be_v to_o be_v punish_v the_o good_a must_v be_v reward_v with_o any_o supernatural_a favour_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o man_n for_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o be_v and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o life_n from_o god_n and_o enjoy_v they_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n or_o if_o a_o extraordinary_a reward_n may_v be_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n yet_o can_v no_o man_n in_o that_o state_n conceive_v a_o assurance_n of_o his_o title_n to_o it_o since_o no_o such_o reward_n can_v be_v claim_v but_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o every_o one_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v in_o any_o such_o claim_n last_o to_o remove_v all_o this_o anxiety_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o renounce_v all_o hope_n of_o future_a or_o supernatural_a happiness_n and_o live_v regardless_o of_o it_o for_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v still_o suggest_v to_o he_o that_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o if_o he_o slight_v the_o suggestion_n his_o conscience_n will_v afflict_v and_o torment_v he_o will_v upbraid_v he_o with_o it_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o condemn_v himself_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v these_o suggestion_n he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a and_o if_o he_o can_v effect_v it_o he_o must_v conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o beast_n upon_o the_o whole_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v not_o but_o labour_n with_o great_a anxiety_n grow_v restless_a and_o impatient_a under_o the_o burden_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v thereby_o necessitate_v to_o betake_v itself_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o christ_n who_o promise_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o it_o but_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n more_o particular_o refer_v to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n a_o religion_n encumber_a with_o so_o many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o many_o positive_a precept_n and_o observation_n that_o st._n peter_n just_o complain_v of_o it_o in_o act_n xv._n 10._o as_o of_o a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o their_o father_n nor_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o at_o first_o intend_v to_o perfect_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n or_o immediate_o to_o procure_v happiness_n but_o rather_o to_o guard_v that_o stiff-necked_a people_n from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o incline_v that_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v about_o these_o legal_a observation_n they_o may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o superstitious_a rite_n and_o even_o conceive_v a_o hatred_n of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o contribute_v little_a to_o raise_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o improve_v his_o faculty_n or_o give_v he_o assurance_n of_o what_o he_o most_o desire_a a_o happiness_n equal_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o undeserved_o call_v the_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o ezek._n xx._n say_v to_o be_v statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o judgement_n whereby_o the_o observer_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o live_v to_o have_v be_v give_v in_o his_o anger_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o many_o rebellion_n and_o apostasy_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a number_n of_o their_o positive_a precept_n ceremony_n and_o observation_n how_o little_o they_o contribute_v to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o will_n or_o enlighten_v of_o the_o understanding_n how_o obscure_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v and_o how_o inconsiderable_a the_o reward_n annex_v to_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o institution_n infinite_o more_o severe_a than_o what_o be_v afterward_o introduce_v by_o christ._n there_o be_v â—ndeed_o a_o reward_n adjoin_v to_o it_o but_o â—hat_n so_o far_o beneath_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n terminate_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o even_o this_o reward_n they_o find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v common_a to_o the_o observer_n and_o violator_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o good_a alone_o yet_o be_v subject_a to_o as_o many_o variation_n as_o be_v the_o body_n which_o it_o principal_o concern_v again_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o sensible_a vexation_n to_o a_o consider_v mind_n that_o they_o be_v treat_v by_o god_n at_o such_o distance_n debar_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o be_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o prescribe_v of_o they_o can_v discover_v no_o reasonableness_n or_o excellency_n in_o they_o no_o agreeableness_n between_o they_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o such_o carnal_a observation_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o or_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v they_o yet_o when_o they_o view_v the_o number_n the_o extent_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o they_o even_o despair_v to_o perform_v they_o they_o have_v indeed_o all_o the_o reason_n common_a to_o natural_a religion_n and_o some_o peculiar_a to_o themselves_o to_o expect_v from_o the_o divine_a justice_n a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a reward_n but_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o legal_a righteousness_n consist_v in_o a_o universal_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n extinguish_v their_o hope_n and_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o all_o the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v provide_v remedy_n expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n of_o omission_n inadvertency_n and_o a_o lesser_a gild_n but_o give_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n to_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o heinous_a nature_n have_v assign_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o expiation_n nor_o allow_v any_o mean_n of_o pardon_n for_o they_o amid_o all_o these_o difficulty_n the_o mind_n be_v afflict_v be_v conscious_a of_o her_o own_o offence_n but_o not_o discover_v the_o remedy_n of_o the_o guilt_n despise_v the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o temporal_a felicity_n yet_o promise_v no_o better_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o precept_n but_o take_v no_o complacency_n therein_o fear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o scarce_o able_a to_o avoid_v it_o thus_o be_v the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o itself_o a_o heavy_a burden_n even_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o pharisaical_a interpretation_n who_o by_o their_o scruple_n nicety_n and_o supererrogation_n have_v at_o that_o time_n almost_o double_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o in_o relief_n of_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n our_o lord_n invite_v the_o weary_a soul_n to_o take_v refuge_n in_o his_o religion_n assure_v she_o of_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n therein_o ease_n of_o scruple_n and_o removal_n of_o anxiety_n in_o the_o 28_o verse_n bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o past_a sin_n nor_o despair_n of_o pardon_n not_o fear_v to_o approach_v to_o he_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o mount_n sina_n when_o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v by_o god_n from_o thence_o for_o that_o himself_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n in_o the_o 29_o verse_n ready_a to_o forgive_v their_o sin_n upon_o sincere_a repentance_n condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n willing_a to_o lay_v open_a all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o their_o understanding_n to_o adapt_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a to_o treat_v all_o with_o a_o constant_a sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o fill_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o the_o promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o reward_n which_o shall_v be_v nothing_o inferior_a to_o their_o most_o extend_a desire_n the_o far_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o ii_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o yoke_n and_o lightness_n of_o the_o burden_n impose_v upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n separate_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o it_o more_o near_o respect_v our_o practice_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o this_o yoke_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n or_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n which_o word_n st._n john_n make_v use_v of_o to_o express_v the_o same_o sense_n 1_o joh._n v._o 3._o for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o
limit_n of_o a_o just_a punishment_n and_o the_o excess_n of_o that_o punishment_n be_v a_o real_a injury_n entitle_v the_o other_o to_o a_o fresh_a revenge_n i_o may_v therefore_o insist_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o revenge_n to_o man_n from_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n too_o inconsiderable_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a to_o return_v therefore_o to_o the_o former_a consideration_n since_o the_o justice_n of_o all_o punishment_n consist_v in_o the_o parity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v and_o vehemence_n of_o passion_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v incident_a suffer_v not_o man_n to_o observe_v that_o parity_n in_o execution_n of_o revenge_n and_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n as_o in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o in_o this_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o justice_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o a_o singular_a benefit_n that_o god_n have_v take_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o not_o leave_v the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o our_o discretion_n lest_o it_o shall_v unavoidable_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n either_o in_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o just_a bound_n or_o in_o execute_v it_o for_o other_o reason_n than_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n or_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n when_o he_o cit_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n vengeance_n be_v i_o etc._n etc._n which_o in_o the_o place_n refer_v to_o deut._n xxxii_o 35._o plain_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n for_o there_o god_n have_v denounce_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o punishment_n he_o will_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o case_n of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o tell_v they_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n into_o the_o power_n of_o strange_a nation_n who_o shall_v tyrannize_v over_o they_o and_o mighty_o oppress_v they_o and_o therein_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o those_o punishment_n which_o he_o design_v to_o their_o sin_n not_o that_o thereby_o their_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n shall_v become_v the_o less_o unlawful_a because_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o in_o oppress_v the_o jew_n have_v no_o regard_n but_o only_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o other_o passion_n and_o therefore_o this_o oppression_n so_o far_o exceed_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n god_n in_o the_o 35th_o verse_n aforecited_a threaten_v that_o he_o will_v severe_o revenge_v upon_o they_o and_o according_o in_o xxv_o of_o ezekiel_n 12_o god_n foretell_v the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o edom_n for_o take_v a_o too_o severe_a revenge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n although_o himself_o have_v deliver_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v plague_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o no_o other_o argument_n dissuade_v we_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n if_o a_o moderate_a revenge_n be_v even_o permit_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o difficulty_n of_o observe_v moderation_n in_o it_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v sin_n thereby_o shall_v deter_v we_o from_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v make_v unfit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n for_o that_o they_o know_v not_o certain_o the_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o suppose_a crime_n and_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o it_o and_o although_o they_o be_v secure_v of_o it_o yet_o will_v rather_o consult_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n when_o it_o be_v support_v by_o so_o many_o passion_n as_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o the_o like_a these_o indeed_o to_o mind_n of_o more_o happy_a education_n and_o noble_a thought_n natural_o appear_v odious_a and_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o better_a blood_n and_o great_a mind_n find_v their_o practice_n of_o revenge_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o honour_n to_o which_o they_o fancy_v all_o other_o consideration_n ought_v to_o yield_v entertain_v a_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o this_o honour_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o patient_a endure_v of_o injury_n and_o that_o every_o affront_v unrevenged_a draw_v upon_o they_o the_o imputation_n of_o cowardice_n a_o opinion_n build_v upon_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n and_o valour_n and_o which_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n manifest_v a_o real_a weakness_n in_o it_o for_o wherein_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n to_o be_v place_v but_o in_o such_o perfection_n as_o may_v improve_v his_o faculty_n adorn_v his_o nature_n and_o promote_v his_o happiness_n if_o upon_o these_o principle_n he_o raise_v the_o favourable_a esteem_n of_o other_o man_n his_o honour_n be_v then_o true_o found_v if_o for_o other_o reason_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o perfection_n he_o fanci_v himself_o to_o be_v admire_v he_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o that_o he_o pride_n himself_o in_o the_o admiration_n of_o other_o no_o less_o injudicious_a such_o be_v when_o esteem_n be_v found_v upon_o rashness_n or_o a_o precipitate_a boldness_n upon_o impatience_n of_o bear_v the_o least_o indignity_n and_o prefer_v this_o resolution_n to_o all_o consideration_n if_o this_o be_v a_o real_a honour_n than_o such_o a_o passionate_a determination_n must_v be_v indeed_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n a_o improvement_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a to_o affirm_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o nor_o yet_o can_v any_o argument_n of_o valour_n or_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o such_o a_o conduct_n valour_n indeed_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o mind_n as_o can_v be_v move_v or_o over-turned_n by_o any_o external_a accident_n can_v be_v interrupt_v by_o fear_n and_o passion_n and_o a_o mind_n true_o great_a be_v place_v above_o all_o such_o mean_a resentment_n and_o rather_o scorn_v than_o fear_v the_o attempt_n of_o other_o men._n how_o then_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o make_v good_a this_o character_n who_o a_o injury_n shall_v torment_v and_o disquiet_v who_o thought_n may_v be_v ruffle_v and_o his_o passion_n raise_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o who_o by_o manifest_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v in_o little_a matter_n betray_v the_o consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o want_n of_o real_a worth_n and_o happiness_n which_o can_v be_v so_o far_o impair_v by_o trifle_n and_o petty_a injury_n that_o without_o revenge_n it_o can_v be_v restore_v in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o great_a indication_n of_o a_o abject_a and_o mean_a spirit_n of_o cowardice_n and_o imperfection_n of_o mind_n than_o that_o impatience_n that_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o always_o attend_v revenge_n thus_o found_v upon_o mistake_a honour_n but_o i_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o cause_n i_o handle_v when_o i_o seek_v to_o recommend_v the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v revenge_n by_o a_o argument_n so_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o presume_v my_o speech_n do_v reach_v no_o other_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o revenge_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v forbid_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o since_o his_o religion_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o restore_v right_a notion_n of_o all_o moral_a action_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o true_a honour_n or_o valour_n shall_v promote_v the_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n be_v vain_a indeed_o yet_o not_o so_o criminal_a as_o that_o other_o ordinary_a pretence_n of_o satisfy_a justice_n therein_o when_o man_n prosecute_v their_o revenge_n against_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o justice_n and_o lest_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o those_o be_v wont_a to_o allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o revenge_n who_o revenge_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o malice_n not_o of_o mistake_a honour_n to_o confess_v open_o that_o they_o take_v revenge_n because_o they_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n will_v be_v too_o shameless_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o may_v also_o overthrow_v those_o artifices_fw-la by_o which_o such_o man_n common_o work_v their_o revenge_n for_o which_o they_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o
by_o who_o power_n the_o soul_n of_o christ_n be_v rejoin_v to_o the_o body_n 2._o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o founder_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a not_o convenient_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a and_o chief_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o revelation_n so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n thereof_o to_o this_o therefore_o he_o at_o all_o time_n refer_v as_o to_o the_o last_o and_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o mission_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sign_n which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o authority_n that_o as_o ionas_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o this_o he_o have_v fix_v the_o expectation_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o his_o hearer_n and_o by_o this_o he_o be_v to_o set_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n have_v he_o leave_v his_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a after_o all_o these_o assurance_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v insult_v over_o his_o disciple_n with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o christian_n do_v over_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n who_o promise_v to_o rise_v again_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n little_a imagine_v that_o his_o name_n or_o religion_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n although_o now_o after_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n expire_v the_o impostor_n still_o lie_v in_o hell_n have_v christ_n not_o rise_v again_o the_o apostle_n confess_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 14._o their_o preach_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o vain_a but_o when_o so_o illustrious_a a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a authority_n have_v intervene_v when_o heaven_n itself_o have_v declare_v it_o so_o eminent_o to_o deny_v assent_n will_v be_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o jew_n in_o the_o most_o violent_a execution_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o malice_n engage_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v himself_o it_o have_v be_v no_o less_o easy_a for_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o have_v ascend_v from_o the_o grave_a but_o first_o the_o design_n of_o his_o suffering_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o since_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o restore_v himself_o to_o life_n to_o labour_v under_o any_o doubt_n have_v he_o descend_v from_o the_o cross_n before_o he_o die_v he_o can_v not_o have_v atone_v for_o the_o gild_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v he_o descend_v immediate_o after_o his_o death_n it_o will_v have_v be_v pretend_v that_o he_o have_v not_o die_v yet_o even_o this_o they_o will_v have_v confess_v to_o be_v miraculous_a but_o perhaps_o refer_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v his_o former_a miracle_n not_o to_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o to_o magical_a operation_n whereas_o this_o pretence_n do_v whole_o vanish_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n since_o no_o magic_a or_o diabolick_a power_n remain_v after_o death_n in_o short_a so_o great_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o his_o resurrection_n so_o undeniable_a the_o fact_n and_o so_o important_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o sermon_n employ_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a argument_n of_o conviction_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v mathias_n to_o the_o apostleship_n describe_v his_o office_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o witness_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n god_n have_v more_o than_o once_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n declare_v he_o by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o constant_a miracle_n to_o be_v his_o son_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o this_o inferior_a to_o that_o proceed_v from_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o be_v in_o many_o place_n say_v to_o have_v then_o adopt_v christ_n for_o his_o son_n because_o he_o then_o eminent_o declare_v to_o he_o be_v so_o as_o act_v xiii_o 33._o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o psalm_n ii_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o rom._n i._n 4._o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v from_o the_o incarnation_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n chief_o in_o his_o resurrection_n 3._o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v assure_v chief_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o when_o he_o therefore_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o a_o incorruptible_a state_n of_o glory_n they_o then_o raise_v their_o hope_n and_o conceive_v full_a assurance_n of_o immortality_n till_o then_o mankind_n have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o by_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v convince_v that_o either_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o immortality_n or_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o confer_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v perceive_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o dissolution_n of_o death_n the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o then_o consider_v their_o own_o relation_n to_o christ_n may_v hope_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v by_o his_o resurrection_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o have_v often_o promise_v that_o his_o faithful_a follower_n shall_v be_v coheir_n with_o he_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n entitle_v the_o whole_a mass_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o same_o favour_n only_o it_o be_v require_v and_o that_o just_o if_o that_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n we_o must_v also_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o death_n for_o so_o the_o promise_n run_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o crucify_v our_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v if_o we_o as_o full_o forsake_v all_o vicious_a habit_n as_o he_o who_o die_v be_v bereave_v of_o vital_a action_n if_o far_a we_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o that_o as_o he_o die_v but_o once_o but_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o we_o henceforward_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o righteousness_n than_o we_o may_v reasonable_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o he_o the_o forerunner_n in_o our_o resurrection_n which_o we_o have_v so_o near_o express_v in_o our_o death_n we_o be_v then_o true_o member_n of_o himself_o the_o head_n be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o suffering_n we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o gracious_a acceptation_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v while_o we_o inviolable_o continue_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o other_o indeed_o be_v before_o he_o raise_v from_o dead_a to_o life_n as_o those_o raise_v by_o elijah_n elishah_n and_o by_o christ_n before_o and_o at_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o these_o be_v all_o to_o die_v again_o and_o so_o thereby_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o immortality_n to_o mankind_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o who_o in_o behalf_n of_o mankind_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o immortality_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v for_o we_o and_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o unless_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o imitate_v the_o imperfect_a resurrection_n of_o those_o mortal_a man_n
to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n adoration_n then_o consist_v as_o well_o in_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n absolute_o consider_v as_o in_o profess_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o we_o either_o do_v already_o enjoy_v or_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o receive_v in_o both_o these_o respect_n prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o significant_a manner_n of_o adoration_n for_o by_o it_o we_o profess_v our_o want_n of_o which_o we_o desire_v relief_n we_o thereby_o confess_v ourselves_o finite_a and_o imperfect_a creature_n we_o proclaim_v ourselves_o the_o dependent_n of_o god_n from_o who_o we_o beg_v the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n we_o confess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o all-sufficiency_n from_o who_o we_o expect_v the_o relief_n of_o all_o our_o necessity_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n whence_o we_o raise_v our_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o petition_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o can_v effect_v our_o desire_n all_o these_o acknowledgement_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o all_o petition_n for_o supply_v of_o want_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o who_o address_v himself_o to_o another_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o any_o want_v therein_o confess_v there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v to_o his_o own_o perfection_n that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o make_v this_o address_n be_v not_o only_o in_o be_v for_o otherwise_o all_o address_n to_o he_o will_v be_v frivolous_a but_o also_o able_a to_o relieve_v he_o if_o in_o all_o case_n and_o want_v he_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o remedy_n he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o hope_v relief_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_n in_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o supplication_n of_o pardon_n which_o among_o person_n especial_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n be_v wont_a to_o constitute_v no_o small_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n to_o he_o be_v more_o eminent_o acknowledge_v for_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o confession_n and_o entreaty_n of_o pardon_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o sense_n that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o that_o subjection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o the_o sinner_n be_v hereby_o subject_a to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o follow_v unless_o it_o be_v avert_v by_o obtain_v of_o pardon_n further_o it_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n otherwise_o all_o such_o entreaty_n will_v be_v but_o vain_a since_o it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n which_o can_v pardon_v a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n in_o both_o case_n and_o in_o all_o other_o form_n of_o prayer_n man_n ow_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n and_o dependant_a of_o god_n even_o by_o make_v application_n to_o he_o but_o that_o which_o chief_o manifest_v that_o conviction_n which_o all_o supplicant_n have_v of_o the_o majesty_n and_o infinity_n of_o god_n be_v that_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n to_o he_o although_o invisible_a and_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v in_o all_o place_n whence_o they_o evident_o declare_v that_o they_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o since_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n tell_v they_o that_o none_o but_o god_n possess_v those_o perfection_n they_o thereby_o testify_v their_o belief_n that_o he_o to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o extend_v the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o attribute_n such_o as_o power_n knowledge_n goodness_n and_o the_o like_a to_o all_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o this_o alone_a if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v will_v make_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o adoration_n such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n nor_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o possess_v true_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_o god_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n direct_v his_o prayer_n to_o any_o be_v shall_v not_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v hear_v by_o it_o nor_o do_v any_o pretend_v to_o it_o they_o who_o address_v their_o prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v hear_v by_o they_o which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v without_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n attribute_n peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o in_o pray_v to_o they_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o own_v they_o to_o be_v so_o many_o god_n and_o every_o petition_n be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n give_v to_o they_o just_o therefore_o do_v the_o psalmist_n say_v thou_o that_o hear_v the_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v thou_o only_o o_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n therefore_o to_o thou_o only_o shall_v they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n thus_o prayer_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o although_o no_o such_o explicit_a acknowledgement_n be_v make_v in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o general_a form_n of_o prayer_n receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o religion_n not_o only_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o those_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n be_v compose_v but_o among_o all_o nation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n man_n have_v be_v wont_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o prayer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n of_o they_o to_o confess_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o magnify_v those_o attribute_n the_o benefit_n of_o which_o they_o then_o implore_v if_o they_o desire_v pardon_n they_o magnify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n commit_v in_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n if_o they_o beg_v extraordinary_a relief_n and_o assistance_n in_o any_o emergency_n they_o declare_v their_o opinion_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o in_o general_a any_o favour_n they_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o dependence_n on_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o find_v either_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o in_o the_o write_n of_o heathen_n in_o both_o which_o a_o great_a number_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v find_v any_o wherein_o such_o express_a word_n of_o adoration_n be_v omit_v the_o first_o formal_a prayer_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v that_o of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n xviii_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o sodom_n from_o the_o destruction_n intend_v by_o god_n and_o therein_o the_o supplicant_n do_v more_o than_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o himself_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o can_v not_o act_n any_o otherwise_o than_o just_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o heathen_n general_o begin_v with_o what_o in_o our_o language_n be_v o_o almighty_a god_n and_o o_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o that_o most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n give_v his_o disciple_n and_o intend_v as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n as_o for_o a_o form_n to_o we_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v with_o a_o express_a adoration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n we_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v our_o father_n the_o author_n of_o our_o life_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o do_v govern_v the_o earth_n in_o the_o end_n we_o profess_v that_o to_o he_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o mankind_n that_o he_o possess_v infinite_a power_n that_o glory_n belong_v to_o he_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v render_v to_o he_o that_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o further_o if_o every_o supplicant_n to_o god_n do_v
miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v yet_o present_a to_o confess_v he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n while_o his_o body_n be_v yet_o visible_a to_o acknowledge_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a when_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n proclaim_v no_o less_o all_o this_o will_v have_v be_v so_o slight_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n so_o little_o deserve_v any_o commendation_n or_o reward_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o even_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v to_o avoid_v but_o when_o the_o object_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o yet_o discover_v by_o reason_n when_o the_o eye_n do_v not_o see_v what_o the_o affection_n still_o embrace_v when_o the_o soul_n cease_v not_o to_o hope_v upon_o probable_a and_o just_a motive_n what_o it_o never_o receive_v by_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o noble_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n worthy_a of_o a_o spiritual_a be_v and_o worthy_a of_o a_o divine_a reward_n and_o such_o a_o reward_n have_v our_o lord_n annex_v to_o it_o pronounce_v joh._n xx._n 29._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v this_o blessedness_n christ_n by_o his_o ascension_n have_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o without_o that_o have_v want_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n to_o acquire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n further_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therein_o his_o exaltation_n to_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o glory_n be_v in_o justice_n due_a to_o his_o precedent_n meritorious_a suffering_n which_o be_v therefore_o assign_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o exaltation_n by_o st._n paul_n phil._n ii_o he_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o etc._n etc._n the_o humility_n manifest_v by_o he_o in_o his_o incarnation_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o passion_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o example_n of_o former_a time_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o descend_v from_o his_o seat_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o in_o this_o nature_n he_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o the_o ordinary_a satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o but_o live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n and_o all_o this_o for_o his_o own_o creature_n who_o far_o from_o deserve_v such_o a_o favour_n from_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o from_o their_o creation_n will_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o and_o continue_v their_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a humiliation_n that_o none_o other_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v have_v effect_v and_o therefore_o be_v in_o justice_n to_o be_v crown_v with_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v receive_v namely_o that_o that_o body_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o depress_v shall_v be_v raise_v above_o all_o creature_n shall_v be_v place_v above_o angel_n and_o archangel_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n shall_v for_o ever_o remain_v unite_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therewith_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o principal_a seat_n and_o throne_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n last_o to_o name_v no_o more_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o so_o he_o may_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n perform_v all_o which_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n have_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n or_o he_o have_v denounce_v of_o himself_o it_o be_v long_o since_o typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o propitiation_n which_o represent_v the_o final_a atonement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v command_v by_o god_n that_o the_o high_a priest_n shall_v enter_v but_o once_o every_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n that_o be_v upon_o that_o day_n when_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n he_o pass_v through_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o part_n of_o it_o into_o that_o place_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n represent_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n this_o visible_a world_n from_o which_o opinion_n join_v with_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n of_o that_o day_n it_o appear_v as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n argue_v ix_o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v by_o a_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a tabernacle_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v slay_v shall_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n here_o below_o and_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n the_o throne_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n shall_v there_o present_v his_o blood_n blood_n of_o that_o inestimable_a value_n as_o need_v not_o be_v shed_v and_o present_v every_o year_n but_o as_o he_o once_o appear_v in_o the_o low_a world_n to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o so_o once_o for_o all_o he_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n not_o to_o appear_v again_o until_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n with_o majesty_n and_o great_a glory_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a the_o same_o be_v fortolde_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n lxviii_o 18._o and_o from_o thence_o urge_v by_o st._n paul_n ephes._n iu._n 8._o thou_o have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a into_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o original_a word_n thou_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a thou_o have_v receive_v gift_n for_o men._n a_o prophecy_n which_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v neither_o be_v apply_v to_o moses_n nor_o to_o joshua_n nor_o to_o david_n himself_o nor_o to_o any_o illustrious_a conqueror_n of_o that_o nation_n who_o never_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o to_o christ_n alone_o who_o real_o and_o bodily_a ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o subdue_v sin_n death_n hell_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o ascension_n visible_o triumph_v over_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o captive_n when_o that_o body_n which_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o itself_o have_v destroy_v sin_n be_v in_o reward_n of_o that_o meritorious_a suffer_v advance_v into_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v continual_o present_a with_o god_n when_o that_o body_n which_o have_v be_v subject_v to_o death_n and_o afterward_o be_v raise_v from_o it_o receive_v now_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o its_o immortality_n be_v raise_v into_o heaven_n where_o be_v no_o place_n of_o corruption_n leave_v when_o the_o captain_n of_o man_n salvation_n visible_o ascend_v unto_o the_o eternal_a place_n of_o happiness_n have_v first_o promise_v to_o draw_v all_o his_o faithful_a follower_n after_o he_o and_o from_o whence_o he_o dispense_v the_o precious_a and_o glorious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n if_o these_o prophecy_n and_o type_n foretell_v and_o prefigure_v the_o ascension_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v seem_v obscure_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o glorious_a kingdom_n this_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o lord_n office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n permit_v he_o not_o to_o receive_v on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n there_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mean_a reward_n to_o his_o humility_n patience_n and_o suffering_n precede_v his_o resurrection_n to_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v dignify_v with_o a_o reward_n common_a ofttimes_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n the_o greatness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o design_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v contemn_v by_o he_o and_o that_o divinity_n which_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v cloud_v or_o depress_v but_o to_o shine_v forth_o in_o its_o full_a lustre_n can_v find_v no_o fit_a habitation_n upon_o earth_n which_o in_o
just_o to_o be_v account_v laudable_a for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a line_n and_o main_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o direct_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o by_o all_o the_o world_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a to_o be_v laudable_a and_o divine_a such_o as_o be_v justice_n sobriety_n devotion_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v not_o among_o christian_n alone_o that_o such_o action_n be_v esteem_v praiseworthy_a all_o party_n of_o sober_a man_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o those_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o common_a sentiment_n in_o the_o veneration_n and_o praise_n of_o all_o such_o virtue_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o even_o when_o the_o heathen_n deride_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o cross_n they_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o person_n who_o profess_v it_o they_o also_o be_v convince_v that_o all_o those_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o mankind_n only_o in_o this_o they_o disagree_v that_o whereas_o they_o account_v the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o undertake_n possible_a only_o to_o more_o exalt_a mind_n christ_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n although_o even_o this_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v not_o but_o raise_v their_o thought_n to_o a_o extreme_a veneration_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n who_o form_v these_o law_n and_o even_o force_v from_o they_o a_o confession_n of_o that_o praise_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o institution_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n fit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a example_n to_o other_o he_o distinguish_v his_o religion_n from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v observe_v they_o must_v distinguish_v themselves_o from_o 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be_v rather_o prompt_v to_o pity_v the_o slavery_n than_o to_o imitate_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o service_n whereas_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o christianity_n impose_v be_v amiable_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n ever_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o commendation_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o spectator_n thus_o our_o lord_n fit_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v fail_v of_o its_o design_a end_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o its_o right_a use_n and_o therein_o have_v lead_v the_o way_n by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o confine_v not_o himself_o to_o a_o desert_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o converse_v in_o their_o city_n and_o more_o frequent_v meeting_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o constant_a piety_n goodness_n and_o charity_n which_o attend_v all_o his_o action_n be_v instruct_v by_o they_o and_o draw_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o he_o indulge_v his_o conversation_n to_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v they_o first_o to_o a_o love_n of_o his_o person_n and_o then_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o his_o virtue_n he_o disdain_v not_o the_o company_n of_o any_o who_o may_v receive_v advantage_n from_o his_o doctrine_n or_o example_n and_o that_o he_o may_v fit_v his_o life_n for_o a_o universal_a pattern_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n he_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o extraordinary_a austerity_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o amid_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o strict_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n allow_v to_o himself_o the_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o world_n he_o refuse_v not_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o those_o who_o invite_v he_o to_o splendid_a entertainment_n as_o with_o levi_n and_o zacheus_n nor_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o marriage-feast_n at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v hunger_n and_o cold_a contempt_n and_o the_o vile_a injury_n to_o undergo_v long_o watch_v in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o so_o it_o behove_v he_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o to_o perform_v all_o righteousness_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a exemplar_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n not_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o method_n of_o life_n lest_o thereby_o his_o example_n shall_v become_v deficient_a to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v engage_v in_o another_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o more_o ordinary_a action_n and_o variety_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o in_o all_o case_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o approve_v and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v concern_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o example_n both_o the_o observation_n therefore_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v equal_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a engage_v he_o to_o be_v exemplar_n in_o his_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o thus_o first_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n will_v become_v a_o light_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o each_o other_o our_o lord_n describe_v both_o in_o this_o place_n very_o lively_a you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 13._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n will_v remain_v in_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o in_o the_o numerous_a society_n which_o i_o shall_v found_v and_o call_v by_o my_o name_n piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a shall_v be_v maintain_v yet_o not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o society_n alone_o but_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v receive_v instruction_n from_o it_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 14._o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o i_o have_v place_v my_o church_n as_o a_o glorious_a light_n to_o dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o remove_v this_o ignorance_n that_o so_o all_o who_o do_v but_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o least_o inclination_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n may_v there_o discover_v the_o light_n and_o repair_v to_o it_o and_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o take_v effect_n while_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o light_n shall_v remain_v while_o the_o church_n shall_v continue_v glorious_a and_o unspotted_a while_o the_o member_n of_o it_o shall_v all_o or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o perform_v their_o duty_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o light_n place_v in_o a_o room_n can_v be_v hide_v if_o indeed_o those_o virtue_n which_o i_o command_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o who_o profess_v my_o name_n if_o justice_n chastity_n beneficence_n and_o other_o mark_n of_o goodness_n be_v indeed_o so_o eminent_o exercise_v by_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n of_o man_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o darkness_n will_v approach_v to_o this_o light_n or_o if_o through_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n they_o still_o continue_v afar_o off_o however_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v that_o they_o see_v the_o light_n and_o must_v admire_v both_o it_o and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o mean_a christian_n may_v make_v himself_o true_o exemplary_a by_o perform_v his_o duty_n conscientious_o in_o the_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o although_o his_o understanding_n and_o ability_n have_v not_o fit_v he_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o single_o consider_v if_o he_o well_o discharge_v his_o single_a station_n although_o never_o so_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n he_o contribute_v to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n of_o make_v his_o church_n a_o
obtain_v by_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v promote_v by_o the_o praise_n and_o by_o the_o service_n of_o men._n the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v direct_o promote_v by_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n while_o other_o man_n view_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o action_n raise_v their_o thought_n to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o conceive_v somewhat_o yet_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a in_o he_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o if_o that_o imperfect_a light_n which_o may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o so_o glorious_a the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n exceed_v all_o imagination_n that_o if_o such_o eminent_a act_n of_o goodness_n be_v perform_v by_o frail_a man_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o he_o devoid_a of_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n the_o fullness_n of_o all_o goodness_n dwell_v if_o the_o action_n of_o his_o servant_n deserve_v love_n and_o praise_n much_o more_o will_v the_o operation_n of_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n proclaim_v he_o worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o adoration_n but_o this_o manner_n of_o reflect_a honour_n upon_o god_n from_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o instruction_n and_o conversion_n of_o other_o man_n who_o by_o the_o good_a example_n of_o true_a christian_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o effect_v which_o eminent_a example_n have_v no_o less_o force_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n this_o give_v authority_n to_o virtue_n and_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n of_o be_v singular_a it_o relieve_v the_o modesty_n of_o new_a beginner_n and_o encourage_v to_o pursue_v their_o course_n so_o well_o begin_v notwithstanding_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o profane_a men._n to_o tender_v and_o unexperienced_a mind_n there_o be_v no_o great_a obstacle_n of_o goodness_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v singular_a thereby_o the_o natural_a impression_n of_o reason_n may_v incline_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n but_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o swim_v against_o the_o stream_n to_o oppose_v their_o single_a example_n to_o the_o prevailling_a corruption_n of_o a_o sinful_a world_n nor_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o contempt_n of_o wicked_a man_n without_o the_o patronage_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o great_a and_o good_a example_n who_o practice_n they_o may_v plead_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n and_o that_o defence_n which_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n enable_v they_o not_o to_o draw_v from_o reason_n they_o may_v draw_v from_o their_o authority_n although_o not_o only_o weak_a mind_n but_o even_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o understand_a person_n while_o unexperienced_a in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o shock_v the_o power_n of_o a_o general_a example_n if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n they_o yet_o want_v boldness_n to_o execute_v it_o and_o dread_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suspicion_n of_o affectation_n or_o fear_v of_o appear_v singular_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o youth_n especial_o suffer_v by_o ill_a example_n who_o through_o a_o natural_a modesty_n be_v ever_o wont_a to_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o prevail_a fashion_n further_o a_o good_a example_n instruct_v the_o more_o ignorant_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n few_o be_v enable_v at_o least_o few_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o they_o rely_v herein_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v wise_a than_o themselves_o who_o they_o find_v to_o profess_v no_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o act_n as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o they_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o any_o further_a enquiry_n and_o dismiss_v all_o resolution_n of_o goodness_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o be_v find_v by_o they_o that_o wise_a man_n or_o so_o account_v who_o by_o their_o learning_n be_v full_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o find_v out_o the_o cheat_n of_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o such_o have_v after_o a_o diligent_a and_o accurate_a search_n be_v so_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v be_v content_a to_o hazard_v their_o life_n to_o restrain_v their_o pleasure_n to_o deny_v their_o passion_n from_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o if_o great_a and_o illustrious_a person_n who_o have_v opportunity_n of_o improve_n all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o the_o most_o exquisite_a satisfaction_n yet_o moderate_v and_o limit_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o vulgar_a mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a assurance_n than_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o and_o if_o he_o find_v this_o he_o there_o rest_v satisfy_v if_o not_o he_o proceed_v no_o far_o and_o from_o this_o experience_n also_o he_o draw_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o conduct_n even_o after_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o his_o obligation_n in_o all_o doubtful_a action_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n he_o consult_v the_o example_n of_o his_o superior_n and_o pursue_v the_o way_n which_o they_o have_v mark_v out_o to_o he_o follow_v they_o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o true_a light_n nay_o to_o generous_a as_o well_o as_o vulgar_a mind_n example_n be_v a_o effectual_a motive_n of_o virtue_n to_o such_o emulation_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n and_o a_o noble_a disdain_n of_o be_v exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a to_o they_o the_o preference_n of_o any_o other_o be_v a_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o sloth_n and_o when_o other_o have_v go_v before_o with_o reward_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o stay_v behind_o it_o be_v this_o principle_n of_o generosity_n which_o keep_v up_o virtue_n among_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v this_o which_o give_v rise_v and_o increase_v to_o art_n and_o science_n and_o which_o now_o maintain_v valour_n our_o lord_n have_v improve_v the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o direct_v it_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o noble_a end_n propose_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n hold_v out_o the_o crown_n of_o victory_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n he_o have_v in_o this_o precept_n concern_v exemplariness_n give_v to_o we_o a_o yet_o further_o scope_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o generosity_n not_o only_o propose_v reward_n to_o the_o conqueror_n to_o those_o of_o a_o more_o elevate_a virtue_n but_o also_o to_o such_o who_o excite_v by_o their_o illustrious_a example_n shall_v follow_v they_o although_o at_o a_o distance_n make_v they_o thereby_o the_o instrument_n of_o save_v other_o and_o that_o possible_o in_o great_a number_n at_o least_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o of_o we_o so_o inconsiderable_a who_o may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o influence_n and_o authority_n upon_o some_o one_o or_o other_o as_o to_o move_v and_o direct_v he_o by_o his_o example_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o infinite_a happiness_n to_o another_o which_o to_o a_o good_a and_o a_o generous_a mind_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o pursuit_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o may_v make_v he_o exemplary_a that_o so_o he_o may_v promote_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o other_o men._n it_o may_v seem_v indeed_o past_a hope_n that_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n when_o so_o few_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v their_o own_o salvation_n or_o be_v good_a for_o their_o own_o sake_n any_o shall_v attempt_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o men._n yet_o i_o do_v not_o despair_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o such_o generous_a mind_n leave_v in_o the_o world_n who_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a felicity_n to_o themselves_o to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n and_o act_v upon_o this_o persuasion_n study_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a that_o by_o their_o example_n other_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o same_o practice_n and_o thereby_o secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n to_o such_o exemplary_a person_n frequent_a praise_n be_v give_v and_o eminent_a reward_n promise_v more_o particular_o in_o daniel_n xii_o 3._o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o lustre_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n be_v compare_v to_o
the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o example_n of_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n to_o the_o fix_a star_n which_o however_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o be_v seat_v in_o heaven_n and_o communicate_v to_o the_o earth_n a_o light_n never_o to_o be_v extinguish_v and_o that_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o these_o luminous_a body_n the_o great_a light_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o they_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n while_o alive_a be_v so_o many_o shine_a and_o burn_a light_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n will_v derive_v exceed_v influence_n to_o succeed_a age_n so_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v continue_v those_o excellent_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v those_o noble_a testimony_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o give_v tend_v no_o less_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o christian_n than_o to_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o beneficial_a to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n it_o be_v because_o we_o either_o take_v no_o care_n to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o or_o suffer_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v undeniable_a indeed_o that_o in_o this_o present_a age_n and_o among_o we_o especial_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v almost_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o present_a example_n of_o equal_a lustre_n be_v very_o rare_a or_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o those_o holy_a person_n cease_v not_o to_o retain_v their_o glorious_a seat_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n as_o the_o fix_a star_n always_o maintain_v their_o station_n and_o preserve_v their_o light_n although_o at_o any_o time_n not_o see_v by_o we_o to_o this_o glorious_a station_n in_o heaven_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o advance_v all_o those_o who_o by_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o the_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o to_o profit_v the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o other_o in_o particular_a may_v the_o hope_n of_o this_o glorious_a reward_n excite_v every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o may_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n accept_v and_o crown_v your_o endeavour_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v on_o decemb._n 25_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luk._n ii_o 14._o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o man_n what_o the_o patriarch_n see_v afar_o off_o and_o desire_v what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v and_o just_a man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n do_v assure_o expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v wrought_v thereby_o do_v this_o day_n receive_v its_o final_a accomplishment_n by_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o commemoration_n of_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o present_a solemnity_n nor_o can_v we_o more_o fit_o commemorate_v it_o than_o by_o this_o admirable_a hymn_n which_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n upon_o this_o occasion_n sing_v before_o we_o and_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n since_o retain_v in_o she_o most_o sacred_a office_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n this_o hymn_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o have_v be_v employ_v by_o they_o to_o express_v and_o celebrate_v the_o most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o they_o for_o we_o find_v acclamation_n very_o like_a to_o it_o in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o particular_o upon_o the_o triumphant_a entry_n of_o christ_n into_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n be_v persuade_v that_o their_o long-looked_n for_o messiah_n be_v now_o come_v and_o all_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v attend_v his_o come_v cry_v out_o peace_n in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o high_a but_o sure_o upon_o no_o occasion_n be_v it_o ever_o so_o just_o use_v as_o by_o the_o angel_n upon_o this_o day_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a glory_n do_v so_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n do_v commence_v for_o from_o the_o angel_n we_o receive_v this_o hymn_n and_o be_v teach_v to_o sing_v it_o by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o verse_n precede_v the_o text_n and_o sudden_o there_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n praise_v god_n and_o say_n etc._n etc._n one_o angel_n declare_v to_o the_o shepherd_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n the_o birth_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o whole_a choir_n of_o angel_n the_o host_n of_o heaven_n join_v to_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n and_o celebrate_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v that_o day_n derive_v down_o upon_o all_o mankind_n themselves_o receive_v not_o like_a benefit_n to_o man_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o return_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o lay_v down_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o first_o then_o the_o angel_n be_v move_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n among_o man_n which_o they_o foresee_v will_v be_v consequent_a to_o this_o incarnation_n their_o office_n be_v to_o attend_v continual_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v praise_n without_o intermission_n to_o he_o so_o that_o every_o new_a increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n inflame_v their_o zeal_n in_o this_o holy_a office_n the_o primary_n reason_n indeed_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o praise_n which_o they_o continual_o yield_v to_o god_n be_v eternal_a be_v draw_v from_o his_o immutable_a attribute_n of_o supreme_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o majesty_n yet_o every_o illustrious_a manifestation_n of_o any_o of_o these_o glorious_a attribute_n by_o external_a effect_n become_v also_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o praise_n thus_o in_o in_o revel_n iv._o 8._o we_o find_v the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n in_o that_o hymn_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n celebrate_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o attribute_n as_o rev._n xv._n 3._o great_a and_o marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o xix_o 7._o let_v we_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v and_o give_v honour_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v nay_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o compare_v the_o several_a form_n of_o doxology_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n the_o angel_n since_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a have_v in_o a_o manner_n change_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o doxology_n and_o confine_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o book_n while_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v still_o suppose_v to_o be_v seal_v up_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n not_o yet_o to_o be_v full_o disclose_v all_o their_o doxology_n insist_v upon_o the_o general_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o after_o the_o full_a declaration_n and_o completion_n of_o those_o glorious_a event_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o be_v there_o describe_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hymn_n be_v alter_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o celebrate_n the_o victory_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v so_o eminent_a and_o admirable_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n so_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o divine_a glory_n that_o since_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v become_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o holy_a spirit_n who_o hereby_o best_a of_o all_o discern_v and_o be_v enable_v to_o celebrate_v that_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o before_o admire_v in_o god_n far_o the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o christ_n as_o rejoice_v at_o the_o
his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n he_o have_v before_o employ_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o procure_v universal_a happiness_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v give_v to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a leave_v to_o he_o indeed_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n but_o deter_v he_o from_o the_o choice_n of_o evil_a as_o well_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o by_o the_o denunciation_n of_o extreme_a punishment_n which_o shall_v attend_v it_o when_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o man_n embrace_v the_o evil_a god_n in_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n provide_v a_o expiation_n for_o this_o sin_n which_o in_o after_o age_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o own_o son_n upon_o this_o he_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n receive_v he_o to_o mercy_n and_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o this_o intend_a happiness_n may_v not_o be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o disobedience_n of_o man_n he_o allure_v they_o by_o promise_n direct_v they_o by_o his_o law_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o support_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o messiah_n or_o a_o saviour_n to_o come_v so_o that_o upon_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n be_v found_v not_o only_o the_o mercy_n the_o grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o also_o all_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o favour_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n all_o these_o be_v confer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o in_o time_n shall_v take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o and_o therein_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n the_o benefit_n indeed_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o the_o divine_a glory_n become_v chief_o manifest_a when_o this_o mystery_n be_v fulfil_v when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh._n before_o it_o lay_v hide_v in_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n but_o be_v now_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n before_o the_o divine_a glory_n which_o shall_v hence_o arise_v be_v dark_o foretell_v in_o type_n and_o prophecy_n but_o now_o set_v in_o a_o full_a light_n now_o be_v all_o subsequent_a age_n oblige_v to_o magnify_v god_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o mystery_n in_o due_a time_n which_o have_v so_o long_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o precede_a age_n and_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o both_o further_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o effect_v the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n be_v most_o illustrious_a if_o wisdom_n be_v take_v for_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n what_o great_a argument_n can_v be_v desire_v of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o that_o it_o foresee_v this_o great_a event_n so_o long_o before_o foretell_v it_o and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o be_v effect_v or_o if_o wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o prudent_a direction_n of_o mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o end_n propose_v we_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n when_o mankind_n have_v commit_v that_o foul_a apostasy_n in_o their_o forefather_n adam_n when_o succeed_a generation_n be_v find_v no_o less_o rebellious_a the_o law_n of_o god_n violate_v and_o his_o exhortation_n slight_v what_o seem_v hope_n of_o salvation_n can_v remain_v to_o man_n to_o have_v pardon_v all_o these_o sin_n simple_o and_o without_o any_o condition_n be_v indeed_o possible_a to_o god_n but_o neither_o consistent_a with_o his_o honour_n nor_o his_o justice_n he_o be_v lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o as_o such_o can_v not_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n upon_o they_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v they_o and_o then_o his_o veracity_n oblige_v he_o to_o do_v it_o again_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v of_o such_o gild_n as_o can_v not_o be_v expiate_v by_o a_o slight_a punishment_n be_v offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n who_o call_v for_o proportionable_a punishment_n on_o the_o offender_n if_o they_o be_v indeed_o inflict_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o have_v sin_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a if_o they_o be_v not_o inflict_v the_o denunciation_n of_o punishment_n make_v by_o god_n will_v appear_v vain_a his_o office_n of_o judge_n must_v be_v disow_v and_o his_o justice_n call_v in_o question_n in_o this_o seem_a impossibility_n of_o reconcile_a the_o salvation_n of_o man_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n decree_v to_o effect_v it_o by_o send_v the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v take_v humane_a flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o that_o undergo_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n this_o mystery_n after_o many_o age_n be_v this_o day_n make_v manifest_a and_o therewith_o the_o supreme_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n last_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v never_o receive_v a_o more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o that_o in_o effect_v all_o those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v long_o before_o foretell_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o christ._n these_o circumstance_n have_v be_v so_o often_o repeat_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o much_o inquire_v after_o by_o they_o as_o near_o concern_v they_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o they_o so_o earnest_o expect_v by_o they_o that_o the_o completion_n of_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n become_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o ever_o be_v exhibit_v as_o first_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n a_o circumstance_n which_o shall_v effectual_o declare_v both_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o shall_v produce_v it_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v confer_v upon_o any_o other_o member_n of_o mankind_n and_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o other_o than_o the_o author_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o nature_n who_o at_o first_o form_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o ever_o after_o direct_v they_o as_o himself_o please_v that_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v indeed_o a_o virgin_n can_v not_o ordinary_o appear_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o this_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o that_o the_o prophecy_n take_v place_n in_o jesus_n god_n provide_v abundant_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o as_o the_o apparition_z and_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n the_o miracle_n afterward_o ensue_v to_o the_o affirmation_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o testimony_n of_o joseph_n account_v by_o all_o a_o good_a and_o a_o just_a man_n and_o he_o assure_v so_o by_o a_o message_n from_o heaven_n as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n it_o be_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n to_o effect_v this_o the_o divine_a power_n direct_v the_o mind_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n to_o command_v a_o universal_a tax_n at_o that_o very_a time_n a_o thing_n before_o not_o know_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o so_o the_o mother_n of_o christ_n go_v from_o nazareth_n where_o she_o dwell_v to_o bethlehem_n the_o place_n whither_o the_o descendant_n of_o david_n resort_v to_o be_v tax_v may_v be_v deliver_v of_o her_o son_n in_o the_o place_n long_o since_o foretell_v as_o for_o the_o time_n jacob_n move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prophesy_v that_o when_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v fail_v from_o judah_n then_o shall_v shiloh_n or_o messiah_n come_v and_o at_o this_o time_n the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v that_o herod_n have_v obtain_v the_o kingdom_n who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n obtain_v that_o government_n daniel_n have_v foretell_v that_o after_o seventy_o week_n of_o year_n that_o be_v seventy_o time_n seven_o year_n messiah_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o exact_o thirty_o three_o year_n before_o the_o expiration_n of_o this_o time_n our_o lord_n be_v bear_v who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o thirty_o three_o year_n of_o his_o age._n all_o these_o completion_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o many_o infallible_a proof_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n who_o can_v dispose_v of_o time_n and_o season_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v assure_o bring_v to_o pass_v whatsoever_o himself_o propose_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o almighty_a power_n contribute_v great_o to_o the_o divine_a glory_n when_o
the_o propagation_n of_o it_o afterward_o for_o several_a age_n the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n seldom_o want_v their_o effect_n in_o private_a christian_n and_o even_o wrought_v so_o far_o in_o public_a society_n profess_v christianity_n that_o for_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o christian_n never_o war_v against_o other_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n nor_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o whole_o expire_v in_o these_o degenerate_a time_n witness_v that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o still_o frequent_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o who_o it_o be_v charitable_o be_v to_o suppose_a that_o none_o presume_v to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n without_o a_o entire_a resolution_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o maintain_v peace_n with_o all_o men._n the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o angel_n doxology_n be_v goodwill_n towards_o man_n which_o express_v much_o more_o than_o reconciliation_n of_o god_n to_o man_n imply_v no_o less_o than_o his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a which_o god_n do_v of_o his_o son_n when_o he_o say_v of_o he_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o the_o assumption_n of_o the_o humane_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o far_o propitiate_v god_n in_o regard_n to_o man_n that_o he_o not_o only_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o but_o also_o admit_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n make_v they_o capable_a of_o even_o preternatural_a happiness_n even_o of_o enjoy_v himself_o in_o heaven_n insomuch_o that_o he_o who_o have_v once_o through_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n repent_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o and_o resolve_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o do_v now_o adopt_v they_o for_o the_o darling_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o as_o the_o original_a word_n in_o the_o text_n imply_v even_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o vouchsafe_v to_o honour_n they_o by_o join_v it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o son_n and_o therein_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o degree_n even_o above_o that_o of_o angel_n not_o only_o admit_v they_o to_o that_o pardon_n of_o past_a sin_n which_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o angel_n but_o also_o send_v the_o prince_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o who_o afterward_o ascend_v with_o it_o into_o heaven_n shall_v thereby_o consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o his_o body_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o glory_n and_o sure_o no_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n or_o of_o his_o delight_n in_o mankind_n can_v be_v desire_v than_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o society_n of_o himself_o in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o delight_n which_o he_o testify_v to_o take_v in_o his_o belove_a son_n the_o utmost_a reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o he_o advance_v his_o human_a nature_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heaven_n for_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v place_v there_o from_o all_o age_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n admit_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v imitate_v his_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o glory_n the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n wherewith_o the_o human_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o invest_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o a_o earnest_a that_o we_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o same_o honour_n for_o christ_n our_o forerunner_n be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o we_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o leave_v without_o other_o visible_a pledge_n of_o the_o same_o hope_n more_o particular_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v lively_o represent_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o it_o the_o bread_n declare_v his_o body_n the_o wine_n his_o blood_n the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n the_o mortality_n of_o his_o body_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v redemption_n for_o mankind_n the_o distribution_n of_o both_o to_o every_o communicant_a manifest_v that_o they_o be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o receive_v his_o figurative_a body_n be_v assure_v of_o obtain_v in_o due_a time_n the_o same_o happiness_n with_o his_o true_a body_n now_o in_o heaven_n by_o these_o figure_n of_o his_o true_a body_n we_o open_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o incarnation_n that_o he_o real_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o in_o appearance_n as_o be_v the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n for_o that_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o represent_v which_o be_v not_o real_a we_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o that_o adoration_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v this_o religious_a action_n we_o profess_v our_o belief_n that_o he_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o that_o in_o time_n all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n be_v fullfil_v in_o that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o come_v as_o the_o intention_n and_o the_o office_n of_o this_o festival_n direct_v last_o we_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n if_o we_o do_v all_o this_o with_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o charity_n so_o shall_v we_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n to_o renew_v their_o hymn_n to_o sing_v glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v honour_v by_o this_o devotion_n and_o thankfulness_n of_o his_o servant_n peace_n on_o earth_n wherein_o man_n be_v hereby_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o goodwill_n towards_o man_n who_o be_v hereby_o admit_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v hereafter_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_n finis_fw-la