prey_n from_o the_o mighty_a and_o a_o captive_n from_o the_o strong_a and_o though_o he_o be_v in_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o death_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o devour_v corruption_n the_o common_a lot_n of_o mortality_n seize_v not_o on_o he_o worm_n and_o putrefaction_n dare_v not_o approach_v he_o his_o body_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a as_o sweet_a under_o ground_n as_o above_o it_o and_o in_o death_n itself_o retain_v one_o of_o the_o high_a privilege_n of_o the_o live_n 3._o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a thing_n propose_v namely_o the_o ground_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v its_o absolute_a necessity_n express_v in_o these_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n possible_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a par_n &_o aequum_fw-la that_o christ_n shall_v not_o always_o be_v detain_v under_o death_n because_o 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humanity_n but_o not_o desert_v it_o put_v it_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n but_o not_o lock_v the_o everlasting_a door_n upon_o it_o the_o sun_n may_v be_v cloud_v and_o yet_o not_o eclipse_v and_o eclipse_v but_o not_o stop_v in_o his_o course_n and_o much_o less_o force_v out_o of_o his_o orb._n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o be_v admire_v that_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v but_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n to_o be_v explode_v that_o it_o shall_v perish_v for_o sure_o that_o nature_n which_o diffuse_v itself_o throughout_o the_o universe_n communicate_v a_o enliven_a influence_n to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o quicken_v the_o least_o spire_n of_o grass_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o its_o capacity_n will_v not_o whole_o leave_v a_o nature_n assume_v into_o its_o bosom_n and_o what_o be_v more_o into_o the_o very_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n breathless_a and_o 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incomprehensible_a 2._o the_o second_o ground_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o christ_n continuance_n under_o death_n be_v that_o great_a and_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n his_o immutability_n christ_n resurrection_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n with_o the_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n of_o believer_n express_v in_o that_o full_a declaration_n make_v by_o god_n of_o himself_o mala._n 3.6_o i_o the_o lord_n change_v not_o therefore_o you_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v now_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v twofold_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o decree_n or_o purpose_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o word_n or_o promise_n and_o first_o for_o his_o decree_n god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n design_v this_o and_o seal_v it_o by_o a_o irreversible_a purpose_n for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o decree_v as_o well_o as_o his_o death_n and_o 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noble_a and_o pregnant_a place_n of_o scripture_n john_n 8.58_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o from_o be_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o of_o christ_n eternal_a pre-existence_n to_o his_o incarnation_n and_o so_o to_o give_v up_o one_o of_o the_o main_a fort_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o socinian_o have_v yet_o be_v force_v by_o the_o overpower_v evidence_n of_o this_o chapter_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o shift_n too_o manifest_o show_v what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o to_o express_v himself_o upon_o this_o subject_a more_o agreeable_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o in_o many_o other_o place_n he_o have_v do_v and_o well_o indeed_o may_v he_o even_o for_o shame_n itself_o do_v so_o much_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o may_v have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o for_o such_o a_o command_a majesty_n be_v there_o in_o every_o period_n almost_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o it_o have_v force_v even_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n person_n who_o value_v themselves_o not_o a_o little_a upon_o their_o philosophy_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o control_v truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n here_o deliver_v and_o instead_o of_o contradict_v or_o dispute_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n for_o the_o thing_n here_o utter_v be_v mystery_n keep_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o such_o as_o god_n have_v for_o four_o thousand_o year_n together_o by_o all_o the_o wise_a art_n and_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v prepare_v the_o world_n for_o before_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a or_o ripe_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o therefore_o a_o most_o worthy_a subject_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v for_o this_o belove_a apostle_n to_o impart_v to_o mankind_n who_o have_v so_o long_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o truth_n itself_o receive_v all_o thing_n from_o that_o great_a original_a by_o more_o intimate_v and_o immediate_a communication_n than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v honour_v with_o in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v of_o the_o cabinet_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o he_o speak_v oracle_n in_o the_o text_n we_o have_v these_o two_o part_n first_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o those_o word_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o second_o christ_n entertainment_n be_v come_v in_o those_o other_o word_n his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o in_o the_o former_a of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o account_n give_v we_o of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o stupendous_a action_n that_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o yet_o witness_v of_o there_o can_v i_o suppose_v be_v a_o true_a measure_n take_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o than_o by_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v these_o first_o the_o person_n who_o come_v second_o the_o condition_n from_o which_o he_o come_v three_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o come_v and_o four_o and_o last_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n of_o all_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o 1._o first_o for_o the_o person_n who_o 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be_v impossible_a to_o a_o divine_a nature_n be_v render_v very_o possible_a to_o a_o divine_a person_n which_o can_v rightful_o and_o proper_o entitle_v itself_o to_o all_o the_o respective_a action_n and_o property_n of_o either_o nature_n comprehend_v within_o its_o personality_n so_o that_o be_v make_v man_n he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o man_n can_v do_v except_o only_o sin_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a and_o have_v nothing_o of_o any_o sinful_a deficiency_n or_o turpitude_n cleave_v to_o it_o fall_v within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o his_o action_n but_o now_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o wonder_n comparable_a to_o this_o to_o behold_v divinity_n thus_o clothe_v in_o flesh_n the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n humble_v not_o only_o to_o the_o company_n but_o also_o to_o the_o cognation_n of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v the_o whole_a world_n not_o only_o represent_v upon_o but_o also_o contain_v in_o one_o of_o our_o little_a artificial_a globe_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n enveloped_v in_o a_o cloud_n as_o big_a as_o a_o man_n hand_n all_o which_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o astonish_a impossibility_n and_o yet_o as_o short_a of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o great_a finite_a be_v of_o a_o infinite_a between_o which_o the_o disparity_n be_v immeasurable_a for_o that_o god_n shall_v thus_o in_o a_o manner_n transform_v himself_o and_o subdue_v and_o master_n all_o his_o glory_n to_o a_o possibility_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n and_o converse_n the_o best_a reason_n will_v have_v think_v it_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o god_n can_v not_o do_v have_v it_o not_o see_v it_o actual_o do_v it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o cancel_v the_o essential_a distance_n of_o thing_n to_o remove_v the_o bound_n of_o nature_n to_o bring_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o what_o be_v more_o both_o end_n of_o the_o contradiction_n together_o and_o thereupon_o some_o who_o think_v it_o a_o imputation_n upon_o their_o reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v which_o be_v no_o thanks_o to_o they_o at_o all_o have_v invent_v several_a strange_a hypothesis_n and_o salvo_n to_o clear_v up_o these_o thing_n to_o their_o apprehension_n as_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v never_o personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a but_o only_o pass_v through_o it_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o imaginary_a fantastic_a way_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v plain_o in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o which_o neither_o scripture_n sense_n nor_o reason_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o and_o other_o have_v by_o one_o bold_a stroke_n cut_v off_o all_o such_o relation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o in_o much_o another_o sense_n than_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n make_v christ_n altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o that_o be_v a_o mere_a man._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o socinus_n will_v needs_o be_v as_o good_a a_o man_n as_o his_o saviour_n but_o this_o opinion_n whatsoever_o ground_n it_o may_v have_v get_v in_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o no_o soon_o be_v it_o vent_v and_o defend_v by_o photinus_n bishop_n of_o sirmium_n but_o it_o be_v immediate_o crush_v and_o universal_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n so_o that_o although_o several_a other_o heresy_n have_v their_o course_n and_o be_v but_o at_o length_n extinguish_v and_o not_o without_o some_o difficulty_n yet_o this_o like_o a_o indigested_a meteor_n appear_v and_o disappear_v almost_o at_o the_o same_o time_n however_o socinus_n beginning_n where_o photinus_n have_v long_o before_o leave_v off_o lick_v up_o his_o desert_a forlorn_a opinion_n and_o light_v upon_o worse_a time_n have_v find_v much_o better_a success_n but_o be_v it_o true_a that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n then_o sure_a i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o solid_a inference_n that_o he_o have_v a_o existence_n and_o a_o be_v before_o he_o come_v hither_o since_o every_o motion_n 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a_o supplication_n for_o he_o into_o a_o satyr_n against_o he_o by_o represent_v he_o in_o our_o prayer_n under_o the_o character_n of_o one_o void_a of_o all_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o consequent_o a_o much_o fit_a object_n for_o god_n vengeance_n than_o his_o mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n in_o which_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v be_v in_o no_o small_a vogue_n with_o a_o certain_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o will_v allow_v neither_o the_o gift_n nor_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n to_o any_o but_o themselves_o for_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o they_o account_v their_o enemy_n and_o that_o only_o because_o they_o have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o make_v they_o so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o call_v a_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o they_o but_o a_o downright_a endite_v and_o arraign_v they_o before_o god_n as_o a_o pack_n of_o graceless_a wretch_n and_o villain_n and_o avow_a enemy_n to_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o and_o 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they_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o teach_v they_o to_o love_v their_o enemy_n that_o they_o find_v their_o bitter_a enmity_n and_o most_o inveterate_a hatred_n only_o upon_o religion_n which_o have_v teach_v they_o first_o to_o call_v their_o malice_n zeal_n and_o then_o to_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v malicious_a and_o implacable_a 3._o a_o enemy_n may_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o love_n because_o though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v change_v and_o make_v a_o friend_n by_o it_o which_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v be_v next_o to_o impossible_a yet_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v shame_v and_o render_v inexcusable_a and_o shame_n may_v smooth_v over_o his_o behaviour_n though_o no_o kindness_n can_v change_v his_o disposition_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n shame_v his_o enemy_n so_o far_o he_o also_o disarm_v he_o for_o he_o leave_v he_o strip_v of_o the_o assistance_n and_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n round_o about_o he_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n live_v to_o be_v considerable_a either_o in_o his_o friendship_n or_o his_o enmity_n love_n be_v the_o fire_n that_o must_v both_o heap_n and_o kindle_v those_o coal_n upon_o our_o enemy_n head_n that_o shall_v either_o melt_v or_o consume_v he_o for_o that_o man_n i_o account_v as_o good_a as_o consume_v and_o ruin_v who_o all_o people_n even_o upon_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o mankind_n abhor_v for_o his_o ingratitude_n as_o a_o pest_n and_o a_o public_a enemy_n so_o that_o if_o my_o enemy_n be_v resolve_v to_o treat_v i_o spiteful_o notwithstanding_o all_o my_o endeavour_n to_o befriend_v and_o oblige_v he_o and_o if_o he_o will_v still_o revile_v and_o rail_v at_o i_o after_o i_o have_v employ_v both_o tongue_n and_o hand_n to_o serve_v and_o promote_v he_o sure_o i_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n at_o least_o make_v his_o virulent_a word_n recoil_v 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to_o themselves_o to_o love_v â—n_a enemy_n be_v to_o stretch_v humanity_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v go_v it_o be_v a_o heroic_a action_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o grow_v not_o upon_o a_o ordinary_a plebiean_a spirit_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v sufficient_o proclaim_v by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o practice_n for_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o when_o the_o passion_n be_v high_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o injury_n quick_a and_o power_n ready_a for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v himself_o in_o that_o luscious_a morsel_n of_o revenge_n to_o do_v violence_n to_o himself_o instead_o of_o do_v it_o to_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o command_v down_o the_o strong_a principle_n and_o the_o great_a heat_n that_o usual_o act_v the_o soul_n when_o it_o exert_v itself_o upon_o such_o object_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o such_o a_o behaviour_n be_v no_o less_o declare_v by_o its_o be_v so_o rare_o and_o seldom_o observe_v in_o men._n for_o who_o almost_o can_v we_o see_v who_o open_v his_o arm_n to_o his_o enemy_n or_o put_v any_o other_o bound_n to_o his_o hatred_n of_o he_o but_o satiety_n or_o disability_n either_o because_o it_o be_v even_o glut_v with_o have_v do_v so_o much_o against_o he_o already_o or_o want_v power_n to_o do_v more_o indeed_o where_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o love_n be_v find_v it_o appear_v glorious_a and_o glister_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o and_o much_o admire_v and_o commend_v it_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o see_v man_n admire_v and_o commend_v some_o rare_a piece_n of_o art_n which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o imitate_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o attempt_v a_o imitation_n of_o nothing_o certain_o but_o a_o excellent_a disposition_n improve_v by_o a_o mighty_a grace_n can_v bear_v a_o man_n up_o to_o this_o perfection_n 3._o the_o three_o motive_n or_o argument_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a example_n which_o recommend_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o first_o of_o all_o from_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o footstep_n in_o the_o path_n of_o love_n we_o may_v trace_v out_o and_o follow_v by_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o give_v his_o life_n for_o sinner_n that_o be_v for_o enemy_n yea_o and_o enemy_n with_o the_o high_a aggravation_n for_o nothing_o can_v make_v one_o man_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o another_o as_o sin_n make_v he_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n say_v christ_n that_o be_v i_o emphatical_o i_o who_o say_v it_o by_o my_o example_n as_o much_o as_o by_o my_o precept_n for_o christ_n go_v about_o do_v good_a act_v 10.38_o yea_o and_o he_o do_v it_o still_o in_o a_o miracle_n every_o work_n that_o he_o do_v be_v equal_o beneficial_a and_o miraculous_a and_o the_o place_n where_o he_o do_v such_o wonder_n of_o charity_n be_v jerusalem_n a_o city_n red_a with_o the_o blood_n god_n messenger_n and_o pave_v with_o the_o scull_n of_o prophet_n a_o city_n which_o he_o know_v will_v short_o complete_a 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commemoration_n of_o the_o nativity_n and_o return_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o have_v be_v most_o barbarous_o drive_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o afterward_o as_o miraculous_o restore_v to_o they_o bring_v with_o he_o the_o great_a the_o bright_a and_o most_o stupendous_a instance_n of_o this_o virtue_n that_o next_o to_o what_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v ever_o yet_o show_v by_o man._n providence_n seem_v to_o have_v raise_v up_o this_o prince_n as_o â—t_z have_v do_v his_o father_n before_o he_o to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o glorious_a demonstration_n that_o the_o most_o injure_a of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o most_o merciful_a of_o man_n too_o for_o after_o the_o high_a of_o wrong_n and_o contumely_n
nothing_o and_o that_o in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o soul_n all_o that_o be_v short_a of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v nothing_o but_o trick_n and_o evasion_n froth_n and_o folly_n and_o consequent_o that_o if_o they_o build_v upon_o such_o deceitful_a ground_n and_o with_o such_o slight_a material_n they_o must_v and_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o than_o after_o all_o their_o cost_n and_o pain_n to_o have_v their_o house_n fall_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o so_o perish_v in_o the_o ruin_n and_o with_o this_o terrible_a application_n in_o these_o two_o last_o verse_n which_o i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o for_o my_o text_n he_o conclude_v his_o divine_a sermon_n and_o discourse_n from_o the_o mount_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v too_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o need_v any_o nice_a or_o large_a explication_n i_o shall_v manage_v the_o discussion_n of_o they_o in_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o in_o show_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o i_o conclude_v practice_n or_o obedience_n in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o a_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a foundation_n for_o he_o to_o build_v upon_o second_o in_o show_v the_o false_a foundation_n upon_o which_o many_o build_v and_o according_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n miscarry_v three_o in_o show_v the_o cause_n why_o such_o miscarry_v and_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n or_o temptation_n four_o and_o last_o in_o show_v wherein_o the_o fatal_a greatness_n of_o their_o fall_n consist_v and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o practice_n or_o obedience_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a foundation_n still_o suppose_v it_o bottom_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o a_o man_n to_o build_v his_o design_n for_o heaven_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n upon_o i_o shall_v mention_v three_o first_o because_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n nothing_o but_o practice_n can_v change_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o practise_v continue_v and_o persevere_v in_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will._n we_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o be_v all_o who_o be_v not_o wise_a above_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a stain_n and_o depravation_n upon_o man_n nature_n that_o do_v incapacitate_v he_o for_o the_o fruition_n and_o infinite_o pure_a converse_n of_o god_n the_o removal_n of_o which_o can_v be_v effect_v but_o by_o introduce_v the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o holiness_n which_o shall_v by_o degree_n expel_v and_o purge_v out_o the_o other_o and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o produce_v a_o habit_n be_v by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o congenial_a action_n every_o pious_a action_n leave_v a_o certain_a tincture_n or_o disposition_n upon_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v second_v by_o action_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n whether_o by_o the_o superaddition_n of_o new_a degree_n or_o a_o more_o radicate_a fixation_n of_o the_o same_o grow_v at_o length_n into_o a_o habit_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o a_o second_o nature_n i_o confess_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n find_v no_o principle_n of_o production_n in_o a_o nature_n whole_o corrupt_a must_v needs_o be_v produce_v by_o supernatural_a infusion_n and_o consequent_o proceed_v not_o from_o acquisition_n but_o gift_n it_o must_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o can_v grow_v or_o spring_v out_o of_o of_o it_o but_o then_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_a rule_n of_o the_o school_n that_o habitus_n infusi_fw-la obtinentur_fw-la per_fw-la modum_fw-la acquisitorum_fw-la it_o be_v indeed_o a_o supernatural_a effect_n but_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v wrought_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imitate_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n even_o then_o when_o it_o work_v something_o above_o it_o a_o person_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n or_o unregeneracy_n can_v by_o the_o sole_a strength_n of_o his_o most_o improve_a performance_n acquire_v a_o habit_n of_o true_a grace_n or_o holiness_n but_o as_o in_o the_o rain_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a water_n that_o fructify_v but_o a_o secret_a spirit_n or_o nitre_n descend_v with_o it_o and_o join_v to_o it_o that_o have_v this_o virtue_n and_o produce_v this_o effect_n so_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o hide_a divine_a influence_n that_o keep_v pace_n with_o those_o action_n and_o together_o with_o each_o performance_n imprint_n a_o holy_a disposition_n upon_o the_o soul_n which_o after_o a_o long_a series_n of_o the_o like_a action_n influence_v by_o the_o same_o divine_a principle_n come_v at_o length_n to_o be_v of_o that_o force_n and_o firmness_n as_o to_o outgrow_a and_o work_v out_o the_o contrary_a quality_n of_o inherent_a corruption_n we_o have_v a_o illustration_n of_o this_o though_o not_o a_o parallel_n instance_n in_o natural_a action_n which_o by_o frequency_n imprint_v a_o habit_n or_o permanent_a facility_n of_o act_v upon_o the_o agent_n godliness_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o art_n or_o mystery_n and_o we_o all_o know_v that_o it_o be_v practice_n chief_o that_o make_v the_o artist_n second_o a_o second_o reason_n for_o our_o assertion_n be_v because_o action_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o draw_v forth_o of_o the_o utmost_a power_n vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o man_n nature_n god_n be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v the_o best_a that_o he_o can_v give_v only_o to_o the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v do_v and_o action_n isâ—_n undoubted_o our_o best_a because_o the_o most_o difficult_a for_o in_o such_o case_n worth_a and_o difficulty_n be_v inseparable_a companion_n the_o proper_a and_o most_o raise_a conception_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o pure_a act_n a_o perpetual_a incessant_a motion_n and_o next_o to_o he_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o being_n be_v the_o angel_n as_o approach_v near_o to_o he_o in_o this_o perfection_n be_v all_o flame_n â—nd_v agility_n minister_a spirit_n always_o busy_a and_o upon_o the_o wing_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o great_a command_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o do_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o noble_a improvement_n of_o be_v it_o be_v not_o as_o some_o nice_a speculator_n make_v it_o a_o airy_a diminutive_a entity_n or_o accident_n distinct_a from_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o to_o define_v it_o more_o suitable_o to_o itself_o and_o to_o the_o soul_n too_o action_n be_v proper_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o best_a posture_n three_o a_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o main_a end_n drift_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o active_a part_n of_o it_o profession_n be_v only_o the_o badge_n of_o a_o christian_a belief_n the_o beginning_n but_o practice_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o custom_n the_o perfection_n for_o it_o be_v this_o which_o translate_v christianity_n from_o a_o bare_a notion_n into_o a_o real_a business_n from_o useless_a speculation_n into_o substantial_a duty_n and_o from_o a_o idea_n in_o the_o brain_n into_o a_o existence_n in_o the_o life_n a_o upright_a conversation_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o the_o general_a theorem_n of_o religion_n into_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o solid_a experience_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o religion_n will_v exist_v no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o bible_n the_o grand_a decide_n question_n at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v not_o what_o have_v you_o say_v or_o what_o have_v you_o believe_v but_o what_o have_v you_o do_v more_o than_o other_o but_o that_o the_o very_a life_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o practice_n will_v appear_v yet_o further_o from_o those_o subordinate_a end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v in_o this_o world_n and_o which_o be_v as_o realâ—y_v though_o not_o as_o principal_o the_o purpose_n of_o it_o as_o the_o utmost_a attainment_n of_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o the_o very_a last_o period_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o these_o be_v two_n first_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n before_o the_o world_n god_n will_v not_o have_v his_o worship_n like_o his_o nature_n invisible_a next_o to_o authority_n itself_o be_v the_o pomp_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v obey_v for_o what_o be_v sovereignty_n unknown_a or_o majesty_n unobserved_a what_o glory_n be_v it_o for_o the_o sun_n to_o direct_v the_o affair_n if_o he_o do_v not_o also_o attract_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v his_o open_a and_o universal_a light_n more_o than_o his_o occult_a influence_n that_o we_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o for_o religion_n if_o confine_v to_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o so_o much_o entertain_v as_o imprison_v that_o indeed_o be_v to_o be_v its_o fountain_n
which_o protest_v against_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o enjoin_v nothing_o that_o have_v any_o just_a appearance_n of_o such_o thing_n upon_o it_o but_o offer_v to_o vindicate_v every_o thing_n practise_v and_o enjoin_v by_o it_o from_o any_o such_o imputation_n these_o man_n sure_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o entertain_v those_o jealousy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o possess_v man_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o all_o their_o day_n in_o judaism_n or_o idolatry_n and_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v from_o it_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v this_o also_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v nothing_o our_o duty_n either_o to_o believe_v or_o practice_v but_o what_o lie_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o any_o common_a apprehension_n which_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o which_o thing_n since_o the_o church_n inculcate_n to_o all_o within_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o know_v by_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v justifiable_o plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o seâ—â—e_n in_o which_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a who_o st._n paul_n deal_v with_o either_o in_o that_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o roman_n or_o in_o this_o to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o can_v any_o man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n allege_v any_o tolerable_a cause_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o catechism_n a_o thing_n so_o short_a and_o plain_a and_o yet_o so_o full_a as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o a_o christian_a that_o common_a sense_n and_o common_a industry_n may_v make_v any_o one_o a_o master_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o that_o he_o only_o can_v plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n upon_o scripture_n ground_n who_o be_v excusable_o ignorant_a of_o some_o point_n of_o duty_n or_o privilege_n he_o only_o be_v excusable_o ignorant_a who_o ignorance_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o will._n that_o ignorance_n only_o be_v not_o so_o which_o be_v cause_v either_o by_o want_n of_o ability_n of_o understanding_n or_o of_o opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o he_o who_o have_v the_o common_a use_n of_o reason_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n and_o he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o church_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o know_v whatsoever_o concern_v he_o either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v from_o a_o joint_a connexion_n and_o a_o unavoidable_a coherence_n of_o which_o proposition_n one_o with_o another_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o weakness_n but_o want_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o true_a distemper_n of_o those_o person_n who_o at_o this_o day_n disturb_v the_o church_n second_o the_o second_o assertion_n or_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o as_o such_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n can_v upon_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n be_v actual_o plead_v so_o upon_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v continue_v in_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o a_o weak_a conscience_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o consequent_o aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v remove_v or_o lay_v down_o for_o as_o certain_o as_o growth_n and_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o duty_n so_o certain_o be_v it_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o persist_v in_o this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o knowledge_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o be_v here_o willing_a that_o for_o the_o present_a it_o shall_v be_v comply_v with_o elsewhere_o upbraid_v and_o reprehend_v man_n sharp_o for_o continue_v under_o it_o as_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o cor._n the_o 3_o d_o chap._n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 3_o d._n verse_n he_o call_v such_o babe_n and_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o meat_n and_o to_o show_v yet_o further_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o estate_n he_o say_v that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o can_v not_o treat_v they_o as_o spiritual_a person_n but_o as_o carnal_a the_o same_o reprehension_n he_o repeat_v in_o heb._n 5.12_o where_o he_o again_o upbraid_v they_o with_o this_o appellation_n of_o babe_n tell_v they_o that_o whereas_o for_o the_o time_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o spiritual_a childhood_n so_o long_o that_o they_o have_v need_n that_o one_o teach_v they_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v that_o these_o be_v such_o weak_a conscience_n as_o we_o be_v here_o discourse_v of_o in_o the_o 14_o the_o v_o he_o oppose_v they_o to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o want_n of_o which_o discernment_n be_v proper_o that_o thing_n wherein_o this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n do_v consist_v whereupon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n call_v upon_o such_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n which_o sure_o imply_v that_o this_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v not_o the_o perfection_n which_o they_o be_v to_o rest_v in_o and_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n in_o our_o contest_v with_o the_o pretender_n to_o weak_a or_o tender_a conscience_n among_o we_o to_o inquire_v of_o they_o how_o long_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o continue_v weak_a and_o whether_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n as_o their_o freehold_n and_o as_o that_o which_o they_o resolve_v to_o keep_v for_o term_n of_o life_n and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v babe_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v to_o to_o grow_v up_o into_o childhood_n and_o at_o length_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n infant_n and_o weakling_n of_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n old_a this_o certain_o they_o must_v intend_v for_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o look_v upon_o that_o weakness_n or_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n which_o they_o plead_v as_o a_o imperfection_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v out_o grow_v or_o remove_v by_o they_o that_o they_o own_v it_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o advance_v piety_n and_o of_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o attainment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o they_o look_v down_o upon_o all_o other_o as_o christian_n of_o a_o low_a form_n as_o moral_a man_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n word_n which_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v from_o these_o impostor_n and_o which_o infallible_o show_v that_o the_o person_n who_o st._n paul_n deal_v with_o and_o those_o who_o we_o contend_v with_o be_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o own_v not_o the_o same_o duty_n but_o that_o it_o seem_v which_o be_v the_o infancy_n and_o defect_n of_o those_o person_n must_v pass_v for_o the_o perfection_n and_o real_o be_v the_o design_n of_o these_o and_o whereas_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o the_o former_a that_o if_o they_o doubt_v they_o be_v damn_v if_o they_o eat_v these_o for_o aught_o appear_v account_v it_o damnation_n not_o to_o doubt_v where_o doubt_v of_o their_o duty_n may_v prove_v a_o serve_v of_o their_o interest_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o conclusion_n which_o be_v this_o that_o suppose_v this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v both_o plead_v and_o continue_v in_o yet_o the_o plea_n of_o it_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o prejudice_n to_o any_o law_n either_o actual_o make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o the_o general_n good_a of_o his_o people_n this_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a in_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v 〈◊〉_d way_n oblige_v to_o frame_v his_o law_n to_o the_o good_a of_o any_o particular_a person_n where_o it_o stand_v separate_v from_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n or_o majority_n of_o the_o people_n which_o consideration_n alone_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v the_o magistrate_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o admit_v of_o such_o plea_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o and_o more_o forcible_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v i_o shall_v assign_v two_o in_o general_n first_o the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o ill_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n which_o inevitable_o ensue_v upon_o their_o admission_n second_o the_o other_o take_v from_o the_o qualification_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o person_n who_o make_v these_o pleas._n as_o for_o the_o ill_a consequence_n spring_v from_o the_o admission_n of_o they_o though_o according_a to_o the_o fertile_a nature_n of_o every_o absurd_a principle_n they_o be_v indeed_o innumerable_a
design_v but_o this_o certain_o and_o effectual_o do_v as_o be_v not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n but_o second_o the_o power_n of_o god_n too_o the_o first_o infallible_a the_o other_o irresistible_a in_o a_o word_n the_o wisdom_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o messenger_n which_o always_o go_v as_o far_o as_o send_v a_o instrument_n which_o never_o fail_v or_o lurche_n the_o great_a agent_n who_o employ_v it_o either_o in_o reach_v the_o end_n he_o direct_v it_o to_o or_o in_o finish_v the_o work_n he_o intend_v it_o for_o so_o that_o in_o short_a there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o high_a and_o a_o noble_a elegy_n to_o express_v the_o gospel_n by_o than_o by_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o as_o wisdom_n in_o general_n be_v the_o noble_a and_o most_o sublime_a perfection_n of_o a_o intellectual_a nature_n and_o particular_o in_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o lead_v rule_v attribute_n prescribe_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o a_o commendation_n draw_v from_o thence_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a that_o can_v possible_o pass_v upon_o any_o action_n or_o design_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o one._n and_o the_o apostle_n seem_v here_o most_o peculiar_o to_o have_v direct_v this_o encomium_n of_o the_o gopel_n as_o a_o defiance_n to_o the_o philosopher_n of_o his_o time_n the_o flustr_a vain_a glorious_a greek_n who_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o magnify_v and_o even_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n they_o profess_v and_o with_o great_a modesty_n no_o doubt_n confine_v whole_o to_o themselves_o a_o wisdom_n i_o think_v little_a to_o be_v envy_v they_o be_v such_o as_o none_o who_o have_v it_o can_v be_v the_o better_a nor_o consequent_o the_o wise_a for_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o propose_v from_o they_o namely_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o we_o shall_v chief_o insist_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o 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themselves_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v in_o they_o these_o three_o qualification_n or_o property_n which_o do_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n render_v they_o mysterious_a obscure_a and_o of_o difficult_a apprehension_n as_o first_o their_o surpass_a greatness_n and_o inequality_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o comment_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o instrument_n to_o convey_v right_a conception_n of_o god_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v they_o but_o now_o god_n we_o know_v be_v a_o infinite_a be_v without_o any_o bound_n or_o limitation_n of_o his_o essence_n wonderful_a in_o his_o act_n inconceivable_a in_o his_o purpose_n and_o inexpressible_a in_o his_o attribute_n which_o yet_o as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v if_o several_o take_v give_v we_o but_o a_o incomplete_a representation_n of_o he_o he_o be_v another_o world_n in_o himself_o too_o high_a for_o our_o speculation_n and_o too_o great_a for_o our_o description_n for_o how_o can_v such_o vast_a and_o mighty_a thing_n be_v crowd_v into_o a_o little_a finite_a understanding_n heaven_n i_o confess_v enter_v into_o we_o as_o we_o must_v into_o that_o by_o a_o very_a narrow_a passage_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n who_o the_o heaven_n themselves_o can_v contain_v enter_v in_o by_o these_o door_n by_o a_o weak_a imagination_n a_o slender_a notion_n and_o a_o contract_a intellect_n how_o shall_v these_o poor_a short_a faculty_n measure_v the_o length_n of_o his_o eternity_n the_o breadth_n and_o expansion_n of_o his_o immensity_n the_o height_n of_o his_o prescience_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o last_o of_o all_o that_o unutterable_a incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o two_o nature_n unite_v into_o one_o person_n and_o again_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n diffuse_v into_o a_o triple_a personality_n all_o which_o be_v some_o of_o the_o prime_n fundamental_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o our_o religion_n how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o a_o systeme_n of_o mystery_n and_o a_o knot_n of_o dark_a inexplicable_a proposition_n since_o it_o exhibit_v to_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o very_a condition_n of_o our_o nature_n render_v we_o uncapable_a of_o clear_o understanding_n the_o socinian_o indeed_o who_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o of_o late_o more_o dare_o than_a ever_o a_o new_a christianity_n of_o their_o own_o invent_v will_v admit_v of_o nothing_o mysterious_a in_o this_o religion_n or_o such_o as_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n can_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o comprehensive_a perception_n of_o and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n so_o frequent_o and_o full_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a but_o also_o of_o the_o constant_a universal_a sense_n of_o all_o antiquity_n 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nation_n may_v not_o at_o length_n feel_v second_o a_o second_o qualification_n of_o the_o chief_a thing_n treat_v of_o in_o our_o religion_n and_o which_o must_v needs_o render_v they_o mysterious_a be_v their_o spirituality_n and_o abstraction_n from_o all_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a matter_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o form_n to_o itself_o a_o exact_a idea_n or_o representation_n so_o that_o when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v spirit_n our_o apprehension_n be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o frame_v any_o notion_n or_o resemblance_n of_o they_o but_o be_v put_v to_o float_v and_o wander_v in_o a_o endless_a maze_n of_o guess_n and_o conjecture_n and_o know_v not_o certain_o what_o to_o fix_v upon_o for_o in_o this_o case_n