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 particular_o the_o eucharist_n as_o visible_a pledge_n of_o his_o distribution_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o faithful_a believer_n herein_o bestow_v no_o less_o a_o benefit_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o do_v when_o he_o former_o descend_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n attend_v with_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o cure_n of_o disease_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o although_o any_o one_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n although_o he_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v mountain_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o miscarry_v and_o become_v a_o castaway_n but_o to_o he_o that_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n worthy_o to_o he_o that_o bewail_v his_o former_a sin_n and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v they_o to_o he_o that_o enter_v a_o new_a into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n to_o 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 god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n in_o honour_n of_o which_o this_o day_n have_v for_o some_o age_n be_v institute_v and_o celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o alone_a among_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o carry_v a_o undeniable_a difficulty_n along_o with_o it_o and_o have_v be_v always_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o oppose_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n other_o doctrine_n such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a may_v appear_v incredible_a but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o when_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n be_v add_v to_o they_o must_v by_o all_o man_n right_o judge_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a but_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n be_v even_o contradictory_n and_o 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 extraordinary_a flight_n of_o speculation_n they_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n ver._n 5_o and_o 6._o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n matter_n not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a guidance_n of_o reason_n but_o deliver_v by_o the_o infallible_a revelation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o the_o miracle_n and_o successful_a preach_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v seem_v incredible_a to_o any_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v inconceivable_a to_o human_a reason_n act_v by_o its_o own_o power_n he_o show_v we_o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n who_o veracity_n be_v allow_v by_o
without_o control_v dare_v to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n vilify_v his_o person_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n but_o now_o they_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o contestable_a proof_n from_o heaven_n that_o his_o person_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a his_o doctrine_n divine_a and_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n in_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n have_v suffer_v aspersion_n in_o not_o revenge_v the_o suffering_n and_o reward_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o son_n but_o now_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o the_o jew_n convince_v that_o neither_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a nor_o his_o merit_n unrewarded_a the_o devil_n have_v triumph_v in_o his_o suppose_a conquest_n over_o christ_n and_o his_o imagination_n of_o have_v baffle_v the_o design_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o procure_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o his_o arrogant_a pretension_n be_v henceforth_o to_o be_v check_v his_o hope_n to_o be_v defeat_v his_o empire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v all_o these_o advantage_n be_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o these_o our_o lord_n sum_v up_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v inquire_v i._o in_o what_o sense_n all_o these_o effect_n and_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ii_o how_o far_o these_o promise_a effect_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o word_n reprove_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a be_v take_v from_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o signify_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n by_o such_o proof_n and_o testimony_n as_o by_o a_o impartial_a judge_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v valid_a the_o office_n therefore_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v the_o paraclet_n the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o earth_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n to_o produce_v these_o proof_n to_o urge_v and_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v indeed_o abundant_a proof_n before_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o proof_n be_v not_o convictive_a till_o lay_v open_a declare_v and_o propose_v this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o he_o perform_v by_o pour_v extraordinary_a gift_n upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o on_o this_o day_n which_o may_v enable_v they_o with_o power_n and_o eloquence_n with_o courage_n and_o success_n to_o propose_v those_o proof_n and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o reproof_n this_o conviction_n not_o only_o by_o their_o gift_n receive_v and_o labour_n perform_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o by_o all_o their_o miracle_n sermon_n and_o preach_v perform_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o these_o action_n be_v equal_o direct_v to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o in_o virtue_n of_o those_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n all_o their_o gift_n and_o labour_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o his_o power_n and_o derive_v from_o his_o grant_n their_o knowledge_n to_o his_o inspiration_n their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o his_o support_n their_o speak_v to_o his_o impulse_n their_o miracle_n to_o his_o power_n their_o success_n to_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o all_o which_o they_o perform_v aught_o true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o miracle_n action_n and_o prophecy_n of_o their_o lord_n before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o miracle_n and_o labour_n of_o themselves_o after_o it_o be_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o efficacy_n the_o application_n of_o this_o conviction_n be_v to_o proceed_v sole_o from_o the_o ability_n confer_v on_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continue_v his_o office_n of_o advocate_n not_o only_o during_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o those_o gift_n which_o he_o then_o begin_v to_o dispense_v to_o the_o apostle_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o diffuse_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o gift_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v maintain_v the_o faithful_a enliven_v the_o conviction_n continue_v he_o then_o convince_v the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o now_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o their_o successor_n act_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o they_o through_o his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n his_o gift_n indeed_o confer_v on_o they_o be_v far_o more_o eminent_a because_o more_o necessary_a his_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n more_o remarkable_a because_o manifest_v the_o completion_n of_o many_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o promise_n of_o this_o text_n be_v then_o more_o eminent_o fulfil_v and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o i_o come_v next_o in_o order_n to_o consider_v first_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o come_n reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o christ_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 9_o verse_n by_o the_o world_n we_o be_v here_o primary_o to_o understand_v the_o jew_n who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n perform_v by_o christ_n deny_v assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n this_o disbelief_n of_o they_o before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o excuse_v and_o pardon_n and_o st._n pet._n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n v._o 17._o extenuate_v their_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n by_o their_o ignorance_n which_o plea_n will_v have_v be_v but_o trifle_v have_v not_o their_o ignorance_n in_o some_o measure_n be_v excusable_a but_o after_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o stand_v out_o against_o those_o manifold_a conviction_n that_o be_v then_o offer_v can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o inexcusable_a perverseness_n and_o incredulity_n of_o this_o we_o may_v assign_v two_o several_a reason_n first_o that_o although_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n perform_v many_o and_o those_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o these_o affect_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spectator_n of_o they_o for_o while_o alive_a he_o never_o blazon_v abroad_o his_o miracle_n nor_o employ_v his_o disciple_n in_o spread_v the_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o however_o many_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n can_v not_o but_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o his_o divinity_n yet_o the_o universal_a conviction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o courage_n and_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o proclaim_v his_o action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o all_o man_n and_o if_o need_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o other_o no_o less_o extraordinary_a miracle_n second_o the_o chief_a note_n affix_v by_o god_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o prophet_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o prophecy_n thus_o in_o deut._n xviii_o when_o moses_n assure_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o god_n shall_v raise_v they_o up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o himself_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n he_o give_v they_o this_o token_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o the_o true_a and_o any_o false_a messiah_n if_o the_o prediction_n of_o he_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v real_o come_v to_o pass_v then_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o almost_o only_a prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o can_v serve_v as_o sign_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o resurrection_n of_o himself_o after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o that_o generation_n shall_v pass_v away_o the_o first_o be_v happy_o accomplish_v upon_o this_o day_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n
be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o so_o illustrious_a a_o manner_n as_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o his_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o comforter_n not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n both_o jew_n and_o stranger_n upon_o they_o and_o tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n than_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o prediction_n indeed_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v fulfil_v fifty_o day_n before_o but_o become_v not_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n till_o now_o as_o be_v not_o till_o now_o public_o attest_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o report_n of_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v indeed_o rumour_v in_o jerusalem_n which_o put_v the_o sanhedrim_n upon_o that_o shameful_a device_n of_o corrupt_v the_o soldier_n who_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n but_o the_o certain_a and_o public_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v till_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v and_o enbolden_v to_o proclaim_v and_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o those_o gift_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n after_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o the_o authentic_a attestation_n of_o they_o no_o excuse_n remain_v to_o the_o jew_n whereby_o to_o extenuate_v their_o unbelief_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o moses_n they_o be_v now_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o heinous_a sin_n before_o commit_v by_o they_o in_o the_o rejection_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o person_n the_o horror_n of_o which_o sin_n may_v induce_v they_o the_o more_o ready_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o his_o merit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o it_o otherwise_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o most_o severe_a execution_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n for_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n as_o moses_n have_v assure_v they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n deut._n xviii_o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o this_o sentence_n and_o therein_o the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n execute_v and_o fulfil_v in_o the_o destruction_n and_o entire_a desolation_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o alive_a act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v far_o enable_v invincible_o to_o plead_v his_o cause_n against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o however_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o do_v more_o especial_o convince_v of_o sin_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o have_v be_v guilty_a either_o of_o reject_v the_o preach_a or_o contrive_v the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o it_o contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o manifest_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o either_o in_o that_o or_o in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v shall_v reject_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n when_o propose_v to_o they_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o all_o creature_n under_o heaven_n and_o confirm_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o which_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o convictive_a so_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o the_o most_o extreme_a perverseness_n and_o if_o reject_v the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v hereby_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o they_o and_o convince_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n also_o if_o right_o judge_v that_o in_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o have_v sin_v against_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o nothing_o remain_v to_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o fiery_a judgement_n to_o be_v most_o just_o inflict_v on_o they_o the_o second_o point_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o righteousness_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v assign_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o you_o see_v i_o no_o more_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cloud_v when_o he_o permit_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o be_v deliver_v up_o and_o crucify_v by_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o rescue_v he_o not_o from_o the_o insult_v of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n from_o heaven_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o deity_n seem_v then_o to_o be_v eclipse_v and_o suffer_v diminution_n when_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n and_o affront_v of_o unreasonable_a men._n man_n natural_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v even_o in_o this_o world_n declare_v in_o behalf_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n either_o by_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o its_o enemy_n or_o take_v a_o severe_a revenge_n upon_o the_o oppressor_n of_o it_o and_o even_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n can_v but_o expect_v and_o be_v allow_v so_o to_o do_v that_o if_o no_o discrimination_n be_v make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o at_o least_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o next_o when_o innocence_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o reward_n which_o shall_v be_v enhance_v by_o patience_n in_o suffering_n and_o violence_n chastise_v with_o punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o sharp_a if_o reserve_v entire_a to_o another_o world_n if_o no_o part_n of_o they_o be_v inflict_v in_o this_o this_o a_o faithful_a christian_a expect_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n assure_v they_o see_v it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_n 2_o thess._n i._o 6._o and_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n heb._n vi._n 10._o if_o then_o this_o justice_n may_v be_v secure_o hope_v for_o from_o god_n by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o more_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o person_n be_v of_o infinite_a dignity_n his_o suffering_n fraught_v with_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n and_o his_o persecutor_n guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v therefore_o vindicate_v herein_o that_o sin_n may_v no_o long_o triumph_n and_o innocence_n pass_v unregarded_a god_n exalt_v his_o son_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n seat_v he_o in_o the_o heaven_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o worship_n the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o direction_n and_o assistance_n the_o apostle_n open_o testify_v the_o ascension_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o by_o which_o all_o may_v be_v convince_v what_o place_n and_o power_n christ_n now_o obtain_v in_o heaven_n who_o can_v shower_v down_o such_o glorious_a gift_n and_o privilege_n upon_o his_o follower_n on_o earth_n these_o be_v so_o many_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v defeat_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o alive_a set_v above_o their_o reach_n and_o insult_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o invest_v with_o supreme_a majesty_n and_o dominion_n able_a to_o protect_v his_o church_n and_o punish_v his_o enemy_n that_o his_o former_a suffering_n have_v not_o be_v then_o more_o calamitous_a than_o his_o present_a state_n be_v now_o glorious_a that_o if_o god_n have_v for_o a_o time_n withdraw_v in_o appearance_n his_o favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o have_v now_o in_o recompense_n exalt_v it_o to_o a_o eternal_a throne_n in_o heaven_n the_o last_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o judgement_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n ver._n 11._o because_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v judge_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n even_o of_o natural_a religion_n that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o of_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a being_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v now_o for_o many_o age_n exercise_v a_o
of_o god_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n ministerial_a office_n here_o on_o earth_n will_v permit_v he_o to_o expose_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o unbelieving_a world_n as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o wisdom_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v act_v any_o thing_n without_o just_a cause_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a direction_n alone_o of_o create_a being_n that_n he_o exert_v not_o his_o power_n without_o just_a occasion_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o receive_v as_o a_o axiom_n in_o philosophy_n that_o nature_n work_v nothing_o in_o vain_a but_o also_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_n concern_v in_o sound_v method_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n he_o proceed_v by_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n exact_o fit_v to_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v fit_v i_o mean_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n if_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v herein_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o divine_a operation_n reject_v not_o wilful_o what_o be_v intend_v for_o its_o benefit_n in_o that_o case_n god_n seek_v not_o other_o remedy_n exceed_v not_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o salvation_n fix_v by_o he_o nor_o employ_v new_a and_o more_o powerful_a engine_n to_o effect_v his_o design_n those_o he_o before_o employ_v be_v sufficient_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v fail_v of_o their_o end_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v not_o to_o their_o want_n of_o force_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n harden_v his_o mind_n against_o receive_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o thus_o god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n a_o power_n of_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n of_o overcome_v the_o violent_a motion_n of_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n of_o resist_v all_o temptation_n offer_v to_o he_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o man_n use_v not_o his_o freewill_n aright_o if_o he_o yield_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o embrace_v sinful_a temptation_n god_n do_v not_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n restrain_v these_o sinful_a action_n or_o violent_o over-rule_v the_o inordinate_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man._n when_o the_o serpent_n tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n god_n if_o he_o have_v please_v may_v as_o well_o have_v interpose_v before_o their_o consent_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o serpent_n in_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n as_o he_o do_v afterward_o denounce_v their_o punishment_n and_o have_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v dare_v to_o transgress_v yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o have_v require_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v interpose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n he_o have_v give_v they_o sufficient_a strength_n of_o will_n to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o have_v do_v that_o just_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n thus_o also_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n god_n have_v grant_v to_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o particular_a promise_n and_o covenant_n such_o a_o measure_n of_o assist_a grace_n as_o may_v repair_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o will_v enervate_v by_o that_o fall_n and_o full_o enable_v he_o to_o discharge_v the_o several_a duty_n require_v of_o he_o but_o if_o neither_o with_o this_o the_o will_n of_o man_n direct_v if_o self_n aright_o god_n do_v not_o double_a treble_a or_o multiply_v his_o grace_n or_o put_v a_o force_n upon_o the_o will._n that_o be_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o man_n as_o with_o a_o rational_a be_v and_o to_o over-rule_v or_o force_v the_o will_n will_v be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o the_o will._n and_o as_o god_n direct_v his_o most_o wise_a method_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o also_o he_o act_v in_o relation_n to_o his_o understanding_n he_o have_v propose_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o conviction_n to_o every_o point_n which_o he_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o man_n if_o he_o gain_v not_o assent_n he_o proceed_v no_o far_o heap_v not_o one_o demonstration_n upon_o another_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o resurrection_n our_o lord_n in_o his_o triennial_n preach_v before_o his_o crucifixion_n have_v offer_v to_o the_o jew_n abundant_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o almost_o daily_a miracle_n by_o prove_v that_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n do_v clear_o belong_v to_o his_o person_n by_o visible_a declaration_n from_o heaven_n by_o his_o own_o incomparable_a persuasion_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o john_n baptist_n and_o his_o apostle_n after_o so_o many_o and_o evident_a argument_n produce_v in_o vain_a and_o render_v ineffectual_a by_o the_o perverseness_n and_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n can_v we_o think_v it_o just_a to_o require_v that_o god_n shall_v change_v his_o method_n and_o propose_v other_o yet_o more_o forcible_a argument_n or_o must_v we_o not_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v do_v enough_o and_o that_o to_o go_v yet_o far_o be_v to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o depress_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n he_o have_v before_o the_o deluge_n when_o no_o such_o extraordinary_a method_n of_o conviction_n be_v employ_v just_o resolve_v my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n and_o after_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n so_o many_o revelation_n confer_v on_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n to_o have_v still_o strive_v with_o their_o unbelief_n by_o the_o public_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n will_v have_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o unreasonable_a thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o deny_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o personal_a conversation_n of_o christ_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a his_o justice_n also_o may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v incline_v he_o to_o the_o same_o that_o people_n in_o reject_v the_o messiah_n in_o oppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o his_o miracle_n have_v commit_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v even_o capable_a of_o have_v offer_v as_o great_a a_o affront_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v conceive_v so_o signal_n a_o impiety_n deserve_v a_o no_o less_o eminent_a punishment_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o visible_a execution_n of_o which_o punishment_n may_v be_v defer_v as_o it_o be_v for_o near_o forty_o year_n till_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o their_o nation_n yet_o other_o punishment_n less_o visible_a but_o no_o less_o grievous_a the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v immediate_o inflict_v and_o that_o be_v in_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n not_o offer_v to_o they_o the_o most_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o messiah_n the_o conviction_n of_o his_o resurrection_n by_o their_o own_o sense_n when_o they_o have_v reject_v all_o those_o precedent_a argument_n which_o will_v more_o than_o have_v suffice_v to_o convince_v and_o inform_v they_o if_o their_o wicked_a perverseness_n have_v not_o prevent_v the_o conviction_n they_o have_v by_o deny_v belief_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o evident_a argument_n declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o far_o from_o deserve_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v a_o favour_n than_o which_o a_o great_a can_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o what_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o belove_a disciple_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n can_v not_o in_o justice_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n nor_o do_v it_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o the_o jew_n therein_o that_o they_o proceed_v according_a to_o their_o present_a judgement_n and_o act_v upon_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n for_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o many_o of_o they_o oppose_v he_o even_o while_o inward_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o argument_n of_o it_o as_o those_o do_v to_o who_o he_o upbraid_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o conscience_n simple_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o warrant_v of_o humane_a action_n but_o conscience_n direct_v by_o right_a reason_n god_n have_v give_v to_o man_n a_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o will_v full_a power_n of_o judge_v right_o in_o all_o matter_n absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o as_o of_o follow_v the_o report_n of_o this_o judgement_n when_o make_v he_o require_v a_o like_a right_a use_n of_o both_o these_o faculty_n and_o punish_v equal_o
more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a
add_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o see_v he_o go_v that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o our_o lord_n describe_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n matth._n xiii_o 26._o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o inquire_v into_o what_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v translate_v yet_o not_o unfit_a to_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ascend_v into_o those_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o most_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o ephes._n iu._n 10._o he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v far_o above_o all_o heaven_n and_o hebr._n vii_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o heb._n ix_o 12._o pass_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n even_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o same_o state_n of_o glory_n with_o god_n the_o father_n his_o body_n be_v translate_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v the_o place_n whether_o in_o the_o three_o in_o the_o four_o or_o above_o the_o heaven_n be_v rash_a and_o unwarrantable_a but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o immediate_a residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n whatsoever_o region_n be_v most_o holy_a whatsoever_o place_n be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o those_o celestial_a orb_n thither_o christ_n ascend_v and_o there_o now_o reign_v in_o glory_n iii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o and_o great_a the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a benefit_n derive_v from_o it_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o a_o benefit_n which_o be_v indeed_o more_o sensible_a in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n when_o it_o communicate_v to_o many_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n but_o be_v at_o this_o day_n no_o less_o advantageous_a since_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o church_n be_v still_o maintain_v the_o faithful_a be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o unfaithful_a be_v convert_v thus_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o last_a benefit_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n procure_v to_o they_o those_o grace_n which_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v the_o ascension_n of_o elijah_n make_v one_o elisha_n leave_v a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o one_o disciple_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o no_o other_o but_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o universal_a benefit_n produce_v bless_a effect_n which_o shall_v extend_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o all_o age_n a_o second_o benefit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o from_o thence_o receive_v firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o have_v proclaim_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o own_o disciple_n in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unexpected_a to_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o resolution_n herein_o and_o when_o they_o faw_fw-we effect_v what_o he_o have_v before_o foretell_v they_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n thus_o although_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o our_o lord_n expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o his_o subsequent_a action_n offer_v convince_a argument_n to_o mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o teach_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n thus_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v much_o more_o exalt_v by_o this_o glorious_a triumph_n they_o see_v he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o ample_a power_n which_o they_o so_o long_o wish_v to_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o which_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o reward_v his_o follower_n and_o effect_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o john_n fourteen_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o he_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o intend_v to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o may_v be_v also_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o see_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v accomplish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a motive_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n or_o promise_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o same_o foreknowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o foresee_v the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o can_v as_o easy_o foresee_v the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v exalt_v whosoever_o he_o please_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o his_o power_n can_v not_o be_v question_v and_o his_o will_n therein_o he_o have_v often_o declare_v assure_v they_o joh._n xii_o 32._o when_o i_o be_o lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o herein_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o mankind_n receive_v increase_v and_o strength_n they_o have_v all_o impatient_o wish_v for_o immortality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v still_o exist_v but_o their_o body_n be_v equal_o part_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o both_o yet_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a they_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n he_o affirm_v it_o he_o promise_v it_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a be_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o man_n who_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n all_o this_o do_v seem_v incredible_a till_o they_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v visible_o receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o place_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o like_a immortality_n of_o their_o own_o body_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o while_o they_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o relation_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o forerunner_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o society_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o time_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o since_o what_o he_o foretell_v of_o his_o own_o ascension_n they_o see_v effect_v since_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o follow_v their_o captain_n their_o head_n and_o their_o forerunner_n and_o with_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o place_n of_o their_o desire_a happiness_n far_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n and_o our_o priest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o either_o of_o those_o his_o office_n receive_v increase_v by_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o king_n he_o be_v thereby_o invest_v in_o the_o actual_a dominion_n of_o his_o church_n enable_v to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o her_o wellbeing_a as_o our_o priest_n his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n be_v make_v much_o more_o prevalent_a by_o his_o personal_a presence_n with_o he_o under_o the_o law_n the_o efficacy_n of_o
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 to_o men._n he_o be_v then_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n appear_v as_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o malefactor_n he_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n raise_v above_o the_o earth_n seat_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n iii_o 22._o the_o word_n explain_v in_o their_o three_o sense_n infer_v the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n effect_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v express_v hebr._n ii_o 14._o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v this_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o life_n contribute_v he_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n he_o confute_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o seduce_v world_n he_o found_v a_o church_n wherein_o open_a enmity_n shall_v be_v profess_v to_o the_o devil_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o death_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o all_o this_o dispensation_n he_o glorious_o finish_v in_o his_o resurrection_n therein_o he_o literal_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a baffle_v the_o opposition_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v vain_o imagine_v that_o by_o procure_v the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n to_o be_v give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o redeemer_n his_o design_n and_o attempt_v promote_v that_o very_a end_n which_o he_o so_o much_o dread_v he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o 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