all_o temptation_n that_o excuse_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o receive_v not_o now_o indeed_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v once_o endue_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o those_o contribute_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v equal_o obtain_v without_o they_o and_o lose_v with_o they_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a all_o that_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o be_v yet_o continue_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o diffuse_v his_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n excite_v they_o by_o inward_a motion_n confirm_v they_o by_o his_o assistance_n perfect_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n which_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v that_o he_o still_o plentiful_o bestow_v on_o we_o for_o want_v of_o some_o external_a assurance_n he_o have_v institute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n more_o 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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 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the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o 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which_o be_v in_o he_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o inferior_a be_v if_o it_o can_v speak_v and_o argue_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o noble_a faculty_n because_o it_o can_v conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o for_o one_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o because_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o than_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v in_o the_o text_n even_n so_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 and_o not_o unreasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o then_o all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o conception_n cease_v and_o it_o remain_v only_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o allege_a revelation_n be_v true_o divine_a this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n assert_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n declare_v his_o preach_v of_o it_o to_o be_v found_v not_o upon_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o nice_a conclusion_n as_o be_v the_o system_n of_o philosophy_n then_o receive_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o world_n from_o which_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o these_o two_o character_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o gentile_a philosophy_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o secure_a to_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o other_o effect_v both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n further_o these_o matter_n when_o once_o reveal_v and_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n as_o we_o propose_v not_o to_o other_o with_o artificial_a sophistry_n and_o rhetoric_n so_o we_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o pure_a argument_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o logical_a inference_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v ver._n 13._o but_o as_o we_o teach_v they_o with_o that_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o god_n direct_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o effect_v so_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o compare_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o general_a motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o follow_v but_o with_o the_o wisdom_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a now_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o method_n in_o our_o enquiry_n herein_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o 14_o ver._n but_o the_o natural_a man._n he_o who_o judge_v these_o revelation_n only_o according_a to_o his_o preconceive_a notion_n take_v up_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o receive_v not_o from_o they_o who_o weigh_v not_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n reinforcing_a these_o revelation_n he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v truth_n which_o surmount_v the_o reach_n of_o naked_a reason_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v only_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o regard_v not_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o revelation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v recommend_v so_o that_o while_o he_o act_v in_o this_o irrational_a method_n he_o can_v know_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whereas_o he_o who_o understand_v well_o the_o motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o compare_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a ver._n 15._o judge_v all_o thing_n may_v safe_o and_o without_o error_n pronounce_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o do_v so_o he_o be_v not_o just_o to_o be_v overrule_v with_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o consider_v the_o thing_n absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o compare_v with_o its_o motive_n of_o credibility_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man._n since_o plain_a reason_n direct_v that_o if_o the_o motive_n be_v find_v weighty_a than_o the_o difficulty_n he_o shall_v declare_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o not_o be_v startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n as_o concern_v a_o subject_n exceed_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o best_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o revelation_n we_o have_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v he_o but_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ._n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o context_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v form_v these_o two_o consideration_n whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n i._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o revelation_n nor_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o mere_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o ii_o that_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v their_o internal_a probability_n so_o much_o as_o their_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n first_o then_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v scandalize_v at_o they_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o for_o this_o we_o can_v rational_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o full_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o object_n which_o that_o we_o be_v not_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o many_o object_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n appear_v both_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o manifold_a experience_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v finite_a and_o so_o must_v the_o faculty_n of_o it_o also_o be_v one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o understanding_n which_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a
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
therefore_o it_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o must_v have_v therefore_o some_o rule_n whereby_o to_o direct_v our_o assent_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o be_v very_o obvious_a for_o the_o understanding_n necessary_o at_o least_o reasonable_o incline_v to_o that_o part_n which_o carry_v the_o great_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o any_o proposition_n be_v great_a than_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n we_o must_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n embrace_v and_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n exceed_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o may_v safe_o reject_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v the_o evidence_n of_o both_o side_n matter_n of_o revelation_n may_v concern_v either_o finite_a or_o infinite_a nature_n example_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o such_o proposition_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o second_o all_o such_o as_o respect_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o first_o case_n which_o exceed_v not_o the_o natural_a capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n nothing_o can_v be_v true_a which_o may_v not_o be_v full_o conceive_v by_o we_o for_o although_o many_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o finite_a being_n may_v lie_v for_o ever_o undiscovered_a to_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n yet_o when_o discover_v to_o we_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o conceive_v by_o we_o if_o they_o carry_v any_o truth_n with_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o in_o finite_a nature_n be_v inconceivable_a to_o we_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o we_o can_v imagine_v any_o revelation_n to_o be_v make_v without_o a_o intend_a obligation_n of_o assent_n now_o since_o god_n have_v require_v we_o to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o great_a evidence_n he_o can_v never_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n the_o evidence_n of_o 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must_v be_v found_v upon_o a_o contradiction_n include_v in_o it_o to_o wit_n if_o the_o revelation_n propose_v any_o thing_n which_o destroy_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o object_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o introduce_v a_o conception_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o it_o such_o will_v be_v to_o affirm_v there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v a_o corporeal_a be_v and_o such_o like_a for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o a_o infinite_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v the_o primary_n cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o other_o being_n to_o suppose_v any_o other_o be_v independent_a from_o he_o or_o himself_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o division_n and_o limitation_n the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o all_o corporeal_a being_n will_v destroy_v the_o notion_n of_o he_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v affirm_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o contrary_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o consist_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o the_o only_a internal_a rule_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o any_o revelation_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o include_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o term_n or_o by_o self-evident_a consequence_n for_o no_o other_o consequence_n can_v be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n since_o the_o consequence_n upon_o which_o a_o contradiction_n be_v to_o be_v found_v must_v be_v of_o equal_a evidence_n with_o a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n which_o be_v always_o self-evident_a if_o we_o apply_v these_o rule_n to_o the_o question_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v it_o for_o god_n be_v confess_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o property_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o require_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v contradictory_n and_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o include_v no_o contradiction_n in_o term_n for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o three_o god_n which_o will_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o not_o one_o god_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v there_o be_v one_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n and_o three_o person_n which_o will_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v one_o person_n and_o not_o one_o person_n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o son_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n these_o be_v the_o only_a imaginable_a contradiction_n in_o term_n and_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o consequential_a contradiction_n chief_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v these_o two_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o each_o person_n be_v god_n then_o there_o be_v three_o god_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o a_o allow_a proposition_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 2._o if_o these_o three_o person_n agree_v in_o a_o three_o viz._n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o must_v agree_v among_o themselves_o and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v but_o one_o person_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o viz._n there_o be_v three_o person_n the_o first_o consequence_n be_v found_v upon_o this_o proposition_n there_o can_v be_v a_o plurality_n of_o person_n without_o a_o plurality_n of_o nature_n the_o second_o upon_o this_o there_o can_v be_v a_o communication_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o identity_n of_o person_n now_o who_o will_v say_v that_o either_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v self-evident_a nay_o that_o they_o carry_v the_o least_o evidence_n with_o they_o since_o nothing_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o can_v judge_v and_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o these_o two_o proposition_n unless_o we_o full_o understand_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v general_o imagine_v indeed_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o finite_a being_n but_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o infinite_a being_n nor_o be_v we_o yet_o sure_a that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o finite_a being_n for_o even_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o small_a resemblance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v several_a faculty_n which_o can_v operate_v independent_o from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o single_o possess_v all_o the_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n consider_v as_o such_o as_o its_o immateriality_n immortality_n and_o such_o like_a so_o in_o the_o deity_n there_o be_v several_a person_n obtain_v distinct_a operation_n but_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o common_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n such_o as_o eternity_n omnipotency_n and_o other_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n that_o the_o difficulty_n upon_o which_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 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testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o propose_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n concern_v the_o external_a government_n of_o god_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v mistake_v all_o of_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o mistake_v in_o the_o application_n of_o those_o attribute_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v form_v the_o reason_n be_v well_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o in_o they_o also_o sufficient_a matter_n to_o confute_v the_o several_a error_n propose_v by_o these_o men._n touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v therefore_o do_v man_n fear_v he_o the_o word_n therefore_o will_v natural_o give_v i_o a_o occasion_n to_o discourse_n i._o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n found_v in_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o text._n ii_o of_o the_o error_n commit_v by_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n which_o they_o draw_v indeed_o from_o these_o attribute_n but_o may_v more_o true_o be_v confute_v by_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o worship_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n among_o man_n be_v declare_v by_o enumeration_n of_o those_o attribute_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o in_o the_o conception_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o first_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o on_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v found_v be_v that_o he_o enjoy_v all_o perfection_n which_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o be_v and_o this_o be_v design_v by_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n where_o the_o word_n almighty_a in_o our_o translation_n signify_v all-sufficient_a or_o supreme_o perfect_a in_o the_o original_a we_o admire_v single_a perfection_n in_o other_o object_n in_o one_o power_n in_o another_o wisdom_n in_o a_o three_o virtue_n and_o these_o not_o only_o possess_v by_o so_o many_o several_a object_n but_o also_o 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again_o if_o the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n be_v unknown_a and_o unsearchable_a to_o man_n this_o will_v yet_o far_o raise_v our_o opinion_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n since_o if_o his_o external_a effect_n exceed_v our_o conception_n much_o more_o will_v his_o nature_n the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o this_o will_v also_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o inquire_v too_o curious_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o providence_n not_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n rash_o concern_v it_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o indeed_o when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o government_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o by_o revelation_n we_o be_v firm_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o may_v without_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o presumption_n apply_v those_o rule_n to_o particular_a case_n but_o as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v fix_v any_o rule_n to_o he_o before_o we_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n so_o after_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o we_o 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of_o his_o name_n by_o inflict_v exemplary_a punishment_n upon_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o worship_v he_o or_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a his_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n so_o than_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o consider_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n so_o it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o if_o most_o just_a must_v certain_o be_v require_v by_o god_n that_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o to_o who_o the_o injury_n be_v offer_v may_v be_v annihilate_v by_o a_o single_a nod_n may_v be_v chastife_v with_o severe_a punishment_n may_v be_v render_v miserable_a for_o ever_o this_o attribute_n of_o power_n in_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n produce_v fear_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o external_a respect_n beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n this_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o majesty_n of_o prince_n that_o the_o one_o can_v be_v violate_v the_o other_o can_v be_v contemn_v without_o danger_n this_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v at_o first_o beget_v idolatry_n when_o man_n follow_v the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n fond_o imagine_v that_o their_o prince_n their_o leader_n or_o conqueror_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a of_o all_o being_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n render_v that_o tribute_n to_o they_o which_o be_v due_a to_o omnipotence_n i_o mean_v adoration_n they_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v at_o their_o disposal_n their_o life_n at_o their_o mercy_n or_o extraordinary_a action_n effect_v by_o they_o and_o believe_v these_o to_o be_v the_o most_o illustrious_a mark_n of_o power_n deify_v the_o possessor_n of_o they_o if_o then_o the_o prospect_n of_o that_o little_a power_n which_o be_v vest_v in_o man_n can_v procure_v adoration_n from_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o sense_n only_o much_o more_o will_v the_o excellence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o it_o be_v here_o call_v induce_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v both_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o mortal_a man_n power_n far_o from_o be_v adorable_a may_v ofttimes_o become_v execrable_a may_v occasion_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o may_v administer_v assistance_n to_o sin_n and_o violence_n and_o notwithstanding_o such_o wicked_a power_n may_v awe_v and_o terrify_v man_n as_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a idolater_n have_v worship_v devil_n lest_o they_o shall_v hurt_v they_o this_o will_v never_o create_v a_o internal_a reverence_n in_o man_n in_o which_o chief_o adoration_n consist_v the_o most_o exalt_a power_n of_o finite_a being_n can_v rescue_v they_o from_o their_o own_o imperfection_n receive_v limit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o dissolution_n if_o yet_o such_o a_o power_n can_v strike_v
holiness_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n yet_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o interest_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o obedience_n this_o obviate_v all_o the_o objection_n even_o of_o worldly_a man_n who_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o it_o can_v never_o true_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n a_o thorough_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v banish_v all_o sinful_a temptation_n and_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a and_o irrational_a of_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o prefer_v a_o present_a trifle_n before_o a_o future_a treasure_n and_o voluntary_o quit_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n to_o retain_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o truth_n hold_v in_o quit_v the_o momentany_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o for_o a_o exchange_n of_o future_a glory_n but_o even_o in_o undergo_a the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o our_o saviour_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n for_o when_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o have_v foretell_v that_o bear_v the_o cross_n shall_v be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o decline_v this_o cross_n and_o save_v his_o life_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o his_o faith_n shall_v thereby_o incur_v a_o much_o great_a punishment_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o system_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v institute_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o enlarge_v or_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n improve_v its_o faculty_n and_o procure_v to_o it_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o its_o desire_n and_o the_o liberality_n of_o its_o creator_n whosoever_o therefore_o serious_o intend_v to_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o gospel_n must_v prepare_v himself_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o not_o decline_v death_n whensoever_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o my_o command_n shall_v require_v that_o trial_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v his_o duty_n but_o secure_a and_o promote_v his_o interest_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v base_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o i_o or_o violate_v my_o command_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o avoid_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o much_o great_a loss_n and_o punishment_n than_o that_o which_o they_o so_o cowardly_o fear_v and_o ungenerous_o decline_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o shall_v willing_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o slight_v all_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o preserve_v their_o obedience_n to_o i_o entire_a and_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o gospel_n shall_v be_v certain_o crown_v with_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v attain_v by_o it_o this_o be_v your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o my_o command_n your_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v quit_v that_o particular_a share_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v thereby_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n but_o even_o if_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n be_v â—â—aped_v upon_o one_o single_a man_n or_o can_v be_v all_o obtain_v by_o denial_n of_o my_o religion_n or_o violation_n of_o my_o law_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v prevaricate_v upon_o such_o mean_a consideration_n will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n when_o he_o cast_v up_o his_o account_n that_o he_o have_v gain_v nothing_o to_o evince_v illustrate_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n ii_o that_o this_o interest_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o soul_n render_v miserable_a by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o head_n may_v be_v comprise_v the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o first_o then_o the_o dignity_n and_o precedence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n by_o wife_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n nay_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v ever_o firm_o believe_v this_o as_o a_o opinion_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o least_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o it_o all_o false_a religion_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n propose_v by_o god_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v it_o be_v this_o only_a which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n which_o liken_n we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v this_o whereby_o we_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a and_o wonderful_a perfection_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a whereby_o we_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n grateful_a to_o our_o creator_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will._n and_o therefore_o prov._n xx._n 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v call_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o by_o that_o only_o we_o receive_v the_o divine_a illumination_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n this_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o soul_n beyond_o the_o body_n may_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v from_o many_o other_o consideration_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o three_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n as_o first_o by_o the_o soul_n alone_o we_o receive_v the_o influence_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n some_o divine_a benefit_n indeed_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o body_n as_o creation_n and_o preservation_n but_o those_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o belong_v equal_o to_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o create_a being_n 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conviction_n will_v be_v no_o less_o unuseful_a and_o unsuccessful_a than_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v either_o if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o reason_n which_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n or_o the_o force_n of_o those_o objection_n to_o which_o both_o method_n be_v liable_a the_o true_a cause_n which_o render_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n unsuccessful_a be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o men._n it_o find_v no_o welcome_a reception_n in_o world_n because_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n the_o of_o it_o it_o abridge_v the_o sensuality_n the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v not_o obey_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v forgo_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n a_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o lest_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o restrain_v his_o admire_a enjoyment_n it_o forbid_v revenge_n envy_n and_o 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and_o the_o tyrian_n the_o former_a have_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o want_v that_o advantage_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n whence_o they_o also_o descend_v have_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n have_v be_v deface_v by_o long_a disuse_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v even_o necessary_a to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o restore_v the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o have_v they_o see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n far_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o common_a objection_n to_o which_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o convey_v religion_n long_o since_o settle_v without_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a method_n 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and_o have_v see_v with_o
best_o tend_v to_o the_o perpetual_a continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o this_o light_n once_o deliver_v when_o therefore_o by_o these_o mean_n in_o a_o few_o century_n almost_o all_o the_o know_a world_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n free_v from_o its_o ancient_a error_n and_o receive_v the_o truth_n when_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n still_o continue_v to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o benefit_n freedom_n from_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o way_n to_o happiness_n may_v we_o not_o just_o conclude_v all_o the_o glorious_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o happy_a time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o light_n to_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o world_n by_o he_o to_o have_v be_v exact_o complete_v in_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o mankind_n and_o restore_v and_o increase_v 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honour_n of_o god_n and_o book_n treat_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o he_o now_o comprise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o composition_n form_v by_o the_o grecian_n or_o any_o other_o learned_a heathen_a nation_n in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o with_o their_o theological_a write_n you_o will_v find_v the_o first_o to_o contain_v just_a and_o noble_a thought_n of_o god_n true_a judgement_n concern_v the_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n nothing_o which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n nothing_o which_o be_v not_o exact_o true_a whereas_o in_o the_o other_o you_o shall_v discover_v every_o where_o either_o childish_a or_o impious_a notion_n of_o god_n nothing_o answerable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o little_a agreeable_a to_o truth_n a_o difference_n which_o can_v never_o be_v account_v for_o but_o by_o acknowledge_v the_o former_a to_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a direction_n and_o inspiration_n so_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a be_v the_o force_n of_o light_n that_o it_o discover_v itself_o wherever_o it_o act_v it_o can_v be_v hide_v dissemble_a or_o stifle_v and_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o comparison_n like_o a_o city_n place_v upon_o a_o hill_n appear_v at_o a_o distance_n giving_z direction_n to_o all_o far_o and_o near_o and_o thus_o our_o saviour_n be_v also_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o exemplariness_n of_o his_o life_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n v._o 14._o give_v direction_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o that_o eminent_a virtue_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o they_o and_o can_v not_o but_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o men._n and_o of_o himself_o john_n ix_o 5._o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n not_o that_o he_o be_v whole_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n even_o after_o he_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o it_o for_o both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o report_n of_o his_o example_n be_v to_o enlighten_v the_o world_n to_o all_o age_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a respect_n that_o of_o his_o example_n the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o will_v decrease_v upon_o his_o removal_n from_o the_o earth_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o sight_n move_v more_o than_o the_o fame_n of_o a_o illustrious_a example_n a_o example_n indeed_o so_o eminent_a that_o whether_o see_v or_o hear_v it_o be_v a_o light_n to_o all_o mankind_n so_o resplendent_a and_o remarkable_a that_o as_o the_o light_n it_o strike_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o just_a and_o adequate_a that_o it_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o its_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o as_o the_o light_n direct_v man_n in_o the_o right_a way_n his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a system_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o divine_a virtue_n that_o ever_o be_v propose_v to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o this_o system_fw-la there_o be_v no_o one_o virtue_n which_o himself_o possess_v and_o exercise_v not_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n all_o that_o piety_n temperance_n meekness_n and_o charity_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o his_o follower_n himself_o practise_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o in_o a_o degree_n which_o other_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o attain_v to_o without_o any_o interruption_n of_o vice_n or_o imperfection_n such_o a_o example_n may_v well_o be_v term_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o alone_a if_o all_o rule_n of_o piety_n if_o all_o notion_n of_o good_a be_v lose_v among_o man_n they_o may_v be_v entire_o recover_v and_o not_o only_o illustrious_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o industrious_o make_v so_o to_o all_o
to_o learn_v how_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o be_v excite_v to_o it_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o your_o meeting_n in_o this_o holy_a place_n be_v that_o you_o may_v worship_n god_n herein_o but_o how_o can_v you_o be_v say_v to_o worship_v he_o who_o place_n yourselves_o in_o no_o posture_n of_o worship_n who_o express_v no_o concern_v at_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n join_v not_o in_o they_o nor_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o they_o can_v you_o real_o believe_v stand_v or_o sit_v to_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n or_o will_v you_o not_o confess_v kneel_v to_o be_v real_o the_o most_o humble_a posture_n and_o if_o so_o sure_o the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v to_o be_v approach_v in_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o devout_a manner_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o correct_v a_o ill_a custom_n study_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o complete_a service_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n to_o attend_v diligent_o to_o they_o to_o join_v devout_o in_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n both_o with_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o both_o be_v create_v by_o he_o so_o shall_v you_o true_o worship_n god_n so_o shall_v you_o entitle_v yourselves_o to_o all_o those_o glorious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n obtain_v your_o desire_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n the_o sixteen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o treat_v large_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v and_o urge_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n from_o these_o two_o consideration_n especial_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n make_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o lay_v open_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n can_v not_o engage_v yet_o at_o least_o that_o of_o interest_n may_v persuade_v i_o than_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n have_v first_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o that_o especial_o and_o therein_o manifest_v how_o much_o great_a the_o obligation_n be_v to_o public_a prayer_n how_o more_o expressive_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n what_o great_a advantage_n it_o bring_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n and_o what_o more_o noble_a promise_n be_v annex_v to_o it_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n every_o where_o ii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n teach_v to_o be_v every_o where_o that_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o but_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o any_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v herein_o he_o distinguish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o the_o more_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n nay_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o himself_o be_v affix_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n where_o the_o priest_n daily_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o perform_v the_o other_o office_n of_o legal_a worship_n and_o adult_v male_n among_o the_o jew_n thrice_o every_o year_n give_v their_o attendance_n this_o be_v both_o easy_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a dimension_n of_o their_o country_n and_o also_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o relapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v in_o that_o stiff-necked_a people_n have_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v permit_v to_o they_o in_o many_o separate_a place_n where_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o the_o immediate_a oversight_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v actual_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n whensoever_o quit_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o begin_v to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n to_o this_o temple_n therefore_o after_o the_o full_a settlement_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o promise_a land_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o affix_v out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n nor_o be_v any_o expiation_n of_o sin_n provide_v to_o it_o many_o glorious_a promise_n be_v appropriate_v as_o that_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n offer_v up_o in_o it_o and_o be_v gracious_a to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o be_v propagate_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n the_o observation_n of_o this_o institution_n become_v both_o impossible_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o be_v therefore_o abolish_v by_o god_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o be_v thenceforward_o command_v to_o be_v alike_o celebrate_v in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o church_n his_o presence_n be_v not_o confine_v nor_o his_o promise_n annex_v to_o one_o place_n he_o be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n and_o receive_v their_o petition_n with_o equal_a favour_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v the_o christian_a from_o the_o jewish_a worship_n direct_v public_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o as_o he_o have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o upon_o another_o respect_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o command_v that_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n whereas_o the_o jew_n never_o pray_v for_o any_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o communion_n this_o enlargement_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n can_v not_o indeed_o but_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v be_v now_o appropriate_v for_o near_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o from_o all_o age_n determine_v to_o enlarge_v his_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o gather_v into_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v both_o by_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a fact_n provide_v abundant_a reason_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o himself_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v extend_v into_o the_o whole_a earth_n thus_o zeph._n ii_o 11._o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o when_o god_n shall_v found_v the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o every_o one_o from_o his_o place_n even_o all_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o in_o mal._n i._n 11._o for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o prophecy_n do_v clear_o instruct_v the_o jew_n that_o when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o shall_v be_v worship_v alike_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o even_o those_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v then_o offer_v up_o from_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o although_o in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v appear_v strange_a unto_o the_o jew_n who_o mind_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_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 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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
but_o these_o man_n proceed_v chief_o upon_o those_o objection_n which_o we_o have_v already_o refute_v and_o upon_o unreasonable_a and_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o wrest_v to_o their_o sense_n while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o remove_v it_o whole_o but_o while_o they_o attempt_v this_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o far_o great_a difficulty_n and_o even_o in_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o god_n have_v command_v that_o all_o shall_v worship_v the_o son_n even_o as_o they_o do_v the_o father_n and_o themselves_o never_o dare_v to_o deny_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o christ_n hereby_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o be_v which_o be_v not_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o palpable_a contradiction_n infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o they_o so_o much_o dread_v for_o a_o act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n consist_v chief_o in_o a_o awful_a conception_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o object_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o adore_v christ_n with_o divine_a honour_n the_o mind_n must_v consider_v he_o as_o god_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a repugnance_n of_o conception_n and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n remain_v in_o full_a force_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v attend_v it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v those_o argument_n it_o remain_v that_o if_o we_o act_v rational_o we_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o discourse_n from_o this_o 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and_o everblessed_n trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n to_o who_o be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o error_n and_o false_a persuasion_n to_o which_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v subject_a none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o common_a than_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o irrational_a part_n be_v direct_v by_o their_o creator_n to_o some_o supreme_a end_n the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n while_o man_n the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n miscarry_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a soul_n capacious_a faculty_n and_o the_o uncontrolled_a use_n of_o a_o freewill_n which_o bestow_v on_o man_n a_o possibility_n of_o be_v true_o happy_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o miscarriage_n he_o set_v the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n on_o work_n to_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n he_o run_v through_o all_o the_o pleasure_n whether_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n of_o which_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a he_o fix_v his_o desire_n upon_o those_o which_o most_o of_o all_o strike_v his_o imagination_n or_o gratify_v his_o sense_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o obtain_v they_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o freewill_n when_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o one_o end_n he_o invent_v another_o he_o grow_v wanton_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o more_o he_o indulge_v his_o rove_a thought_n the_o far_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o true_a end_n a_o miserable_a calamity_n indeed_o that_o man_n alone_o shall_v miscarry_v in_o his_o supreme_a end_n yet_o a_o calamity_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v a_o calamity_n which_o have_v involve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o know_v no_o other_o end_n than_o what_o be_v terminate_v in_o this_o life_n seek_v no_o other_o happine_v than_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o expire_v with_o they_o many_o have_v indeed_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o thought_n rescue_v themselves_o from_o this_o common_a calamity_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v by_o the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n deliver_v from_o it_o they_o know_v a_o better_a and_o more_o last_a happiness_n they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o their_o nature_n yet_o by_o a_o miserable_a corruption_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v betray_v to_o neglect_v this_o end_n to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n and_o over-rule_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a esteem_n of_o corporeal_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n which_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n divert_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n take_v root_n in_o his_o imagination_n raise_v his_o passion_n and_o by_o their_o assistance_n continue_v its_o possession_n nothing_o therefore_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o the_o retrieve_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o real_a happiness_n to_o rectify_v the_o thought_n and_o secure_v the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o to_o obviate_v the_o deceitfulness_n to_o defeat_v the_o delusion_n of_o sensual_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n by_o manifest_v how_o unsatisfactory_a it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n how_o unable_a to_o fill_v the_o capacious_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o vain_a and_o trifle_a how_o unworthy_a our_o study_n and_o desire_v this_o will_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a end_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o end_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o when_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o no_o real_a happiness_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o that_o however_o it_o may_v flatter_v the_o sense_n and_o please_v the_o imagination_n it_o will_v fill_v no_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o effect_v this_o conviction_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o various_a argument_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o mutability_n of_o fortune_n the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n forfeit_v by_o a_o blind_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n the_o vanity_n of_o it_o when_o obtain_v the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o it_o when_o expire_v but_o above_o all_o the_o example_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o after_o they_o have_v obtain_v all_o which_o they_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n rest_v unsatisfied_a or_o become_v unhappy_a be_v divest_v of_o their_o felicity_n and_o reduce_v to_o misery_n or_o amid_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n by_o a_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v declare_v and_o confess_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o much_o court_v and_o other_o so_o much_o admire_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o of_o haman_n in_o my_o text_n who_o amid_o all_o his_o honour_n and_o title_n his_o wealth_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n amid_o all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o this_o life_n can_v receive_v convince_v by_o undeniable_a experience_n confess_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o that_o both_o these_o consideration_n therefore_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o experience_n confirm_v
we_o seek_v for_o true_a happiness_n somewhere_o else_o if_o the_o former_a can_v be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o some_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n and_o when_o find_v out_o to_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o here_o perhaps_o humane_a reason_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v may_v continue_v to_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o after_o a_o tedious_a disquisition_n be_v unable_a to_o discover_v either_o the_o end_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o god_n have_v therefore_o in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n mark_v out_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supreme_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o therein_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n hereafter_o which_o hope_n shall_v then_o be_v turn_v into_o possession_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n by_o these_o we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v fill_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v co-extended_n with_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o but_o never_o weary_v we_o which_o shall_v affect_v all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o no_o cross_n and_o disaster_n which_o will_v never_o expire_v but_o be_v renew_v every_o moment_n which_o no_o adversity_n of_o fortune_n nor_o infirmity_n of_o body_n which_o neither_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v from_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o yourselves_o to_o obtain_v this_o bless_a state_n i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v be_v no_o small_a motive_n to_o you_o you_o all_o desire_n happiness_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o full_o convince_v what_o be_v the_o only_a true_a happiness_n it_o can_v but_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o exert_v all_o its_o faculty_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o after_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o end_n of_o man_n there_o need_v no_o exhortation_n to_o pursue_v it_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o natural_a than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o hunger_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a appetite_n the_o misfortune_n be_v that_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n and_o unruly_a passion_n represent_v and_o amplify_a to_o we_o the_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o secular_a delight_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a these_o passion_n shall_v arise_v we_o permit_v these_o false_a judgement_n to_o be_v form_v we_o be_v please_v at_o first_o with_o the_o delusion_n although_o conscious_a of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o become_v so_o far_o stupefy_v that_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o until_o at_o last_o a_o terrible_a affliction_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n awaken_v the_o soul_n and_o revive_v its_o better_a notion_n what_o those_o dreadful_a remembrancer_n may_v then_o do_v reason_n may_v now_o much_o more_o easy_o and_o more_o certain_o effect_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n to_o consider_v their_o vanity_n and_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n when_o this_o conviction_n be_v thorough_o form_v we_o shall_v be_v even_o necessitate_v to_o look_v upward_o and_o fix_v our_o hope_n in_o heaven_n and_o then_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o labour_n direct_v thither_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o god_n promote_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o crown_v with_o success_n success_n which_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n here_o and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n hereafter_o to_o this_o joy_n may_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23d_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o represent_v he_o to_o man_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o adoration_n the_o latter_a persuade_v man_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o latter_a no_o obligation_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o accurate_a delivery_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o give_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o teach_v with_o certainty_n the_o method_n of_o his_o external_a action_n the_o former_a be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o admit_v no_o variation_n the_o latter_a may_v receive_v improvement_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n and_o lie_v great_a obligation_n on_o he_o under_o one_o dispensation_n than_o under_o another_o so_o much_o of_o both_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o may_v direct_v man_n aright_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o they_o employ_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o convince_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o both_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o mistake_v will_v equal_o defeat_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o nature_n lead_v man_n into_o idolatry_n of_o the_o second_o into_o negligence_n and_o impiety_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a indeed_o to_o mistake_v concern_v the_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o weak_a understanding_n i_o mean_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o serve_v to_o beget_v notion_n of_o religion_n in_o men._n all_o man_n whether_o true_a believer_n or_o idolater_n agree_v in_o this_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v whether_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n omnipresence_n and_o such_o like_a be_v necessary_a perfection_n without_o which_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v subsist_v yet_o mankind_n have_v most_o miserable_o mistake_v in_o this_o plain_a and_o easy_a matter_n have_v deify_v creature_n which_o have_v none_o of_o all_o these_o perfection_n have_v quit_v sometime_o even_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o ofttimes_o corrupt_v it_o and_o these_o mistake_v reveal_v religion_n do_v rectify_v and_o restore_v to_o man_n what_o they_o have_v wilful_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a action_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o mistake_v derive_v his_o knowledge_n from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o form_v such_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o external_a conduct_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o may_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o it_o but_o this_o persuasion_n will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o conviction_n and_o this_o direction_n of_o that_o certainty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o reveal_v religion_n and_o even_o in_o revelation_n admit_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o his_o intend_a benefit_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o revelation_n so_o that_o however_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o worship_v god_n continue_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o reveal_v religion_n they_o be_v both_o improve_v and_o enhance_v and_o also_o secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o how_o great_a that_o danger_n be_v the_o scripture_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n that_o whole_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n and_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v discover_v for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v yet_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o till_o after_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n all_o of_o they_o both_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v eminent_a for_o wisdom_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o one_o of_o they_o approve_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
his_o kingdom_n thus_o far_o reason_n will_v direct_v we_o but_o then_o revelation_n give_v we_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o immediate_a protection_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o be_v tell_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n with_o faith_n exclude_v doubt_n he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o argument_n include_v a_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o administer_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n satisfy_v his_o justice_n and_o declare_v his_o goodness_n thus_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o thus_o we_o can_v conceive_v his_o nature_n without_o adore_v it_o can_v consider_v his_o judgement_n and_o justice_n without_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n and_o obey_v his_o command_n thus_o be_v we_o on_o every_o side_n surround_v with_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n improve_v the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o argument_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o four_o of_o august_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v among_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o mankind_n none_o be_v more_o fatal_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o ordinary_a than_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o merit_n it_o be_v a_o deplorable_a misfortune_n indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n so_o near_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o who_o pretend_v to_o fathom_n heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o discover_v the_o property_n of_o invisible_a being_n and_o extend_v his_o knowledge_n both_o to_o precedent_n and_o future_a time_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o his_o own_o condition_n and_o entertain_v erroneous_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v merit_n not_o to_o comprehend_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v no_o wonder_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o essence_n surpass_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o finite_a understanding_n not_o to_o conceive_v accurate_o the_o property_n of_o immaterial_a being_n whether_o angel_n or_o separate_a soul_n may_v be_v excusable_a immateriality_n may_v easy_o confound_v a_o apprehension_n enure_v only_o to_o sensible_a object_n but_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o dignity_n the_o capacity_n of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v just_o admire_v if_o the_o frequency_n of_o such_o mistake_v do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o admiration_n of_o they_o if_o they_o extend_v no_o far_a than_o speculation_n they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v pardon_v and_o befit_v the_o consideration_n of_o philosopher_n only_o and_o think_v man_n but_o when_o they_o reach_v to_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o soul_n introduce_v false_a principle_n of_o practice_n which_o at_o last_o become_v fatal_a to_o the_o real_a interest_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v concern_v all_o man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o acquire_v more_o just_a conception_n to_o this_o purpose_n reason_n invite_v we_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o ourselves_o to_o contract_v our_o thought_n and_o not_o carry_v they_o beyond_o our_o merit_n to_o form_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o our_o perfection_n and_o not_o in_o a_o overween_a confidence_n of_o they_o enlarge_v our_o pretension_n beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n 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extraordinary_a scheme_n
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way_n properly_z and_o improper_o innumerable_a example_n of_o each_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n the_o latter_a be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o first_o apostate_n and_o rebel_n against_o god_n and_o still_o continue_v his_o opposition_n to_o he_o so_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n and_o head_n of_o all_o which_o oppose_v god_n as_o be_v the_o lust_n the_o passion_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o sublunary_a object_n by_o worldly_a pleasure_n whatsoever_o be_v do_v by_o these_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o do_v after_o his_o example_n and_o under_o his_o banner_n since_o his_o fall_n the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n divide_v between_o god_n and_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v do_v by_o his_o influence_n command_n direction_n and_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o be_v bad_a and_o repugnant_a to_o 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give_v they_o to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o but_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o devil_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o tempt_v man_n by_o act_v immediate_o upon_o their_o soul_n by_o suggest_v wicked_a thought_n unto_o they_o by_o instigate_a they_o to_o wickedness_n and_o disobedience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o temptation_n by_o which_o we_o so_o much_o suffer_v which_o we_o so_o much_o fear_n and_o by_o which_o he_o execute_v his_o malice_n and_o hatred_n upon_o mankind_n there_o be_v but_o two_o possible_a way_n by_o which_o this_o can_v easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v perform_v since_o a_o extraordinary_a derivation_n of_o power_n from_o god_n be_v reject_v the_o first_o be_v by_o move_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o produce_v whatsoever_o thought_n and_o idea_n he_o think_v fit_a by_o move_v their_o animal_n spirit_n which_o in_o man_n have_v so_o near_o a_o connexion_n with_o the_o 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bare_a idea_n or_o naked_a conception_n of_o any_o thing_n this_o way_n of_o impress_v thought_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v possible_a but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o all_o immaterial_a being_n can_v communicate_v thought_n and_o make_v impression_n on_o each_o other_o without_o this_o it_o not_o be_v imagine_v how_o a_o society_n of_o angel_n or_o devil_n can_v consist_v and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o each_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o if_o one_o man_n can_v immediate_o impress_v a_o thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o be_v here_o inchain_v in_o a_o body_n in_o which_o state_n no_o approach_n can_v be_v make_v to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n nature_n have_v provide_v another_o way_n for_o man_n to_o communicate_v their_o thought_n which_o when_o it_o shall_v cease_v by_o put_v off_o the_o body_n we_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v that_o privilege_n common_a to_o 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article_n of_o christianity_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o christian_n firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v take_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o our_o ability_n to_o resist_v he_o he_o can_v proceed_v indeed_o no_o far_o than_o to_o suggest_v the_o first_o cogitation_n of_o any_o object_n and_o if_o man_n also_o stop_v here_o he_o will_v never_o forfeit_v his_o innocence_n the_o devil_n will_v never_o obtain_v his_o desire_a end_n he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o indeed_o yet_o this_o he_o improve_v to_o great_a advantage_n and_o with_o that_o success_n which_o we_o all_o lament_v he_o know_v the_o constitution_n of_o all_o man_n and_o
to_o the_o soul_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o invest_v with_o immortality_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n devest_v of_o these_o gross_a sense_n which_o now_o accompany_v we_o and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o worldly_a and_o admire_a pleasure_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vileness_n of_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o can_v be_v make_v happy_a without_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o any_o real_a worth_n god_n will_v have_v continue_v they_o to_o we_o in_o another_o life_n but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v way_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o humane_a happiness_n by_o the_o abolishment_n of_o all_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o despoil_v the_o body_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n be_v light_a and_o trifle_a incompatible_a with_o real_a happiness_n and_o unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o the_o body_n those_o pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o our_o body_n be_v capable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a so_o much_o to_o admire_v here_o below_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n delight_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n finite_a short_a and_o contemptible_a the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o increase_v their_o worth_n but_o then_o this_o very_a 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if_o ambition_n worldly_a honour_n and_o pomp_n can_v make_v he_o happy_a he_o possess_v they_o all_o in_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o fame_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n among_o neighbour_n nation_n can_v increase_v this_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v from_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o east_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o mouth_n if_o riches_n can_v confer_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o desire_a perfection_n none_o can_v put_v in_o a_o better_a claim_n for_o it_o than_o he_o in_o who_o time_n gold_n be_v esteem_v no_o more_o than_o iron_n and_o silver_n as_o stone_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o last_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v complete_a our_o happiness_n none_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o he_o at_o who_o command_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o profound_a and_o uninterrupted_a peace_n all_o his_o life_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v that_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o suppose_a mean_n of_o happiness_n he_o assure_v we_o eccles._n ii_o 10._o that_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o nor_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n nay_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o curiosity_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v nothing_o unattempted_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o know_v madness_n and_o folly_n eccles._n i._n 17._o one_o who_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o can_v by_o his_o exquisite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n heighten_v and_o refine_v these_o pleasure_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o they_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n if_o then_o no_o real_a happiness_n if_o no_o solid_a pleasure_n can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n from_o riches_n and_o the_o outward_a pomp_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v recur_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o happiness_n true_o solid_a and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a none_o but_o a_o vast_a and_o infinite_a good_a can_v satisfy_v the_o unbounded_a desire_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o eternity_n itself_o can_v satiate_v a_o immortal_a be_v for_o however_o our_o soul_n be_v finite_a as_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v yet_o our_o will_n have_v no_o limit_n but_o continual_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o unless_o that_o good_a which_o they_o already_o possess_v can_v receive_v no_o far_o addition_n this_o good_a be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v fix_v our_o restless_a will_n and_o by_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n ravish_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pleasure_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o be_v a_o happiness_n true_o peculiar_a to_o spiritual_a being_n who_o alone_o can_v contemplate_v the_o majesty_n and_o inimitable_a goodness_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o by_o so_o do_v secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n infinite_a in_o itself_o not_o inferior_a to_o the_o vast_a desire_n of_o the_o will_n which_o survive_v all_o the_o change_n of_o fortune_n malice_n of_o man_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o if_o we_o can_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o greatness_n of_o these_o spiritual_a pleasure_n their_o convenience_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o infinite_a duration_n of_o they_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o they_o immerse_v in_o gross_a and_o earthly_a delight_n so_o far_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o willing_a nor_o perhaps_o able_a to_o receive_v these_o great_a and_o more_o real_a enjoyment_n by_o attend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v even_o change_v the_o nature_n and_o nobleness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o from_o guide_n and_o director_n make_v they_o mere_a instrument_n to_o our_o body_n devest_v they_o of_o all_o remembrance_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a degrade_v they_o into_o a_o servile_a condition_n and_o be_v we_o not_o sometime_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v perhaps_o forget_v that_o we_o be_v create_v in_o a_o condition_n little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thus_o far_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n revelation_n do_v the_o same_o no_o less_o full_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o wean_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o thing_n above_o to_o withdraw_v we_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o seat_v we_o at_o last_o in_o heaven_n to_o this_o the_o whole_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o religion_n plain_o tend_v command_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n undergo_v persecution_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o even_o suffer_v death_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o who_o love_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n or_o possession_n beyond_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o among_o other_o precept_n command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n of_o nature_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n precept_n all_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v forgo_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n destroy_v rather_o than_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o least_o be_v injure_v our_o
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o 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give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o 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of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
perfect_o and_o sufficient_o we_o can_v doubt_v without_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o establish_v it_o but_o if_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o practice_v such_o extraordinary_a method_n it_o will_v be_v absurd_a in_o man_n to_o desire_v it_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v do_v any_o unreasonable_a thing_n further_o if_o the_o majesty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v permit_v it_o it_o will_v yet_o be_v a_o intolerable_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o desire_v or_o expect_v it_o our_o great_a creator_n in_o frame_v the_o universe_n whereof_o mankind_n be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n settle_v general_a law_n whereby_o every_o part_n of_o it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o direct_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n move_v but_o in_o virtue_n of_o these_o general_a law_n nor_o can_v all_o together_o deviate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o they_o now_o every_o miracle_n be_v a_o alteration_n of_o these_o general_a 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it_o be_v the_o rareness_n and_o surprizingness_n of_o it_o which_o make_v a_o miracle_n considerable_a and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v no_o less_o true_o and_o full_o exert_v itself_o in_o every_o ordinary_a act_n of_o nature_n than_o in_o the_o great_a miracle_n only_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o perform_v but_o for_o some_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n be_v just_o esteem_v the_o indication_n of_o some_o particular_a will_n of_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v as_o frequent_a as_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o nature_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v less_o frequent_a if_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o private_a men._n again_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o in_o propose_v any_o religion_n to_o we_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o rational_a creature_n he_o give_v we_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n but_o as_o he_o force_v not_o our_o will_n so_o neither_o our_o 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enquiry_n a_o fit_a preparation_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o by_o remove_v all_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o inclination_n which_o may_v oppose_v the_o admission_n of_o it_o a_o serious_a examination_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o recommend_v it_o a_o firm_a expectation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n although_o not_o yet_o perceive_v by_o sense_n nor_o ascertain_v by_o any_o proof_n equivalent_a to_o sense_n yet_o confirm_v by_o argument_n which_o in_o a_o mind_n fit_o dispose_v and_o right_o judge_v can_v be_v reject_v all_o these_o end_n be_v excellent_o supply_v in_o a_o fix_a and_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n wherein_o divine_a revelation_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o man_n whereby_o neither_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n be_v prostitute_v in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o all_o occasion_n nor_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n continual_o reverse_v nor_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n foment_v nor_o his_o understanding_n force_v nor_o the_o merit_n of_o faith_n defeat_v but_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o easy_a safe_a and_o sufficient_a method_n and_o when_o such_o a_o excellent_a method_n be_v once_o settle_a by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v violate_v or_o overturn_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a man_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o some_o emergency_n may_v happen_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o general_a constitution_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o foresee_v when_o he_o make_v that_o establishment_n which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v not_o only_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o require_v particular_a miracle_n for_o their_o private_a scruple_n but_o also_o the_o vanity_n and_o mistake_n of_o those_o enthusiast_n who_o after_o this_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v settle_v pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n from_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o either_o the_o fix_a rule_n must_v be_v insufficient_a to_o teach_v they_o the_o faith_n which_o to_o affirm_v be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o their_o faith_n must_v be_v somewhat_o different_a from_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n which_o themselves_o will_v not_o allow_v or_o god_n must_v act_n in_o vain_a when_o he_o bestow_v such_o unnecessary_a illumination_n on_o they_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o such_o man_n fond_a conceit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o vehement_a pride_n whereby_o they_o scorn_v to_o be_v include_v in_o the_o common_a rank_n and_o discipline_n of_o christian_n and_o from_o a_o haughty_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n affect_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o by_o bold_a pretence_n expect_v somewhat_o extraordinary_a shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a person_n which_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o they_o but_o in_o all_o who_o desire_v particular_a miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n for_o of_o these_o few_o or_o none_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o the_o same_o favour_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n but_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o worthy_a and_o as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o high_a rank_n than_o their_o fellow_n creature_n presume_v to_o expect_v that_o somewhat_o more_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o than_o for_o other_o men._n after_o all_o if_o none_o of_o these_o reason_n forbid_v the_o expectation_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a method_n to_o be_v indulge_v to_o any_o yet_o if_o they_o shall_v appear_v no_o less_o ineffectual_a when_o bestow_v than_o the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o desire_v they_o so_o that_o to_o all_o which_o i_o have_v offer_v upon_o this_o head_n a_o new_a confirmation_n will_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v namely_o ii_o that_o such_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o
whether_o your_o conscience_n do_v not_o instruct_v you_o that_o many_o thing_n you_o ought_v to_o do_v other_o to_o omit_v and_o whether_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o upbraid_v to_o you_o the_o omission_n or_o violation_n of_o your_o duty_n if_o then_o all_o the_o momentous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o what_o our_o lord_n exact_v of_o we_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o reason_n will_v have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o if_o no_o revelation_n have_v intervene_v sure_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o christianity_n be_v a_o burden_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o practise_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o contrary_a conduct_n be_v a_o force_n of_o nature_n 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weight_n of_o glory_n facility_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a notion_n and_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n which_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v bear_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o hazard_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o eminent_a advantage_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o proportionable_a industry_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n when_o therefore_o the_o great_a happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o freewill_n as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n the_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o easy_a burden_n when_o it_o procure_v to_o we_o such_o a_o infinite_a reward_n and_o not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n from_o christ_n impose_v so_o strict_a and_o universal_a holiness_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v also_o a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o we_o of_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o all_o other_o action_n of_o life_n our_o endeavour_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o vigorous_a as_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v more_o or_o less_o intense_a the_o fervency_n of_o the_o desire_n be_v always_o proportionable_a to_o our_o esteem_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o conceive_v a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o this_o noble_a end_n and_o be_v thereby_o incite_v to_o use_v a_o suitable_a diligence_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o form_n to_o ourselves_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o by_o reflect_v on_o the_o infinite_a duration_n the_o inconceivable_a pleasure_n and_o immutable_a state_n of_o it_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o trifle_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o a_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a than_o can_v be_v now_o conceive_v this_o will_v carry_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n baffle_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o temporal_a affliction_n much_o more_o effectual_o than_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n the_o ambition_n of_o a_o crown_n or_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o violent_a passion_n have_v engage_v many_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a undertake_n for_o in_o these_o latter_a case_n the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o end_n be_v never_o ascertain_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o design_n the_o most_o vigorous_a industry_n and_o courage_n be_v in_o they_o subject_a to_o the_o chance_n of_o fortune_n whereas_o in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a conjunction_n between_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n between_o
to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n adoration_n then_o consist_v as_o well_o in_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n absolute_o consider_v as_o in_o profess_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o we_o either_o do_v already_o enjoy_v or_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o receive_v in_o both_o these_o respect_n prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o significant_a manner_n of_o adoration_n for_o by_o it_o we_o profess_v our_o want_n of_o which_o we_o desire_v relief_n we_o thereby_o confess_v ourselves_o finite_a and_o imperfect_a creature_n we_o proclaim_v ourselves_o the_o dependent_n of_o god_n from_o who_o we_o beg_v the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n we_o confess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o all-sufficiency_n from_o who_o we_o expect_v the_o relief_n of_o all_o our_o necessity_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n whence_o we_o raise_v our_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o petition_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o can_v effect_v our_o desire_n all_o these_o acknowledgement_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o all_o petition_n for_o supply_v of_o want_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o who_o address_v himself_o to_o another_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o any_o want_v therein_o confess_v there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v to_o his_o own_o perfection_n that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o make_v this_o address_n be_v not_o only_o in_o be_v for_o otherwise_o all_o address_n to_o he_o will_v be_v frivolous_a but_o also_o able_a to_o relieve_v he_o if_o in_o all_o case_n and_o want_v he_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o remedy_n he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o hope_v relief_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_n in_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o supplication_n of_o pardon_n which_o among_o person_n especial_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n be_v wont_a to_o constitute_v no_o small_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n to_o he_o be_v more_o eminent_o acknowledge_v for_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o confession_n and_o entreaty_n of_o pardon_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o sense_n that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o that_o subjection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o the_o sinner_n be_v hereby_o subject_a to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o follow_v unless_o it_o be_v avert_v by_o obtain_v of_o pardon_n further_o it_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n otherwise_o all_o such_o entreaty_n will_v be_v but_o vain_a since_o it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n which_o can_v pardon_v a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n in_o both_o case_n and_o in_o all_o other_o form_n of_o prayer_n man_n ow_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n and_o dependant_a of_o god_n even_o by_o make_v application_n to_o he_o but_o that_o which_o chief_o manifest_v that_o conviction_n which_o all_o supplicant_n have_v of_o the_o majesty_n and_o infinity_n of_o god_n be_v that_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n to_o he_o although_o invisible_a and_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v in_o all_o place_n whence_o they_o evident_o declare_v that_o they_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o since_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n tell_v they_o that_o none_o but_o god_n possess_v those_o perfection_n they_o thereby_o testify_v their_o belief_n that_o he_o to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o extend_v the_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o attribute_n such_o as_o power_n knowledge_n goodness_n and_o the_o like_a to_o all_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o this_o alone_a if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v will_v make_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o adoration_n such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n nor_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o possess_v true_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o be_v without_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_o god_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n direct_v his_o prayer_n to_o any_o be_v shall_v not_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v hear_v by_o it_o nor_o do_v any_o pretend_v to_o it_o they_o who_o address_v their_o prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v hear_v by_o they_o which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v without_o believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n attribute_n peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o in_o pray_v to_o they_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o own_v they_o to_o be_v so_o many_o god_n and_o every_o petition_n be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n give_v to_o they_o just_o therefore_o do_v the_o psalmist_n say_v thou_o that_o hear_v the_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v thou_o only_o o_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n therefore_o to_o thou_o only_o shall_v they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n thus_o prayer_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o although_o no_o such_o explicit_a acknowledgement_n be_v make_v in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o general_a form_n of_o prayer_n receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o religion_n not_o only_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o those_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n be_v compose_v but_o among_o all_o nation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n man_n have_v be_v wont_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o prayer_n at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n of_o they_o to_o confess_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o magnify_v those_o attribute_n the_o benefit_n of_o which_o they_o then_o implore_v if_o they_o desire_v pardon_n they_o magnify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n commit_v in_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n if_o they_o beg_v extraordinary_a relief_n and_o assistance_n in_o any_o emergency_n they_o declare_v their_o opinion_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o in_o general_a any_o favour_n they_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o dependence_n on_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o 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his_o disciple_n and_o intend_v as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n as_o for_o a_o form_n to_o we_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v with_o a_o express_a adoration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n we_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v our_o father_n the_o author_n of_o our_o life_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o do_v govern_v the_o earth_n in_o the_o end_n we_o profess_v that_o to_o he_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o mankind_n that_o he_o possess_v infinite_a power_n that_o glory_n belong_v to_o he_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v render_v to_o he_o that_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o further_o if_o every_o supplicant_n to_o god_n do_v
divine_a power_n our_o lord_n have_v exercise_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o three_o year_n together_o and_o that_o not_o in_o private_a in_o a_o corner_n among_o his_o own_o follower_n but_o in_o all_o the_o great_a city_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o multitude_n in_o their_o street_n and_o synagogue_n before_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o discern_a man_n among_o they_o in_o the_o solemn_a festival_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o every_o male_n be_v bind_v to_o appear_v three_o time_n a_o year_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o where_o christ_n never_o fail_v to_o be_v present_a and_o to_o declare_v his_o mission_n by_o miracle_n and_o by_o oral_a teach_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o every_o male_a of_o judea_n arrive_v to_o man_n estate_n have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n personal_o see_v some_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o even_o at_o his_o death_n such_o manifest_a 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papist_n do_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o because_o such_o a_o perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o corruption_n of_o judgement_n can_v be_v well_o conceive_v by_o we_o or_o seem_v incredible_a to_o we_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a mankind_n shall_v be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o gross_a no_o miscarriage_n so_o enormous_a which_o man_n may_v not_o commit_v and_o that_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v see_v and_o handle_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o have_v reject_v so_o many_o antecedent_n proof_n will_v have_v be_v insensible_a of_o this_o also_o but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o who_o such_o a_o favour_n shall_v be_v grant_v it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o 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the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o so_o convince_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o form_v their_o judgement_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v mistake_v or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o vainglorious_a as_o to_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o suffer_v a_o death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a yet_o be_v we_o not_o in_o this_o case_n permit_v to_o believe_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o by_o the_o various_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o they_o and_o communicate_v by_o they_o by_o which_o god_n himself_o give_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o affirm_v be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o head_n i_o need_v add_v no_o