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into_o those_o mansion_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v by_o he_o sufficient_o inform_v at_o this_o thomas_z far_o from_o acknowledge_v any_o suchinformation_n complain_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a both_o of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o saviour_n answer_v that_o the_o place_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o society_n of_o his_o father_n who_o they_o have_v sufficient_o know_v by_o converse_v with_o he_o this_o far_a from_o remove_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o far_o great_a ignorance_n in_o they_o for_o in_o the_o 8_o verse_n philip_n desire_v he_o to_o show_v the_o father_n to_o they_o thereby_o manifest_v how_o wide_o he_o have_v hitherto_o mistake_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o gross_a notion_n of_o the_o father_n he_o entertain_v so_o strange_a a_o ignorance_n draw_v a_o sharp_a expostulation_n from_o our_o saviour_n have_v i_o be_v so_o long_a time_n with_o you_o 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the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o best_a and_o principal_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n miracle_n indeed_o may_v create_v a_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o article_n but_o such_o a_o conformity_n alone_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o since_o miracle_n be_v common_a to_o inferâ—…our_v prophet_n and_o sometime_o even_o to_o false_a prophet_n but_o a_o entire_a agreement_n of_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o sole_a person_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o end_n of_o write_v it_o which_o take_v in_o all_o its_o part_n be_v chief_o design_v to_o point_n out_o the_o future_a messiah_n by_o certain_a plain_a note_n and_o indication_n whereby_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o 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of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a to_o find_a piety_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o appropriate_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o only_o again_o christianity_n direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o natural_a end_n the_o supreme_a good_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v but_o too_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v plain_o confess_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o all_o the_o refine_a morality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o direct_v rather_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n whereas_o the_o christian_a faith_n direct_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o good_a deed_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o 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of_o a_o alwise_a be_v but_o chief_o in_o place_v the_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o unbridled_a lust_n and_o indulge_v a_o brutish_a appetite_n in_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o add_v to_o these_o a_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v draw_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o a_o alwise_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o never_o suffer_v any_o false_a religion_n to_o obtain_v which_o do_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o most_o evident_a mark_n of_o its_o falseness_n and_o consequent_o into_o which_o none_o can_v enter_v but_o by_o betray_v their_o reason_n and_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n hereby_o the_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n and_o involuntary_a error_n be_v take_v from_o all_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o one_o only_a god_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o the_o mean_a idiot_n may_v judge_v of_o sensible_a thing_n by_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n may_v just_o be_v account_v wilful_a and_o inexcusable_a thus_o all_o erroneous_a religion_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o falseness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o christianity_n recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o some_o reveal_v religion_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o miserable_o subject_v to_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lusts._n but_o as_o none_o more_o excellent_a religion_n than_o this_o can_v be_v propose_v so_o none_o can_v be_v found_v upon_o better_a proof_n for_o since_o all_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v at_o some_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a place_n however_o it_o may_v to_o they_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o contestable_a miracle_n yet_o the_o report_n of_o it_o can_v be_v convey_v to_o person_n distant_a in_o place_n and_o time_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v not_o demonstrative_a and_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n but_o moral_a and_o exclude_v all_o just_a doubt_n no_o general_a and_o universal_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v christianity_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o other_o manner_n and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a although_o these_o it_o possess_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o eminent_a manner_n which_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n brief_o to_o show_v miracle_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o god_n and_o to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o a_o finite_a be_v that_o wonderful_a and_o unaccountable_a action_n may_v be_v and_o often_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n or_o concurrence_n of_o evil_a spirit_n must_v be_v confess_v but_o these_o fail_v not_o to_o carry_v some_o evidence_n of_o deceit_n and_o imposture_n along_o with_o they_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o judicious_a and_o attentive_a person_n from_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o real_a work_n of_o omnipotence_n now_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v exert_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o slight_a and_o trivial_a occasion_n much_o less_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o lie_n or_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n appear_v invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o that_o his_o revelation_n neither_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n we_o must_v own_v his_o divine_a commission_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o revelation_n which_o in_o that_o case_n will_v true_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o moses_n who_o miracle_n be_v unexceptionable_a and_o his_o revelation_n in_o no_o respect_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o yet_o to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o no_o precedent_n one_o be_v yet_o make_v this_o also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n his_o revelation_n far_o from_o oppose_v
we_o consider_v with_o how_o great_a zeal_n and_o vehemency_n both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n oppose_v it_o and_o undertake_v the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o design_n with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o fervour_n and_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a whereby_o they_o may_v either_o discover_v any_o imposture_n in_o it_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n assist_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o learned_a adversary_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v its_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n last_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o now_o possess_v under_o their_o name_n and_o be_v convey_v uncorrupted_a through_o all_o age_n appear_v not_o 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contrivance_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o deny_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o the_o seripture_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o implieit_n faith_n these_o also_o we_o will_v not_o in_o charity_n condemn_v to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v last_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a how_o many_o member_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n either_o through_o want_n of_o leisute_n or_o natural_a imbecility_n of_o understanding_n through_o default_n of_o education_n or_o other_o accidental_a defect_n unforeseen_a and_o unprovided_a for_o be_v but_o mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o we_o who_o want_v neither_o mean_n of_o instruction_n nor_o capacity_n of_o receive_v they_o no_o excuse_n be_v leave_v if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v they_o to_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o obtain_v a_o rational_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n from_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a men._n christianity_n indeed_o iâ—…_n not_o in_o our_o age_n oppose_v with_o that_o open_a and_o barefaced_a confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o it_o be_v force_v to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n the_o unite_a force_n of_o a_o victorious_a and_o learned_a empire_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o secret_a impugner_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n who_o if_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n they_o he_o restrain_v from_o profess_v their_o secret_a atheism_n and_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o stick_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o especial_o christianity_n because_o most_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n in_o defence_n of_o which_o only_o they_o maintain_v their_o impious_a opinion_n it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o these_o man_n that_o christianity_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o so_o the_o licentious_a practice_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n may_v not_o be_v abbridge_v to_o they_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n embitter_v all_o their_o pleasure_n for_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o say_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v have_v no_o enemy_n but_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v life_n who_o either_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n however_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o ancient_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o who_o many_o sincere_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n which_o common_o end_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereas_o these_o dispute_n only_o for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o 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from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
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perfective_a of_o his_o nature_n or_o conduce_v to_o enstate_v he_o in_o the_o great_a happiness_n than_o to_o comprehend_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o entertain_v noble_a conception_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n and_o exalt_a knowledge_n raise_v his_o affection_n to_o a_o vehement_a love_n of_o he_o by_o this_o we_o anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o begin_v to_o possess_v they_o even_o before_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o they_o for_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o fruition_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o study_n of_o these_o sacred_a matter_n be_v esteem_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o pious_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a method_n of_o attain_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n upon_o earth_n even_o under_o the_o old_a law_n when_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o 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in_o it_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o throâ—…_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counselor_n see_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o soul_n big_a with_o devotion_n and_o fill_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n manifest_v under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n but_o alas_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v this_o if_o compare_v to_o that_o great_a light_n which_o christianity_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n what_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n may_v not_o we_o now_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a goodness_n not_o under_o a_o veil_n and_o shadow_n 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happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n 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creature_n degrade_n he_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o when_o eternity_n and_o a_o interest_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v promote_v on_o earth_n by_o such_o apostasy_n lay_v at_o stake_n when_o immortality_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v destroy_v by_o it_o nay_o when_o the_o utmost_a displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o it_o eternal_a torment_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o prefer_v a_o few_o trifle_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v a_o height_n of_o folly_n which_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o example_n of_o this_o life_n can_v equal_v a_o impiety_n which_o neither_o the_o art_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v exceed_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
our_o constant_a duty_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o to_o prevent_v they_o and_o if_o possible_a at_o last_o whole_o to_o remove_v they_o otherwise_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n for_o they_o betray_v we_o into_o a_o neglect_n or_o perhaps_o a_o voluntary_a admission_n of_o they_o they_o lose_v their_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n and_o become_v sin_n of_o presumption_n sin_n of_o a_o much_o deep_a contagion_n to_o cure_v therefore_o and_o prevent_v even_o thofe_a sin_n which_o alone_o can_v take_v place_n in_o a_o true_a and_o real_a christian_a we_o must_v endeavour_v by_o a_o assiduous_a diligence_n and_o circumspect_a carriage_n to_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n for_o this_o end_n the_o observation_n of_o lent_n be_v wise_o institute_v by_o the_o church_n wherein_o by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vigilance_n over_o our_o action_n by_o frequent_a meditation_n prayer_n and_o other_o pious_a exercise_n and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o bodily_a austerity_n and_o mortification_n also_o we_o may_v seek_v remedy_n to_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o begin_v to_o form_v habit_n of_o holiness_n and_o sobriety_n which_o shall_v not_o expire_v with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o holy_a season_n but_o be_v continue_v and_o improve_v through_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o even_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n if_o then_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o repentance_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v upon_o the_o first_o conviction_n and_o that_o to_o defer_v it_o after_o that_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a obduration_n let_v we_o from_o this_o moment_n resolve_v to_o do_v it_o let_v we_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vigilance_n and_o attention_n in_o this_o holy_a season_n and_o so_o by_o make_v these_o pious_a resolution_n become_v habit_n continue_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o to_o our_o life_n end_v so_o shall_v we_o not_o fail_v of_o that_o infinite_a reward_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o consequent_a of_o it_o unfeigned_a obedience_n to_o which_o reward_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o ten_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 16_o 1689_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luke_n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v it_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o most_o prudent_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o set_v a_o part_n solemn_a time_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o more_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n found_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o though_o he_o commit_v no_o sin_n whereof_o to_o repent_v yet_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o office_n prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o execution_n by_o it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a abstinence_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n although_o the_o remissness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o latter_a time_n have_v almost_o defeat_v the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v that_o man_n who_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o contrive_v reason_n of_o their_o delay_n be_v loath_a to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o a_o unwelcome_a duty_n may_v be_v oblige_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o fellow_n christian_n and_o by_o the_o admonition_n of_o their_o guide_n to_o enter_v upon_o it_o at_o this_o time_n to_o apply_v themselves_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n to_o search_v their_o conscience_n inquire_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n discover_v their_o disease_n and_o seek_v the_o remedy_n of_o they_o by_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n acknowledge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o beg_v pardon_n of_o god_n who_o be_v offend_v by_o they_o removing_z they_o from_o the_o soul_n introduce_v contrary_a habit_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n tame_v the_o unruly_a pafsion_n of_o the_o body_n by_o a_o serious_a attention_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n to_o his_o precept_n to_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o threat_n to_o the_o deformity_n and_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o sin_n by_o inure_v the_o mind_n to_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n both_o of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v and_o the_o argument_n enforce_v it_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o check_v and_o over-rule_v the_o violent_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n to_o depress_v they_o by_o abstinence_n and_o fast_v in_o a_o word_n to_o subdue_v the_o body_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n we_o be_v indeed_o always_o oblige_v to_o watch_v over_o our_o action_n to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o discover_v they_o and_o to_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o fix_v some_o certain_a time_n wherein_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v exact_o search_v the_o imperfection_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o to_o be_v discover_v a_o strict_a course_n of_o piety_n to_o be_v undergo_v whereby_o it_o may_v make_v deep_a impression_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v root_n in_o it_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v most_o wifely_a determine_v and_o not_o leave_v her_o son_n to_o their_o own_o direction_n who_o may_v possible_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o either_o it_o be_v prevent_v by_o death_n or_o sin_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v remove_v and_o such_o be_v the_o excellent_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o in_o former_a age_n so_o solemn_a and_o devout_a their_o observation_n of_o lent_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o abstain_v from_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o meat_n for_o that_o even_o when_o right_o use_v be_v but_o â—…ubservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a design_n but_o in_o the_o form_n a_o exercise_n of_o a_o strict_a repentance_n of_o a_o more_o careful_a obedience_n and_o more_o constant_a devotion_n that_o it_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v great_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v in_o secret_a all_o theâ—…e_a act_n of_o mortification_n for_o so_o i_o call_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o destroy_v sin_n in_o man_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o mortification_n but_o do_v it_o in_o public_a in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o many_o external_a act_n of_o life_n those_o who_o have_v commit_v more_o heinous_a sin_n voluntary_o undergo_v a_o public_a penance_n fequestre_v themselves_o from_o the_o â—…ank_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v themselves_o in_o a_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v for_o the_o penitent_n there_o public_o confess_v their_o sin_n implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o they_o not_o only_o those_o but_o all_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o any_o flagrant_a crime_n still_o apply_v themselves_o during_o all_o that_o holy_a season_n to_o a_o extraordinary_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n deny_v themselves_o many_o of_o the_o ordinary_a and_o innocent_a pleasure_n of_o life_n that_o they_o may_v without_o interruption_n attend_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n to_o the_o mortify_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o improve_n of_o their_o good_a resolution_n into_o habit_n of_o piety_n i_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o macerate_v themselves_o with_o haircloth_n or_o whip_n or_o unreasonable_a fast_n those_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o latter_a and_o more_o ignorant_a age_n but_o they_o afflict_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o continual_a thought_n of_o have_v offend_v god_n by_o their_o sin_n they_o endeavour_v to_o form_n a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n by_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o it_o upon_o themselves_o in_o a_o public_a confession_n they_o daily_o implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o ardent_a expression_n and_o real_a sign_n of_o repentance_n which_o pious_a soul_n can_v invent_v they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o that_o mercy_n by_o raise_v and_o fix_v steady_a notion_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n by_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o vigilant_a struggle_v with_o all_o sinful_a motion_n and_o even_o root_a they_o out_o by_o maceration_n if_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v prevail_v that_o so_o they_o may_v present_v themselves_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a to_o their_o lord_n at_o the_o ensue_a solemnity_n of_o easter_n when_o whosoever_o do_v not_o communicate_v and_o have_v not_o prepare_v himself_o