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kingdom_n
eucharist_n whereby_o we_o be_v initiate_v and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n profess_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o adherence_n to_o it_o entitle_v ourselves_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o continue_v to_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n such_o foederal_n rite_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o so_o little_o derogate_v from_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o they_o be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o it_o thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o also_o most_o effectual_o secure_v his_o honour_n and_o majesty_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o root_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o introduce_v the_o sole_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o how_o admirable_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o 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corruption_n be_v practise_v nor_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n teach_v which_o be_v not_o even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n undoubted_o lawful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o condemnation_n if_o after_o so_o plain_a conviction_n we_o depart_v from_o a_o rational_a and_o true_o divine_a worship_n to_o embrace_v one_o corrupt_v with_o so_o gross_a a_o superstition_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o downright_o i_o dolatry_n have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o resemblance_n of_o it_o second_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o direct_v the_o natural_a religious_a inclination_n of_o man_n into_o the_o right_a channel_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n but_o also_o promote_v the_o real_a perfection_n of_o man_n by_o prescribe_v to_o he_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o conduct_n which_o be_v no_o small_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o manifest_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o god_n 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person_n and_o can_v discover_v the_o most_o secret_a recess_n
who_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n without_o any_o preparation_n of_o learning_n or_o interest_n proceed_v in_o it_o with_o quiet_a and_o simplicity_n and_o in_o treat_v with_o the_o jew_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o amaze_v their_o senfe_v rather_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o wonderful_a miracle_n although_o those_o be_v not_o want_v upon_o just_a occasion_n such_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la conceive_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o christianity_n which_o occasion_v and_o continue_v their_o illusion_n they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v arrive_v to_o happiness_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o propose_v matter_n of_o belief_n and_o practise_v not_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o thus_o far_o they_o proceed_v in_o the_o right_a way_n but_o then_o the_o aforemention_v prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o their_o way_n which_o occasion_v their_o fall_n and_o hinder_v any_o far_a progress_n the_o gentile_a philosopher_n for_o against_o they_o and_o not_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o heathen_n the_o apostle_n here_o argue_v conceive_v yet_o deep_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n account_v it_o foolishness_n and_o deride_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfect_a knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o ability_n to_o obtain_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o believe_v it_o therefore_o unnecessary_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o which_o they_o can_v discover_v by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o industry_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v put_v himself_o to_o this_o unnecessary_a trouble_n they_o vain_o suppose_v that_o no_o person_n be_v so_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o as_o themselves_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o acquire_v learning_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o apostle_n of_o all_o man_n who_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o secular_a learning_n and_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v and_o which_o mighty_o add_v to_o their_o prejudice_n be_v by_o birth_n and_o education_n barbarian_n who_o the_o greek_n be_v wont_a to_o treat_v as_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n devoid_a of_o reason_n and_o not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n and_o then_o as_o to_o therevelation_n itself_o the_o christian_a religion_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o be_v naked_a and_o homely_a and_o which_o they_o account_v a_o great_a indecency_n fit_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o man_n not_o the_o contemplation_n of_o themselves_o only_o as_o not_o consist_v of_o abstruse_a mystery_n and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o by_o their_o intricacy_n and_o 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thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o carry_v that_o sacred_a stamp_n be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o include_v a_o contradiction_n and_o may_v thence_o certain_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o may_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o conveniency_n or_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n this_o be_v too_o high_a a_o presumption_n and_o intrench_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v always_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o know_v it_o do_v effect_v it_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o put_v plausible_a colour_n upon_o this_o or_o that_o model_n of_o religion_n recommend_v it_o with_o abundant_a argument_n and_o pompous_o describe_v the_o convenience_n of_o it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o 1_o cor._n iii_o 19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n or_o in_o comparison_n of_o his_o great_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n and_o their_o tendency_n or_o subservience_n to_o procure_v the_o end_n he_o design_v so_o that_o to_o be_v teach_v or_o command_v by_o he_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a argument_n of_o convenience_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n appear_v from_o this_o argument_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o revelation_n of_o it_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v before_o object_v against_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o this_o be_v so_o far_o srom_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o if_o just_o consider_v it_o ought_v rather_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o consider_v person_n be_v the_o most_o express_a character_n of_o divinity_n which_o can_v be_v confer_v on_o any_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n whatsoever_o as_o bear_v thereby_o a_o great_a resemblance_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o it_o this_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v only_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n oppose_v their_o own_o more_o gross_a and_o corporeal_a worship_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o expect_v will_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n settle_v they_o in_o a_o quiet_a and_o perpetual_a possession_n of_o all_o temporal_a happiness_n it_o seem_v to_o they_o absurd_a that_o the_o glorious_a messiah_n shall_v live_v a_o obscure_a despise_a and_o ignominious_a life_n and_o at_o last_o die_v a_o shameful_a and_o a_o painful_a death_n a_o error_n indeed_o into_o which_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o religion_n depend_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n and_o reward_n do_v almost_o natural_o lead_v they_o but_o which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v if_o they_o will_v have_v wise_o consider_v either_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o condition_n of_o man._n from_o the_o first_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o a_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a please_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o if_o their_o former_a religion_n induce_v they_o to_o different_a sentiment_n god_n have_v take_v abundant_a care_n to_o prevent_v their_o mistake_n by_o frequent_a foretell_v to_o they_o in_o the_o prophet_n his_o intention_n of_o change_v their_o religion_n dis-burthening_a they_o of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o reâ—…ining_v it_o into_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n by_o describe_v the_o condition_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n acquaint_v with_o grief_n bear_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n heal_v they_o by_o his_o stripe_n and_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o transgressor_n then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o childish_a fancy_n to_o
not_o full_o to_o know_v it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o happiness_n if_o we_o both_o know_v and_o do_v it_o second_o the_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n example_n be_v most_o wise_o propose_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n for_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o christianity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_o speculative_a but_o a_o practical_a religion_n man_n will_v have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v take_v up_o with_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v by_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imagine_v the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a have_v not_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o own_o example_n confute_v that_o opinion_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o most_o exalt_a knowledge_n be_v not_o sufficient_a without_o a_o correspondent_a virtue_n if_o we_o view_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n in_o which_o christ_n publish_v his_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o have_v be_v more_o necessary_a to_o his_o design_n than_o this_o method_n all_o mankind_n at_o that_o time_n seem_v to_o conspire_v in_o this_o common_a error_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o reveal_v religion_n draw_v no_o obligation_n of_o practice_n with_o they_o the_o heathen_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v any_o the_o jew_n possess_v true_o a_o divine_a religion_n yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o false_a opinion_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o think_v nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o to_o know_v the_o prerogative_n of_o their_o nation_n even_o the_o pharisee_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o pretend_v to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o perfect_a holiness_n labour_v indeed_o to_o know_v the_o precept_n and_o punctilio_n of_o the_o law_n but_o believe_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o a_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o it_o fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o will_v be_v abundant_o supply_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n so_o prone_a be_v mankind_n to_o this_o fatal_a error_n which_o flatter_v their_o ease_n and_o indulge_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n this_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o unanswerable_o confute_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o thereby_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o religion_n be_v design_v no_o less_o to_o reform_v the_o will_n than_o instruct_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o how_o necessary_a this_o conduct_n be_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o prevail_a error_n of_o those_o time_n but_o also_o from_o the_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o our_o age_n there_o be_v not_o want_v unreasonable_a man_n who_o pretend_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o bind_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o a_o error_n than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o mosaic_a must_v necessary_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n this_o make_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o all_o his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o in_o urge_v this_o his_o famous_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n consist_v of_o three_o whole_a chapter_n be_v almost_o entire_o take_v up_o last_o that_o no_o argument_n may_v be_v want_v to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o he_o have_v recommend_v it_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o prescribe_v no_o duty_n to_o we_o which_o he_o practise_v not_o invariable_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o as_o his_o religion_n include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n so_o himself_n exercise_v it_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o perfect_a manner_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o ii_o that_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o imitation_n all_o other_o man_n be_v never_o able_a to_o live_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o perform_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a righteousness_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n but_o to_o represent_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o to_o you_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o illustrious_a branch_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n first_o then_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n to_o who_o as_o partake_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n he_o owe_v the_o same_o subjection_n that_o we_o do_v his_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v remarkable_a he_o often_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o disciple_n and_o retire_v into_o solitary_a place_n that_o he_o may_v calm_o enjoy_v the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o prayer_n unto_o he_o sometime_o depart_v late_o in_o the_o evening_n alone_o into_o a_o mountain_n to_o pray_v matth._n fourteen_o 23._o john_n vi_o 16._o other_o time_n rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o withdraw_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o office_n mark_v i._n 35._o and_o more_o than_o once_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o dedicate_v sometime_o daily_o to_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o the_o closet_n where_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o our_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n he_o ofttimes_o deny_v to_o his_o body_n its_o natural_a rest_n and_o sleep_n to_o enjoy_v his_o father_n in_o private_a contemplation_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o petition_n to_o he_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o set_v apart_o some_o of_o our_o vacant_a hour_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o piety_n our_o subjection_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n sure_o be_v not_o less_o and_o our_o want_n infinite_o great_a the_o subject_n of_o his_o prayer_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o intercede_v for_o other_o whereas_o we_o beside_o all_o this_o have_v many_o sin_n to_o bewail_v and_o to_o implore_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o then_o as_o for_o the_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o tend_v most_o direct_o to_o increase_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o procure_v to_o he_o due_a adoration_n among_o man_n our_o saviour_n manifest_v by_o his_o constant_a performance_n of_o they_o how_o dear_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o he_o he_o frequent_v all_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a festival_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o that_o whether_o of_o divine_a as_o the_o passover_n or_o humane_a institution_n as_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n omit_v no_o ocsion_n whereby_o he_o may_v advance_v the_o divine_a honour_n by_o join_v in_o all_o the_o usual_a solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n even_o in_o his_o private_a state_n before_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n however_o silent_a the_o sacred_a history_n be_v as_o to_o his_o other_o action_n yet_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o use_v to_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n for_o so_o st._n luke_n relate_v chap._n iu._n 16._o where_o describe_v his_o entrance_n upon_o his_o ministerial_a office_n he_o tell_v we_o and_o he_o come_v to_o nazareth_n where_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o as_o his_o custom_n be_v he_o go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n what_o can_v be_v now_o want_v to_o render_v this_o example_n of_o piety_n most_o complete_a and_o worthy_a our_o imitation_n he_o frequent_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v private_a devotion_n to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o intermit_v not_o the_o pious_a exercise_n of_o the_o closet_n lest_o we_o shall_v rest_v content_a with_o have_v join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o proceed_v no_o far_o if_o we_o view_v the_o other_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v eminent_o unite_v in_o this_o illustrious_a example_n with_o what_o profound_a humility_n do_v he_o profess_v himself_o to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o perform_v his_o father_n will_v how_o constant_o do_v he_o ascribe_v the_o
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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may_v create_v a_o right_a sense_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o afford_v powerful_a argument_n to_o man_n of_o manifest_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o can_v be_v find_v or_o discover_v in_o it_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nothing_o which_o do_v not_o proclaim_v itself_o owe_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n namely_o ii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v rational_a and_o evident_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o evince_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v no_o inconsiderable_a advance_v in_o show_v it_o to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n for_o hereby_o all_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v form_v against_o it_o be_v prevent_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o revelation_n leave_v in_o their_o full_a force_n whereas_o no_o one_o system_v of_o false_a religion_n have_v ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o teach_v somewhat_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v reject_v without_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proof_n and_o argument_n whereby_o it_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n the_o falfeness_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n discover_v itself_o in_o propose_v the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n in_o give_v extravagant_a and_o undecent_a notion_n of_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o murderer_n adulterer_n and_o criminal_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o practise_v childish_a and_o ofttimes_o brutish_a superstition_n and_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o external_a worship_n to_o come_v to_o our_o own_o time_n the_o falseness_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a fable_n which_o it_o relate_v of_o god_n unworthy_a the_o petulancy_n of_o a_o infant_n much_o more_o the_o majesty_n 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
tend_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o a_o due_a command_n of_o our_o will._n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o dishonour_v by_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o by_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n by_o deny_v his_o existence_n or_o debase_v his_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o misguide_a reason_n than_o by_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o his_o know_a precept_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will._n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o not_o only_o contribute_v exceed_o but_o in_o person_n have_v mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n and_o secure_a to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o iii_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v afford_v to_o we_o many_o and_o great_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o more_o full_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v every_o new_a discovery_n will_v give_v we_o fresh_a occasion_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n eminent_o conspire_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n it_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o lose_a condition_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v expiate_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o mediate_v his_o pardon_n and_o hereby_o will_v increase_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n will_v enhance_v the_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n teach_v we_o to_o adore_v love_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o saviour_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o belief_n to_o his_o revelation_n as_o to_o our_o prophet_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n once_o make_v and_o intercession_n for_o we_o always_o continue_v by_o he_o as_o of_o our_o high_a priest_n to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o precept_n as_o to_o our_o king_n can_v we_o view_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n both_o to_o secure_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o give_v pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n and_o not_o be_v wind_v up_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n can_v we_o consider_v the_o most_o wise_a method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v this_o wonderful_a design_n to_o perfection_n and_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o through_o all_o age_n can_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n without_o fill_v our_o understanding_n with_o awful_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o our_o will_n with_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o and_o enlarge_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o receive_v his_o influence_n or_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o worthy_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o carry_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o a_o gratitude_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o without_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o design_n and_o excellency_n sure_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a which_o so_o earnest_o press_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v commend_v those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o above_o all_o other_o person_n yet_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o induce_v we_o by_o manifold_a argument_n to_o our_o duty_n yet_o these_o also_o have_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o man_n more_o 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 make_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_a observation_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n wherein_o such_o inimitable_a strain_n of_o piety_n devotion_n and_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n appear_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n every_o where_o ascribe_v his_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assiduous_a study_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n i_o will_v thank_v thou_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a heart_n when_o i_o shall_v have_v learn_v the_o judgement_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o i_o remember_v thy_o everlasting_a judgement_n o_o lord_n and_o receive_v comfort_n lord_n what_o love_n have_v i_o unto_o thy_o law_n all_o the_o day_n long_o be_v my_o study_n 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 but_o in_o its_o full_a dimension_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v true_o sensible_a of_o this_o who_o place_v their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n in_o this_o holy_a study_n choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o bibles_n and_o brand_v those_o who_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o persecutor_n although_o in_o exchange_n for_o their_o dear_a blood_n with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la or_o traitor_n and_o in_o the_o last_o age_n our_o forefather_n give_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o resolution_n when_o great_a number_n of_o they_o venture_v their_o life_n to_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o rather_o than_o forego_v that_o benefit_n choose_v to_o forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o persecution_n of_o a_o church_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o those_o divine_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_o
if_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o we_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o to_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n yet_o we_o know_v a_o church_n that_o have_v whole_o evacuate_v the_o apostle_n precépt_v by_o inhibit_v to_o private_a christian_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o set_v up_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o aught_o blind_o to_o submit_v that_o use_v her_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o disable_v private_a christian_n from_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o have_v make_v christianity_n irrational_a by_o add_v to_o it_o absurd_a and_o contradictive_a doctrine_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n what_o reason_n for_o a_o blind_a submission_n to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a judge_n which_o defeat_v all_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o apparent_a i_o omit_v they_o and_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o application_n that_o 2._o we_o ought_v to_o adorn_v this_o most_o rational_a and_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o a_o correspondent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n draw_v this_o inference_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v and_o follow_v my_o text_n but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o indeed_o most_o natural_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perverseness_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o what_o a_o degree_n of_o folly_n and_o impiety_n must_v it_o be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o contradict_v the_o evidence_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o false_a the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o sure_o with_o much_o more_o force_n will_v the_o argument_n fall_v upon_o immoral_a christian_n for_o the_o heathen_a sage_n dissemble_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o direct_v not_o their_o action_n by_o they_o whereas_o these_o public_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a consideration_n that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v deliberate_o violate_v those_o law_n upon_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n to_o depend_v do_v we_o real_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o go_v on_o without_o remorse_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n its_o law_n and_o precept_n be_v we_o persuade_v that_o infinite_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o and_o yet_o prefer_v the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o do_v we_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o please_a sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o however_o we_o may_v pretend_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o all_o these_o article_n yet_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o after_o all_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v believer_n in_o christ_n can_v faith_n save_v we_o no_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n if_o a_o sober_a heathen_a shall_v come_v among_o we_o and_o compare_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o all_o moral_a virtue_n command_v by_o the_o one_o in_o the_o hige_a degree_n and_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o impiety_n intemperance_n lust_n and_o all_o enormous_a vice_n open_o and_o greedy_o practise_v by_o the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o please_a fable_n wherewith_o christian_n sometime_o entertain_v themselves_o a_o ancient_a father_n who_o live_v in_o the_o decline_a time_n of_o christianity_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o heathen_n in_o his_o age_n form_v dishonourable_a thought_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o his_o disciple_n quomodo_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la magister_fw-la cujus_fw-la tam_fw-la malos_fw-la videmus_fw-la discipulos_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v a_o good_a lawgiver_n that_o have_v no_o better_a follower_n how_o can_v his_o law_n be_v excellent_a that_o do_v not_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o their_o professor_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o deplore_v this_o scandal_n in_o nobis_fw-la christus_fw-la opprobrium_fw-la patitur_fw-la thus_o we_o defame_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n dishonour_v our_o saviour_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o our_o life_n let_v we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o they_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o this_o be_v unanswerable_o to_o refute_v our_o argument_n by_o our_o practice_n and_o add_v to_o our_o own_o condemnation_n let_v we_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o profess_v a_o entire_a belief_n of_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 2d_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n the_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o the_o various_a method_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o faculty_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a and_o different_a than_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v employ_v to_o render_v we_o happy_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n induce_v we_o by_o all_o those_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o in_o other_o moral_a action_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o we_o he_o have_v engage_v our_o understanding_n by_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n a_o reasonable_a and_o holy_a religion_n attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v assure_v our_o will_n by_o present_v such_o object_n to_o it_o as_o employ_v every_o single_a passion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n can_v move_v we_o he_o have_v allure_v we_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o fear_n of_o misery_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deter_v we_o from_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n by_o affix_v to_o it_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a punishment_n if_o hope_n can_v excite_v we_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o more_o than_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o love_n can_v affect_v we_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a benefit_n last_o if_o reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o favour_n and_o benefit_n can_v together_o engage_v we_o he_o have_v unite_v all_o in_o one_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o any_o one_o of_o these_o method_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v they_o all_o that_o so_o that_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o most_o delight_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o the_o impemtence_n of_o mankind_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o may_v not_o only_o become_v irrational_a but_o even_o monstrous_a it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v propose_v a_o reasonable_a religion_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o
greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n confer_v on_o he_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o regard_v he_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n rom._n v._n 8._o for_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v scarce_o will_v any_o other_o confer_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n upon_o any_o one_o however_o punctual_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o juftice_n and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o those_o office_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o he_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o one_o who_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n do_v more_o than_o be_v in_o common_a justice_n require_v some_o man_n induce_v by_o a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n will_v not_o fear_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o incomparable_a greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o while_o we_o far_o from_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n much_o less_o from_o do_v more_o than_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o we_o have_v by_o our_o sin_n provoke_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o proclaim_v ourselves_o enemy_n to_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o die_v for_o we_o if_o we_o apply_v this_o argument_n to_o our_o own_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o divine_a benefit_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o very_o cogent_a for_o if_o for_o a_o good_a although_o not_o for_o a_o just_a man_n some_o will_v out_o of_o gratitude_n even_o dare_v to_o die_v what_o ought_v not_o we_o to_o do_v for_o god_n who_o by_o his_o superabundant_a goodness_n have_v so_o far_o exceed_v what_o he_o owe_v to_o we_o in_o justice_n that_o the_o latter_a hold_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o former_a in_o strict_a propriety_n of_o speech_n he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o we_o since_o our_o creation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o although_o when_o once_o create_v he_o can_v without_o injustice_n necessitate_v we_o to_o be_v miserable_a or_o lie_v great_a evil_n upon_o we_o without_o respect_n to_o our_o demerit_n than_o what_o may_v be_v countervail_v by_o the_o happiness_n necessary_o flow_v from_o our_o existence_n yet_o be_v this_o owe_v rather_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n than_o to_o any_o right_n acquire_v by_o we_o but_o then_o the_o undeserved_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o we_o be_v great_a than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v and_o hold_v no_o proportion_n with_o any_o thing_n save_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o be_v no_o less_o than_o redemption_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o what_o can_v we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o to_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o in_o his_o sight_n be_v dust_n and_o ash_n not_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o miserable_o debase_v by_o sinsul_n habit_n not_o our_o righteousness_n or_o piety_n which_o be_v infinite_o inferior_a to_o our_o demerit_n and_o although_o most_o perfect_a yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o our_o duty_n not_o the_o ability_n of_o magnify_v the_o persection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o celebrate_v his_o majesty_n for_o that_o be_v infinite_a already_o and_o can_v receive_v no_o addition_n from_o our_o imperfect_a praise_n the_o angel_n be_v much_o more_o fit_v by_o the_o exâ—…lency_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o persorm_v that_o office_n as_o haâ—…ing_v more_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o â—…eing_v able_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o spirituality_n to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o he_o without_o intermission_n yet_o obtain_v not_o they_o the_o same_o favour_n with_o mankind_n nor_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n for_o they_o after_o apostasy_n he_o receive_v not_o to_o mercy_n but_o the_o angel_n which_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o leave_v their_o own_o habitation_n he_o have_v reserve_v in_o everlasting_a chain_n under_o darkness_n unto_o the_o judement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n judas_n vi._n it_o be_v man_n alone_o who_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o darling_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o to_o have_v try_v how_o far_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o oblige_v his_o creature_n by_o undeserved_a benefit_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o this_o consideration_n can_v but_o strike_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n that_o in_o dispense_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n he_o weigh_v not_o our_o merit_n but_o choose_v to_o make_v know_v his_o power_n in_o our_o weakness_n a_o consideration_n which_o may_v just_o find_v matter_n of_o astonishmeâ—…t_n for_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o work_v up_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o gratitude_n constrain_v we_o to_o obedience_n wise_o therefore_o do_v moses_n so_o much_o inculcate_v it_o in_o the_o ix_o of_o deuteronomy_n where_o aggraâ—…ating_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o wonderful_a and_o numerous_a benefit_n he_o charge_v they_o to_o remember_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v undeserved_a speak_v not_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o canaanite_n from_o before_o thou_o say_v for_o my_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n have_v bring_v i_o to_o possess_v this_o land_n not_o for_o thy_o righteousness_n or_o for_o the_o uprightness_n of_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o go_v to_o possess_v their_o land_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o nation_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n do_v drive_v they_o out_o from_o before_o thou_o and_o that_o he_o may_v perform_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o thy_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o the_o divine_a benefit_n ought_v to_o appear_v infinite_a unto_o we_o and_o create_v a_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o thankfulness_n bâ—…cause_n they_o be_v undeserved_a by_o we_o last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o no_o argument_n so_o effectual_a can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o this_o of_o gratitude_n the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v no_o otherwise_o move_v than_o by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o have_v not_o so_o far_o improuâ—…d_v their_o reason_n as_o to_o conceive_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o sensible_a object_n these_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o visible_a and_o most_o remarkable_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n by_o these_o as_o man_n be_v chief_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n so_o they_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v he_o worship_n and_o adoration_n to_o this_o purpose_n no_o action_n of_o god_n be_v so_o adapt_v as_o those_o which_o declare_v his_o beneficence_n and_o liberality_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o other_o action_n indeed_o may_v equal_o manifest_v his_o nature_n if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o but_o these_o few_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o meditation_n man_n seldom_o consider_v god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o relation_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o want_v some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o excite_v their_o attâ—…ntion_n and_o entertain_v their_o consideration_n these_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n make_v the_o deep_a impression_n on_o our_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o continue_v long_a in_o our_o mâ—…mories_n so_o that_o if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o be_v once_o effaced_a we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v all_o other_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n to_o have_v be_v long_o before_o forget_v and_o according_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o express_v the_o final_a apostasy_n of_o man_n from_o religion_n by_o their_o forget_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n thus_o judge_n ii_o after_o it_o have_v be_v say_v verse_n 7._o that_o the_o people_n serve_v god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o do_v for_o israel_n it_o be_v subjoin_v verse_n 10._o that_o when_o all_o that_o generation_n be_v dead_a there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o
for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o solicitous_a about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o many_o age_n we_o own_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o this_o life_n be_v even_o nothing_o if_o compare_v to_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o next_o and_o yet_o every_o trifle_a pleasure_n can_v persuade_v we_o to_o exchange_v eternity_n for_o this_o nothing_o if_o we_o review_v all_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n defer_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n till_o another_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v abundant_a cause_n careful_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o if_o god_n in_o mercy_n await_v our_o repentance_n even_o till_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o our_o life_n how_o dreadful_a may_v we_o imagine_v those_o punishment_n to_o be_v which_o he_o will_v not_o inflict_v till_o the_o sinner_n have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o by_o die_v impenitent_a declare_v himself_o to_o be_v absolute_o incorrigible_a and_o 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reward_n to_o a_o pious_a christian_a we_o may_v conclude_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v inconceivable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v powerful_o insluence_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o they_o if_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v execute_v upon_o earth_n because_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o more_o noble_a and_o christian_a virtue_n we_o may_v be_v then_o convincâ—…_n how_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o judgement_n hereafter_o last_o if_o god_n will_v not_o inflict_v the_o deserve_a punishment_n on_o sinner_n here_o lest_o he_o shall_v represent_v a_o hell_n on_o earth_n and_o affright_v even_o good_a man_n with_o so_o dismal_a a_o spectacle_n how_o dreadful_a must_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v which_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n even_o make_v the_o spectator_n miserable_a such_o powerful_a and_o force_a argument_n have_v we_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o yet_o all_o 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real_a advantage_n by_o continual_o preserve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n oppose_v it_o to_o all_o temptation_n and_o act_v under_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o not_o need_v to_o fear_v the_o judgement_n which_o shall_v follow_v it_o but_o shall_v patient_o a_o wait_v it_o bold_o encounter_v it_o and_o joyful_o receive_v it_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v 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 eight_o sermon_n preach_v february_n 10._o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n i._n 17._o now_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v of_o such_o excellent_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o tend_v so_o high_o to_o beget_v and_o preserve_v true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v choose_v frequent_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o inculcate_v it_o in_o holy_a writ_n st._n paul_n in_o this_o place_n break_v out_o in_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o then_o return_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o in_o these_o word_n word_n so_o admirable_o frame_v that_o they_o express_v not_o only_o the_o extreme_a gratitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o powerful_o entice_v we_o also_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o doxology_n to_o god_n by_o represent_v and_o brief_o enumerate_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v adore_v by_o we_o and_o indeed_o in_o this_o chief_o consist_v the_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n that_o in_o the_o one_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v entertain_v and_o worship_n found_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o other_o erroneous_a and_o mean_a conception_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v take_v up_o 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to_o show_v you_o that_o no_o objection_n to_o the_o justice_n and_o impartiality_n of_o god_n can_v be_v deduce_v from_o his_o conduct_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o which_o not_o only_o tend_v to_o vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o just_a esteem_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n not_o only_o restrain_v we_o from_o pass_v uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o our_o fellow_n servant_n or_o conceive_v amiss_o of_o those_o immutable_a rule_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n but_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o salvation_n depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o any_o external_a relation_n or_o denomination_n as_o upon_o the_o eternal_a obligation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o namely_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text._n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v not_o now_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n annex_v to_o a_o family_n or_o a_o nation_n to_o external_a badge_n and_o ritual_a observation_n but_o to_o the_o more_o noble_a and_o universal_a obligation_n of_o fear_n and_o righteousness_n offer_v and_o dispense_v unto_o all_o man_n upon_o the_o same_o condition_n condition_n from_o which_o none_o can_v plead_v exemption_n even_o although_o no_o revelation_n have_v enforce_v they_o they_o have_v then_o be_v duty_n even_o without_o a_o reward_n but_o be_v now_o condition_n of_o a_o reward_n which_o manifest_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o enhance_a by_o the_o universality_n of_o it_o for_o that_o in_o eve_n y_o nation_n he_o that_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v by_o he_o for_o after_o all_o the_o title_n to_o a_o reward_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n 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undergo_a that_o universal_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n which_o be_v indifferent_o pronounce_v against_o all_o sinner_n which_o be_v also_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v by_o st._n peter_n from_o this_o very_a consideration_n 1_o pet._n i._n 17._o and_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n the_o thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v easter-day_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n coloss._n iii_o 1._o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v deserve_o celebrate_v with_o a_o great_a solemnity_n than_o any_o other_o festival_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o most_o signal_n act_n of_o our_o lord_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o the_o final_a completion_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o it_o other_o action_n indeed_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n to_o expect_v salvation_n from_o he_o but_o this_o alone_o give_v they_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o till_o than_o they_o retain_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_v be_v confound_v at_o his_o ignominious_a crucifixion_n and_o begin_v to_o suspect_v that_o they_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n all_o their_o glorious_a hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n the_o church_n then_o be_v not_o only_o disperse_v but_o destroy_v and_o none_o leave_v who_o will_v own_o their_o belief_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n the_o apostle_n be_v flee_v the_o woman_n prepare_v spice_n for_o his_o body_n now_o lie_v in_o the_o grave_a as_o not_o expect_v it_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o the_o jew_n triumph_v over_o his_o afflict_a disciple_n as_o have_v defeat_v their_o hope_n and_o overthrow_v their_o pretence_n at_o this_o time_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n our_o lord_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n dispel_v the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o confound_v his_o enemy_n by_o this_o he_o retrieve_v the_o lose_a faith_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o more_o fluctuation_n hereby_o he_o not_o only_o give_v the_o last_o and_o most_o infallible_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n unheard_a of_o in_o former_a age_n but_o also_o establish_v in_o mankind_n the_o glad_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a resurrection_n he_o have_v before_o indeed_o promise_v it_o but_o now_o give_v a_o earnest_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o manifest_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o actual_a effect_n of_o it_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o as_o the_o church_n do_v at_o first_o receive_v our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a with_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o triumph_n so_o it_o always_o continue_a to_o renew_v the_o remembrance_n of_o that_o triumph_n by_o extraordinary_a solemnity_n that_o the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o high_a argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o admonish_v their_o disciple_n to_o comfort_v one_o another_o with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o draw_v continual_a argument_n of_o instruction_n and_o motive_n of_o holiness_n from_o it_o and_o make_v all_o the_o mystery_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o a_o action_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o strike_v the_o sense_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a or_o convince_v the_o incredulous_a but_o to_o affect_v the_o soul_n and_o become_v a_o foundation_n of_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o belief_n to_o all_o christian_n our_o lord_n raise_v not_o his_o natural_a body_n from_o the_o grave_a to_o leave_v we_o his_o mystical_a body_n grovel_v on_o the_o ground_n he_o resume_v not_o his_o bodily_a life_n to_o leave_v we_o in_o a_o spiritual_a death_n but_o teach_v we_o thereby_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o region_n of_o light_n for_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o in_o my_o text_n and_o if_o so_o the_o natural_a consequence_n will_v be_v that_o we_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o and_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o new_a state_n of_o life_n into_o which_o we_o be_v enter_v if_o then_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o word_n therefore_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treatfirst_n of_o our_o resurrection_n with_o christ_n and_o second_o of_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o that_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o rise_v and_o bewith_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o firm_a belief_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o be_v already_o rise_v may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v so_o easy_o conceive_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o experience_n not_o in_o themselves_o any_o effect_n of_o this_o bless_a resurrection_n we_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n even_o in_o this_o life_n either_o by_o similitude_n or_o by_o
thereby_o clear_v his_o memory_n from_o the_o unjust_a aspersion_n of_o some_o who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o represent_v he_o as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o a_o sincere_a affection_n for_o it_o in_o one_o place_n he_o have_v these_o word_n if_o to_o defend_v the_o fatherless_a orphan_n and_o widow_n be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n how_o noblc_a a_o act_n must_v it_o be_v account_v to_o vindicate_v a_o whole_a nation_n from_o injuâ—…tice_n and_o oppression_n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o aâ—…ther_o place_v these_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v maintain_v in_o this_o nation_n under_o the_o happy_a government_n of_o their_o majesty_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o hezekiah_n in_o another_o place_n he_o speak_v thus_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a but_o that_o other_o part_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o my_o servant_n david_n be_v sake_n never_o have_v any_o people_n great_a reason_n to_o apply_v to_o themselves_o than_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n at_o this_o time_n have_v god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o prince_n of_o eminent_a virtue_n and_o piety_n who_o not_o content_a to_o employ_v their_o authority_n in_o the_o support_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o the_o live_v of_o their_o subject_n by_o the_o lustre_n of_o their_o own_o example_n who_o have_v deliver_v this_o national_a church_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o her_o profess_a enemy_n and_o the_o apparent_a dauger_n of_o sudden_a ruin_n and_o have_v thereby_o become_v to_o we_o what_o constantine_n be_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o queen_n elizabeth_n of_o bless_a memory_n be_v to_o this_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o last_o age._n god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o a_o king_n who_o to_o complete_a the_o deliverance_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o we_o and_o to_o settle_v we_o in_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n have_v spare_v no_o pain_n and_o continual_o hazard_v his_o own_o royal_a person_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n act_v with_o unwearied_a vigour_n and_o courage_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o the_o oppressor_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o the_o vindication_n of_o justice_n the_o relief_n of_o afflict_a innocence_n the_o security_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n but_o among_o his_o manuscript_n there_o be_v one_o especial_o which_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o silence_n as_o give_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o wonderful_a diligence_n as_o can_v easy_o be_v parallel_v which_o be_v his_o account_n of_o the_o manuscript_n in_o lambeth_n library_n wherein_o beside_o give_v a_o most_o exact_a catalogue_n of_o they_o he_o have_v under_o every_o book_n transcribe_v all_o those_o treatise_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o publish_v and_o what_o be_v he_o have_v compare_v with_o that_o exactness_n as_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v otherwise_o spell_v in_o the_o original_a than_o in_o the_o print_n that_o catalogue_n purchase_v by_o the_o present_a archbishop_n together_o with_o many_o other_o of_o his_o manuscript_n may_v when_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v see_v the_o light_n among_o the_o print_a book_n towards_o a_o new_a and_o more_o correct_a edition_n of_o which_o whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v convenient_a he_o have_v considerable_o contribute_v be_v these_o follow_v histoâ—…ia_fw-la matth._n parker_n archiepiscopi_fw-la cantuar._n de_fw-fr antiquitate_fw-la britannicae_n ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n enlarge_v with_o note_n collection_n and_o addition_n partly_o make_v by_o the_o most_o reverend_a author_n himself_o and_o partly_o by_o other_o and_o several_a by_o mr._n wharton_n himself_o together_o with_o the_o life_n of_o the_o say_a archbishop_n as_o also_o that_o of_o st._n austin_n of_o cant._n write_v by_o george_n acworth_n franciscus_n godwinus_n de_fw-fr praesulibus_fw-la angliae_fw-la with_o some_o note_n florentius_n wigorniensis_n and_o matthaeus_n westmonasteriensis_n both_o enlarge_v with_o many_o note_n correction_n and_o addition_n he_o have_v likewise_o make_v note_n on_o several_a of_o his_o own_o book_n already_o publish_v by_o he_o which_o it_o be_v like_a be_v design_v for_o addition_n to_o those_o book_n when_o ever_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o new_a impression_n for_o these_o his_o performance_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o learning_n as_o he_o be_v admirable_o fit_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o natural_a endowment_n a_o quick_a apprehension_n solid_a judgement_n and_o most_o faithful_a memory_n so_o be_v these_o raise_v to_o a_o great_a perfection_n by_o his_o industry_n a_o industry_n never_o sufficient_o to_o be_v commend_v though_o in_o this_o alas_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o it_o too_o much_o hasten_v his_o death_n and_o our_o loss_n nor_o be_v his_o moral_a accomplishment_n inferior_a to_o his_o natural_a and_o acquire_v perfection_n he_o be_v modest_a sober_a and_o pious_a in_o all_o thing_n sbew_v himself_o to_o be_v act_v by_o a_o true_o christian_n and_o religious_a spirit_n of_o which_o those_o two_o instance_n to_o name_v no_o more_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v give_v the_o one_o that_o he_o never_o undertake_v any_o matter_n of_o moment_n without_o first_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n thereupon_o the_o other_o that_o in_o all_o those_o journey_n which_o his_o learned_a design_n engage_v he_o in_o he_o be_v ever_o wont_a so_o to_o order_v his_o affair_n as_o not_o once_o to_o omit_v be_v present_a at_o the_o monthly_a sacrament_n where_o ever_o he_o come_v and_o then_o of_o his_o zeal_n for_o religion_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n those_o excellent_a discourse_n which_o he_o have_v publish_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o extant_a upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o corruption_n of_o popery_n those_o scandal_n to_o christian_a religion_n so_o high_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o injurious_a to_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o and_o a_o offence_n to_o all_o that_o true_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o will_v always_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o stand_a evidence_n it_o have_v not_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o add_v any_o instance_n of_o his_o charity_n though_o many_o may_v be_v give_v because_o agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o desire_n which_o always_o be_v to_o be_v as_o private_a therein_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v this_o one_o only_o may_v its_o presume_a not_o improper_o be_v mention_v viz._n that_o by_o his_o will_n whereof_o he_o appoint_v his_o father_n the_o reverend_n mr._n edmund_n wharton_n the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n thorp_n one_o of_o the_o worthy_a prebendary_n of_o canterbury_n and_o his_o dear_a friend_n mr._n charles_n batte_o the_o executor_n he_o have_v order_v the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o small_a estate_n which_o he_o leave_v to_o be_v dispose_v of_o to_o a_o religious_a use_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o worstead_n in_o norfolk_n where_o he_o be_v bear_v as_o to_o his_o person_n he_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a stature_n of_o a_o brown_a complexion_n and_o of_o a_o grave_n and_o comely_a countenance_n his_o constitution_n be_v vigorous_a and_o healthful_a in_o confidence_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o which_o he_o be_v too_o little_a regardful_a of_o himself_o and_o too_o intent_n upon_o his_o study_n insomuch_o that_o he_o do_v often_o deny_v himself_o the_o refreshment_n of_o nature_n because_o of_o they_o and_o sometime_o in_o the_o cold_a weather_n will_v sit_v so_o long_o at_o they_o and_o without_o a_o fire_n as_o to_o have_v his_o hand_n and_o foot_n so_o chill_v as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o feel_v the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o a_o considerable_a time_n his_o too_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o thâ—…se_n together_o with_o a_o weakness_n contract_v in_o his_o stomach_n by_o the_o too_o violent_a operation_n of_o a_o unhappy_a medicine_n which_o he_o have_v take_v so_o far_o break_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o constitution_n that_o no_o art_n nor_o skill_n of_o the_o most_o experience_a physician_n can_v repair_v it_o the_o summer_n before_o he_o die_v he_o go_v to_o the_o bath_n in_o hope_n to_o have_v retrieve_v his_o decay_a nature_n by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o excellent_a medicinal_a water_n some_o benefit_n he_o find_v by_o they_o but_o at_o his_o return_n from_o thence_o to_o canterbury_n fall_v again_o to_o his_o study_n immoderate_o and_o beyond_o what_o his_o strength_n can_v bear_v he_o quite_o undo_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v so_o that_o after_o a_o long_a and_o linger_a decay_n of_o nature_n he_o be_v bring_v at_o length_n to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o weakness_n under_o which_o languish_v for_o some_o time_n at_o last_o in_o the_o
thirty_o first_o year_n of_o his_o age_n on_o the_o 5_o of_o march_n that_o sad_a day_n whereon_o that_o never_o sufficient_o to_o be_v lament_v princess_n our_o most_o incomparable_a queen_n be_v inter_v about_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o morning_n he_o with_o a_o humble_a patience_n submit_v to_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n cheerful_o resign_v his_o depart_a soul_n into_o the_o most_o holy_a hand_n of_o his_o gracious_a redeemer_n the_o loss_n of_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o person_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o age_n and_o one_o from_o who_o the_o learned_a world_n have_v just_o conceive_v such_o great_a expectation_n of_o most_o admirable_a performance_n from_o his_o indefatigable_a labour_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v very_o much_o lament_v by_o learned_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o reliquit_fw-la the_o clergy_n in_o particular_a as_o a_o testimony_n of_o that_o value_n which_o they_o have_v for_o he_o do_v in_o great_a number_n attend_v at_o his_o funeral_n here_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o silence_n that_o singular_a honour_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o by_o the_o right_n reverend_a the_o bishop_n many_o of_o which_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n himself_o and_o the_o right_n reverend_a bishop_n of_o litchfield_n who_o have_v both_o of_o they_o visit_v he_o in_o his_o last_o sickness_n be_v present_a at_o it_o while_o another_o of_o that_o venerable_a order_n the_o right_a reverend_n the_o bishop_n of_o rochester_n perform_v the_o funeral_n office_n all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v willing_a to_o show_v their_o respect_n for_o he_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n they_o be_v able_a the_o reverend_n the_o dean_n and_o prebendary_n of_o westminster_n not_o only_o cause_v the_o king_n scholar_n to_o attend_v he_o to_o his_o grave_n a_o uncommon_a respect_n and_o the_o high_a they_o can_v show_v on_o such_o a_o occasion_n but_o do_v also_o each_o for_o himself_o remit_v their_o customary_a due_n for_o interment_n in_o their_o church_n as_o the_o last_o and_o most_o proper_a testimony_n they_o can_v then_o give_v of_o the_o high_a esteem_n in_o which_o they_o hold_v mr._n wharton_n and_o his_o learned_a labour_n the_o choir_n likewise_o commit_v his_o body_n to_o rest_n with_o solemn_a and_o devout_a anthem_n compose_v by_o that_o most_o ingenious_a artist_n mr._n henry_n purcel_n he_o lie_v bury_v in_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o westminster_n towards_o the_o west_n end_n near_o whereunto_o in_o the_o wall_n be_v erect_v a_o small_a but_o decent_a monument_n of_o white_a marble_n whereon_o be_v the_o follow_a inscription_n h._n s._n e._n henricus_n wharton_n a._n m._n ecclesiae_fw-la anglicanae_n presbyter_n rector_n ecclesiae_fw-la de_fw-fr chatham_n necnon_fw-la vicarius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la de_fw-fr minster_n in_o insula_fw-la thanato_n in_o diaecesi_fw-la cantuariensi_fw-la reverendissimo_fw-la ac_fw-la sanctissimo_fw-la praesuli_fw-la wilhelmo_n archiepiscopo_fw-la cantuariensi_fw-la a_fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la qui_fw-la multa_fw-la ad_fw-la augendam_fw-la et_fw-la illustrandam_fw-la rem_fw-la literariam_fw-la multa_fw-la pro_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ghristi_fw-la conscripsit_fw-la plura_fw-la moliebatur_fw-la obiit_fw-la 30._o non._n mart._n a._n d._n mdcxciv_o aetatis_fw-la suae_fw-la xxxi_o the_o content_n sermon_n i._o on_o whit-sunday_n john_n fourteen_o 25_o 26._o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o be_v yet_o present_a with_o you_o but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n p._n 51_o sermon_n iii_o and_o iu_o 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n â—…to_fw-mi every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n p._n 108_o 144_o sermom_n v._o rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n p._n 172_o sermon_n vi_o 1_o corinth_n i._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n p._n 227_o sermon_n vii_o hebr._n ix_o 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n p._n 261_o sermon_n viii_o 1_o tim._n i._n 17._o now_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n p._n 287_o sermon_n ix_o psal._n xcv_o 7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n p._n 313_o sermon_n x._o and_o xi_o luk._n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v p._n 337_o 365_o sermon_n xii_o act_n x._o 34_o 35._o then_o peter_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o p._n 394_o sermon_n xiii_o coloss._n iii_o 1._o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n p._n 417_o sermon_n fourteen_o john_n fourteen_o 1._o let_v not_o your_o beart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o p._n 439_o the_o first_o sermon_n on_o whitsunday_n prâ—…ached_v at_o lambeth_n chapel_n john_n fourteen_o 25_o 26._o these_o thing_n haué_fw-fr i_a speak_v unto_o you_o be_v yet_o present_a with_o you_o but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o day_n â—…o_v not_o only_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o that_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a benefit_n the_o completion_n of_o which_o we_o this_o day_n commeâ—…orate_v but_o also_o declare_v the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o most_o fit_o not_o only_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o grateful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n but_o also_o teach_v we_o to_o form_v true_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a veneration_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n a_o mystery_n which_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o great_a of_o all_o benefit_n which_o may_v alone_o supply_v the_o otherwise_o irreparable_a loss_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o entire_o dispel_v their_o grief_n arise_v from_o the_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o his_o approach_a departure_n a_o mystery_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o ultimate_a consummation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o divine_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v design_v by_o the_o father_n and_o found_v by_o the_o son_n be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o the_o mission_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n be_v so_o mighty_o insist_v on_o by_o christ_n as_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n to_o his_o disciple_n for_o all_o affliction_n and_o the_o last_o and_o great_a legacy_n which_o he_o can_v bequeath_v unto_o they_o if_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o earnest_o expect_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o with_o a_o uninterrupted_a solemnity_n celebrate_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n more_o especial_o by_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o which_o all_o christian_n use_v to_o stand_v continual_o in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n from_o easter_n to_o whitsunday_n thereby_o testify_v the_o impatient_a expectation_n wherewith_o they_o attend_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n the_o declaration_n of_o this_o promise_n make_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o great_a anxiety_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v at_o the_o news_n of_o our_o saviour_n departure_n and_o their_o wonderful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n after_o so_o long_a and_o so_o excellent_a instruction_n from_o their_o divine_a master_n the_o former_a be_v relate_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o precede_a chapter_n which_o therefore_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v by_o a_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o a_o steady_a faith_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o assure_v they_o that_o his_o departure_n be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o their_o reception_n
to_o be_v found_v by_o the_o messiah_n or_o expect_v from_o he_o which_o so_o long_o cloud_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o entertain_v true_a notion_n of_o that_o mystery_n although_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a and_o orthodox_n church_n we_o suck_v in_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n even_o from_o our_o infancy_n yet_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v no_o less_o violent_a and_o betray_v we_o to_o no_o less_o fatal_a mistake_n these_z not_o only_o defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o also_o direct_o introduce_v the_o foul_a and_o most_o pernicious_a error_n by_o prompt_v we_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v be_v most_o adapt_v and_o favourable_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o ordinary_a emanation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n if_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v not_o want_v but_o upon_o defect_n of_o those_o or_o any_o other_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o not_o produce_v this_o happy_a effect_n but_o also_o depart_v from_o we_o ii_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n confer_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o at_o least_o not_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a for_o it_o for_o this_o benefit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o bring_v down_o with_o it_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n which_o continue_v till_o this_o day_n by_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o however_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o at_o his_o ascension_n to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o by_o send_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n who_o may_v actuate_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o paraclet_n teach_v exhort_v comfort_n and_o intercede_v for_o every_o single_a member_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v erect_v their_o fear_n dispel_v and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v put_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o the_o church_n invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v it_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o place_n it_o beyond_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n or_o fury_n of_o tyrant_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n partake_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n we_o share_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o experience_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o infallible_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o find_v a_o church_n of_o which_o to_o be_v member_n we_o esteem_v our_o great_a happiness_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n be_v comfort_v in_o affliction_n and_o uphold_v in_o danger_n this_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n promise_v ver_fw-la 16._o shall_v abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n indeed_o and_o abundance_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o apostle_n but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o necessity_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o present_a portion_n which_o be_v already_o confer_v on_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o daily_a improvement_n in_o piety_n to_o augment_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n least_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o degenerate_a behaviour_n we_o forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o they_o both_o last_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o diffusive_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o mission_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o particular_a presence_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o this_o not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o presence_n which_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v as_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o derive_v down_o upon_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o the_o first_o descent_n of_o it_o procure_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v not_o only_o commemorate_v but_o act_n anew_o and_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n by_o receive_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o then_o as_o several_a previous_a disposition_n be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n with_o no_o less_o diligence_n and_o caution_n that_o as_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o constant_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v without_o any_o fluctuation_n believe_v the_o certain_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o that_o however_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v real_o present_a in_o the_o element_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o as_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o their_o will_n to_o his_o influence_n and_o direction_n so_o we_o shall_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o steady_a resolution_n of_o perform_v his_o command_n and_o that_o as_o they_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a mission_n of_o a_o comforter_n meet_v all_o together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o house_n so_o we_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o mighty_a benefit_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o perfect_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o if_o any_o of_o these_o due_a qualification_n be_v want_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o obtain_v any_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n or_o commemorate_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 16_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o give_v to_o we_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_o divine_a religion_n but_o also_o set_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o universal_a righteousness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n therein_o exceed_v all_o other_o lawgiver_n
authority_n of_o his_o example_n and_o direct_v we_o by_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v once_o convert_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n think_v no_o argument_n more_o powerful_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n this_o they_o urge_v upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o with_o this_o they_o recommend_v their_o precept_n and_o counsel_n particular_o st_n peter_n 1_o pet._n ii_o exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o a_o constant_a resolution_n to_o endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n a_o duty_n which_o may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a of_o christianity_n give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o ver._n 21._o for_o even_o hereunto_o be_v you_o call_v because_o christ_n also_o suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n by_o which_o reason_n he_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christian_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o thereunto_o we_o be_v chief_o call_v otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o have_v infer_v from_o those_o word_n that_o it_o be_v a_o obligation_n incumbent_a upon_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o adversity_n this_o be_v but_o a_o consequence_n of_o that_o grand_a and_o more_o general_a duty_n however_o that_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o who_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o christ_n ought_v himself_o also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n ii_o 6._o and_o in_o another_o place_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o if_o the_o command_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v oblige_v we_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v move_v we_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o be_v account_v member_n of_o his_o body_n can_v persuade_v we_o we_o have_v on_o all_o side_n abundant_a reason_n to_o apply_v our_o self_n to_o the_o serious_a imitation_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a example_n 3._o that_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o direction_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o triennial_n preach_v before_o his_o passion_n this_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o inculcate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o design_v as_o in_o perform_v illustrious_a miracle_n and_o show_v in_o his_o person_n a_o no_o less_o illustrious_a pattern_n of_o consummate_a virtue_n which_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v testify_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n may_v convince_v mankind_n that_o he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o when_o once_o convince_v may_v engage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o his_o own_o example_n that_o this_o not_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o his_o triennial_a ministry_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o thing_n not_o only_o during_o that_o time_n but_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n insomuch_o as_o they_o ask_v their_o lord_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n i._o 6._o they_o lay_v not_o aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a mefsias_n till_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n now_o if_o the_o complete_a instruction_n of_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_n on_o earth_n we_o can_v without_o injury_n to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o far_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o aim_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v his_o purpose_n so_o that_o the_o great_a intention_n of_o this_o triennial_a office_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o give_v abundant_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n by_o miracle_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o finish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exhibit_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o example_n of_o most_o perfect_a holiness_n that_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v after_o his_o ascension_n testify_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n the_o former_a may_v serve_v for_o the_o conviction_n the_o 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imitation_n his_o deportment_n be_v grave_a and_o compose_v his_o piety_n plain_a and_o unaffected_a his_o devotion_n sober_a and_o rational_a we_o may_v discover_v far_o more_o evident_a stroke_n of_o austerity_n and_o mortification_n in_o the_o life_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n not_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v less_o perfect_a but_o more_o humane_a such_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apparent_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o his_o message_n and_o preach_v for_o since_o he_o come_v not_o invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n somewhat_o be_v necessary_a to_o he_o to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o he_o and_o create_v a_o belief_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a prophet_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v require_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n that_o be_v not_o only_o possess_v the_o same_o zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o use_v the_o same_o unwearied_a diligence_n for_o restore_v decay_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o practise_v the_o same_o rigour_n and_o maceration_n of_o his_o body_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o respect_v by_o the_o same_o character_n of_o external_a holiness_n not_o that_o these_o unusual_a austerity_n have_v any_o thing_n excellent_a in_o themselves_o or_o be_v any_o certain_a indication_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a virtue_n but_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o want_v no_o such_o recommendation_n his_o divine_a mission_n be_v abundant_o testify_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o who_o life_n be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o all_o age_n exercise_v no_o such_o wonderful_a austerity_n but_o give_v we_o a_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a example_n which_o may_v not_o surpass_v the_o common_a reach_n
be_v the_o holy_a jesus_n from_o disturb_v the_o public_a quiet_n violate_v the_o right_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n invade_v the_o property_n of_o his_o neighbour_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o common_a right_n which_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o execution_n of_o civil_a law_n that_o neither_o his_o imbitter_v enemy_n nor_o his_o corrupt_a judge_n can_v find_v any_o resemblance_n of_o such_o action_n none_o ever_o urge_v a_o more_o steadfast_a loyalty_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o demonstrate_v a_o more_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o his_o prince_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n he_o not_o only_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o render_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n but_o himself_o exact_o perform_v it_o in_o submit_v to_o his_o deputy_n in_o pay_v to_o he_o tribute_n even_o with_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o miracle_n and_o in_o studious_o decline_v all_o the_o acclamation_n of_o his_o admire_a follower_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o and_o in_o this_o both_o the_o author_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v eminent_o distinguish_v from_o all_o false_a religion_n which_o subject_a the_o common_a law_n of_o justice_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v free_o violate_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o whereas_o christianity_n have_v secure_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n wheresoever_o it_o have_v obtain_v and_o add_v new_a bond_n of_o obligation_n to_o the_o natural_a tie_n of_o justice_n such_o at_o lest_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o cruel_a persecution_n and_o tyrannical_a oppression_n of_o three_o hundred_o year_n can_v not_o provoke_v its_o follower_n to_o resistance_n and_o such_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o at_o this_o day_n wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o 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give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o conversation_n that_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o honest_a people_n who_o often_o meeting_n to_o celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n bind_v themselves_o by_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v any_o act_n of_o injustice_n rapine_n and_o violence_n to_o abstain_v from_o theft_n oppression_n and_o fraud_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o trust_n and_o not_o circumvent_v their_o neighbour_n if_o that_o learned_a heathen_a be_v now_o alive_a i_o fear_v he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v christianity_n by_o this_o note_n and_o character_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o modern_a christian_n be_v professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o my_o business_n nor_o design_n to_o arraign_v the_o scandalous_a injustice_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o time_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o this_o will_v increase_v our_o condemnation_n that_o herein_o we_o 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whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n manifest_v he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v come_v attend_v with_o numerous_a guard_n and_o a_o powerful_a retinue_n which_o may_v have_v secure_v his_o honour_n from_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o strike_v terror_n into_o his_o enemy_n yet_o he_o condescend_v to_o appear_v in_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a condition_n rather_o as_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n than_o as_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n he_o be_v frequent_o oppose_v by_o the_o unreasonable_a unbelief_n of_o some_o and_o obstinate_a perverseness_n of_o other_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o despise_v revile_v and_o slander_v provoke_v with_o the_o most_o outrageous_a injury_n and_o betray_v by_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o creature_n all_o these_o affront_v he_o may_v easy_o have_v revenge_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o return_v upon_o his_o adversary_n their_o deserve_a punishment_n by_o a_o single_a demonstration_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n but_o he_o quiet_o endure_v the_o high_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o possess_v his_o soul_n in_o patience_n with_o what_o goodness_n and_o affectionate_a term_n do_v he_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o precept_n to_o mankind_n these_o he_o may_v have_v impose_v on_o we_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o vassal_n he_o may_v have_v deliver_v they_o as_o god_n do_v the_o law_n at_o mount_n sinai_n with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n than_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o urge_v they_o in_o a_o sweet_a and_o familiar_a manner_n and_o conjure_v mankind_n by_o their_o own_o good_a by_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o benefit_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o with_o what_o calmness_n and_o serenity_n do_v he_o treat_v his_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o not_o deny_v to_o the_o traitor_n judas_n even_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o treason_n the_o endear_n compellation_n of_o friend_n but_o then_o if_o we_o view_v the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o passion_n with_o what_o courage_n and_o composure_n of_o mind_n he_o undergo_v those_o terrible_a suffering_n with_o what_o meekness_n he_o bear_v the_o insult_v and_o scoff_v of_o his_o enemy_n how_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a excess_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o pray_v for_o his_o persecutor_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v we_o must_v conclude_v the_o whole_a to_o have_v be_v a_o most_o amaze_a instance_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n such_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o full_o express_v the_o force_n and_o meaning_n of_o his_o many_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n no_o duty_n be_v more_o frequent_o and_o more_o large_o urge_v by_o he_o than_o this_o of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o overcome_a revenge_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v our_o adversary_n sweet_o and_o without_o passion_n that_o we_o shall_v win_v they_o by_o kindness_n to_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o then_o free_o forgive_v it_o to_o they_o or_o if_o they_o can_v by_o mildness_n be_v oblige_v to_o repentance_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o banish_v all_o thought_n and_o revenge_n of_o anger_n not_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n forbid_v man_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a defence_n or_o invoke_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o injury_n and_o violence_n offer_v to_o they_o when_o impunity_n may_v encourage_v wicked_a man_n to_o a_o great_a boldness_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o private_a person_n or_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o public_a christianity_n preserve_v entire_a all_o the_o
privilege_n of_o nature_n and_o derogate_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n but_o forbid_v man_n to_o be_v transport_v by_o passion_n against_o their_o adversary_n and_o not_o to_o seek_v revenge_n for_o revenge_n sake_n that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o forbid_v to_o repair_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o injury_n or_o prevent_v the_o like_a injustice_n to_o himself_o or_o other_o for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o return_v the_o injury_n and_o gratify_v his_o anger_n in_o create_v a_o like_a inconvenience_n to_o his_o adversary_n or_o maintain_v a_o inward_a hatred_n to_o he_o and_o herein_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n most_o eminent_o discover_v itself_o for_o to_o preserve_v the_o common_a right_n of_o justice_n be_v no_o extraordinary_a matter_n for_o a_o reveal_v religion_n to_o perform_v this_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o temporal_a interest_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o civil_a society_n may_v effect_v but_o to_o conquer_v those_o violent_a passion_n of_o hatred_n anger_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n to_o retain_v a_o quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a mind_n amid_o provoke_a injury_n and_o affront_v to_o entertain_v the_o insult_n of_o a_o enemy_n rather_o with_o pity_n than_o resentment_n and_o manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o by_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o forgive_v they_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n and_o most_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o soul_n fill_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a thing_n which_o have_v a_o entire_a command_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o do_v in_o earnest_n pursue_v the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a religion_n these_o chief_o render_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n admirable_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o will_v make_v we_o the_o not_o unworthy_a disciple_n of_o so_o great_a a_o master_n last_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v correspondent_a to_o all_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o be_v most_o intense_a and_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n indeed_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o darling_n virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n which_o he_o studious_o cultivate_v above_o all_o other_o to_o promote_v which_o all_o his_o design_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n tend_v and_o his_o example_n most_o direct_o lead_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n be_v almost_o so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n even_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v primary_o wrought_v to_o testify_v his_o divine_a power_n bear_v eminent_a character_n of_o this_o love_a kindness_n be_v employ_v in_o heal_v the_o disease_n and_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o man_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o even_o his_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v mark_n vii_o 37._o he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o he_o make_v both_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v but_o the_o high_a testimony_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v his_o inestimable_a love_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n his_o descent_n from_o heaven_n ignominious_a life_n upon_o earth_n and_o at_o last_o most_o painful_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o rescue_v his_o own_o creature_n who_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o 1_o john_n iii_o 16._o and_o great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n a_o love_n so_o stupendous_a that_o it_o no_o less_o confound_v the_o apprehension_n than_o exceed_v the_o imitation_n of_o finite_a men._n to_o this_o the_o high_a expression_n of_o our_o charity_n be_v but_o faint_a attempt_n and_o imperfect_a shadow_n a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o capacity_n and_o therefore_o not_o require_v but_o whatsoever_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o can_v be_v but_o a_o mean_a return_n to_o so_o vast_a a_o obligation_n st._n john_n therefore_o make_v this_o easy_a and_o natural_a inference_n from_o it_o belove_v if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o john_n iu._n 11._o if_o our_o creator_n love_v we_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o worthy_a his_o love_n but_o have_v many_o way_n offend_v and_o deserve_v his_o extreme_a displeasure_n if_o he_o love_v we_o to_o so_o wonderful_a a_o degree_n sure_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v our_o fellow_n creature_n who_o have_v in_o they_o no_o less_o excellent_a perfection_n than_o ourselves_o with_o all_o possible_a affection_n which_o however_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n be_v yet_o infinite_o beneath_o the_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o especial_o since_o our_o saviour_n chief_o impose_v this_o condition_n on_o we_o in_o return_n of_o his_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o that_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o example_n john_n xiii_o 34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o very_a life_n of_o christianity_n without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o this_o in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n christian_n be_v eminent_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o devote_v all_o their_o possession_n to_o the_o office_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a a_o excess_n of_o charity_n which_o however_o no_o long_a practicable_a than_o while_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n continue_v to_o be_v small_a and_o be_v therefore_o lay_v aside_o when_o the_o church_n become_v numerous_a as_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o convenient_a nor_o even_o possible_a yet_o clear_o show_v what_o be_v the_o primitive_a genius_n of_o christianity_n how_o exact_o they_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n and_o with_o what_o fervour_n of_o charity_n they_o be_v endue_v a_o fervour_n which_o expire_v not_o with_o the_o disuse_n of_o that_o apostolic_a custom_n of_o share_v their_o possession_n in_o common_a but_o continue_v to_o exert_v itself_o for_o some_o age_n after_o in_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o real_a charity_n insomuch_o that_o the_o heathen_n use_v to_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n see_v how_o these_o galilean_n love_v one_o another_o if_o then_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v accuse_v of_o have_v disobey_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n forsake_v his_o example_n and_o entire_o lose_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v retreive_v that_o admirable_a charity_n which_o be_v by_o he_o so_o mighty_o enjoin_v practise_v and_o bequeath_v to_o his_o disciple_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o some_o of_o the_o great_a line_n and_o stroke_n of_o it_o and_o show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o most_o excellent_a which_o can_v possible_o be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o urge_v the_o imitation_n of_o it_o in_o some_o few_o word_n first_o then_o the_o imitation_n of_o this_o divine_a example_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a consider_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o disciple_n which_o include_v not_o only_o a_o obligation_n of_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o follow_v his_o example_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o divine_a precept_n be_v proper_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o believer_n but_o of_o a_o disciple_n to_o imitate_v the_o action_n and_o conduct_v of_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o the_o patriarch_n and_o jew_n may_v well_o be_v call_v believer_n in_o god_n but_o not_o the_o disciple_n of_o god_n precept_n only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a example_n be_v not_o propose_v as_o a_o rule_n unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v also_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n call_v his_o disciple_n because_o they_o be_v the_o constant_a witness_n and_o attendant_n of_o his_o life_n who_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v his_o companion_n as_o well_o in_o moral_a as_o natural_a action_n although_o this_o title_n be_v not_o so_o far_o appropriate_v to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o we_o if_o we_o take_v the_o same_o care_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o they_o do_v we_o may_v follow_v it_o though_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o may_v pursue_v it_o though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o and_o that_o
we_o may_v do_v it_o those_o first_o and_o chief_a disciple_n have_v enable_v we_o by_o give_v we_o large_a account_n of_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n himself_o tell_v we_o john_n xv._n 8._o if_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o ver._n 10._o explain_v their_o bear_v much_o fruit_n by_o imitate_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n if_o you_o keep_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n even_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n so_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o religious_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o bless_a jesus_n live_v on_o earth_n he_o pursue_v the_o true_a end_n of_o happiness_n and_o cultivate_v those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o office_n what_o honour_n then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n of_o action_n it_o be_v the_o high_a ambition_n of_o the_o more_o generous_a among_o the_o heathen_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o their_o ancient_a hero_n and_o be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o ardent_o desire_v to_o resemble_v our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n their_o ambition_n be_v misplace_v and_o therefore_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o unhappiness_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v too_o great_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o pious_a soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o same_o duty_n wherein_o the_o bless_a jesus_n spend_v his_o life_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o devotion_n to_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n this_o consideration_n will_v dispel_v all_o weariness_n will_v add_v vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o all_o temporal_a evil_n which_o may_v attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n this_o will_v support_v we_o under_o all_o outward_a calamity_n alleviate_v our_o sorrow_n and_o calm_v our_o tempest_n to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n endure_v the_o same_o affliction_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n if_o he_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o fury_n of_o devil_n shall_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o same_o enemy_n if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o john_n xv._n 18._o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o same_o fortune_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n no_o sure_o only_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o they_o be_v on_o he_o that_o be_v not_o through_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n so_o shall_v we_o imitate_v he_o as_o well_o in_o the_o most_o happy_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o affliction_n as_o in_o the_o affliction_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o last_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n will_v be_v our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n if_o only_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v be_v give_v to_o we_o we_o may_v have_v be_v daily_o distract_v with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v the_o meaning_n extent_n and_o application_n of_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o error_n and_o craft_n of_o man_n and_o render_v useless_a by_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n whereas_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v away_o all_o these_o scruple_n and_o place_v every_o precept_n in_o its_o full_a light_n if_o we_o true_o imitate_v his_o example_n we_o be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v in_o all_o thing_n do_v our_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o perform_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o once_o obtain_v that_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n may_v we_o have_v by_o follow_v his_o example_n than_o by_o respect_v his_o precept_n only_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n after_o so_o many_o rule_n and_o precept_n give_v to_o his_o convert_v still_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o but_o then_o no_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ._n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ._n r_o cor._n xi_o 1._o by_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o gainsay_n of_o foolish_a man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o profound_a knowledge_n or_o deep_a speculation_n if_o they_o deride_v our_o christian_a virtue_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o duty_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o mortification_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o in_o practise_v they_o we_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n let_v they_o please_v themselves_o with_o their_o mirth_n and_o false_a supposal_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o pattern_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o place_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o precept_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n have_v at_o least_o recommend_v they_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o can_v assert_v they_o by_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o result_n from_o it_o let_v we_o by_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o follow_v this_o most_o excellent_a example_n fullfil_v the_o obligation_n and_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v on_o earth_n make_v like_o unto_o he_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n so_o we_o may_v hereafter_o in_o heaven_n be_v make_v yet_o more_o like_a unto_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o immortality_n the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v october_n 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n have_v so_o contrive_v that_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v equal_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o excellency_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o it_o propose_v in_o its_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o beget_v and_o establish_v due_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o admirable_a congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n his_o goodness_n be_v conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o those_o infinite_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o liberal_a distribution_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o which_o more_o direct_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n in_o adapt_a that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o thereby_o render_v it_o no_o less_o easy_a than_o advantageous_a and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a among_o the_o heathen_n many_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n have_v employ_v their_o wit_n in_o refine_n the_o superstition_n of_o their_o country_n and_o assign_v reason_n for_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o obtain_v among_o they_o but_o their_o notion_n be_v abstruse_a and_o mystical_a their_o
of_o heathen_a philosopher_n tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o foment_n their_o pride_n and_o create_v in_o they_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n they_o refer_v it_o not_o to_o god_n nor_o employ_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o abate_v not_o their_o passion_n reform_v not_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o visible_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n save_v in_o make_v they_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a the_o constant_a character_n of_o those_o philosopher_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n will_n that_o we_o express_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n nor_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n either_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o understanding_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o expect_v either_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o we_o perpetual_o maintain_v a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o command_v of_o our_o almighty_a lawgiver_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o submission_n that_o we_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a threat_n or_o terror_n nor_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o supine_n negligence_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n but_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n which_o natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o that_o by_o this_o term_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o our_o faith_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o frequent_a acceptation_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o religion_n as_o it_o carry_v eminent_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n on_o many_o other_o account_n so_o chief_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o 1._o in_o 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of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v so_o plain_o point_v out_o and_o relate_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perverse_a blindness_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o person_n design_v by_o they_o among_o the_o latter_a prophet_n daniel_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o week_n of_o year_n and_o malachi_n the_o last_o of_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v before_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o honour_v it_o with_o his_o presence_n so_o that_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o establish_v the_o christian_a faith_n not_o only_o because_o all_o the_o character_n assign_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o denote_v the_o future_a messiah_n meet_v most_o exact_o in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o because_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o no_o one_o else_o for_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o 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at_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o his_o fortune_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o life_n by_o a_o ignominious_a punishment_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o perform_v once_o or_o twice_o but_o frequent_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n not_o in_o corner_n or_o before_o a_o few_o confident_n but_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o public_a street_n before_o vast_a multitude_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o tend_v not_o so_o much_o to_o raise_v the_o amazement_n and_o astonishment_n of_o spectator_n as_o all_o false_a miracle_n do_v as_o to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n cure_v the_o disease_n and_o procure_v the_o benefit_n of_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o mankind_n and_o therein_o by_o a_o wonderful_a mixture_n of_o wisdom_n serve_v no_o less_o to_o declare_v the_o goodness_n than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o 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world_n and_o we_o daily_o regulate_v our_o action_n and_o find_v our_o concern_v upon_o matter_n attest_v with_o no_o better_a proof_n but_o to_o our_o comfort_n and_o entire_a conviction_n christianity_n have_v yet_o much_o great_a evidence_n the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v person_n of_o unquestioned_a integrity_n who_o far_o from_o manage_v any_o worldly_a design_n or_o interest_n in_o this_o matter_n quit_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n undergo_v the_o most_o toilsome_a labour_n and_o misery_n suffer_v punishment_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o at_o last_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v relate_v not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o report_n by_o miracle_n while_o alive_a and_o that_o their_o holiness_n sincerity_n and_o miraculous_a power_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n attest_v for_o some_o age_n after_o by_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o 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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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from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
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assent_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o persuade_v it_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o discover_v its_o divine_a original_a that_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n consist_v for_o upon_o conviction_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o attain_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o for_o as_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o difficult_a in_o itself_o and_o advantageous_a to_o we_o than_o of_o our_o will_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v no_o less_o favourable_o accept_v it_o and_o no_o less_o high_o reward_v it_o certain_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n
to_o be_v to_o we_o the_o grand_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a motive_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v for_o that_o purpose_n i._o then_o that_o gratitude_n or_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o consequent_o to_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n by_o other_o argument_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o bare_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o our_o own_o relation_n to_o god_n our_o creator_n ourselves_o and_o our_o fellow_n creature_n suggest_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n if_o these_o consideration_n have_v be_v due_o ponder_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n they_o will_v have_v prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a none_o will_v deny_v who_o acknowledge_v their_o fall_n to_o have_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o choice_n not_o of_o necessity_n yet_o be_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n confer_v on_o they_o very_o small_a and_o dim_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o evidence_n which_o god_n confer_v on_o follow_a age_n he_o show_v they_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o promise_v that_o in_o due_a time_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o creation_n add_v that_o of_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o creation_n yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o maintain_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o preserâ—…ed_v a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v forget_v that_o god_n have_v produce_v man_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o eminent_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o they_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n 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testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n which_o be_v appropriate_a to_o themselves_o may_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o man_n by_o a_o great_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n indeed_o of_o a_o irrational_a judgement_n and_o prevail_a ingratitude_n for_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o continuer_n of_o their_o being_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o his_o service_n but_o a_o effect_n to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o to_o restore_v decay_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o revive_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o set_v apart_o a_o peculiar_a people_n who_o he_o may_v oblige_v by_o particular_a benefit_n to_o retrieve_v that_o gratitude_n which_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o universal_a benefit_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o have_v produce_v yet_o want_v its_o effect_n hence_o forward_o god_n be_v worship_v primary_o not_o as_o the_o creator_n of_o mankind_n and_o producer_n of_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o providence_n but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o particular_a and_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o however_o can_v have_v no_o other_o direct_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thus_o signal_o oblige_v than_o to_o produce_v a_o extraordinary_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n since_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n tend_v more_o natural_o to_o beget_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o it_o thus_o god_n separate_v abraham_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o assure_v he_o with_o his_o posterity_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n and_o promise_v of_o give_v to_o he_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v worship_v by_o abraham_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o promise_n by_o isaac_n as_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n by_o jacob_n as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o fâ—…ar_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n by_o their_o descendant_n till_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n that_o be_v as_o the_o god_n who_o by_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n have_v entail_v upon_o themselves_o particular_a blessing_n after_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o those_o many_o wonder_n and_o prodigy_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o god_n choose_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o deliverance_n and_o usher_n in_o all_o his_o command_n with_o this_o preface_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egpt_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o according_o he_o be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n worship_v by_o they_o under_o that_o notion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o frequent_a commemoration_n of_o that_o benefit_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o which_o god_n challenge_v adoration_n and_o worship_n from_o they_o not_o as_o the_o author_n of_o their_o creation_n but_o of_o their_o deliverance_n who_o have_v so_o signal_o employ_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o their_o favour_n and_o by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o often_o repeat_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n whereby_o he_o manifest_o employ_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o to_o all_o other_o man_n he_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o creator_n but_o to_o they_o only_o he_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o particular_a benefactor_n the_o memory_n of_o these_o particular_a benefit_n be_v every_o where_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o he_o employ_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o his_o service_n or_o reduce_v they_o to_o obedience_n when_o go_v astray_o thus_o esai_n xli_o 8_o 9_o but_o thou_o israel_n art_n my_o servant_n jacob_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n my_o friend_n thou_o who_o i_o have_v take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o call_v thou_o from_o the_o chief_a man_n thereof_o and_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v my_o servant_n i_o have_v choose_v thou_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v more_o passionate_o or_o more_o effectual_a to_o gain_v the_o devotion_n of_o that_o people_n who_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o be_v the_o servant_n the_o friend_n and_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n can_v not_o persuade_v to_o a_o exact_a obedience_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n will_v be_v little_o able_a to_o over-rule_v they_o not_o only_o do_v he_o own_v they_o in_o other_o place_n for_o his_o choose_a people_n but_z as_o if_o for_o their_o sake_n he_o disclaim_v his_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o condescend_v to_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v their_o god_n as_o esai_n xliii_o 14_o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n your_o redeemer_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o holy_a one_o the_o creator_n of_o israel_n your_o king_n in_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o command_n he_o seldom_o make_v use_n of_o his_o supreme_a authority_n or_o claim_v obedience_n to_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o gratitude_n to_o those_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n mercy_n thus_o ezek._n xx._n 5_o 6_o 7._o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n he_o justify_v his_o law_n whereby_o he_o have_v appropriate_v all_o divine_a worship_n to_o himself_o alone_o not_o from_o the_o incommunicativeness_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n but_o from_o the_o right_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v by_o confer_v on_o they_o those_o many_o benefit_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n
that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v on_o the_o cross_n may_v confess_v and_o firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n be_v bury_v and_o rise_v again_o but_o then_o i_o fear_v this_o remembrance_n will_v without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o commemorative_a rite_n which_o god_n ordain_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o the_o complete_a manifestation_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n become_v pure_o historical_a and_o have_v little_a influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n and_o contribute_v much_o less_o to_o excite_v that_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o direction_n who_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o this_o be_v best_a procure_v by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o most_o holy_a mystery_n where_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o significant_a manner_n represent_v to_o we_o where_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a apply_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o where_o every_o single_a communicant_a may_v behold_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n break_v and_o his_o bloodshed_n for_o he_o and_o by_o descend_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o form_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o benefit_n which_o will_v then_o only_o appear_v infinite_a and_o transcendent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a and_o may_v be_v productive_a of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o can_v but_o raise_v the_o utmost_a affection_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o create_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n as_o shall_v not_o easy_o expire_v but_o endeavour_v to_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o those_o action_n which_o shall_v be_v judge_v acceptable_a to_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n while_o the_o lively_a memory_n of_o those_o benefit_n continue_v which_o shall_v ever_o continue_v if_o often_o repair_v renew_v and_o increase_v by_o a_o frequent_a participation_n in_o that_o solemn_a act_n of_o their_o commemoration_n how_o great_a therefore_o be_v the_o prudence_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a time_n which_o repeat_v that_o commemoration_n every_o day_n and_o when_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n permit_v not_o that_o at_o least_o every_o sunday_n and_o esteem_v every_o baptize_v person_n who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n omit_v constant_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o it_o to_o have_v by_o that_o intermission_n fall_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o produce_v and_o secure_v that_o last_a gratitude_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o grand_a motive_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n permit_v not_o their_o zeal_n to_o grow_v cold_a and_o continue_v the_o same_o heat_n of_o devotion_n among_o they_o as_o if_o their_o saviour_n have_v be_v yet_o present_a with_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o deplore_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o ancient_a time_n and_o yet_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o they_o raise_v and_o foment_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o therein_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o so_o much_o celebrate_v piety_n we_o be_v equal_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o benefit_n we_o no_o less_o firm_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o than_o they_o do_v we_o no_o less_o passionate_o desire_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o have_v all_o other_o mean_n of_o instruction_n equal_o afford_v to_o we_o we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o have_v the_o same_o innate_a generous_a inclination_n of_o mind_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v no_o lef_n abound_v to_o we_o and_o the_o same_o reward_n do_v yet_o attend_v we_o how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o can_v equal_v their_o piety_n and_o holiness_n that_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o come_v so_o far_o beneath_o the_o example_n of_o those_o holy_a person_n that_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o a_o different_a religion_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o another_o master_n this_o can_v rational_o be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o to_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o those_o assistance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n bequeath_v to_o we_o of_o which_o the_o chief_a and_o infinite_o great_a be_v the_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n whereby_o that_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n in_o reveal_v religion_n i_o mean_v gratitude_n may_v be_v produce_v keep_v alive_a and_o receive_v continual_a accession_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n this_o to_o the_o no_o less_o scandal_n than_o prejudice_n of_o christianity_n have_v in_o latter_a age_n be_v fatal_o neglect_v and_o discontinue_v reduce_v to_o some_o few_o season_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o year_n and_o then_o perform_v by_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o several_a congregation_n a_o abuse_n which_o perhaps_o can_v be_v equal_v in_o any_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n which_o ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o primary_n and_o essential_a rite_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v general_o omit_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o it_o just_o therefore_o do_v it_o turn_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o general_n that_o it_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n remove_v this_o abuse_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o more_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n over_o all_o christendom_n which_o before_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v by_o long_a disuse_n almost_o become_v unknown_a for_o as_o for_o their_o constant_a private_a mass_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v pretend_v for_o their_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a most_o certain_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o conduce_v to_o commemorate_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n just_o also_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a which_o after_o a_o lamentable_a and_o universal_a disuse_n of_o these_o holy_a mystery_n introduce_v in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n have_v happy_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o they_o renew_v frequent_a communion_n and_o enjoy_v numerous_a communicant_n may_v pastor_n and_o people_n conspire_v to_o make_v this_o excellent_a custom_n become_v universal_a that_o so_o at_o last_o we_o may_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o see_v this_o church_n equal_v the_o apostolic_a time_n in_o zeal_n and_o piety_n as_o it_o do_v in_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n but_o i_o return_v to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o my_o text_n although_o even_o this_o conduce_v mighty_o to_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o argument_n now_o in_o hand_n and_o have_v sufficient_o manifest_v that_o gratitude_n or_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v to_o we_o the_o grand_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o ii_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a motive_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v for_o that_o purpose_n which_o however_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v this_o motive_n be_v before_o all_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o infallible_a wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o to_o salvation_n yet_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o then_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o force_n of_o goodness_n in_o general_n and_o how_o prevalent_a the_o obligation_n of_o benefit_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a of_o all_o argument_n nothing_o be_v so_o amiable_a and_o persuasive_a as_o this_o virtue_n of_o beneficence_n which_o carry_v invincible_a charm_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v great_a conquest_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o all_o the_o force_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n other_o virtue_n may_v create_v a_o veneration_n some_o a_o fear_n and_o other_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o persection_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o but_o this_o alone_a produce_v love_n the_o most_o active_a principle_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o god_n there_o be_v many_o attribute_n which_o may_v confound_v the_o apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o eternity_n and_o omnipresence_n other_o which_o may_v create_v awful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o as_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o omniscience_n and_o some_o which_o may_v produce_v
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upon_o we_o and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o true_a knowledge_n by_o strike_v our_o sense_n with_o amaze_a act_n of_o mercy_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a revelation_n make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o extraordinary_a argument_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o that_o people_n unto_o who_o those_o revelation_n be_v make_v which_o may_v raise_v their_o apprehension_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o consider_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o gratitude_n to_o pay_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n thus_o god_n have_v new_o create_v adam_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o creature_n and_o seat_v he_o in_o paradise_n when_o he_o make_v know_v to_o he_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n he_o have_v assure_v abraham_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o continue_a train_n of_o stupendous_a blessing_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o or_o require_v he_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n in_o his_o circumcision_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n upon_o mount_n sina_n be_v the_o most_o express_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o deliver_v until_o god_n have_v abundant_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o bear_v unto_o they_o by_o work_a sign_n and_o miracle_n in_o their_o behalf_n in_o egypt_n bring_v they_o out_o thence_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n drown_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o miraculousty_a nourish_a themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n such_o amaze_a prodigy_n of_o particular_a kindness_n can_v not_o but_o unite_v they_o to_o god_n their_o benefactor_n in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o amid_o all_o their_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n force_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v adore_v who_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n although_o their_o ignorance_n and_o proneness_n to_o superstition_n often_o betray_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a his_o nature_n and_o displease_v to_o he_o insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o when_o they_o commit_v that_o foul_a apostasy_n relate_v in_o the_o xxxii_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o worship_v god_n under_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o melt_a calf_n they_o still_o forget_v not_o that_o benefit_n but_o direct_v their_o worship_n to_o he_o chief_o upon_o that_o account_n say_v these_o be_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n ver._n 4._o and_o when_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o same_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v retain_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o who_o in_o his_o triennial_n preach_v precede_a his_o crucifixion_n and_o final_a completion_n of_o his_o office_n upon_o earth_n go_v about_o do_v good_a heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v demoniac_n and_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n and_o sense_n to_o unhappy_a person_n who_o before_o want_v they_o these_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v likewise_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o perform_v they_o but_o since_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o his_o person_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o far_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o miracle_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o attestation_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n intention_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n feem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o and_o excite_v their_o
of_o it_o to_o all_o person_n without_o distinction_n the_o most_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o ignorant_a be_v no_o less_o apparent_a for_o however_o these_o philosopher_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o their_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a they_o profess_v indeed_o a_o science_n of_o divine_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o include_v only_o unuseful_a and_o ofttimes_o absurd_a notion_n which_o be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o those_o as_o numerous_a as_o the_o whimsy_n of_o ambitious_a man_n and_o all_o deride_v by_o a_o powerful_a and_o learned_a sect_n which_o deny_v any_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o religion_n yet_o be_v it_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o conjecture_n than_o certainty_n which_o therefore_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n nor_o afford_v any_o other_o hope_n 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as_o be_v hereby_o become_v the_o portion_n of_o repute_a fool_n as_o well_o as_o the_o science_n of_o those_o who_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o condemn_v the_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o superciliousness_n of_o such_o man_n who_o either_o than_o do_v endeavour_v to_o engross_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n or_o now_o do_v true_a belief_n and_o salvation_n to_o themselves_o only_o religion_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n not_o of_o any_o sect_n or_o denomination_n of_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a party_n who_o by_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o they_o nothing_o therefore_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o declare_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o befit_v the_o holiness_n and_o beneficence_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o the_o generous_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o equal_o admit_v all_o man_n and_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o distinction_n in_o person_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o their_o more_fw-mi or_o less_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o it_o impose_v no_o necessary_a duty_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o what_o be_v command_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o observe_v no_o other_o sacrament_n or_o ceremony_n than_o what_o be_v easy_a and_o significant_a few_o and_o instructive_a and_o if_o this_o must_v be_v account_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n have_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n degenerate_v dislike_a divine_a truth_n because_o rational_a plain_a and_o obvious_a it_o have_v indeed_o be_v a_o common_a mistake_n to_o despise_v all_o doctrine_n recommend_v with_o these_o excellent_a quality_n and_o because_o lie_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a multitude_n and_o to_o pronounce_v they_o foolish_a as_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n in_o the_o text_n account_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v foolishness_n because_o of_o its_o simplicity_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o prejudice_n as_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o most_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v a_o mistake_v however_o to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o humanenature_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o affect_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n but_o also_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o disdain_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o simple_a and_o easy_a religion_n either_o add_v abstruse_a and_o sometime_o incredible_a article_n to_o it_o or_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o artificial_a science_n involve_v in_o the_o most_o perplex_a and_o intricate_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v to_o propose_v and_o deliver_v it_o in_o a_o enthusiastic_a stile_n in_o wild_a and_o undigested_a conception_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o confider_v our_o obligation_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o objection_n and_o the_o scandal_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o open_o to_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n for_o however_o it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n we_o still_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v be_v neither_o scandalize_v at_o the_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n nor_o delude_v by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o which_o two_o head_n i_o will_v brief_o speak_v to_o first_o then_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n if_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n continue_v not_o only_o in_o ignorance_n of_o it_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o appear_v to_o some_o incredible_a and_o the_o manner_n propose_v it_o ridiculous_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o scandalize_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v either_o less_o plain_a or_o less_o certain_a we_o all_o know_v mankind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o experience_n the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o prone_a all_o man_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o than_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n oppose_v and_o restrain_v these_o unruly_a passion_n we_o shall_v cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o its_o rejection_n and_o contradiction_n god_n have_v indeed_o set_v his_o reveal_v truth_n in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n but_o still_o leave_v our_o will_n in_o its_o full_a liberty_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v place_n either_o for_o reward_n of_o belief_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o contrary_n not_o that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n incredible_a or_o extraordinary_a not_o that_o we_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o be_v more_o credulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n or_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n reject_v as_o foolish_a or_o monstrous_a our_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n than_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o rational_a as_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o attribute_n of_o veracity_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o strange_a expression_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n certain_a credible_a and_o meritorious_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v foolish_a incredible_a and_o impossible_a that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o christian_a confidence_n and_o that_o god_n therefore_o choose_v this_o way_n that_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v retaliate_v to_o man_n the_o impudence_n of_o idolatry_n in_o which_o they_o have_v voluntary_o engage_v themselves_o by_o the_o impudence_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o they_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o just_o may_v christianity_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n and_o bless_v be_v that_o holy_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o which_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o assâ—…nt_v to_o although_o no_o reward_n attend_v the_o assent_n in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o
worthy_o be_v execute_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n much_o lef_n can_v the_o righteous_a receiâ—…_n the_o recompense_n of_o their_o just_a deed_n therein_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a life_n worthy_a either_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o man_n be_v it_o riches_n or_o prosperity_n sensual_a delight_n and_o temporal_a convenience_n alas_o that_o god_n shall_v confer_v no_o more_o noble_a reward_n on_o his_o servant_n and_o follower_n that_o for_o such_o trifle_n only_o we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o after_o our_o labour_n and_o study_n to_o procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o virtue_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v attain_v no_o other_o reward_n than_o what_o even_o brute_n beast_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o ease_n of_o our_o body_n or_o if_o any_o voluptuous_a person_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o degenerous_a as_o to_o place_v his_o utmost_a felicity_n in_o these_o carnal_a enjoyment_n he_o will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o his_o design_a satisfaction_n although_o heap_v with_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o constant_a thought_n of_o his_o approach_a end_n which_o may_v be_v defer_v but_o can_v be_v remove_v will_v embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n create_v a_o continual_a disquiet_n and_o torment_v he_o with_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o then_o what_o a_o inconsiderable_a happiness_n be_v that_o which_o a_o ague_n or_o a_o fever_n a_o mistake_n or_o a_o casualty_n may_v destroy_v so_o foolish_a be_v it_o for_o a_o pious_a man_n to_o expect_v or_o desire_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v be_v as_o well_o impossible_a as_o unreasonable_a to_o exercise_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o please_a act_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o state_n if_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n be_v entail_v on_o just_a man_n only_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n under_o affliction_n no_o occasion_n for_o charity_n and_o contentment_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v destroy_v what_o great_a demonstration_n of_o religion_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o will_v then_o become_v not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o even_o unlawful_a be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o renunciation_n of_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o relinquish_a the_o assign_a reward_n by_o god_n what_o more_o certain_a manifestation_n of_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o at_o least_o to_o forego_v all_o worldly_a possession_n when_o call_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v then_o no_o less_o foolish_a than_o impracticable_a when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v no_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o dispense_v no_o reward_n after_o death_n it_o will_v then_o in_o wisdom_n concern_v every_o man_n to_o continue_v his_o life_n and_o possession_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n and_o overlook_a all_o interest_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o charity_n to_o miserable_a person_n will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o to_o the_o good_a who_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o calamity_n it_o will_v be_v unuseful_a and_o to_o show_v it_o to_o the_o bad_a in_o who_o misery_n be_v a_o punishment_n will_v be_v to_o reverse_v and_o overthrow_v the_o sentence_n of_o god_n nay_o to_o proceed_v yet_o far_o no_o virtue_n or_o vice_n obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o god_n will_v then_o take_v place_n for_o no_o virtue_n be_v acceptable_a no_o obedience_n deserve_v any_o reward_n from_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n struggle_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n or_o its_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n as_o it_o include_v somewhat_o of_o difficulty_n in_o it_o somewhat_o which_o evidence_v a_o mature_a choice_n of_o right_a reason_n prevail_v over_o the_o opposition_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n whereas_o if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n nothing_o will_v be_v leave_v wherein_o freewill_n may_v interpose_v all_o will_v indifferent_o strive_v to_o be_v good_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v wicked_a than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v pious_a when_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n shall_v draw_v the_o same_o way_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v our_o carnal_a desire_n will_v be_v to_o yield_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n what_o wonder_n will_v it_o be_v if_o man_n than_o serve_v god_n when_o it_o be_v even_o their_o temporal_a interest_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n when_o their_o own_o sense_n permit_v they_o not_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o so_o that_o while_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n remain_v while_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n continue_v while_o a_o real_a difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v maintain_v and_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o laudable_a exercise_n of_o freewill_n we_o can_v judge_v it_o possible_a or_o expedient_a that_o the_o final_a sentence_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o which_o be_v that_o punishment_n can_v be_v inflict_v on_o wicked_a man_n in_o this_o life_n without_o make_v good_a man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n miâ—…erable_a it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o constant_a miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o good_a man_n which_o may_v rescue_v they_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o pestilence_n sword_n or_o famine_n or_o if_o so_o great_a a_o discrimination_n can_v be_v allow_v good_a man_n will_v necessary_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o suffering_n by_o their_o compassion_n by_o the_o loss_n and_o torment_n of_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n who_o be_v torment_v for_o their_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n will_v interrupt_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o pious_a and_o compassionate_a man_n by_o their_o shriek_n and_o clamour_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v what_o a_o scence_z of_o horror_n theearth_n will_v then_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o execute_v his_o vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n what_o a_o face_n of_o cruelty_n and_o desolation_n will_v then_o appear_v it_o will_v then_o bear_v so_o true_a a_o resemblance_n of_o hell_n that_o good_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v annihilate_v than_o to_o be_v present_a in_o it_o so_o that_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o good_a man_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a be_v defer_v to_o another_o life_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v at_o last_o abundant_o satisfy_v you_o both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o form_v both_o the_o decree_v mention_v in_o my_o text_n of_o appoint_v all_o man_n once_o to_o die_n and_o in_o exercise_v a_o final_a judgement_n not_o till_o after_o death_n we_o may_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o we_o be_v long_o since_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o but_o if_o we_o descend_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o examine_v they_o thorough_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o our_o conviction_n we_o be_v enure_v to_o sensual_a thing_n and_o sensual_a proof_n and_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v all_o that_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o another_o life_n because_o the_o experience_n of_o sense_n do_v not_o confirm_v it_o we_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o he_o interpose_v not_o in_o our_o behalf_n in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o wicked_a escape_n his_o knowledge_n when_o they_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o a_o seem_a neglect_n of_o the_o righteous_a in_o this_o life_n betray_v we_o into_o a_o false_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v equal_o forget_v in_o the_o next_o or_o if_o we_o can_v find_v in_o our_o soul_n any_o trace_n of_o such_o incredulity_n and_o suspicion_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o action_n will_v discover_v they_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o yet_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o far_o from_o we_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o can_v escape_v that_o fatal_a sentence_n and_o yet_o live_v as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o we_o despair_v of_o prolong_v our_o life_n
by_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v indeed_o engage_v in_o it_o for_o it_o affect_v those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o betray_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o sin_n desire_v and_o fear_n and_o will_v man_n consider_v can_v not_o but_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o all_o other_o object_n which_o move_v those_o passion_n since_o the_o reward_n propose_v be_v more_o desirable_a the_o punishment_n denounce_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o lord_n his_o forerunner_n john_n baptiâ—…t_n and_o his_o apostle_n employ_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o time_n now_o come_v when_o he_o will_v no_o long_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o will_v evident_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o even_o exemplify_v it_o in_o the_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o do_v short_o after_o the_o axe_n be_v now_o lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o foâ—…th_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n draw_v multitude_n of_o man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o the_o more_o devout_a jew_n but_o also_o soldier_n and_o publican_n who_o confess_v their_o sin_n be_v then_o baptise_a manifest_v by_o that_o ancient_o receive_v emblem_n of_o purity_n and_o innocence_n their_o resolution_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o even_o after_o a_o full_a conviction_n form_v of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n think_v fit_a to_o propose_v this_o very_a argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o have_v be_v long_o train_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_a endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o all_o which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o in_o that_o mission_n which_o he_o then_o enjoin_v they_o yet_o to_o these_o fear_n he_o oppose_v as_o the_o great_a remedy_n this_o consideration_n only_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o other_o motive_n of_o interest_n all_o other_o object_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n concern_v the_o body_n only_o and_o terminate_v there_o but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v desire_v the_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v equal_o concern_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o common_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o both_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o the_o reward_v you_o may_v slight_v perhaps_o as_o not_o desire_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o what_o you_o now_o enjoy_v but_o the_o fear_v you_o can_v surmount_v that_o will_v still_o affect_v you_o for_o if_o you_o so_o much_o value_v the_o present_a ease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o part_n of_o you_o you_o can_v but_o be_v affright_v at_o the_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n if_o this_o consideration_n have_v not_o that_o effect_n upon_o we_o which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v because_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o denounce_v destruction_n far_o from_o be_v certain_a in_o we_o be_v elude_v by_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v without_o repentance_n we_o all_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n prescribe_v rule_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n command_v repentance_n upon_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o these_o rule_n give_v sentence_n of_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o impenitence_n we_o all_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v violate_v those_o rule_n we_o apply_v not_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n for_o do_v not_o man_n real_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o those_o hope_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o future_a punishment_n and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o demerit_n shall_v not_o immediate_o apply_v itself_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n these_o false_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o double_a head_n either_o that_o of_o presumption_n or_o that_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o man_n through_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n fancy_n god_n will_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o general_a sentence_n and_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v this_o and_o another_o and_o a_o three_o sin_n to_o they_o or_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o sin_n secure_o and_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o stupidity_n never_o willing_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o punishment_n upon_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o still_o put_v they_o off_o and_o continue_v to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v however_o save_v they_o though_o theyk_fw-mi now_o not_o why_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o common_a among_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o both_o i_o shall_v oppose_v some_o general_a consideration_n show_v it_o impossible_a that_o goâ—…_n shall_v not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v universal_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o repent_v and_o yet_o shall_v not_o perish_v the_o necessity_n of_o destruction_n consequent_a upon_o unrepentance_n be_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o it_o nay_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v particular_a care_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v herein_o by_o affix_v vehement_a asseveration_n to_o his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n as_o in_o ezech._n xvii_o 19_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n as_o i_o live_v sure_o my_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v despise_v and_o my_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v break_v even_o it_o will_v i_o recompense_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o in_o the_o xxii_o chapter_n have_v denounce_v to_o sinner_n the_o extremity_n of_o his_o anger_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 14._o can_v thy_o heart_n endure_v or_o can_v thy_o hand_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o thou_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o promise_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o without_o repentance_n of_o past_a sin_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n must_v either_o pretend_v to_o new_a light_n and_o new_a revelalation_n new_a term_n of_o covenant_n or_o disbelieve_v those_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a one_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v disbelieve_v they_o for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v that_o of_o many_o christian_n who_o do_v firm_o indeed_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o that_o sacred_a write_n and_o yet_o continue_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n without_o employ_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o only_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o believe_v they_o we_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o and_o when_o we_o do_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o vain_a hope_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o reveal_v truth_n for_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v deceive_v with_o the_o idle_a pretence_n of_o inward_a light_n or_o unaccountable_a revelation_n of_o arbitrary_a election_n for_o secret_a reason_n and_o absolute_a reprobation_n for_o unknown_a cause_n which_o delusion_n when_o once_o entertain_v will_v render_v all_o repentance_n useless_a we_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o old_a form_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n pretend_v to_o no_o revelation_n unknown_a to_o former_a age_n to_o know_v more_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o what_o our_o lord_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o saint_n have_v go_v before_o we_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n yet_o we_o hear_v those_o holy_a scripture_n daily_o read_v to_o we_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v by_o precept_n we_o be_v allure_v by_o promise_n we_o be_v terrify_v by_o threat_n
be_v above_o so_o fit_a ourselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o representative_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o be_v not_o unworthy_a after_o death_n to_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o society_n of_o his_o natural_a and_o now_o glorious_a body_n in_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o he_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o fourteen_o sermon_n preach_v may_n four_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n joh._n fourteen_o 1._o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o return_n to_o his_o father_n endeavour_v by_o many_o preparatory_a discourse_n to_o confirm_v the_o mind_n and_o dispel_v the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o begin_v to_o despond_v at_o the_o news_n of_o his_o approach_a 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of_o their_o master_n and_o fear_v of_o their_o own_o misery_n deprivation_n of_o past_a hope_n and_o despair_v of_o future_a happiness_n wrought_v together_o in_o their_o mind_n they_o retain_v still_o indeed_o some_o faint_a hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a who_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o satisfy_v all_o their_o expectation_n but_o alas_o even_o these_o remain_a hope_n be_v dissipate_v by_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v they_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o immediate_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v unto_o the_o father_n in_o this_o disconsolate_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n seek_v to_o cheer_v up_o the_o spirit_n and_o remove_v the_o despair_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o suffer_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v and_o that_o thus_o it_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v by_o 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labour_n upon_o earth_n upon_o all_o these_o account_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o be_v trouble_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o his_o departure_n and_o the_o temporal_a calamity_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v ensue_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o a_o argument_n of_o consolation_n say_v to_o they_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o cannoâ—…_n deny_v that_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o safety_n also_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o resign_v up_o your_o will_n to_o his_o difposal_n and_o upon_o firm_a assurance_n that_o he_o both_o know_v and_o will_v what_o be_v best_a for_o you_o rest_v content_v in_o all_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o life_n if_o you_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o your_o religion_n in_o which_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o you_o have_v yet_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o rely_v upon_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n and_o distress_n as_o have_v often_o experience_v his_o peculiar_a kindness_n to_o your_o church_n and_o nation_n in_o many_o and_o wonderful_a instance_n which_o be_v therefore_o at_o first_o record_v that_o you_o may_v from_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n interpose_v in_o your_o behalf_n in_o all_o calamity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lxxviii_o psalm_n he_o give_v israel_n a_o law_n which_o he_o command_v our_o forefather_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o they_o come_v up_o they_o may_v show_v their_o child_n the_o same_o that_o they_o may_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o forget_v the_o work_n of_o god_n if_o for_o these_o reason_n you_o be_v content_a to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o relief_n in_o your_o affliction_n for_o much_o great_a reason_n you_o ought_v to_o confide_v and_o rely_v upon_o my_o promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o you_o 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