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
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 only_o from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o great_a care_n to_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a monument_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a in_o which_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v but_o also_o from_o the_o several_a translation_n make_v of_o they_o immediate_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n some_o of_o which_o be_v now_o extant_a from_o write_a copy_n preserve_v even_o to_o this_o day_n write_v not_o long_o after_o the_o apostolic_a time_n and_o from_o the_o citation_n of_o ancient_a writer_n in_o all_o age_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o propose_v to_o you_o the_o proof_n upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v to_o which_o i_o may_v have_v add_v many_o more_o as_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o all_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n more_o particular_o in_o that_o remarkable_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n within_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o he_o the_o constancy_n resolution_n and_o number_n of_o christian_a martyr_n in_o those_o ancient_a time_n when_o they_o have_v certain_a mean_n of_o infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n the_o conquest_n which_o under_o so_o many_o disadvantage_n it_o make_v over_o the_o feirce_v opposition_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o those_o many_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o which_o have_v signal_o appear_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o these_o shall_v at_o present_a suffice_v the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v november_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 in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n i_o do_v propose_v to_o insist_v on_o these_o two_o head_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 the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o dispatch_v in_o the_o forego_n sermon_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n namely_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 that_o this_o not_o the_o constant_a resolution_n of_o profess_v the_o faith_n at_o all_o time_n without_o fear_n or_o cowardice_n be_v the_o primary_n intent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a precept_n in_o my_o text_n appear_v in_o that_o the_o apostle_n will_v we_o to_o do_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n have_v not_o so_o exact_o render_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n or_o in_o confutation_n of_o the_o calumny_n and_o objection_n bring_v against_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o complete_a knowledge_n be_v absolute_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o god_n require_v of_o no_o man_n any_o thing_n beyond_o his_o natural_a strength_n or_o capacity_n or_o which_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n nor_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o we_o know_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n overrun_v with_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n have_v insensible_o fall_v into_o a_o deplorable_a ignorance_n these_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n condemn_v as_o want_v all_o mean_n of_o better_a instruction_n but_o rather_o applaud_v their_o constancy_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o delivery_n we_o know_v also_o how_o great_a a_o society_n of_o christian_n labour_n under_o miserable_a ignorance_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o its_o gross_a erroâ—…s_n by_o the_o artifice_n and_o contrivance_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o deny_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o the_o seripture_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o implieit_n faith_n these_o also_o we_o will_v not_o in_o charity_n condemn_v to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v last_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a how_o many_o member_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n either_o through_o want_n of_o leisute_n or_o natural_a imbecility_n of_o understanding_n through_o default_n of_o education_n or_o other_o accidental_a defect_n unforeseen_a and_o unprovided_a for_o be_v but_o mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o we_o who_o want_v neither_o mean_n of_o instruction_n nor_o capacity_n of_o receive_v they_o no_o excuse_n be_v leave_v if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v they_o to_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o obtain_v a_o rational_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n from_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a men._n christianity_n indeed_o iâ—…_n not_o in_o our_o age_n oppose_v with_o that_o open_a and_o barefaced_a confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o it_o be_v force_v to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n the_o unite_a force_n of_o a_o victorious_a and_o learned_a empire_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o secret_a impugner_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n who_o if_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n they_o he_o restrain_v from_o profess_v their_o secret_a atheism_n and_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o stick_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o especial_o christianity_n because_o most_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n in_o defence_n of_o which_o only_o they_o maintain_v their_o impious_a opinion_n it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o these_o man_n that_o christianity_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o so_o the_o licentious_a practice_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n may_v not_o be_v abbridge_v to_o they_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n embitter_v all_o their_o pleasure_n for_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o say_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v have_v no_o enemy_n but_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v life_n who_o either_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n however_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o ancient_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o who_o many_o sincere_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n which_o common_o end_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereas_o these_o dispute_n only_o for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v thence_o transport_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n cast_v the_o word_n of_o convicton_n behind_o they_o and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o such_o man_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o as_o opportunity_n be_v minister_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v those_o among_o we_o who_o open_o and_o with_o great_a excess_n of_o apparent_a zeal_n seek_v to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o superstition_n they_o oppose_v not_o direct_o indeed_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o corrupt_v it_o with_o error_n and_o false_a opinion_n rend_v in_o sunder_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o promote_a and_o persuade_v a_o schifmatical_a departure_n from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_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 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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
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 preserve_v a_o awful_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o goodness_n hereby_o it_o add_v to_o all_o other_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o humility_n a_o virtue_n almost_o unknown_a to_o any_o other_o system_v of_o religion_n yet_o natural_o arise_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n last_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o simple_a equal_o adapt_v to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o may_v just_o be_v account_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n since_o it_o equal_o concern_v and_o include_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o none_o such_o as_o carry_v their_o conviction_n along_o with_o they_o and_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o to_o be_v propose_v the_o principle_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o significant_a such_o as_o 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
most_o holy_a reform_a religion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n by_o decry_v it_o as_o heretical_a and_o damnable_a to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o these_o man_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a than_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o study_n of_o christianity_n to_o inquire_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o search_v the_o design_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o his_o ignorance_n may_v not_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o the_o attempt_v of_o design_v man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o betray_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o error_n and_o superstition_n to_o this_o pursuance_n and_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n our_o church_n encourage_v and_o earnest_o entreat_v we_o she_o take_v no_o refuge_n in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o 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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
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
wonderful_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a action_n be_v require_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wrought_v they_o if_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v deficient_a in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n it_o have_v be_v irrational_a as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v admit_v his_o revelation_n although_o confirm_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n imaginable_a since_o they_o must_v have_v own_v thereby_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v as_o be_v confirm_v to_o they_o by_o a_o equal_a authority_n of_o miracle_n but_o not_o only_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v this_o truth_n the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n evident_o manifest_v it_o the_o first_o while_o yet_o on_o earth_n constant_o assert_v his_o divine_a mission_n and_o quality_n of_o messiah_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v testify_v of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o death_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o perform_v indeed_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o ever_o have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o in_o dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o common_o wave_v that_o argument_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o know_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o great_a of_o his_o miracle_n his_o resurrection_n be_v a_o less_o valid_a proof_n and_o inferior_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o he_o often_o think_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o propose_v as_o a_o necessary_a motive_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o a_o motive_n as_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o disow_v and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thus_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o vth._n of_o st._n john_n verse_n 39_o 46_o 47._o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n no_o other_o method_n do_v he_o make_v use_n of_o to_o convince_v his_o disciple_n walk_v to_o emmaus_n that_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o have_v befall_v his_o person_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o messiah_n all_o those_o glorious_a miracle_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n prove_v unsuccessful_a and_o can_v not_o secure_v their_o faith_n from_o a_o shameful_a fluctuation_n until_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o that_o it_o thus_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n if_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o a_o full_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v convince_v the_o remain_a jew_n who_o be_v less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v choose_v by_o christ_n and_o use_v as_o the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o train_v up_o in_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o preacher_n who_o may_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o master_n as_o to_o be_v witness_n and_o spectactor_n of_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o may_v afterward_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o convince_v mankind_n that_o they_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o former_a can_v not_o be_v the_o end_n or_o intention_n of_o their_o accompany_v christ_n through_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office_n appear_v plain_o from_o their_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n obtain_v his_o chief_a aim_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o select_v certain_a person_n for_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n this_o end_n therefore_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v of_o witness_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o reasonableness_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o every_o private_a man._n for_o we_o no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n himself_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n or_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a command_n over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o men._n they_o may_v indeed_o much_o more_o just_o have_v claim_v such_o a_o privilege_n than_o any_o ever_o since_o their_o time_n as_o be_v personal_o infallible_a and_o endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o they_o never_o endeavour_v to_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o hearer_n before_o they_o have_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v their_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v in_o a_o more_o rational_a method_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o master_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n with_o argument_n who_o attention_n they_o have_v before_o excite_v by_o miracle_n these_o argument_n when_o direct_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v chief_o take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o prophecy_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v plain_o soretold_v and_o describe_v the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o action_n themselves_o be_v witness_n thus_o we_o find_v st._n peter_n in_o his_o sermon_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o day_n to_o have_v use_v no_o other_o method_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o have_v urge_v the_o illustrious_a miracle_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n new_o confer_v on_o they_o as_o the_o conformity_n of_o that_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n his_o sermon_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o st._n stephen_n in_o the_o vii_o chap._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o xiii_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n when_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n philip_n convince_v the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v a_o jewish_a proselyte_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n act_n viii_o and_o act_v xviii_o apollo_n be_v say_v to_o have_v mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n st._n paul_n plead_v before_o king_n agrippa_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o stand_v there_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n act_n xxvi_o 6._o and_o ver_fw-la 27._o appeal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ask_v agrippa_n whether_o he_o believe_v not_o they_o insinuate_v that_o if_o he_o true_o believe_v the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v their_o genuine_a sense_n he_o can_v not_o but_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n be_v employ_v in_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v xxviii_o 23._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o testify_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n his_o action_n miracle_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o may_v then_o by_o every_o private_a man_n be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o
of_o the_o messiah_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o mighty_a expectation_n of_o a_o external_a pomp_n and_o secular_a greatness_n wherewith_o their_o messiah_n shall_v enter_v upon_o his_o office_n and_o which_o he_o shall_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n they_o think_v not_o of_o spiritual_a blessing_n reformation_n of_o manner_n removal_n of_o error_n proposal_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o rational_a religion_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a happiness_n in_o another_o life_n but_o mighty_a army_n and_o continual_a triumph_n wide_a conquest_n and_o inesâ—…imable_a spoil_n they_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n by_o the_o victorious_a arm_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a success_n at_o last_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n these_o fond_a conceit_n be_v now_o entertain_v by_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n and_o tenacious_o maintain_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o along_o believe_v indeed_o their_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o great_a messiah_n but_o withal_o even_o to_o his_o ascension_n continue_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o glorious_a office_n not_o all_o the_o premonition_n of_o his_o future_a suffering_n not_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o present_a poverty_n and_o disgrace_n or_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o burial_n can_v remove_v this_o inveterate_a error_n from_o their_o mind_n or_o create_v in_o they_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o office_n but_o after_o all_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n they_o ask_v he_o by_o common_a consent_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 will_v thou_o now_o commence_v that_o glorious_a reign_n which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v the_o want_n of_o this_o external_a pomp_n and_o appearance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a humility_n total_o hinder_v his_o brethren_n that_o be_v his_o kindred_n from_o believe_v on_o he_o as_o be_v express_v st._n john_n vii_o 5._o and_o can_v not_o divert_v the_o apostle_n who_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n from_o nourish_v vain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a greatness_n in_o this_o world_n insomuch_o as_o immediate_o after_o christ_n have_v foretell_v they_o in_o the_o x._o of_o st._n mark_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v betray_v deliver_v to_o the_o gentile_n buffet_v scourge_v and_o crucify_a the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n not_o discourage_v by_o all_o these_o calamity_n which_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o entrance_n into_o a_o great_a temporal_a glory_n request_v of_o he_o that_o one_o may_v fit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o emmaus_n far_o from_o consider_v the_o past_a suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o precedent_a admonition_n of_o it_o which_o may_v just_o have_v refute_v and_o defeat_v their_o foolish_a expectation_n begin_v to_o suspect_v this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n since_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v the_o hope_v for_o external_a redemption_n to_o the_o jew_n we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n but_o those_o hope_n be_v vanish_v and_o he_o yet_o continue_v in_o his_o grave_n since_o then_o the_o apostle_n continue_v to_o retain_v these_o prejudices_fw-la &_o preconceive_a error_n and_o be_v thereby_o hinder_v from_o conceive_v the_o spirituality_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v right_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n until_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v remove_v and_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n introduce_v till_o then_o they_o can_v not_o but_o gross_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o those_o many_o revelation_n which_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n this_n not_o only_o disable_v they_o from_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o also_o hinder_v they_o while_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n from_o receive_v any_o more_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o john_n xvi_o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n i_o have_v yet_o great_a mystery_n to_o reveal_v to_o you_o and_o which_o will_v seem_v more_o astonish_n to_o you_o but_o the_o indisposition_n of_o your_o understanding_n at_o present_a cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n will_v defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o these_o therefore_o i_o leave_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o i_o shall_v send_v unto_o you_o who_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a operation_n assist_v your_o understanding_n will_v prepare_v it_o for_o a_o ready_a reception_n of_o all_o those_o truth_n a_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o they_o may_v be_v that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n the_o mystery_n of_o which_o create_v in_o they_o the_o great_a perplexity_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v perform_v i_o mean_v his_o crucifixion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n before_o they_o see_v these_o thing_n effect_v they_o can_v not_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o they_o have_v represent_v to_o themselves_o as_o a_o triumphant_a messiah_n and_o earthly_a king_n shall_v undergo_v they_o and_o therefore_o all_o our_o saviour_n premonition_n concern_v they_o be_v no_o less_o dark_a and_o obscure_a than_o surprise_v to_o they_o but_o afterward_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o they_o awaken_v their_o attention_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v more_o serious_o upon_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o then_o plain_o perceive_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o every_o prediction_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v the_o event_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o view_v the_o circumstance_n of_o all_o these_o action_n can_v not_o but_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v all_o manifest_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v consequent_o to_o be_v necessary_o perform_v by_o he_o not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v the_o far_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a miracle_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v produce_v a_o great_a effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n than_o any_o precedent_a action_n and_o how_o the_o subsequent_a performance_n of_o action_n and_o mystery_n foretell_v by_o christ_n contribute_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o mystery_n themselves_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o especial_o from_o those_o two_o passage_n which_o i_o before_o produce_v john_n ii_o 22._o when_o therefore_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n remember_v that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o again_o john_n xii_o 16._o these_o thing_n understand_v not_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o but_o when_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v then_o remember_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n â—…ere_v write_v of_o he_o nay_o so_o much_o do_v christ_n himself_o attribute_v to_o the_o cogency_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n that_o to_o the_o jew_n desire_v a_o convictive_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n he_o assign_v no_o other_o than_o that_o as_o ionas_n be_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o a_o space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o however_o his_o other_o miracle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n to_o unprejudiced_a person_n yet_o in_o some_o place_n he_o seem_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o suspension_n of_o assent_n till_o they_o shall_v see_v this_o grand_a and_o final_a miracle_n perform_v thus_o in_o the_o word_n precede_v my_o text_n assure_v his_o apostle_n that_o though_o he_o depart_v for_o a_o while_n he_o shall_v live_v again_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o at_o that_o day_n the_o day_n of_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o and_o john_n viii_o 28._o dispute_v with_o the_o incredulous_a jew_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v their_o obstinate_a stupidity_n he_o say_v unto_o
those_o which_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v indeed_o reveal_v but_o only_o that_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v real_o make_v can_v appear_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o argument_n of_o probability_n three_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v be_v extraordinary_o obtain_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v afterward_o pour_v on_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o convenient_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o former_a for_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o commence_v not_o till_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v to_o himself_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o apostle_n s._n joh._n xvi_o 7._o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o in_o another_o place_n this_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o be_v no_o less_o engage_v which_o may_v just_o have_v be_v arraign_v if_o he_o have_v use_v so_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n a_o miracle_n as_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n since_o no_o such_o instruction_n be_v yet_o necessary_a which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o propose_v to_o prove_v namely_o ii_o that_o a_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a information_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o at_o last_o deliver_v they_o down_o in_o write_v to_o succeed_a age_n infallible_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o any_o intermix_a enrour_n to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v subject_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v every_o point_n of_o it_o and_o attend_v by_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o all_o possible_a danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o create_v this_o clear_a apprehension_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o convey_v down_o this_o assistance_n to_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n and_o the_o principal_a effect_n of_o that_o mission_n at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v so_o that_o since_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v design_v pure_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n of_o preach_v and_o propagate_a the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commence_v till_o after_o his_o ascension_n it_o manifest_o follow_v that_o a_o exact_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n before_o that_o time_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n will_v have_v be_v useful_a indeed_o to_o they_o even_o before_o that_o time_n but_o useful_a to_o they_o only_o as_o private_a person_n not_o as_o bear_v the_o public_a office_n and_o character_n of_o apostle_n who_o office_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n consist_v as_o we_o before_o observe_v in_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o action_n suffering_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a afterward_o to_o testify_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o office_n of_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v no_o exact_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o may_v be_v sufficient_o discharge_v by_o any_o person_n who_o be_v not_o devoid_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o honesty_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v necessary_a upon_o reason_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o will_v have_v continue_v necessary_a although_o the_o apostle_n have_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n for_o however_o they_o may_v then_o sufficient_o understand_v it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perpetual_a extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v infallible_o secure_v they_o from_o all_o future_a error_n in_o deliver_v it_o to_o other_o or_o create_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o probability_n as_o may_v deserve_v the_o assent_n and_o belief_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o future_a age_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a through_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o remedy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o withal_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o conduct_n of_o the_o apostle_n continue_v under_o that_o ignorance_n till_o the_o ascension_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n permit_v it_o till_o that_o time_n disadvantageous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o draw_v some_o few_o conclusion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o proposal_n first_o then_o if_o as_o we_o before_o show_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v unquestionable_o infallible_a never_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n nor_o require_v from_o their_o hearer_n a_o blind_a assent_n to_o their_o dictate_v if_o they_o submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o scripture_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o private_a man_n in_o vain_a do_v any_o at_o this_o day_n pretend_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n from_o who_o lie_v no_o appeal_n either_o to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n and_o thereby_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o never_o claim_v but_o i_o wave_v that_o particular_a and_o choose_v rather_o to_o insist_v on_o some_o more_o practical_a consideration_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n under_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n if_o after_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o triennial_a conversation_n and_o the_o constant_a hear_n of_o his_o divine_a discourse_n they_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o nature_n of_o christianity_n this_o aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o learning_n and_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o inquire_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o our_o saviour_n convey_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o admirable_a simplicity_n have_v fit_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o abstruse_a science_n as_o surmount_v the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v entire_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o school_n and_o knowledge_n of_o learned_a man_n the_o acquisition_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o even_o easy_a to_o all_o man_n but_o then_o god_n in_o propose_v this_o religion_n intend_v not_o pure_o to_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o man_n and_o consult_v their_o ease_n some_o condition_n be_v also_o necessary_a on_o our_o side_n that_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o truth_n examine_v the_o scripture_n harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o pastor_n careful_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o bring_v a_o mind_n ready_a dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o truth_n which_o shall_v evident_o appear_v to_o we_o how_o contrary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o our_o passion_n and_o inclination_n for_o although_o we_o labour_v not_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n
whether_o divine_a or_o humane_a who_o never_o can_v equal_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o law_n by_o the_o spotless_a sanctity_n of_o their_o life_n even_o moses_n who_o have_v this_o testimony_n from_o god_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n do_v not_o always_o preserve_v inviolate_a that_o entire_a reliance_n on_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o he_o so_o earnest_o and_o so_o often_o recommend_v to_o his_o people_n but_o offend_v at_o the_o water_n of_o strife_n and_o be_v provoke_v to_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n as_o for_o other_o lawgiver_n who_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v either_o none_o or_o feign_a they_o be_v little_a solicitous_a to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o law_n by_o their_o example_n thereby_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o intend_v they_o rather_o for_o politic_a than_o religious_a end_n not_o so_o much_o to_o promote_v virtue_n as_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v exact_o perform_v in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o founder_n who_o give_v we_o not_o only_o a_o rule_n but_o a_o example_n of_o perfect_a piety_n in_o he_o all_o noble_a and_o divine_a virtue_n eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v rather_o attract_v our_o imitation_n than_o dazzle_v our_o contemplation_n just_o do_v he_o say_v of_o himself_o john_n ix_o 5._o that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n direct_v all_o person_n the_o way_n to_o happiness_n by_o his_o illustrious_a example_n and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n practise_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o in_o other_o person_n be_v single_o admire_v insomuch_o as_o we_o may_v just_o apply_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o other_o what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o in_o respect_n of_o humility_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o joh._n xiii_o 15._o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o his_o disciple_n to_o admire_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o example_n he_o require_v far_a of_o we_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v that_o we_o express_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o by_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o incomparable_a virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o propose_v they_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o we_o manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o follower_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o conduct_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v divide_v my_o discourse_n into_o three_o head_n i._o i_o will_v show_v that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o god_n intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a example_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o action_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o iii_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o argument_n induce_v we_o to_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o this_o example_n i._o that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o our_o action_n this_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v and_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n practise_v and_o consequent_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o his_o example_n which_o however_o indirect_a be_v yet_o a_o most_o evident_a argument_n but_o also_o from_o many_o other_o direct_a argument_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v name_v some_o few_o 1._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a sequel_n and_o design_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n one_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v those_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o history_n of_o it_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v chief_o observe_v four_o kind_n of_o matter_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_n of_o inspire_a person_n his_o miracle_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o ancient_a precede_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o action_n of_o these_o the_o two_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o two_o latter_a direct_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n to_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o abundant_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n he_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n into_o which_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v matter_n of_o the_o last_o sort_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v take_v no_o less_o care_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o these_o than_o with_o his_o doctrine_n the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o propose_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o imitation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o although_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o truth_n be_v affirm_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n these_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o her_o care_n and_o give_v for_o her_o direction_n it_o manifest_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o each_o evangelist_n apart_o to_o deliver_v a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o yet_o all_o conspire_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o give_v a_o full_a relation_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o direct_v those_o sacred_a penman_n and_o who_o infallible_a wisdom_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a think_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christian_n it_o become_v we_o as_o to_o adore_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o to_o take_v care_n least_o by_o neglect_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n so_o studious_o and_o full_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o defeat_v his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v perform_v that_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n in_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n john_n xiii_o tell_v they_o ver_fw-la 15._o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o by_o that_o ceremony_n he_o design_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o teach_v they_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o retain_v high_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o merit_n much_o less_o pride_n and_o ambition_n when_o they_o have_v see_v he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n condescend_v to_o execute_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o they_o who_o be_v his_o domestic_a servant_n and_o indeed_o the_o action_n can_v be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o end_n it_o have_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o the_o completion_n of_o any_o ancient_a prophecy_n serve_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a or_o admirable_a in_o it_o but_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n and_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v propose_v for_o our_o imitation_n than_o that_o many_o of_o his_o action_n aim_v at_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a virtue_n by_o the_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
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
conception_n dark_a and_o unaccountable_a above_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n fit_v only_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n and_o after_o all_o no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o volatile_a fancy_n so_o little_o adapt_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o indeed_o intend_v for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o conceal_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n and_o impart_v only_o to_o confident_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n relate_v to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o even_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o ceremony_n and_o legal_a observation_n impose_v on_o they_o they_o know_v in_o general_a that_o many_o of_o they_o typify_v the_o come_n of_o a_o future_a messiah_n who_o shall_v institute_v a_o more_o excellent_a religion_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o signal_n benefit_n to_o their_o nation_n but_o alas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o infinite_o unsatisfactory_a to_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a yet_o still_o continue_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o any_o certain_a guide_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o learned_a jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_n these_o employ_v their_o labour_n in_o find_v out_o the_o hide_a meaning_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o those_o ceremonial_a institution_n but_o so_o unsuccessful_o that_o they_o plain_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o their_o divine_a lawgiver_n and_o by_o turn_v all_o his_o ritual_a precept_n into_o allegory_n and_o obscure_a mystery_n defeat_v their_o institution_n and_o corrupt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n with_o false_a notion_n and_o interpretation_n and_o no_o wonder_n indeed_o for_o the_o veil_n be_v not_o yet_o take_v from_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v remove_v but_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n disperse_v the_o dark_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n he_o alone_o have_v make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o easy_a to_o all_o and_o thereby_o make_v the_o ignorance_n of_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v inexcusable_a herein_o complete_n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n xxxi_o 33_o 34._o after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o in_o propose_v this_o plain_a and_o easy_a religion_n god_n intend_v to_o supercede_v all_o labour_n of_o mankind_n and_o imprint_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o even_o violent_o upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n propose_v the_o truth_n clear_o to_o we_o enforce_v it_o with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n fit_v it_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o afford_v we_o easy_a mean_n of_o obtain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o after_o such_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o free_a entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n whether_o we_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v we_o mere_a brute_n and_o machine_n not_o capable_a of_o entertain_v any_o religion_n and_o unfit_a to_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o age_n not_o to_o cast_v holy_a thing_n before_o dog_n nor_o pearl_n before_o swine_n to_o create_v a_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o person_n insensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o mankind_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o and_o who_o make_v no_o advancement_n towards_o their_o reception_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v choose_v to_o propose_v those_o eternal_a truth_n in_o such_o a_o method_n as_o that_o a_o perfect_a acquisition_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v exercise_v the_o diligence_n and_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n we_o must_v bring_v mind_n free_v from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n use_v due_a attention_n search_v the_o scripture_n weigh_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o persuade_v their_o divinity_n and_o be_v once_o convince_v of_o that_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n use_v all_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v abundant_o provide_v for_o our_o instruction_n we_o must_v not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n but_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n reflect_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n a_o subject_a than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian._n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o only_o enforce_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o they_o be_v our_o great_a perfection_n and_o will_v be_v our_o utmost_a happiness_n although_o attend_v with_o no_o reward_n every_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n will_v augment_v the_o force_n of_o our_o obligation_n and_o bring_v some_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n have_v add_v to_o those_o imperfect_a discovery_n make_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o those_o foederal_n rite_n the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o these_o benefit_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a more_o perfect_o to_o comprehend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o these_o advantage_n natural_o flow_v from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o our_o faith_n however_o the_o apostle_n in_o give_v this_o precept_n more_o immediate_o respect_v the_o conviction_n of_o those_o person_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o christian_n as_o of_o evil_a doer_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o live_v godly_o holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o this_o present_a world_n man_n decry_v it_o as_o lead_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o forbid_v any_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o false_a god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a object_n of_o adoration_n at_o that_o time_n and_o change_v all_o pompous_a external_a ceremony_n into_o a_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a worship_n they_o traduce_v it_o as_o irrational_a and_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n because_o not_o propose_v with_o the_o usual_a ostentation_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n and_o require_v man_n to_o deny_v their_o lust_n conquer_v their_o desire_n and_o sorfake_v their_o most_o darling_a passion_n last_o they_o reject_v it_o as_o impious_a and_o execrable_a as_o a_o unheâ—…rd_n of_o superstition_n and_o a_o fond_a credulity_n because_o they_o know_v not_o those_o argument_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v nor_o consider_v the_o demonstrative_a proof_n which_o recommend_v it_o to_o convince_v the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o these_o man_n the_o apostle_n require_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o so_o whereas_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n lead_v to_o immorality_n nor_o their_o practice_n favour_v it_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o speculative_a science_n mere_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n and_o not_o correct_v our_o error_n but_o as_o a_o operative_a knowledge_n which_o may_v visible_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man._n the_o divinity_n
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 respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o it_o or_o 2._o 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 i._o if_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n propose_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o exact_o rational_a and_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o consideration_n but_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o no_o more_o than_o two_o as_o i._o christianity_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o secure_v his_o honour_n among_o man_n the_o brimary_n end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v intend_v cither_o to_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n and_o thanks_o which_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o right_a of_o creation_n redemption_n and_o other_o benefit_n require_v or_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n supply_v our_o necessity_n or_o confer_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o these_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o may_v best_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n our_o soul_n alone_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o religion_n can_v alone_o entertain_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o corporeal_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o otherwise_o holy_a or_o to_o be_v account_v of_o than_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o show_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o declare_v its_o thought_n and_o motion_n when_o vehement_a and_o intense_a by_o external_a indication_n all_o other_o voluntary_a external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o inward_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n serve_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o relate_v no_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n if_o we_o real_o employ_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n love_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v his_o justice_n these_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o discover_v themselves_o in_o outward_a act_n and_o gesture_n and_o can_v be_v suppress_v these_o external_a action_n declare_v to_o other_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o tend_v to_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v his_o glory_n but_o deserve_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v regard_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o inward_a piety_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o external_a show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o make_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o any_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o represent_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n by_o corporeal_a symbol_n rather_o than_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a service_n instead_o of_o a_o near_a conformity_n to_o himself_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n such_o a_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v true_a but_o neither_o agrceable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nor_o answer_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n god_n may_v accept_v it_o or_o even_o command_v it_o for_o a_o time_n in_o compassion_n to_o the_o blindness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n not_o capable_a under_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a religion_n but_o can_v never_o intend_v to_o continue_v it_o any_o long_o than_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a and_o open_a revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o the_o heathen_n deserve_v not_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v among_o who_o religious_a worship_n consist_v whole_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o action_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o wash_n and_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n in_o observation_n of_o time_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n which_o although_o they_o serve_v to_o typefie_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o with_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a religion_n yet_o do_v not_o direct_o signify_v any_o inward_a act_n of_o reverence_n piety_n or_o devotion_n nor_o be_v necessary_o accompany_v by_o they_o the_o perpetual_a offering_n of_o carnal_a sacrifice_n alone_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o worship_n since_o therein_o the_o sacrificer_n desire_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v the_o life_n of_o beast_n instead_o of_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n the_o devote_v their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o respect_v no_o ceremonial_a observance_n impose_v on_o we_o nor_o indeed_o any_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n save_v only_o those_o foederal_n rite_n i_o mean_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o
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 this_o purpose_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o precept_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o which_o have_v provide_v most_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n which_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n betray_v it_o to_o a_o universal_a idolatry_n the_o two_o great_a motive_n and_o cause_n of_o idolatry_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v first_o that_o man_n enure_v to_o sensual_a and_o corporeal_a object_n either_o lose_v all_o notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a god_n and_o then_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o fellow_n creature_n or_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n desire_v to_o worship_v he_o by_o some_o visible_a representation_n which_o may_v strike_v their_o sense_n or_o second_o that_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v deserve_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n they_o form_v to_o themselves_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inexorable_a deity_n who_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o prayer_n from_o their_o pollute_a hand_n nor_o be_v entreat_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o earthly_a prince_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o friend_n and_o favourite_n hence_o they_o set_v up_o innumerable_a intercessor_n with_o god_n either_o angel_n who_o they_o term_v demon_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o depart_a hero_n who_o they_o imagine_v dear_a to_o god_n solicit_v their_o mediation_n direct_v their_o prayer_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o they_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o supreme_a god_n these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a persuasion_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o idolatry_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v excellent_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n forbid_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o by_o any_o corporeal_a representation_n upon_o earth_n have_v invest_v his_o own_o son_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o express_v image_n of_o his_o person_n with_o our_o flesh_n and_o command_v we_o through_o he_o to_o worship_v himself_o and_o then_o to_o cure_v the_o fondness_n of_o mankind_n desire_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o intercessor_n he_o have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a intercessor_n and_o promise_v to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o in_o his_o name_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n and_o at_o his_o mediation_n to_o be_v propitious_a to_o we_o thus_o the_o wise_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n have_v most_o admirable_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o most_o successful_o for_o hereby_o idolatry_n be_v root_v out_o the_o constant_a worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n introduce_v and_o while_o the_o church_n continue_v uncorrupted_a preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n not_o the_o least_o resemblance_n of_o idolatry_n can_v be_v discover_v the_o very_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v their_o worship_n to_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o most_o worthy_a the_o nature_n of_o god_n no_o image_n be_v use_v by_o they_o nor_o any_o prayer_n offer_v up_o but_o by_o the_o alone_a mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n which_o admit_v corporeal_a representation_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o new_a intercessor_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n saint_n and_o angel_n who_o may_v receive_v and_o manage_v their_o request_n that_o so_o palpable_a a_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v shall_v be_v still_o defend_v as_o lawful_a and_o continue_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n after_o so_o manifest_a conviction_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o be_v admire_v but_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n have_v enforce_v they_o to_o do_v this_o which_o nothing_o but_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o desperate_a cause_n can_v persuade_v man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o no_o such_o 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person_n and_o can_v discover_v the_o most_o secret_a recess_n
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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 the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v plain_o expire_v and_o yet_o no_o other_o person_n have_v yet_o appear_v to_o who_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v so_o that_o either_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v whole_o false_a or_o the_o christian_a infallible_o true_a then_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o more_o wonderful_a in_o their_o operation_n more_o beneficial_a in_o their_o nature_n more_o convictive_a of_o their_o divine_a original_a or_o better_o attest_v than_o they_o be_v so_o great_a and_o stupendous_a that_o they_o force_v even_o his_o adversary_n to_o confess_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n as_o he_o convince_v the_o multitude_n that_o even_o when_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v he_o can_v not_o do_v great_a work_n than_o those_o and_o induce_v the_o roman_a centurion_n watch_v at_o his_o cross_n even_o 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miracle_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v or_o at_o lest_o who_o receive_v instruction_n from_o such_o they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v require_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v wilful_o deceive_v we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n call_v in_o doubt_n and_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o relation_n of_o former_a history_n which_o depend_v upon_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o their_o writer_n yet_o shall_v we_o just_o esteem_v he_o mad_a who_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o person_n as_o caesar_n and_o alexander_n in_o the_o 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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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 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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 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god_n in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o choose_v israel_n and_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o make_v myself_o know_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n when_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o they_o say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o forth_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n into_o a_o land_n that_o i_o have_v espy_v for_o they_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o land_n then_o i_o say_v unto_o they_o cast_v you_o away_o every_o man_n the_o abomination_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o defile_v not_o yourselves_o with_o the_o idol_n of_o egypt_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n to_o say_v no_o more_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n under_o which_o god_n be_v constant_o worship_v from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o name_n import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o constancy_n in_o effect_v his_o promise_n the_o completion_n of_o which_o shall_v necessary_o as_o often_o return_v into_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o most_o holy_a name_n be_v take_v into_o their_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o at_o that_o moment_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v complete_v god_n make_v himself_o know_v unto_o the_o jew_n by_o this_o name_n jehovah_n say_v unto_o moses_n exod._n vi_o 3._o and_o i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o el_n shaddai_n or_o god_n almighty_a but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v not_o i_o know_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o be_v know_v indeed_o unto_o your_o forefather_n by_o my_o attribute_n of_o greatness_n and_o omnipotence_n whereby_o they_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v that_o i_o be_v able_a in_o due_a time_n to_o confer_v upon_o they_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o but_o 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of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o benefit_n be_v enjoin_v and_o parent_n command_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o their_o child_n on_o the_o severe_a penalty_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n which_o be_v in_o more_o frequent_a use_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v employ_v in_o repeat_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o urge_v the_o duty_n of_o gratitude_n arise_v from_o they_o and_o as_o if_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o that_o people_n consist_v in_o retain_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o favour_n moses_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o require_v nothing_o else_o of_o they_o who_o after_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o law_n and_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o they_o subjoin_v only_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o keep_v thy_o soul_n diligent_o lest_o thou_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o thy_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o lest_o they_o depart_v from_o thy_o heart_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o teach_v they_o thy_o son_n and_o thy_o son_n son_n deut._n iu._n 9_o he_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o if_o this_o grateful_a remembrance_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o it_o will_v draw_v along_o with_o it_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o therefore_o as_o our_o savioâ—…r_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o love_n o_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n so_o he_o comprise_v all_o in_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n afterward_o when_o the_o deplorable_a idolatry_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o which_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o captivity_n have_v almost_o effaced_a the_o memory_n of_o their_o miraculous_a deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o by_o a_o new_a prodigy_n of_o mercy_n god_n have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o captivity_n and_o replace_v they_o in_o their_o ancient_a possession_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o almost_o forget_a benefit_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o memory_n of_o which_o be_v grow_v faint_a among_o they_o but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a restitution_n the_o remembrance_n of_o which_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v suppose_v to_o produce_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n in_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o bespeak_v they_o jerem._n xvi_o 14_o 15._o therefore_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o it_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north_n and_o from_o all_o the_o land_n whither_o he_o have_v drive_v they_o and_o i_o will_v bring_v they_o again_o into_o their_o land_n that_o i_o give_v unto_o their_o father_n the_o same_o word_n he_o repeat_v in_o the_o xxiii_o seven_o and_o 8_o verse_n so_o studious_o do_v god_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o happiness_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o by_o heap_v new_a benefit_n upon_o they_o and_o inculcate_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o in_o all_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n under_o the_o gospel_n also_o god_n continue_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o author_n of_o some_o signal_n benefit_n as_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o we_o obtain_v redemption_n from_o our_o sin_n and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a egypt_n the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o every_o act_n of_o our_o christian_a worship_n the_o memory_n of_o this_o benefit_n be_v present_v to_o we_o while_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o father_n which_o can_v be_v without_o recall_v to_o mind_v his_o infinite_a mercy_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v design_v by_o he_o and_o effect_v by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n all_o the_o sacrament_n and_o external_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o benefit_n than_o do_v the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o commemorate_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n particular_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v institute_v to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o preserve_v a_o lively_a memory_n of_o that_o great_a and_o final_a act_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o continue_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o stripesby_n which_o we_o be_v heal_v and_o of_o that_o blood_n by_o which_o we_o be_v cleanse_v if_o by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n fail_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n for_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v that_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o deplorable_a disuse_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o which_o creep_v into_o latter_a age_n and_o be_v continue_v in_o our_o time_n that_o universal_a decay_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o lament_v can_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n as_o to_o this_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o with_o that_o of_o our_o redemption_n sensible_o decay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o that_o venerable_a mystery_n begin_v to_o be_v discontinue_v which_o be_v institute_v on_o purpose_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o a_o lively_a representation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n man_n perhaps_o may_v retain_v a_o historical_a remembrance_n of_o
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
gratitude_n by_o their_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n for_o among_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o above_o three_o or_o four_o can_v be_v find_v which_o do_v not_o immediate_o respect_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o infirmity_n the_o relief_n of_o the_o want_v or_o in_o general_a the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n that_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o than_o second_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o manifest_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n how_o much_o great_a influence_n they_o deserve_o challenge_v than_o any_o other_o benefit_n so_o true_o infinite_a and_o exceed_v our_o comprehension_n that_o god_n may_v just_o make_v that_o appeal_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n v._o ver._n 3_o 4._o and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_n i_o pray_v you_o betwixt_o i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o so_o studious_o hathgod_n endeavour_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n os_fw-la mankind_n by_o all_o thoseobligation_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o it_o every_o one_o of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n may_v challenge_v the_o most_o exalt_a gratitude_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o afford_v we_o entertainment_n for_o admiration_n as_o well_o as_o love_n for_o to_o omit_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o peculiar_a one_o of_o redemption_n and_o sanctification_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o gloâ—…y_n i_o will_v consider_v only_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v my_o text_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long_a suffering_n whereby_o he_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n or_o possibility_n of_o reformation_n leave_v prolong_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n give_v â—…s_a space_n for_o repentance_n and_o gentle_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o a_o mercy_n which_o may_v just_o alone_o incline_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o henceforward_o devote_v our_o life_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o forfeit_v to_o his_o justice_n have_v be_v as_o often_o remit_v by_o his_o mercy_n a_o virtue_n which_o have_v be_v always_o wont_a beyond_o other_o to_o win_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o have_v ancient_o procure_v to_o the_o most_o admire_a prince_n the_o title_n of_o father_n of_o their_o country_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o mankind_n in_o they_o it_o be_v esteem_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o to_o deserve_v from_o posterity_n the_o most_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n to_o pardon_v their_o conquer_a enemy_n remit_v the_o offence_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o defer_v the_o execution_n of_o justice_n until_o the_o criminal_a shall_v appear_v incorrigible_a but_o alas_o how_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a be_v these_o act_n of_o clemency_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o divine_a forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a where_o the_o person_n offend_v be_v of_o infinite_a worth_n and_o dignity_n and_o author_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a benefit_n who_o be_v able_a to_o strike_v the_o sinner_n dead_a in_o a_o moment_n and_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n by_o a_o single_a nod_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v repeat_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o very_o often_o perhaps_o every_o day_n and_o moment_n and_o that_o by_o inconsiderable_a creature_n who_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o dependent_n of_o his_o power_n and_o unable_a to_o render_v any_o service_n to_o he_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o interest_n or_o augment_v his_o greatness_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n and_o resolution_n of_o extreme_a gratitude_n a_o condemn_a person_n will_v receive_v his_o prince_n pardon_n and_o if_o the_o same_o affection_n do_v not_o seize_v we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o view_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o life_n and_o consider_v the_o offer_n of_o pardon_n make_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o repentance_n if_o we_o do_v not_o with_o equal_a gratitude_n resent_v the_o remission_n of_o every_o single_a sin_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n which_o can_v be_v convince_v by_o sense_n that_o heinous_a offence_n may_v forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n but_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n that_o more_o heinous_a sin_n do_v forfeit_v they_o to_o the_o divine_a justice_n but_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o believe_v they_o be_v create_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o honour_n god_n by_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n that_o even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o commission_n of_o sin_n render_v we_o obnoxious_a to_o undergo_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o whatsoever_o way_n that_o may_v be_v inflict_v on_o we_o but_o that_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o christianity_n every_o single_a sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n subject_n we_o to_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o in_o that_o to_o eternal_a punishment_n how_o infinite_o therefore_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o celebrate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o immâ—…diately_o pour_v out_o his_o wrath_n upon_o we_o but_o patient_o await_v our_o repentance_n and_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o re-admit_a we_o to_o his_o favour_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o love_a kindness_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o the_o action_n of_o mankind_n passionate_o wish_v that_o by_o our_o repentance_n we_o will_v capacitate_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v his_o favour_n for_o thus_o psalm_n lxxxi_o 14_o 15._o he_o testify_v how_o delightful_a it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o he_o to_o continue_v his_o favour_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n if_o their_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n have_v not_o render_v it_o incongruous_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o do_v it_o o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o for_o if_o israel_n have_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v soon_o have_v put_v down_o their_o enemy_n and_o turn_v my_o hand_n against_o their_o adversary_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n esai_n xlviii_o 17_o 18._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o teach_v thou_o to_o profit_n which_o lead_v thou_o by_o the_o way_n that_o thou_o shall_v go_v o_o that_o thou_o have_v hearken_v to_o my_o commandment_n then_o peace_n have_v be_v as_o a_o river_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o name_v no_o more_o passage_n of_o this_o nature_n how_o passionate_a be_v that_o protestation_n of_o god_n ezek._n xxxiii_o 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o you_o house_n of_o israel_n this_o carne_a desire_n of_o god_n that_o by_o repentance_n we_o will_v qualify_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v his_o mercy_n can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n and_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o since_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a glory_n than_o act_n of_o mercy_n do_v and_o thus_o it_o again_o appear_v that_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v srom_o the_o divine_a benefit_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n since_o his_o benefit_n be_v infinite_a and_o transcendent_a may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v to_o produce_v a_o suitable_a and_o not_o inferior_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n but_o then_o far_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a benefit_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o great_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o whole_o undeserved_a by_o we_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o raise_v the_o esteem_n of_o their_o excellency_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o amplify_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n the_o psalmist_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o this_o consideration_n when_o compare_v the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o the_o
nature_n and_o religion_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n rather_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o than_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o chief_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n will_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o by_o this_o we_o may_v become_v the_o client_n but_o by_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n last_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v for_o ever_o that_o if_o despise_v it_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o time_n for_o repentance_n beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o a_o wait_n nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v abuse_v for_o we_o must_v not_o ascribe_v to_o god_n such_o a_o unlimited_a exercise_n of_o mercy_n as_o may_v destroy_v his_o justice_n and_o include_v the_o high_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o pardon_v offence_n commit_v against_o plain_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o mean_n of_o repentance_n afford_v to_o they_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o enormous_a sin_n will_v favour_v of_o a_o childish_a fondness_n debase_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v he_o irrational_a destroy_v his_o nature_n how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o say_v god_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n v._o 7_o 9_o shall_v not_o i_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o mercy_n as_o a_o refuge_n to_o mankind_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n passion_n and_o inadvertency_n not_o as_o a_o sanctuary_n to_o profane_v and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n he_o wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o turn_v he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n psal._n vii_o 13._o and_o then_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o his_o anger_n himself_o tell_v we_o deut._n xxxii_o 40_o 41._o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o if_o i_o wheâ—…_n my_o glitter_a sword_n and_o my_o hand_n take_v hold_v of_o judgement_n i_o will_v render_v vengeaâ—…te_a to_o my_o enemy_n and_o will_v reward_v they_o that_o hatâ—…_n i_o let_v we_o therefore_o perfect_a our_o repentance_n while_o a_o space_n be_v yet_o open_a for_o we_o before_o mercy_n return_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v upon_o we_o that_o so_o we_o also_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o not_o fall_v into_o their_o condemnation_n who_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o they_o wâ—…oso_n be_v wise_a will_v pâ—…nder_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o six_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 30._o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n i._n 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therewith_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o lose_a mankind_n which_o we_o at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v be_v so_o signal_n a_o benefit_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o infinite_a that_o it_o can_v but_o administer_v matter_n of_o admiration_n to_o we_o to_o see_v it_o reject_v deride_v and_o oppose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v by_o god_n to_o rescue_v man_n from_o that_o fatal_a ignorance_n wherein_o they_o be_v involve_v shall_v be_v treat_v with_o scorn_n become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o be_v account_v folly_n that_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o derision_n and_o be_v receive_v not_o with_o thankfulness_n as_o it_o deserve_v but_o with_o scofts_n and_o contumely_n but_o such_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v with_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o their_o will_n corrupt_v with_o passion_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n it_o have_v be_v equal_o difficult_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o when_o once_o discover_v such_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o unhappy_a fall_n and_o such_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n but_o then_o whereas_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v or_o dissemble_v the_o sense_n of_o which_o induce_v man_n to_o seek_v remedy_n for_o they_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v perceive_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v flatter_v themselves_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v the_o truth_n not_o only_o to_o be_v possess_v by_o they_o but_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o system_n of_o religion_n either_o from_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n or_o some_o precedent_n mistake_v revelation_n and_o be_v prepossessed_n with_o notion_n derive_v from_o thence_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o doctrine_n different_a from_o they_o they_o false_o imagine_v their_o own_o conception_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o thereby_o treat_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o oppose_v they_o as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n especial_o be_v propose_v with_o that_o unaffected_a simplicity_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v so_o much_o stranger_n as_o believe_v every_o opinion_n to_o be_v so_o much_o divine_a by_o how_o much_o more_o it_o be_v more_o refine_v and_o place_v beyond_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o men._n whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v more_o humane_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o exclude_v not_o the_o most_o illiterate_a from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n devoid_a of_o subtlety_n and_o unuseful_a nicety_n and_o resemble_v the_o nakedness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o paradise_n withal_o teach_v such_o mystery_n as_o may_v direct_o contribute_v to_o destroy_v the_o pride_n of_o such_o man_n not_o only_o by_o oppose_v their_o opinion_n but_o also_o teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a therein_o humble_v himself_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o humane_a state_n live_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_n the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n a_o mystery_n which_o at_o once_o entire_o ruin_v both_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o the_o world_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n its_o want_n of_o all_o those_o external_a pompous_a argument_n of_o subtlety_n and_o mistake_a learning_n which_o recommend_v other_o system_n together_o with_o its_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_v false_a opinion_n of_o man_n have_v induce_v some_o christian_n at_o corinth_n who_o live_v among_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o other_o to_o refine_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o mysterious_a and_o subtle_a nicety_n and_o so_o hinder_v many_o from_o become_v christian_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n argue_v against_o all_o these_o man_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o verse_n oppose_v to_o these_o new_a refiner_n of_o christianity_n his_o own_o example_n who_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o without_o any_o affect_a show_n of_o eloquence_n with_o a_o simplicity_n become_v the_o majesty_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o fail_v of_o its_o design_n as_o it_o will_v most_o certain_o do_v if_o propose_v according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o those_o man_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o difficult_a and_o elaborate_a contemplation_n for_o hereby_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o reach_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o it_o be_v indifferent_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o and_o it_o will_v want_v that_o powerful_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v propose_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n it_o notwithstanding_o surmount_v the_o pompous_a learning_n of_o the_o school_n and_o synagogue_n and_o gain_v a_o more_o universal_a reception_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o way_n very_o different_a
from_o their_o conception_n so_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o in_o a_o method_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o they_o use_v in_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o several_a sect_n which_o occafron_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v account_v foolishness_n verse_n 18._o although_o if_o man_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o their_o unjust_a prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o proceed_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v not_o only_o by_o appeal_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o the_o secret_a effect_n of_o that_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o also_o by_o other_o external_a argument_n which_o by_o any_o consider_a man_n can_v be_v reject_v as_o that_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n particular_o by_o isaiah_n in_o xxix_o chapter_n verse_n 4._o for_o it_o be_v there_o write_v i_o will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o will_v bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a that_o it_o be_v abundant_o justify_v by_o its_o admirable_a success_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o wise_a manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v entertain_v by_o great_a number_n of_o person_n and_o go_v on_o apace_o in_o procure_v its_o design_a end_n the_o reformation_n and_o instruction_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o elaborate_a interpretation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n make_v by_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o it_o gain_v no_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o small_a number_n of_o sectary_n and_o disciple_n only_o manifest_v by_o their_o unsuccessfulness_n that_o they_o be_v never_o design_v by_o the_o infallible_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o universal_a discipline_n or_o religion_n of_o mankind_n where_o therefore_o be_v the_o wise_a as_o the_o apostle_n triumphant_o upbraid_v they_o ver._n 20._o wheâ—…e_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n who_o after_o all_o their_o laborious_a search_n miss_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o can_v never_o propagate_v their_o doctrine_n with_o success_n have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n baffle_v all_o the_o elaborate_a scheme_n of_o these_o opinionate_a man_n and_o confound_v their_o glorious_a pretence_n of_o wisdom_n in_o appoint_v a_o quite_o different_a method_n for_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n from_o what_o they_o have_v imagine_v and_o propose_v it_o successful_o by_o mean_n in_o their_o esteem_n contemptible_a by_o person_n illiterate_a and_o devoid_a of_o all_o philosophy_n and_o curious_a learning_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o conceive_v this_o way_n of_o procedure_v to_o be_v either_o unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a the_o apostle_n proceed_v in_o the_o 21._o verse_n to_o declare_v the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v since_o these_o person_n who_o have_v conceive_v so_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n have_v apparent_o fail_v of_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o natural_a duty_n of_o religion_n owe_v to_o he_o however_o very_o easy_a and_o possible_a to_o they_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n shall_v appear_v foolishness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o god_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n confound_v their_o arrogance_n and_o mortify_v their_o self-conceit_n by_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n by_o a_o way_n direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o supposition_n namely_o by_o preach_v that_o be_v by_o supernatural_a revelation_n not_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a industry_n and_o wit_n and_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v and_o that_o consider_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o extraordinary_a abstraction_n or_o difficult_a contemplation_n in_o they_o be_v in_o their_o judgement_n account_v foolish_a or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v these_o revelation_n which_o be_v different_a from_o their_o fond_a conception_n appear_v foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o they_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n that_o be_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a miracle_n which_o may_v secure_v to_o they_o the_o fruition_n and_o increase_n of_o that_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o they_o vain_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n despise_v all_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o recommend_v with_o the_o specious_a show_n of_o philosophical_a subtlety_n and_o mysterious_a nicety_n or_o not_o propose_v by_o person_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n learned_a or_o eloquent_a after_o all_o these_o preliminary_a argument_n the_o apostle_n have_v thereby_o clear_v the_o way_n and_o remove_v all_o objection_n lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n that_o be_v we_o just_o and_o we_o bold_o do_v it_o neither_o value_v the_o derision_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o distrust_v the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n so_o then_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v natural_o and_o easy_o offer_v to_o we_o these_o two_o consideration_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o order_n discourse_n i._o the_o reasonableness_n or_o just_a cause_n of_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o its_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n ii_o our_o obligation_n to_o preach_v and_o open_o profess_v this_o faith_n without_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n or_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la i._o that_o we_o have_v reasonable_a and_o just_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n crucify_a notwithstanding_o the_o derision_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o that_o by_o the_o phrase_n of_o christ_n crucify_a be_v not_o so_o much_o mean_v the_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o faith_n reveal_v by_o christ_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o context_n although_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o of_o all_o other_o to_o the_o jew_n most_o scandalous_a and_o to_o the_o gentile_n most_o ridiculous_a but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n not_o this_o mystery_n in_o particular_a i_o shall_v close_v with_o his_o design_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o more_o general_a prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o the_o faith_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o gentile_n that_o so_o by_o manifest_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o inconclusiveness_n of_o they_o i_o may_v manifest_v the_o justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o belief_n notwithstanding_o their_o opposition_n these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n we_o before_o observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v precede_v my_o text_n and_o they_o concern_v either_o 1._o the_o matter_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o reveal_v they_o and_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o mighty_a objection_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o overcome_v they_o be_v enure_v to_o gross_a and_o corporeal_a conception_n of_o divine_a matter_n train_v up_o in_o carnal_a ceremony_n and_o ordinance_n expect_v no_o other_o than_o temporal_a reward_n and_o vain_o expect_v the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n then_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v to_o the_o jew_n than_o to_o see_v it_o perform_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o gentle_a manner_n not_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n as_o the_o law_n of_o old_a at_o mount_n sina_n not_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n or_o victorious_a success_n of_o the_o messiah_n not_o by_o stupendous_a miracle_n perform_v as_o often_o as_o the_o petulancy_n of_o a_o stiffnecked_n people_n shall_v require_v it_o nor_o yet_o by_o the_o learning_n and_o cunning_a of_o their_o great_a doctor_n and_o rabbi_n but_o by_o a_o few_o mean_v inconfiderable_a disarm_v and_o unlearned_a person_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 difficulty_n may_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o sublimity_n and_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o make_v up_o of_o easy_a natural_a and_o unaffected_a truth_n equal_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n equal_o concern_v all_o and_o dispense_n the_o knowledge_n of_o her_o mystery_n to_o all_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o cause_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n to_o these_o the_o apostle_n give_v one_o general_a answer_n in_o the_o 25._o verse_n because_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n a_o answer_n which_o invincible_o overthrow_v the_o plea_n of_o these_o opposer_n of_o christianity_n as_o who_o proceed_v upon_o a_o arrogant_a opinion_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n whereas_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n may_v have_v convince_v they_o how_o unsuccessful_o mankind_n have_v ever_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n by_o its_o own_o power_n matter_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v almost_o universal_o mistake_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o hope_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n can_v be_v full_o discover_v by_o we_o we_o all_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o defect_n of_o knowledge_n we_o acknowledge_v our_o error_n by_o change_v our_o opinion_n daily_o and_o may_v discover_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n even_o from_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n for_o every_o degree_n add_v to_o it_o manifest_v a_o precedent_a degree_n of_o ignorance_n and_o that_o somewhat_o be_v still_o want_v to_o render_v our_o knowledge_n complete_a so_o difficult_a nay_o even_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o discover_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n on_o they_o he_o may_v easy_o perceive_v indeed_o whether_o any_o 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
be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o dissent_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o man_n perhaps_o profess_v christianity_n may_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v impossible_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v no_o care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v be_v often_o seduce_v by_o they_o if_o not_o to_o a_o desertion_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o to_o a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n a_o stumling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n and_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o tempt_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o withdraw_v our_o obedience_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v he_o as_o often_o as_o man_n prefer_v their_o worldly_a interest_n to_o the_o least_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o often_o as_o by_o too_o anxious_a a_o diligence_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n they_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o another_o they_o give_v just_a reason_n to_o other_o to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o error_n of_o place_v all_o their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o dis-believing_a the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n do_v the_o jew_n often_o unreasonable_o and_o importunate_o require_v a_o sign_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o induce_v to_o distrust_v providence_n and_o murmur_v against_o the_o divine_a goodness_n as_o often_o as_o god_n deferr_v to_o rescue_v we_o from_o imminent_a danger_n and_o calamity_n and_o immediate_o engage_v not_o his_o miraculous_a power_n in_o our_o assistance_n do_v not_o man_n call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n because_o god_n refuse_v to_o violate_v the_o establish_a law_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sometime_o permit_v the_o good_a to_o pass_v unrewarded_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o christian_a religion_n foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n because_o propose_v by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n and_o have_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v deplore_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n while_o man_n puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o ordinary_a pastor_n scorn_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o rude_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n despise_v christianity_n because_o plain_a and_o simple_a easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o betray_v by_o a_o like_a pre_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a thing_n how_o many_o christian_n be_v at_o this_o day_n displease_v with_o a_o sober_a and_o rational_a form_n of_o worship_n either_o because_o it_o be_v not_o fraught_v with_o pompous_a and_o unuseful_a ceremony_n or_o because_o it_o be_v devoid_a of_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o unintelligible_a impertinency_n so_o that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v no_o less_o concern_v in_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n than_o be_v former_o either_o jew_n or_o greek_n to_o conclude_v if_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n and_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v notwithstanding_o liable_a to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o opposition_n of_o her_o enemy_n nor_o draw_v into_o like_a mistake_v with_o they_o either_o by_o passion_n or_o inadvertency_n let_v we_o give_v most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o send_v his_o son_n as_o at_o this_o time_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n let_v we_o adore_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v contrive_v such_o excellent_a method_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o revelation_n may_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n be_v transmit_v to_o all_o age_n improve_n the_o happiness_n of_o our_o knowledge_n by_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o in_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v here_o with_o comfort_n hold_v fast_o and_o hereafter_o with_o glory_n obtain_v the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o sermon_n preach_v january_n 20_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 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 i_o intend_v not_o from_o these_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o mortality_n of_o mankind_n or_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o that_o fatal_a doom_n the_o experience_n of_o almost_o six_o thousand_o year_n may_v abundant_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v particular_o exempt_v from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o mankind_n that_o decay_n which_o we_o find_v in_o our_o body_n and_o those_o frequent_a infirmity_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o entertain_v any_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a privilege_n the_o necessity_n of_o end_v this_o life_n be_v so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v trifle_v to_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o however_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o necessity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o which_o may_v just_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n wherein_o be_v express_v the_o divine_a determination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mortality_n and_o future_a judgement_n of_o man_n and_o the_o order_n of_o they_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v once_o die_v and_o that_o after_o death_n they_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o action_n now_o however_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o however_o a_o curious_a desire_n of_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o may_v be_v rash_a and_o fruitless_a yet_o in_o these_o which_o so_o immediate_o and_o universal_o concern_v mankind_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o religion_n no_o enquiry_n can_v be_v unnecessary_a or_o unuseful_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o satisfactory_a such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v discover_v by_o we_o but_o even_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o nothing_o tend_v more_o effectual_o to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decree_n than_o a_o entire_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o respect_v we_o how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o grand_a decree_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a decreâ—…_n of_o death_n to_o all_o men._n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v ii_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v after_o death_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n first_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nothing_o can_v appear_v more_o just_a than_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o impose_v a_o necessity_n of_o die_v upon_o all_o men._n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n may_v just_o dispose_v of_o or_o dispense_v either_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o man_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n without_o expect_v a_o perpetual_a and_o invariable_a conservation_n of_o that_o existence_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v mortal_a and_o then_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o permit_v
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 worthy_a to_o undergo_v the_o utmost_a fury_n of_o a_o enrage_a god_n if_o he_o rather_o suffer_v his_o providence_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v traduce_v in_o this_o world_n than_o consent_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o erroneous_a imagination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v reserve_v a_o unerring_a judgement_n to_o the_o last_o time_n when_o he_o will_v infallible_o return_v to_o every_o one_o the_o true_a reward_n of_o their_o action_n and_o discover_v the_o most_o secret_a fault_n of_o every_o individual_a criminal_a make_v their_o demerit_n as_o public_a as_o their_o punishment_n if_o in_o this_o life_n punishment_n can_v be_v impose_v with_o sufficient_a severity_n how_o rigorous_a and_o terrible_a how_o much_o exceed_v all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n must_v be_v the_o torment_v prepare_v hereafter_o if_o the_o high_a and_o most_o admire_a enjoyment_n here_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v confer_v as_o a_o 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 this_o can_v scarce_o induce_v we_o even_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o neither_o the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o death_n can_v move_v nor_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n affright_v we_o nor_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n allure_v we_o nor_o the_o dread_a of_o future_a judgement_n arrest_v we_o and_o then_o what_o if_o none_o of_o all_o these_o have_v be_v if_o neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n death_n or_o judgement_n have_v attend_v we_o if_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o we_o have_v be_v permit_v to_o live_v immortal_a sinner_n what_o sin_n shall_v we_o then_o have_v scruple_v at_o what_o violence_n shall_v we_o not_o then_o have_v commit_v so_o that_o even_o the_o final_a decree_n of_o death_n upon_o all_o man_n be_v no_o small_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o far_o from_o be_v repine_v at_o aught_o to_o be_v grateful_o receive_v by_o we_o at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o improve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o decree_n to_o a_o 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 and_o religious_a adoration_n pay_v upon_o reason_n which_o will_v not_o warrant_v it_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v place_v upon_o such_o foundation_n as_o may_v secure_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o god_n have_v indeed_o out_o of_o his_o abundantmercy_o andlove_n to_o mankind_n provide_v many_o other_o argument_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o fear_v he_o to_o love_v he_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o yield_v submission_n to_o he_o he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o wonderful_a a_o benefit_n may_v engage_v we_o to_o gratitude_n he_o show_v forth_o his_o long_a suffering_n to_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o to_o they_o which_o do_v both_o believe_v and_o actagreeable_o to_o their_o belief_n he_o promise_v everlasting_a life_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n will_v indeed_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o lively_a concern_v we_o can_v but_o love_v the_o author_n of_o these_o signal_n benefit_n admire_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v to_o displease_v he_o lest_o by_o his_o displeasure_n we_o forfeit_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o he_o these_o be_v indeed_o powerful_a argument_n to_o we_o to_o be_v religious_a but_o yet_o we_o find_v nothing_o whereon_o to_o place_v the_o most_o essential_a act_n of_o religion_n worship_n and_o adoration_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o form_n it_o nor_o to_o who_o to_o give_v it_o till_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n till_o we_o begin_v to_o reflect_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o then_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n also_o to_o he_o be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o word_n therefore_o present_v we_o with_o these_o two_o consideration_n of_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o discourse_n i._o the_o reason_n why_o religious_a worship_n and_o adoration_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v and_o pay_v to_o god_n by_o we_o namely_o because_o he_o be_v our_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o religious_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o to_o he_o be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n first_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o worship_n and_o adoration_n ought_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n be_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n or_o attribute_n that_o these_o belong_v to_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o very_a first_o notion_n which_o all_o man_n conceive_v of_o a_o deity_n that_o he_o possess_v
promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o repentance_n because_o these_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o affect_v we_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o concern_v we_o the_o reward_n propose_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o temporary_a possession_n of_o a_o fruitful_a country_n to_o which_o perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v not_o value_v their_o title_n that_o they_o may_v gratify_v their_o lusts._n yet_o it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o heinous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o think_v scorn_n of_o that_o pleasant_a land_n and_o give_v no_o credence_n unto_o his_o word_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o noble_a reward_n be_v propose_v reward_n with_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v in_o competition_n and_o yet_o all_o bestow_v upon_o this_o single_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reward_n itself_o be_v despise_v how_o then_o shall_v god_n oblige_v man_n to_o his_o service_n if_o this_o be_v ineffectual_a he_o propofe_v eternal_a felicity_n they_o prefer_v temporal_a satisfaction_n a_o satisfaction_n so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o it_o carry_v no_o contentment_n along_o with_o it_o and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n become_v nauseous_a he_o grant_v this_o upon_o easy_a condition_n and_o yet_o man_n think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o bestow_v that_o easy_a labour_n he_o bestow_v it_o upon_o sinful_a man_n who_o be_v thereby_o his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o it_o they_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o these_o powerful_a impression_n and_o suffer_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v mollify_v by_o the_o most_o endear_n kindness_n man_n may_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o undertake_v the_o acquisition_n of_o this_o reward_n that_o it_o may_v be_v secure_o neglect_v till_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o life_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v but_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a even_o to_o endanger_v the_o hope_n of_o so_o great_a a_o purchase_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o so_o infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o this_o life_n can_v afford_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v any_o true_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o probable_a assurance_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o next_o man_n may_v for_o a_o while_n stifle_v the_o natural_a desire_n and_o notion_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o cloud_v the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o sometime_o free_a itself_o from_o this_o affect_a stupidity_n and_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n assure_v of_o its_o own_o immortal_a nature_n look_v forward_o into_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o be_v folicitous_a of_o its_o future_a state_n it_o will_v then_o perceive_v that_o that_o future_a state_n be_v a_o abyss_n of_o time_n in_o comparison_n to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o remember_v the_o distinction_n of_o bliss_n and_o misery_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o the_o depart_a soul_n of_o good_a or_o wicked_a men._n what_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n will_v it_o then_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n employ_v in_o these_o meditation_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o state_n be_v most_o certain_a but_o the_o application_n of_o either_o of_o they_o to_o themselves_o most_o uncertain_a unless_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n not_o to_o say_v that_o that_o soul_n can_v appear_v before_o god_n without_o extreme_a astonishment_n which_o god_n by_o all_o his_o glorious_a promise_n can_v not_o induce_v to_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n when_o the_o devil_n can_v tempt_v it_o by_o petty_a lust_n and_o foolish_a pleasure_n to_o its_o own_o destruction_n if_o then_o the_o proposition_n make_v by_o god_n to_o penitent_a christian_n be_v infinite_o more_o persuasive_a than_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n sure_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v they_o till_o we_o can_v sin_n no_o more_o be_v a_o most_o foolish_a and_o deplorable_a obduration_n further_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n manifest_v the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n by_o contemn_v the_o dreadful_a punishment_n denounce_v by_o god_n against_o he_o and_o in_o this_o beyond_o other_o argument_n consist_v that_o execrable_a obduration_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o impenitence_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n pharaoh_n be_v chief_o say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n that_o when_o he_o have_v feel_v the_o most_o terrible_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o nation_n and_o see_v other_o yet_o more_o grievous_a ready_a to_o be_v execute_v upon_o he_o after_o so_o many_o plague_n and_o threat_n employ_v for_o his_o correction_n he_o continue_v yet_o obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o be_v defy_v god_n or_o that_o i_o may_v come_v near_o to_o my_o text_n the_o most_o wicked_a aggravation_n of_o the_o obduration_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v their_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a punishment_n to_o they_o the_o high_a punishment_n be_v a_o temporal_a death_n and_o although_o by_o natural_a reason_n they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o judgement_n and_o more_o impartial_a execution_n attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o life_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o they_o to_o who_o as_o no_o more_o than_o temporal_a reward_n be_v promise_v so_o no_o other_o than_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v threaten_v god_n have_v give_v frequent_a and_o terrible_a instance_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o this_o kind_n by_o destroy_v the_o most_o notorious_a delinquent_n among_o they_o by_o sword_n pestilence_n earthquake_n fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o many_o other_o way_n yet_o far_o from_o be_v terrify_v by_o these_o and_o discourage_v from_o displease_v god_n when_o their_o foolish_a desire_n be_v not_o gratify_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n they_o fear_v not_o open_o to_o declare_v their_o contempt_n of_o his_o punishment_n and_o themselves_o rather_o willing_a to_o undergo_v they_o than_o submit_v to_o his_o command_n as_o when_o they_o cry_v out_o numb_a fourteen_o 2._o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n or_o will_v god_n we_o have_v die_v in_o this_o wilderness_n and_o more_o remarkable_o numb_a xx._n 3._o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v when_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v core_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n die_v before_o the_o lord_n a_o sober_a man_n may_v perhaps_o imagine_v it_o impossible_a to_o parallel_v so_o enormous_a a_o obstinacy_n do_v not_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o christian_n confute_v his_o supposition_n who_o dare_v withstand_v the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o any_o impression_n from_o they_o it_o may_v perhaps_o not_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o resolute_a and_o desperate_a person_n shall_v despise_v a_o temporal_a death_n when_o not_o affright_v with_o any_o succeed_a judgement_n but_o to_o slight_v a_o punishment_n extreme_a in_o its_o sharpness_n and_o perpetual_a in_o its_o duration_n be_v such_o a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o although_o acccompany_v with_o no_o other_o crime_n may_v just_o deserve_v to_o undergo_v the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o the_o punishment_n for_o the_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n provide_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n not_o only_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a after_o death_n but_o also_o for_o the_o correction_n of_o all_o in_o this_o life_n that_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o even_o enforce_v to_o repentance_n if_o a_o most_o stupid_a obduration_n of_o mind_n do_v not_o intervene_v to_o all_o these_o aggravation_n of_o impenitence_n i_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a to_o add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o least_o or_o less_o usual_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a unbelief_n of_o the_o revelation_n promise_n or_o threat_v of_o god_n all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v unwilling_a that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o belief_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o this_o cause_n who_o cite_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n hebr._n iii_o and_o exaggerate_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n ascribe_v it_o chief_o to_o their_o unbelief_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n have_v before_o warn_v all_o christian_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v consist_v with_o a_o wilful_a continuance_n in_o impenitence_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n prepare_v for_o man_n in_o another_o life_n both_o infinite_a and_o inexpressible_a
fit_v to_o receive_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n other_o sin_n there_o be_v which_o may_v consist_v with_o such_o a_o pious_a habit_n of_o soul_n as_o be_v require_v namely_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n the_o first_o sort_n arise_v from_o a_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n when_o a_o man_n offend_v against_o his_o duty_n because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o the_o second_o spring_n from_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o when_o a_o man_n through_o a_o sudden_a fear_n or_o passion_n be_v hurry_v on_o rash_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n before_o he_o well_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v before_o he_o have_v time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o duty_n or_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o do_v but_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o sin_n of_o presumption_n arise_v from_o a_o corruption_n of_o will_n and_o proceed_v upon_o deliberate_a choice_n and_o advise_v resolution_n i_o will_v illustrate_v all_o these_o by_o example_n st._n paul_n persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o church_n although_o he_o be_v all_o the_o while_o ready_a to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o which_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o receive_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o in_o unbelief_n if_o this_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v affect_v because_o man_n will_v not_o inquire_v after_o truth_n or_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o it_o the_o mis-carriage_n found_v upon_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o become_v wilful_a sin_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n st._n peter_n be_v a_o great_a example_n who_o through_o a_o sudden_a fear_n of_o death_n or_o punishment_n be_v betray_v to_o deny_v his_o master_n although_o he_o have_v before_o full_o resolve_v against_o it_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o fear_n be_v over_o and_o his_o mind_n return_v to_o the_o former_a freedom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v of_o it_o he_o weep_v bitter_o of_o wilful_a sin_n that_o of_o david_n against_o uriah_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n where_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n be_v after_o long_a deliberation_n and_o a_o contrivance_n of_o many_o day_n together_o at_o last_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o he_o and_o for_o this_o it_o be_v that_o nathan_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v deserve_v to_o die_v this_o create_v to_o he_o that_o last_a and_o vehement_a sorrow_n which_o we_o often_o find_v describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o this_o stick_v as_o a_o indelible_a blot_n to_o his_o memory_n when_o lesser_a offence_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o 1_o king_n xv._n 5._o that_o david_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n the_o hittite_n we_o read_v of_o many_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o he_o commit_v but_o these_o be_v easy_o pardon_v that_o stick_v close_o to_o he_o and_o can_v not_o be_v wipe_v off_o but_o by_o a_o long_a and_o strict_a repentance_n and_o patient_a endure_v of_o terrible_a calamity_n inflict_v on_o he_o other_o sin_n alter_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v sudden_o die_v even_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o they_o we_o may_v still_o hope_v for_o mercy_n but_o for_o a_o wilful_a sin_n no_o mercy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v till_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v entire_o change_v by_o repentance_n this_o distinction_n of_o sin_n may_v instruct_v you_o in_o the_o necessary_a manner_n of_o form_v your_o repentance_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n a_o general_a repentance_n may_v suffice_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o have_v offend_v god_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n a_o humble_a supplication_n of_o pardon_n a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v any_o such_o for_o the_o future_a but_o for_o every_o wilful_a sin_n a_o particular_a repentance_n be_v require_v a_o sad_a reflection_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o it_o a_o earnest_n and_o continue_a supplication_n for_o pardon_n of_o it_o a_o diligent_a struggle_v with_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o the_o will_n a_o long_a preparation_n of_o it_o by_o prayer_n by_o resolution_n by_o meditation_n by_o all_o necessary_a act_n of_o mortification_n which_o may_v entire_o change_v the_o bent_n and_o remove_v the_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o subdue_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o may_v the_o wilful_a sinner_n presume_v of_o pardon_n believe_v himself_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v in_o the_o text_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v that_o by_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a repentance_n we_o may_v all_o avoid_v for_o the_o sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o sermon_n preach_v april_n 21_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n acts._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 feaâ—…eth_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ought_v also_o to_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o can_v better_o be_v discover_v than_o from_o its_o most_o perfect_a agreement_n with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o subservience_n to_o they_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v first_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o then_o the_o good_a of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v promote_v by_o noble_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n the_o latter_a be_v enhance_v by_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n attribute_v of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o we_o be_v his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o this_o justice_n appear_v most_o conspicuous_o in_o the_o universal_a diffusion_n of_o his_o benefit_n in_o dispense_n his_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n impartial_o to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o exclude_v none_o from_o his_o favour_n but_o for_o reason_n common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o mankind_n this_o all_o man_n conceive_v to_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o god_n and_o as_o such_o it_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n although_o the_o influence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o may_v be_v more_o manifest_a in_o some_o age_n and_o under_o some_o dispensation_n than_o in_o other_o as_o his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o power_n be_v from_o all_o age_n equal_a and_o uniform_a but_o more_o open_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o external_a action_n relate_v to_o we_o his_o justice_n be_v always_o impartial_a and_o universal_a yet_o cloud_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n while_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v in_o appearance_n appropriate_v to_o a_o small_a division_n of_o mankind_n not_o cloud_v indeed_o direct_o and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fond_a opinion_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o fancy_v he_o partial_a in_o their_o behalf_n and_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o most_o gross_a manner_n do_v who_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o god_n have_v any_o care_n or_o respect_n fancy_v themselves_o dear_a to_o god_n not_o upon_o the_o common_a account_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o for_o peculiar_a reason_n as_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n their_o separation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o circumcision_n and_o other_o typical_a rite_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o treat_v all_o other_o person_n as_o profane_a and_o unclean_a allow_v no_o share_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n to_o they_o and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o unregarded_a by_o god_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n a_o prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v so_o far_o imbibe_v that_o the_o apostle_n retain_v it_o many_o year_n even_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o gentile_n to_o their_o company_n or_o conversation_n much_o less_o to_o the_o hope_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a call_v until_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a vision_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n teach_v st._n peter_n not_o to_o call_v any_o man_n
â—…elicity_n god_n may_v bestow_v or_o deny_v to_o any_o one_o for_o the_o fake_n of_o another_o without_o any_o â—…minution_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o impartiality_n which_o require_v no_o more_o than_o that_o â—…f_a â—…e_n punish_v man_n for_o neglect_v to_o oâ—…tain_v his_o supreme_a happiness_n he_o shall_v â—…ut_v it_o into_o his_o power_n to_o obtain_v it_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v do_v either_o with_o or_o without_o â—…nporal_a benefit_n or_o calamity_n which_o â—…ly_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o that_o suâ—…_n end_n and_o be_v pure_o accidental_a to_o 〈◊〉_d god_n may_v dispose_v they_o in_o this_o world_n either_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o encouragement_n or_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o punishment_n or_o correction_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o while_o they_o impose_v not_o on_o any_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v well_o or_o ill_a nor_o render_v any_o man_n true_o happy_a or_o miserable_a they_o may_v not_o be_v always_o reward_n or_o punishment_n and_o so_o do_v not_o necessary_o attend_v the_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n of_o men._n upon_o these_o unalterable_a principle_n the_o divine_a justice_n do_v proceed_v and_o although_o we_o can_v deny_v any_o of_o these_o without_o deny_v god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v just_a and_o impartial_a yet_o man_n have_v still_o continue_v to_o frame_v different_a notion_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o act_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v so_o please_v a_o delusion_n to_o fancy_v themselves_o dear_a to_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o for_o unaccountable_a reason_n that_o no_o wonder_n many_o have_v be_v always_o tempt_v to_o entertain_v such_o a_o charm_a error_n which_o flatter_v their_o ambition_n gratify_v their_o self-love_n set_v they_o above_o the_o ordinary_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o even_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o pursue_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n purity_n and_o obedience_n this_o seduce_v the_o jew_n to_o grow_v secure_a and_o confident_a and_o to_o find_v their_o title_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n not_o in_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o his_o command_n but_o in_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o father_n abraham_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o imagine_v themselves_o so_o dear_a to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v certain_o confer_v happiness_n upon_o they_o without_o any_o further_a consideration_n this_o prejudice_n have_v also_o corrupt_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n especial_o in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o place_n their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n not_o upon_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o upon_o secret_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o predestination_n which_o may_v set_v they_o above_o the_o rank_n of_o their_o fellow-servant_n and_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o obligation_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o sober_a christian_n of_o a_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o salvation_n by_o its_o proper_a mean_n observation_n of_o the_o divine_a precept_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o god_n hence_o also_o the_o fond_a pretension_n of_o man_n have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o all_o of_o such_o a_o order_n shall_v be_v save_v or_o that_o whosoever_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o confraternity_n or_o congregation_n shall_v not_o be_v damn_v and_o then_o the_o natural_a consequence_n will_v be_v to_o change_v the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o salvation_n and_o either_o to_o reject_v all_o care_n of_o it_o or_o place_v that_o care_n upon_o trifle_v and_o fond_a observation_n thus_o man_n have_v forsake_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o hew_v cistern_n to_o themselves_o cistern_n which_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n not_o consider_v that_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v vain_a and_o foolish_a but_o above_o all_o that_o god_n will_v be_v in_o a_o most_o gross_a manner_n unjust_a and_o a_o partial_a respecter_n of_o person_n against_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o text._n i_o need_v not_o now_o confute_v the_o erroneous_a pretension_n of_o these_o delude_a christian_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o clear_v the_o divine_a impartiality_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o his_o conduct_n to_o they_o can_v god_n interpose_v by_o miracle_n so_o often_o in_o their_o behalf_n feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o destroy_v whole_a nation_n to_o make_v room_n for_o they_o and_o not_o be_v partial_a can_v he_o choose_v they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n who_o far_o from_o excel_v other_o man_n in_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n continue_v always_o to_o be_v a_o stifnecked_a and_o stubborn_a generation_n a_o generation_n that_o set_v not_o their_o heart_n aright_o can_v he_o profess_v all_o this_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v to_o they_o as_o he_o often_o do_v not_o for_o their_o own_o righteousness_n but_o for_o personal_a respect_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n and_o their_o descent_n from_o he_o can_v god_n perform_v all_o these_o apparent_a sign_n of_o partiality_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v partial_a yes_o sure_o justice_n and_o impartiality_n be_v eternal_a attribute_n in_o god_n which_o begin_v not_o with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o be_v essential_a property_n in_o he_o and_o inseparable_a from_o his_o nature_n which_o however_o st._n peter_n discover_v not_o till_o now_o as_o be_v blind_v with_o preconceive_a prejudices_fw-la take_v up_o in_o his_o education_n among_o the_o jew_n a_o little_a reflection_n will_v clear_o show_v it_o unto_o we_o first_o then_o this_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n consist_v not_o in_o bestow_v on_o they_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o only_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o we_o before_o show_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o even_o those_o he_o dispense_v to_o they_o not_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o forefather_n but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o own_o obedience_n who_o he_o require_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o careful_a observation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o extraordinary_a precept_n not_o incumbent_n upon_o other_o man_n nor_o enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n when_o these_o condition_n be_v neglect_v or_o violate_v he_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o no_o less_o extraordinary_a than_o his_o benefit_n and_o severe_o revenge_v in_o they_o what_o he_o oversee_v in_o other_o he_o admit_v they_o indeed_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o particular_a covenant_n nor_o in_o consequence_n of_o any_o private_a promise_n the_o hope_n of_o this_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o mankind_n and_o not_o to_o be_v obtain_v but_o upon_o condition_n common_a to_o all_o in_o that_o no_o respect_n be_v have_v to_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n they_o be_v therein_o judge_v by_o such_o universal_a rule_n as_o admit_v no_o exception_n and_o then_o even_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o they_o but_o equal_o lay_v open_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n who_o if_o they_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o confirm_v their_o engagement_n by_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n be_v no_o less_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o abraham_n than_o be_v his_o immediate_a descendants_n last_o these_o temporal_a benefit_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v as_o a_o reward_n to_o extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o piety_n in_o abraham_n and_o entail_v with_o condition_n of_o the_o same_o obedience_n to_o his_o posterity_n as_o well_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o continue_v his_o obedience_n by_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o whole_a posterity_n depend_v on_o it_o as_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o same_o practice_n by_o the_o visible_a example_n of_o his_o reward_n thus_o the_o divine_a justice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o jew_n alone_o be_v unexceptionable_a but_o than_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v boâ—…h_o jew_n and_o christian_n as_o partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o never_o know_v either_o the_o promise_n or_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n only_o be_v he_o not_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n also_o be_v not_o his_o attribute_n always_o unalterable_a and_o the_o influence_n of_o they_o equal_o derive_v down_o to_o all_o his_o creature_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o
old_a law_n shall_v be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n even_o as_o we_o be_v but_o what_o provision_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o this_o mystery_n nor_o know_v any_o reveal_v religion_n for_o as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v reject_v the_o gospel_n when_o preach_v and_o sufficient_o propose_v to_o they_o no_o doubt_n can_v remain_v concern_v they_o but_o for_o the_o rest_n who_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n have_v god_n conclude_v they_o in_o a_o universal_a sentence_n of_o damnation_n as_o some_o man_n dogmatical_o pronounce_v this_o seem_v so_o hard_a and_o unjust_a to_o the_o ancient_a christian_n that_o rather_o than_o conceive_v such_o partiality_n to_o be_v in_o god_n they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o diverse_a erroneous_a system_n whereby_o salvation_n may_v be_v render_v equal_o possible_a to_o all_o men._n some_o fancy_v that_o christ_n descend_v into_o hell_n on_o purpose_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o depart_a soul_n imprison_v there_o that_o so_o he_o may_v carry_v with_o he_o into_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n all_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o and_o leave_v in_o deserve_a torment_n those_o who_o reject_v it_o other_o teach_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o often_o reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o live_v again_o until_o the_o gospel_n fhould_v be_v in_o order_n propose_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n that_o so_o their_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n consequent_a to_o their_o belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o deliberate_a choice_n some_o believe_v a_o particular_a place_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o receive_v they_o after_o death_n where_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o state_n of_o indolence_n and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o teach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v rational_o and_o in_o compliance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o do_v it_o by_o a_o reason_n light_n and_o instinct_n derive_v from_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n it_o become_v not_o we_o indeed_o to_o dive_v too_o curious_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n or_o to_o pretend_v to_o discover_v what_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o much_o less_o to_o propose_v such_o unwarrantable_a opinion_n which_o have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n however_o it_o will_v be_v neither_o unlawful_a nor_o unuseful_a to_o carry_v our_o inquiry_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o far_o as_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o modesty_n will_v permit_v we_o whereby_o we_o may_v satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o the_o impartial_a conduct_n of_o god_n and_o vindicate_v his_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o include_v all_o the_o gentile_n without_o distinction_n in_o a_o universal_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n have_v certain_o no_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o more_o charitable_a to_o err_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o by_o gentile_n we_o understand_v all_o those_o who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o supernatural_a revelation_n act_v only_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n almost_o all_o the_o patriarch_n before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n till_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n will_v come_v under_o that_o denomination_n and_o sure_o none_o will_v deny_v the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o but_o if_o we_o mean_v by_o thâ—…_n gentiles_n those_o who_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o deliver_v themselves_o up_o to_o idolatry_n and_o immoral_a sin_n under_o which_o notion_n the_o name_n of_o gentiles_n be_v almost_o every_o where_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o give_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n on_o they_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o the_o doubt_n than_o remain_v only_o concern_v those_o gentile_n who_o live_v since_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o perform_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o human_a infirmity_n will_v permit_v who_o studious_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o justice_n who_o cultivate_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o noble_a perfection_n and_o above_o all_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o free_a will_n who_o yield_v not_o to_o the_o common_a corruption_n of_o idolatry_n and_o immorality_n but_o yet_o never_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n nor_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n at_o least_o hear_v it_o not_o sufficient_o propose_v to_o they_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o brave_a person_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o that_o god_n can_v be_v unjust_a to_o they_o we_o be_v no_o less_o assure_v although_o we_o know_v not_o certain_o his_o decree_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o only_o let_v we_o take_v care_n of_o affix_v such_o decree_n to_o he_o as_o can_v be_v accuse_v from_o partiality_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o all_o man_n do_v in_o strict_a justice_n deserve_v damnation_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o their_o duty_n but_o since_o god_n have_v please_v to_o pardon_v the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n his_o holiness_n require_v he_o to_o grant_v his_o pardon_n by_o such_o general_a rule_n as_o all_o may_v if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o it_o it_o must_v also_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o be_v save_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n by_o which_o any_o one_o can_v be_v save_v that_o we_o â—…all_v obtain_v salvation_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o application_n of_o his_o merit_n to_o we_o but_o then_o how_o shall_v those_o lay_v hold_v of_o his_o merit_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o their selve_o by_o faith_n who_o know_v not_o of_o they_o or_o must_v they_o be_v condemn_v mere_o for_o involuntary_a ignorance_n sure_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n we_o all_o believe_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o know_v indeed_o and_o believe_v that_o a_o glorious_a messiah_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o shall_v redeem_v they_o and_o make_v they_o happy_a but_o as_o for_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n by_o which_o the_o eternal_a redemption_n of_o mankind_n be_v chief_o wrought_v and_o remission_n obtain_v for_o sin_n they_o know_v little_a of_o it_o and_o even_o the_o apostle_n understand_v it_o not_o after_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o until_o our_o lord_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o pour_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o so_o that_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n seem_v not_o in_o all_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o application_n of_o his_o merit_n beside_o since_o it_o be_v by_o all_o confess_v that_o the_o gentile_n before_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n capable_a of_o salvation_n it_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v how_o a_o particular_a covenant_n and_o that_o a_o covenant_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n only_o make_v with_o abraham_n shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o any_o further_a hope_n especial_o since_o the_o observation_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v even_o in_o all_o reveal_v religion_n that_o which_o chief_o recommend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a condition_n of_o salvation_n if_o then_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n ii_o 14._o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n that_o be_v not_o any_o reveal_v law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n containÄ•d_v in_o the_o law_n exercise_n the_o same_o divine_a virtue_n which_o be_v enjoin_v and_o reinforce_v in_o reveal_v religion_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o then_o we_o may_v charitable_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n also_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o persuade_v you_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v save_v for_o that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a warrant_n to_o determine_v as_o
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 not_o on_o any_o merit_n of_o the_o work_n but_o the_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_n far_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v only_o exhort_v you_o to_o make_v a_o just_a use_n of_o what_o you_o have_v already_o learned_a that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o you_o to_o use_v your_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o attain_v that_o reward_n which_o god_n have_v render_v equal_o possible_a to_o you_o with_o those_o who_o be_v now_o the_o great_a saint_n in_o heaven_n that_o whatever_o your_o condition_n or_o circumstance_n may_v be_v here_o below_o god_n respect_v not_o that_o in_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n but_o only_o what_o be_v in_o your_o own_o power_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o you_o neglect_v these_o possible_a these_o easy_a condition_n offearing_a god_n and_o work_a righteousness_n flatter_v not_o yourselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o be_v exempt_v by_o any_o peculiar_a favour_n from_o 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
hope_n by_o mortify_v and_o change_v our_o former_a vicious_a course_n of_o life_n into_o a_o new_a and_o heavenly_a life_n or_o by_o conceive_v firm_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v our_o own_o resurrection_n by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n the_o former_a manner_n indeed_o be_v pure_o allegorical_a but_o a_o allegory_n as_o well_o most_o natural_a in_o its_o self_n as_o most_o familiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o treat_v of_o it_o often_o and_o large_o and_o inculcate_n it_o in_o almost_o all_o his_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v my_o text_n he_o tell_v the_o colossian_n col._n ii_o 12_o 20._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o and_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n galat._n ii_o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ._n philip._n iii_o 10._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 10._o alwayâ—…_n bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o iii_o and_o ivth_o chapter_n of_o 1_o pet._n and_o rom._n vi_o this_o conformity_n between_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o in_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o be_v at_o large_a explain_v we_o be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n these_o allegorical_a conclusion_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o fancy_n but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o so_o admirable_o contrive_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o our_o instruction_n than_o his_o precept_n and_o can_v not_o but_o have_v exceed_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n who_o thought_n be_v then_o and_o aught_o now_o to_o be_v chief_o employ_v about_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n they_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o both_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o jewish_a doctor_n employ_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o in_o allegorical_a explication_n of_o natural_a or_o divine_a truth_n and_o be_v more_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n consist_v in_o type_n shadow_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o lest_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o these_o allegorical_a inference_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a penman_n the_o present_a allegory_n draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v most_o excellent_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o more_o full_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o his_o lose_a condition_n free_v he_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devil_n reform_v his_o life_n and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o god_n have_v design_v for_o he_o in_o another_o life_n to_o this_o end_n a_o total_a desertion_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v before_o engage_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v whole_o impossible_a that_o a_o vicious_a soul_n shall_v receive_v that_o reward_n as_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o grant_v the_o reward_n on_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v his_o follower_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v relinquish_v all_o those_o temporal_a enjoyment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n place_v the_o whole_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o life_n in_o these_o unlawful_a enjoyment_n whoever_o renounce_v the_o use_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o promise_n at_o their_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o a_o new_a life_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o be_v excellent_o represent_v in_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v refer_v wherein_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v whole_o immerge_v in_o the_o water_n so_o that_o the_o immersion_n represent_v his_o resolution_n of_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v by_o death_n take_v from_o the_o world_n and_o then_o his_o emersion_n present_o follow_v signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n revive_v and_o appear_v after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o to_o mortify_v one_o single_a lust_n or_o to_o give_v up_o this_o or_o that_o sinful_a affection_n in_o exchange_n for_o eternal_a reward_n and_o retain_v the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o soul_n be_v full_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n till_o the_o resurrection_n he_o satisfy_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v endure_v scourge_n reproach_n and_o buffet_n he_o descend_v not_o from_o the_o cross_n after_o he_o have_v endure_v most_o bitter_a torment_n till_o he_o have_v complete_v his_o suffering_n by_o death_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v till_o it_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o then_o we_o be_v real_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n we_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o god_n permit_v to_o we_o we_o must_v absolute_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n suppose_v a_o full_a conviction_n that_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o place_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o his_o great_a concern_v here_o be_v only_o to_o improve_v his_o short_a term_n of_o life_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o durable_a happiness_n hereafter_o from_o this_o persuasion_n it_o will_v easy_o follow_v that_o different_a interest_n from_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pursue_v in_o this_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o herein_o a_o christian_a true_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o best_o of_o all_o manifest_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n by_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n willing_o that_o his_o design_n be_v far_o from_o sound_v a_o empire_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o he_o submit_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o true_o crucify_a with_o he_o until_o we_o as_o absolute_o forsake_v all_o desire_n and_o inclinaons_n to_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n as_o if_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n itself_o that_o we_o retain_v not_o the_o least_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o our_o former_a vicious_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o a_o total_a relinquish_a of_o they_o even_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o recall_v and_o re-establish_a they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o view_v the_o dreadful_a horror_n and_o anxiety_n under_o which_o our_o saviour_n labour_v while_o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o the_o cross_n if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o melancholy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n his_o ignominious_a condition_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n while_o he_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o grave_a we_o may_v perceive_v the_o desperate_a and_o deplorable_a state_n of_o man_n while_o yet_o detain_v in_o sin_n labour_v under_o the_o just_a displeasure_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n
all_o along_o experience_v my_o affection_n to_o you_o and_o if_o you_o do_v still_o doubt_v i_o do_v now_o give_v you_o fresh_a assurance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o verse_n 2._o and_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o nâ—…e_n i_o will_v do_v it_o verse_n 14._o even_o my_o crucifixion_n be_v for_o your_o sake_n for_o to_o purchase_v redemption_n for_o you_o and_o after_o that_o my_o return_n into_o heaven_n be_v for_o your_o sake_n also_o to_o secure_v your_o reward_n and_o prepare_v you_o mansion_n there_o for_o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n i_o go_v not_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n for_o myself_o alone_o but_o in_o your_o name_n also_o and_o in_o your_o behalf_n let_v not_o your_o heart_n therefore_o be_v trouble_v neither_o he_o distract_v with_o the_o affliction_n that_o may_v fall_v upon_o you_o for_o whatsoever_o shock_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n although_o you_o be_v persecute_v injure_a and_o oppress_v let_v not_o this_o afflict_v you_o or_o cause_v you_o to_o despair_v this_o be_v not_o your_o abide_a place_n your_o mansion_n be_v in_o heaven_n let_v this_o be_v your_o consolation_n this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o dispel_v the_o anxiety_n and_o raise_v the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o in_o some_o manner_n to_o support_v all_o faithful_a christian_n in_o difficult_a emergency_n to_o all_o age_n this_o be_v speak_v indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o write_v for_o our_o instruction_n who_o it_o do_v no_o less_o concern_v for_o the_o church_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o by_o any_o peculiar_a privilege_n exempt_v from_o difficulty_n and_o disaster_n the_o promise_v make_v unto_o she_o be_v not_o to_o take_v place_n in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o if_o she_o be_v assault_v with_o tempest_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n she_o suffer_v no_o more_o than_o her_o lord_n and_o master_n do_v before_o she_o than_o her_o founder_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n also_o do_v a_o great_a calamity_n can_v befall_v the_o church_n than_o what_o befall_v the_o apostle_n at_o this_o time_n nay_o all_o that_o ever_o the_o church_n suffer_v all_o that_o it_o can_v suffer_v come_v far_o beneath_o it_o and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n think_v this_o consideration_n a_o sufficient_a remedy_n to_o their_o affliction_n much_o more_o therefore_o will_v it_o suffice_v to_o remove_v our_o lesser_a trouble_n and_o continue_v a_o constant_a quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o mind_n who_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o that_o it_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o text_n to_o discourse_n of_o these_o two_o head_n i._o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n natural_a religion_n or_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n give_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o receive_v comfort_n from_o thence_o in_o all_o difficulty_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o calamity_n insinuate_v in_o those_o word_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n ii_o what_o force_v the_o christian_a religion_n have_v superad_v to_o these_o reason_n of_o trust_n and_o consolation_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o first_o then_o what_o reason_n etc._n etc._n i_o join_v natural_a religion_n and_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n herein_o together_o because_o no_o certain_a hope_n or_o promise_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n be_v give_v to_o either_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n the_o reason_n of_o depend_v upon_o god_n in_o this_o life_n be_v common_a to_o both_o the_o jew_n indeed_o have_v strong_a reason_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o have_v have_v more_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a experience_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o common_a to_o natural_a religion_n which_o proceed_v no_o far_o with_o any_o certainty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o present_a life_n let_v we_o then_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o consideration_n where_o the_o first_o thought_n which_o present_v itself_o will_v be_v that_o since_o god_n create_v man_n by_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o continue_v to_o govern_v he_o and_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n according_a to_o his_o own_o primary_n decree_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o man_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o law_n of_o his_o government_n for_o if_o god_n bestow_v on_o he_o the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n and_o continue_v it_o by_o a_o constant_a preservation_n he_o may_v just_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v thankful_o receive_v that_o benefit_n without_o repine_v that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n perform_v their_o duty_n without_o variance_n in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n and_o if_o man_n alone_a desire_n that_o his_o station_n may_v be_v change_v his_o post_n remove_v he_o show_v himself_o unworthy_a even_o of_o the_o first_o benefit_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o existence_n much_o more_o of_o any_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o favour_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o god_n in_o his_o behalf_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o miserable_a member_n of_o mankind_n exclude_v his_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n be_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n as_o enjoy_v a_o noble_a and_o capacious_a soul_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v true_a happiness_n if_o direct_v aright_o or_o at_o least_o please_a itself_o with_o a_o mistake_a happiness_n a_o privilege_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o irrational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o however_o many_o of_o they_o have_v more_o exquisite_a and_o accurate_a organ_n of_o sense_n than_o man_n yet_o thence_o receive_v neither_o real_a nor_o imaginary_a happiness_n because_o not_o reflect_v on_o any_o perception_n of_o sense_n after_o all_o let_v the_o affliction_n of_o any_o private_a man_n be_v never_o so_o heavy_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o he_o the_o soul_n be_v still_o at_o liberty_n to_o improve_v its_o more_o real_a happiness_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o any_o of_o those_o calamity_n any_o far_o than_o it_o shall_v immerge_n or_o interest_n itself_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n and_o even_o this_o be_v no_o small_a consolation_n that_o in_o all_o the_o misfortune_n of_o this_o life_n we_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o execute_v that_o station_n which_o his_o providence_n have_v appoint_v we_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o station_n be_v fit_a for_o we_o we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n if_o not_o fit_a for_o we_o simple_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n yet_o in_o conjunction_n with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n expect_v the_o interruption_n of_o the_o public_a government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o our_o private_a concern_v indeed_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o god_n be_v the_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o be_v also_o infinite_o just_a and_o holy_a which_o may_v encourage_v man_n who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n in_o this_o life_n interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o good_a man_n and_o against_o bad_a men._n so_o that_o however_o the_o former_a consideration_n may_v remove_v the_o anxiety_n of_o man_n yet_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o assure_a belief_n of_o this_o latter_a will_n ever_o persuade_v they_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n which_o suppose_v the_o hope_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n or_o proceed_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o such_o extraordinary_a influence_n be_v actual_o confer_v upon_o the_o jew_n who_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n be_v common_o attend_v with_o temporal_a reward_n or_o punishment_n but_o this_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o particular_a covenant_n which_o admit_v no_o better_a hope_n confine_v it_o feel_v to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n and_o after_o all_o receive_v frequent_a exception_n and_o variation_n many_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o live_v in_o plenty_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o othâ—…rs_n of_o eminent_a sanctity_n persecute_v oppress_a and_o at_o last_o unjust_o slay_v so_o that_o only_o probable_a motive_n of_o trust_n in_o god_n remain_v in_o that_o dispensation_n under_o the_o law_n as_o because_o peace_n or_o misery_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v virtue_n or_o vice_n and_o this_o even_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o dictate_v only_o of_o natural_a religion_n in_o some_o measure_n have_v who_o have_v often_o take_v notice_n
of_o singular_a instance_n of_o providence_n in_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a and_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a and_o relate_v not_o only_o particular_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o also_o from_o the_o frequency_n of_o they_o form_v and_o deliver_v general_a rule_n that_o wickedness_n never_o escape_v unpunished_a or_o innocence_n unrewarded_a in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o act_n cheerful_o and_o submissive_o in_o that_o station_n on_o in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o the_o supreme_a author_n of_o life_n have_v place_v he_o to_o receive_v not_o only_o without_o murmur_v but_o also_o with_o reverence_n all_o dispensation_n proceed_v from_o he_o he_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v he_o if_o sincere_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o he_o nor_o suffer_v his_o innocence_n to_o pass_v unregarded_a which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o rely_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o necessary_a one_o of_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o these_o hope_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o unerring_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o goodness_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v abundant_o find_v there_o i_o come_v next_o to_o show_v by_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n ii_o what_o force_n and_o weight_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v superad_v to_o the_o natural_a or_o precedent_a reason_n and_o '_o ground_n of_o trust_n and_o reliance_n in_o god_n and_o therein_o of_o consolation_n in_o danger_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o natural_a or_o under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o mankind_n be_v terminate_v in_o this_o life_n and_o although_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o visible_a experience_n of_o the_o great_a disproportion_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n induce_v many_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o impartial_a survey_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n will_v be_v take_v after_o death_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o dissolution_n receive_v then_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o its_o action_n as_o consider_v man_n can_v not_o but_o esteem_v this_o as_o most_o rational_a in_o itself_o so_o not_o unlikely_a yet_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gentile_n little_o more_o than_o some_o faint_a hope_n and_o wish_n and_o in_o the_o jew_n wrap_v up_o in_o obscure_a prophecy_n or_o uncertain_a interpretation_n but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n these_o conjecture_n be_v advance_v into_o certainty_n these_o hope_n into_o assurance_n the_o reliance_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n consequent_a to_o they_o which_o in_o the_o former_a can_v not_o but_o be_v faint_a and_o weak_a become_v now_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a to_o a_o christian_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n who_o disow_v the_o place_n of_o his_o hope_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n it_o seem_v not_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o labour_n under_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n since_o these_o affect_v not_o his_o grand_a concern_v hinder_v not_o his_o real_a happiness_n and_o many_o time_n tend_v high_o to_o promote_v it_o in_o take_v that_o profession_n on_o he_o he_o renounce_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gratify_v his_o lust_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n profess_v himself_o a_o citizen_n of_o another_o country_n and_o list_v himself_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o these_o resolution_n proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n to_o attain_v his_o end_n be_v not_o amaze_v at_o any_o terror_n or_o disaster_n which_o may_v meet_v he_o in_o the_o 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