their_o secret_a malice_n assign_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o to_o be_v their_o love_n of_o justice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o of_o their_o country_n and_o such_o be_v the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n that_o these_o pretence_n seldom_o want_v success_n cover_v the_o malice_n and_o rancour_n of_o a_o canker_a soul_n and_o give_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o secure_a opportunity_n of_o revenge_n all_o be_v apt_a to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v revenge_n when_o proceed_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o false_a honour_n which_o be_v before_o mention_v because_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v dissemble_v yet_o in_o truth_n this_o sort_n of_o revenge_n be_v infinite_o less_o criminal_a than_o the_o former_a arise_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n however_o dissemble_v and_o assume_v to_o itself_o more_o specious_a name_n this_o be_v form_v by_o a_o violent_a commotion_n of_o mind_n which_o last_v not_o many_o hour_n but_o that_o by_o a_o harden_a malice_n which_o work_v 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dissolve_v without_o intestine_a division_n and_o such_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v find_v almost_o all_o the_o great_a society_n of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v break_v when_o they_o have_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o those_o continual_o practise_v upon_o each_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o preserve_v the_o religious_a or_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o country_n against_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o each_o prevail_v employ_v their_o interest_n and_o power_n not_o to_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o religion_n or_o law_n but_o to_o the_o ruin_n or_o vexation_n of_o the_o other_o i_o will_v not_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o own_o nation_n or_o bring_v any_o instance_n from_o our_o time_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o engage_v in_o any_o party_n but_o if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o example_n of_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n cover_v under_o such_o specious_a pretence_n thus_o when_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n resolve_v to_o take_v away_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o put_v on_o a_o mighty_a show_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a service_n and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o roman_a governor_n as_o a_o enemy_n unto_o cesar_n although_o themselves_o indeed_o care_v so_o little_a for_o cesar_n that_o they_o have_v at_o that_o very_a time_n form_v the_o design_n of_o a_o general_a rebellion_n against_o he_o as_o appear_v short_o after_o and_o when_o this_o rebellion_n break_v out_o and_o the_o people_n unanimous_o attempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o ancient_a liberty_n the_o most_o bloody_a and_o wicked_a part_n of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o zealot_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a concern_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o punish_v the_o secret_a favourer_n and_o friend_n of_o the_o roman_n murder_v or_o rob_v every_o man_n his_o private_a enemy_n and_o by_o this_o division_n make_v way_n to_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o without_o this_o advantage_n can_v not_o easy_o have_v overcome_v that_o populous_a and_o resolute_a nation_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o a_o resolve_a prosecution_n of_o revenge_n and_o much_o more_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scope_n or_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v produce_v this_o effect_n if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o when_o almost_o every_o man_n plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o command_n which_o oppose_v his_o peculiar_a passion_n when_o little_a beside_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v among_o we_o and_o even_o that_o pretence_n continue_v not_o out_o of_o any_o reverence_n to_o religion_n but_o because_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o secular_a and_o mean_a design_n we_o can_v but_o despair_v of_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n therein_o however_o we_o must_v declare_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n than_o to_o study_v revenge_n to_o continue_v hatred_n and_o animosity_n without_o end_n and_o never_o to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v a_o injury_n such_o a_o conduct_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o however_o cover_v with_o specious_a colour_n of_o wonderful_a zeal_n or_o purity_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o party_n will_v be_v no_o less_o damnable_a in_o a_o christian_a than_o idolatry_n in_o a_o heathen_a last_o if_o neither_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n nor_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n nor_o the_o regard_n of_o public_a security_n concern_v therein_o nor_o the_o direct_a opposition_n of_o christianity_n to_o it_o can_v draw_v man_n from_o the_o love_n of_o revenge_n yet_o at_o
all_o temptation_n that_o excuse_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o receive_v not_o now_o indeed_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v once_o endue_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o those_o contribute_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v equal_o obtain_v without_o they_o and_o lose_v with_o they_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a all_o that_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o be_v yet_o continue_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o diffuse_v his_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n excite_v they_o by_o inward_a motion_n confirm_v they_o by_o his_o assistance_n perfect_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n which_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v that_o he_o still_o plentiful_o bestow_v on_o we_o for_o want_v of_o some_o external_a assurance_n he_o have_v institute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n more_o particular_o the_o eucharist_n as_o visible_a pledge_n of_o his_o distribution_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o faithful_a believer_n herein_o bestow_v no_o less_o a_o benefit_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o do_v when_o he_o former_o descend_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n attend_v with_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o cure_n of_o disease_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o although_o any_o one_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n although_o he_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v mountain_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o miscarry_v and_o become_v a_o castaway_n but_o to_o he_o that_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n worthy_o to_o he_o that_o bewail_v his_o former_a sin_n and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v they_o to_o he_o that_o enter_v a_o new_a into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n to_o he_o that_o herein_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o christ_n his_o head_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o unfeigned_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o miss_v his_o desire_a end_n the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n because_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v it_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o son_n have_v seal_v it_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confirm_v it_o as_o at_o first_o by_o his_o descent_n upon_o this_o day_n so_o now_o also_o by_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o diffuse_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n to_o these_o three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o second_o sermon_n on_o trinity-sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n in_o honour_n of_o which_o this_o day_n have_v for_o some_o age_n be_v institute_v and_o celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o alone_a among_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o carry_v a_o undeniable_a difficulty_n along_o with_o it_o and_o have_v be_v always_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o oppose_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n other_o doctrine_n such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a may_v appear_v incredible_a but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o when_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n be_v add_v to_o they_o must_v by_o all_o man_n right_o judge_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a but_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n be_v even_o contradictory_n and_o therefore_o impossible_a that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o primary_n notion_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o allow_v principle_n of_o reason_n even_o many_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v act_v by_o a_o divine_a mission_n yet_o stumble_v at_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v it_o have_v take_v up_o unwarrantable_a opinion_n plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o arrian_n of_o old_a and_o socinian_o in_o late_a day_n that_o we_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o delusion_n and_o even_o overcome_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o these_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n and_o modesty_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a business_n of_o this_o day_n for_o although_o '_o it_o become_v we_o not_o too_o narrow_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n and_o rash_o determine_v matter_n the_o cognizance_n of_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reveal_v this_o mystery_n to_o mankind_n and_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n it_o now_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n debar_v we_o not_o from_o a_o scrupulous_a search_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o place_v no_o merit_n in_o a_o blind_a belief_n of_o her_o proposition_n it_o be_v accept_v indeed_o by_o god_n as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o merit_n i_o mean_v merit_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n to_o believe_v his_o promise_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n after_o death_n as_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n that_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n of_o give_v he_o a_o better_a inheritance_n in_o another_o land_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n although_o neither_o we_o nor_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o those_o promise_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o possession_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n neither_o require_v nor_o accept_v a_o irrational_a belief_n in_o man_n but_o as_o he_o at_o first_o endue_v he_o with_o reasonable_a faculty_n so_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n so_o much_o diminish_v as_o by_o affix_v to_o he_o revelation_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o include_v contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o such_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v as_o plain_o as_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v permit_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o the_o context_n of_o it_o which_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v and_o therein_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o accompany_v i_o by_o look_v upon_o the_o place_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o first_o eight_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n declare_v the_o nature_n and_o simplicity_n of_o his_o preach_a and_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o recommend_v by_o pompous_a and_o affect_a ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n that_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o sillogism_n and_o nice_a speculation_n as_o do_v that_o of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o be_v esteem_v the_o only_o know_v man_n of_o the_o age_n that_o the_o matter_n declare_v by_o he_o be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o when_o find_v out_o be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v applaud_v by_o the_o world_n as_o 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therefore_o it_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o must_v have_v therefore_o some_o rule_n whereby_o to_o direct_v our_o assent_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o be_v very_o obvious_a for_o the_o understanding_n necessary_o at_o least_o reasonable_o incline_v to_o that_o part_n which_o carry_v the_o great_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o any_o proposition_n be_v great_a than_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n we_o must_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n embrace_v and_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n exceed_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o may_v safe_o reject_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v the_o evidence_n of_o both_o side_n matter_n of_o revelation_n may_v concern_v either_o finite_a or_o infinite_a nature_n example_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o such_o proposition_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o 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we_o seek_v for_o true_a happiness_n somewhere_o else_o if_o the_o former_a can_v be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o some_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n and_o when_o find_v out_o to_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o here_o perhaps_o humane_a reason_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v may_v continue_v to_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o after_o a_o tedious_a disquisition_n be_v unable_a to_o discover_v either_o the_o end_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o god_n have_v therefore_o in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n mark_v out_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supreme_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o therein_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n hereafter_o which_o hope_n shall_v then_o be_v turn_v into_o possession_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o 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24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o represent_v he_o to_o man_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o adoration_n the_o latter_a persuade_v man_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o latter_a no_o obligation_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o accurate_a delivery_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o give_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o teach_v with_o certainty_n the_o method_n of_o his_o external_a action_n the_o former_a be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o admit_v no_o 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happiness_n of_o the_o next_o if_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a perfection_n of_o mankind_n a_o firm_a constancy_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n although_o attend_v in_o this_o life_n with_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n discouragement_n and_o affliction_n will_v not_o only_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o high_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o the_o conclusion_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20._o of_o novemb_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o 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 these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o remarkable_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o scope_n to_o which_o his_o whole_a discourse_n be_v therein_o direct_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o pretence_n wherewith_o unreasonable_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o defend_v or_o excuse_v their_o sin_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n arise_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o visible_a experience_n of_o they_o or_o a_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o constant_a miracle_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n alone_o that_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o also_o in_o their_o ancient_a and_o receive_v doctrine_n they_o entertain_v scruple_n because_o not_o confirm_v by_o a_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n which_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o a_o incredulity_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v hereditary_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o renew_v as_o often_o as_o the_o divine_a miracle_n be_v interrupt_v no_o soon_o be_v joshua_n dead_a and_o that_o generation_n which_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o judge_n ii_o but_o the_o next_o generation_n even_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v and_o although_o miracle_n be_v continue_v down_o among_o they_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n yet_o as_o these_o can_v be_v visible_a but_o to_o a_o certain_a number_n they_o produce_v no_o universal_a influence_n affect_v not_o the_o rest_n and_o even_o in_o those_o who_o see_v they_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o wonder_n and_o amusement_n they_o still_o continue_v their_o disbelief_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o they_o see_v not_o yet_o effect_v and_o of_o that_o future_a state_n which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o perceive_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o but_o it_o have_v find_v place_n even_o among_o christian_n also_o many_o of_o who_o have_v even_o renounce_v and_o deny_v their_o faith_n because_o themselves_o can_v not_o see_v those_o miracle_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o found_v other_o become_v irresolute_a and_o remiss_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n unsatisfied_a in_o the_o event_n of_o it_o and_o all_o pretend_v
trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o that_o so_o as_o true_o sincere_o and_o unfeigned_o as_o we_o desire_v pardon_n so_o true_o and_o real_o we_o may_v pardon_v other_o and_o not_o only_o profess_v pardon_n to_o other_o in_o use_v this_o form_n of_o word_n but_o also_o renounce_v all_o hope_n or_o claim_n of_o pardon_n from_o god_n if_o what_o we_o then_o profess_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o intend_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o we_o implore_v by_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o his_o own_o beneficence_n and_o be_v undeserved_a by_o men._n if_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v they_o he_o may_v well_o be_v allow_v to_o affix_v what_o condition_n himself_o please_v to_o they_o he_o may_v have_v command_v some_o very_a difficult_a preparation_n some_o extraordinary_a return_n of_o thanks_o but_o when_o he_o have_v resolve_v all_o into_o a_o condition_n so_o easy_a so_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n so_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o 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who_o have_v confer_v on_o we_o already_o eminent_a benefit_n and_o intend_v yet_o great_a we_o may_v have_v be_v injure_v once_o or_o twice_o but_o whoever_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o wander_a thought_n the_o impure_a desire_n the_o vain_a imagination_n and_o perhaps_o the_o more_o flagrant_a sin_n of_o any_o one_o day_n will_v find_v that_o he_o have_v more_o grievous_o offend_v god_n in_o that_o little_a time_n than_o by_o all_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o man_n he_o can_v have_v be_v provoke_v in_o his_o whole_a life_n if_o then_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o deprecate_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o one_o day_n and_o much_o more_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o whole_a life_n and_o pardon_v be_v offer_v by_o god_n upon_o no_o other_o condition_n than_o freedom_n from_o wrath_n and_o hatred_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o our_o interest_n than_o our_o duty_n to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n without_o wrath_n iii_o to_o this_o condition_n the_o apostle_n add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v offer_v without_o doubt_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v a_o disputation_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o mind_n concern_v a_o opinion_n and_o in_o this_o place_n concern_v that_o opinion_n which_o all_o true_a believer_n ought_v to_o entertain_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n this_o doubt_v may_v relate_v either_o to_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o religion_n or_o to_o the_o peculiar_a promise_n concern_v prayer_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a worthiness_n of_o the_o supplicant_n in_o the_o first_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o doubt_v overthrow_v the_o success_n of_o prayer_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o that_o be_v he_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o it_o if_o he_o doubt_v he_o dishonour_v god_n and_o can_v perform_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o prayer_n for_o shall_v he_o be_v say_v to_o commit_v himself_o entire_o to_o god_n who_o question_n his_o existence_n or_o can_v he_o rely_v upon_o god_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v infinite_a or_o almighty_a the_o least_o mixture_n of_o doubt_n herein_o take_v off_o so_o much_o from_o that_o submission_n reliance_n subjection_n and_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o intervene_v in_o every_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o prayer_n which_o thereby_o cease_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o sincere_a so_o also_o in_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n upon_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a prayer_n be_v chief_o place_v in_o vain_a do_v he_o plead_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o dignity_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n audience_n of_o prayer_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o doubt_v it_o be_v the_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o procure_v acceptance_n to_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o firm_o believe_v it_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o if_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o authority_n we_o esteem_v thing_n future_a as_o present_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n lay_v down_o by_o our_o lord_n mark_v xi_o 24._o whatosever_v thing_n you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o this_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o patriarch_n so_o successful_a as_o be_v at_o large_a describe_v hebr._n xi_o that_o have_v see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o as_o a_o sure_a testimony_n of_o their_o persuasion_n quit_v their_o present_a pleasure_n and_o possession_n in_o exchange_n for_o future_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o lord_n while_o conversant_a on_o earth_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n among_o the_o galilean_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o himself_o require_v it_o as_o the_o previous_a condition_n of_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v make_v whole_a not_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n without_o the_o concurrent_a belief_n of_o man_n but_o that_o he_o wrought_v not_o upon_o they_o as_o upon_o so_o many_o machine_n but_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o rational_a being_n and_o therefore_o distribute_v his_o favour_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o herein_o a_o imperfect_a faith_n or_o a_o cold_a persuasion_n will_v not_o suffice_v st._n peter_n demonstrate_v much_o more_o when_o he_o adventure_v himself_o upon_o the_o water_n at_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n yet_o because_o he_o still_o retain_v some_o doubt_n and_o fear_n our_o lord_n permit_v he_o to_o sink_v that_o so_o he_o may_v reprove_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o faith_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o doubt_v be_v a_o diffidence_n concern_v the_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o success_n and_o advantage_n consequent_a to_o prayer_n when_o the_o existence_n or_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n but_o his_o will_n dispute_v and_o it_o seem_v incredible_a that_o such_o a_o almighty_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v have_v no_o need_n and_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o the_o service_n or_o prayer_n of_o man_n shall_v condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bestow_v such_o eminent_a favour_n and_o so_o ready_o at_o the_o petition_n of_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a creature_n to_o overcome_v this_o doubt_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v such_o favourable_a audience_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o because_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o convince_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o remit_v you_o to_o those_o many_o promise_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o place_n be_v numerous_a and_o evident_a i_o will_v now_o insist_v but_o on_o one_o of_o they_o namely_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n luk._n xviii_o deliver_v as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v for_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o success_n there_o the_o unjust_a judge_n be_v represent_v as_o grant_v that_o to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n which_o neither_o the_o justice_n of_o her_o cause_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o regard_n of_o man_n can_v obtain_v from_o he_o and_o this_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a verse_n 7._o and_o if_o so_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n christ_n propose_v the_o
efficacy_n of_o it_o with_o a_o unjust_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v introduce_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a and_o benign_a man_n that_o so_o his_o justice_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a clemency_n may_v demonstrate_v the_o force_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o a_o good_a man_n receive_v those_o kind_o who_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n the_o greatness_n of_o who_o bounty_n exceed_v our_o comprehension_n it_o have_v be_v enough_o as_o i_o before_o say_v to_o have_v propose_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a judge_n but_o to_o represent_v a_o cruel_a impious_a inhuman_a judge_n unmerciful_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o easy_a to_o supplicant_n instruct_v we_o that_o even_o a_o wicked_a nature_n may_v be_v by_o prayer_n incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v to_o do_v more_o lively_a to_o express_v the_o force_n foe_fw-mi prayer_n when_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o carry_v we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o severe_a judge_n cruel_a by_o nature_n but_o mollify_v by_o prayer_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n the_o father_n most_o good_a kind_a gentle_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o forgive_a sin_n bear_v with_o insuperable_a patience_n the_o daily_a affront_v of_o man_n the_o honour_n pay_v to_o his_o adversary_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o contumely_n therein_o offer_v to_o his_o own_o son_n what_o success_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hope_v to_o our_o prayer_n make_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v present_v with_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o necessary_a preparation_n the_o unjust_a judge_n although_o he_o fear_v not_o god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o widow_n for_o her_o importunity_n what_o fear_n can_v not_o do_v prayer_n obtain_v neither_o threat_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n can_v incline_v the_o man_n to_o justice_n yet_o the_o cry_n and_o supplication_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n soften_v his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o tractable_a if_o she_o can_v obtain_v so_o much_o from_o a_o rough_a ill-natured_a man_n how_o much_o great_a kindness_n goodness_n and_o love_n may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o god_n who_o always_o desire_v to_o show_v mercy_n but_o never_o to_o exercise_v severity_n who_o very_a threat_n and_o punishment_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o direct_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobedience_n let_v we_o once_o more_o review_v the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o unjust_a judge_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o men._n if_o he_o who_o never_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v any_o good_a change_v on_o the_o sudden_a by_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o poor_a supplicant_n and_o be_v move_v to_o compassion_n much_o more_o will_v the_o importunate_a prayer_n of_o man_n be_v prevalent_a with_o he_o who_o nature_n include_v a_o infinity_n of_o goodness_n and_o who_o dispense_v the_o emanation_n of_o that_o goodness_n in_o vast_a and_o constant_a benefit_n even_o without_o entreaty_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n riches_n life_n and_o health_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o only_a for_o his_o immense_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n but_o if_o he_o so_o favour_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v those_o who_o ask_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a that_o the_o benefit_n proceed_v from_o he_o what_o will_v he_o not_o bestow_v on_o those_o who_o spend_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o last_o reason_n of_o doubt_v in_o prayer_n be_v the_o conscience_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o supplicant_n which_o conscience_n be_v either_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a unworthiness_n of_o man_n or_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o these_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a the_o former_a fall_n in_o with_o that_o doubt_n which_o i_o last_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o remove_v and_o to_o persuade_v the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o that_o removal_n have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o day_n discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a the_o place_n of_o it_o to_o be_v regard_v the_o posture_n not_o to_o be_v neglect_v the_o condition_n indispensable_a and_o the_o success_n certain_a the_o eighteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o may_n 4._o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v so_o undeniable_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n so_o firm_a a_o assurance_n of_o those_o hope_n which_o we_o conceive_v of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n deserve_v at_o this_o season_n more_o than_o a_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o that_o which_o chief_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a continue_v his_o expectation_n of_o enjoy_v hereafter_o a_o better_a state_n and_o after_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o his_o saviour_n here_o on_o earth_n wrought_v for_o his_o sake_n complete_v his_o joy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n therefore_o all_o the_o time_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o joy_n during_o that_o whole_a season_n in_o the_o public_a office_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v no_o less_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o time_n than_o to_o those_o of_o more_o ancient_a age_n so_o our_o gratitude_n and_o rejoice_v in_o memory_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o intense_a it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o those_o ancient_a christian_n live_v near_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n have_v more_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v than_o we_o now_o have_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n always_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v now_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o uncertain_a interest_n as_o they_o be_v then_o when_o the_o experience_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n render_v it_o most_o certain_a or_o that_o however_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n who_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v no_o less_o just_a cause_n of_o joy_n than_o admiration_n yet_o that_o other_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n can_v not_o but_o be_v less_o concern_v at_o the_o relation_n by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fruitful_a in_o invent_v argument_n oppose_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n some_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o other_o even_o to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o after_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v not_o in_o public_a converse_v not_o in_o solemn_a place_n and_o among_o the_o multitude_n as_o before_o but_o only_o show_v himself_o to_o some_o few_o disciple_n of_o his_o own_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v off_o this_o objection_n and_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o conduct_n of_o christ_n relate_v in_o the_o text_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o and_o show_v open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v divide_v my_o design_a discourse_n into_o these_o three_o part_n i._o that_o to_o have_v show_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o whole_a unbelieve_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o create_v a_o universal_a conviction_n iii_o that_o god_n have_v notwithstanding_o offer_v to_o mankind_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o reasonable_a conviction_n first_o then_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o honour_n