they_o to_o determine_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n the_o blessing_n that_o go_v to_o all_o mankind_n in_o common_a or_o at_o least_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o make_v such_o impression_n on_o some_o as_o those_o that_o be_v more_o special_a or_o that_o have_v more_o immediate_o and_o particular_o to_o themselves_o in_o such_o every_o man_n who_o examine_v the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o providence_n towards_o himself_o from_o his_o first_o set_v out_o to_o the_o present_a time_n will_v be_v able_a to_o collect_v such_o a_o train_n of_o kind_n and_o tender_a happy_a and_o indulgent_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o preserve_v he_o from_o evil_a rescue_v he_o out_o of_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n conduct_v he_o through_o difficulty_n and_o follow_v he_o with_o many_o blessing_n that_o he_o will_v soon_o find_v matter_n enough_o if_o he_o but_o believe_v and_o observe_v providence_n to_o raise_v within_o himself_o a_o grateful_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o humble_a acknowledgement_n for_o it_o in_o this_o no_o man_n life_n be_v so_o barren_a but_o that_o it_o will_v afford_v he_o great_a occasion_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o all_o man_n share_v more_o or_o less_o in_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o providence_n some_z have_v indeed_o have_v a_o large_a measure_n of_o it_o happy_a and_o great_a accident_n have_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o combination_n lead_v they_o through_o difficulty_n that_o seem_v insuperable_a they_o have_v rescue_v they_o out_o of_o danger_n that_o have_v be_v of_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o nature_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v direct_v on_o design_n to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a interposition_n of_o providence_n for_o their_o preservation_n friend_n and_o enemy_n season_n and_o wind_n and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o conspire_v to_o their_o elevation_n and_o cross_a accident_n have_v seem_v to_o be_v intersperse_v through_o their_o life_n only_o to_o make_v the_o unlookt-for_a happy_a crisis_n come_v with_o the_o great_a surprise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o upon_o all_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o special_a favourite_n of_o providence_n and_o mark_v out_o to_o be_v among_o the_o most_o amaze_a instance_n that_o can_v occur_v in_o history_n if_o such_o thing_n have_v happen_v to_o any_o and_o have_v set_v they_o as_o much_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o mortal_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o providence_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o elevation_n of_o their_o fortune_n than_o what_o return_v do_v they_o owe_v to_o that_o goodness_n and_o love_n that_o have_v be_v so_o very_o bountiful_a to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o copious_a distribution_n of_o its_o favour_n what_o return_v of_o praise_n and_o gratitude_n ought_v they_o to_o make_v how_o ought_v they_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o their_o zeal_n and_o activity_n and_o by_o their_o influence_n and_o authority_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v lay_v so_o much_o honour_n on_o they_o and_o to_o employ_v their_o thought_n and_o time_n chief_o in_o contrive_v and_o execute_v the_o best_a design_n they_o can_v think_v of_o or_o that_o can_v be_v suggest_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o mankind_n which_o if_o they_o sincere_o pursue_v this_o will_v be_v after_o all_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o it_o will_v make_v they_o blessing_n indeed_o to_o this_o world_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o here_o be_v then_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n the_o chief_a aim_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v direct_v to_o raise_v and_o perfect_v our_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o as_o great_a and_o as_o pure_a as_o wise_a and_o as_o good_a as_o be_v possible_a to_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o depression_n of_o interest_n and_o sense_n above_o the_o entanglement_n of_o appetite_n and_o passion_n above_o little_a low_a and_o narrow_a thing_n to_o a_o enlargement_n of_o their_o capacity_n to_o a_o exaltation_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o temper_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v they_o become_v like_o god_n that_o be_v the_o perfect_a kind_n of_o being_n possible_a can_v a_o great_a thought_n enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o can_v he_o pursue_v a_o noble_a design_n which_o carry_v greatness_n and_o majesty_n in_o very_a sound_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o must_v be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o primary_n end_v of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n every_o man_n must_v feel_v there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o bare_a proposition_n of_o it_o that_o strike_v his_o faculty_n which_o present_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o dispose_v he_o to_o close_v with_o it_o oh_o happy_a they_o who_o do_v real_o set_v about_o and_o do_v sincere_o prosecute_v it_o it_o show_v a_o nobleness_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o great_a a_o thought_n which_o can_v not_o move_v a_o abject_a soul_n this_o be_v none_o of_o those_o vain_a speculation_n that_o set_v man_n on_o to_o a_o fantastical_a pursuit_n of_o unattainable_a thing_n the_o design_n be_v solid_a and_o practicable_a as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v generous_a and_o great_a it_o do_v not_o swell_v the_o mind_n with_o air_n and_o vanity_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o season_v it_o with_o modesty_n and_o humility_n how_o difficult_a soever_o the_o performance_n may_v be_v there_o be_v aid_n proportion_v to_o the_o labour_n of_o it_o which_o will_v both_o increase_v our_o force_n and_o render_v all_o those_o difficulty_n the_o more_o easy_a to_o we_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n will_v be_v both_o accept_v and_o assist_v and_o how_o small_a a_o progress_n soever_o we_o may_v make_v here_o how_o often_o soever_o we_o may_v be_v take_v down_o from_o so_o high_a a_o flight_n and_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o may_v feel_v our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o necessary_a commerce_n that_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o with_o sensible_a object_n depress_v and_o distract_v we_o yet_o as_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a pleasure_n in_o great_a undertake_n even_o though_o our_o success_n do_v not_o answer_v our_o hope_n so_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v master_v all_o at_o last_o and_o in_o conclusion_n arrive_v at_o that_o state_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a conformity_n whereas_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o glorify_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o father_n so_o in_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v become_v like_a unto_o god_n for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o infinite_a perfection_n shall_v transform_v our_o mind_n into_o as_o near_o a_o resemblance_n of_o they_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o in_o this_o we_o shall_v ever_o feel_v a_o true_a joy_n and_o real_a happiness_n follow_v we_o in_o proportion_n to_o those_o advances_n we_o make_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n so_o when_o that_o conformity_n shall_v be_v carry_v as_o far_o as_o our_o create_a and_o limit_v capacity_n can_v go_v than_o we_o shall_v with_o it_o partake_v of_o a_o proportion_a fullness_n of_o joy_n as_o great_a a_o fullness_n as_o our_o faculty_n can_v receive_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o pleasure_n that_o be_v for_o evermore_o in_o this_o our_o be_v now_o the_o follower_n of_o god_n will_v certain_o end_v we_o who_o study_v to_o follow_v he_o here_o shall_v follow_v he_o into_o those_o mansion_n of_o glory_n where_o with_o angel_n and_o saint_n we_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n thither_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n lead_v we_o through_o all_o the_o change_n and_o chance_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 12._o line_n 15._o for_o amuse_v read_v amaze_a p._n 26._o l._n 1._o for_o we_o r._n ourselves_o p._n 27_o l._n ult_n for_o 〈…〉_z gen._n 1._o 26._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 18._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o 9_o dan._n 4._o 51_o psal._n 6._o 8_o john_n 45._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 22._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 23._o jul._n ep._n 49._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o
print_v by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n in_o the_o chapel_n at_o whitehall_n on_o the_o three_o sunday_n in_o lent_n be_v the_o seven_o day_n of_o march_n 1696_o 7._o by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n gilbert_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxc_o vii_o the_o bishop_n of_o salisbvry_n sermon_n before_o the_o king_n on_o the_o three_o sunday_n in_o lent_n 1697._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n ephes._n v._o ver_fw-la 2._o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o every_o man_n to_o form_n himself_o upon_o some_o pattern_n or_o other_o few_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o thought_n and_o the_o correctness_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o frame_v a_o scheme_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a as_o well_o as_o much_o sure_a to_o work_v after_o some_o oaiginal_n in_o which_o we_o may_v be_v better_a able_a to_o find_v out_o what_o may_v be_v correct_v or_o improve_v than_o to_o form_v a_o entire_a design_n to_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o simple_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o instruction_n great_a attention_n to_o observe_v well_o and_o some_o reflection_n to_o judge_v aright_o will_v carry_v we_o far_o but_o when_o we_o view_v pattern_n give_v we_o in_o history_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o mistrust_v it_o both_o because_o we_o flatter_v ourselves_o and_o so_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o high_a above_o we_o and_o because_o we_o see_v friendship_n or_o interest_n dispose_v man_n to_o flatter_v other_o both_o live_a and_o dead_a we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o hero_n of_o former_a time_n have_v so_o much_o good_a and_o that_o with_o so_o few_o mixture_n as_o their_o life_n represent_v they_o so_o that_o dead_a pattern_n and_o write_v example_n move_v we_o but_o feeble_o as_o for_o those_o who_o we_o have_v know_v we_o find_v after_o much_o practice_n such_o defect_n and_o abatement_n in_o they_o as_o will_v much_o sink_v the_o high_a thought_n that_o a_o slight_a knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v at_o first_o raise_v in_o we_o and_o though_o charity_n be_v willing_a to_o shade_v they_o yet_o still_o they_o be_v foil_n which_o weaken_v the_o lustre_n of_o the_o piece_n if_o we_o follow_v any_o too_o close_o we_o may_v insensible_o enter_v into_o the_o imitation_n of_o their_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o virtue_n and_o by_o too_o servile_a a_o form_n ourselves_o according_a to_o such_o original_n we_o may_v run_v into_o singularity_n and_o affectation_n which_o be_v always_o disagreeable_a for_o some_o native_a or_o bold_a air_n that_o look_v noble_o in_o the_o original_a show_v but_o poor_o when_o copy_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o unskilful_a hand_n after_o all_o since_o a_o copy_n must_v needs_o sink_v below_o the_o force_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o original_a for_o copy_n import_v weakness_n if_o we_o take_v our_o pattern_n from_o those_o who_o be_v too_o near_o our_o own_o size_n they_o will_v raise_v we_o but_o very_o little_a and_o if_o we_o take_v they_o too_o far_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n they_o will_v make_v we_o despair_v of_o rise_v up_o to_o they_o but_o what_o mistake_v soever_o we_o may_v commit_v in_o copy_v out_o man_n like_o ourselves_o we_o can_v err_v in_o endeavour_v to_o become_v as_o like_o god_n as_o be_v possible_a the_o word_n in_o my_o text_n render_v follower_n be_v imitator_n and_o be_v the_o same_o word_n from_o which_o the_o abusive_a one_o of_o mimic_n and_o mimichry_n be_v draw_v 26._o god_n make_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n or_o to_o be_v a_o image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v no_o other_o pattern_n to_o copy_n from_o but_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n he_o make_v we_o from_o that_o pattern_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o imitate_v it_o but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o boldness_n that_o seem_v to_o border_n on_o blasphemy_n in_o this_o for_o a_o mortal_a man_n to_o pretend_v to_o be_v like_o god_n it_o seem_v too_o high_a a_o aim_n a_o flight_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o beyond_o our_o prospect_n the_o very_a idea_n of_o god_n carry_v infinite_a perfection_n in_o it_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v incomprehensible_a can_v we_o then_o pretend_v to_o imitate_v that_o which_o we_o can_v look_v at_o 18._o no_o eye_n have_v see_v or_o can_v see_v he_o and_o though_o all_o be_v light_a about_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o light_n to_o which_o we_o can_v approach_v for_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n be_v round_o about_o he_o with_o relation_n to_o we_o yet_o if_o this_o light_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o to_o behold_v god_n have_v so_o temper_v it_o and_o have_v bring_v it_o so_o near_o we_o by_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n that_o while_o we_o look_v at_o he_o in_o that_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n 6._o we_o see_v in_o his_o face_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 18._o and_o in_o he_o with_o open_a face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n we_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o brightness_n that_o will_v otherwise_o dazzle_v be_v here_o so_o soften_v as_o yet_o to_o lose_v none_o of_o its_o beauty_n or_o its_o glory_n it_o be_v both_o more_o instructive_a and_o more_o agreeable_a as_o well_o as_o less_o vehement_a and_o awful_a upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o its_o main_a design_n be_v to_o raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n all_o that_o be_v possible_a into_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o stand_a difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n between_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a on_o the_o other_o that_o whatsoever_o propose_v any_o form_n or_o practice_n opinion_n or_o interest_n to_o be_v espouse_v that_o have_v no_o real_a tendency_n in_o they_o to_o the_o reform_v or_o exalt_v our_o nature_n but_o that_o rest_n in_o these_o as_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o divinity_n will_v be_v please_v as_o in_o such_o act_n of_o homage_n and_o submission_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o it_o with_o which_o the_o deity_n be_v appease_v or_o bribe_v so_o as_o to_o dispense_v with_o or_o forgive_v great_a matter_n this_o be_v superstition_n and_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o study_v to_o corrupt_v religion_n in_o its_o vital_a and_o most_o important_a part_n and_o who_o will_v bring_v man_n into_o party_n and_o under_o conceit_n of_o which_o they_o may_v have_v the_o conduct_n and_o by_o which_o they_o may_v manage_v other_o end_n that_o may_v pass_v under_o solemn_a name_n but_o be_v real_o the_o effect_n of_o passion_n and_o ambition_n and_o be_v direct_v to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o carnal_a and_o design_v men._n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o right_a view_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v when_o a_o set_a of_o such_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v set_v before_o we_o which_o give_v we_o great_a and_o noble_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o life_n just_a and_o humble_a one_o of_o ourselves_o with_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o other_o man_n and_o a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o this_o world_n with_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o when_o this_o set_v of_o mind_n break_v out_o into_o a_o course_n of_o virtuous_a and_o generous_a action_n when_o we_o show_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o other_o because_o we_o be_v make_v much_o the_o better_a by_o it_o and_o all_o other_o feel_v such_o a_o influence_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o such_o effect_n from_o it_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v both_o dispose_v to_o inquire_v after_o it_o and_o prepare_v to_o believe_v well_o of_o it_o for_o the_o world_n will_v always_o think_v this_o to_o be_v as_o true_a a_o argument_n as_o it_o be_v a_o short_a and_o a_o easy_a one_o that_o that_o must_v be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o make_v the_o best_a men._n all_o the_o rule_n form_n practice_n and_o institution_n in_o religion_n must_v be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o raise_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o maintain_v those_o great_a and_o noble_a idea_n which_o true_a religion_n give_v when_o they_o be_v so_o practise_v they_o contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o so_o become_v a_o part_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o instance_n if_o one_o pray_v only_o as_o a_o custom_n in_o which_o so_o much_o time_n must_v be_v spend_v so_o many_o form_n go_v through_o so_o many_o word_n repeat_v and_o so_o many_o act_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v do_v if_o
the_o night_n in_o prayer_n he_o live_v in_o contemplation_n that_o be_v indeed_o above_o we_o because_o he_o see_v truth_n in_o a_o light_n superior_a to_o our_o capacity_n he_o be_v neither_o lead_v by_o partiality_n nor_o humour_n but_o be_v ever_o delight_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 22._o there_o be_v no_o guile_n in_o his_o mouth_n he_o will_v not_o save_v his_o life_n by_o the_o conceal_n or_o disguise_v of_o truth_n 23._o but_o free_o confess_v that_o upon_o which_o his_o enemy_n be_v resolve_v to_o take_v it_o away_o he_o be_v ever_o open_a and_o sincere_a though_o he_o know_v that_o all_o his_o word_n be_v wrest_v to_o the_o worst_a sense_n possible_a he_o be_v ever_o do_v good_a as_o his_o life_n be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o it_o his_o time_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o instruct_v the_o multitude_n that_o gather_v about_o he_o he_o teach_v they_o plain_o suitable_o to_o their_o capacity_n with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o patience_n only_o he_o show_v a_o just_a indignation_n which_o he_o have_v thereby_o recommend_v to_o we_o against_o the_o proud_a the_o bloody_a and_o the_o hypocritical_a corrupter_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o time_n he_o bear_v all_o the_o contempt_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o he_o and_o all_o the_o injury_n that_o be_v do_v he_o with_o silence_n and_o patience_n and_o be_v ever_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o forgive_v they_o but_o to_o render_v good_a for_o evil_a while_o a_o unaffected_a humility_n and_o a_o decent_a modesty_n run_v throâ—_n all_o he_o either_o say_v or_o do_v thus_o he_o live_v and_o thus_o he_o die_v he_o die_v that_o he_o may_v reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n but_o he_o live_v to_o set_v we_o a_o pattern_n to_o show_v we_o what_o true_a religion_n be_v how_o to_o be_v attain_v and_o how_o practise_v this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o christian_a religion_n its_o chief_a authority_n after_o the_o miracle_n with_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o prove_v have_v cease_v the_o shine_a life_n the_o purity_n the_o sincerity_n and_o the_o charity_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o recommend_v it_o so_o effectual_o to_o the_o world_n that_o even_o the_o most_o malicious_a of_o all_o its_o enemy_n 49._o julian_n the_o apostate_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o one_o of_o his_o priest_n in_o which_o he_o lament_v the_o small_a progress_n he_o be_v make_v in_o restore_v heathenism_n and_o confess_v the_o disorder_n that_o be_v among_o they_o say_z the_o christian_n who_o he_o in_o derision_n call_v usual_o the_o galilean_n have_v gain_v their_o credit_n by_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o by_o the_o gravity_n or_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v true_a his_o malice_n make_v he_o put_v in_o the_o word_n counterfeit_a gravity_n but_o the_o virulence_n of_o that_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o same_o letter_n speak_v of_o relieve_v the_o poor_a he_o do_v it_o by_o this_o gradation_n he_o reproach_n the_o gentile_n with_o their_o neglect_n of_o they_o he_o say_v none_o of_o the_o jew_n do_v beg_v but_o of_o the_o christian_n he_o say_v they_o not_o only_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o poor_a but_o of_o we_o likewise_o it_o be_v by_o the_o force_n of_o such_o pattern_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n prevail_v so_o much_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o make_v the_o stand_n what_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o its_o progress_n and_o have_v bring_v it_o under_o so_o fatal_a a_o reverse_n that_o now_o it_o be_v lose_v ground_n instead_o of_o gain_v any_o we_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o our_o bad_a practice_n and_o the_o ill_a example_n we_o set_v the_o world_n have_v give_v it_o deep_o and_o with_o relation_n to_o we_o just_a prejudices_fw-la it_o amaze_v a_o man_n to_o think_v what_o it_o can_v be_v that_o shall_v possess_v the_o world_n so_o much_o against_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o chief_o in_o its_o precept_n and_o that_o particular_o tend_v to_o make_v all_o mankind_n both_o safe_a and_o happy_a the_o first_o and_o great_a reason_n be_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n that_o stand_v it_o out_o in_o a_o stiff_a opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o they_o to_o their_o end_n their_o interest_n their_o appetite_n and_o their_o passion_n this_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o fortify_v by_o all_o the_o ill-natured_a observation_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a that_o they_o can_v make_v of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o any_o form_n or_o bear_v any_o character_n in_o this_o religion_n but_o suppose_v all_o be_v true_a that_o they_o suggest_v and_o that_o we_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o they_o wish_v we_o be_v or_o study_v to_o make_v we_o appear_v to_o be_v we_o be_v certain_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o blame_v since_o our_o practice_n will_v have_v a_o more_o certain_a influence_n than_o our_o discourse_n yet_o whatever_o we_o may_v be_v though_o we_o may_v have_v the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n hang_v about_o we_o and_o return_v too_o often_o on_o we_o 7._o yet_o we_o have_v this_o treasure_n put_v in_o earthen_a vessel_n how_o contemptible_a soever_o the_o pot_n or_o vessel_n may_v be_v that_o make_v not_o the_o treasure_n find_v in_o it_o to_o be_v of_o less_o value_n it_o be_v so_o temper_a and_o be_v so_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man._n let_v man_n say_v of_o we_o what_o they_o please_v and_o let_v we_o defend_v we_o from_o it_o the_o best_a we_o can_v yet_o what_o can_v the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o libertine_n say_v against_o the_o virtue_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o temper_n of_o mind_n and_o course_n of_o the_o whole_a conversation_n that_o this_o our_o religion_n prescribe_v let_v we_o bear_v our_o own_o burden_n but_o let_v no_o part_n be_v cast_v on_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o that_o doctrine_n in_o which_o we_o instruct_v the_o world_n nor_o ought_v judgement_n to_o be_v make_v too_o rash_o for_o man_n may_v have_v weak_a side_n and_o frail_a minute_n and_o yet_o upon_o the_o whole_a they_o may_v sincery_n believe_v and_o faithful_o follow_v this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n even_o though_o humane_a nature_n may_v be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o make_v they_o give_v ground_n sometime_o and_o start_v aside_o but_o too_o often_o yet_o certain_o this_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o prejudice_n to_o those_o who_o seek_v for_o it_o and_o study_v to_o fortify_v themselves_o by_o it_o against_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o great_a effect_n on_o all_o person_n in_o who_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o who_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v concern_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o great_a attention_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o a_o strict_a watchfulness_n over_o all_o they_o do_v for_o they_o be_v watch_v and_o observe_v by_o other_o who_o wait_v for_o their_o halt_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o improve_v all_o the_o advantage_n that_o be_v give_v in_o this_o manner_n with_o a_o most_o industrious_a spite_n but_o after_o all_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o go_v further_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v 1._o beye_v follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ._n then_o indeed_o our_o word_n will_v have_v the_o utmost_a force_n that_o can_v be_v put_v in_o word_n when_o our_o life_n be_v of_o a_o piece_n with_o they_o but_o when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o ourselves_o but_o our_o cause_n have_v still_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o the_o same_o force_n in_o it_o how_o ill_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v set_v out_o or_o support_v by_o we_o god_n be_v thank_v for_o it_o we_o be_v not_o so_o destitute_a of_o pattern_n but_o that_o some_o remain_v and_o some_o we_o have_v know_v who_o be_v now_o enjoy_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o virtue_n who_o have_v signal_o edify_v the_o world_n and_o who_o name_n and_o fame_n do_v still_o live_v we_o be_v to_o do_v all_o this_o as_o dear_a child_n under_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v the_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o generous_a and_o lively_a obedience_n the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n strike_v we_o but_o his_o goodness_n overcome_v all_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o thing_n we_o receive_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n or_o of_o christian_n and_o those_o blessing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o if_o we_o but_o let_v they_o in_o upon_o our_o thought_n in_o their_o true_a value_n we_o will_v feel_v a_o mighty_a force_n in_o
he_o think_v his_o duty_n be_v also_o do_v god_n be_v please_v score_n be_v clear_v and_o all_o be_v set_v to_o right_n here_o be_v the_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o prayer_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o one_o consider_v prayer_n as_o a_o mean_a and_o method_n to_o raise_v within_o he_o high_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o low_a one_o of_o himself_o a_o severe_a sense_n both_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o duty_n with_o earnest_a address_n make_v to_o god_n and_o humble_a resolution_n form_v in_o himself_o and_o thus_o use_v prayer_n as_o a_o real_a mean_a to_o humble_a and_o to_o purify_v himself_o to_o keep_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o by_o fervent_a address_n to_o obtain_v divine_a assistance_n he_o feel_v this_o be_v a_o practice_n the_o continuance_n of_o which_o make_v he_o real_o the_o better_a and_o upon_o such_o performance_n he_o see_v it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v that_o according_a to_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o hear_n and_o grant_v our_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o such_o address_n and_o will_v upon_o they_o make_v such_o return_n as_o our_o necessity_n or_o occasion_n do_v require_v this_o in_o general_a then_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v not_o impose_v religion_n on_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v a_o tax_n on_o man_n or_o raise_v a_o tribute_n from_o they_o he_o need_v nothing_o from_o we_o as_o we_o can_v give_v he_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v only_o command_v we_o to_o be_v religious_a because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a possible_a way_n to_o exalt_v our_o nature_n to_o compose_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o action_n it_o be_v that_o which_o render_v we_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o complacence_n and_o put_v we_o in_o the_o certain_a way_n of_o attain_v the_o utmost_a happiness_n of_o which_o we_o be_v capable_a which_o be_v to_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o our_o be_v make_v like_o god_n here_o be_v the_o certain_a method_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sure_a earnest_n of_o our_o be_v to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o in_o that_o state_n of_o a_o more_o and_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o he_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o arrive_v at_o here_o what_o be_v this_o to_o be_v like_o god_n can_v a_o mortal_a and_o finite_a nature_n stretch_v itself_o so_o far_o beyond_o its_o bound_n and_o capacity_n as_o to_o become_v either_o infinite_a or_o eternal_a can_v such_o frail_a and_o shortsighted_a being_n as_o we_o be_v become_v omnipotent_a or_o omniscient_a no_o sure_o man_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o even_a man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v a_o lie_n they_o be_v no_o less_o a_o vanity_n than_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o they_o be_v a_o lie_n the_o king_n and_o mighty_a potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n after_o all_o the_o swell_n of_o flattery_n and_o vanity_n be_v when_o compare_v to_o god_n as_o nothing_o or_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n a_o diminution_n in_o speech_n that_o want_v not_o its_o beauty_n wherein_o must_v we_o then_o resemble_v god_n or_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o it_o must_v be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o with_o a_o infinite_a disproportion_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o this_o imitation_n god_n may_v be_v consider_v by_o we_o either_o in_o a_o intellectual_a way_n as_o he_o be_v a_o mind_n perfect_a in_o himself_o or_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n as_o he_o be_v perfect_a in_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o other_o in_o both_o respect_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o proper_a instance_n of_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o he_o he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a spirit_n not_o clog_v with_o matter_n or_o any_o union_n or_o relation_n to_o matter_n we_o be_v indeed_o chain_v down_o to_o a_o body_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o it_o we_o be_v encumber_v with_o all_o its_o pressure_n and_o draw_v down_o to_o a_o earthliness_n and_o lowness_n by_o too_o great_a a_o commerce_n with_o sense_n and_o sensible_a object_n this_o captivate_v and_o depress_n we_o nor_o can_v we_o quite_o throw_v it_o off_o or_o escape_v from_o it_o till_o the_o prison_n can_v hold_v we_o no_o more_o and_o our_o fetter_n fall_v off_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n do_v now_o viciate_v our_o thought_n violent_a passion_n and_o inflame_a appetite_n do_v strange_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o magic_n transform_v our_o soul_n they_o become_v heavy_a and_o dull_a feeble_a and_o unactive_a and_o almost_o as_o low_a and_o insensible_a as_o matter_n itself_o then_o do_v we_o rise_v up_o to_o resemble_v god_n in_o the_o intellectual_a way_n when_o we_o raise_v our_o mind_n as_o much_o out_o of_o our_o body_n and_o above_o they_o as_o we_o can_v when_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o all_o commerce_n with_o those_o viciate_a object_n that_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n and_o war_n against_o our_o soul_n and_o when_o we_o reduce_v ourselves_o to_o short_a allowance_n with_o relation_n to_o those_o more_o innocent_a amusement_n and_o delight_n which_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o the_o keep_v it_o in_o such_o tune_n as_o to_o answer_v the_o occasion_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v have_v with_o it_o or_o to_o give_v our_o mind_n such_o easy_a and_o lively_a interval_n between_o severe_a exercise_n a_o continuance_n in_o which_o will_v quick_o waste_v or_o overset_v we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v return_v to_o they_o with_o great_a advantage_n and_o prosecute_v they_o with_o more_o force_n but_o beside_o this_o a_o man_n who_o will_v raise_v his_o mind_n to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o noble_a sort_n of_o be_v to_o which_o it_o can_v be_v exalt_v aught_o to_o break_v himself_o all_o he_o can_v to_o all_o eagerness_n and_o vehemence_n and_o to_o a_o quick_a pursuit_n of_o his_o passion_n or_o pleasure_n he_o ought_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o those_o additional_a fetter_n which_o he_o have_v add_v to_o those_o under_o which_o he_o be_v put_v by_o the_o state_n of_o life_n he_o be_v now_o make_v subject_n to_o he_o give_v wing_n to_o his_o soul_n who_o raise_v it_o often_o above_o sense_n and_o interest_n above_o the_o view_v of_o pleasure_n or_o advantage_n who_o direct_v it_o to_o contemplate_v and_o to_o meditate_v and_o by_o such_o practice_n be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v escape_n from_o his_o body_n and_o bodily_a object_n who_o grow_v even_o ashamed_a of_o that_o necessary_a commerce_n which_o he_o must_v hold_v with_o this_o material_a world_n and_o therefore_o he_o not_o only_o prepare_v to_o leave_v it_o but_o be_v daily_o look_v and_o long_v for_o it_o in_o a_o word_n do_v not_o all_o man_n feel_v that_o when_o then_o they_o let_v their_o mind_n go_v far_o into_o voluptuous_a covetous_a or_o ill-natured_a design_n their_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v steep_v and_o soak_v into_o matter_n they_o be_v depress_v and_o debase_v by_o it_o and_o make_v capable_a of_o nothing_o that_o be_v high_a or_o generous_a by_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o lose_v their_o relish_n of_o better_a thing_n as_o they_o become_v incapable_a of_o they_o their_o mind_n grow_v down_o to_o earth_n and_o become_v little_o better_o than_o what_o the_o libertine_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v mere_a sluggish_a and_o unactive_a matter_n be_v not_o this_o a_o degeneracy_n and_o a_o debase_v of_o our_o nature_n and_o a_o sink_v they_o deep_a and_o deep_o into_o matter_n and_o corruption_n whereas_o those_o and_o those_o only_a feel_v that_o they_o have_v soul_n indeed_o who_o rise_v to_o the_o high_a region_n of_o thought_n and_o meditation_n who_o break_v themselves_o to_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o humour_n and_o interest_n and_o live_v in_o thought_n and_o reflection_n who_o awaken_v all_o those_o noble_a seed_n that_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o exercise_n and_o improve_v they_o and_o make_v themselves_o to_o become_v as_o much_o mind_n as_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o clog_n of_o the_o body_n will_v be_v often_o take_v they_o down_o yet_o they_o will_v rise_v up_o again_o and_o aspire_v after_o as_o much_o of_o intellectual_a light_n and_o life_n as_o this_o state_n of_o matter_n and_o mortality_n will_v allow_v of_o a_o second_o thing_n in_o the_o intellectual_a way_n in_o which_o the_o consider_a god_n as_o our_o pattern_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o raise_v and_o exalt_v ourselves_o be_v when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o act_v eternal_o upon_o a_o true_a and_o full_a view_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o pure_a and_o clear_a light_n with_o a_o perfect_a and_o unerring_a wisdom_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o this_o sort_n of_o perfection_n god_n see_v all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o