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
but_o these_o man_n proceed_v chief_o upon_o those_o objection_n which_o we_o have_v already_o refute_v and_o upon_o unreasonable_a and_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o wrest_v to_o their_o sense_n while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o remove_v it_o whole_o but_o while_o they_o attempt_v this_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o far_o great_a difficulty_n and_o even_o in_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o god_n have_v command_v that_o all_o shall_v worship_v the_o son_n even_o as_o they_o do_v the_o father_n and_o themselves_o never_o dare_v to_o deny_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o christ_n hereby_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o be_v which_o be_v not_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o palpable_a contradiction_n infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o they_o so_o much_o dread_v for_o a_o act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n consist_v chief_o in_o a_o awful_a conception_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o object_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o adore_v christ_n with_o divine_a honour_n the_o mind_n must_v consider_v he_o as_o god_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a repugnance_n of_o conception_n and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n remain_v in_o full_a force_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v attend_v it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v those_o argument_n it_o remain_v that_o if_o we_o act_v rational_o we_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o discourse_n from_o this_o place_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v but_o that_o can_v not_o be_v avoid_v in_o a_o subject_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o you_o not_o only_o in_o confirm_v the_o steadiness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o general_a in_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o require_v nothing_o to_o be_v believe_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o give_v you_o some_o rule_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o your_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o in_o arm_v you_o against_o the_o snare_n and_o delusion_n of_o a_o pestilent_a sect_n which_o have_v very_o late_o take_v advantage_n from_o our_o division_n to_o revive_v their_o objection_n and_o public_o to_o propose_v they_o may_n what_o have_v be_v say_v conduce_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o your_o faith_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o your_o thought_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o your_o doubt_n if_o any_o such_o be_v and_o therein_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n to_o who_o be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o error_n and_o false_a persuasion_n to_o which_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v subject_a none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o common_a than_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o irrational_a part_n be_v direct_v by_o their_o creator_n to_o some_o supreme_a end_n the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n while_o man_n the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n miscarry_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a soul_n capacious_a faculty_n and_o the_o uncontrolled_a use_n of_o a_o freewill_n which_o bestow_v on_o man_n a_o possibility_n of_o be_v true_o happy_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o miscarriage_n he_o set_v the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n on_o work_n to_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n he_o run_v through_o all_o the_o pleasure_n whether_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n of_o which_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a he_o fix_v his_o desire_n upon_o those_o which_o most_o of_o all_o strike_v his_o imagination_n or_o gratify_v his_o sense_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o obtain_v they_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o freewill_n when_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o one_o end_n he_o invent_v another_o he_o grow_v wanton_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o more_o he_o indulge_v his_o rove_a thought_n the_o far_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o true_a end_n a_o miserable_a calamity_n indeed_o that_o man_n alone_o shall_v miscarry_v in_o his_o supreme_a end_n yet_o a_o calamity_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v a_o calamity_n which_o have_v involve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o know_v no_o other_o end_n than_o what_o be_v terminate_v in_o this_o life_n seek_v no_o other_o happine_v than_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o expire_v with_o they_o many_o have_v indeed_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o thought_n rescue_v themselves_o from_o this_o common_a calamity_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v by_o the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n deliver_v from_o it_o they_o know_v a_o better_a and_o more_o last_a happiness_n they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o their_o nature_n yet_o by_o a_o miserable_a corruption_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v betray_v to_o neglect_v this_o end_n to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n and_o over-rule_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a esteem_n of_o corporeal_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n which_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n divert_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n take_v root_n in_o his_o imagination_n raise_v his_o passion_n and_o by_o their_o assistance_n continue_v its_o possession_n nothing_o therefore_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o the_o retrieve_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o real_a happiness_n to_o rectify_v the_o thought_n and_o secure_v the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o to_o obviate_v the_o deceitfulness_n to_o defeat_v the_o delusion_n of_o sensual_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n by_o manifest_v how_o unsatisfactory_a it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n how_o unable_a to_o fill_v the_o capacious_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o vain_a and_o trifle_a how_o unworthy_a our_o study_n and_o desire_v this_o will_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a end_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o end_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o when_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o no_o real_a happiness_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o that_o however_o it_o may_v flatter_v the_o sense_n and_o please_v the_o imagination_n it_o will_v fill_v no_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o effect_v this_o conviction_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o various_a argument_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o mutability_n of_o fortune_n the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n forfeit_v by_o a_o blind_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n the_o vanity_n of_o it_o when_o obtain_v the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o it_o when_o expire_v but_o above_o all_o the_o example_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o after_o they_o have_v obtain_v all_o which_o they_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n rest_v unsatisfied_a or_o become_v unhappy_a be_v divest_v of_o their_o felicity_n and_o reduce_v to_o misery_n or_o amid_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n by_o a_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v declare_v and_o confess_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o much_o court_v and_o other_o so_o much_o admire_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o of_o haman_n in_o my_o text_n who_o amid_o all_o his_o honour_n and_o title_n his_o wealth_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n amid_o all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o this_o life_n can_v receive_v convince_v by_o undeniable_a experience_n confess_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o that_o both_o these_o consideration_n therefore_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o experience_n confirm_v
they_o for_o however_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n be_v require_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o more_o essential_a condition_n of_o prayer_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o require_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n whereof_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n be_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n large_o treat_v of_o this_o worship_n can_v be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n unless_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o certain_a place_n and_o time_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o if_o the_o place_n of_o it_o be_v not_o fix_v no_o public_a worship_n can_v well_o consist_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o command_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o have_v not_o therein_o teach_v that_o all_o place_n be_v equal_o fit_v in_o which_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o singularity_n of_o one_o place_n and_o the_o appropriation_n of_o all_o public_a worship_n to_o 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homage_n pay_v to_o that_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o we_o see_v and_o admire_v in_o the_o creation_n god_n have_v not_o only_o form_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o also_o add_v infinite_a variety_n of_o light_n mineral_n plant_n and_o animal_n for_o his_o delight_n and_o for_o the_o ornament_n of_o life_n since_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o divine_a perfection_n manifest_v by_o their_o operation_n this_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o only_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o ceremony_n and_o many_o circumstance_n to_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n but_o also_o make_v it_o to_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o to_o accuse_v such_o addition_n and_o external_a ceremony_n of_o superstition_n be_v no_o less_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v add_v to_o the_o creation_n many_o thing_n not_o necessary_a yet_o ornamental_a to_o it_o how_o incongruous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o a_o irregular_a and_o slovenly_a manner_n how_o improper_a a_o return_n for_o the_o additional_a yet_o unnecessary_a convenience_n of_o humane_a life_n to_o adore_v the_o author_n of_o they_o without_o any_o order_n or_o external_a decency_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o induce_v man_n before_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o set_v they_o apart_o for_o that_o use_n only_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n be_v few_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n yet_o therein_o we_o find_v evident_a footstep_n of_o such_o dedication_n more_o particular_o in_o gen._n xxviii_o 16._o where_o jacob_n enjoy_v a_o vision_n at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n immediate_o conclude_v that_o the_o place_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o he_o say_v sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n which_o reflection_n of_o jacob_n prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o patriarch_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v be_v their_o belief_n that_o in_o those_o place_n god_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a present_a and_o to_o manifest_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o of_o a_o place_n of_o worship_n he_o immediate_o address_v himself_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o dedicate_a certain_a place_n to_o this_o use_n be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n alone_o but_o of_o all_o age_n and_o 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wealth_n from_o he_o by_o offer_v up_o some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o to_o be_v employ_v as_o he_o shall_v direct_v which_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n consist_v chief_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o act_n of_o charity_n we_o confess_v he_o the_o author_n of_o life_n by_o dedicate_a certain_a time_n of_o it_o to_o his_o service_n and_o we_o confess_v he_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n by_o appropriate_v and_o submit_v some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o his_o immediate_a service_n by_o this_o his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v eminent_o acknowledge_v and_o the_o vassalage_n of_o man_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v declare_v further_o the_o erection_n and_o dedication_n of_o church_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v both_o useful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o proclaim_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o belief_n in_o he_o by_o all_o significative_a expression_n to_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o our_o profession_n to_o all_o age_n and_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o all_o man_n this_o fabric_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v most_o natural_o signify_v which_o be_v so_o many_o stand_n and_o last_a monument_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o that_o god_n to_o who_o service_n they_o be_v appropriate_v for_o this_o reason_n we_o often_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n erect_v pillar_n and_o heap_n of_o stone_n to_o be_v so_o many_o last_a monument_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o how_o gracious_o god_n accept_v such_o visible_a
profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o appear_v from_o that_o frequent_a expression_n employ_v by_o he_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n at_o jerusalem_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v be_v move_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o temple_n sake_n which_o be_v pure_o material_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o merit_n but_o that_o it_o be_v erect_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n by_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o illustrious_a sign_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o that_o nation_n believe_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o while_o that_o fabric_n stand_v consecrate_v to_o his_o name_n and_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o it_o to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o be_v dissemble_v that_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o they_o his_o people_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a and_o yet_o undeniable_a that_o wherever_o the_o solemn_a and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o 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of_o long_a continuance_n but_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n give_v they_o liberty_n therewith_o to_o exercise_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o in_o public_a solemn_a and_o sacred_a place_n can_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v maintain_v by_o private_a and_o clancular_a meeting_n the_o zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o time_n will_v have_v effect_v it_o yet_o than_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a to_o perform_v it_o nor_o will_v god_n have_v interpose_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o providence_n to_o restore_v his_o church_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a church_n have_v not_o such_o worship_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o that_o direct_v from_o corner_n of_o private_a house_n and_o therefore_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o storm_n of_o any_o persecution_n blow_v over_o but_o the_o christian_n immediate_o set_v themselves_o to_o erect_v magnificent_a church_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o they_o to_o 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who_o service_n they_o be_v consecrate_v but_o also_o a_o eminent_a monument_n of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o give_v peace_n and_o quiet_a unto_o the_o church_n procure_v to_o her_o member_n the_o liberty_n of_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o profess_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o in_o public_a the_o magnificence_n of_o these_o fabric_n be_v a_o further_a argument_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n of_o that_o people_n by_o who_o they_o be_v found_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o remain_v a_o eternal_a mark_n of_o acknowledgement_n that_o both_o peace_n and_o plenty_n proceed_v from_o his_o gift_n to_o who_o name_n they_o be_v sacred_a they_o be_v the_o most_o obvious_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o long_a and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o nation_n and_o the_o devotion_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o thereby_o exceed_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o all_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o confine_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n or_o movable_a congregation_n be_v what_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v the_o great_a misfortune_n attend_v their_o persecution_n and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n pay_v no_o more_o solemn_a worship_n to_o god_n than_o what_o be_v real_o necessary_a to_o pay_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n if_o they_o shall_v indeed_o be_v persecute_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a will_v pay_v no_o manner_n of_o worship_n at_o least_o to_o decry_v the_o erection_n and_o consecration_n of_o sacred_a place_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o oppose_v the_o increase_n of_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o include_v a_o fear_n least_o posterity_n shall_v know_v from_o those_o durable_a fabric_n that_o their_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n last_o if_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o place_n solemn_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o use_n and_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v in_o such_o place_n if_o his_o honour_n be_v promote_v by_o erection_n of_o such_o sacred_a building_n and_o keep_v up_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o small_a reverence_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o to_o treat_v they_o as_o unholy_a or_o common_a place_n in_o any_o matter_n be_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o that_o use_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o peculiar_a possession_n and_o to_o deny_v his_o presence_n in_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o external_a act_n of_o reverence_n manifest_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o he_o of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o to_o who_o honour_n they_o be_v dedicate_v of_o our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o by_o who_o we_o enjoy_v the_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o religion_n of_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v chief_o advance_v and_o maintain_v by_o they_o of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o his_o constant_a and_o immediate_a presence_n in_o they_o that_o veneration_n therefore_o which_o the_o devout_a member_n of_o this_o church_n pay_v to_o sacred_a place_n be_v neither_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n nor_o the_o remain_v of_o popery_n but_o arise_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o rational_a persuasion_n of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o he_o a_o practice_n as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o as_o receive_v and_o confess_v among_o all_o christian_n when_o reprove_v the_o indecency_n commit_v by_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o church_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 22._o he_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o they_o by_o this_o consideration_n what_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o material_a church_n and_o no_o less_o plain_a that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o allow_v by_o they_o that_o so_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o these_o church_n that_o even_o for_o the_o sole_a consideration_n of_o their_o holiness_n no_o indecent_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v commit_v in_o they_o before_o he_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o the_o same_o regard_v due_a to_o sacred_a place_n when_o he_o scourge_v the_o money-changer_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o they_o have_v place_v themselves_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a porch_n and_o avenue_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a and_o public_a worship_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v be_v this_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o
they_o intend_v it_o or_o not_o they_o can_v be_v conceal_v or_o pass_v unregarded_a upon_o which_o account_n christ_n just_o resemble_v they_o to_o a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n and_o to_o a_o candle_n set_v on_o a_o candlestick_n in_o the_o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n which_o natural_o appear_v and_o give_v light_a to_o all_o round_a about_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v do_v but_o you_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v good_a work_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o become_v exemplar_n i_o do_v not_o require_v you_o to_o publish_v and_o blazon_n they_o abroad_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o perform_v they_o can_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n of_o other_o men._n far_o not_o only_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a work_n make_v the_o ostentation_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unnecessary_a in_o order_n to_o become_v exemplar_n but_o also_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o less_o temptation_n to_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n than_o any_o other_o act_n either_o of_o true_a or_o suppose_a religion_n if_o the_o ground_n and_o more_o ordinary_a reason_n of_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n in_o religion_n be_v search_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o common_o in_o mistake_a point_n of_o religion_n as_o of_o old_a among_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o punctual_a performance_n of_o wash_n and_o other_o ritual_a observation_n among_o the_o more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n in_o pilgrimage_n bead_n and_o other_o trifle_n among_o their_o saint_n in_o extraordinary_a austerity_n or_o unusual_a act_n of_o self-denial_n among_o enthusiast_n in_o rapture_n and_o pretend_a inspiration_n all_o these_o natural_o tend_v to_o foment_n the_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n of_o man_n they_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o on_o they_o and_o serve_v to_o make_v unwary_a people_n believe_v they_o extreme_o conscientious_a and_o have_v this_o far_a advantage_n towards_o the_o design_n of_o hypocrite_n that_o they_o be_v cheap_o perform_v cross_v no_o passion_n restrain_v no_o lust_n make_v a_o great_a show_n and_o cost_v they_o nothing_o and_o when_o they_o be_v perform_v not_o afford_v any_o inward_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n as_o have_v no_o internal_a worth_n it_o be_v but_o natural_a for_o the_o actor_n of_o they_o to_o seek_v that_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o praise_n and_o applause_n of_o other_o man_n which_o they_o reap_v not_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n whereas_o the_o performance_n of_o good_a work_n raise_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o sweet_a a_o complacency_n when_o reflect_v on_o that_o external_a commendation_n can_v add_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o the_o internal_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v be_v neglect_v when_o compare_v with_o it_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o many_o good_a work_n and_o most_o signal_o the_o great_a of_o they_o that_o of_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a do_v natural_o dispose_v to_o humility_n accustom_v the_o mind_n to_o consider_v and_o compassionate_v the_o want_n and_o infirmity_n of_o inferior_a person_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o pride_n or_o a_o overvalue_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n be_v in_o some_o man_n the_o cause_n of_o uncharitableness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n betray_v they_o to_o imagine_v it_o beneath_o their_o quality_n to_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n the_o necessity_n of_o distress_a person_n and_o to_o be_v aggrieve_v for_o they_o which_o sort_n of_o pride_n can_v consist_v with_o real_a charity_n and_o where_o this_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o former_a can_v have_v no_o place_n at_o least_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o hypocrisy_n may_v consist_v with_o all_o those_o mistake_a indication_n of_o holiness_n i_o before_o mention_v but_o with_o good_a work_n with_o mercy_n justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v consist_v for_o that_o whosoever_o perform_v these_o do_v real_o perform_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o do_v that_o be_v satisfy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o profess_v however_o although_o ordinary_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o to_o direct_v the_o performance_n of_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v not_o escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v always_o unlawful_a to_o direct_v they_o in_o that_o manner_n for_o this_o end_n alone_o to_o obtain_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o perform_v they_o public_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o other_o not_o to_o obtain_v their_o praise_n but_o to_o promote_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v also_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o serviceable_a to_o his_o church_n this_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n which_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o cause_v their_o light_n so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v god_n if_o this_o design_n do_v at_o last_o terminate_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v so_o intend_v it_o be_v not_o only_o warrantable_a but_o recommendable_a by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v certain_o reward_v by_o he_o only_o great_a caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o and_o a_o scrupulous_a care_n to_o be_v observe_v lest_o any_o thing_n of_o vain_a glory_n any_o sinister_a end_n shall_v intervene_v and_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o in_o case_n of_o exceed_a moment_n such_o be_v when_o any_o age_n or_o large_a society_n of_o man_n be_v especial_o deficient_a in_o any_o duty_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o noble_a undertake_n for_o any_o private_a person_n to_o give_v the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a lustre_n to_o their_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n that_o so_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o their_o eminen_n example_n therein_o they_o may_v retrieve_v the_o public_a practice_n of_o it_o and_o whensoever_o any_o great_a and_o common_a good_a although_o of_o another_o nature_n may_v be_v attain_v or_o promote_v thereby_o such_o be_v the_o case_n more_o particular_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n general_o devoid_a not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o noble_a act_n of_o charity_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n and_o sense_n to_o those_o who_o before_o want_v they_o shall_v be_v perform_v public_o that_o themselves_o shall_v decline_v no_o opportunity_n of_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o deep_a impression_n of_o it_o upon_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o this_o cause_n also_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o relate_v at_o large_a and_o to_o glory_n in_o the_o many_o affliction_n hazard_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o have_v undergo_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o amplify_a of_o his_o labour_n and_o patience_n tend_v to_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o the_o corinthian_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o consequent_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n this_o design_n also_o justify_v the_o bravery_n of_o those_o ancient_a christian_n who_o voluntary_o and_o unsought_a for_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o persecutor_n when_o they_o observe_v a_o general_a cowardice_n and_o frequent_a example_n of_o apostasy_n among_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v apprehend_v and_o bring_v before_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n that_o so_o by_o their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n they_o may_v excite_v other_o to_o persist_v resolute_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o simple_o to_o throw_v themselves_o into_o danger_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v unlawful_a our_o lord_n in_o matth._n x._o 23._o have_v command_v his_o disciple_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n to_o fly_v into_o another_o and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v forbid_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o such_o rash_a undertake_n yet_o whensoever_o so_o great_a a_o good_a may_v be_v attain_v thereby_o as_o to_o raise_v the_o deject_a courage_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o to_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o heathen_n boast_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o many_o weak_a christian_n it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o engage_v in_o voluntary_a martyrdom_n but_o high_o meritorious_a and_o reward_v as_o such_o by_o
god_n if_o no_o vain_a glory_n or_o desire_v of_o humane_a praise_n be_v intermix_v therewith_o but_o the_o sole_a design_n be_v the_o advancement_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v of_o rashness_n all_o those_o noble_a ancient_a martyr_n who_o without_o any_o force_n confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n and_o thereby_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o torment_v and_o death_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o example_n of_o constancy_n to_o less_o courageous_a christian_n who_o can_v not_o otherwise_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o generous_a example_n do_v more_o effectual_o raise_v the_o courage_n of_o other_o christian_n labour_v under_o persecution_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a reward_n propose_v by_o christ_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v for_o his_o name_n and_o to_o justify_v this_o proceed_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n sy_n paul_n himself_o as_o we_o read_v act_n xxi_o have_v resolve_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o continue_v his_o resolution_n although_o it_o be_v foretell_v to_o he_o by_o agabus_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o himself_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n do_v abide_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v there_o suffer_v a_o grievous_a persecution_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a or_o commendable_a to_o perform_v good_a work_n public_o and_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o men._n many_o other_o such_o case_n may_v be_v find_v i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o penance_n and_o charity_n as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o practice_n of_o public_a penance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o present_a time_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v then_o the_o great_a preserver_n of_o unfeigned_a piety_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o the_o discontinuance_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o want_n and_o coldness_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o time_n they_o very_o well_o know_v former_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o that_o god_n chief_o regard_v inward_a repentance_n the_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o admonition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o anoint_v thy_o head_n and_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o but_o unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o what_o be_v say_v of_o fast_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o act_n and_o indication_n of_o repentance_n yet_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o penance_n require_v the_o institution_n and_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o then_o be_v religion_n and_o piety_n maintain_v in_o its_o full_a vigour_n when_o person_n guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a crime_n however_o eminent_a by_o birth_n or_o station_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n seclude_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o separate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o appear_v in_o sackcloth_n or_o other_o penitential_a dress_n beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o god_n with_o tear_n and_o desire_a reconciliation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o many_o day_n but_o ofttimes_o for_o many_o year_n together_o such_o discipline_n can_v not_o but_o produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o behold_v it_o a_o exceed_a dread_n of_o sin_n and_o caution_n in_o abstain_v from_o such_o scandal_n as_o will_v certain_o draw_v upon_o they_o either_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o undergo_a the_o same_o severity_n the_o sight_n of_o those_o penitent_n be_v more_o instructive_a to_o ordinary_a christian_n than_o all_o the_o most_o elaborate_a invective_n against_o sin_n or_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n represent_v to_o they_o at_o once_o the_o gild_n the_o horror_n the_o shame_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v their_o repentance_n to_o be_v account_v less_o real_a or_o internal_a because_o attend_v with_o such_o outward_a profession_n rather_o these_o give_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n since_o to_o take_v away_o the_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o scandal_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n they_o refuse_v not_o to_o undergo_v the_o long_a and_o strict_a severity_n of_o public_a penance_n and_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o put_v themselves_o to_o open_a shame_n in_o like_a manner_n however_o ordinary_o speak_v charity_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o our_o lord_n have_v large_o warn_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n to_o be_v see_v of_o they_o that_o be_v for_o this_o only_a reason_n that_o we_o may_v be_v see_v and_o praise_v by_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o and_o by_o see_v they_o may_v be_v excite_v either_o to_o glorify_v god_n or_o to_o practise_v the_o like_a charity_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a not_o only_o secure_v the_o reward_n promise_v to_o charity_n but_o also_o become_v of_o excellent_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n due_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n however_o it_o may_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o former_a age_n when_o almost_o all_o christian_n exercise_v charity_n even_o to_o profuseness_n certain_o in_o our_o age_n which_o be_v chief_o deficient_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n in_o any_o to_o restore_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o any_o eminent_a and_o public_a example_n and_o although_o very_o great_a reward_n be_v promise_v to_o secret_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o to_o public_a charity_n exercise_v in_o such_o case_n much_o great_a be_v reserve_v if_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v with_o any_o mixture_n of_o vain_a glory_n or_o ignoble_a design_n because_o such_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o secret_a charity_n in_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o but_z far_a also_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o men._n in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o like_a case_n the_o advantage_n produce_v thereby_o to_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o exciting_a other_o by_o the_o force_n of_o example_n to_o the_o imitation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o good_a work_n although_o that_o be_v very_o great_a as_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o it_o invincible_o form_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n to_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o knowledge_n such_o as_o constitute_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o that_o the_o same_o be_v profess_v by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o profession_n of_o other_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o real_a themselves_o will_v assent_v without_o any_o scruple_n if_o they_o suspect_v their_o reality_n themselves_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n now_o the_o public_a and_o eminent_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n give_v the_o only_a evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o man_n since_o in_o a_o country_n where_o any_o religion_n prevail_v by_o custom_n and_o education_n a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o it_o may_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o either_o and_o not_o to_o contradict_v it_o may_v be_v due_a only_o to_o common_a civility_n but_o whoever_o public_o perform_v good_a work_n give_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o he_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o thereby_o dispose_v other_o to_o the_o same_o belief_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n perform_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o my_o text_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o exemplary_a piety_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o end_n will_v real_o be_v