to_o be_v to_o we_o the_o grand_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a motive_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v for_o that_o purpose_n i._o then_o that_o gratitude_n or_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o consequent_o to_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n by_o other_o argument_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o bare_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o our_o own_o relation_n to_o god_n our_o creator_n ourselves_o and_o our_o fellow_n creature_n suggest_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n if_o these_o consideration_n have_v be_v due_o ponder_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n they_o will_v have_v prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a none_o will_v deny_v who_o acknowledge_v their_o fall_n to_o have_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o choice_n not_o of_o necessity_n yet_o be_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n confer_v on_o they_o very_o small_a and_o dim_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o evidence_n which_o god_n confer_v on_o follow_a age_n he_o show_v they_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o promise_v that_o in_o due_a time_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o creation_n add_v that_o of_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o creation_n yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o maintain_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o preserâ—…ed_v a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v forget_v that_o god_n have_v produce_v man_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o eminent_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o they_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n can_v not_o easy_o be_v obliterated_a from_o their_o mind_n but_o for_o many_o age_n keep_v alive_a a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o beneficence_n when_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o decay_a and_o therewith_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n ensue_v god_n reinforce_v it_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n from_o the_o common_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n his_o descendant_n can_v not_o but_o for_o many_o age_n retain_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o so_o signal_n a_o mercy_n which_o have_v rescue_v they_o from_o a_o universal_a calamity_n and_o manifest_v thereby_o how_o dear_a they_o be_v to_o god_n yet_o in_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o benefit_n grow_v faint_a and_o man_n think_v themselves_o little_o concern_v in_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o preservation_n they_o require_v near_a and_o more_o particular_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n which_o be_v appropriate_a to_o themselves_o may_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o man_n by_o a_o great_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n indeed_o of_o a_o irrational_a judgement_n and_o prevail_a ingratitude_n for_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o continuer_n of_o their_o being_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o his_o service_n but_o a_o effect_n to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o to_o restore_v decay_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o revive_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o set_v apart_o a_o peculiar_a people_n who_o he_o may_v oblige_v by_o particular_a benefit_n to_o retrieve_v that_o gratitude_n which_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o universal_a benefit_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o have_v produce_v yet_o want_v its_o effect_n hence_o forward_o god_n be_v worship_v primary_o not_o as_o the_o creator_n of_o mankind_n and_o producer_n of_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o providence_n but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o particular_a and_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o however_o can_v have_v no_o other_o direct_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thus_o signal_o oblige_v than_o to_o produce_v a_o extraordinary_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n since_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n tend_v more_o natural_o to_o beget_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o it_o thus_o god_n separate_v abraham_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o assure_v he_o with_o his_o posterity_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n and_o promise_v of_o give_v to_o he_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v worship_v by_o abraham_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o promise_n by_o isaac_n as_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n by_o jacob_n as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o fâ—…ar_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n by_o their_o descendant_n till_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n that_o be_v as_o the_o god_n who_o by_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n have_v entail_v upon_o themselves_o particular_a blessing_n after_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o those_o many_o wonder_n and_o prodigy_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o god_n choose_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o deliverance_n and_o usher_n in_o all_o his_o command_n with_o this_o preface_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egpt_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o according_o he_o be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n worship_v by_o they_o under_o that_o notion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o frequent_a commemoration_n of_o that_o benefit_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o which_o god_n challenge_v adoration_n and_o worship_n from_o they_o not_o as_o the_o author_n of_o their_o creation_n but_o of_o their_o deliverance_n who_o have_v so_o signal_o employ_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o their_o favour_n and_o by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o often_o repeat_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n whereby_o he_o manifest_o employ_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o to_o all_o other_o man_n he_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o creator_n but_o to_o they_o only_o he_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o particular_a benefactor_n the_o memory_n of_o these_o particular_a benefit_n be_v every_o where_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o he_o employ_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o his_o service_n or_o reduce_v they_o to_o obedience_n when_o go_v astray_o thus_o esai_n xli_o 8_o 9_o but_o thou_o israel_n art_n my_o servant_n jacob_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n my_o friend_n thou_o who_o i_o have_v take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o call_v thou_o from_o the_o chief_a man_n thereof_o and_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v my_o servant_n i_o have_v choose_v thou_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v more_o passionate_o or_o more_o effectual_a to_o gain_v the_o devotion_n of_o that_o people_n who_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o be_v the_o servant_n the_o friend_n and_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n can_v not_o persuade_v to_o a_o exact_a obedience_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n will_v be_v little_o able_a to_o over-rule_v they_o not_o only_o do_v he_o own_v they_o in_o other_o place_n for_o his_o choose_a people_n but_z as_o if_o for_o their_o sake_n he_o disclaim_v his_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o condescend_v to_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v their_o god_n as_o esai_n xliii_o 14_o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n your_o redeemer_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o holy_a one_o the_o creator_n of_o israel_n your_o king_n in_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o command_n he_o seldom_o make_v use_n of_o his_o supreme_a authority_n or_o claim_v obedience_n to_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o gratitude_n to_o those_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n mercy_n thus_o ezek._n xx._n 5_o 6_o 7._o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n he_o justify_v his_o law_n whereby_o he_o have_v appropriate_v all_o divine_a worship_n to_o himself_o alone_o not_o from_o the_o incommunicativeness_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n but_o from_o the_o right_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v by_o confer_v on_o they_o those_o many_o benefit_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n
of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a to_o find_a piety_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o appropriate_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o only_o again_o christianity_n direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o natural_a end_n the_o supreme_a good_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v but_o too_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v plain_o confess_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o all_o the_o refine_a morality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o direct_v rather_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n whereas_o the_o christian_a faith_n direct_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o good_a deed_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o preserve_v a_o awful_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o goodness_n hereby_o it_o add_v to_o all_o other_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o humility_n a_o virtue_n almost_o unknown_a to_o any_o other_o system_v of_o religion_n yet_o natural_o arise_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n last_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o simple_a equal_o adapt_v to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o may_v just_o be_v account_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n since_o it_o equal_o concern_v and_o include_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o none_o such_o as_o carry_v their_o conviction_n along_o with_o they_o and_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o to_o be_v propose_v the_o principle_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o significant_a such_o as_o may_v create_v a_o right_a sense_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o afford_v powerful_a argument_n to_o man_n of_o manifest_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o can_v be_v find_v or_o discover_v in_o it_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nothing_o which_o do_v not_o proclaim_v itself_o owe_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n namely_o ii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v rational_a and_o evident_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o evince_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v no_o inconsiderable_a advance_v in_o show_v it_o to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n for_o hereby_o all_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v form_v against_o it_o be_v prevent_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o revelation_n leave_v in_o their_o full_a force_n whereas_o no_o one_o system_v of_o false_a religion_n have_v ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o teach_v somewhat_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v reject_v without_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proof_n and_o argument_n whereby_o it_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n the_o falfeness_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n discover_v itself_o in_o propose_v the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n in_o give_v extravagant_a and_o undecent_a notion_n of_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o murderer_n adulterer_n and_o criminal_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o practise_v childish_a and_o ofttimes_o brutish_a superstition_n and_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o external_a worship_n to_o come_v to_o our_o own_o time_n the_o falseness_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a fable_n which_o it_o relate_v of_o god_n unworthy_a the_o petulancy_n of_o a_o infant_n much_o more_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o alwise_a be_v but_o chief_o in_o place_v the_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o unbridled_a lust_n and_o indulge_v a_o brutish_a appetite_n in_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o add_v to_o these_o a_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v draw_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o a_o alwise_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o never_o suffer_v any_o false_a religion_n to_o obtain_v which_o do_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o most_o evident_a mark_n of_o its_o falseness_n and_o consequent_o into_o which_o none_o can_v enter_v but_o by_o betray_v their_o reason_n and_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n hereby_o the_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n and_o involuntary_a error_n be_v take_v from_o all_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o one_o only_a god_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o the_o mean_a idiot_n may_v judge_v of_o sensible_a thing_n by_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n may_v just_o be_v account_v wilful_a and_o inexcusable_a thus_o all_o erroneous_a religion_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o falseness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o christianity_n recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o some_o reveal_v religion_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o miserable_o subject_v to_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lusts._n but_o as_o none_o more_o excellent_a religion_n than_o this_o can_v be_v propose_v so_o none_o can_v be_v found_v upon_o better_a proof_n for_o since_o all_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v at_o some_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a place_n however_o it_o may_v to_o they_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o contestable_a miracle_n yet_o the_o report_n of_o it_o can_v be_v convey_v to_o person_n distant_a in_o place_n and_o time_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v not_o demonstrative_a and_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n but_o moral_a and_o exclude_v all_o just_a doubt_n no_o general_a and_o universal_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v christianity_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o other_o manner_n and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a although_o these_o it_o possess_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o eminent_a manner_n which_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n brief_o to_o show_v miracle_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o god_n and_o to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o a_o finite_a be_v that_o wonderful_a and_o unaccountable_a action_n may_v be_v and_o often_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n or_o concurrence_n of_o evil_a spirit_n must_v be_v confess_v but_o these_o fail_v not_o to_o carry_v some_o evidence_n of_o deceit_n and_o imposture_n along_o with_o they_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o judicious_a and_o attentive_a person_n from_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o real_a work_n of_o omnipotence_n now_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v exert_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o slight_a and_o trivial_a occasion_n much_o less_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o lie_n or_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n appear_v invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o that_o his_o revelation_n neither_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n we_o must_v own_v his_o divine_a commission_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o revelation_n which_o in_o that_o case_n will_v true_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o moses_n who_o miracle_n be_v unexceptionable_a and_o his_o revelation_n in_o no_o respect_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o yet_o to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o no_o precedent_n one_o be_v yet_o make_v this_o also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n his_o revelation_n far_o from_o oppose_v
wonderful_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a action_n be_v require_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wrought_v they_o if_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v deficient_a in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n it_o have_v be_v irrational_a as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v admit_v his_o revelation_n although_o confirm_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n imaginable_a since_o they_o must_v have_v own_v thereby_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v as_o be_v confirm_v to_o they_o by_o a_o equal_a authority_n of_o miracle_n but_o not_o only_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v this_o truth_n the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n evident_o manifest_v it_o the_o first_o while_o yet_o on_o earth_n constant_o assert_v his_o divine_a mission_n and_o quality_n of_o messiah_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v testify_v of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o death_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o perform_v indeed_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o ever_o have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o in_o dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o common_o wave_v that_o argument_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o know_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o great_a of_o his_o miracle_n his_o resurrection_n be_v a_o less_o valid_a proof_n and_o inferior_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o he_o often_o think_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o propose_v as_o a_o necessary_a motive_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o a_o motive_n as_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o disow_v and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thus_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o vth._n of_o st._n john_n verse_n 39_o 46_o 47._o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n no_o other_o method_n do_v he_o make_v use_n of_o to_o convince_v his_o disciple_n walk_v to_o emmaus_n that_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o have_v befall_v his_o person_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o messiah_n all_o those_o glorious_a miracle_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n prove_v unsuccessful_a and_o can_v not_o secure_v their_o faith_n from_o a_o shameful_a fluctuation_n until_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o that_o it_o thus_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n if_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o a_o full_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v convince_v the_o remain_a jew_n who_o be_v less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v choose_v by_o christ_n and_o use_v as_o the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o train_v up_o in_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o preacher_n who_o may_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o master_n as_o to_o be_v witness_n and_o spectactor_n of_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o may_v afterward_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o convince_v mankind_n that_o they_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o former_a can_v not_o be_v the_o end_n or_o intention_n of_o their_o accompany_v christ_n through_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office_n appear_v plain_o from_o their_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n obtain_v his_o chief_a aim_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o select_v certain_a person_n for_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n this_o end_n therefore_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v of_o witness_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o reasonableness_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o every_o private_a man._n for_o we_o no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n himself_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n or_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a command_n over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o men._n they_o may_v indeed_o much_o more_o just_o have_v claim_v such_o a_o privilege_n than_o any_o ever_o since_o their_o time_n as_o be_v personal_o infallible_a and_o endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o they_o never_o endeavour_v to_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o hearer_n before_o they_o have_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v their_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v in_o a_o more_o rational_a method_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o master_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n with_o argument_n who_o attention_n they_o have_v before_o excite_v by_o miracle_n these_o argument_n when_o direct_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v chief_o take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o prophecy_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v plain_o soretold_v and_o describe_v the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o action_n themselves_o be_v witness_n thus_o we_o find_v st._n peter_n in_o his_o sermon_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o day_n to_o have_v use_v no_o other_o method_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o have_v urge_v the_o illustrious_a miracle_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n new_o confer_v on_o they_o as_o the_o conformity_n of_o that_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n his_o sermon_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o st._n stephen_n in_o the_o vii_o chap._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o xiii_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n when_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n philip_n convince_v the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v a_o jewish_a proselyte_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n act_n viii_o and_o act_v xviii_o apollo_n be_v say_v to_o have_v mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n st._n paul_n plead_v before_o king_n agrippa_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o stand_v there_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n act_n xxvi_o 6._o and_o ver_fw-la 27._o appeal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ask_v agrippa_n whether_o he_o believe_v not_o they_o insinuate_v that_o if_o he_o true_o believe_v the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v their_o genuine_a sense_n he_o can_v not_o but_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n be_v employ_v in_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v xxviii_o 23._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o testify_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n his_o action_n miracle_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o may_v then_o by_o every_o private_a man_n be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o
those_o which_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v indeed_o reveal_v but_o only_o that_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v real_o make_v can_v appear_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o argument_n of_o probability_n three_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v be_v extraordinary_o obtain_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v afterward_o pour_v on_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o convenient_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o former_a for_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o commence_v not_o till_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v to_o himself_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o apostle_n s._n joh._n xvi_o 7._o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o in_o another_o place_n this_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o be_v no_o less_o engage_v which_o may_v just_o have_v be_v arraign_v if_o he_o have_v use_v so_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n a_o miracle_n as_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n since_o no_o such_o instruction_n be_v yet_o necessary_a which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o propose_v to_o prove_v namely_o ii_o that_o a_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a information_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o at_o last_o deliver_v they_o down_o in_o write_v to_o succeed_a age_n infallible_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o any_o intermix_a enrour_n to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v subject_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v every_o point_n of_o it_o and_o attend_v by_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o all_o possible_a danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o create_v this_o clear_a apprehension_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o convey_v down_o this_o assistance_n to_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n and_o the_o principal_a effect_n of_o that_o mission_n at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v so_o that_o since_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v design_v pure_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n of_o preach_v and_o propagate_a the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commence_v till_o after_o his_o ascension_n it_o manifest_o follow_v that_o a_o exact_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n before_o that_o time_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n will_v have_v be_v useful_a indeed_o to_o they_o even_o before_o that_o time_n but_o useful_a to_o they_o only_o as_o private_a person_n not_o as_o bear_v the_o public_a office_n and_o character_n of_o apostle_n who_o office_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n consist_v as_o we_o before_o observe_v in_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o action_n suffering_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a afterward_o to_o testify_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o office_n of_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v no_o exact_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o may_v be_v sufficient_o discharge_v by_o any_o person_n who_o be_v not_o devoid_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o honesty_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v necessary_a upon_o reason_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o will_v have_v continue_v necessary_a although_o the_o apostle_n have_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n for_o however_o they_o may_v then_o sufficient_o understand_v it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perpetual_a extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v infallible_o secure_v they_o from_o all_o future_a error_n in_o deliver_v it_o to_o other_o or_o create_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o probability_n as_o may_v deserve_v the_o assent_n and_o belief_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o future_a age_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a through_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o remedy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o withal_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o conduct_n of_o the_o apostle_n continue_v under_o that_o ignorance_n till_o the_o ascension_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n permit_v it_o till_o that_o time_n disadvantageous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o draw_v some_o few_o conclusion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o proposal_n first_o then_o if_o as_o we_o before_o show_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v unquestionable_o infallible_a never_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n nor_o require_v from_o their_o hearer_n a_o blind_a assent_n to_o their_o dictate_v if_o they_o submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o scripture_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o private_a man_n in_o vain_a do_v any_o at_o this_o day_n pretend_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n from_o who_o lie_v no_o appeal_n either_o to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n and_o thereby_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o never_o claim_v but_o i_o wave_v that_o particular_a and_o choose_v rather_o to_o insist_v on_o some_o more_o practical_a consideration_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n under_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n if_o after_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o triennial_a conversation_n and_o the_o constant_a hear_n of_o his_o divine_a discourse_n they_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o nature_n of_o christianity_n this_o aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o learning_n and_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o inquire_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o our_o saviour_n convey_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o admirable_a simplicity_n have_v fit_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o abstruse_a science_n as_o surmount_v the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v entire_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o school_n and_o knowledge_n of_o learned_a man_n the_o acquisition_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o even_o easy_a to_o all_o man_n but_o then_o god_n in_o propose_v this_o religion_n intend_v not_o pure_o to_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o man_n and_o consult_v their_o ease_n some_o condition_n be_v also_o necessary_a on_o our_o side_n that_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o truth_n examine_v the_o scripture_n harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o pastor_n careful_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o bring_v a_o mind_n ready_a dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o truth_n which_o shall_v evident_o appear_v to_o we_o how_o contrary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o our_o passion_n and_o inclination_n for_o although_o we_o labour_v not_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n
authority_n of_o his_o example_n and_o direct_v we_o by_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v once_o convert_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n think_v no_o argument_n more_o powerful_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n this_o they_o urge_v upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o with_o this_o they_o recommend_v their_o precept_n and_o counsel_n particular_o st_n peter_n 1_o pet._n ii_o exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o a_o constant_a resolution_n to_o endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n a_o duty_n which_o may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a of_o christianity_n give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o ver._n 21._o for_o even_o hereunto_o be_v you_o call_v because_o christ_n also_o suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n by_o which_o reason_n he_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christian_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o thereunto_o we_o be_v chief_o call_v otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o have_v infer_v from_o those_o word_n that_o it_o be_v a_o obligation_n incumbent_a upon_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o adversity_n this_o be_v but_o a_o consequence_n of_o that_o grand_a and_o more_o general_a duty_n however_o that_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o who_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o christ_n ought_v himself_o also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n ii_o 6._o and_o in_o another_o place_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o if_o the_o command_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v oblige_v we_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v move_v we_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o be_v account_v member_n of_o his_o body_n can_v persuade_v we_o we_o have_v on_o all_o side_n abundant_a reason_n to_o apply_v our_o self_n to_o the_o serious_a imitation_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a example_n 3._o that_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o direction_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o triennial_n preach_v before_o his_o passion_n this_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o inculcate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o design_v as_o in_o perform_v illustrious_a miracle_n and_o show_v in_o his_o person_n a_o no_o less_o illustrious_a pattern_n of_o consummate_a virtue_n which_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v testify_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n may_v convince_v mankind_n that_o he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o when_o once_o convince_v may_v engage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o his_o own_o example_n that_o this_o not_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o his_o triennial_a ministry_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o thing_n not_o only_o during_o that_o time_n but_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n insomuch_o as_o they_o ask_v their_o lord_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n i._o 6._o they_o lay_v not_o aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a mefsias_n till_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n now_o if_o the_o complete_a instruction_n of_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_n on_o earth_n we_o can_v without_o injury_n to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o far_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o aim_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v his_o purpose_n so_o that_o the_o great_a intention_n of_o this_o triennial_a office_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o give_v abundant_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n by_o miracle_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o finish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exhibit_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o example_n of_o most_o perfect_a holiness_n that_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v after_o his_o ascension_n testify_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n the_o former_a may_v serve_v for_o the_o conviction_n the_o latter_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o mankind_n and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o â—…he_a apostle_n confult_v about_o choose_v one_o into_o their_o number_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n the_o traitor_n require_v before_o all_o thing_n this_o qualification_n in_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ohosen_v act_n i._o 21._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o have_v accompany_v with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o by_o which_o phrase_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_n to_o design_n the_o moral_a conversation_n life_n and_o conduct_v of_o any_o man._n even_o the_o miraâ—…les_n of_o our_o saviour_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n than_o almighty_a power_n they_o all_o carry_v evident_a character_n of_o his_o love_n beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o mankind_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o cure_v the_o disease_n heal_v the_o infirmity_n and_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n that_o so_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n may_v equal_o appear_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o one_o great_a end_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o give_v a_o excellent_a example_n to_o it_o last_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o saviour_n conduct_n which_o be_v peculiar_o adapt_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o render_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o imitation_n to_o it_o the_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o his_o life_n be_v easy_a humane_a and_o natural_a it_o consist_v not_o in_o elaborate_a austerity_n and_o rigid_a act_n of_o mortification_n aim_v at_o no_o such_o extraordinary_a flight_n of_o apparent_a holiness_n as_o may_v amaze_v rather_o than_o instruct_v man_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o dâ—…ter_v they_o from_o imitation_n his_o deportment_n be_v grave_a and_o compose_v his_o piety_n plain_a and_o unaffected_a his_o devotion_n sober_a and_o rational_a we_o may_v discover_v far_o more_o evident_a stroke_n of_o austerity_n and_o mortification_n in_o the_o life_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n not_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v less_o perfect_a but_o more_o humane_a such_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apparent_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o his_o message_n and_o preach_v for_o since_o he_o come_v not_o invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n somewhat_o be_v necessary_a to_o he_o to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o he_o and_o create_v a_o belief_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a prophet_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v require_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n that_o be_v not_o only_o possess_v the_o same_o zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o use_v the_o same_o unwearied_a diligence_n for_o restore_v decay_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o practise_v the_o same_o rigour_n and_o maceration_n of_o his_o body_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o respect_v by_o the_o same_o character_n of_o external_a holiness_n not_o that_o these_o unusual_a austerity_n have_v any_o thing_n excellent_a in_o themselves_o or_o be_v any_o certain_a indication_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a virtue_n but_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o want_v no_o such_o recommendation_n his_o divine_a mission_n be_v abundant_o testify_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o who_o life_n be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o all_o age_n exercise_v no_o such_o wonderful_a austerity_n but_o give_v we_o a_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a example_n which_o may_v not_o surpass_v the_o common_a reach_n
not_o full_o to_o know_v it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o happiness_n if_o we_o both_o know_v and_o do_v it_o second_o the_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n example_n be_v most_o wise_o propose_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n for_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o christianity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_o speculative_a but_o a_o practical_a religion_n man_n will_v have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v take_v up_o with_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v by_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imagine_v the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a have_v not_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o own_o example_n confute_v that_o opinion_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o most_o exalt_a knowledge_n be_v not_o sufficient_a without_o a_o correspondent_a virtue_n if_o we_o view_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n in_o which_o christ_n publish_v his_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o have_v be_v more_o necessary_a to_o his_o design_n than_o this_o method_n all_o mankind_n at_o that_o time_n seem_v to_o conspire_v in_o this_o common_a error_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o reveal_v religion_n draw_v no_o obligation_n of_o practice_n with_o they_o the_o heathen_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v any_o the_o jew_n possess_v true_o a_o divine_a religion_n yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o false_a opinion_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o think_v nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o to_o know_v the_o prerogative_n of_o their_o nation_n even_o the_o pharisee_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o pretend_v to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o perfect_a holiness_n labour_v indeed_o to_o know_v the_o precept_n and_o punctilio_n of_o the_o law_n but_o believe_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o a_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o it_o fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o will_v be_v abundant_o supply_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n so_o prone_a be_v mankind_n to_o this_o fatal_a error_n which_o flatter_v their_o ease_n and_o indulge_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n this_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o unanswerable_o confute_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o thereby_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o religion_n be_v design_v no_o less_o to_o reform_v the_o will_n than_o instruct_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o how_o necessary_a this_o conduct_n be_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o prevail_a error_n of_o those_o time_n but_o also_o from_o the_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o our_o age_n there_o be_v not_o want_v unreasonable_a man_n who_o pretend_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o bind_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o a_o error_n than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o mosaic_a must_v necessary_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n this_o make_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o all_o his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o in_o urge_v this_o his_o famous_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n consist_v of_o three_o whole_a chapter_n be_v almost_o entire_o take_v up_o last_o that_o no_o argument_n may_v be_v want_v to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o he_o have_v recommend_v it_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o prescribe_v no_o duty_n to_o we_o which_o he_o practise_v not_o invariable_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o as_o his_o religion_n include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n so_o himself_n exercise_v it_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o perfect_a manner_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o ii_o that_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o imitation_n all_o other_o man_n be_v never_o able_a to_o live_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o perform_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a righteousness_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n but_o to_o represent_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o to_o you_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o illustrious_a branch_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n first_o then_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n to_o who_o as_o partake_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n he_o owe_v the_o same_o subjection_n that_o we_o do_v his_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v remarkable_a he_o often_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o disciple_n and_o retire_v into_o solitary_a place_n that_o he_o may_v calm_o enjoy_v the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o prayer_n unto_o he_o sometime_o depart_v late_o in_o the_o evening_n alone_o into_o a_o mountain_n to_o pray_v matth._n fourteen_o 23._o john_n vi_o 16._o other_o time_n rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o withdraw_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o office_n mark_v i._n 35._o and_o more_o than_o once_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o dedicate_v sometime_o daily_o to_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o the_o closet_n where_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o our_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n he_o ofttimes_o deny_v to_o his_o body_n its_o natural_a rest_n and_o sleep_n to_o enjoy_v his_o father_n in_o private_a contemplation_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o petition_n to_o he_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o set_v apart_o some_o of_o our_o vacant_a hour_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o piety_n our_o subjection_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n sure_o be_v not_o less_o and_o our_o want_n infinite_o great_a the_o subject_n of_o his_o prayer_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o intercede_v for_o other_o whereas_o we_o beside_o all_o this_o have_v many_o sin_n to_o bewail_v and_o to_o implore_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o then_o as_o for_o the_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o tend_v most_o direct_o to_o increase_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o procure_v to_o he_o due_a adoration_n among_o man_n our_o saviour_n manifest_v by_o his_o constant_a performance_n of_o they_o how_o dear_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o he_o he_o frequent_v all_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a festival_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o that_o whether_o of_o divine_a as_o the_o passover_n or_o humane_a institution_n as_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n omit_v no_o ocsion_n whereby_o he_o may_v advance_v the_o divine_a honour_n by_o join_v in_o all_o the_o usual_a solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n even_o in_o his_o private_a state_n before_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n however_o silent_a the_o sacred_a history_n be_v as_o to_o his_o other_o action_n yet_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o use_v to_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n for_o so_o st._n luke_n relate_v chap._n iu._n 16._o where_o describe_v his_o entrance_n upon_o his_o ministerial_a office_n he_o tell_v we_o and_o he_o come_v to_o nazareth_n where_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o as_o his_o custom_n be_v he_o go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n what_o can_v be_v now_o want_v to_o render_v this_o example_n of_o piety_n most_o complete_a and_o worthy_a our_o imitation_n he_o frequent_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v private_a devotion_n to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o intermit_v not_o the_o pious_a exercise_n of_o the_o closet_n lest_o we_o shall_v rest_v content_a with_o have_v join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o proceed_v no_o far_o if_o we_o view_v the_o other_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v eminent_o unite_v in_o this_o illustrious_a example_n with_o what_o profound_a humility_n do_v he_o profess_v himself_o to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o perform_v his_o father_n will_v how_o constant_o do_v he_o ascribe_v the_o
eucharist_n whereby_o we_o be_v initiate_v and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n profess_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o adherence_n to_o it_o entitle_v ourselves_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o continue_v to_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n such_o foederal_n rite_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o so_o little_o derogate_v from_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o they_o be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o it_o thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o also_o most_o effectual_o secure_v his_o honour_n and_o majesty_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o root_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o introduce_v the_o sole_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o how_o admirable_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o 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cure_v the_o fondness_n of_o mankind_n desire_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o intercessor_n he_o have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a intercessor_n and_o promise_v to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o in_o his_o name_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n and_o at_o his_o mediation_n to_o be_v propitious_a to_o we_o thus_o the_o wise_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n have_v most_o admirable_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o most_o successful_o for_o hereby_o idolatry_n be_v root_v out_o the_o constant_a worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n introduce_v and_o while_o the_o church_n continue_v uncorrupted_a preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n not_o the_o least_o resemblance_n of_o idolatry_n can_v be_v discover_v the_o very_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v their_o worship_n to_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o most_o worthy_a the_o nature_n of_o god_n no_o image_n be_v use_v by_o they_o nor_o any_o prayer_n offer_v up_o but_o by_o the_o alone_a mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n which_o admit_v corporeal_a representation_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o new_a intercessor_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n saint_n and_o angel_n who_o may_v receive_v and_o manage_v their_o request_n that_o so_o palpable_a a_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v shall_v be_v still_o defend_v as_o lawful_a and_o continue_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n after_o so_o manifest_a conviction_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o be_v admire_v but_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n have_v enforce_v they_o to_o do_v this_o which_o nothing_o but_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o desperate_a cause_n can_v persuade_v man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o no_o such_o corruption_n be_v practise_v nor_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n teach_v which_o be_v not_o even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n undoubted_o lawful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o condemnation_n if_o after_o so_o plain_a conviction_n we_o depart_v from_o a_o rational_a and_o true_o divine_a worship_n to_o embrace_v one_o corrupt_v with_o so_o gross_a a_o superstition_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o downright_o i_o dolatry_n have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o resemblance_n of_o it_o second_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o direct_v the_o natural_a religious_a inclination_n of_o man_n into_o the_o right_a channel_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n but_o also_o promote_v the_o real_a perfection_n of_o man_n by_o prescribe_v to_o he_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o conduct_n which_o be_v no_o small_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o manifest_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o god_n 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seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o delight_n in_o act_n of_o charity_n such_o a_o conduct_n of_o life_n even_o the_o more_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n esteem_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o humane_a perfection_n and_o believe_v thofe_n person_n who_o possess_v it_o already_o enstate_v in_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o that_o they_o may_v manifest_v themselves_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o opinion_n there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o generous_a soul_n who_o choose_v to_o forego_v all_o temporal_a convenience_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o violate_v any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o aforementioned_a virtue_n the_o very_a design_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o those_o the_o very_a precept_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o practise_v they_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a and_o perfect_a manner_n 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person_n and_o can_v discover_v the_o most_o secret_a recess_n
we_o consider_v with_o how_o great_a zeal_n and_o vehemency_n both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n oppose_v it_o and_o undertake_v the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o design_n with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o fervour_n and_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a whereby_o they_o may_v either_o discover_v any_o imposture_n in_o it_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n assist_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o learned_a adversary_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v its_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n last_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o now_o possess_v under_o their_o name_n and_o be_v convey_v uncorrupted_a through_o all_o age_n appear_v not_o 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contrivance_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o deny_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o the_o seripture_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o implieit_n faith_n these_o also_o we_o will_v not_o in_o charity_n condemn_v to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v last_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a how_o many_o member_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n either_o through_o want_n of_o leisute_n or_o natural_a imbecility_n of_o understanding_n through_o default_n of_o education_n or_o other_o accidental_a defect_n unforeseen_a and_o unprovided_a for_o be_v but_o mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o we_o who_o want_v neither_o mean_n of_o instruction_n nor_o capacity_n of_o receive_v they_o no_o excuse_n be_v leave_v if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v they_o to_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o obtain_v a_o rational_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n from_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a men._n christianity_n indeed_o iâ—…_n not_o in_o our_o age_n oppose_v with_o that_o open_a and_o barefaced_a confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o it_o be_v force_v to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n the_o unite_a force_n of_o a_o victorious_a and_o learned_a empire_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o secret_a impugner_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n who_o if_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n they_o he_o restrain_v from_o profess_v their_o secret_a atheism_n and_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o stick_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o especial_o christianity_n because_o most_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n in_o defence_n of_o which_o only_o they_o maintain_v their_o impious_a opinion_n it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o these_o man_n that_o christianity_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o so_o the_o licentious_a practice_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n may_v not_o be_v abbridge_v to_o they_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n embitter_v all_o their_o pleasure_n for_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o say_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v have_v no_o enemy_n but_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v life_n who_o either_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n however_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o ancient_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o who_o many_o sincere_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n which_o common_o end_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereas_o these_o dispute_n only_o for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o 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from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n or_o interest_n much_o less_o betray_v it_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o shameful_a cowardice_n both_o these_o end_n be_v defeat_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n entire_o destroy_v hereby_o man_n renounce_v all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n disow_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o nor_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o this_o execrable_a crime_n of_o apostasy_n consist_v only_o in_o deny_v all_o christianity_n and_o whole_o renounce_v our_o saviour_n to_o yield_v up_o the_o least_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v divine_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o least_o error_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a to_o forsake_v a_o communion_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a to_o embrace_v one_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a be_v no_o less_o true_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o will_v undoubted_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n that_o we_o wilful_o recede_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o affront_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o prefer_v a_o lie_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n and_o direct_v our_o conduct_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o betray_v the_o most_o inconsiderable_a truth_n to_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o we_o have_v invert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o subject_v our_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n a_o indignity_n unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v which_o prostitute_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o nature_n rank_n he_o among_o brute_n beast_n and_o from_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o visible_a creature_n degrade_n he_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o when_o eternity_n and_o a_o interest_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v promote_v on_o earth_n by_o such_o apostasy_n lay_v at_o stake_n when_o immortality_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v destroy_v by_o it_o nay_o when_o the_o utmost_a displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o it_o eternal_a torment_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o prefer_v a_o few_o trifle_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v a_o height_n of_o folly_n which_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o example_n of_o this_o life_n can_v equal_v a_o impiety_n which_o neither_o the_o art_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v exceed_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o will_v natural_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o liberality_n without_o these_o man_n will_v esteem_v his_o worship_n both_o unprofitable_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o think_v themselves_o little_o concern_v in_o the_o adoration_n ofhim_n from_o who_o they_o neither_o receive_v nor_o expect_v any_o good_n the_o benefit_n indeed_o of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n if_o man_n will_v due_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o introduce_v and_o secure_v the_o constant_a worship_n of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o little_o consider_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o inanimate_a being_n and_o require_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n as_o who_o alone_o can_v render_v worship_n and_o honour_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o conserve_v a_o grateful_a esteem_n of_o their_o benesactor_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n which_o chief_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o make_v our_o address_n to_o he_o so_o it_o be_v the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o the_o supply_n of_o those_o want_v which_o move_v we_o to_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o it_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n will_v be_v lose_v among_o man_n and_o religion_n vanish_v into_o unaccountable_a superstition_n if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o worship_v god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o suppose_a benefit_n insomuch_o as_o the_o heathen_n enjoy_v no_o peculiar_a benefit_n of_o god_n worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n those_o man_n who_o they_o fancy_v when_o alive_a to_o have_v be_v their_o great_a benefactor_n they_o do_v equal_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o act_v xvii_o 28._o acknowledge_v that_o in_o god_n they_o do_v live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v but_o the_o want_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n confer_v on_o they_o occasion_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o true_a notion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n not_o necessary_o indeed_o for_o than_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inexcusable_a but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n than_o mature_a judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o being_n more_o affect_v with_o the_o visible_a benefit_n of_o mortal_a man_n than_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o god_n which_o however_o infinite_o surpass_v the_o other_o yet_o be_v not_o perceive_v by_o sense_n they_o forget_v their_o creator_n and_o imagine_v beneficence_n to_o be_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o deity_n rank_v among_o the_o god_n their_o sellow_a creature_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n these_o they_o worship_v with_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n which_o however_o be_v in_o they_o direct_v to_o false_a object_n tend_v to_o their_o condemnation_n yet_o may_v just_o make_v we_o ashamed_a who_o incite_v by_o infinite_a benefit_n and_o allure_v by_o subsequent_a reward_n render_v not_o those_o duty_n of_o gratitude_n to_o a_o object_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n worthy_a of_o adoration_n which_o they_o return_v to_o mortal_a man_n for_o petty_a inconsiderable_a favour_n they_o be_v content_a even_o to_o debase_v their_o nature_n and_o stoop_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o fellow_n creature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v in_o return_v thanks_o for_o slight_a and_o temporal_a obligation_n and_o we_o can_v scarce_o be_v induce_v by_o infinite_a benefit_n to_o pay_v that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n to_o our_o creator_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o on_o many_o other_o account_v also_o for_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o our_o gratitude_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n that_o it_o can_v be_v excessive_a or_o degenerate_a into_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n while_o pay_v to_o the_o true_a god_n who_o deserve_v the_o most_o profound_a subjection_n and_o high_a adoration_n from_o we_o even_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o benefit_n for_o which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o the_o utmost_a transport_n of_o gratitude_n that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o awaken_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o wonderful_a act_n of_o bounty_n and_o lay_v new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o lest_o we_o shall_v forget_v the_o old_a that_o he_o shall_v condescend_v to_o conquer_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o mankind_n by_o heap_v new_a benefit_n upon_o we_o and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o true_a knowledge_n by_o strike_v our_o sense_n with_o amaze_a act_n of_o mercy_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a revelation_n make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o extraordinary_a argument_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o that_o people_n unto_o who_o those_o revelation_n be_v make_v which_o may_v raise_v their_o apprehension_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o consider_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o gratitude_n to_o pay_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n thus_o god_n have_v new_o create_v adam_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o creature_n and_o seat_v he_o in_o paradise_n when_o he_o make_v know_v to_o he_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n he_o have_v assure_v abraham_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o continue_a train_n of_o stupendous_a blessing_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o or_o require_v he_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n in_o his_o circumcision_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n upon_o mount_n sina_n be_v the_o most_o express_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o deliver_v until_o god_n have_v abundant_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o bear_v unto_o they_o by_o work_a sign_n and_o miracle_n in_o their_o behalf_n in_o egypt_n bring_v they_o out_o thence_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n drown_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o miraculousty_a nourish_a themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n such_o amaze_a prodigy_n of_o particular_a kindness_n can_v not_o but_o unite_v they_o to_o god_n their_o benefactor_n in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o amid_o all_o their_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n force_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v adore_v who_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n although_o their_o ignorance_n and_o proneness_n to_o superstition_n often_o betray_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a his_o nature_n and_o displease_v to_o he_o insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o when_o they_o commit_v that_o foul_a apostasy_n relate_v in_o the_o xxxii_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o worship_v god_n under_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o melt_a calf_n they_o still_o forget_v not_o that_o benefit_n but_o direct_v their_o worship_n to_o he_o chief_o upon_o that_o account_n say_v these_o be_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n ver._n 4._o and_o when_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o same_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v retain_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o who_o in_o his_o triennial_n preach_v precede_a his_o crucifixion_n and_o final_a completion_n of_o his_o office_n upon_o earth_n go_v about_o do_v good_a heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v demoniac_n and_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n and_o sense_n to_o unhappy_a person_n who_o before_o want_v they_o these_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v likewise_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o perform_v they_o but_o since_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o his_o person_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o far_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o miracle_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o attestation_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n intention_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n feem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o and_o excite_v their_o
nature_n and_o religion_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n rather_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o than_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o chief_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n will_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o by_o this_o we_o may_v become_v the_o client_n but_o by_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n last_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v for_o ever_o that_o if_o despise_v it_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o time_n for_o repentance_n beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o a_o wait_n nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v abuse_v for_o we_o must_v not_o ascribe_v to_o god_n such_o a_o unlimited_a exercise_n of_o mercy_n as_o may_v destroy_v his_o justice_n and_o include_v the_o high_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o pardon_v offence_n commit_v against_o plain_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o mean_n of_o repentance_n afford_v to_o they_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o enormous_a sin_n will_v favour_v of_o a_o childish_a fondness_n debase_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v he_o irrational_a destroy_v his_o nature_n how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o say_v god_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n v._o 7_o 9_o shall_v not_o i_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o mercy_n as_o a_o refuge_n to_o mankind_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n passion_n and_o inadvertency_n not_o as_o a_o sanctuary_n to_o profane_v and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n he_o wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o turn_v he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n psal._n vii_o 13._o and_o then_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o his_o anger_n himself_o tell_v we_o deut._n xxxii_o 40_o 41._o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o if_o i_o wheâ—…_n my_o glitter_a sword_n and_o my_o hand_n take_v hold_v of_o judgement_n i_o will_v render_v vengeaâ—…te_a to_o my_o enemy_n and_o will_v reward_v they_o that_o hatâ—…_n i_o let_v we_o therefore_o perfect_a our_o repentance_n while_o a_o space_n be_v yet_o open_a for_o we_o before_o mercy_n return_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v upon_o we_o that_o so_o we_o also_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o not_o fall_v into_o their_o condemnation_n who_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o they_o wâ—…oso_n be_v wise_a will_v pâ—…nder_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o six_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 30._o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n i._n 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therewith_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o lose_a mankind_n which_o we_o at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v be_v so_o signal_n a_o benefit_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o infinite_a that_o it_o can_v but_o administer_v matter_n of_o admiration_n to_o we_o to_o see_v it_o reject_v deride_v and_o oppose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v by_o god_n to_o rescue_v man_n from_o that_o fatal_a ignorance_n wherein_o they_o be_v involve_v shall_v be_v treat_v with_o scorn_n become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o be_v account_v folly_n that_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o derision_n and_o be_v receive_v not_o with_o thankfulness_n as_o it_o deserve_v but_o with_o scofts_n and_o contumely_n but_o such_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v with_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o their_o will_n corrupt_v with_o passion_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n it_o have_v be_v equal_o difficult_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o when_o once_o discover_v such_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o unhappy_a fall_n and_o such_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n but_o then_o whereas_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v or_o dissemble_v the_o sense_n of_o which_o induce_v man_n to_o seek_v remedy_n for_o they_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v perceive_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v flatter_v themselves_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v the_o truth_n not_o only_o to_o be_v possess_v by_o they_o but_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o system_n of_o religion_n either_o from_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n or_o some_o precedent_n mistake_v revelation_n and_o be_v prepossessed_n with_o notion_n derive_v from_o thence_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o doctrine_n different_a from_o they_o they_o false_o imagine_v their_o own_o conception_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o thereby_o treat_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o oppose_v they_o as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n especial_o be_v propose_v with_o that_o unaffected_a simplicity_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v so_o much_o stranger_n as_o believe_v every_o opinion_n to_o be_v so_o much_o divine_a by_o how_o much_o more_o it_o be_v more_o refine_v and_o place_v beyond_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o men._n whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v more_o humane_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o exclude_v not_o the_o most_o illiterate_a from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n devoid_a of_o subtlety_n and_o unuseful_a nicety_n and_o resemble_v the_o nakedness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o paradise_n withal_o teach_v such_o mystery_n as_o may_v direct_o contribute_v to_o destroy_v the_o pride_n of_o such_o man_n not_o only_o by_o oppose_v their_o opinion_n but_o also_o teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a therein_o humble_v himself_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o humane_a state_n live_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_n the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n a_o mystery_n which_o at_o once_o entire_o ruin_v both_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o the_o world_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n its_o want_n of_o all_o those_o external_a pompous_a argument_n of_o subtlety_n and_o mistake_a learning_n which_o recommend_v other_o system_n together_o with_o its_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_v false_a opinion_n of_o man_n have_v induce_v some_o christian_n at_o corinth_n who_o live_v among_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o other_o to_o refine_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o mysterious_a and_o subtle_a nicety_n and_o so_o hinder_v many_o from_o become_v christian_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n argue_v against_o all_o these_o man_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o verse_n oppose_v to_o these_o new_a refiner_n of_o christianity_n his_o own_o example_n who_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o without_o any_o affect_a show_n of_o eloquence_n with_o a_o simplicity_n become_v the_o majesty_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o fail_v of_o its_o design_n as_o it_o will_v most_o certain_o do_v if_o propose_v according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o those_o man_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o difficult_a and_o elaborate_a contemplation_n for_o hereby_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o reach_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o it_o be_v indifferent_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o and_o it_o will_v want_v that_o powerful_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v propose_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n it_o notwithstanding_o surmount_v the_o pompous_a learning_n of_o the_o school_n and_o synagogue_n and_o gain_v a_o more_o universal_a reception_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o way_n very_o different_a
from_o their_o conception_n so_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o in_o a_o method_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o they_o use_v in_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o several_a sect_n which_o occafron_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v account_v foolishness_n verse_n 18._o although_o if_o man_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o their_o unjust_a prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o proceed_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v not_o only_o by_o appeal_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o the_o secret_a effect_n of_o that_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o also_o by_o other_o external_a argument_n which_o by_o any_o consider_a man_n can_v be_v reject_v as_o that_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n particular_o by_o isaiah_n in_o xxix_o chapter_n verse_n 4._o for_o it_o be_v there_o write_v i_o will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o will_v bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a that_o it_o be_v abundant_o justify_v by_o its_o admirable_a success_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o wise_a manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v entertain_v by_o great_a number_n of_o person_n and_o go_v on_o apace_o in_o procure_v its_o design_a end_n the_o reformation_n and_o instruction_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o elaborate_a interpretation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n make_v by_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o it_o gain_v no_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o small_a number_n of_o sectary_n and_o disciple_n only_o manifest_v by_o their_o unsuccessfulness_n that_o they_o be_v never_o design_v by_o the_o infallible_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o universal_a discipline_n or_o religion_n of_o mankind_n where_o therefore_o be_v the_o wise_a as_o the_o apostle_n triumphant_o upbraid_v they_o ver._n 20._o wheâ—…e_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n who_o after_o all_o their_o laborious_a search_n miss_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o can_v never_o propagate_v their_o doctrine_n with_o success_n have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n baffle_v all_o the_o elaborate_a scheme_n of_o these_o opinionate_a man_n and_o confound_v their_o glorious_a pretence_n of_o wisdom_n in_o appoint_v a_o quite_o different_a method_n for_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n from_o what_o they_o have_v imagine_v and_o propose_v it_o successful_o by_o mean_n in_o their_o esteem_n contemptible_a by_o person_n illiterate_a and_o devoid_a of_o all_o philosophy_n and_o curious_a learning_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o conceive_v this_o way_n of_o procedure_v to_o be_v either_o unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a the_o apostle_n proceed_v in_o the_o 21._o verse_n to_o declare_v the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v since_o these_o person_n who_o have_v conceive_v so_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n have_v apparent_o fail_v of_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o natural_a duty_n of_o religion_n owe_v to_o he_o however_o very_o easy_a and_o possible_a to_o they_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n shall_v appear_v foolishness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o god_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n confound_v their_o arrogance_n and_o mortify_v their_o self-conceit_n by_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n by_o a_o way_n direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o supposition_n namely_o by_o preach_v that_o be_v by_o supernatural_a revelation_n not_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a industry_n and_o wit_n and_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v and_o that_o consider_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o extraordinary_a abstraction_n or_o difficult_a contemplation_n in_o they_o be_v in_o their_o judgement_n account_v foolish_a or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v these_o revelation_n which_o be_v different_a from_o their_o fond_a conception_n appear_v foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o they_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n that_o be_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a miracle_n which_o may_v secure_v to_o they_o the_o fruition_n and_o increase_n of_o that_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o they_o vain_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n despise_v all_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o recommend_v with_o the_o specious_a show_n of_o philosophical_a subtlety_n and_o mysterious_a nicety_n or_o not_o propose_v by_o person_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n learned_a or_o eloquent_a after_o all_o these_o preliminary_a argument_n the_o apostle_n have_v thereby_o clear_v the_o way_n and_o remove_v all_o objection_n lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n that_o be_v we_o just_o and_o we_o bold_o do_v it_o neither_o value_v the_o derision_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o distrust_v the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n so_o then_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v natural_o and_o easy_o offer_v to_o we_o these_o two_o consideration_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o order_n discourse_n i._o the_o reasonableness_n or_o just_a cause_n of_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o its_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n ii_o our_o obligation_n to_o preach_v and_o open_o profess_v this_o faith_n without_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n or_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la i._o that_o we_o have_v reasonable_a and_o just_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n crucify_a notwithstanding_o the_o derision_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o that_o by_o the_o phrase_n of_o christ_n crucify_a be_v not_o so_o much_o mean_v the_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o faith_n reveal_v by_o christ_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o context_n although_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o of_o all_o other_o to_o the_o jew_n most_o scandalous_a and_o to_o the_o gentile_n most_o ridiculous_a but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n not_o this_o mystery_n in_o particular_a i_o shall_v close_v with_o his_o design_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o more_o general_a prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o the_o faith_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o gentile_n that_o so_o by_o manifest_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o inconclusiveness_n of_o they_o i_o may_v manifest_v the_o justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o belief_n notwithstanding_o their_o opposition_n these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n we_o before_o observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v precede_v my_o text_n and_o they_o concern_v either_o 1._o the_o matter_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o reveal_v they_o and_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o the_o spirituality_n of_o 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but_o by_o a_o few_o mean_v inconfiderable_a disarm_v and_o unlearned_a person_n
of_o it_o to_o all_o person_n without_o distinction_n the_o most_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o ignorant_a be_v no_o less_o apparent_a for_o however_o these_o philosopher_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o their_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a they_o profess_v indeed_o a_o science_n of_o divine_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o include_v only_o unuseful_a and_o ofttimes_o absurd_a notion_n which_o be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o those_o as_o numerous_a as_o the_o whimsy_n of_o ambitious_a man_n and_o all_o deride_v by_o a_o powerful_a and_o learned_a sect_n which_o deny_v any_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o religion_n yet_o be_v it_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o conjecture_n than_o certainty_n which_o therefore_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n nor_o afford_v any_o other_o hope_n 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as_o be_v hereby_o become_v the_o portion_n of_o repute_a fool_n as_o well_o as_o the_o science_n of_o those_o who_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o condemn_v the_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o superciliousness_n of_o such_o man_n who_o either_o than_o do_v endeavour_v to_o engross_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n or_o now_o do_v true_a belief_n and_o salvation_n to_o themselves_o only_o religion_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n not_o of_o any_o sect_n or_o denomination_n of_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a party_n who_o by_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o they_o nothing_o therefore_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o declare_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o befit_v the_o holiness_n and_o beneficence_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o the_o generous_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o equal_o admit_v all_o man_n and_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o distinction_n in_o person_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o their_o more_fw-mi or_o less_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o it_o impose_v no_o necessary_a duty_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o what_o be_v command_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o observe_v no_o other_o sacrament_n or_o ceremony_n than_o what_o be_v easy_a and_o significant_a few_o and_o instructive_a and_o if_o this_o must_v be_v account_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n have_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n degenerate_v dislike_a divine_a truth_n because_o rational_a plain_a and_o obvious_a it_o have_v indeed_o be_v a_o common_a mistake_n to_o despise_v all_o doctrine_n recommend_v with_o these_o excellent_a quality_n and_o because_o lie_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a multitude_n and_o to_o pronounce_v they_o foolish_a as_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n in_o the_o text_n account_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v foolishness_n because_o of_o its_o simplicity_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o prejudice_n as_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o most_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v a_o mistake_v however_o to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o humanenature_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o affect_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n but_o also_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o disdain_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o simple_a and_o easy_a religion_n either_o add_v abstruse_a and_o sometime_o incredible_a article_n to_o it_o or_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o artificial_a science_n 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if_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n continue_v not_o only_o in_o ignorance_n of_o it_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o appear_v to_o some_o incredible_a and_o the_o manner_n propose_v it_o ridiculous_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o scandalize_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v either_o less_o plain_a or_o less_o certain_a we_o all_o know_v mankind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o experience_n the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o prone_a all_o man_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o than_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n oppose_v and_o restrain_v these_o unruly_a passion_n we_o shall_v cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o its_o rejection_n and_o contradiction_n god_n have_v indeed_o set_v his_o reveal_v truth_n in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n but_o still_o leave_v our_o will_n in_o its_o full_a liberty_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v place_n either_o for_o reward_n of_o belief_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o contrary_n not_o that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n incredible_a or_o extraordinary_a not_o that_o we_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o be_v more_o credulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n or_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n reject_v as_o foolish_a or_o monstrous_a our_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n than_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o rational_a as_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o attribute_n of_o veracity_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o strange_a expression_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n certain_a credible_a and_o meritorious_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v foolish_a incredible_a and_o impossible_a that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o christian_a confidence_n and_o that_o god_n therefore_o choose_v this_o way_n that_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v retaliate_v to_o man_n the_o impudence_n of_o idolatry_n in_o which_o they_o have_v voluntary_o engage_v themselves_o by_o the_o impudence_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o they_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o just_o may_v christianity_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n and_o bless_v be_v that_o holy_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o which_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o assâ—…nt_v to_o although_o no_o reward_n attend_v the_o assent_n in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o
be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o dissent_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o man_n perhaps_o profess_v christianity_n may_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v impossible_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v no_o care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v be_v often_o seduce_v by_o they_o if_o not_o to_o a_o desertion_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o to_o a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n a_o stumling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n and_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o tempt_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o withdraw_v our_o obedience_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v he_o as_o often_o as_o man_n prefer_v their_o worldly_a interest_n to_o the_o least_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o often_o as_o by_o too_o anxious_a a_o diligence_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n they_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o another_o they_o give_v just_a reason_n to_o other_o to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o error_n of_o place_v all_o their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o dis-believing_a the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n do_v the_o jew_n often_o unreasonable_o and_o importunate_o require_v a_o sign_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o induce_v to_o distrust_v providence_n and_o murmur_v against_o the_o divine_a goodness_n as_o often_o as_o god_n deferr_v to_o rescue_v we_o from_o imminent_a danger_n and_o calamity_n and_o immediate_o engage_v not_o his_o miraculous_a power_n in_o our_o assistance_n do_v not_o man_n call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n because_o god_n refuse_v to_o violate_v the_o establish_a law_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sometime_o permit_v the_o good_a to_o pass_v unrewarded_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o christian_a religion_n foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n because_o propose_v by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n and_o have_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v deplore_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n while_o man_n puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o ordinary_a pastor_n scorn_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o rude_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n despise_v christianity_n because_o plain_a and_o simple_a easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o betray_v by_o a_o like_a pre_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a thing_n how_o many_o christian_n be_v at_o this_o day_n displease_v with_o a_o sober_a and_o rational_a form_n of_o worship_n either_o because_o it_o be_v not_o fraught_v with_o pompous_a and_o unuseful_a ceremony_n or_o because_o it_o be_v devoid_a of_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o unintelligible_a impertinency_n so_o that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v no_o less_o concern_v in_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n than_o be_v former_o either_o jew_n or_o greek_n to_o conclude_v if_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n and_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v notwithstanding_o liable_a to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o opposition_n of_o her_o enemy_n nor_o draw_v into_o like_a mistake_v with_o they_o either_o by_o passion_n or_o inadvertency_n let_v we_o give_v most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o send_v his_o son_n as_o at_o this_o time_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n let_v we_o adore_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v contrive_v such_o excellent_a method_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o revelation_n may_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n be_v transmit_v to_o all_o age_n improve_n the_o happiness_n of_o our_o knowledge_n by_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o in_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v here_o with_o comfort_n hold_v fast_o and_o hereafter_o with_o glory_n obtain_v the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o sermon_n preach_v january_n 20_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n hebr._n ix_o 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n i_o intend_v not_o from_o these_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o mortality_n of_o mankind_n or_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o that_o fatal_a doom_n the_o experience_n of_o almost_o six_o thousand_o year_n may_v abundant_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v particular_o exempt_v from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o mankind_n that_o decay_n which_o we_o find_v in_o our_o body_n and_o those_o frequent_a infirmity_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o entertain_v any_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a privilege_n the_o necessity_n of_o end_v this_o life_n be_v so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v trifle_v to_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o however_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o necessity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o which_o may_v just_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n wherein_o be_v express_v the_o divine_a determination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mortality_n and_o future_a judgement_n of_o man_n and_o the_o order_n of_o they_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v once_o die_v and_o that_o after_o death_n they_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o action_n now_o however_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o however_o a_o curious_a desire_n of_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o may_v be_v rash_a and_o fruitless_a yet_o in_o these_o which_o so_o immediate_o and_o universal_o concern_v mankind_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o religion_n no_o enquiry_n can_v be_v unnecessary_a or_o unuseful_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o satisfactory_a such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v discover_v by_o we_o but_o even_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o nothing_o tend_v more_o effectual_o to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decree_n than_o a_o entire_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o respect_v we_o how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o grand_a decree_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a decreâ—…_n of_o death_n to_o all_o men._n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v ii_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v after_o death_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n first_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nothing_o can_v appear_v more_o just_a than_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o impose_v a_o necessity_n of_o die_v upon_o all_o men._n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n may_v just_o dispose_v of_o or_o dispense_v either_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o man_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n without_o expect_v a_o perpetual_a and_o invariable_a conservation_n of_o that_o existence_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v mortal_a and_o then_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o permit_v
hope_n by_o mortify_v and_o change_v our_o former_a vicious_a course_n of_o life_n into_o a_o new_a and_o heavenly_a life_n or_o by_o conceive_v firm_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v our_o own_o resurrection_n by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n the_o former_a manner_n indeed_o be_v pure_o allegorical_a but_o a_o allegory_n as_o well_o most_o natural_a in_o its_o self_n as_o most_o familiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o treat_v of_o it_o often_o and_o large_o and_o inculcate_n it_o in_o almost_o all_o his_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v my_o text_n he_o tell_v the_o colossian_n col._n ii_o 12_o 20._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o and_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n galat._n ii_o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ._n philip._n iii_o 10._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 10._o alwayâ—…_n bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o iii_o and_o ivth_o chapter_n of_o 1_o pet._n and_o rom._n vi_o this_o conformity_n between_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o in_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o be_v at_o large_a explain_v we_o be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n these_o allegorical_a conclusion_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o fancy_n but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o so_o admirable_o contrive_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o our_o instruction_n than_o his_o precept_n and_o can_v not_o but_o have_v exceed_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n who_o thought_n be_v then_o and_o aught_o now_o to_o be_v chief_o employ_v about_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n they_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o both_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o jewish_a doctor_n employ_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o in_o allegorical_a explication_n of_o natural_a or_o divine_a truth_n and_o be_v more_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n consist_v in_o type_n shadow_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o lest_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o these_o allegorical_a inference_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a penman_n the_o present_a allegory_n draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v most_o excellent_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o more_o full_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o his_o lose_a condition_n free_v he_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devil_n reform_v his_o life_n and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o god_n have_v design_v for_o he_o in_o another_o life_n to_o this_o end_n a_o total_a desertion_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v before_o engage_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v whole_o impossible_a that_o a_o vicious_a soul_n shall_v receive_v that_o reward_n as_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o grant_v the_o reward_n on_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v his_o follower_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v relinquish_v all_o those_o temporal_a enjoyment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n place_v the_o whole_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o life_n in_o these_o unlawful_a enjoyment_n whoever_o renounce_v the_o use_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o promise_n at_o their_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o a_o new_a life_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o be_v excellent_o represent_v in_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v refer_v wherein_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v whole_o immerge_v in_o the_o water_n so_o that_o the_o immersion_n represent_v his_o resolution_n of_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v by_o death_n take_v from_o the_o world_n and_o then_o his_o emersion_n present_o follow_v signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n revive_v and_o appear_v after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o to_o mortify_v one_o single_a lust_n or_o to_o give_v up_o this_o or_o that_o sinful_a affection_n in_o exchange_n for_o eternal_a reward_n and_o retain_v the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o soul_n be_v full_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n till_o the_o resurrection_n he_o satisfy_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v endure_v scourge_n reproach_n and_o buffet_n he_o descend_v not_o from_o the_o cross_n after_o he_o have_v endure_v most_o bitter_a torment_n till_o he_o have_v complete_v his_o suffering_n by_o death_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v till_o it_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o then_o we_o be_v real_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n we_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o god_n permit_v to_o we_o we_o must_v absolute_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n suppose_v a_o full_a conviction_n that_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o place_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o his_o great_a concern_v here_o be_v only_o to_o improve_v his_o short_a term_n of_o life_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o durable_a happiness_n hereafter_o from_o this_o persuasion_n it_o will_v easy_o follow_v that_o different_a interest_n from_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pursue_v in_o this_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o herein_o a_o christian_a true_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o best_o of_o all_o manifest_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n by_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n willing_o that_o his_o design_n be_v far_o from_o sound_v a_o empire_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o he_o submit_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o true_o crucify_a with_o he_o until_o we_o as_o absolute_o forsake_v all_o desire_n and_o inclinaons_n to_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n as_o if_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n itself_o that_o we_o retain_v not_o the_o least_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o our_o former_a vicious_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o a_o total_a relinquish_a of_o they_o even_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o recall_v and_o re-establish_a they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o view_v the_o dreadful_a horror_n and_o anxiety_n under_o which_o our_o saviour_n labour_v while_o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o the_o cross_n if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o melancholy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n his_o ignominious_a condition_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n while_o he_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o grave_a we_o may_v perceive_v the_o desperate_a and_o deplorable_a state_n of_o man_n while_o yet_o detain_v in_o sin_n labour_v under_o the_o just_a displeasure_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n
be_v above_o so_o fit_a ourselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o representative_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o be_v not_o unworthy_a after_o death_n to_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o society_n of_o his_o natural_a and_o now_o glorious_a body_n in_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o he_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o fourteen_o sermon_n preach_v may_n four_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n joh._n fourteen_o 1._o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o return_n to_o his_o father_n endeavour_v by_o many_o preparatory_a discourse_n to_o confirm_v the_o mind_n and_o dispel_v the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o begin_v to_o despond_v at_o the_o news_n of_o his_o approach_a departure_n this_o to_o they_o not_o yet_o full_o understand_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v seem_v a_o total_a dereliction_n of_o they_o and_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o world_n they_o have_v forsake_v all_o the_o present_a convenience_n of_o life_n when_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o have_v all_o along_o share_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o hardship_n that_o their_o master_n be_v content_a to_o endure_v on_o earth_n in_o hope_n of_o partake_n at_o last_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o temporal_a kingdom_n which_o they_o fond_o imagine_v he_o will_v found_v on_o earth_n with_o these_o hope_n they_o support_v themselves_o under_o all_o their_o calamity_n and_o busy_v themselves_o in_o propose_v imaginary_a method_n of_o enjoy_v what_o they_o so_o long_o and_o so_o earnest_o expect_v we_o find_v they_o dispute_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a officer_n or_o the_o principal_a favourite_n in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o shall_v sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o his_o left_a and_o now_o that_o after_o their_o lord_n have_v enter_v into_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o triumphal_a manner_n their_o hope_n be_v enhance_v and_o expectation_n grow_v high_a as_o believe_v the_o completion_n of_o they_o to_o be_v at_o hand_n and_o that_o this_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v immediate_o commence_v when_o on_o a_o sudden_a all_o their_o hope_n be_v dash_v and_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n overthrow_v by_o a_o free_a and_o open_a declaration_n of_o their_o lord_n concern_v his_o suffering_n and_o ignominous_a death_n which_o now_o draw_v near_o and_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o what_o confusion_n and_o anxiety_n must_v we_o then_o conceive_v they_o to_o have_v be_v when_o not_o only_o their_o hope_n and_o therein_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n the_o fruit_n and_o reward_n of_o so_o many_o labour_n so_o much_o hardship_n undertake_v and_o endure_v in_o prospect_n of_o their_o preferment_n in_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o their_o master_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n overthrow_v and_o cancel_v when_o not_o only_a themselves_o be_v to_o be_v disperse_v as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n expose_v to_o the_o derision_n insult_v and_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o as_o our_o lord_n foretell_v shall_v even_o force_v they_o to_o deny_v their_o master_n and_o thereby_o renounce_v all_o title_n to_o any_o share_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v alone_o without_o any_o head_n to_o direct_v comfort_n and_o protect_v they_o when_o not_o only_o all_o these_o calamity_n be_v to_o come_v upon_o themselves_o but_o also_o their_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o utmost_a indignity_n and_o at_o last_o crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n what_o distraction_n must_v they_o then_o have_v suffer_v when_o so_o many_o contrary_a passion_n love_n 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of_o singular_a instance_n of_o providence_n in_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a and_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a and_o relate_v not_o only_o particular_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o also_o from_o the_o frequency_n of_o they_o form_v and_o deliver_v general_a rule_n that_o wickedness_n never_o escape_v unpunished_a or_o innocence_n unrewarded_a in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o act_n cheerful_o and_o submissive_o in_o that_o station_n on_o in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o the_o supreme_a author_n of_o life_n have_v place_v he_o to_o receive_v not_o only_o without_o murmur_v but_o also_o with_o reverence_n all_o dispensation_n proceed_v from_o he_o he_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v he_o if_o sincere_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o he_o nor_o suffer_v his_o innocence_n to_o pass_v unregarded_a which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o rely_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o necessary_a one_o of_o 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