uncontrolled_a tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v withdraw_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cause_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o to_o become_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o all_o nation_n except_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v often_o seduce_v to_o idolatry_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o have_v new_o instigate_v they_o to_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o messiah_n all_o these_o enormous_a crime_n this_o continue_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o particular_o the_o last_o and_o great_a the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v from_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n a_o severe_a punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v judgement_n in_o the_o text_n because_o a_o sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n this_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v above_o in_o the_o xii_o 31._o now_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o world_n now_o shall_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v cast_v out_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v destroy_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n free_a man_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o withdraw_v the_o world_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o devil_n this_o to_o those_o proud_a spirit_n be_v the_o sharp_a punishment_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o carry_v on_o and_o complete_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n derive_v down_o and_o continue_v to_o the_o church_n from_o his_o bless_a influence_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v ability_n and_o courage_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n to_o ruin_v the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n from_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o blessing_n the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o defend_v from_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a assault_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n the_o governor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o preach_v the_o truth_n and_o discharge_v their_o office_n successful_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o support_v against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n so_o eminent_o do_v god_n upon_o this_o day_n exercise_v judgement_n upon_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o thenceforward_o his_o kingdom_n continual_o decrease_v his_o oracle_n be_v silence_v his_o altar_n abandon_v his_o worship_n relinquish_v his_o disciple_n diminish_v until_o a_o glorious_a church_n be_v found_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o by_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n her_o vow_n in_o baptism_n profess_v enmity_n unto_o he_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o most_o faithful_a advocate_n at_o his_o first_o mission_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o his_o adversary_n whether_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o jew_n his_o persecutor_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n do_v that_o bless_a spirit_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o remain_v with_o the_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o advocate_n till_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n still_o continue_v to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o be_v high_o requisite_a the_o devil_n still_o assault_v the_o church_n by_o open_a force_n or_o secret_a temptation_n and_o to_o these_o the_o holy_a spirit_n oppose_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n still_o profess_v unbelief_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o to_o these_o he_o oppose_v the_o same_o argument_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v before_o manifest_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o his_o mission_n all_o these_o remain_v yet_o in_o their_o full_a force_n last_o even_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v many_o to_o be_v find_v against_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v still_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o discredit_v by_o their_o sin_n and_o blaspheme_v by_o their_o life_n crucify_a afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n in_o that_o no_o less_o guilty_a than_o all_o those_o enemy_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o first_o mission_n be_v to_o convince_v for_o do_v the_o jew_n disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o undeniable_a confirmation_n add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n these_o man_n by_o their_o action_n proclaim_v their_o unbelief_n even_o after_o the_o reception_n of_o this_o confirmation_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o manifest_v the_o unerring_a justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o all_o these_o man_n live_v insensible_a of_o either_o slight_v his_o reward_n and_o defy_v his_o punishment_n do_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a death_n do_v god_n exert_v his_o power_n in_o so_o many_o miracle_n do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n descend_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o devil_n these_o man_n by_o perseverance_n in_o sin_n endeavour_v to_o re-establish_a it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v effectual_o restore_v it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n just_o therefore_o may_v this_o eternal_a advocate_n implead_v these_o man_n before_o the_o last_o tribunal_n i_o have_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n even_o to_o these_o sinner_n i_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v convince_v i_o have_v nourish_v this_o knowledge_n by_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o their_o edification_n i_o have_v endeavour_v the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o the_o constant_a exhortation_n of_o those_o my_o officer_n which_o i_o have_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v assist_v it_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o all_o necessary_a grace_n as_o often_o as_o desire_v yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o have_v live_v as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o of_o it_o much_o less_o as_o if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o all_o my_o grace_n and_o solicitation_n of_o they_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o render_v their_o sin_n the_o more_o heinous_a in_o that_o they_o have_v wilful_o disobey_v my_o command_n slight_v my_o direction_n contemn_v my_o exhortation_n and_o stifle_v my_o motion_n all_o false_a persuasion_n which_o may_v betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n i_o have_v long_o since_o correct_v if_o they_o imagine_v the_o disbelief_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o neglect_v of_o my_o doctrine_n to_o be_v no_o heinous_a crime_n i_o have_v long_o since_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o fancy_v god_n not_o to_o be_v a_o unerring_a and_o infallible_a judge_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o have_v long_o ago_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o righteousness_n if_o they_o pretend_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v irresistible_a i_o have_v long_o since_o judge_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n take_v away_o his_o kingdom_n and_o limit_v his_o power_n these_o than_o be_v the_o most_o criminal_a enemy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v by_o i_o convince_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n refuse_v to_o perform_v they_o who_o serve_v under_o his_o banner_n and_o kind_o entreat_v by_o he_o desert_v his_o service_n and_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o and_o their_o own_o enemy_n from_o who_o tyranny_n i_o have_v before_o free_v they_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o at_o that_o dreadful_a day_n shall_v we_o allege_v want_n of_o conviction_n that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v by_o the_o wonder_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n effectual_o confute_v that_o pretence_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v not_o god_n to_o have_v be_v in_o earnest_n when_o he_o allure_v we_o with_o reward_n or_o threaten_v we_o with_o punishment_n that_o plea_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n make_v upon_o this_o day_n or_o shall_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o with_o want_n of_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o overcome_v
man_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v never_o withdraw_v from_o we_o nor_o deny_v to_o we_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o man_n can_v claim_v in_o right_a of_o his_o nature_n be_v confer_v only_o to_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n and_o be_v withdraw_v upon_o the_o abuse_n or_o neglect_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o conceive_v how_o god_n herein_o influence_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n after_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o even_o finite_a spirit_n can_v effect_v it_o if_o they_o can_v by_o long_a experince_n find_v out_o what_o cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v annex_v to_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n he_o sure_o who_o do_v at_o first_o unite_v they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o if_o evil_a spirit_n by_o the_o privilege_n of_o immaterial_a being_n can_v communicate_v thought_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o immediate_a influence_n he_o certain_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o can_v do_v much_o more_o he_o may_v proceed_v in_o other_o method_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o he_o nor_o himself_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n however_o this_o we_o must_v assure_o believe_v that_o god_n change_v not_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n herein_o in_o violent_o withhold_a our_o will_n from_o consent_v to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o rational_a being_n point_v out_o the_o right_a way_n to_o we_o persuade_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o it_o fixeth_z reward_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o move_v we_o gentle_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o embrace_v it_o but_o after_o all_o will_v not_o forcible_o carry_v we_o into_o it_o and_o thus_o he_o deal_v with_o we_o when_o tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n he_o give_v we_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o withstand_v he_o enlighten_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o full_a prospect_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v withdraw_v the_o will_n from_o his_o solicitation_n but_o after_o all_o leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n and_o await_v the_o issue_n not_o that_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v give_v to_o all_o who_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o who_o right_o seek_v it_o he_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v not_o earnest_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v not_o thankful_o receive_v if_o it_o be_v not_o sober_o use_v if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o improve_v as_o he_o former_o deliver_v up_o the_o rebellious_a israelite_n to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n and_o as_o still_o by_o the_o solemn_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n when_o right_o apply_v wicked_a christian_n be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will._n another_o method_n whereby_o god_n assist_v mankind_n extraordinary_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v by_o restrain_v his_o force_n and_o limit_v his_o malice_n the_o devil_n can_v perform_v any_o act_n of_o temptation_n without_o the_o ordinary_a permission_n of_o god_n and_o ofttimes_o he_o be_v extraordinary_o restrain_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n from_o tempt_v faithful_a man_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o ability_n to_o endure_v god_n put_v a_o hook_n in_o the_o nose_n of_o this_o leviathan_n and_o fix_v his_o bound_n unto_o he_o how_o far_o he_o shall_v pass_v and_o no_o far_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n where_o he_o determine_v how_o far_o his_o power_n of_o temptation_n shall_v extend_v and_o forbid_v he_o to_o proceed_v any_o far_a than_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a and_o most_o conspicuous_a benefit_n of_o christianity_n that_o by_o the_o reception_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n that_o old_a dragon_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v chain_v up_o his_o power_n abridge_v his_o malice_n weaken_v before_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o have_v procure_v to_o himself_o a_o universal_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n except_o in_o the_o small_a spot_n of_o judea_n erect_v oracle_n and_o daily_o effect_v lie_v wonder_n man_n be_v from_o their_o infancy_n train_v up_o in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o education_n if_o any_o oppose_v his_o worship_n he_o be_v present_o decry_v as_o a_o atheist_n as_o a_o introducer_n of_o new_a religion_n obnoxious_a to_o severe_a punishment_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n if_o man_n entertain_v a_o suspicion_n of_o that_o irrational_a worship_n which_o he_o have_v form_v he_o can_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o seem_a miracle_n fright_v they_o into_o his_o obedience_n by_o prodigy_n keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o divinity_n by_o sorcery_n and_o prediction_n all_o this_o be_v then_o permit_v to_o he_o till_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v his_o power_n then_o sensible_o decrease_v until_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o determine_v by_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v then_o remand_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o work_v apparent_a miracle_n at_o least_o in_o christian_a country_n confine_v to_o secret_a and_o dark_a operation_n only_o and_o even_o those_o in_o great_a measure_n enervate_v and_o defeat_v by_o that_o ordinary_a grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o public_a sacrament_n and_o office_n of_o the_o church_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v somewhat_o of_o the_o assistance_n give_v to_o we_o by_o good_a spirit_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n of_o which_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n do_v particular_o require_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n which_o be_v pious_o institute_v by_o the_o church_n in_o commemoration_n of_o those_o many_o and_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n among_o these_o none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v what_o we_o now_o treat_v of_o their_o assist_v we_o in_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n for_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n i._n 14._o they_o apply_v themselves_o with_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o this_o charitable_a office_n attend_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n countermine_v the_o stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o affection_n promote_a the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n how_o all_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v after_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n operate_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o whatsoever_o natural_a power_n these_o possess_v equal_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a if_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o move_a matter_n and_o so_o of_o affect_v our_o imagination_n much_o more_o these_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v imprint_v idea_n in_o our_o mind_n by_o immediate_a influence_n much_o more_o these_o who_o pious_a design_n be_v bless_v and_o prosper_v by_o their_o almighty_a patron_n if_o they_o by_o long_a observation_n have_v find_v out_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n these_o possess_v by_o nature_n a_o equal_a knowledge_n and_o have_v obtain_v a_o much_o great_a by_o divine_a communication_n if_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o less_o defensible_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n where_o the_o attempt_n may_v most_o successful_o be_v make_v these_o have_v discern_v the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v most_o persuasive_a to_o every_o single_a man_n and_o fail_v not_o to_o apply_v they_o fit_o if_o they_o prosecute_v their_o hatred_n and_o wicked_a design_n against_o mankind_n with_o unwearied_a malice_n these_o continue_v their_o good_a office_n with_o no_o less_o constant_a diligence_n and_o charity_n if_o they_o be_v render_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a in_o all_o their_o action_n by_o their_o subtlety_n agility_n long_a experience_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n these_o obtain_v the_o same_o faculty_n in_o equal_a perfection_n and_o with_o far_o great_a probability_n of_o success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o therein_o these_o act_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n they_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o these_o with_o a_o constant_a complacency_n and_o prospect_n of_o reward_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o those_o with_o a_o perpetual_a vexation_n as_o know_v the_o increase_n of_o their_o punishment_n do_v attend_v it_o these_o assist_v and_o direct_v by_o god_n those_o restrain_v and_o withheld_a by_o he_o in_o
brightness_n shall_v the_o moon_n give_v light_a unto_o thou_o but_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v unto_o thou_o a_o everlasting_a light_n and_o thy_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o ix_o 2._o the_o people_n which_o sit_v in_o darkness_n see_v great_a light_n and_o to_o they_o which_o sit_v in_o the_o region_n and_o shadow_n of_o death_n light_n be_v spring_v up_o which_o prophecy_n st._n matthew_n observe_v to_o have_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o iu_o 16._o of_o his_o gospel_n after_o so_o many_o magnificent_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o extraordinary_a light_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o messiah_n we_o can_v but_o raise_v our_o apprehension_n and_o expect_v somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a knowledge_n to_o be_v communicate_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a light_n to_o be_v dispense_v by_o he_o nor_o shall_v we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o expectation_n the_o light_n communicate_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o universal_a in_o the_o extent_n so_o resplendent_a in_o the_o nature_n so_o constant_a in_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o that_o it_o in_o no_o way_n fall_v short_a of_o those_o glorious_a prediction_n which_o go_v before_o concern_v it_o and_o just_o give_v to_o our_o lord_n the_o author_n and_o conveyer_n of_o it_o the_o title_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n this_o will_v appear_v evident_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o i._o the_o doctrine_n or_o ii_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n upon_o both_o which_o account_n he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n i._o then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n by_o remove_v the_o error_n of_o it_o and_o teach_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n which_o may_v point_v out_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n to_o conceive_v the_o better_a the_o happy_a effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o in_o the_o beginning_n darkness_n to_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n and_o even_o they_o have_v corrupt_v and_o almost_o effaced_a the_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o they_o by_o false_a gloss_n and_o gross_a interpretation_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o even_o those_o who_o be_v most_o conscientious_a among_o they_o busy_v themselves_o whole_o in_o observe_v such_o trivial_a ceremony_n as_o themselves_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n form_v by_o mistake_a interpretation_n but_o the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o word_n they_o have_v entire_o lose_v those_o reveal_v notion_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o their_o forefather_n immediate_o after_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v so_o far_o corrupt_v that_o their_o worship_n be_v downright_a impiety_n and_o all_o their_o religious_a action_n so_o many_o gross_a superstition_n in_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n all_o notion_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o natural_a law_n be_v entire_o lose_v and_o it_o be_v a_o brutish_a fear_n only_o which_o keep_v up_o any_o sort_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o which_o after_o all_o be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v their_o great_a crime_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o most_o stupid_a idolatry_n in_o the_o more_o polite_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o retain_v civility_n and_o pretend_a to_o letter_n the_o natural_a law_n indeed_o be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o but_o even_o by_o they_o so_o mistake_v and_o corrupt_v that_o they_o allow_v as_o lawful_a the_o practice_n of_o some_o enormous_a vice_n which_o to_o convince_v of_o unlawfulness_n need_v no_o more_o than_o to_o consult_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n as_o fornication_n sodomy_n practise_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o country_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n convince_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o self-murder_n and_o many_o other_o vice_n which_o the_o most_o refine_a of_o their_o philosopher_n defend_v to_o be_v lawful_a as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n their_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o the_o country_n infuse_v into_o they_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o deity_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o as_o patronise_v all_o the_o crime_n they_o can_v commit_v provide_v they_o violate_v not_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n for_o by_o these_o corruption_n no_o notion_n of_o morality_n be_v leave_v among_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a than_o what_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n imprint_v in_o they_o they_o can_v not_o but_o imagine_v that_o such_o action_n be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o their_o chief_a god_n have_v practise_v although_o their_o inconvenience_n to_o the_o public_a have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v forbid_v in_o a_o word_n conceive_v a_o people_n ignorant_a both_o of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o nature_n desirous_a of_o happiness_n but_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o and_o pursue_v method_n direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o grope_v in_o darkness_n without_o the_o least_o ray_n of_o light_n and_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n to_o rescue_v the_o world_n from_o this_o miserable_a darkness_n to_o restore_v light_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n and_o worthy_a the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o undertake_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o most_o happy_o effect_v by_o he_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n john_n xii_o 46._o his_o design_n be_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o coloss._n i._n 13._o a_o design_n first_o begin_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n and_o afterward_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o this_o day_n by_o his_o command_n and_o through_o his_o power_n who_o he_o send_v as_o st._n paul_n describe_v his_o commission_n act_v xxvi_o 18._o to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o the_o ignorant_a and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n himself_o while_o conversant_a on_o earth_n busy_v himself_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o detect_v the_o false_a explication_n of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a obligation_n to_o all_o mankind_n in_o discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o not_o content_v only_o to_o discover_v the_o error_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v common_o object_v to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o they_o can_v easy_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o one_o another_o but_o can_v establish_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o he_o plain_o reveal_v their_o whole_a duty_n to_o they_o teach_v they_o even_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n that_o so_o man_n may_v no_o more_o be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v in_o it_o to_o this_o he_o add_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n annex_v to_o this_o law_n which_o may_v reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o or_o the_o future_a felicity_n of_o man_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o or_o the_o mean_n of_o pardon_n in_o case_n of_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o light_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o corner_n to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o a_o few_o it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v true_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o easiness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o man_n fit_v it_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a communicaon_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v actual_o communicate_v he_o abundant_o provide_v by_o proclaim_v it_o himself_o to_o all_o while_n on_o earth_n by_o establish_v a_o numerous_a order_n of_o disciple_n who_o shall_v propagate_v it_o successive_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n by_o inspire_v holy_a writer_n to_o commit_v it_o plain_o and_o entire_o to_o writing_n by_o sound_v a_o church_n the_o member_n of_o which_o shall_v by_o certain_a solemn_a rite_n or_o sacrament_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o contrive_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o might_n
best_o tend_v to_o the_o perpetual_a continuation_n and_o propagation_n of_o this_o light_n once_o deliver_v when_o therefore_o by_o these_o mean_n in_o a_o few_o century_n almost_o all_o the_o know_a world_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n free_v from_o its_o ancient_a error_n and_o receive_v the_o truth_n when_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n still_o continue_v to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o benefit_n freedom_n from_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o way_n to_o happiness_n may_v we_o not_o just_o conclude_v all_o the_o glorious_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o happy_a time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o light_n to_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o world_n by_o he_o to_o have_v be_v exact_o complete_v in_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o mankind_n and_o restore_v and_o increase_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n among_o man_n he_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a as_o well_o as_o clear_v and_o bright_a be_v this_o light_n communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n so_o exact_o conformable_a to_o all_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o to_o be_v deduce_v thence_o that_o a_o more_o clear_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v conceive_v or_o desire_v a_o reflection_n which_o may_v be_v worth_a our_o consideration_n a_o while_n as_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o light_n of_o which_o we_o now_o treat_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o a_o person_n devoid_a of_o all_o acquire_v learning_n as_o our_o lord_n confess_o be_v shall_v in_o a_o age_n overrun_v with_o universal_a error_n teach_v and_o deliver_v a_o entire_a system_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n without_o the_o least_o error_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o real_o act_v by_o that_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o pretend_v it_o may_v perhaps_o have_v be_v account_v possible_a if_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n instruct_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o age_n although_o even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o hardly_o possible_a when_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v all_o know_v at_o that_o time_n to_o have_v be_v involve_v in_o so_o many_o error_n and_o how_o gross_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n err_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n we_o before_o instance_a and_o that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v after_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o education_n from_o these_o very_a erroneous_a doctor_n happy_o discover_v all_o the_o error_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o find_v out_o the_o exact_a truth_n in_o all_o question_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o error_n or_o mistake_v seem_v a_o matter_n whole_o incredible_a but_o that_o a_o person_n devoid_a of_o all_o learning_n and_o external_a help_n shall_v effect_v it_o be_v whole_o impossible_a now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o in_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o among_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o contain_v in_o his_o gospel_n not_o the_o least_o flaw_n or_o error_n can_v ever_o be_v find_v by_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o or_o if_o we_o trust_v not_o they_o let_v every_o man_n reason_n be_v his_o judge_n let_v he_o view_v all_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n any_o thing_n unworthy_a either_o of_o god_n or_o man._n a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o proceed_v by_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o derive_v his_o knowledge_n from_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o carry_v this_o argument_n a_o little_a high_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n where_o if_o we_o think_v rational_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o a_o people_n so_o barbarous_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n so_o devoid_a of_o all_o assistance_n of_o art_n and_o science_n in_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o their_o government_n shall_v form_v such_o just_a and_o noble_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n contrive_v a_o religion_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o sin_n or_o idolatry_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v direct_v by_o god_n himself_o view_v all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o drown_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o idolatry_n and_o then_o inquire_v if_o any_o other_o cause_n of_o this_o so_o great_a difference_n can_v be_v assign_v compare_v their_o hymn_n form_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o book_n treat_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o he_o now_o comprise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o composition_n form_v by_o the_o grecian_n or_o any_o other_o learned_a heathen_a nation_n in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o with_o their_o theological_a write_n you_o will_v find_v the_o first_o to_o contain_v just_a and_o noble_a thought_n of_o god_n true_a judgement_n concern_v the_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n nothing_o which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n nothing_o which_o be_v not_o exact_o true_a whereas_o in_o the_o other_o you_o shall_v discover_v every_o where_o either_o childish_a or_o impious_a notion_n of_o god_n nothing_o answerable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o little_a agreeable_a to_o truth_n a_o difference_n which_o can_v never_o be_v account_v for_o but_o by_o acknowledge_v the_o former_a to_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a direction_n and_o inspiration_n so_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a be_v the_o force_n of_o light_n that_o it_o discover_v itself_o wherever_o it_o act_v it_o can_v be_v hide_v dissemble_a or_o stifle_v and_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o comparison_n like_o a_o city_n place_v upon_o a_o hill_n appear_v at_o a_o distance_n giving_z direction_n to_o all_o far_o and_o near_o and_o thus_o our_o saviour_n be_v also_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o exemplariness_n of_o his_o life_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n v._o 14._o give_v direction_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o that_o eminent_a virtue_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o they_o and_o can_v not_o but_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o men._n and_o of_o himself_o john_n ix_o 5._o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n not_o that_o he_o be_v whole_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n even_o after_o he_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o it_o for_o both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o report_n of_o his_o example_n be_v to_o enlighten_v the_o world_n to_o all_o age_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a respect_n that_o of_o his_o example_n the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o will_v decrease_v upon_o his_o removal_n from_o the_o earth_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o sight_n move_v more_o than_o the_o fame_n of_o a_o illustrious_a example_n a_o example_n indeed_o so_o eminent_a that_o whether_o see_v or_o hear_v it_o be_v a_o light_n to_o all_o mankind_n so_o resplendent_a and_o remarkable_a that_o as_o the_o light_n it_o strike_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o just_a and_o adequate_a that_o it_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o its_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o as_o the_o light_n direct_v man_n in_o the_o right_a way_n his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a system_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o divine_a virtue_n that_o ever_o be_v propose_v to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o this_o system_fw-la there_o be_v no_o one_o virtue_n which_o himself_o possess_v and_o exercise_v not_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n all_o that_o piety_n temperance_n meekness_n and_o charity_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o his_o follower_n himself_o practise_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o in_o a_o degree_n which_o other_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o attain_v to_o without_o any_o interruption_n of_o vice_n or_o imperfection_n such_o a_o example_n may_v well_o be_v term_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o alone_a if_o all_o rule_n of_o piety_n if_o all_o notion_n of_o good_a be_v lose_v among_o man_n they_o may_v be_v entire_o recover_v and_o not_o only_o illustrious_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o industrious_o make_v so_o to_o all_o
worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o if_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a prayer_n be_v more_o eminent_o so_o the_o intention_n of_o private_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o obtain_v supply_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o then_o to_o worship_v god_n whereas_o in_o public_a prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o necessity_n but_o a_o secondary_a intention_n so_o that_o to_o intermit_v the_o use_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o pray_v only_o in_o private_a be_v for_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o own_o design_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o public_a worship_n and_o prayer_n do_v far_o more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v open_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o other_o confess_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n magnify_v his_o benefit_n deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n whereas_o he_o who_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o a_o closet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v so_o much_o to_o other_o man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o he_o equal_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v also_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o want_v his_o mercy_n the_o psalmist_n therefore_o upon_o the_o receive_n of_o great_a and_o eminent_a benefit_n be_v wont_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o congregation_n as_o well_o know_v that_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o do_v far_o more_o contribute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o more_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n receive_v no_o increase_n of_o honour_n from_o our_o praise_n for_o neither_o do_v he_o receive_v any_o such_o advantage_n from_o private_a worship_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impious_a to_o say_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o man._n but_o by_o public_a worship_n man_n do_v more_o evident_o manifest_v their_o gratitude_n to_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v of_o his_o benefit_n and_o their_o own_o obligation_n than_o by_o private_a prayer_n and_o adoration_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o former_a be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n which_o good_a can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o procure_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n one_o part_n of_o which_o be_v a_o just_a return_n of_o gratitude_n and_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n receive_v not_o increase_v of_o honour_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o from_o those_o of_o men._n yet_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o find_v of_o heaven_n represent_v they_o as_o incessant_o sing_v praise_n to_o their_o great_a creator_n who_o not_o content_a to_o retain_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o their_o own_o thought_n communicate_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n find_v church_n that_o be_v separate_z society_n of_o man_n unite_v by_o certain_a law_n and_o under_o one_o common_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o one_o common_a form_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o private_a worship_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o contrive_v and_o find_v church_n by_o wonder_n of_o providence_n as_o he_o have_v that_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o vain_a have_v he_o give_v to_o they_o particular_a law_n and_o annex_v many_o privilege_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o under_o the_o old_a law_n he_o require_v every_o male_a to_o appear_v before_o he_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o command_v public_a worship_n to_o be_v continual_o pay_v to_o himself_o in_o daily_a sacrifice_n yet_o as_o he_o declare_v although_o he_o care_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o bullock_n nor_o for_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v the_o duty_n and_o adjoin_v reward_n to_o it_o because_o it_o public_o declare_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devout_a sacrificer_n to_o himself_o in_o these_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n our_o lord_n while_o one_o earth_n constant_o give_v his_o attendance_n at_o appoint_a time_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n frequent_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v in_o the_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n there_o make_v use_v of_o although_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v pour_v out_o extempore_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o devout_a prayer_n than_o those_o receive_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n if_o then_o god_n so_o strict_o exact_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o exact_o perform_v it_o if_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n god_n have_v gather_v and_o unite_v a_o church_n under_o common_a law_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o common_a reward_n what_o account_n can_v they_o make_v who_o either_o lie_v aside_o all_o public_a worship_n as_o superfluous_a or_o decry_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o meet_v once_o a_o week_n to_o worship_n god_n place_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o day_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o exhortation_n to_o and_o direction_n how_o to_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o private_a so_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a than_o to_o the_o other_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n wheresoever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n join_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o with_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n he_o will_v excite_v and_o render_v effectual_a their_o devotion_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o will_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o petition_n and_o how_o effectual_a must_v those_o prayer_n be_v wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o concur_v or_o what_o doubt_n can_v remain_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n when_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o assistance_n pardon_v favour_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v ancient_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o translate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o among_o they_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v give_v not_o to_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o same_o privilege_n be_v make_v common_a to_o all_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n do_v prevail_v to_o worship_n offer_v up_o from_o public_a place_n alone_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a and_o more_o illustrious_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v appear_v by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a honour_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n while_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n stand_v while_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o worship_n be_v perform_v therein_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o
profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o appear_v from_o that_o frequent_a expression_n employ_v by_o he_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n at_o jerusalem_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v be_v move_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o temple_n sake_n which_o be_v pure_o material_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o merit_n but_o that_o it_o be_v erect_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n by_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o illustrious_a sign_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o that_o nation_n believe_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o while_o that_o fabric_n stand_v consecrate_v to_o his_o name_n and_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o it_o to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o be_v dissemble_v that_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o they_o his_o people_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a and_o yet_o undeniable_a that_o wherever_o the_o solemn_a and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o certain_a and_o fix_a place_n dedicate_v to_o that_o use_n be_v discontinue_v religion_n the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n immediate_o decay_v and_o become_v forget_v as_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o wherever_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o church_n have_v be_v take_v from_o christian_n as_o in_o persia_n and_o africa_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v whole_o lose_v in_o one_o or_o two_o generation_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o greece_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o use_n of_o church_n permit_v to_o they_o have_v continue_v to_o flourish_v and_o retain_v her_o faith_n unshaken_a under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o turk_n although_o continual_o oppress_v discountenance_a injure_a and_o persecute_v by_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o most_o benign_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o he_o suffer_v not_o any_o of_o their_o persecution_n to_o be_v of_o long_a continuance_n but_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n give_v they_o liberty_n therewith_o to_o exercise_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o in_o public_a solemn_a and_o sacred_a place_n can_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v maintain_v by_o private_a and_o clancular_a meeting_n the_o zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o time_n will_v have_v effect_v it_o yet_o than_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a to_o perform_v it_o nor_o will_v god_n have_v interpose_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o providence_n to_o restore_v his_o church_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a church_n have_v not_o such_o worship_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o that_o direct_v from_o corner_n of_o private_a house_n and_o therefore_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o storm_n of_o any_o persecution_n blow_v over_o but_o the_o christian_n immediate_o set_v themselves_o to_o erect_v magnificent_a church_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o they_o to_o celebrate_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n not_o that_o god_n hear_v not_o their_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o from_o secret_a and_o private_a place_n their_o piety_n patience_n and_o constancy_n deserve_v no_o less_o but_o himself_o receive_v far_o less_o honour_n from_o private_a than_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o own_o names-sake_n as_o he_o frequent_o tell_v the_o jew_n he_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o peace_n and_o quiet_a thus_o the_o jew_n also_o content_v themselves_o to_o worship_n in_o a_o movable_a tabernacle_n while_o they_o travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o no_o soon_o be_v all_o the_o jebusite_n drive_v out_o of_o the_o land_n but_o david_n prepare_v to_o build_v a_o stately_a temple_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n thus_o the_o erection_n and_o dedication_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o service_n they_o be_v consecrate_v but_o also_o a_o eminent_a monument_n of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o give_v peace_n and_o quiet_a unto_o the_o church_n procure_v to_o her_o member_n the_o liberty_n of_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o profess_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o in_o public_a the_o magnificence_n of_o these_o fabric_n be_v a_o further_a argument_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n of_o that_o people_n by_o who_o they_o be_v found_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o remain_v a_o eternal_a mark_n of_o acknowledgement_n that_o both_o peace_n and_o plenty_n proceed_v from_o his_o gift_n to_o who_o name_n they_o be_v sacred_a they_o be_v the_o most_o obvious_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o long_a and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o nation_n and_o the_o devotion_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o thereby_o exceed_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o all_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o confine_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n or_o movable_a congregation_n be_v what_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v the_o great_a misfortune_n attend_v their_o persecution_n and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n pay_v no_o more_o solemn_a worship_n to_o god_n than_o what_o be_v real_o necessary_a to_o pay_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n if_o they_o shall_v indeed_o be_v persecute_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a will_v pay_v no_o manner_n of_o worship_n at_o least_o to_o decry_v the_o erection_n and_o consecration_n of_o sacred_a place_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o oppose_v the_o increase_n of_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o include_v a_o fear_n least_o posterity_n shall_v know_v from_o those_o durable_a fabric_n that_o their_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n last_o if_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o place_n solemn_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o use_n and_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v in_o such_o place_n if_o his_o honour_n be_v promote_v by_o erection_n of_o such_o sacred_a building_n and_o keep_v up_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o small_a reverence_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o to_o treat_v they_o as_o unholy_a or_o common_a place_n in_o any_o matter_n be_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o that_o use_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o peculiar_a possession_n and_o to_o deny_v his_o presence_n in_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o external_a act_n of_o reverence_n manifest_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o he_o of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o to_o who_o honour_n they_o be_v dedicate_v of_o our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o by_o who_o we_o enjoy_v the_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o religion_n of_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v chief_o advance_v and_o maintain_v by_o they_o of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o his_o constant_a and_o immediate_a presence_n in_o they_o that_o veneration_n therefore_o which_o the_o devout_a member_n of_o this_o church_n pay_v to_o sacred_a place_n be_v neither_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n nor_o the_o remain_v of_o popery_n but_o arise_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o rational_a persuasion_n of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o he_o a_o practice_n as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o as_o receive_v and_o confess_v among_o all_o christian_n when_o reprove_v the_o indecency_n commit_v by_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o church_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 22._o he_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o they_o by_o this_o consideration_n what_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o private_a house_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o material_a church_n and_o no_o less_o plain_a that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o allow_v by_o they_o that_o so_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o these_o church_n that_o even_o for_o the_o sole_a consideration_n of_o their_o holiness_n no_o indecent_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v commit_v in_o they_o before_o he_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o the_o same_o regard_v due_a to_o sacred_a place_n when_o he_o scourge_v the_o money-changer_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o they_o have_v place_v themselves_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a porch_n and_o avenue_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a and_o public_a worship_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v be_v this_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o
henry_n wharton_z a.m._n one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v in_o lambeth_n chapel_n before_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n dr._n william_n sancroft_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o year_n mdclxxxix_o mdcxc_o by_o the_o learned_a henry_n wharton_n m._n a._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n be_v the_o second_o and_o last_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o â—i_fw-la chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n church_n yard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n p._n 25_o sermon_n iii_o esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o p._n 51_o sermon_n iu._n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o p._n 76_o sermon_n v._o rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v p._n 99_o sermon_n vi_o and_o vii_o 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n p._n 124_o 150_o sermon_n viii_o s._n mark_n viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n p._n 181_o sermon_n ix_o s._n luk._n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 220_o sermon_n x._o s._n john_n viii_o 12._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n p._n 243_o sermon_n xi_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a source_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v p._n 266_o sermon_n xii_o matth._n xi_o 30._o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a p._n 291_o sermon_n xiii_o rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n p._n 318_o sermon_n fourteen_o act_n x._o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o p._n 352_o sermon_n xv_o xvi_o xvii_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v p._n 380_o 411_o 431_o sermon_n xviii_o act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n p._n 466_o sermon_n xix_o mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_n of_o god_n p._n 494_o sermon_n xx._n matth._n v._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n p._n 521_o sermon_n xxi_o luk._n ii_o 14._o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n p._n 567_o the_o first_o sermon_n on_o whit_n sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v be_v the_o final_a confirmation_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o perfect_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n set_v the_o last_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o long_o before_o gather_v a_o select_a number_n of_o faithful_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n but_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o have_v found_v a_o church_n till_o he_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o till_o than_o their_o notion_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o false_a and_o frivolous_a and_o as_o they_o certain_o know_v not_o what_o form_n of_o faith_n to_o profess_v so_o they_o dare_v not_o profess_v it_o open_o their_o religious_a meeting_n be_v yet_o in_o secret_a and_o no_o attempt_n yet_o make_v to_o form_v a_o church_n by_o conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n their_o thought_n be_v not_o so_o much_o fix_v upon_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o their_o master_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v as_o upon_o the_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o more_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o comforter_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o they_o want_v yet_o those_o perfection_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v qualify_v they_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o design_a office_n that_o zeal_n and_o charity_n which_o may_v animate_v and_o direct_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o master_n all_o these_o advantage_n be_v abundant_o confer_v these_o necessity_n supply_v by_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n then_o they_o receive_v internal_a light_n a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o messiah_n a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o then_o they_o obtain_v ability_n to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o courage_n to_o undertake_v it_o then_o they_o begin_v as_o to_o possess_v a_o assure_a and_o rational_a belief_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o profess_v and_o declare_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o so_o that_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o they_o what_o baptism_n be_v to_o we_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n hence_o these_o be_v the_o advantage_n confer_v upon_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o propagate_a the_o belief_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o confound_v the_o opposition_n of_o his_o adversary_n to_o this_o grand_a design_n the_o aforementioned_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v subservient_fw-fr be_v such_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n the_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v hitherto_o be_v reserve_v shut_v up_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o parabolical_a expression_n confine_v to_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o disciple_n which_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o acts._n but_o from_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n communicate_v to_o all_o without_o obscurity_n or_o reserve_v and_o propagate_v to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v hitherto_o appear_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a no_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v find_v but_o now_o he_o be_v to_o be_v rescue_v from_o that_o imputation_n by_o visible_a and_o undeniable_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n his_o kingdom_n be_v to_o commence_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o become_v glorious_a both_o from_o the_o number_n and_o piety_n of_o his_o follower_n the_o jew_n have_v
be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o so_o illustrious_a a_o manner_n as_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o his_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o comforter_n not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n both_o jew_n and_o stranger_n upon_o they_o and_o tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n than_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o prediction_n indeed_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v fulfil_v fifty_o day_n before_o but_o become_v not_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n till_o now_o as_o be_v not_o till_o now_o public_o attest_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o report_n of_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v indeed_o rumour_v in_o jerusalem_n which_o put_v the_o sanhedrim_n upon_o that_o shameful_a device_n of_o corrupt_v the_o soldier_n who_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n but_o the_o certain_a and_o public_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v till_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v and_o enbolden_v to_o proclaim_v and_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o those_o gift_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n after_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o the_o authentic_a attestation_n of_o they_o no_o excuse_n remain_v to_o the_o jew_n whereby_o to_o extenuate_v their_o unbelief_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o moses_n they_o be_v now_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o heinous_a sin_n before_o commit_v by_o they_o in_o the_o rejection_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o person_n the_o horror_n of_o which_o sin_n may_v induce_v they_o the_o more_o ready_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o his_o merit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o it_o otherwise_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o most_o severe_a execution_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n for_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n as_o moses_n have_v assure_v they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n deut._n xviii_o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o this_o sentence_n and_o therein_o the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n execute_v and_o fulfil_v in_o the_o destruction_n and_o entire_a desolation_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o alive_a act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v far_o enable_v invincible_o to_o plead_v his_o cause_n against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o however_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o do_v more_o especial_o convince_v of_o sin_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o have_v be_v guilty_a either_o of_o reject_v the_o preach_a or_o contrive_v the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o it_o contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o manifest_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o either_o in_o that_o or_o in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v shall_v reject_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n when_o propose_v to_o they_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o all_o creature_n under_o heaven_n and_o confirm_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o which_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o convictive_a so_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o the_o most_o extreme_a perverseness_n and_o if_o reject_v the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v hereby_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o they_o and_o convince_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n also_o if_o right_o judge_v that_o in_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o have_v sin_v against_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o nothing_o remain_v to_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o fiery_a judgement_n to_o be_v most_o just_o inflict_v on_o they_o the_o second_o point_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o righteousness_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v assign_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o you_o see_v i_o no_o more_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cloud_v when_o he_o permit_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o be_v deliver_v up_o and_o crucify_v by_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o rescue_v he_o not_o from_o the_o insult_v of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n from_o heaven_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o deity_n seem_v then_o to_o be_v eclipse_v and_o suffer_v diminution_n when_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n and_o affront_v of_o unreasonable_a men._n man_n natural_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v even_o in_o this_o world_n declare_v in_o behalf_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n either_o by_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o its_o enemy_n or_o take_v a_o severe_a revenge_n upon_o the_o oppressor_n of_o it_o and_o even_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n can_v but_o expect_v and_o be_v allow_v so_o to_o do_v that_o if_o no_o discrimination_n be_v make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o at_o least_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o next_o when_o innocence_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o reward_n which_o shall_v be_v enhance_v by_o patience_n in_o suffering_n and_o violence_n chastise_v with_o punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o sharp_a if_o reserve_v entire_a to_o another_o world_n if_o no_o part_n of_o they_o be_v inflict_v in_o this_o this_o a_o faithful_a christian_a expect_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n assure_v they_o see_v it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_n 2_o thess._n i._o 6._o and_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n heb._n vi._n 10._o if_o then_o this_o justice_n may_v be_v secure_o hope_v for_o from_o god_n by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o more_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o person_n be_v of_o infinite_a dignity_n his_o suffering_n fraught_v with_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n and_o his_o persecutor_n guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v therefore_o vindicate_v herein_o that_o sin_n may_v no_o long_o triumph_n and_o innocence_n pass_v unregarded_a god_n exalt_v his_o son_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n seat_v he_o in_o the_o heaven_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o worship_n the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o direction_n and_o assistance_n the_o apostle_n open_o testify_v the_o ascension_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o by_o which_o all_o may_v be_v convince_v what_o place_n and_o power_n christ_n now_o obtain_v in_o heaven_n who_o can_v shower_v down_o such_o glorious_a gift_n and_o privilege_n upon_o his_o follower_n on_o earth_n these_o be_v so_o many_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v defeat_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o alive_a set_v above_o their_o reach_n and_o insult_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o invest_v with_o supreme_a majesty_n and_o dominion_n able_a to_o protect_v his_o church_n and_o punish_v his_o enemy_n that_o his_o former_a suffering_n have_v not_o be_v then_o more_o calamitous_a than_o his_o present_a state_n be_v now_o glorious_a that_o if_o god_n have_v for_o a_o time_n withdraw_v in_o appearance_n his_o favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o have_v now_o in_o recompense_n exalt_v it_o to_o a_o eternal_a throne_n in_o heaven_n the_o last_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o judgement_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n ver._n 11._o because_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v judge_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n even_o of_o natural_a religion_n that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o of_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a being_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v now_o for_o many_o age_n exercise_v a_o
we_o seek_v for_o true_a happiness_n somewhere_o else_o if_o the_o former_a can_v be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o some_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n and_o when_o find_v out_o to_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o here_o perhaps_o humane_a reason_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v may_v continue_v to_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o after_o a_o tedious_a disquisition_n be_v unable_a to_o discover_v either_o the_o end_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o god_n have_v therefore_o in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n mark_v out_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supreme_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o therein_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n hereafter_o which_o hope_n shall_v then_o be_v turn_v into_o possession_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n by_o these_o we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v fill_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v co-extended_n with_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o but_o never_o weary_v we_o which_o shall_v affect_v all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o no_o cross_n and_o disaster_n which_o will_v never_o expire_v but_o be_v renew_v every_o moment_n which_o no_o adversity_n of_o fortune_n nor_o infirmity_n of_o body_n which_o neither_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v from_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o yourselves_o to_o obtain_v this_o bless_a state_n i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v be_v no_o small_a motive_n to_o you_o you_o all_o desire_n happiness_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o full_o convince_v what_o be_v the_o only_a true_a happiness_n it_o can_v but_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o exert_v all_o its_o faculty_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o after_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o end_n of_o man_n there_o need_v no_o exhortation_n to_o pursue_v it_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o natural_a than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o hunger_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a appetite_n the_o misfortune_n be_v that_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n and_o unruly_a passion_n represent_v and_o amplify_a to_o we_o the_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o secular_a delight_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a these_o passion_n shall_v arise_v we_o permit_v these_o false_a judgement_n to_o be_v form_v we_o be_v please_v at_o first_o with_o the_o delusion_n although_o conscious_a of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o become_v so_o far_o stupefy_v that_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o until_o at_o last_o a_o terrible_a affliction_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n awaken_v the_o soul_n and_o revive_v its_o better_a notion_n what_o those_o dreadful_a remembrancer_n may_v then_o do_v reason_n may_v now_o much_o more_o easy_o and_o more_o certain_o effect_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n to_o consider_v their_o vanity_n and_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n when_o this_o conviction_n be_v thorough_o form_v we_o shall_v be_v even_o necessitate_v to_o look_v upward_o and_o fix_v our_o hope_n in_o heaven_n and_o then_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o labour_n direct_v thither_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o god_n promote_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o crown_v with_o success_n success_n which_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n here_o and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n hereafter_o to_o this_o joy_n may_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23d_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o represent_v he_o to_o man_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o adoration_n the_o latter_a persuade_v man_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o latter_a no_o obligation_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o accurate_a delivery_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o give_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o teach_v with_o certainty_n the_o method_n of_o his_o external_a action_n the_o former_a be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o admit_v no_o variation_n the_o latter_a may_v receive_v improvement_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n and_o lie_v great_a obligation_n on_o he_o under_o one_o dispensation_n than_o under_o another_o so_o much_o of_o both_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o may_v direct_v man_n aright_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o they_o employ_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o convince_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o both_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o mistake_v will_v equal_o defeat_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o nature_n lead_v man_n into_o idolatry_n of_o the_o second_o into_o negligence_n and_o impiety_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a indeed_o to_o mistake_v concern_v the_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o weak_a understanding_n i_o mean_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o serve_v to_o beget_v notion_n of_o religion_n in_o men._n all_o man_n whether_o true_a believer_n or_o idolater_n agree_v in_o this_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v whether_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n omnipresence_n and_o such_o like_a be_v necessary_a perfection_n without_o which_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v subsist_v yet_o mankind_n have_v most_o miserable_o mistake_v in_o this_o plain_a and_o easy_a matter_n have_v deify_v creature_n which_o have_v none_o of_o all_o these_o perfection_n have_v quit_v sometime_o even_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o ofttimes_o corrupt_v it_o and_o these_o mistake_v reveal_v religion_n do_v rectify_v and_o restore_v to_o man_n what_o they_o have_v wilful_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a action_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o mistake_v derive_v his_o knowledge_n from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o form_v such_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o external_a conduct_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o may_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o it_o but_o this_o persuasion_n will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o conviction_n and_o this_o direction_n of_o that_o certainty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o reveal_v religion_n and_o even_o in_o revelation_n admit_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o his_o intend_a benefit_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o revelation_n so_o that_o however_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o worship_v god_n continue_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o reveal_v religion_n they_o be_v both_o improve_v and_o enhance_v and_o also_o secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o how_o great_a that_o danger_n be_v the_o scripture_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n that_o whole_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n and_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v discover_v for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v yet_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o till_o after_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n all_o of_o they_o both_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v eminent_a for_o wisdom_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o one_o of_o they_o approve_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
therein_o than_o he_o do_v before_o scarce_o any_o man_n however_o have_v plentiful_o enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n if_o his_o life_n can_v be_v renew_v to_o he_o upon_o condition_n of_o live_v again_o in_o the_o same_o and_o in_o no_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o do_v before_o will_v esteem_v it_o any_o great_a benefit_n he_o may_v perhaps_o accept_v it_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n because_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v but_o for_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o it_o he_o will_v hardly_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v desirable_a such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n consider_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o what_o great_a excellency_n can_v be_v discover_v in_o all_o this_o which_o may_v nourish_v our_o pride_n or_o enlarge_v our_o pretence_n so_o inconsiderable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v mankind_n and_o then_o shall_v so_o mean_v a_o be_v vie_n with_o god_n require_v the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v overrule_v for_o his_o sake_n become_v swell_v with_o pride_n think_v himself_o more_o worthy_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o continual_o aspire_v to_o great_a privilege_n than_o be_v at_o first_o assign_v to_o he_o alas_o poor_a mortal_n however_o thou_o may_v advance_v thy_o pretence_n and_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o thy_o own_o greatness_n that_o body_n which_o thou_o carry_v about_o with_o thou_o and_o can_v not_o shake_v off_o that_o very_a body_n upon_o which_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o it_o thou_o so_o much_o valu_a thyself_o proclaim_v thy_o imperfection_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v thou_o dust_n and_o ash_n thy_o end_n will_v manifest_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o will_v only_o express_v thy_o infirmity_n i_o want_v a_o word_n to_o express_v the_o vanity_n of_o thy_o mind_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v thou_o nothing_o thyself_o have_v often_o confess_v thyself_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o nothing_o when_o amid_o the_o cross_n of_o fortune_n or_o torment_n of_o disease_n thou_o have_v often_o wish_v to_o become_v nothing_o for_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o will_v once_o again_o wish_v it_o after_o death_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o correct_v thy_o foolish_a arrogance_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v man_n in_o general_a to_o value_v himself_o upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o as_o to_o the_o divers_a pretension_n beforementioned_a have_v yet_o much_o less_o if_o atheist_n pretend_v a_o independent_a existence_n from_o god_n let_v they_o demonstrate_v it_o by_o continue_v their_o existence_n for_o ever_o if_o they_o can_v at_o first_o bestow_v existence_n upon_o themselves_o they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o power_n always_o continue_v it_o if_o this_o exceed_v their_o ability_n much_o more_o will_v the_o other_o if_o deist_n assert_v the_o action_n of_o man_n to_o be_v uncontrolled_a by_o god_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o he_o let_v they_o reconcile_v to_o such_o stupid_a negligence_n the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v in_o god_n let_v they_o stifle_v if_o they_o can_v the_o check_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o sin_n commit_v in_o secret_a and_o solve_v the_o undeniable_a character_n of_o extraordinary_a providence_n interpose_v in_o the_o world_n these_o impious_a opinion_n indeed_o can_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o any_o reveal_v religion_n but_o the_o other_o may_v as_o first_o that_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o the_o service_n of_o man_n alone_o a_o opinion_n which_o however_o general_o take_v up_o by_o man_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o excite_v their_o gratitude_n to_o their_o creator_n yet_o seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o too_o great_a a_o esteem_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o tend_v direct_o to_o â—oment_n its_o pride_n it_o be_v certain_a indeed_o that_o almost_o all_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n that_o god_n have_v not_o deny_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o may_v indeed_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n man_n be_v create_v for_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o woman_n for_o the_o man_n that_o be_v not_o for_o that_o end_n alone_o but_o for_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n and_o thus_o even_o the_o angel_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o man_n be_v send_v forth_o as_o minister_a spirit_n to_o such_o as_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o imagine_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v only_o for_o the_o use_n and_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n have_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o be_v so_o far_o superior_a to_o we_o in_o dignity_n will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a arrogance_n and_o to_o assert_v it_o even_o of_o other_o create_a being_n will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n perhaps_o not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o what_o be_v we_o concern_v in_o so_o many_o vast_a orb_n as_o be_v beyond_o our_o heaven_n i_o know_v many_o have_v imagine_v they_o to_o have_v be_v create_v for_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reception_n of_o our_o glorify_a body_n after_o the_o resurrection_n but_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o conceit_n to_o need_v any_o refutation_n even_o in_o the_o visible_a world_n no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n lay_v undiscovered_a and_o not_o a_o little_a of_o what_o we_o know_v be_v whole_o unuseful_a to_o we_o it_o become_v we_o rather_o with_o reverence_n to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n our_o common_a creator_n than_o endeavour_n to_o set_v ourselves_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o flatter_v ourselves_o into_o a_o ambitious_a opinion_n of_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o ascribe_v so_o much_o excellency_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n ought_v to_o be_v violate_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o be_v a_o pride_n exceed_v all_o comparison_n as_o if_o the_o petty_a interest_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n than_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a order_n and_o therein_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o earth_n and_o heaven_n which_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n direct_v by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o we_o but_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v overturn_v and_o the_o general_a law_n of_o its_o government_n be_v reverse_v for_o we_o yet_o this_o unreasonable_a expectation_n general_o seize_v man_n in_o affliction_n when_o all_o the_o hard_a word_n which_o they_o heap_v upon_o adverse_a fortune_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o impartial_a execution_n of_o which_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o little_a interest_n of_o private_a man_n produce_v that_o diversity_n of_o accident_n which_o be_v general_o call_v fortune_n far_o to_o murmur_v at_o the_o divine_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n because_o no_o more_o excellent_a or_o more_o certain_a happiness_n be_v assign_v to_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a ambition_n of_o be_v more_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o real_o be_v for_o while_o we_o be_v a_o compound_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n endue_v with_o gross_a organ_n of_o sense_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o pleasure_n shall_v be_v other_o than_o gross_a and_o adapt_v to_o the_o organ_n of_o their_o reception_n that_o be_v our_o sense_n we_o may_v tire_v ourselves_o in_o hunt_v after_o new_a method_n of_o happiness_n and_o afflict_v ourselves_o in_o the_o disappointment_n of_o they_o but_o while_o our_o nature_n continue_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o same_o order_n be_v preferve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v any_o other_o than_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v mean_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o duration_n to_o propose_v the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n of_o a_o absolute_a imperturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o constant_a infallibility_n be_v no_o less_o vain_a and_o to_o boast_v of_o such_o perfection_n as_o some_o have_v do_v little_o less_o than_o madness_n our_o present_a nature_n admit_v no_o such_o improvement_n which_o while_o we_o be_v content_a to_o own_o we_o must_v also_o own_o those_o
short_a if_o the_o devil_n bring_v great_a detriment_n to_o the_o spiritual_a interest_n of_o mankind_n the_o angel_n bring_v no_o less_o advantage_n to_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o eligible_a for_o man_n to_o suffer_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a spirit_n or_o to_o want_v they_o both_o together_o only_o the_o same_o caution_n which_o we_o before_o observe_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o procure_v and_o continue_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v also_o require_v here_o that_o we_o render_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o it_o by_o a_o diligent_a concurrence_n and_o that_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o by_o our_o perverseness_n grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n grieve_v the_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reward_n which_o for_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o care_v bestow_v on_o we_o they_o require_v of_o we_o that_o together_o with_o they_o we_o pay_v a_o due_a obedience_n to_o our_o common_a master_n that_o we_o defeat_v not_o their_o charitable_a design_n by_o our_o own_o wilfulness_n worship_n and_o other_o sign_n of_o divine_a honour_n they_o affect_v not_o nay_o this_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v from_o we_o the_o end_n of_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o procure_v happiness_n to_o man_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o next_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v obey_v their_o great_a master_n be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o success_n in_o it_o their_o only_a aim_n be_v that_o we_o will_v join_v with_o they_o here_o in_o pay_v entire_a obedience_n to_o our_o common_a creator_n that_o so_o we_o may_v join_v with_o they_o hereafter_o in_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o to_o he_o therefore_o be_v ascribe_v the_o glory_n and_o thanks_o of_o all_o their_o charitable_a operation_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n to_o he_o be_v render_v all_o praise_n and_o honour_n who_o at_o first_o create_v such_o excellent_a being_n and_o afterward_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o minister_n to_o our_o salvation_n who_o have_v place_v in_o we_o soul_n not_o unlike_a to_o these_o noble_a being_n and_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o he_o will_v in_o due_a time_n make_v we_o full_o like_a unto_o they_o to_o he_o with_o his_o son_n and_o bless_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o power_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20_o of_o octob._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n mark_v viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v adapt_v as_o well_o to_o the_o interest_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o consentaneous_a to_o our_o nature_n but_o advantageous_a to_o our_o person_n that_o it_o not_o only_o prescribe_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n but_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n herein_o it_o infinite_o surpass_v even_o all_o the_o more_o refine_a system_n of_o the_o gentile_a divinity_n and_o philosophy_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o refine_v our_o reason_n and_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o they_o can_v produce_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o satiate_v the_o unbounded_a appetite_n of_o the_o will_n and_o create_v a_o real_a happiness_n many_o of_o they_o indeed_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o neither_o hope_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o any_o reward_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n indeed_o have_v a_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o desire_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o rational_a being_n as_o be_v whole_o restrain_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n of_o man_n the_o body_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n communicate_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o our_o nature_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a perfection_n have_v consult_v not_o only_o the_o reason_n but_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n he_o have_v satisfy_v the_o first_o by_o give_v we_o a_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a religion_n not_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o beggarly_a element_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o whole_o immerse_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o agree_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v advance_v our_o interest_n by_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a reward_n far_o surpass_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n our_o most_o wise_a and_o ever_o bless_a lawgiver_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v more_o move_v with_o argument_n of_o profit_n than_o with_o consideration_n of_o duty_n the_o latter_a only_o affect_v our_o understanding_n but_o the_o first_o strike_v our_o sense_n and_o ravish_v our_o will._n he_o may_v as_o well_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n as_o redemption_n have_v enjoin_v to_o we_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o annex_v any_o reward_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o it_o have_v even_o then_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o a_o sufficient_a happiness_n by_o obey_v to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o patriarch_n before_o abraham_n serve_v god_n without_o any_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o reward_n much_o less_o a_o reward_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o value_n as_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o just_o hope_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o then_o that_o favour_n may_v consist_v only_o in_o provide_v they_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o other_o common_a benefit_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v not_o with_o any_o certainty_n be_v extend_v far_a since_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o together_o with_o a_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o require_v our_o obedience_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o obtain_v this_o reward_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n so_o must_v we_o condemn_v our_o own_o extreme_a folly_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v so_o great_a happiness_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n high_o accommodate_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o frequent_o urge_v by_o christ_n who_o begin_v his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n in_o the_o v._o chap._n of_o st._n matthew_n with_o affix_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o great_a and_o more_o arduous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o so_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o may_v willing_o be_v oversee_v by_o we_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o matth._n xiii_o 44._o he_o compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n the_o which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o a_o merchant_n sell_v all_o his_o estate_n to_o buy_v on_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n by_o which_o saleâ—_n and_o by_o the_o joyfulness_n attend_v it_o he_o intimate_v that_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n be_v to_o be_v forgo_v when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n a_o position_n which_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o paradox_n if_o that_o infallible_a mouth_n have_v not_o pronounce_v it_o and_o reason_n do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o prescribe_v to_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o he_o choose_v to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o either_o the_o will_n or_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n can_v be_v incite_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o life_n can_v not_o enforce_v we_o if_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o our_o redeemer_n die_v for_o we_o can_v not_o persuade_v we_o if_o gratitude_n to_o both_o can_v not_o oblige_v we_o if_o neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o
holiness_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n yet_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o interest_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o obedience_n this_o obviate_v all_o the_o objection_n even_o of_o worldly_a man_n who_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o it_o can_v never_o true_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n a_o thorough_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v banish_v all_o sinful_a temptation_n and_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a and_o irrational_a of_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o prefer_v a_o present_a trifle_n before_o a_o future_a treasure_n and_o voluntary_o quit_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n to_o retain_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o truth_n hold_v in_o quit_v the_o momentany_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o for_o a_o exchange_n of_o future_a glory_n but_o even_o in_o undergo_a the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o our_o saviour_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n for_o when_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o have_v foretell_v that_o bear_v the_o cross_n shall_v be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o decline_v this_o cross_n and_o save_v his_o life_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o his_o faith_n shall_v thereby_o incur_v a_o much_o great_a punishment_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o system_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v institute_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o enlarge_v or_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n improve_v its_o faculty_n and_o procure_v to_o it_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o its_o desire_n and_o the_o liberality_n of_o its_o creator_n whosoever_o therefore_o serious_o intend_v to_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o gospel_n must_v prepare_v himself_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o not_o decline_v death_n whensoever_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o my_o command_n shall_v require_v that_o trial_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v his_o duty_n but_o secure_a and_o promote_v his_o interest_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v base_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o i_o or_o violate_v my_o command_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o avoid_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o much_o great_a loss_n and_o punishment_n than_o that_o which_o they_o so_o cowardly_o fear_v and_o ungenerous_o decline_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o shall_v willing_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o slight_v all_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o preserve_v their_o obedience_n to_o i_o entire_a and_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o gospel_n shall_v be_v certain_o crown_v with_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v attain_v by_o it_o this_o be_v your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o my_o command_n your_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v quit_v that_o particular_a share_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v thereby_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n but_o even_o if_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n be_v â—â—aped_v upon_o one_o single_a man_n or_o can_v be_v all_o obtain_v by_o denial_n of_o my_o religion_n or_o violation_n of_o my_o law_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v prevaricate_v upon_o such_o mean_a consideration_n will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n when_o he_o cast_v up_o his_o account_n that_o he_o have_v gain_v nothing_o to_o evince_v illustrate_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n ii_o that_o this_o interest_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o soul_n render_v miserable_a by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o head_n may_v be_v comprise_v the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o first_o then_o the_o dignity_n and_o precedence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n by_o wife_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n nay_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v ever_o firm_o believe_v this_o as_o a_o opinion_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o least_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o it_o all_o false_a religion_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n propose_v by_o god_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v it_o be_v this_o only_a which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n which_o liken_n we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v this_o whereby_o we_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a and_o wonderful_a perfection_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a whereby_o we_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n grateful_a to_o our_o creator_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will._n and_o therefore_o prov._n xx._n 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v call_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o by_o that_o only_o we_o receive_v the_o divine_a illumination_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n this_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o soul_n beyond_o the_o body_n may_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v from_o many_o other_o consideration_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o three_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n as_o first_o by_o the_o soul_n alone_o we_o receive_v the_o influence_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n some_o divine_a benefit_n indeed_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o body_n as_o creation_n and_o preservation_n but_o those_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o belong_v equal_o to_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o create_a being_n whereas_o the_o favour_n grant_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v peculiar_a to_o it_o and_o to_o infinite_o great_a value_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o knowledge_n desire_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o improvement_n all_o the_o superadded_a happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v entire_o bestow_v on_o it_o alone_o all_o revelation_n be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o happiness_n to_o who_o it_o be_v little_a inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o rescue_v this_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n into_o this_o as_o into_o a_o capacious_a treasure_n be_v all_o the_o divine_a grace_n convey_v grace_n of_o which_o the_o body_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a than_o a_o stock_n or_o
to_o the_o soul_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o invest_v with_o immortality_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n devest_v of_o these_o gross_a sense_n which_o now_o accompany_v we_o and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o worldly_a and_o admire_a pleasure_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vileness_n of_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o can_v be_v make_v happy_a without_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o any_o real_a worth_n god_n will_v have_v continue_v they_o to_o we_o in_o another_o life_n but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v way_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o humane_a happiness_n by_o the_o abolishment_n of_o all_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o despoil_v the_o body_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n be_v light_a and_o trifle_a incompatible_a with_o real_a happiness_n and_o unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o the_o body_n those_o pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o our_o body_n be_v capable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a so_o much_o to_o admire_v here_o below_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n delight_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n finite_a short_a and_o contemptible_a the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o increase_v their_o worth_n but_o then_o this_o very_a repetition_n become_v nauseous_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v common_o produce_v by_o a_o irregular_a appetite_n but_o always_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o when_o perform_v they_o leave_v no_o satisfaction_n behind_o they_o they_o cloy_v the_o appetite_n and_o by_o their_o frequency_n become_v troublesome_a and_o even_o odious_a to_o we_o be_v finish_v in_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o leave_v nothing_o grateful_a behind_o they_o but_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v end_n with_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o life_n may_v be_v obstruct_v by_o disease_n and_o calamity_n a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n in_o who_o all_o the_o greatness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v join_v he_o preside_v over_o a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a people_n and_o that_o in_o great_a glory_n than_o all_o the_o king_n before_o or_o after_o he_o so_o that_o if_o ambition_n worldly_a honour_n and_o pomp_n can_v make_v he_o happy_a he_o possess_v they_o all_o in_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o fame_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n among_o neighbour_n nation_n can_v increase_v this_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v from_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o east_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o mouth_n if_o riches_n can_v confer_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o desire_a perfection_n none_o can_v put_v in_o a_o better_a claim_n for_o it_o than_o he_o in_o who_o time_n gold_n be_v esteem_v no_o more_o than_o iron_n and_o silver_n as_o stone_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o last_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v complete_a our_o happiness_n none_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o he_o at_o who_o command_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o profound_a and_o uninterrupted_a peace_n all_o his_o life_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v that_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o suppose_a mean_n of_o happiness_n he_o assure_v we_o eccles._n ii_o 10._o that_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o nor_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n nay_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o curiosity_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v nothing_o unattempted_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o know_v madness_n and_o folly_n eccles._n i._n 17._o one_o who_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o can_v by_o his_o exquisite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n heighten_v and_o refine_v these_o pleasure_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o they_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n if_o then_o no_o real_a happiness_n if_o no_o solid_a pleasure_n can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n from_o riches_n and_o the_o outward_a pomp_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v recur_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o happiness_n true_o solid_a and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a none_o but_o a_o vast_a and_o infinite_a good_a can_v satisfy_v the_o unbounded_a desire_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o eternity_n itself_o can_v satiate_v a_o immortal_a be_v for_o however_o our_o soul_n be_v finite_a as_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v yet_o our_o will_n have_v no_o limit_n but_o continual_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o unless_o that_o good_a which_o they_o already_o possess_v can_v receive_v no_o far_o addition_n this_o good_a be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v fix_v our_o restless_a will_n and_o by_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n ravish_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pleasure_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o be_v a_o happiness_n true_o peculiar_a to_o spiritual_a being_n who_o alone_o can_v contemplate_v the_o majesty_n and_o inimitable_a goodness_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o by_o so_o do_v secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n infinite_a in_o itself_o not_o inferior_a to_o the_o vast_a desire_n of_o the_o will_n which_o survive_v all_o the_o change_n of_o fortune_n malice_n of_o man_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o if_o we_o can_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o greatness_n of_o these_o spiritual_a pleasure_n their_o convenience_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o infinite_a duration_n of_o they_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o they_o immerse_v in_o gross_a and_o earthly_a delight_n so_o far_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o willing_a nor_o perhaps_o able_a to_o receive_v these_o great_a and_o more_o real_a enjoyment_n by_o attend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v even_o change_v the_o nature_n and_o nobleness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o from_o guide_n and_o director_n make_v they_o mere_a instrument_n to_o our_o body_n devest_v they_o of_o all_o remembrance_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a degrade_v they_o into_o a_o servile_a condition_n and_o be_v we_o not_o sometime_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v perhaps_o forget_v that_o we_o be_v create_v in_o a_o condition_n little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thus_o far_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n revelation_n do_v the_o same_o no_o less_o full_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o wean_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o thing_n above_o to_o withdraw_v we_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o seat_v we_o at_o last_o in_o heaven_n to_o this_o the_o whole_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o religion_n plain_o tend_v command_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n undergo_v persecution_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o even_o suffer_v death_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o who_o love_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n or_o possession_n beyond_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o among_o other_o precept_n command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n of_o nature_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n precept_n all_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v forgo_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n destroy_v rather_o than_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o least_o be_v injure_v our_o
afford_v no_o leisure_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o her_o creator_n the_o necessity_n of_o her_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o form_v these_o meditation_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o that_o real_a happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n when_o join_v in_o one_o again_o second_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n deserve_v our_o great_a care_n much_o more_o do_v the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o consummation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o crown_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o infinite_a preference_n which_o be_v due_a to_o these_o beyond_o those_o of_o our_o body_n for_o can_v it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o act_n as_o though_o we_o have_v neither_o soul_n nor_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o another_o more_o glorious_a and_o last_a state_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o our_o rest_n in_o this_o that_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o judge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v of_o make_v our_o account_n ready_a let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o just_o weigh_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o vanity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o shortness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o this_o frail_a life_n remember_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o inconceivable_a happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o we_o must_v either_o put_v off_o our_o reason_n or_o employ_v it_o in_o pursue_v those_o interest_n which_o do_v so_o great_o and_o so_o near_o concern_v we_o let_v we_o be_v so_o brave_a and_o generous_a as_o not_o to_o think_v that_o we_o die_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v that_o we_o be_v make_v for_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n intend_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o spiritual_a being_n which_o can_v die_v and_o will_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o these_o soul_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o receive_v a_o participation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o will_v certain_o do_v so_o if_o they_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o it_o by_o our_o fatal_a stupidity_n and_o neglect_v and_o that_o in_o provide_v for_o this_o more_o excellent_a part_n of_o we_o we_o secure_v likewise_o a_o mansion_n for_o the_o body_n which_o at_o the_o general_a resurrection_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o station_n and_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v perfect_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o we_o can_v not_o consign_v ourselves_o up_o to_o pursue_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o heap_v up_o riches_n which_o be_v of_o no_o service_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n and_o promote_v not_o our_o real_a happiness_n in_o this_o can_v you_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v all_o this_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n employ_v your_o life_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_a hope_v for_o the_o perfection_n design_v and_o make_v no_o step_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o rather_o let_v we_o endeavour_v with_o our_o utmost_a vigour_n to_o maintain_v that_o degree_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o we_o among_o create_a being_n and_o not_o by_o our_o degeneracy_n become_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n let_v we_o do_v nothing_o unworthy_a that_o noble_a be_v which_o be_v seat_v within_o we_o nor_o clothe_v the_o body_n with_o the_o spoil_n of_o it_o let_v we_o maintain_v the_o dignity_n and_o character_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o a_o severe_a and_o unblemished_a integrity_n and_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o assurance_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v allot_v to_o we_o certain_o in_o worldly_a matter_n we_o willing_o oversee_v lesser_o and_o more_o trivial_a gain_n for_o obtain_v of_o a_o great_a and_o more_o substantial_a profit_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o slight_v the_o impertinent_a gaiety_n and_o vile_a allurement_n of_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o treasure_n which_o fade_v not_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n last_o if_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o preferable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n if_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v of_o small_a account_n when_o oppose_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o if_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a perfection_n of_o mankind_n a_o firm_a constancy_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n although_o attend_v in_o this_o life_n with_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n discouragement_n and_o affliction_n will_v not_o only_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o high_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o the_o conclusion_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20._o of_o novemb_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o remarkable_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o scope_n to_o which_o his_o whole_a discourse_n be_v therein_o direct_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o pretence_n wherewith_o unreasonable_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o defend_v or_o excuse_v their_o sin_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n arise_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o visible_a experience_n of_o they_o or_o a_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o constant_a miracle_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n alone_o that_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o also_o in_o their_o ancient_a and_o receive_v doctrine_n they_o entertain_v scruple_n because_o not_o confirm_v by_o a_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n which_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o a_o incredulity_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v hereditary_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o renew_v as_o often_o as_o the_o divine_a miracle_n be_v interrupt_v no_o soon_o be_v joshua_n dead_a and_o that_o generation_n which_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o judge_n ii_o but_o the_o next_o generation_n even_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v and_o although_o miracle_n be_v continue_v down_o among_o they_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n yet_o as_o these_o can_v be_v visible_a but_o to_o a_o certain_a number_n they_o produce_v no_o universal_a influence_n affect_v not_o the_o rest_n and_o even_o in_o those_o who_o see_v they_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o wonder_n and_o amusement_n they_o still_o continue_v their_o disbelief_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o they_o see_v not_o yet_o effect_v and_o of_o that_o future_a state_n which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o perceive_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o but_o it_o have_v find_v place_n even_o among_o christian_n also_o many_o of_o who_o have_v even_o renounce_v and_o deny_v their_o faith_n because_o themselves_o can_v not_o see_v those_o miracle_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o found_v other_o become_v irresolute_a and_o remiss_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n unsatisfied_a in_o the_o event_n of_o it_o and_o all_o pretend_v
commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a a_o proposition_n which_o may_v perhaps_o appear_v incredible_a to_o any_o one_o who_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o obedience_n require_v and_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n be_v limit_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o that_o it_o extend_v not_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n alone_o but_o include_v the_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o enjoin_v man_n to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o quit_v his_o dear_a affection_n to_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o occasion_n even_o life_n itself_o that_o therefore_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v which_o find_v it_o and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o continual_a war_n against_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n these_o reason_n may_v possible_o affright_v mankind_n from_o take_v such_o a_o severe_a profession_n on_o they_o do_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o good_a man_n and_o the_o infallible_a asseveration_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o yoke_n far_o from_o be_v insupportable_a be_v light_n and_o easy_a i_o may_v evidence_n this_o by_o many_o reason_n but_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n confine_v myself_o to_o three_o 1._o the_o agreeableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n 2._o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n 3._o the_o external_a assistance_n afford_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n for_o what_o do_v christianity_n enjoin_v which_o reason_n do_v not_o confirm_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n what_o do_v it_o require_v which_o do_v not_o adorn_v perfect_a and_o exalt_v his_o nature_n the_o sum_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o conserve_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v his_o authority_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o other_o reason_n to_o exercise_v a_o constant_a temperance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o pleasure_n a_o universal_a charity_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o fellow-member_n to_o be_v just_a and_o true_a to_o oppress_v none_o to_o defraud_v none_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o be_v the_o great_a line_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n to_o these_o indeed_o must_v be_v add_v to_o complete_a a_o christian_n faith_n in_o christ_n reliance_n on_o his_o merit_n communion_n with_o he_o in_o those_o external_a sacrament_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v to_o declare_v the_o mutual_a union_n between_o himself_o and_o we_o whereby_o we_o visible_o join_v ourselves_o to_o he_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o command_n declare_v confirm_v and_o reiterate_v our_o resolution_n of_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o follow_v his_o direction_n yet_o can_v these_o latter_a scarce_o be_v account_v any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n since_o simple_o consider_v they_o include_v no_o difficulty_n no_o restraint_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o will_v not_o even_o by_o the_o most_o sensual_a person_n be_v account_v any_o yoke_n or_o burden_n but_o as_o they_o be_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n by_o every_o christian_n to_o observe_v those_o primary_n duty_n which_o we_o before_o mention_v these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o create_v be_v he_o owe_v obedience_n to_o god_n as_o possess_v the_o use_n of_o freewill_n and_o reason_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o direct_v his_o action_n according_a to_o those_o rule_n which_o reason_n prescribe_v to_o he_o from_o the_o light_n of_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v easy_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o exercise_v all_o those_o virtue_n we_o before_o mention_v that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o reason_n which_o ought_v to_o guide_v he_o and_o over_o turn_v that_o order_n and_o decorum_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o body_n the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o mind_n force_v he_o to_o confess_v his_o dependence_n upon_o some_o great_a be_v convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o world_n to_o follow_v blind_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o own_o will_n but_o to_o conform_v himself_o to_o those_o rule_n of_o government_n which_o the_o common_a author_n of_o all_o creature_n have_v establish_v among_o they_o if_o when_o he_o undertake_v any_o action_n or_o form_v any_o resolution_n he_o consult_v his_o reason_n it_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o this_o be_v decent_a that_o unfit_a for_o he_o this_o become_v that_o dishonour_v his_o nature_n nay_o whether_o he_o take_v council_n from_o reason_n or_o not_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o suggest_v to_o he_o in_o every_o action_n what_o be_v good_a just_a and_o honourable_a what_o impious_a injust_a and_o disgraceful_a to_o he_o now_o all_o these_o natural_a suggestion_n of_o reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o make_v up_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ._n the_o action_n and_o rule_n of_o conduct_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o the_o only_a difference_n lie_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o every_o action_n be_v to_o proceed_v for_o whereas_o nature_n direct_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v perform_v because_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n that_o omit_v because_o repugnant_a to_o it_o christianity_n require_v that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v do_v the_o other_o forbear_v chief_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n and_o in_o gratitude_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o redemption_n however_o the_o act_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o do_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o whatsoever_o oppose_v his_o will_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o denial_n of_o dependence_n on_o he_o that_o the_o appetite_n passion_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o more_o noble_a faculty_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o constitute_v a_o man_n and_o distinguish_v his_o conduct_n from_o that_o of_o beast_n that_o to_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o these_o lust_n to_o gratify_v any_o of_o they_o without_o the_o assent_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o violate_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n that_o to_o be_v just_a true_a and_o charitable_a be_v what_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n require_v to_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o conform_v himself_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o it_o that_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v any_o other_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o he_o be_v unworthy_a to_o continue_v his_o station_n among_o man_n all_o this_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man._n these_o draw_v not_o their_o original_a from_o any_o reveal_v religion_n but_o be_v only_o enforce_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o by_o some_o patron_n of_o atheism_n though_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v believe_v that_o themselves_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o that_o all_o these_o notion_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o precedent_a impression_n of_o some_o reveal_v or_o supposed_o reveal_v religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o age_n and_o nation_n all_o order_n of_o man_n have_v agree_v in_o these_o common_a notion_n which_o can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o universal_a instinct_n of_o nature_n view_v the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o institute_v religion_n they_o have_v the_o same_o general_a conception_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o we_o have_v look_v back_o into_o the_o most_o ancient_a age_n of_o the_o world_n antecedent_n to_o any_o suppose_a revelation_n the_o same_o idea_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n will_v be_v find_v in_o all_o consult_v the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o almost_o all_o their_o speculation_n in_o these_o practical_a truth_n they_o all_o agree_v last_o search_v the_o conscience_n of_o every_o single_a man_n and_o because_o you_o can_v discover_v the_o secret_n of_o other_o man_n appeal_v to_o your_o own_o experience_n whether_o every_o action_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o a_o immediate_a approbation_n or_o condemnation_n of_o reason_n
true_a god_n that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o the_o people_n general_o forsake_v the_o public_a worship_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n at_o home_n to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n there_o than_o remain_v no_o far_a evidence_n of_o the_o public_a belief_n or_o religion_n of_o the_o nation_n while_o therefore_o worship_n be_v due_o pay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o place_n appoint_v by_o god_n all_o the_o promise_n blessing_n and_o reward_n mention_v in_o the_o jewish_a covenant_n take_v place_n they_o enjoy_v peace_n security_n and_o abundance_n their_o sin_n be_v expiate_v their_o petition_n grant_v no_o public_a calamity_n do_v attend_v they_o when_o this_o public_a worship_n be_v intermit_v by_o they_o god_n be_v no_o long_o engage_v by_o promise_n to_o protect_v they_o since_o they_o do_v not_o now_o any_o long_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o people_n the_o only_a evidence_n of_o which_o be_v public_a worship_n all_o this_o do_v full_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v the_o public_a prosperity_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o regular_a observation_n or_o general_a intermission_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o more_o eminent_a promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v affix_v to_o public_a worship_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v among_o we_o if_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o private_a and_o proceed_v no_o far_o it_o can_v never_o appear_v what_o religion_n any_o nation_n profess_v what_o god_n they_o worship_v no_o public_a honour_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pay_v by_o that_o nation_n to_o he_o and_o consequent_o no_o national_a blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o when_o in_o any_o country_n place_n be_v solemn_o dedicate_v to_o the_o true_a god_n when_o in_o they_o divine_a worship_n be_v constant_o pay_v especial_o if_o this_o worship_n be_v daily_o renew_v if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n join_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o pay_v the_o same_o worship_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n then_o such_o a_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v national_a then_o all_o those_o expression_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n and_o lest_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o heathen_a will_v take_v place_n among_o we_o for_o example_n what_o great_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o nation_n than_o that_o in_o this_o sacred_a place_n prayer_n have_v be_v daily_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o many_o age_n together_o such_o sacred_a place_n be_v the_o stand_a monument_n and_o the_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o any_o nation_n by_o these_o we_o know_v that_o our_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o by_o these_o our_o posterity_n will_v know_v that_o we_o continue_v the_o same_o worship_n by_o this_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o keep_v up_o in_o any_o country_n and_o since_o he_o have_v affirm_v that_o those_o who_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v then_o only_o can_v we_o rational_o presume_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n public_a and_o national_a blessing_n while_o such_o a_o public_a worship_n be_v due_o maintain_v among_o we_o thus_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o my_o text_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o present_a time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o indispensable_a and_o constant_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v prayer_n that_o public_a prayer_n best_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v also_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o let_v we_o now_o look_v upon_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o more_o particular_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n who_o be_v better_a instruct_v and_o have_v great_a advantage_n in_o the_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o men._n i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o affirm_v yet_o i_o much_o fear_v it_o that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n never_o worship_v god_n in_o private_a although_o no_o necessity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v so_o urgent_a as_o not_o to_o permit_v every_o one_o to_o address_v himself_o daily_o to_o god_n in_o that_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o knowledge_n much_o more_o be_v require_v but_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o those_o which_o frequent_a it_o who_o perform_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v education_n custom_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v man_n to_o cease_v from_o labour_n upon_o those_o day_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o same_o consideration_n oblige_v they_o to_o frequent_v due_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n upon_o those_o day_n but_o from_o they_o who_o do_v frequent_v it_o as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o irreligion_n we_o expect_v a_o true_a constant_a and_o humble_a devotion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v and_o deplore_v the_o great_a negligence_n and_o stupid_a carelessness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n many_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v if_o they_o enter_v after_o the_o prayer_n be_v begin_v after_o the_o confession_n be_v make_v and_o the_o absolution_n pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v present_a at_o they_o they_o seem_v irksome_a to_o they_o they_o join_v not_o in_o they_o far_o from_o any_o devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v any_o bodily_a reverence_n they_o refuse_v to_o kneel_v and_o some_o even_o presume_v to_o sit_v still_o at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n we_o want_v that_o cheerful_a concurrence_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o which_o the_o ancient_a christian_n so_o much_o glorify_v say_v that_o a_o amen_o pronounce_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v like_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n which_o pierce_v heaven_n in_o our_o assembly_n how_o small_a a_o part_n join_v in_o repeat_v the_o common_a form_n of_o confession_n praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o not_o many_o vouchsafe_v to_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o several_a prayer_n such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o public_a devotion_n at_o this_o time_n lamentable_a indeed_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o such_o therefore_o let_v i_o address_v myself_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o equal_o oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o other_o be_v not_o you_o also_o create_v by_o he_o and_o still_o depend_v upon_o he_o why_o then_o do_v you_o refuse_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o he_o to_o profess_v public_o your_o subjection_n by_o such_o a_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n as_o may_v declare_v it_o if_o a_o heathen_a shall_v enter_v into_o our_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o examine_v our_o devotion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n for_o st._n paul_n before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n what_o will_v he_o say_v when_o he_o shall_v behold_v some_o kneel_v the_o great_a part_n stand_v and_o many_o perhaps_o sâ—tting_v he_o can_v say_v no_o other_o than_o that_o little_a decency_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o they_o many_o person_n be_v present_a but_o few_o of_o those_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o great_a part_n express_v a_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o a_o lazy_a posture_n of_o stand_v and_o that_o some_o seem_v design_o to_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o sit_v in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n and_o when_o he_o be_v invoke_v let_v not_o these_o reproach_n any_o long_o be_v say_v of_o christian_n who_o want_v no_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o who_o religion_n teach_v they_o the_o contrary_n assure_v yourselves_o that_o it_o be_v not_o listen_v to_o a_o sermon_n which_o can_v suffice_v this_o be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o only_o
the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o theâ—e_n and_o many_o other_o prophecy_n after_o the_o actual_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o give_v a_o more_o visible_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n of_o his_o pleasure_n herein_o a_o argument_n which_o not_o only_a may_v have_v convince_v the_o jew_n of_o those_o day_n but_o unanswerable_o confute_v their_o infidelity_n to_o this_o day_n and_o grow_v more_o strong_a with_o time_n that_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o thereupon_o the_o perpetual_a cessation_n of_o the_o legal_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n contrive_v and_o effect_v by_o his_o providence_n not_o many_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v go_v out_o into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_v gentile_a world_n which_o put_v it_o past_o all_o doubt_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n which_o can_v no_o long_o take_v place_n than_o while_o that_o temple_n do_v exist_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o which_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v have_v god_n intend_v still_o to_o have_v oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o ceremonious_a worship_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o must_v also_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o continue_v the_o existence_n and_o possession_n of_o that_o temple_n to_o they_o the_o temple_n indeed_o be_v once_o before_o destroy_v and_o the_o worship_n of_o it_o discontinue_v under_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n but_o that_o be_v only_o for_o one_o generation_n till_o that_o universal_a idolatry_n which_o have_v then_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v wear_v out_o and_o to_o preserve_v their_o faith_n during_o that_o interruption_n god_n foretell_v by_o his_o prophet_n that_o they_o shall_v return_v again_o and_o serve_v he_o in_o that_o very_a place_n fix_v the_o number_n of_o year_n in_o which_o this_o restauration_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o seventy_o year_n and_o at_o that_o time_n according_o do_v perform_v it_o whereas_o this_o latter_a destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v without_o any_o promise_n of_o restitution_n and_o the_o jew_n now_o keep_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o for_o more_o than_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n no_o prophet_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n appear_v to_o comfort_n and_o keep_v up_o the_o external_a presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o as_o be_v eminent_o do_v during_o all_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n it_o can_v but_o be_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n will_v not_o any_o long_o confine_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o himself_o to_o one_o certain_a place_n that_o by_o his_o providence_n contrive_v the_o destruction_n of_o that_o temple_n he_o have_v offer_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o appropriate_v his_o worship_n to_o their_o temple_n and_o to_o we_o that_o he_o hear_v we_o alike_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n since_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o other_o fix_a place_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o in_o proof_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n advance_v in_o these_o word_n the_o universality_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o to_o the_o place_n of_o it_o a_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v inculcate_v and_o set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a offence_n and_o even_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v so_o hardly_o draw_v from_o that_o persuasion_n which_o they_o once_o receive_v and_o which_o indeed_o once_o be_v true_a that_o worship_n and_o prayer_n be_v no_o where_o so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o many_o of_o they_o continue_v to_o pay_v their_o public_a worship_n in_o that_o place_n even_o until_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o great_a use_n to_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n encourage_v they_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n with_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v give_v they_o more_o noble_a and_o enlarge_v thought_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n the_o encouragement_n arise_v from_o those_o many_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v be_v there_o peculiarly_a present_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v the_o petition_n of_o devout_a supplicant_n present_v in_o it_o that_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o of_o all_o these_o promise_v he_o give_v assurance_n not_o only_o by_o the_o many_o example_n of_o success_n attend_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n offer_v up_o therein_o which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o also_o by_o those_o visible_a symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o he_o place_v in_o it_o such_o as_o be_v the_o urim_n and_o thummim_n the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o mercy-seat_n the_o fire_n consume_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o which_o induce_v all_o who_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o worship_n at_o the_o temple_n to_o address_v themselves_o bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o with_o assurance_n of_o success_n be_v convince_v by_o those_o visible_a symbol_n and_o by_o the_o often_o repeat_v promise_n and_o protestation_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v indeed_o there_o eminent_o present_a and_o ready_a to_o bestow_v those_o favour_n in_o it_o which_o in_o vain_a have_v be_v beg_v in_o any_o other_o place_n under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v appoint_v public_a place_n of_o worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o believe_a world_n and_o to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v transfer_v those_o same_o promise_n of_o favour_n and_o peculiar_a presence_n which_o be_v once_o appropriate_v to_o the_o temple_n the_o certainty_n of_o success_n the_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o only_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o benefit_n be_v more_o universal_a which_o serve_v also_o to_o raise_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v equal_o due_a to_o god_n from_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n but_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o all_o shall_v worship_v he_o in_o that_o single_a place_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n be_v there_o no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o world_n where_o any_o reveal_v promise_n of_o gracious_o hear_v the_o prayer_n and_o reward_v the_o devotion_n of_o man_n be_v give_v so_o that_o it_o easy_o appear_v that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n be_v not_o yet_o display_v in_o its_o full_a lustre_n in_o that_o god_n confine_v his_o presence_n and_o appropriate_v his_o promise_n to_o that_o place_n alone_o whereas_o in_o sound_v a_o better_a and_o more_o last_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v communicate_v the_o promise_n and_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o all_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v now_o undeniable_o manifest_a that_o his_o favour_n be_v found_v in_o eternal_a reason_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o goodness_n not_o in_o denomination_n of_o sect_n or_o party_n or_o nation_n or_o kindred_n all_o which_o raise_v a_o more_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o beneficence_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o last_o it_o give_v to_o man_n right_a information_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n who_o while_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n be_v prone_a to_o believe_v that_o not_o so_o much_o the_o devotion_n or_o internal_a qualification_n of_o the_o supplicant_n recommend_v the_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o the_o place_n from_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o that_o god_n respect_v not_o so_o much_o the_o fervour_n submission_n and_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v chief_o regard_v by_o he_o but_o since_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o kind_a reception_n of_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o be_v by_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n alike_o grant_v to_o all_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o external_a circumstance_n be_v so_o much_o respect_v as_o the_o internal_a condition_n of_o it_o faith_n and_o submission_n obedience_n and_o intention_n that_o these_o he_o require_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o the_o other_o only_o in_o subordination_n to_o
they_o for_o however_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n be_v require_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o more_o essential_a condition_n of_o prayer_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o require_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n whereof_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n be_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n large_o treat_v of_o this_o worship_n can_v be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n unless_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o certain_a place_n and_o time_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o if_o the_o place_n of_o it_o be_v not_o fix_v no_o public_a worship_n can_v well_o consist_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o command_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o have_v not_o therein_o teach_v that_o all_o place_n be_v equal_o fit_v in_o which_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o singularity_n of_o one_o place_n and_o the_o appropriation_n of_o all_o public_a worship_n to_o that_o alone_a but_o continue_v the_o necessity_n of_o fix_v some_o certain_a place_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o believe_a world_n for_o that_o purpose_n not_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o man_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o place_n dedicate_v to_o religious_a uses_n or_o in_o a_o place_n make_v common_a to_o all_o the_o ordinary_a uses_n of_o life_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v take_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v mere_o ceremonial_a in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o retain_v all_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o the_o consecration_n of_o certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o appropriate_v they_o to_o that_o use_n alone_o be_v such_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o manifest_v since_o there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o who_o decry_v all_o difference_n between_o sacred_a and_o profane_a place_n first_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n those_o attribute_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o and_o evident_o appear_v in_o that_o most_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o himself_o have_v fix_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v contrive_v with_o the_o most_o exact_a symmetry_n dispose_v in_o a_o most_o beautiful_a order_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o worship_n which_o man_n pay_v to_o god_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o attrribute_n chief_o appear_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o reason_n that_o man_n shall_v direct_v his_o worship_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o if_o then_o in_o the_o visible_a operation_n of_o god_n such_o a_o decent_a order_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o the_o same_o order_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v maintain_v otherwise_o no_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v no_o homage_n pay_v to_o that_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o we_o see_v and_o admire_v in_o the_o creation_n god_n have_v not_o only_o form_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o also_o add_v infinite_a variety_n of_o light_n mineral_n plant_n and_o animal_n for_o his_o delight_n and_o for_o the_o ornament_n of_o life_n since_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o divine_a perfection_n manifest_v by_o their_o operation_n this_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o only_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o ceremony_n and_o many_o circumstance_n to_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n but_o also_o make_v it_o to_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o to_o accuse_v such_o addition_n and_o external_a ceremony_n of_o superstition_n be_v no_o less_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v add_v to_o the_o creation_n many_o thing_n not_o necessary_a yet_o ornamental_a to_o it_o how_o incongruous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o a_o irregular_a and_o slovenly_a manner_n how_o improper_a a_o return_n for_o the_o additional_a yet_o unnecessary_a convenience_n of_o humane_a life_n to_o adore_v the_o author_n of_o they_o without_o any_o order_n or_o external_a decency_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o induce_v man_n before_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o set_v they_o apart_o for_o that_o use_n only_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n be_v few_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n yet_o therein_o we_o find_v evident_a footstep_n of_o such_o dedication_n more_o particular_o in_o gen._n xxviii_o 16._o where_o jacob_n enjoy_v a_o vision_n at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n immediate_o conclude_v that_o the_o place_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o he_o say_v sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n which_o reflection_n of_o jacob_n prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o patriarch_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v be_v their_o belief_n that_o in_o those_o place_n god_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a present_a and_o to_o manifest_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o of_o a_o place_n of_o worship_n he_o immediate_o address_v himself_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o dedicate_a certain_a place_n to_o this_o use_n be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n alone_o but_o of_o all_o age_n and_o man_n profess_v any_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a which_o general_a practice_n and_o persuasion_n be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n allow_v to_o be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o where_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o as_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n of_o life_n and_o all_o the_o conveniency_n of_o it_o so_o he_o require_v as_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a act_n of_o adoration_n that_o some_o part_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o himself_o as_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o dominion_n over_o the_o whole_a thus_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n pay_v homage_n to_o he_o in_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o body_n in_o the_o concomitant_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o the_o external_a gesture_n of_o adoration_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v our_o good_n and_o wealth_n from_o he_o by_o offer_v up_o some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o to_o be_v employ_v as_o he_o shall_v direct_v which_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n consist_v chief_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o act_n of_o charity_n we_o confess_v he_o the_o author_n of_o life_n by_o dedicate_a certain_a time_n of_o it_o to_o his_o service_n and_o we_o confess_v he_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n by_o appropriate_v and_o submit_v some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o his_o immediate_a service_n by_o this_o his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v eminent_o acknowledge_v and_o the_o vassalage_n of_o man_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v declare_v further_o the_o erection_n and_o dedication_n of_o church_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v both_o useful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o proclaim_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o belief_n in_o he_o by_o all_o significative_a expression_n to_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o our_o profession_n to_o all_o age_n and_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o all_o man_n this_o fabric_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v most_o natural_o signify_v which_o be_v so_o many_o stand_n and_o last_a monument_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o that_o god_n to_o who_o service_n they_o be_v appropriate_v for_o this_o reason_n we_o often_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n erect_v pillar_n and_o heap_n of_o stone_n to_o be_v so_o many_o last_a monument_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o how_o gracious_o god_n accept_v such_o visible_a
just_o to_o be_v account_v laudable_a for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a line_n and_o main_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o direct_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o by_o all_o the_o world_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a to_o be_v laudable_a and_o divine_a such_o as_o be_v justice_n sobriety_n devotion_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v not_o among_o christian_n alone_o that_o such_o action_n be_v esteem_v praiseworthy_a all_o party_n of_o sober_a man_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o those_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o common_a sentiment_n in_o the_o veneration_n and_o praise_n of_o all_o such_o virtue_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o even_o when_o the_o heathen_n deride_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o cross_n they_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o person_n who_o profess_v it_o they_o also_o be_v convince_v that_o all_o those_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o mankind_n only_o in_o this_o they_o disagree_v that_o whereas_o they_o account_v the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o undertake_n possible_a only_o to_o more_o exalt_a mind_n christ_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n although_o even_o this_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v not_o but_o raise_v their_o thought_n to_o a_o extreme_a veneration_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n who_o form_v these_o law_n and_o even_o force_v from_o they_o a_o confession_n of_o that_o praise_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o institution_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n fit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a example_n to_o other_o he_o distinguish_v his_o religion_n from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v observe_v they_o must_v distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o natural_o infer_v in_o the_o twenty_o verse_n except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v the_o exact_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o legal_a institution_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n of_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o other_o ceremony_n which_o abstract_v from_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o jew_n kill_v their_o sacrifice_v beast_n wash_v their_o body_n often_o or_o circumcise_n themselves_o be_v no_o motive_n of_o holiness_n or_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o discern_v nothing_o laudable_a in_o all_o this_o and_o be_v rather_o prompt_v to_o pity_v the_o slavery_n than_o to_o imitate_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o service_n whereas_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o christianity_n impose_v be_v amiable_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n ever_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o commendation_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o spectator_n thus_o our_o lord_n fit_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v fail_v of_o its_o design_a end_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o its_o right_a use_n and_o therein_o have_v lead_v the_o way_n by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o confine_v not_o himself_o to_o a_o desert_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o converse_v in_o their_o city_n and_o more_o frequent_v meeting_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o constant_a piety_n goodness_n and_o charity_n which_o attend_v all_o his_o action_n be_v instruct_v by_o they_o and_o draw_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o he_o indulge_v his_o conversation_n to_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v they_o first_o to_o a_o love_n of_o his_o person_n and_o then_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o his_o virtue_n he_o disdain_v not_o the_o company_n of_o any_o who_o may_v receive_v advantage_n from_o his_o doctrine_n or_o example_n and_o that_o he_o may_v fit_v his_o life_n for_o a_o universal_a pattern_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n he_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o extraordinary_a austerity_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o amid_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o strict_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n allow_v to_o himself_o the_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o world_n he_o refuse_v not_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o those_o who_o invite_v he_o to_o splendid_a entertainment_n as_o with_o levi_n and_o zacheus_n nor_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o marriage-feast_n at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v hunger_n and_o cold_a contempt_n and_o the_o vile_a injury_n to_o undergo_v long_o watch_v in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o so_o it_o behove_v he_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o to_o perform_v all_o righteousness_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a exemplar_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n not_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o method_n of_o life_n lest_o thereby_o his_o example_n shall_v become_v deficient_a to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v engage_v in_o another_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o more_o ordinary_a action_n and_o variety_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o in_o all_o case_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o approve_v and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v concern_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o example_n both_o the_o observation_n therefore_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v equal_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a engage_v he_o to_o be_v exemplar_n in_o his_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o thus_o first_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n will_v become_v a_o light_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o each_o other_o our_o lord_n describe_v both_o in_o this_o place_n very_o lively_a you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 13._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n will_v remain_v in_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o in_o the_o numerous_a society_n which_o i_o shall_v found_v and_o call_v by_o my_o name_n piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a shall_v be_v maintain_v yet_o not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o society_n alone_o but_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v receive_v instruction_n from_o it_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 14._o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o i_o have_v place_v my_o church_n as_o a_o glorious_a light_n to_o dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o remove_v this_o ignorance_n that_o so_o all_o who_o do_v but_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o least_o inclination_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n may_v there_o discover_v the_o light_n and_o repair_v to_o it_o and_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o take_v effect_n while_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o light_n shall_v remain_v while_o the_o church_n shall_v continue_v glorious_a and_o unspotted_a while_o the_o member_n of_o it_o shall_v all_o or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o perform_v their_o duty_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o light_n place_v in_o a_o room_n can_v be_v hide_v if_o indeed_o those_o virtue_n which_o i_o command_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o who_o profess_v my_o name_n if_o justice_n chastity_n beneficence_n and_o other_o mark_n of_o goodness_n be_v indeed_o so_o eminent_o exercise_v by_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n of_o man_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o darkness_n will_v approach_v to_o this_o light_n or_o if_o through_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n they_o still_o continue_v afar_o off_o however_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v that_o they_o see_v the_o light_n and_o must_v admire_v both_o it_o and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o mean_a christian_n may_v make_v himself_o true_o exemplary_a by_o perform_v his_o duty_n conscientious_o in_o the_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o although_o his_o understanding_n and_o ability_n have_v not_o fit_v he_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o single_o consider_v if_o he_o well_o discharge_v his_o single_a station_n although_o never_o so_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n he_o contribute_v to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n of_o make_v his_o church_n a_o