into_o those_o mansion_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v by_o he_o sufficient_o inform_v at_o this_o thomas_z far_o from_o acknowledge_v any_o suchinformation_n complain_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a both_o of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o saviour_n answer_v that_o the_o place_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o society_n of_o his_o father_n who_o they_o have_v sufficient_o know_v by_o converse_v with_o he_o this_o far_a from_o remove_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o far_o great_a ignorance_n in_o they_o for_o in_o the_o 8_o verse_n philip_n desire_v he_o to_o show_v the_o father_n to_o they_o thereby_o manifest_v how_o wide_o he_o have_v hitherto_o mistake_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o gross_a notion_n of_o the_o father_n he_o entertain_v so_o strange_a a_o ignorance_n draw_v a_o sharp_a expostulation_n from_o our_o saviour_n have_v i_o be_v so_o long_a time_n with_o you_o and_o yet_o have_v thou_o not_o knoâ—…n_v i_o philip_n ver_fw-la 9_o thereupon_o declare_v unto_o he_o what_o sufficient_a mean_n he_o have_v already_o give_v they_o of_o know_v the_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o enable_v they_o yet_o further_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o send_v the_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o this_o matter_n at_o his_o resurrection_n by_o manifest_v himself_o and_o consequent_o the_o father_n to_o pious_o dispose_v person_n who_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n although_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n at_o this_o judas_n lebbaeus_n seem_v to_o be_v astonish_v and_o in_o a_o passionate_a exclamation_n which_o include_v somewhat_o of_o despair_n in_o it_o say_v unto_o he_o ver_fw-la 22._o lord_n how_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v manifest_v thyself_o unto_o we_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o world_n as_o imagine_v this_o illustrious_a manifestation_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o take_v possession_n in_o a_o solemn_a and_o magnificent_a manner_n of_o that_o glorious_a worldly_a kingdom_n which_o himself_o with_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o vain_a expect_v to_o be_v found_v by_o their_o master_n such_o strange_a mistake_n of_o which_o the_o mean_a christian_n will_v be_v ashamed_a in_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n may_v just_o be_v admire_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o those_o who_o be_v the_o familiar_a attendant_n of_o christ_n through_o a_o triennial_n preach_v acquaint_v with_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o honour_v with_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n if_o we_o inquire_v not_o more_o narrow_o into_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n oursaviour_n himself_o seem_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v surprise_v at_o it_o but_o only_o after_o a_o short_a answer_n to_o lebbaeus_n his_o question_n hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o renew_v the_o promise_n of_o that_o remedy_n which_o he_o have_v ever_o design_v and_o often_o before_o promise_v i_o mean_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o be_v yet_o present_a with_o you_o but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v these_o answer_n i_o have_v brief_o give_v to_o your_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n such_o as_o the_o shortness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v which_o still_o remain_v to_o i_o to_o be_v spend_v in_o your_o company_n i_o have_v before_o sufficient_o explain_v all_o these_o mystery_n to_o you_o provide_v your_o mind_n by_o removal_n of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la by_o ordinary_a endowment_n of_o right_a apprehension_n and_o use_v due_a diligence_n have_v be_v right_o dispose_v to_o receive_v they_o but_o since_o you_o still_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o those_o great_a truth_n and_o infinite_o mistake_v my_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o terror_n and_o amazement_n at_o the_o news_n of_o my_o departure_n i_o will_v not_o forsake_v you_o or_o leave_v you_o destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n either_o of_o consolation_n or_o better_a instruction_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o both_o by_o send_v to_o you_o after_o my_o ascension_n another_o comforter_n even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n at_o my_o intercession_n and_o for_o my_o sake_n will_v send_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v erect_v your_o droop_a spirit_n and_o remove_v your_o grief_n by_o administer_a consolation_n to_o you_o and_o dispel_v your_o ignorance_n by_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n with_o clear_a notion_n and_o true_a interpretation_n of_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v teach_v unto_o you_o and_o recall_v into_o your_o mind_n all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o lesson_n of_o i_o which_o you_o may_v have_v forget_v these_o word_n be_v thus_o explain_v represent_v to_o we_o i._o the_o promise_n of_o send_v a_o comforter_n ii_o the_o person_n to_o be_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n iii_o the_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o send_v which_o however_o various_a be_v perfect_o include_v either_o in_o the_o diverse_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o comforter_n which_o may_v be_v take_v as_o a_o advocate_n a_o monitor_n or_o a_o consolator_n or_o in_o the_o annex_v action_n of_o teach_v thâ—…m_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n into_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v consider_v no_o more_o than_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o three_o point_n that_o be_v the_o office_n of_o teach_v the_o apostle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o handle_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n inquire_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o prodigious_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o so_o long_a and_o so_o excellent_a instruction_n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o permission_n of_o this_o ignorance_n till_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n three_o i_o shall_v draw_v some_o few_o conclusion_n from_o both_o first_o then_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o long_o continue_v ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o these_o i_o take_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a one_o to_o have_v be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o better_a explain_v of_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v premise_v some_o few_o observation_n as_o 1._o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o best_a and_o principal_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n miracle_n indeed_o may_v create_v a_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o article_n but_o such_o a_o conformity_n alone_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o since_o miracle_n be_v common_a to_o inferâ—…our_v prophet_n and_o sometime_o even_o to_o false_a prophet_n but_o a_o entire_a agreement_n of_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o sole_a person_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o end_n of_o write_v it_o which_o take_v in_o all_o its_o part_n be_v chief_o design_v to_o point_n out_o the_o future_a messiah_n by_o certain_a plain_a note_n and_o indication_n whereby_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o historical_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o describe_v his_o genealogy_n the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n in_o foretell_v the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o life_n his_o passion_n resurrection_n and_o doctrine_n now_o it_o will_v be_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v profess_o cause_v so_o many_o book_n to_o be_v write_v chief_o to_o design_n the_o messiah_n and_o yet_o design_v he_o by_o such_o character_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v proper_a to_o he_o alone_o but_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o person_n so_o that_o the_o agreement_n of_o those_o prophecy_n to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o most_o demonstrative_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n miracle_n indeed_o be_v in_o their_o respect_n also_o necessary_a to_o he_o but_o that_o chief_o because_o it_o be_v before_o prophesy_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o great_a and_o
wonderful_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a action_n be_v require_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wrought_v they_o if_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v deficient_a in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n it_o have_v be_v irrational_a as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v admit_v his_o revelation_n although_o confirm_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n imaginable_a since_o they_o must_v have_v own_v thereby_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v as_o be_v confirm_v to_o they_o by_o a_o equal_a authority_n of_o miracle_n but_o not_o only_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v this_o truth_n the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n evident_o manifest_v it_o the_o first_o while_o yet_o on_o earth_n constant_o assert_v his_o divine_a mission_n and_o quality_n of_o messiah_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v testify_v of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o death_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o perform_v indeed_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o ever_o have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o in_o dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o common_o wave_v that_o argument_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o know_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o great_a of_o his_o miracle_n his_o resurrection_n be_v a_o less_o valid_a proof_n and_o inferior_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o he_o often_o think_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o propose_v as_o a_o necessary_a motive_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o a_o motive_n as_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o disow_v and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thus_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o vth._n of_o st._n john_n verse_n 39_o 46_o 47._o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n no_o other_o method_n do_v he_o make_v use_n of_o to_o convince_v his_o disciple_n walk_v to_o emmaus_n that_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o have_v befall_v his_o person_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o messiah_n all_o those_o glorious_a miracle_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n prove_v unsuccessful_a and_o can_v not_o secure_v their_o faith_n from_o a_o shameful_a fluctuation_n until_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o that_o it_o thus_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n if_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o a_o full_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v convince_v the_o remain_a jew_n who_o be_v less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v choose_v by_o christ_n and_o use_v as_o the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o train_v up_o in_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o preacher_n who_o may_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o master_n as_o to_o be_v witness_n and_o spectactor_n of_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o may_v afterward_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o convince_v mankind_n that_o they_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o former_a can_v not_o be_v the_o end_n or_o intention_n of_o their_o accompany_v christ_n through_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office_n appear_v plain_o from_o their_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n obtain_v his_o chief_a aim_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o select_v certain_a person_n for_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n this_o end_n therefore_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v of_o witness_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o reasonableness_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o every_o private_a man._n for_o we_o no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n himself_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n or_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a command_n over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o men._n they_o may_v indeed_o much_o more_o just_o have_v claim_v such_o a_o privilege_n than_o any_o ever_o since_o their_o time_n as_o be_v personal_o infallible_a and_o endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o they_o never_o endeavour_v to_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o hearer_n before_o they_o have_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v their_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v in_o a_o more_o rational_a method_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o master_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n with_o argument_n who_o attention_n they_o have_v before_o excite_v by_o miracle_n these_o argument_n when_o direct_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v chief_o take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o prophecy_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v plain_o soretold_v and_o describe_v the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o action_n themselves_o be_v witness_n thus_o we_o find_v st._n peter_n in_o his_o sermon_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o day_n to_o have_v use_v no_o other_o method_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o have_v urge_v the_o illustrious_a miracle_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n new_o confer_v on_o they_o as_o the_o conformity_n of_o that_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n his_o sermon_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o st._n stephen_n in_o the_o vii_o chap._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o xiii_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n when_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n philip_n convince_v the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v a_o jewish_a proselyte_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n act_n viii_o and_o act_v xviii_o apollo_n be_v say_v to_o have_v mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n st._n paul_n plead_v before_o king_n agrippa_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o stand_v there_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n act_n xxvi_o 6._o and_o ver_fw-la 27._o appeal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ask_v agrippa_n whether_o he_o believe_v not_o they_o insinuate_v that_o if_o he_o true_o believe_v the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v their_o genuine_a sense_n he_o can_v not_o but_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n be_v employ_v in_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v xxviii_o 23._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o testify_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n his_o action_n miracle_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o may_v then_o by_o every_o private_a man_n be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o
if_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o we_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o to_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n yet_o we_o know_v a_o church_n that_o have_v whole_o evacuate_v the_o apostle_n precépt_v by_o inhibit_v to_o private_a christian_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o set_v up_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o aught_o blind_o to_o submit_v that_o use_v her_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o disable_v private_a christian_n from_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o have_v make_v christianity_n irrational_a by_o add_v to_o it_o absurd_a and_o contradictive_a doctrine_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n what_o reason_n for_o a_o blind_a submission_n to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a judge_n which_o defeat_v all_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o apparent_a i_o omit_v they_o and_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o application_n that_o 2._o we_o ought_v to_o adorn_v this_o most_o rational_a and_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o a_o correspondent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n draw_v this_o inference_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v and_o follow_v my_o text_n but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o indeed_o most_o natural_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perverseness_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o what_o a_o degree_n of_o folly_n and_o impiety_n must_v it_o be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o contradict_v the_o evidence_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o false_a the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o sure_o with_o much_o more_o force_n will_v the_o argument_n fall_v upon_o immoral_a christian_n for_o the_o heathen_a sage_n dissemble_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o direct_v not_o their_o action_n by_o they_o whereas_o these_o public_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a consideration_n that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v deliberate_o violate_v those_o law_n upon_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n to_o depend_v do_v we_o real_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o go_v on_o without_o remorse_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n its_o law_n and_o precept_n be_v we_o persuade_v that_o infinite_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o and_o yet_o prefer_v the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o do_v we_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o please_a sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o however_o we_o may_v pretend_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o all_o these_o article_n yet_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o after_o all_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v believer_n in_o christ_n can_v faith_n save_v we_o no_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n if_o a_o sober_a heathen_a shall_v come_v among_o we_o and_o compare_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o all_o moral_a virtue_n command_v by_o the_o one_o in_o the_o hige_a degree_n and_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o impiety_n intemperance_n lust_n and_o all_o enormous_a vice_n open_o and_o greedy_o practise_v by_o the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o please_a fable_n wherewith_o christian_n sometime_o entertain_v themselves_o a_o ancient_a father_n who_o live_v in_o the_o decline_a time_n of_o christianity_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o heathen_n in_o his_o age_n form_v dishonourable_a thought_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o his_o disciple_n quomodo_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la magister_fw-la cujus_fw-la tam_fw-la malos_fw-la videmus_fw-la discipulos_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v a_o good_a lawgiver_n that_o have_v no_o better_a follower_n how_o can_v his_o law_n be_v excellent_a that_o do_v not_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o their_o professor_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o deplore_v this_o scandal_n in_o nobis_fw-la christus_fw-la opprobrium_fw-la patitur_fw-la thus_o we_o defame_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n dishonour_v our_o saviour_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o our_o life_n let_v we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o they_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o this_o be_v unanswerable_o to_o refute_v our_o argument_n by_o our_o practice_n and_o add_v to_o our_o own_o condemnation_n let_v we_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o profess_v a_o entire_a belief_n of_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 2d_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n the_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o the_o various_a method_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o faculty_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a and_o different_a than_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v employ_v to_o render_v we_o happy_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n induce_v we_o by_o all_o those_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o in_o other_o moral_a action_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o we_o he_o have_v engage_v our_o understanding_n by_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n a_o reasonable_a and_o holy_a religion_n attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v assure_v our_o will_n by_o present_v such_o object_n to_o it_o as_o employ_v every_o single_a passion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n can_v move_v we_o he_o have_v allure_v we_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o fear_n of_o misery_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deter_v we_o from_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n by_o affix_v to_o it_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a punishment_n if_o hope_n can_v excite_v we_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o more_o than_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o love_n can_v affect_v we_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a benefit_n last_o if_o reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o favour_n and_o benefit_n can_v together_o engage_v we_o he_o have_v unite_v all_o in_o one_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o any_o one_o of_o these_o method_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v they_o all_o that_o so_o that_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o most_o delight_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o the_o impemtence_n of_o mankind_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o may_v not_o only_o become_v irrational_a but_o even_o monstrous_a it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v propose_v a_o reasonable_a religion_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o
by_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v indeed_o engage_v in_o it_o for_o it_o affect_v those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o betray_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o sin_n desire_v and_o fear_n and_o will_v man_n consider_v can_v not_o but_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o all_o other_o object_n which_o move_v those_o passion_n since_o the_o reward_n propose_v be_v more_o desirable_a the_o punishment_n denounce_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o lord_n his_o forerunner_n john_n baptiâ—…t_n and_o his_o apostle_n employ_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o time_n now_o come_v when_o he_o will_v no_o long_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o will_v evident_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o even_o exemplify_v it_o in_o the_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o do_v short_o after_o the_o axe_n be_v now_o lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o foâ—…th_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n draw_v multitude_n of_o man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o the_o more_o devout_a jew_n but_o also_o soldier_n and_o publican_n who_o confess_v their_o sin_n be_v then_o baptise_a manifest_v by_o that_o ancient_o receive_v emblem_n of_o purity_n and_o innocence_n their_o resolution_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o even_o after_o a_o full_a conviction_n form_v of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n think_v fit_a to_o propose_v this_o very_a argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o have_v be_v long_o train_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_a endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o all_o which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o in_o that_o mission_n which_o he_o then_o enjoin_v they_o yet_o to_o these_o fear_n he_o oppose_v as_o the_o great_a remedy_n this_o consideration_n only_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o other_o motive_n of_o interest_n all_o other_o object_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n concern_v the_o body_n only_o and_o terminate_v there_o but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v desire_v the_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v equal_o concern_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o common_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o both_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o the_o reward_v you_o may_v slight_v perhaps_o as_o not_o desire_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o what_o you_o now_o enjoy_v but_o the_o fear_v you_o can_v surmount_v that_o will_v still_o affect_v you_o for_o if_o you_o so_o much_o value_v the_o present_a ease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o part_n of_o you_o you_o can_v but_o be_v affright_v at_o the_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n if_o this_o consideration_n have_v not_o that_o effect_n upon_o we_o which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v because_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o denounce_v destruction_n far_o from_o be_v certain_a in_o we_o be_v elude_v by_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v without_o repentance_n we_o all_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n prescribe_v rule_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n command_v repentance_n upon_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o these_o rule_n give_v sentence_n of_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o impenitence_n we_o all_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v violate_v those_o rule_n we_o apply_v not_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n for_o do_v not_o man_n real_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o those_o hope_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o future_a punishment_n and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o demerit_n shall_v not_o immediate_o apply_v itself_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n these_o false_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o double_a head_n either_o that_o of_o presumption_n or_o that_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o man_n through_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n fancy_n god_n will_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o general_a sentence_n and_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v this_o and_o another_o and_o a_o three_o sin_n to_o they_o or_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o sin_n secure_o and_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o stupidity_n never_o willing_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o punishment_n upon_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o still_o put_v they_o off_o and_o continue_v to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v however_o save_v they_o though_o theyk_fw-mi now_o not_o why_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o common_a among_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o both_o i_o shall_v oppose_v some_o general_a consideration_n show_v it_o impossible_a that_o goâ—…_n shall_v not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v universal_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o repent_v and_o yet_o shall_v not_o perish_v the_o necessity_n of_o destruction_n consequent_a upon_o unrepentance_n be_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o it_o nay_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v particular_a care_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v herein_o by_o affix_v vehement_a asseveration_n to_o his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n as_o in_o ezech._n xvii_o 19_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n as_o i_o live_v sure_o my_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v despise_v and_o my_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v break_v even_o it_o will_v i_o recompense_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o in_o the_o xxii_o chapter_n have_v denounce_v to_o sinner_n the_o extremity_n of_o his_o anger_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 14._o can_v thy_o heart_n endure_v or_o can_v thy_o hand_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o thou_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o promise_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o without_o repentance_n of_o past_a sin_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n must_v either_o pretend_v to_o new_a light_n and_o new_a revelalation_n new_a term_n of_o covenant_n or_o disbelieve_v those_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a one_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v disbelieve_v they_o for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v that_o of_o many_o christian_n who_o do_v firm_o indeed_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o that_o sacred_a write_n and_o yet_o continue_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n without_o employ_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o only_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o believe_v they_o we_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o and_o when_o we_o do_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o vain_a hope_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o reveal_v truth_n for_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v deceive_v with_o the_o idle_a pretence_n of_o inward_a light_n or_o unaccountable_a revelation_n of_o arbitrary_a election_n for_o secret_a reason_n and_o absolute_a reprobation_n for_o unknown_a cause_n which_o delusion_n when_o once_o entertain_v will_v render_v all_o repentance_n useless_a we_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o old_a form_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n pretend_v to_o no_o revelation_n unknown_a to_o former_a age_n to_o know_v more_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o what_o our_o lord_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o saint_n have_v go_v before_o we_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n yet_o we_o hear_v those_o holy_a scripture_n daily_o read_v to_o we_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v by_o precept_n we_o be_v allure_v by_o promise_n we_o be_v terrify_v by_o threat_n
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humility_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o joh._n xiii_o 15._o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o his_o disciple_n to_o admire_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o example_n he_o require_v far_a of_o we_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v that_o we_o express_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o by_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o incomparable_a virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o propose_v they_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o we_o manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o follower_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o conduct_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v divide_v my_o discourse_n into_o three_o head_n i._o i_o will_v show_v that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o god_n intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a example_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o action_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o iii_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o argument_n induce_v we_o to_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o this_o example_n i._o that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o our_o action_n this_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v and_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n practise_v and_o consequent_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o his_o example_n which_o however_o indirect_a be_v yet_o a_o most_o evident_a argument_n but_o also_o from_o many_o other_o direct_a argument_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v name_v some_o few_o 1._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a sequel_n and_o design_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n one_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v those_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o history_n of_o it_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v chief_o observe_v four_o kind_n of_o matter_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_n of_o inspire_a person_n his_o miracle_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o ancient_a precede_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o action_n of_o these_o the_o two_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o two_o latter_a direct_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n to_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o abundant_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n he_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n into_o which_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v matter_n of_o the_o last_o sort_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v take_v no_o less_o care_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o these_o than_o with_o his_o doctrine_n the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o propose_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o imitation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o although_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o truth_n be_v affirm_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n these_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o her_o care_n and_o give_v for_o her_o direction_n it_o manifest_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o each_o evangelist_n apart_o to_o deliver_v a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o yet_o all_o conspire_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o give_v a_o full_a relation_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o direct_v those_o sacred_a penman_n and_o who_o infallible_a wisdom_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a think_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christian_n it_o become_v we_o as_o to_o adore_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o to_o take_v care_n least_o by_o neglect_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n so_o studious_o and_o full_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o defeat_v his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v perform_v that_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n in_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n john_n xiii_o tell_v they_o ver_fw-la 15._o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o by_o that_o ceremony_n he_o design_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o teach_v they_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o retain_v high_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o merit_n much_o less_o pride_n and_o ambition_n when_o they_o have_v see_v he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n condescend_v to_o execute_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o they_o who_o be_v his_o domestic_a servant_n and_o indeed_o the_o action_n can_v be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o end_n it_o have_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o the_o completion_n of_o any_o ancient_a prophecy_n serve_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a or_o admirable_a in_o it_o but_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n and_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v propose_v for_o our_o imitation_n than_o that_o many_o of_o his_o action_n aim_v at_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a virtue_n by_o the_o
conception_n dark_a and_o unaccountable_a above_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n fit_v only_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n and_o after_o all_o no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o volatile_a fancy_n so_o little_o adapt_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o indeed_o intend_v for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o conceal_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n and_o impart_v only_o to_o confident_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n relate_v to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o even_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o ceremony_n and_o legal_a observation_n impose_v on_o they_o they_o know_v in_o general_a that_o many_o of_o they_o typify_v the_o come_n of_o a_o future_a messiah_n who_o shall_v institute_v a_o more_o excellent_a 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of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o in_o propose_v this_o plain_a and_o easy_a religion_n god_n intend_v to_o supercede_v all_o labour_n of_o mankind_n and_o imprint_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o even_o violent_o upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n propose_v the_o truth_n clear_o to_o we_o enforce_v it_o with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n fit_v it_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o afford_v we_o easy_a mean_n of_o obtain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o after_o such_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o free_a entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n whether_o we_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v we_o mere_a brute_n and_o machine_n not_o capable_a of_o entertain_v any_o religion_n and_o unfit_a to_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n it_o 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provide_v for_o our_o instruction_n we_o must_v not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n but_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n reflect_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n a_o subject_a than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian._n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o only_o enforce_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o they_o be_v our_o great_a perfection_n and_o will_v be_v our_o utmost_a happiness_n although_o attend_v with_o no_o reward_n every_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n will_v augment_v the_o force_n of_o our_o obligation_n and_o bring_v some_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n have_v add_v to_o those_o imperfect_a discovery_n make_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o those_o foederal_n rite_n the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o these_o benefit_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a more_o perfect_o to_o comprehend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o these_o advantage_n natural_o flow_v from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o our_o faith_n however_o the_o apostle_n in_o give_v this_o precept_n more_o immediate_o respect_v the_o conviction_n of_o those_o person_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o christian_n as_o of_o evil_a doer_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o live_v godly_o holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o this_o present_a world_n man_n decry_v it_o as_o lead_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o forbid_v any_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o false_a god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a object_n of_o adoration_n at_o that_o time_n and_o change_v all_o pompous_a external_a ceremony_n into_o a_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a worship_n they_o traduce_v it_o as_o irrational_a and_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n because_o not_o propose_v with_o the_o usual_a ostentation_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n and_o require_v man_n to_o deny_v their_o lust_n conquer_v their_o desire_n and_o sorfake_v their_o most_o darling_a passion_n last_o they_o reject_v it_o as_o impious_a and_o 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the_o divinity_n
most_o holy_a reform_a religion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n by_o decry_v it_o as_o heretical_a and_o damnable_a to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o these_o man_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a than_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o study_n of_o christianity_n to_o inquire_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o search_v the_o design_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o his_o ignorance_n may_v not_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o the_o attempt_v of_o design_v man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o betray_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o error_n and_o superstition_n to_o this_o pursuance_n and_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n our_o church_n encourage_v and_o earnest_o entreat_v we_o she_o take_v no_o refuge_n in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o communicant_o nor_o discourage_v they_o from_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o know_v that_o this_o examination_n will_v end_v in_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o impartial_a study_n of_o they_o will_v infallible_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v concern_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o so_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o objection_n and_o escape_v the_o assault_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o seduceus_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o enrour_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o which_o proper_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o itself_o 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a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n i_o mean_v a_o inclination_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o country_n parent_n or_o master_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o religion_n receive_v by_o they_o may_v and_o do_v equal_o dispose_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o error_n as_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o thing_n whole_o indifferent_a and_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o a_o wilful_a negligence_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n when_o mean_n and_o ability_n be_v not_o want_v to_o we_o be_v extreme_o vicious_a but_o no_o otherwise_o laudable_a than_o in_o the_o happy_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o opportunity_n it_o may_v possible_o minister_v of_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n indeed_o christianity_n be_v so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o upon_o any_o ground_n whatsoever_o even_o by_o the_o most_o ignorant_a person_n without_o a_o precedent_a habit_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o excellent_a and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n testify_v a_o profound_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o the_o person_n assent_v may_v not_o unfit_o be_v think_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o christianity_n propose_v such_o rule_n as_o restrain_v the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n teach_v a_o strict_a sobriety_n and_o abstinence_n from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n forbid_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o command_a man_n to_o deny_v to_o themselves_o what_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v a_o extreme_a happiness_n the_o unlimited_a fruition_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o even_o upon_o occasion_n to_o forforsake_v the_o convenience_n of_o life_n itself_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n than_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n none_o can_v assent_v to_o a_o religion_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o first_o overcome_v his_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o all_o these_o aught_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o a_o disposition_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o in_o they_o who_o want_v mean_n of_o attain_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n be_v reward_v by_o god_n as_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a act_n of_o faith_n who_o condescend_v to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n and_o require_v of_o none_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v to_o he_o supply_v by_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v want_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a faith_n that_o it_o may_v consist_v without_o it_o and_o be_v join_v with_o error_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o faith_n which_o have_v all_o those_o glorious_a and_o particular_a pro_fw-la rise_v of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v only_o in_o assent_v to_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o that_o we_o can_v but_o do_v none_o ever_o that_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n dis-believed_n what_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n can_v err_v or_o lie_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o god_n such_o a_o assent_n therefore_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n and_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o infidel_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v be_v esteem_v faithful_a from_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o to_o have_v only_o moral_a and_o not_o demonstrative_a proof_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o advantageous_a to_o it_o for_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v self_n evident_a or_o place_v in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n assent_n to_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a and_o no_o act_n of_o choice_n and_o therefore_o incapable_a of_o reward_n whereas_o now_o god_n have_v so_o wise_o contrive_v it_o that_o a_o rational_a afsent_n to_o it_o and_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o it_o will_v exercise_v the_o diligence_n obedience_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o inquire_v into_o whatsoever_o carry_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o just_o appear_v to_o bear_v that_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_v aright_o our_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o employ_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n all_o these_o act_n and_o habit_n be_v in_o themselves_o praise_v worthy_a and_o reward_v by_o god_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v in_o a_o rational_a and_o just_a assent_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o persuade_v it_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o discover_v its_o divine_a original_a that_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n consist_v for_o upon_o conviction_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o attain_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o for_o as_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o difficult_a in_o itself_o and_o advantageous_a to_o we_o than_o of_o our_o will_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v no_o less_o favourable_o accept_v it_o and_o no_o less_o high_o reward_v it_o certain_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n
tend_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o a_o due_a command_n of_o our_o will._n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o dishonour_v by_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o by_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n by_o deny_v his_o existence_n or_o debase_v his_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o misguide_a reason_n than_o by_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o his_o know_a precept_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will._n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o not_o only_o contribute_v exceed_o but_o in_o person_n have_v mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n and_o secure_a to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o iii_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v afford_v to_o we_o many_o and_o great_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o more_o full_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v every_o new_a discovery_n will_v give_v we_o fresh_a occasion_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n eminent_o conspire_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n it_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o lose_a condition_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v expiate_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o mediate_v his_o pardon_n and_o hereby_o will_v increase_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n will_v enhance_v the_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n teach_v we_o to_o adore_v love_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o saviour_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o belief_n to_o his_o revelation_n as_o to_o our_o prophet_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n once_o make_v and_o intercession_n for_o we_o always_o continue_v by_o he_o as_o of_o our_o high_a priest_n to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o precept_n as_o to_o our_o king_n can_v we_o view_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n both_o to_o secure_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o give_v pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n and_o not_o be_v wind_v up_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n can_v we_o consider_v the_o most_o wise_a method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v this_o wonderful_a design_n to_o perfection_n and_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o through_o all_o age_n can_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n without_o fill_v our_o understanding_n with_o awful_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o our_o will_n with_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o and_o enlarge_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o receive_v his_o influence_n or_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o worthy_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o carry_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o a_o gratitude_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o without_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o design_n and_o excellency_n sure_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a which_o so_o earnest_o press_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v commend_v those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o above_o all_o other_o person_n yet_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o induce_v we_o by_o manifold_a argument_n to_o our_o duty_n yet_o these_o also_o have_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o man_n more_o 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betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o 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