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
more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 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_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a
presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o a_o peculiar_a unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n dispense_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o any_o one_o or_o indulge_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o such_o be_v the_o presumption_n indeed_o and_o such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a success_n of_o favourite_n on_o earth_n where_o favour_n be_v often_o distribute_v not_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o reason_n of_o who_o favour_n be_v certain_a fixed_z and_o universal_a equal_o distribute_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o none_o who_o shall_v not_o qualify_v himself_o by_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n may_v we_o all_o therefore_o upon_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o impartiality_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o certain_a mean_n 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that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n without_o assiduous_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o any_o habit_n of_o piety_n or_o virtue_n can_v be_v form_v that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o struggle_v against_o the_o natural_a desire_n and_o overrule_a the_o propensity_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o negligence_n alone_o or_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n will_v produce_v a_o habit_n of_o vice_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o man_n we_o may_v rather_o hope_v the_o contrary_a since_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o all_o thing_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o their_o end_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o end_n do_v thereby_o become_v unnatural_a yet_o the_o experience_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o it_o have_v put_v man_n in_o all_o age_n upon_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o some_o resolve_v it_o into_o fate_n other_o into_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o body_n some_o into_o the_o malign_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o not_o a_o few_o into_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o all_o these_o conception_n be_v gross_a in_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o matter_n will_v have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v be_v unaccountable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n nor_o do_v all_o revelation_n clear_v this_o doubt_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n little_a light_n be_v add_v to_o it_o it_o be_v christianity_n alone_o which_o full_o manifest_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o unhappiness_n and_o as_o the_o discovery_n of_o disease_n facilitate_v the_o cure_n of_o they_o thereby_o enable_v we_o to_o avoid_v or_o at_o least_o overcome_v the_o contagion_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n 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wherewith_o he_o assault_v the_o faithful_a denote_v by_o compare_v he_o to_o the_o most_o terrible_a of_o wild_a beast_n when_o enrage_v as_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o from_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v to_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o as_o utter_o deprive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o that_o man_n be_v of_o natural_a life_n who_o be_v devour_v by_o a_o wild_a beast_n for_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 which_o word_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o i._o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n ii_o our_o duty_n ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o first_o then_o although_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o devil_n tempt_v we_o be_v very_o obscure_a as_o be_v all_o the_o action_n of_o immaterial_a being_n and_o although_o it_o become_v we_o not_o to_o determine_v rash_o what_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v yet_o our_o inquiry_n herein_o will_v be_v lawful_a while_o guide_v by_o reason_n and_o useful_a because_o teach_v we_o a_o matter_n which_o do_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v fatal_a to_o we_o and_o convince_a the_o opposition_n of_o unbelieve_a man_n who_o mock_v at_o this_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o evil_a spirit_n for_o although_o '_o the_o common_a and_o constant_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n herein_o produce_v by_o their_o visible_a effect_n do_v render_v it_o high_o probable_a although_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o immaterial_a being_n differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a quality_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o although_o divine_a revelation_n add_v to_o all_o these_o have_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o improve_v and_o urge_v these_o argument_n since_o we_o inquire_v not_o after_o the_o existence_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n it_o will_v however_o be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_a men._n their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o bad_a from_o good_a man_n save_v that_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o angel_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o best_a man_n so_o the_o wickedness_n of_o devil_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n they_o be_v once_o at_o their_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o angel_n endue_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o happiness_n but_o when_o through_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o rebel_v against_o god_n disobey_v his_o command_n forsake_v that_o station_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v they_o and_o aim_v at_o high_a dignity_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o former_a happiness_n and_o throw_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o whereas_o before_o they_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o reflect_v upon_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o perpetual_a communication_n of_o light_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o angel_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n in_o extraordinary_a emanation_n they_o have_v now_o debase_v their_o nature_n by_o violate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o fruition_n of_o any_o divine_a illumination_n be_v reduce_v into_o that_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o loss_n can_v not_o but_o infinite_o disquiet_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o ambitious_a design_n and_o as_o they_o
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o mean_n we_o miss_v the_o end_n and_o by_o pursue_v contrary_a method_n render_v ourselves_o miserable_a that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o general_n and_o of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n to_o which_o our_o text_n more_o peculiar_o relate_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o then_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o rational_a be_v and_o as_o such_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v its_o action_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v worse_o than_o insensible_a being_n which_o all_o perform_v the_o several_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o by_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o command_n of_o their_o creator_n whereas_o the_o soul_n in_o contract_a habit_n of_o sin_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n debase_v its_o own_o nature_n rebel_n against_o god_n and_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o its_o creation_n for_o for_o this_o very_a end_n our_o soul_n be_v create_v that_o they_o shall_v act_n as_o spiritual_a being_n and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n insert_v in_o they_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n form_v by_o our_o reason_n at_o least_o maintain_v if_o not_o advance_v our_o nature_n when_o afterward_o through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n these_o rule_n be_v corrupt_v and_o our_o judgement_n blind_v god_n give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n and_o let_v we_o know_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n give_v we_o and_o a_o soul_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n then_o or_o violate_v it_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v our_o nature_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a sort_n of_o being_n for_o as_o sin_n turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n so_o it_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o somewhat_o worse_a than_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v still_o continue_v soul_n but_o that_o do_v but_o augment_v their_o misery_n because_o be_v immortal_a they_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a always_o gnaw_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o degenerous_a action_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o own_o deprave_a nature_n second_o sin_n destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v and_o in_o these_o will_v consist_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o serene_a meditation_n upon_o the_o unparalleled_a perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o a_o ardent_a and_o perpetual_a love_n of_o he_o and_o conscience_n of_o be_v love_v by_o he_o now_o sin_n set_v a_o man_n at_o enmity_n with_o god_n make_v he_o unworthy_a his_o favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o such_o contemplation_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v on_o he_o with_o delight_n who_o we_o account_v our_o enemy_n or_o how_o can_v we_o not_o esteem_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o law_n we_o violate_v and_o who_o precept_n we_o contemn_v the_o conscience_n of_o this_o divine_a anger_n alone_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n than_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v force_v to_o say_v god_n have_v create_v i_o and_o do_v now_o preserve_v i_o but_o think_v i_o unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o esteem_v i_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o heaven_n shall_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a miracle_n be_v bestow_v upon_o wicked_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o relish_v with_o they_o nor_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o last_o sin_n defeat_v the_o future_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o exclude_v it_o from_o its_o intend_a reward_n and_o engage_v it_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o probationer_n for_o another_o be_v a_o be_v of_o itself_o capable_a of_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o act_v here_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o great_a perfection_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o by_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o this_o world_n gain_v admittance_n into_o the_o next_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
mankind_n by_o a_o studious_a communication_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v at_o first_o act_v in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o judea_n not_o in_o a_o desert_n or_o in_o a_o cell_n not_o spend_v in_o a_o solitary_a retirement_n or_o know_v to_o few_o and_o after_o that_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n commit_v to_o write_v whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o that_o light_a which_o first_o arise_v and_o shine_v in_o a_o small_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o universe_n and_o become_v a_o general_a and_o eternal_a standard_n of_o duty_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o this_o light_n shall_v confer_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o which_o our_o lord_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o walk_v not_o in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n for_o if_o the_o light_n which_o christ_n communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n be_v so_o illustrious_a as_o we_o before_o describe_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o or_o imitate_v the_o other_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o darkness_n in_o the_o same_o ignorance_n and_o error_n in_o which_o he_o be_v before_o involve_v he_o have_v thereby_o his_o mistake_v remove_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o duty_n ascertain_v to_o he_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n convey_v to_o he_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n our_o lord_n chief_o intend_v in_o these_o word_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v put_v themselves_o under_o his_o discipline_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o easy_a and_o practical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v of_o more_o use_n to_o we_o light_a and_o darkness_n in_o scripture_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v those_o two_o contrary_a state_n of_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o reveal_v light_n and_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o those_o who_o former_o live_v or_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n hence_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v often_o call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v express_v by_o darkness_n as_o ephes._n v._n 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_n walk_v as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o all_o sin_n be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o rom._n xiii_o 12._o let_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o ephes._n v._n 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o lord_n therefore_o in_o this_o place_n teach_v we_o that_o his_o true_a disciple_n they_o who_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o light_n walk_v in_o the_o right_a way_n cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v direct_v into_o and_o follow_v the_o path_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n many_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o be_v before_o subject_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o ignorance_n occasion_v by_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o know_v they_o not_o to_o be_v sin_n their_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n can_v not_o direct_v the_o will_n aright_o or_o betray_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a choice_n even_o when_o it_o be_v dispose_v aright_o and_o as_o reason_n will_v resolve_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o miserable_a state_n indeed_o when_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o know_v it_o not_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n fit_o describe_v matth._n vi_o 23._o if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n if_o thy_o judgement_n be_v corrupt_v with_o error_n or_o ignorance_n of_o thy_o duty_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n from_o this_o unhappiness_n our_o saviour_n full_o free_v his_o disciple_n by_o teach_v they_o all_o necessary_a truth_n by_o inform_v their_o judgement_n by_o set_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o full_a light_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v use_v any_o ordinary_a diligence_n they_o can_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o further_o these_o work_n of_o darknse_n even_o among_o the_o gentile_n much_o less_o among_o christian_n proceed_v not_o always_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o judgement_n from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n but_o more_o ordinary_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n be_v act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n and_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n while_o act_v yet_o fit_o call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n because_o as_o our_o lord_n tell_v nicodemus_n john_n iii_o 20._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a detestation_n of_o sin_n when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o in_o all_o man_n which_o make_v the_o most_o profligate_v man_n desire_v their_o sin_n may_v be_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o not_o consider_v perhaps_o as_o they_o seldom_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n which_o occasion_n such_o work_n of_o darkness_n christ_n have_v also_o provide_v for_o and_o remove_v by_o propose_v such_o argument_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o can_v fail_v to_o persuade_v by_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n and_o thereby_o influence_v the_o will._n for_o beside_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o interest_n concern_v in_o it_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o right_o understand_v carry_v internal_a and_o powerful_a argument_n of_o persuasion_n with_o it_o further_o this_o sentence_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o to_o the_o discover_v the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o other_o relation_n to_o christ._n for_o as_o he_o that_o follow_v this_o light_n can_v walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n shall_v follow_v this_o light_n it_o be_v former_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o retain_v their_o infidelity_n and_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n because_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o condemnation_n of_o as_o many_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n they_o still_o walk_v in_o darkness_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o by_o christianity_n be_v confer_v to_o they_o they_o practise_v the_o same_o vice_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o infidel_n be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v to_o they_o by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n who_o nevertheless_o call_v themselves_o the_o son_n of_o light_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o of_o such_o st._n john_n have_v pronounce_v 1_o john_n i._n 6._o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o to_o gaze_v upon_o and_o please_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n if_o much_o less_o the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v mere_o to_o promote_v the_o speculation_n and_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n of_o man_n if_o a_o rational_a and_o virtuous_a conduct_n of_o life_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n enforce_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n that_o this_o light_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v find_v shall_v exert_v and_o discover_v itself_o in_o action_n conformable_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pretend_v that_o light_n have_v there_o any_o influence_n where_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v perform_v or_o that_o two_o such_o contrary_n
add_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o see_v he_o go_v that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o our_o lord_n describe_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n matth._n xiii_o 26._o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o inquire_v into_o what_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v translate_v yet_o not_o unfit_a to_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ascend_v into_o those_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o most_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o ephes._n iu._n 10._o he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v far_o above_o all_o heaven_n and_o hebr._n vii_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o heb._n ix_o 12._o pass_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n even_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o same_o state_n of_o glory_n with_o god_n the_o father_n his_o body_n be_v translate_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v the_o place_n whether_o in_o the_o three_o in_o the_o four_o or_o above_o the_o heaven_n be_v rash_a and_o unwarrantable_a but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o immediate_a residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n whatsoever_o region_n be_v most_o holy_a whatsoever_o place_n be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o those_o celestial_a orb_n thither_o christ_n ascend_v and_o there_o now_o reign_v in_o glory_n iii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o and_o great_a the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a benefit_n derive_v from_o it_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o a_o benefit_n which_o be_v indeed_o more_o sensible_a in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n when_o it_o communicate_v to_o many_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n but_o be_v at_o this_o day_n no_o less_o advantageous_a since_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o church_n be_v still_o maintain_v the_o faithful_a be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o unfaithful_a be_v convert_v thus_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o last_a benefit_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n procure_v to_o they_o those_o grace_n which_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v the_o ascension_n of_o elijah_n make_v one_o elisha_n leave_v a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o one_o disciple_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o no_o other_o but_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o universal_a benefit_n produce_v bless_a effect_n which_o shall_v extend_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o all_o age_n a_o second_o benefit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o from_o thence_o receive_v firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o have_v proclaim_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o own_o disciple_n in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unexpected_a to_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o resolution_n herein_o and_o when_o they_o faw_fw-we effect_v what_o he_o have_v before_o foretell_v they_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n thus_o although_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o our_o lord_n expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o his_o subsequent_a action_n offer_v convince_a argument_n to_o mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o teach_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n thus_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v much_o more_o exalt_v by_o this_o glorious_a triumph_n they_o see_v he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o ample_a power_n which_o they_o so_o long_o wish_v to_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o which_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o reward_v his_o follower_n and_o effect_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o john_n fourteen_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o he_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o intend_v to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o may_v be_v also_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o see_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v accomplish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a motive_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n or_o promise_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o same_o foreknowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o foresee_v the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o can_v as_o easy_o foresee_v the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v exalt_v whosoever_o he_o please_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o his_o power_n can_v not_o be_v question_v and_o his_o will_n therein_o he_o have_v often_o declare_v assure_v they_o joh._n xii_o 32._o when_o i_o be_o lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o herein_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o mankind_n receive_v increase_v and_o strength_n they_o have_v all_o impatient_o wish_v for_o immortality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v still_o exist_v but_o their_o body_n be_v equal_o part_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o both_o yet_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a they_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n he_o affirm_v it_o he_o promise_v it_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a be_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o man_n who_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n all_o this_o do_v seem_v incredible_a till_o they_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v visible_o receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o place_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o like_a immortality_n of_o their_o own_o body_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o while_o they_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o relation_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o forerunner_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o society_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o time_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o since_o what_o he_o foretell_v of_o his_o own_o ascension_n they_o see_v effect_v since_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o follow_v their_o captain_n their_o head_n and_o their_o forerunner_n and_o with_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o place_n of_o their_o desire_a happiness_n far_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n and_o our_o priest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o either_o of_o those_o his_o office_n receive_v increase_v by_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o king_n he_o be_v thereby_o invest_v in_o the_o actual_a dominion_n of_o his_o church_n enable_v to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o her_o wellbeing_a as_o our_o priest_n his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n be_v make_v much_o more_o prevalent_a by_o his_o personal_a presence_n with_o he_o under_o the_o law_n the_o efficacy_n of_o
the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o example_n of_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n to_o the_o fix_a star_n which_o however_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o be_v seat_v in_o heaven_n and_o communicate_v to_o the_o earth_n a_o light_n never_o to_o be_v extinguish_v and_o that_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o these_o luminous_a body_n the_o great_a light_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o they_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n while_o alive_a be_v so_o many_o shine_a and_o burn_a light_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n will_v derive_v exceed_v influence_n to_o succeed_a age_n so_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v continue_v those_o excellent_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v those_o noble_a testimony_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o give_v tend_v no_o less_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o christian_n than_o to_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o beneficial_a to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n it_o be_v because_o we_o either_o take_v no_o care_n to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o or_o suffer_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v undeniable_a indeed_o that_o in_o this_o present_a age_n and_o among_o we_o especial_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v almost_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o present_a example_n of_o equal_a lustre_n be_v very_o rare_a or_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o those_o holy_a person_n cease_v not_o to_o retain_v their_o glorious_a seat_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n as_o the_o fix_a star_n always_o maintain_v their_o station_n and_o preserve_v their_o light_n although_o at_o any_o time_n not_o see_v by_o we_o to_o this_o glorious_a station_n in_o heaven_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o advance_v all_o those_o who_o by_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o the_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o to_o profit_v the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o other_o in_o particular_a may_v the_o hope_n of_o this_o glorious_a reward_n excite_v every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o may_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n accept_v and_o crown_v your_o endeavour_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v on_o decemb._n 25_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 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 man_n what_o the_o patriarch_n see_v afar_o off_o and_o desire_v what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v and_o just_a man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n do_v assure_o expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v wrought_v thereby_o do_v this_o day_n receive_v its_o final_a accomplishment_n by_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o commemoration_n of_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o present_a solemnity_n nor_o can_v we_o more_o fit_o commemorate_v it_o than_o by_o this_o admirable_a hymn_n which_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n upon_o this_o occasion_n sing_v before_o we_o and_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n since_o retain_v in_o she_o most_o sacred_a office_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n this_o hymn_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o have_v be_v employ_v by_o they_o to_o express_v and_o celebrate_v the_o most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o they_o for_o we_o find_v acclamation_n very_o like_a to_o it_o in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o particular_o upon_o the_o triumphant_a entry_n of_o christ_n into_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n be_v persuade_v that_o their_o long-looked_n for_o messiah_n be_v now_o come_v and_o all_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v attend_v his_o come_v cry_v out_o peace_n in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o high_a but_o sure_o upon_o no_o occasion_n be_v it_o ever_o so_o just_o use_v as_o by_o the_o angel_n upon_o this_o day_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a glory_n do_v so_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n do_v commence_v for_o from_o the_o angel_n we_o receive_v this_o hymn_n and_o be_v teach_v to_o sing_v it_o by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o verse_n precede_v the_o text_n and_o sudden_o there_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n praise_v god_n and_o say_n etc._n etc._n one_o angel_n declare_v to_o the_o shepherd_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n the_o birth_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o whole_a choir_n of_o angel_n the_o host_n of_o heaven_n join_v to_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n and_o celebrate_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v that_o day_n derive_v down_o upon_o all_o mankind_n themselves_o receive_v not_o like_a benefit_n to_o man_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o return_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o lay_v down_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o first_o then_o the_o angel_n be_v move_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n among_o man_n which_o they_o foresee_v will_v be_v consequent_a to_o this_o incarnation_n their_o office_n be_v to_o attend_v continual_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v praise_n without_o intermission_n to_o he_o so_o that_o every_o new_a increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n inflame_v their_o zeal_n in_o this_o holy_a office_n the_o primary_n reason_n indeed_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o praise_n which_o they_o continual_o yield_v to_o god_n be_v eternal_a be_v draw_v from_o his_o immutable_a attribute_n of_o supreme_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o majesty_n yet_o every_o illustrious_a manifestation_n of_o any_o of_o these_o glorious_a attribute_n by_o external_a effect_n become_v also_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o praise_n thus_o in_o in_o revel_n iv._o 8._o we_o find_v the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n in_o that_o hymn_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n celebrate_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o attribute_n as_o rev._n xv._n 3._o great_a and_o marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o xix_o 7._o let_v we_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v and_o give_v honour_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v nay_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o compare_v the_o several_a form_n of_o doxology_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n the_o angel_n since_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a have_v in_o a_o manner_n change_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o doxology_n and_o confine_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o book_n while_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v still_o suppose_v to_o be_v seal_v up_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n not_o yet_o to_o be_v full_o disclose_v all_o their_o doxology_n insist_v upon_o the_o general_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o after_o the_o full_a declaration_n and_o completion_n of_o those_o glorious_a event_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o be_v there_o describe_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hymn_n be_v alter_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o celebrate_n the_o victory_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v so_o eminent_a and_o admirable_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n so_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o divine_a glory_n that_o since_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v become_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o holy_a spirit_n who_o hereby_o best_a of_o all_o discern_v and_o be_v enable_v to_o celebrate_v that_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o before_o admire_v in_o god_n far_o the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o christ_n as_o rejoice_v at_o the_o