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 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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 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they_o when_o you_o have_v lift_v up_o the_o son_n of_o man_n then_o shall_v you_o know_v that_o i_o be_o he._n and_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n mitigate_v and_o excuse_v the_o present_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o last_o and_o great_a act_n of_o christ_n particular_o his_o resurrection_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o pour_v forth_o of_o these_o gift_n none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o will_n and_o penetration_n of_o judgement_n to_o conceive_v right_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o mystery_n this_o be_v afterward_o plentiful_o pour_v down_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o confer_v on_o they_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o ignorance_n be_v plain_o insinuate_v by_o all_o those_o text_n wherein_o christ_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o john_n xv._n 26._o but_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v indeed_o all_o along_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a when_o add_v to_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o advantage_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o inform_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a consider_v as_o private_a person_n if_o 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speak_v luc._n xviii_o 34._o which_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o the_o woman_n relate_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o seem_v to_o they_o as_o idle_a tale_n and_o incredible_a fable_n luc._n xxiv_o 11._o and_o the_o indignation_n of_o which_o draw_v from_o christ_n that_o sharp_a exprobration_n o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n mattâ—…_n viii_o 26._o that_o this_o ignorance_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o surprise_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o thought_n prejudicial_a to_o christianity_n itself_o appear_v from_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v to_o it_o but_o will_v more_o full_o be_v manifest_v in_o consider_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_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 this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o two_o 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great_a certainty_n than_o
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the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n under_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n if_o after_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o triennial_a conversation_n and_o the_o constant_a hear_n of_o his_o divine_a discourse_n they_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o nature_n of_o christianity_n this_o aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o learning_n and_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o inquire_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o our_o saviour_n convey_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o admirable_a simplicity_n have_v fit_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o abstruse_a science_n as_o surmount_v the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v entire_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o school_n and_o knowledge_n of_o learned_a man_n the_o acquisition_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o even_o easy_a to_o all_o man_n but_o then_o god_n in_o propose_v this_o religion_n intend_v not_o pure_o to_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o man_n and_o consult_v their_o ease_n some_o condition_n be_v also_o necessary_a on_o our_o side_n that_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o truth_n examine_v the_o scripture_n harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o pastor_n careful_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o bring_v a_o mind_n ready_a dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o truth_n which_o shall_v evident_o appear_v to_o we_o how_o contrary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o our_o passion_n and_o inclination_n for_o although_o we_o labour_v not_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n
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 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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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in_o it_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o throâ—…_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counselor_n see_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o soul_n big_a with_o devotion_n and_o fill_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n manifest_v under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n but_o alas_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v this_o if_o compare_v to_o that_o great_a light_n which_o christianity_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n what_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n may_v not_o we_o now_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a goodness_n not_o under_o a_o veil_n and_o shadow_n but_o in_o its_o full_a dimension_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v true_o sensible_a of_o this_o who_o place_v their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n in_o this_o holy_a study_n choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o bibles_n and_o brand_v those_o who_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o persecutor_n although_o in_o exchange_n for_o their_o dear_a blood_n with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la or_o traitor_n and_o in_o the_o last_o age_n our_o forefather_n give_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o resolution_n when_o great_a number_n of_o they_o venture_v their_o life_n to_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o rather_o than_o forego_v that_o benefit_n choose_v to_o forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o persecution_n of_o a_o church_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o those_o divine_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_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
reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o will_v natural_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o liberality_n without_o these_o man_n will_v esteem_v his_o worship_n both_o unprofitable_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o think_v themselves_o little_o concern_v in_o the_o adoration_n ofhim_n from_o who_o they_o neither_o receive_v nor_o expect_v any_o good_n the_o benefit_n indeed_o of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n if_o man_n will_v due_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o introduce_v and_o secure_v the_o constant_a worship_n of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o little_o consider_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o inanimate_a being_n and_o require_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n as_o who_o alone_o can_v render_v worship_n and_o honour_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o conserve_v a_o grateful_a esteem_n of_o their_o benesactor_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n which_o chief_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o make_v our_o address_n to_o he_o so_o it_o be_v the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o the_o supply_n of_o those_o want_v which_o move_v we_o to_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o it_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n will_v be_v lose_v among_o man_n and_o religion_n vanish_v into_o unaccountable_a superstition_n if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o worship_v god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o suppose_a benefit_n insomuch_o as_o the_o heathen_n enjoy_v no_o peculiar_a benefit_n of_o god_n worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n those_o man_n who_o they_o fancy_v when_o alive_a to_o have_v be_v their_o great_a benefactor_n they_o do_v equal_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o act_v xvii_o 28._o acknowledge_v that_o in_o god_n they_o do_v live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v but_o the_o want_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n confer_v on_o they_o occasion_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o true_a notion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n not_o necessary_o indeed_o for_o than_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inexcusable_a but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n than_o mature_a judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o being_n more_o affect_v with_o the_o visible_a benefit_n of_o mortal_a man_n than_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o god_n which_o however_o infinite_o surpass_v the_o other_o yet_o be_v not_o perceive_v by_o sense_n they_o forget_v their_o creator_n and_o imagine_v beneficence_n to_o be_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o deity_n rank_v among_o the_o god_n their_o sellow_a creature_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n these_o they_o worship_v with_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n which_o however_o be_v in_o they_o direct_v to_o false_a object_n tend_v to_o their_o condemnation_n yet_o may_v just_o make_v we_o ashamed_a who_o incite_v by_o infinite_a benefit_n and_o allure_v by_o subsequent_a reward_n render_v not_o those_o duty_n of_o gratitude_n to_o a_o object_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n worthy_a of_o adoration_n which_o they_o return_v to_o mortal_a man_n for_o petty_a inconsiderable_a favour_n they_o be_v content_a even_o to_o debase_v their_o nature_n and_o stoop_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o fellow_n creature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v in_o return_v thanks_o for_o slight_a and_o temporal_a obligation_n and_o we_o can_v scarce_o be_v induce_v by_o infinite_a benefit_n to_o pay_v that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n to_o our_o creator_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o on_o many_o other_o account_v also_o for_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o our_o gratitude_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n that_o it_o can_v be_v excessive_a or_o degenerate_a into_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n while_o pay_v to_o the_o true_a god_n who_o deserve_v the_o most_o profound_a subjection_n and_o high_a adoration_n from_o we_o even_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o benefit_n for_o which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o the_o utmost_a transport_n of_o gratitude_n that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o awaken_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o wonderful_a act_n of_o bounty_n and_o lay_v new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o lest_o we_o shall_v forget_v the_o old_a that_o he_o shall_v condescend_v to_o conquer_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o mankind_n by_o heap_v new_a benefit_n upon_o we_o and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o true_a knowledge_n by_o strike_v our_o sense_n with_o amaze_a act_n of_o mercy_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a revelation_n make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o extraordinary_a argument_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o that_o people_n unto_o who_o those_o revelation_n be_v make_v which_o may_v raise_v their_o apprehension_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o consider_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o gratitude_n to_o pay_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n thus_o god_n have_v new_o create_v adam_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o creature_n and_o seat_v he_o in_o paradise_n when_o he_o make_v know_v to_o he_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n he_o have_v assure_v abraham_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o continue_a train_n of_o stupendous_a blessing_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o or_o require_v he_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n in_o his_o circumcision_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n upon_o mount_n sina_n be_v the_o most_o express_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o deliver_v until_o god_n have_v abundant_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o bear_v unto_o they_o by_o work_a sign_n and_o miracle_n in_o their_o behalf_n in_o egypt_n bring_v they_o out_o thence_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n drown_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o miraculousty_a nourish_a themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n such_o amaze_a prodigy_n of_o particular_a kindness_n can_v not_o but_o unite_v they_o to_o god_n their_o benefactor_n in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o amid_o all_o their_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n force_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v adore_v who_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n although_o their_o ignorance_n and_o proneness_n to_o superstition_n often_o betray_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a his_o nature_n and_o displease_v to_o he_o insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o when_o they_o commit_v that_o foul_a apostasy_n relate_v in_o the_o xxxii_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o worship_v god_n under_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o melt_a calf_n they_o still_o forget_v not_o that_o benefit_n but_o direct_v their_o worship_n to_o he_o chief_o upon_o that_o account_n say_v these_o be_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n ver._n 4._o and_o when_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o same_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v retain_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o who_o in_o his_o triennial_n preach_v precede_a his_o crucifixion_n and_o final_a completion_n of_o his_o office_n upon_o earth_n go_v about_o do_v good_a heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v demoniac_n and_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n and_o sense_n to_o unhappy_a person_n who_o before_o want_v they_o these_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v likewise_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o perform_v they_o but_o since_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o his_o person_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o far_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o miracle_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o attestation_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n intention_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n feem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o and_o excite_v their_o
of_o the_o messiah_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o mighty_a expectation_n of_o a_o external_a pomp_n and_o secular_a greatness_n wherewith_o their_o messiah_n shall_v enter_v upon_o his_o office_n and_o which_o he_o shall_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n they_o think_v not_o of_o spiritual_a blessing_n reformation_n of_o manner_n removal_n of_o error_n proposal_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o rational_a religion_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a happiness_n in_o another_o life_n but_o mighty_a army_n and_o continual_a triumph_n wide_a conquest_n and_o inesâ—…imable_a spoil_n they_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n by_o the_o victorious_a arm_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a success_n at_o last_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n these_o fond_a conceit_n be_v now_o entertain_v by_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n and_o tenacious_o maintain_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o along_o believe_v indeed_o their_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o great_a messiah_n but_o withal_o even_o to_o his_o ascension_n continue_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o glorious_a office_n not_o all_o the_o premonition_n of_o his_o future_a suffering_n not_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o present_a poverty_n and_o disgrace_n or_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o burial_n can_v remove_v this_o inveterate_a error_n from_o their_o mind_n or_o create_v in_o they_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o office_n but_o after_o all_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n they_o ask_v he_o by_o common_a consent_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n will_v thou_o now_o commence_v that_o glorious_a reign_n which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v the_o want_n of_o this_o external_a pomp_n and_o appearance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a humility_n total_o hinder_v his_o brethren_n that_o be_v his_o kindred_n from_o believe_v on_o he_o as_o be_v express_v st._n john_n vii_o 5._o and_o can_v not_o divert_v the_o apostle_n who_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n from_o nourish_v vain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a greatness_n in_o this_o world_n insomuch_o as_o immediate_o after_o christ_n have_v foretell_v they_o in_o the_o x._o of_o st._n mark_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v betray_v deliver_v to_o the_o gentile_n buffet_v scourge_v and_o crucify_a the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n not_o discourage_v by_o all_o these_o calamity_n which_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o entrance_n into_o a_o great_a temporal_a glory_n request_v of_o he_o that_o one_o may_v fit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o emmaus_n far_o from_o consider_v the_o past_a suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o precedent_a admonition_n of_o it_o which_o may_v just_o have_v refute_v and_o defeat_v their_o foolish_a expectation_n begin_v to_o suspect_v this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n since_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v the_o hope_v for_o external_a redemption_n to_o the_o jew_n we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n but_o those_o hope_n be_v vanish_v and_o he_o yet_o continue_v in_o his_o grave_n since_o then_o the_o apostle_n continue_v to_o retain_v these_o prejudices_fw-la &_o preconceive_a error_n and_o be_v thereby_o hinder_v from_o conceive_v the_o spirituality_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v right_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n until_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v remove_v and_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n introduce_v till_o then_o they_o can_v not_o but_o gross_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o those_o many_o revelation_n which_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n this_n not_o only_o disable_v they_o from_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o also_o hinder_v they_o while_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n from_o receive_v any_o more_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o john_n xvi_o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n i_o have_v yet_o great_a mystery_n to_o reveal_v to_o you_o and_o which_o will_v seem_v more_o astonish_n to_o you_o but_o the_o indisposition_n of_o your_o understanding_n at_o present_a cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n will_v defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o these_o therefore_o i_o leave_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o i_o shall_v send_v unto_o you_o who_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a operation_n assist_v your_o understanding_n will_v prepare_v it_o for_o a_o ready_a reception_n of_o all_o those_o truth_n a_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o they_o may_v be_v that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n the_o mystery_n of_o which_o create_v in_o they_o the_o great_a perplexity_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v perform_v i_o mean_v his_o crucifixion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n before_o they_o see_v these_o thing_n effect_v they_o can_v not_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o they_o have_v represent_v to_o themselves_o as_o a_o triumphant_a messiah_n and_o earthly_a king_n shall_v undergo_v they_o and_o therefore_o all_o our_o saviour_n premonition_n concern_v they_o be_v no_o less_o dark_a and_o obscure_a than_o surprise_v to_o they_o but_o afterward_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o they_o awaken_v their_o attention_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v more_o serious_o upon_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o then_o plain_o perceive_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o every_o prediction_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v the_o event_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o view_v the_o circumstance_n of_o all_o these_o action_n can_v not_o but_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v all_o manifest_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v consequent_o to_o be_v necessary_o perform_v by_o he_o not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v the_o far_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a miracle_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v produce_v a_o great_a effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n than_o any_o precedent_a action_n and_o how_o the_o subsequent_a performance_n of_o action_n and_o mystery_n foretell_v by_o christ_n contribute_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o mystery_n themselves_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o especial_o from_o those_o two_o passage_n which_o i_o before_o produce_v john_n ii_o 22._o when_o therefore_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n remember_v that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o again_o john_n xii_o 16._o these_o thing_n understand_v not_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o but_o when_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v then_o remember_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n â—…ere_v write_v of_o he_o nay_o so_o much_o do_v christ_n himself_o attribute_v to_o the_o cogency_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n that_o to_o the_o jew_n desire_v a_o convictive_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n he_o assign_v no_o other_o than_o that_o as_o ionas_n be_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o a_o space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o however_o his_o other_o miracle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n to_o unprejudiced_a person_n yet_o in_o some_o place_n he_o seem_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o suspension_n of_o assent_n till_o they_o shall_v see_v this_o grand_a and_o final_a miracle_n perform_v thus_o in_o the_o word_n precede_v my_o text_n assure_v his_o apostle_n that_o though_o he_o depart_v for_o a_o while_n he_o shall_v live_v again_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o at_o that_o day_n the_o day_n of_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o and_o john_n viii_o 28._o dispute_v with_o the_o incredulous_a jew_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v their_o obstinate_a stupidity_n he_o say_v unto_o
to_o be_v found_v by_o the_o messiah_n or_o expect_v from_o he_o which_o so_o long_o cloud_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o entertain_v true_a notion_n of_o that_o mystery_n although_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a and_o orthodox_n church_n we_o suck_v in_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n even_o from_o our_o infancy_n yet_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v no_o less_o violent_a and_o betray_v we_o to_o no_o less_o fatal_a mistake_n these_z not_o only_o defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o also_o direct_o introduce_v the_o foul_a and_o most_o pernicious_a error_n by_o prompt_v we_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v be_v most_o adapt_v and_o favourable_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o ordinary_a emanation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n if_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v not_o want_v but_o upon_o defect_n of_o those_o or_o any_o other_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o not_o produce_v this_o happy_a effect_n but_o also_o depart_v from_o we_o ii_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n confer_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o at_o least_o not_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a for_o it_o for_o this_o benefit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o bring_v down_o with_o it_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n which_o continue_v till_o this_o day_n by_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o however_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o at_o his_o ascension_n to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o by_o send_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n who_o may_v actuate_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o paraclet_n teach_v exhort_v comfort_n and_o intercede_v for_o every_o single_a member_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v erect_v their_o fear_n dispel_v and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v put_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o the_o church_n invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v it_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o place_n it_o beyond_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n or_o fury_n of_o tyrant_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n partake_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n we_o share_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o experience_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o infallible_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o find_v a_o church_n of_o which_o to_o be_v member_n we_o esteem_v our_o great_a happiness_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n be_v comfort_v in_o affliction_n and_o uphold_v in_o danger_n this_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n promise_v ver_fw-la 16._o shall_v abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n indeed_o and_o abundance_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o apostle_n but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o necessity_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o present_a portion_n which_o be_v already_o confer_v on_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o daily_a improvement_n in_o piety_n to_o augment_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n least_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o degenerate_a behaviour_n we_o forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o they_o both_o last_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o diffusive_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o mission_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o particular_a presence_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o this_o not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o presence_n which_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v as_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o derive_v down_o upon_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o the_o first_o descent_n of_o it_o procure_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v not_o only_o commemorate_v but_o act_n anew_o and_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n by_o receive_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o then_o as_o several_a previous_a disposition_n be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n with_o no_o less_o diligence_n and_o caution_n that_o as_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o constant_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v without_o any_o fluctuation_n believe_v the_o certain_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o that_o however_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v real_o present_a in_o the_o element_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o as_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o their_o will_n to_o his_o influence_n and_o direction_n so_o we_o shall_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o steady_a resolution_n of_o perform_v his_o command_n and_o that_o as_o they_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a mission_n of_o a_o comforter_n meet_v all_o together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o house_n so_o we_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o mighty_a benefit_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o perfect_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o if_o any_o of_o these_o due_a qualification_n be_v want_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o obtain_v any_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n or_o commemorate_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 16_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o give_v to_o we_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_o divine_a religion_n but_o also_o set_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o universal_a righteousness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n therein_o exceed_v all_o other_o lawgiver_n
of_o mankind_n adapt_v it_o to_o our_o imitation_n and_o perform_v no_o action_n if_o we_o except_o those_o which_o plain_o refer_v either_o to_o his_o prophetic_a sacerdotal_a or_o kingly_a office_n which_o may_v not_o equal_o be_v perform_v by_o all_o order_n and_o condition_n of_o men._n so_o admirable_a be_v his_o conduct_n so_o wise_o accommodate_v to_o effectuate_v its_o design_n that_o be_v to_o serve_v for_o a_o universal_a example_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n a_o design_n in_o which_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v equal_o visible_a as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o consideration_n i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o first_o to_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o object_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o christian_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o allure_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o sure_a method_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a observation_n confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o man_n be_v lead_v more_o powerful_o by_o example_n than_o precept_n man_n be_v ordinary_o induce_v to_o imitate_v the_o action_n of_o those_o person_n for_o who_o they_o retain_v a_o mighty_a awe_n and_o reverence_n they_o imagine_v somewhat_o extraordinary_a to_o be_v in_o they_o all_o and_o believe_v the_o only_a method_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o greatness_n be_v to_o practice_v the_o same_o action_n if_o this_o natural_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n be_v direct_v in_o the_o right_a channel_n nothing_o tend_v more_o effectual_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n among_o man_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o bad_a example_n of_o great_a and_o powerful_a person_n have_v debauch_v whole_a nation_n and_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o religion_n constant_o flourish_v or_o decay_v among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n and_o example_n of_o their_o prince_n bad_a prince_n draw_v the_o whole_a nation_n into_o apostasy_n with_o they_o and_o good_a one_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o their_o subject_n ahab_n example_n introduce_v among_o the_o ten_o tribe_n so_o universal_a a_o idolatry_n that_o he_o leave_v but_o seven_o thousand_o man_n in_o israel_n who_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n and_o the_o piety_n of_o king_n josiah_n wrought_v such_o a_o general_a reformation_n in_o his_o people_n that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o judge_v israel_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o passover_n hold_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o improve_v this_o inclination_n therefore_o of_o mankind_n to_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o his_o glory_n god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o the_o example_n of_o his_o only_a son_n which_o carry_v great_a inducement_n along_o with_o it_o than_o that_o of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n for_o if_o majesty_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o power_n be_v the_o chief_a motive_n of_o imitation_n our_o exemplar_n be_v no_o less_o than_o god_n incarnate_a and_o what_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o perfection_n must_v it_o need_v be_v for_o mankind_n to_o imitate_v the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o creator_n if_o kindness_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o extraordinary_a benefit_n can_v incite_v we_o to_o imitation_n our_o saviour_n have_v engage_v we_o by_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o most_o amaze_a act_n of_o endear_n love_n and_o in_o what_o better_a manner_n can_v we_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o our_o redeemer_n than_o by_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n if_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_v the_o same_o happiness_n can_v move_v we_o our_o saviour_n have_v propose_v a_o reward_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n a_o mansion_n in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o glory_n with_o himself_o to_o all_o who_o labour_n to_o attain_v it_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n all_o these_o consideration_n can_v fail_v to_o make_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n infinite_o more_o efficacious_a than_o that_o of_o any_o mortal_a creature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o same_o experience_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o mankind_n be_v teach_v more_o effectual_o by_o example_n than_o by_o precept_n the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n have_v but_o dark_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n they_o can_v easy_o discern_v what_o action_n be_v in_o themselves_o perfective_a of_o humane_a nature_n and_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o distinct_o perceive_v the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n revelation_n indeed_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v to_o supply_v this_o defect_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n but_o neither_o will_v this_o give_v they_o distinct_a notion_n of_o their_o duty_n unless_o they_o see_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o apply_v by_o some_o illustrious_a example_n precept_n may_v be_v obscure_a difficult_a and_o ambiguous_a but_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o they_o in_o some_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a person_n give_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a interpretation_n of_o they_o and_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a precept_n only_o affect_v the_o understanding_n example_n strike_v the_o sense_n and_o thereby_o in_o most_o man_n make_v far_o deep_a impression_n than_o the_o former_a although_o enforce_v with_o a_o thousand_o reason_n hence_o the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v ever_o draw_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n from_o the_o example_n of_o some_o illustrious_a person_n who_o be_v common_o repute_v and_o allow_v to_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o religion_n and_o esteem_v all_o their_o action_n good_a or_o bad_a not_o as_o they_o agree_v to_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o reason_n or_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n but_o as_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o pattern_n who_o imitation_n they_o have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v the_o heathen_a philosopher_n make_v glorious_a description_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o moral_a virtue_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o the_o world_n by_o their_o write_n and_o discourse_n while_o they_o continue_v to_o represent_v their_o god_n as_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a vice_n and_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n man_n choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v the_o vicious_a example_n of_o their_o suppose_a god_n who_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n patronise_v their_o crime_n by_o their_o example_n and_o hope_v for_o impunity_n from_o their_o precedent_n how_o wise_o therefore_o have_v god_n give_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o most_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n which_o may_v secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o by_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o utmost_a pattern_n of_o perfection_n allure_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n be_v sensible_o teach_v their_o duty_n and_o direct_v in_o it_o by_o this_o thâ—…_n wise_a be_v enable_v to_o understand_v and_o interpret_v the_o divine_a precept_n in_o their_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o tend_v to_o direct_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v purity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o diffuse_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n into_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o studious_a care_n of_o imitate_v the_o action_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n will_v above_o all_o other_o remedy_n have_v obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o superstition_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n which_o than_o begin_v to_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n when_o man_n recede_v from_o this_o best_a and_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o out_o of_o a_o fond_a veneration_n for_o repute_a saint_n take_v more_o care_n to_o imitate_v their_o example_n than_o that_o of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n this_o debase_v the_o doctrine_n and_o corrupt_v the_o devotion_n of_o christian_n betray_v they_o into_o gross_a superstition_n especial_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o many_o person_n obtain_v the_o repute_n of_o saint_n who_o be_v remarkable_a for_o nothing_o else_o than_o exorbitant_a austerity_n antic_a devotion_n and_o irrational_a practice_n when_o the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o relation_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n be_v lock_v up_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o nothing_o communicate_v to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n but_o legendary_a story_n of_o repute_a saint_n to_o these_o abuse_v our_o divine_a lawgiver_n have_v assign_v a_o easy_a and_o natural_a remedy_n in_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o author_n and_o follower_n of_o these_o corruption_n it_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o some_o to_o quit_v this_o example_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o
glory_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o miracle_n to_o his_o almighty_a power_n with_o what_o admirable_a resignation_n do_v he_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o disposal_n he_o deprecate_v indeed_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o the_o terrible_a torment_n of_o a_o ignominious_a crucifixion_n yet_o all_o with_o entire_a submission_n to_o his_o father_n pleasure_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n than_o which_o none_o more_o lively_a represent_v our_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o god_n or_o tend_v more_o direct_o to_o secure_v real_a happiness_n to_o we_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v hereby_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n his_o creature_n and_o his_o vassal_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n and_o receive_v the_o severe_a dispensation_n of_o his_o hand_n with_o reverence_n hereby_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o wisdom_n who_o best_o know_v what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o his_o providence_n whereby_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o this_o disposition_n will_v alleviate_v all_o the_o affliction_n and_o allay_v all_o the_o tempest_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o place_v we_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o assault_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o by_o render_v our_o will_n conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sit_v we_o for_o the_o eternal_a fruition_n of_o he_o this_o bless_a temper_n our_o saviour_n possess_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n this_o exalt_a he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o will_v infallible_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o same_o glory_n if_o his_o most_o excellent_a example_n can_v invite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n second_o the_o life_n and_o conduct_n of_o christ_n be_v exemplar_n in_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o true_a piety_n for_o this_o be_v found_v in_o a_o just_a conception_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o it_o can_v subsist_v without_o a_o earnest_n concern_v for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n among_o man_n can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o love_v our_o creator_n and_o yet_o patient_o endure_v to_o hear_v his_o name_n blaspheme_v and_o his_o attribute_n perhaps_o also_o his_o existence_n call_v in_o question_n can_v we_o true_o reverence_v his_o adorable_a name_n and_o yet_o secure_o see_v it_o vilify_v by_o profane_a person_n without_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o testify_v our_o displeasure_n at_o such_o bare-faceed_a impiety_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o least_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o nor_o can_v we_o just_o deny_v that_o to_o god_n which_o we_o afford_v to_o the_o mean_a friend_n whofe_o injure_v name_n we_o be_v wont_n to_o vindicate_v and_o not_o hear_v they_o revile_v without_o impatience_n our_o saviour_n have_v set_v we_o a_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n in_o this_o kind_n with_o what_o indignation_n do_v he_o receive_v the_o proposal_n of_o the_o devil_n disadvantageous_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o father_n he_o content_v himself_o bare_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v how_o much_o the_o very_a propose_v of_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o but_o in_o no_o occasion_n do_v his_o zeal_n more_o signal_o appear_v than_o in_o drive_v the_o money-changer_n buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n a_o action_n very_o remarkable_a if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o which_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v perform_v by_o he_o at_o two_o several_a time_n for_o st._n john_n chap._n ii_o relate_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n and_o the_o other_o three_o evangelist_n as_o perform_v immediate_o before_o his_o passion_n therein_o he_o have_v to_o encounter_v with_o a_o numerous_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o can_v plead_v prescription_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o long_a permission_n for_o their_o traffic_n in_o the_o temple_n person_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v move_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n when_o interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n a_o powerful_a garrison_n be_v at_o hand_n in_o the_o tower_n of_o antonias_n to_o repress_v all_o sedition_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o himself_o a_o single_a person_n arm_v with_o no_o apparent_a authority_n nor_o any_o other_o weapon_n than_o a_o simple_a whip_n yet_o all_o these_o difficulty_n the_o bless_a jesus_n overlook_v that_o he_o may_v vindicate_v the_o injure_a honour_n of_o his_o father_n disdain_v that_o his_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o house_n of_o merchandise_n and_o that_o the_o temple_n build_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n this_o holy_a transport_v of_o zeal_n draw_v even_o his_o disciple_n into_o admiration_n who_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o till_o they_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v write_v the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o joh._n ii_o 17._o this_o vigorous_a zeal_n obtain_v ever_o in_o the_o church_n while_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v visible_o decay_v in_o our_o age_n we_o be_v certain_a thaâ—…_n piety_n and_o true_a devotion_n have_v decay_v with_o it_o among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n nothing_o be_v esteem_v so_o dear_a as_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n this_o they_o fear_v not_o to_o vindicate_v with_o their_o dear_a life_n and_o think_v the_o expense_n of_o their_o blood_n a_o just_a tribute_n to_o it_o they_o content_v not_o themselves_o to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o belief_n in_o god_n when_o urge_v to_o it_o but_o voluntary_o and_o unprovoke_v perform_v it_o when_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v adjudge_v and_o punish_v as_o a_o capital_a crime_n by_o their_o persecutor_n they_o throng_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o heathen_a judge_n and_o open_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o rack_n and_o gibbet_n and_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n attend_v the_o profession_n this_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o high_a evidence_n of_o a_o most_o fervent_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o voluntary_a profession_n and_o thereby_o the_o expose_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v their_o duty_n i_o will_v not_o exhort_v you_o to_o the_o like_a zeal_n which_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o practicable_a in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n but_o certain_o this_o abundant_o condemn_v the_o lukewarmness_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o their_o creator_n defame_v by_o profane_a discourse_n when_o the_o vindication_n of_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o no_o more_o than_o a_o gentle_a reproof_n or_o some_o small_a testimony_n of_o displeasure_n thus_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o excellent_a example_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o life_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o his_o temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chaftity_n be_v remarkable_a neither_o give_v way_n to_o luxurious_a pleasure_n nor_o aim_v at_o great_a austerity_n the_o pharifee_n indeed_o his_o profess_a enemy_n tax_v he_o as_o a_o glutton_n and_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o this_o calumny_n proceed_v as_o well_o from_o their_o inveterate_a rancour_n and_o malice_n as_o from_o a_o fond_a opinion_n that_o the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o free_a deportment_n and_o oblige_a conversation_n to_o they_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o temperance_n consist_v in_o austere_a maceration_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o utter_a renunciation_n of_o all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n not_o a_o sober_a in_o and_o rational_a use_n of_o they_o hence_o they_o imagine_v john_n the_o baptist_n only_o who_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v to_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o accuse_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v without_o any_o unusual_a abstinence_n and_o maceration_n of_o looseness_n and_o
of_o heathen_a philosopher_n tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o foment_n their_o pride_n and_o create_v in_o they_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n they_o refer_v it_o not_o to_o god_n nor_o employ_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o abate_v not_o their_o passion_n reform_v not_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o visible_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n save_v in_o make_v they_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a the_o constant_a character_n of_o those_o philosopher_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n will_n that_o we_o express_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n nor_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n either_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o understanding_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o expect_v either_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o we_o perpetual_o maintain_v a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o command_v of_o our_o almighty_a lawgiver_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o submission_n that_o we_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a threat_n or_o terror_n nor_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o supine_n negligence_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n but_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n which_o natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o that_o by_o this_o term_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o our_o faith_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o frequent_a acceptation_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o religion_n as_o it_o carry_v eminent_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n on_o many_o other_o account_n so_o chief_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o it_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n i._o if_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n propose_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o exact_o rational_a and_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o consideration_n but_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o no_o more_o than_o two_o as_o i._o christianity_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o secure_v his_o honour_n among_o man_n the_o brimary_n end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v intend_v cither_o to_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n and_o thanks_o which_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o right_a of_o creation_n redemption_n and_o other_o benefit_n require_v or_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n supply_v our_o necessity_n or_o confer_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o these_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o may_v best_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n our_o soul_n alone_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o religion_n can_v alone_o entertain_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o corporeal_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o otherwise_o holy_a or_o to_o be_v account_v of_o than_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o show_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o declare_v its_o thought_n and_o motion_n when_o vehement_a and_o intense_a by_o external_a indication_n all_o other_o voluntary_a external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o inward_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n serve_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o relate_v no_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n if_o we_o real_o employ_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n love_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v his_o justice_n these_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o discover_v themselves_o in_o outward_a act_n and_o gesture_n and_o can_v be_v suppress_v these_o external_a action_n declare_v to_o other_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o tend_v to_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v his_o glory_n but_o deserve_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v regard_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o inward_a piety_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o external_a show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o make_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o any_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o represent_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n by_o corporeal_a symbol_n rather_o than_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a service_n instead_o of_o a_o near_a conformity_n to_o himself_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n such_o a_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v true_a but_o neither_o agrceable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nor_o answer_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n god_n may_v accept_v it_o or_o even_o command_v it_o for_o a_o time_n in_o compassion_n to_o the_o blindness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n not_o capable_a under_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a religion_n but_o can_v never_o intend_v to_o continue_v it_o any_o long_o than_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a and_o open_a revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o the_o heathen_n deserve_v not_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v among_o who_o religious_a worship_n consist_v whole_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o action_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o wash_n and_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n in_o observation_n of_o time_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n which_o although_o they_o serve_v to_o typefie_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o with_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a religion_n yet_o do_v not_o direct_o signify_v any_o inward_a act_n of_o reverence_n piety_n or_o devotion_n nor_o be_v necessary_o accompany_v by_o they_o the_o perpetual_a offering_n of_o carnal_a sacrifice_n alone_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o worship_n since_o therein_o the_o sacrificer_n desire_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v the_o life_n of_o beast_n instead_o of_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n the_o devote_v their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o respect_v no_o ceremonial_a observance_n impose_v on_o we_o nor_o indeed_o any_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n save_v only_o those_o foederal_n rite_n i_o mean_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o
of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a to_o find_a piety_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o appropriate_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o only_o again_o christianity_n direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o natural_a end_n the_o supreme_a good_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v but_o too_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v plain_o confess_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o all_o the_o refine_a morality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o direct_v rather_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n whereas_o the_o christian_a faith_n direct_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o good_a deed_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o preserve_v a_o awful_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o goodness_n hereby_o it_o add_v to_o all_o other_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o humility_n a_o virtue_n almost_o unknown_a to_o any_o other_o system_v of_o religion_n yet_o natural_o arise_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n last_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o simple_a equal_o adapt_v to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o may_v just_o be_v account_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n since_o it_o equal_o concern_v and_o include_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o none_o such_o as_o carry_v their_o conviction_n along_o with_o they_o and_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o to_o be_v propose_v the_o principle_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o significant_a such_o as_o may_v create_v a_o right_a sense_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o afford_v powerful_a argument_n to_o man_n of_o manifest_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o can_v be_v find_v or_o discover_v in_o it_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nothing_o which_o do_v not_o proclaim_v itself_o owe_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n namely_o ii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v rational_a and_o evident_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o evince_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v no_o inconsiderable_a advance_v in_o show_v it_o to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n for_o hereby_o all_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v form_v against_o it_o be_v prevent_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o revelation_n leave_v in_o their_o full_a force_n whereas_o no_o one_o system_v of_o false_a religion_n have_v ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o teach_v somewhat_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v reject_v without_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proof_n and_o argument_n whereby_o it_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n the_o falfeness_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n discover_v itself_o in_o propose_v the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n in_o give_v extravagant_a and_o undecent_a notion_n of_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o murderer_n adulterer_n and_o criminal_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o practise_v childish_a and_o ofttimes_o brutish_a superstition_n and_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o external_a worship_n to_o come_v to_o our_o own_o time_n the_o falseness_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a fable_n which_o it_o relate_v of_o god_n unworthy_a the_o petulancy_n of_o a_o infant_n much_o more_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o alwise_a be_v but_o chief_o in_o place_v the_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o unbridled_a lust_n and_o indulge_v a_o brutish_a appetite_n in_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o add_v to_o these_o a_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v draw_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o a_o alwise_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o never_o suffer_v any_o false_a religion_n to_o obtain_v which_o do_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o most_o evident_a mark_n of_o its_o falseness_n and_o consequent_o into_o which_o none_o can_v enter_v but_o by_o betray_v their_o reason_n and_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n hereby_o the_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n and_o involuntary_a error_n be_v take_v from_o all_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o one_o only_a god_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o the_o mean_a idiot_n may_v judge_v of_o sensible_a thing_n by_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n may_v just_o be_v account_v wilful_a and_o inexcusable_a thus_o all_o erroneous_a religion_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o falseness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o christianity_n recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o some_o reveal_v religion_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o miserable_o subject_v to_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lusts._n but_o as_o none_o more_o excellent_a religion_n than_o this_o can_v be_v propose_v so_o none_o can_v be_v found_v upon_o better_a proof_n for_o since_o all_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v at_o some_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a place_n however_o it_o may_v to_o they_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o contestable_a miracle_n yet_o the_o report_n of_o it_o can_v be_v convey_v to_o person_n distant_a in_o place_n and_o time_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v not_o demonstrative_a and_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n but_o moral_a and_o exclude_v all_o just_a doubt_n no_o general_a and_o universal_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v christianity_n can_v be_v make_v in_o 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the_o natural_a reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v most_o perfective_a of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v already_o in_o some_o measure_n show_v neither_o be_v they_o contrary_a to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o although_o they_o tend_v to_o abolish_v and_o destroy_v the_o mosaic_a institution_n this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o derogate_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o mosaic_a law_n by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o the_o nonage_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n shall_v come_v but_o which_o clear_v the_o matter_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n god_n have_v express_o foretell_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o dispensation_n and_o institute_v a_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a covenant_n infinite_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a passage_n of_o jeremy_n god_n tell_v they_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o only_o not_o contradict_v the_o jewish_a revelation_n but_o also_o receive_v infinite_a confirmation_n from_o it_o god_n by_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o have_v abundant_o provide_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v unless_o a_o fatal_a blindness_n and_o stupidity_n intervene_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o come_v god_n have_v promise_v his_o come_n to_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v assure_v abraham_n that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o carth_n shall_v be_v bless_v have_v reveal_v to_o jacob_n that_o before_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o sceptre_n from_o judah_n shiloh_n shall_v come_v and_o have_v declare_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o they_o like_v unto_o he_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o all_o this_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o full_a and_o more_o clear_a manifestation_n give_v by_o god_n in_o after_o age_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n choose_v to_o prefigure_v he_o by_o more_o express_a character_n according_a as_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n draw_v more_o near_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n the_o manner_n and_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n the_o manner_n and_o bitterness_n of_o his_o suffering_n the_o triumph_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v so_o plain_o point_v out_o and_o relate_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perverse_a blindness_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o person_n design_v by_o they_o among_o the_o latter_a prophet_n daniel_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o week_n of_o year_n and_o malachi_n the_o last_o of_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v before_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o honour_v it_o with_o his_o presence_n so_o that_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o establish_v the_o christian_a faith_n not_o only_o because_o all_o the_o character_n assign_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o denote_v the_o future_a messiah_n meet_v most_o exact_o in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o because_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o no_o one_o else_o for_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o 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at_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o his_o fortune_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o life_n by_o a_o ignominious_a punishment_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o perform_v once_o or_o twice_o but_o frequent_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n not_o in_o corner_n or_o before_o a_o few_o confident_n but_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o public_a street_n before_o vast_a multitude_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o tend_v not_o so_o much_o to_o raise_v the_o amazement_n and_o astonishment_n of_o spectator_n as_o all_o false_a miracle_n do_v as_o to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n cure_v the_o disease_n and_o procure_v the_o benefit_n of_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o mankind_n and_o therein_o by_o a_o wonderful_a mixture_n of_o wisdom_n serve_v no_o less_o to_o declare_v the_o goodness_n than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v or_o at_o lest_o who_o receive_v instruction_n from_o such_o they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v require_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v wilful_o deceive_v we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n call_v in_o doubt_n and_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o relation_n of_o former_a history_n which_o depend_v upon_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o their_o writer_n yet_o shall_v we_o just_o esteem_v he_o mad_a who_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o person_n as_o caesar_n and_o alexander_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o daily_o regulate_v our_o action_n and_o find_v our_o concern_v upon_o matter_n attest_v with_o no_o better_a proof_n but_o to_o our_o comfort_n and_o entire_a conviction_n christianity_n have_v yet_o much_o great_a evidence_n the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v person_n of_o unquestioned_a integrity_n who_o far_o from_o manage_v any_o worldly_a design_n or_o interest_n in_o this_o matter_n quit_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n undergo_v the_o most_o toilsome_a labour_n and_o misery_n suffer_v punishment_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o at_o last_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v relate_v not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o report_n by_o miracle_n while_o alive_a and_o that_o their_o holiness_n sincerity_n and_o miraculous_a power_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n attest_v for_o some_o age_n after_o by_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o 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happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n or_o interest_n much_o less_o betray_v it_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o shameful_a cowardice_n both_o these_o end_n be_v defeat_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n entire_o destroy_v hereby_o man_n renounce_v all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n disow_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o nor_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o this_o execrable_a crime_n of_o apostasy_n consist_v only_o in_o deny_v all_o christianity_n and_o whole_o renounce_v our_o saviour_n to_o yield_v up_o the_o least_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v divine_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o least_o error_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a to_o forsake_v a_o communion_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a to_o embrace_v one_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a be_v no_o less_o true_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o will_v undoubted_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n that_o we_o wilful_o recede_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o affront_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o prefer_v a_o lie_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n and_o direct_v our_o conduct_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o betray_v the_o most_o inconsiderable_a truth_n to_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o we_o have_v invert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o subject_v our_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n a_o indignity_n unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v which_o prostitute_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o nature_n rank_n he_o among_o brute_n beast_n and_o from_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o visible_a creature_n degrade_n he_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o when_o eternity_n and_o a_o interest_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v promote_v on_o earth_n by_o such_o apostasy_n lay_v at_o stake_n when_o immortality_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v destroy_v by_o it_o nay_o when_o the_o utmost_a displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o it_o eternal_a torment_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o prefer_v a_o few_o trifle_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v a_o height_n of_o folly_n which_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o example_n of_o this_o life_n can_v equal_v a_o impiety_n which_o neither_o the_o art_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v exceed_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
to_o be_v to_o we_o the_o grand_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a motive_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v for_o that_o purpose_n i._o then_o that_o gratitude_n or_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o consequent_o to_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n by_o other_o argument_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o bare_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o our_o own_o relation_n to_o god_n our_o creator_n ourselves_o and_o our_o fellow_n creature_n suggest_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n if_o these_o consideration_n have_v be_v due_o ponder_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n they_o will_v have_v prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a none_o will_v deny_v who_o acknowledge_v their_o fall_n to_o have_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o choice_n not_o of_o necessity_n yet_o be_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n confer_v on_o they_o very_o small_a and_o dim_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o evidence_n which_o god_n confer_v on_o follow_a age_n he_o show_v they_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o promise_v that_o in_o due_a time_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o creation_n add_v that_o of_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o creation_n yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o maintain_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o preserâ—…ed_v a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o it_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v forget_v that_o god_n have_v produce_v man_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o eminent_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o they_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n can_v not_o easy_o be_v obliterated_a from_o their_o mind_n but_o for_o many_o age_n keep_v alive_a a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o beneficence_n when_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o decay_a and_o therewith_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n ensue_v god_n reinforce_v it_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n from_o the_o common_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n his_o descendant_n can_v not_o but_o for_o many_o age_n retain_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o so_o signal_n a_o mercy_n which_o have_v rescue_v they_o from_o a_o universal_a calamity_n and_o manifest_v thereby_o how_o dear_a they_o be_v to_o god_n yet_o in_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o benefit_n grow_v faint_a and_o man_n think_v themselves_o little_o concern_v in_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o preservation_n they_o require_v near_a and_o more_o particular_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n which_o be_v appropriate_a to_o themselves_o may_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o man_n by_o a_o great_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n indeed_o of_o a_o irrational_a judgement_n and_o prevail_a ingratitude_n for_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o continuer_n of_o their_o being_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o his_o service_n but_o a_o effect_n to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o to_o restore_v decay_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o revive_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o set_v apart_o a_o peculiar_a people_n who_o he_o may_v oblige_v by_o particular_a benefit_n to_o retrieve_v that_o gratitude_n which_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o universal_a benefit_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o have_v produce_v yet_o want_v its_o effect_n hence_o forward_o god_n be_v worship_v primary_o not_o as_o the_o creator_n of_o mankind_n and_o producer_n of_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o providence_n but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o particular_a and_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o however_o can_v have_v no_o other_o direct_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thus_o signal_o oblige_v than_o to_o produce_v a_o extraordinary_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n since_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n tend_v more_o natural_o to_o beget_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o it_o thus_o god_n separate_v abraham_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o assure_v he_o with_o his_o posterity_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n and_o promise_v of_o give_v to_o he_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v worship_v by_o abraham_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o promise_n by_o isaac_n as_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n by_o jacob_n as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o fâ—…ar_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n by_o their_o descendant_n till_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n that_o be_v as_o the_o god_n who_o by_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n have_v entail_v upon_o themselves_o particular_a blessing_n after_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o those_o many_o wonder_n and_o prodigy_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o god_n choose_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o deliverance_n and_o usher_n in_o all_o his_o command_n with_o this_o preface_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egpt_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o according_o he_o be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n worship_v by_o they_o under_o that_o notion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o frequent_a commemoration_n of_o that_o benefit_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o which_o god_n challenge_v adoration_n and_o worship_n from_o they_o not_o as_o the_o author_n of_o their_o creation_n but_o of_o their_o deliverance_n who_o have_v so_o signal_o employ_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o their_o favour_n and_o by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o often_o repeat_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n whereby_o he_o manifest_o employ_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o to_o all_o other_o man_n he_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o creator_n but_o to_o they_o only_o he_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o particular_a benefactor_n the_o memory_n of_o these_o particular_a benefit_n be_v every_o where_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o he_o employ_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o his_o service_n or_o reduce_v they_o to_o obedience_n when_o go_v astray_o thus_o esai_n xli_o 8_o 9_o but_o thou_o israel_n art_n my_o servant_n jacob_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n my_o friend_n thou_o who_o i_o have_v take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o call_v thou_o from_o the_o chief_a man_n thereof_o and_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v my_o servant_n i_o have_v choose_v thou_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v more_o passionate_o or_o more_o effectual_a to_o gain_v the_o devotion_n of_o that_o people_n who_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o be_v the_o servant_n the_o friend_n and_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n can_v not_o persuade_v to_o a_o exact_a obedience_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n will_v be_v little_o able_a to_o over-rule_v they_o not_o only_o do_v he_o own_v they_o in_o other_o place_n for_o his_o choose_a people_n but_z as_o if_o for_o their_o sake_n he_o disclaim_v his_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o condescend_v to_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v their_o god_n as_o esai_n xliii_o 14_o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n your_o redeemer_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o holy_a one_o the_o creator_n of_o israel_n your_o king_n in_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o command_n he_o seldom_o make_v use_n of_o his_o supreme_a authority_n or_o claim_v obedience_n to_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o gratitude_n to_o those_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n mercy_n thus_o ezek._n xx._n 5_o 6_o 7._o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n he_o justify_v his_o law_n whereby_o he_o have_v appropriate_v all_o divine_a worship_n to_o himself_o alone_o not_o from_o the_o incommunicativeness_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n but_o from_o the_o right_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v by_o confer_v on_o they_o those_o many_o benefit_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n
gratitude_n by_o their_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n for_o among_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o above_o three_o or_o four_o can_v be_v find_v which_o do_v not_o immediate_o respect_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o infirmity_n the_o relief_n of_o the_o want_v or_o in_o general_a the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n that_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o than_o second_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o manifest_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n how_o much_o great_a influence_n they_o deserve_o challenge_v than_o any_o other_o benefit_n so_o true_o infinite_a and_o exceed_v our_o comprehension_n that_o god_n may_v just_o make_v that_o appeal_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n v._o ver._n 3_o 4._o and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_n i_o pray_v you_o betwixt_o i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o so_o studious_o hathgod_n endeavour_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n os_fw-la mankind_n by_o all_o thoseobligation_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o it_o every_o one_o of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n may_v challenge_v the_o most_o exalt_a gratitude_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o afford_v we_o entertainment_n for_o admiration_n as_o well_o as_o love_n for_o to_o omit_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o peculiar_a one_o of_o redemption_n and_o sanctification_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o gloâ—…y_n i_o will_v consider_v only_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v my_o text_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long_a suffering_n whereby_o he_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n or_o possibility_n of_o reformation_n leave_v prolong_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n give_v â—…s_a space_n for_o repentance_n and_o gentle_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o a_o mercy_n which_o may_v just_o alone_o incline_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o henceforward_o devote_v our_o life_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o forfeit_v to_o his_o justice_n have_v be_v as_o often_o remit_v by_o his_o mercy_n a_o virtue_n which_o have_v be_v always_o wont_a beyond_o other_o to_o win_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o have_v ancient_o procure_v to_o the_o most_o admire_a prince_n the_o title_n of_o father_n of_o their_o country_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o mankind_n in_o they_o it_o be_v esteem_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o to_o deserve_v from_o posterity_n the_o most_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n to_o pardon_v their_o conquer_a enemy_n remit_v the_o offence_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o defer_v the_o execution_n of_o justice_n until_o the_o criminal_a shall_v appear_v incorrigible_a but_o alas_o how_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a be_v these_o act_n of_o clemency_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o divine_a forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a where_o the_o person_n offend_v be_v of_o infinite_a worth_n and_o dignity_n and_o author_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a benefit_n who_o be_v able_a to_o strike_v the_o sinner_n dead_a in_o a_o moment_n and_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n by_o a_o single_a nod_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v repeat_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o very_o often_o perhaps_o every_o day_n and_o moment_n and_o that_o by_o inconsiderable_a creature_n who_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o dependent_n of_o his_o power_n and_o unable_a to_o render_v any_o service_n to_o he_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o interest_n or_o augment_v his_o greatness_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n and_o resolution_n of_o extreme_a gratitude_n a_o condemn_a person_n will_v receive_v his_o prince_n pardon_n and_o if_o the_o same_o affection_n do_v not_o seize_v we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o view_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o life_n and_o consider_v the_o offer_n of_o pardon_n make_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o repentance_n if_o we_o do_v not_o with_o equal_a gratitude_n resent_v the_o remission_n of_o every_o single_a sin_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n which_o can_v be_v convince_v by_o sense_n that_o heinous_a offence_n may_v forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n but_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n that_o more_o heinous_a sin_n do_v forfeit_v they_o to_o the_o divine_a justice_n but_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o believe_v they_o be_v create_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o honour_n god_n by_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n that_o even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o commission_n of_o sin_n render_v we_o obnoxious_a to_o undergo_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o whatsoever_o way_n that_o may_v be_v inflict_v on_o we_o but_o that_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o christianity_n every_o single_a sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n subject_n we_o to_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o in_o that_o to_o eternal_a punishment_n how_o infinite_o therefore_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o celebrate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o immâ—…diately_o pour_v out_o his_o wrath_n upon_o we_o but_o patient_o await_v our_o repentance_n and_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o re-admit_a we_o to_o his_o favour_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o love_a kindness_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o the_o action_n of_o mankind_n passionate_o wish_v that_o by_o our_o repentance_n we_o will_v capacitate_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v his_o favour_n for_o thus_o psalm_n lxxxi_o 14_o 15._o he_o testify_v how_o delightful_a it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o he_o to_o continue_v his_o favour_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n if_o their_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n have_v not_o render_v it_o incongruous_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o do_v it_o o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o for_o if_o israel_n have_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v soon_o have_v put_v down_o their_o enemy_n and_o turn_v my_o hand_n against_o their_o adversary_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n esai_n xlviii_o 17_o 18._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o teach_v thou_o to_o profit_n which_o lead_v thou_o by_o the_o way_n that_o thou_o shall_v go_v o_o that_o thou_o have_v hearken_v to_o my_o commandment_n then_o peace_n have_v be_v as_o a_o river_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o name_v no_o more_o passage_n of_o this_o nature_n how_o passionate_a be_v that_o protestation_n of_o god_n ezek._n xxxiii_o 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o you_o house_n of_o israel_n this_o carne_a desire_n of_o god_n that_o by_o repentance_n we_o will_v qualify_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v his_o mercy_n can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n and_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o since_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a glory_n than_o act_n of_o mercy_n do_v and_o thus_o it_o again_o appear_v that_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v srom_o the_o divine_a benefit_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n since_o his_o benefit_n be_v infinite_a and_o transcendent_a may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v to_o produce_v a_o suitable_a and_o not_o inferior_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n but_o then_o far_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a benefit_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o great_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o whole_o undeserved_a by_o we_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o raise_v the_o esteem_n of_o their_o excellency_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o amplify_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a beneficence_n the_o psalmist_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o this_o consideration_n when_o compare_v the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o the_o
worthy_o be_v execute_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n much_o lef_n can_v the_o righteous_a receiâ—…_n the_o recompense_n of_o their_o just_a deed_n therein_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a life_n worthy_a either_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o man_n be_v it_o riches_n or_o prosperity_n sensual_a delight_n and_o temporal_a convenience_n alas_o that_o god_n shall_v confer_v no_o more_o noble_a reward_n on_o his_o servant_n and_o follower_n that_o for_o such_o trifle_n only_o we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o after_o our_o labour_n and_o study_n to_o procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o virtue_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v attain_v no_o other_o reward_n than_o what_o even_o brute_n beast_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o ease_n of_o our_o body_n or_o if_o any_o voluptuous_a person_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o degenerous_a as_o to_o place_v his_o utmost_a felicity_n in_o these_o carnal_a enjoyment_n he_o will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o his_o design_a satisfaction_n although_o heap_v with_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o constant_a thought_n of_o his_o approach_a end_n which_o may_v be_v defer_v but_o can_v be_v remove_v will_v embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n create_v a_o continual_a disquiet_n and_o torment_v he_o with_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o then_o what_o a_o inconsiderable_a happiness_n be_v that_o which_o a_o ague_n or_o a_o fever_n a_o mistake_n or_o a_o casualty_n may_v destroy_v so_o foolish_a be_v it_o for_o a_o pious_a man_n to_o expect_v or_o desire_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v be_v as_o well_o impossible_a as_o unreasonable_a to_o exercise_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o please_a act_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o state_n if_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n be_v entail_v on_o just_a man_n only_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n under_o affliction_n no_o occasion_n for_o charity_n and_o contentment_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v destroy_v what_o great_a demonstration_n of_o religion_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o will_v then_o become_v not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o even_o unlawful_a be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o renunciation_n of_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o relinquish_a the_o assign_a reward_n by_o god_n what_o more_o certain_a manifestation_n of_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o at_o least_o to_o forego_v all_o worldly_a possession_n when_o call_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v then_o no_o less_o foolish_a than_o impracticable_a when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v no_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o dispense_v no_o reward_n after_o death_n it_o will_v then_o in_o wisdom_n concern_v every_o man_n to_o continue_v his_o life_n and_o possession_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n and_o overlook_a all_o interest_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o charity_n to_o miserable_a person_n will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o to_o the_o good_a who_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o calamity_n it_o will_v be_v unuseful_a and_o to_o show_v it_o to_o the_o bad_a in_o who_o misery_n be_v a_o punishment_n will_v be_v to_o reverse_v and_o overthrow_v the_o sentence_n of_o god_n nay_o to_o proceed_v yet_o far_o no_o virtue_n or_o vice_n obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o god_n will_v then_o take_v place_n for_o no_o virtue_n be_v acceptable_a no_o obedience_n deserve_v any_o reward_n from_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n struggle_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n or_o its_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n as_o it_o include_v somewhat_o of_o difficulty_n in_o it_o somewhat_o which_o evidence_v a_o mature_a choice_n of_o right_a reason_n prevail_v over_o the_o opposition_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n whereas_o if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n nothing_o will_v be_v leave_v wherein_o freewill_n may_v interpose_v all_o will_v indifferent_o strive_v to_o be_v good_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v wicked_a than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v pious_a when_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n shall_v draw_v the_o same_o way_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v our_o carnal_a desire_n will_v be_v to_o yield_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n what_o wonder_n will_v it_o be_v if_o man_n than_o serve_v god_n when_o it_o be_v even_o their_o temporal_a interest_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n when_o their_o own_o sense_n permit_v they_o not_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o so_o that_o while_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n remain_v while_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n continue_v while_o a_o real_a difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v maintain_v and_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o laudable_a exercise_n of_o freewill_n we_o can_v judge_v it_o possible_a or_o expedient_a that_o the_o final_a sentence_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o which_o be_v that_o punishment_n can_v be_v inflict_v on_o wicked_a man_n in_o this_o life_n without_o make_v good_a man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n miâ—…erable_a it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o constant_a miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o good_a man_n which_o may_v rescue_v they_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o pestilence_n sword_n or_o famine_n or_o if_o so_o great_a a_o discrimination_n can_v be_v allow_v good_a man_n will_v necessary_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o suffering_n by_o their_o compassion_n by_o the_o loss_n and_o torment_n of_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n who_o be_v torment_v for_o their_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n will_v interrupt_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o pious_a and_o compassionate_a man_n by_o their_o shriek_n and_o clamour_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v what_o a_o scence_z of_o horror_n theearth_n will_v then_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o execute_v his_o vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n what_o a_o face_n of_o cruelty_n and_o desolation_n will_v then_o appear_v it_o will_v then_o bear_v so_o true_a a_o resemblance_n of_o hell_n that_o good_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v annihilate_v than_o to_o be_v present_a in_o it_o so_o that_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o good_a man_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a be_v defer_v to_o another_o life_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v at_o last_o abundant_o satisfy_v you_o both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o form_v both_o the_o decree_v mention_v in_o my_o text_n of_o appoint_v all_o man_n once_o to_o die_n and_o in_o exercise_v a_o final_a judgement_n not_o till_o after_o death_n we_o may_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o we_o be_v long_o since_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o but_o if_o we_o descend_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o examine_v they_o thorough_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o our_o conviction_n we_o be_v enure_v to_o sensual_a thing_n and_o sensual_a proof_n and_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v all_o that_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o another_o life_n because_o the_o experience_n of_o sense_n do_v not_o confirm_v it_o we_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o he_o interpose_v not_o in_o our_o behalf_n in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o wicked_a escape_n his_o knowledge_n when_o they_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o a_o seem_a neglect_n of_o the_o righteous_a in_o this_o life_n betray_v we_o into_o a_o false_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v equal_o forget_v in_o the_o next_o or_o if_o we_o can_v find_v in_o our_o soul_n any_o trace_n of_o such_o incredulity_n and_o suspicion_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o action_n will_v discover_v they_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o yet_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o far_o from_o we_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o can_v escape_v that_o fatal_a sentence_n and_o yet_o live_v as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o we_o despair_v of_o prolong_v our_o life_n
they_o and_o when_o neglect_v their_o duty_n punish_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o prophet_n amos_n chap._n iii_o ver._n 2._o you_o only_o have_v i_o know_v of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o you_o beyond_o other_o will_n i_o punish_v for_o all_o your_o iniquity_n and_o if_o god_n require_v a_o great_a return_n of_o obedience_n in_o proportion_n to_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o more_o signal_n obligation_n we_o must_v conclude_v ourselves_o far_o more_o near_o concern_v than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o in_o the_o divine_a favour_n so_o in_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hebr._n x._o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v our_o relation_n to_o god_n consider_v as_o a_o king_n but_o then_o the_o apostlc_n imply_v yet_o somewhat_o further_o by_o call_v he_o a_o king_n eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o their_o interpretation_n who_o suppose_v by_o the_o term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v mean_v all_o other_o immaterial_a being_n of_o what_o dignity_n soever_o that_o so_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o heathenphilosopher_n and_o many_o ancient_a heretic_n may_v be_v exclude_v who_o introduce_v many_o immaterial_a being_n coordinate_a to_o god_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o he_o this_o interpretation_n even_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a be_v too_o nice_a for_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o more_o natural_a and_o useful_a importance_n of_o this_o word_n be_v that_o as_o god_n have_v be_v our_o king_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o will_v continue_v his_o government_n for_o ever_o and_o exercise_v it_o not_o only_o till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o present_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o long_o as_o any_o immaterial_a being_n shall_v exist_v that_o be_v through_o all_o age_n a_o consideration_n which_o can_v but_o powerful_o incline_v we_o to_o adore_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o reverent_a awe_n of_o he_o while_o we_o remember_v that_o even_a death_n can_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o government_n and_o execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v deserve_v it_o earthly_a prince_n can_v maintain_v their_o power_n no_o long_o than_o their_o life_n and_o reach_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereas_o god_n be_v our_o king_n not_o only_o in_o this_o life_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n not_o only_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n here_o but_o after_o death_n 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that_o be_v after_o death_n it_o be_v the_o comfort_n ancient_o of_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_n by_o who_o self-murder_n be_v general_o though_o erroneous_o believe_v in_o many_o case_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o they_o can_v easy_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o threat_n and_o oppression_n of_o a_o tyrant_n by_o a_o voluntary_a death_n and_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o we_o christian_n that_o we_o can_v baffle_v and_o overthrow_v all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o most_o outrageous_a violence_n at_o least_o by_o a_o generous_a death_n but_o who_o can_v rescue_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v his_o judgement_n if_o he_o be_v our_o governor_n after_o death_n also_o to_o all_o age_n the_o king_n eternal_a the_o next_o attribute_n ascribe_v to_o god_n in_o my_o text_n be_v immortality_n which_o however_o it_o may_v seem_v coincident_a with_o the_o former_a attribute_n be_v very_o different_a from_o it_o that_o denote_v the_o 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be_v various_o and_o obscure_o divide_v among_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v all_o unite_a and_o concentre_v in_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o finite_a soul_n to_o comprehend_v the_o fullness_n of_o this_o infinite_a perfection_n we_o can_v only_o entertain_v a_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o it_o and_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o several_a excellency_n of_o create_a being_n imagine_v it_o yet_o somewhat_o great_a than_o they_o all_o we_o admire_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o can_v without_o astonishment_n view_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n we_o revere_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o have_v sometime_o be_v amaze_v at_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o men._n the_o nature_n of_o angel_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a and_o their_o perfection_n more_o refine_v these_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o alas_o imperfect_a pattern_n which_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n with_o the_o 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and_o decrecs_n be_v immutable_a that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n neither_o shadow_n of_o change_n we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n annex_v to_o these_o reward_n as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o success_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v the_o next_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v invisibility_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o precedent_a perfection_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n visible_a or_o material_a shall_v be_v infinite_o perfect_a or_o eternal_a for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n iu_o 18._o this_o former_o distinguish_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n from_o heathen_n and_o idolater_n who_o frame_v to_o themselves_o visible_a god_n and_o be_v not_o without_o use_n even_o