and_o never_o take_v possession_n of_o they_o second_o by_o the_o fruition_n of_o temporal_a pleasure_n no_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o far_o noble_a part_n of_o man_n which_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o want_n of_o real_a happiness_n in_o the_o soul_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v stifle_v by_o powerful_a impression_n of_o sense_n but_o when_o those_o motion_n cease_v the_o soul_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a of_o and_o bewail_v the_o want_n of_o true_a happiness_n to_o obtain_v this_o a_o happiness_n agreeable_a to_o her_o nature_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o to_o her_o duration_n which_o be_v immortal_a must_v befound_v out_o this_o can_v never_o be_v place_v in_o sensual_a enjoyment_n which_o expire_v with_o the_o perception_n of_o sense_n and_o while_o continue_v affect_v not_o the_o soul_n unless_o with_o weariness_n in_o attend_v the_o violent_a motion_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o reflex_n thought_n of_o the_o soul_n alone_o which_o render_v it_o happy_a when_o it_o can_v reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o state_n without_o remorse_n or_o sorrow_n when_o it_o can_v view_v all_o its_o past_a action_n and_o present_a condition_n with_o a_o sweet_a complacency_n when_o it_o consider_v itself_o unite_v to_o god_n by_o execute_v his_o command_n and_o by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n none_o of_o all_o these_o condition_n can_v be_v find_v in_o temporal_a enjoyment_n for_o what_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o to_o a_o man_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n be_v pass_v to_o have_v gratify_v this_o or_o that_o sense_n do_v we_o applaud_v our_o good_a fortune_n for_o have_v once_o enjoy_v a_o pleasure_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o be_v long_o since_o expire_v or_o shall_v we_o receive_v any_o comfort_n after_o death_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o have_v possess_v riches_n and_o pleasure_n when_o alive_a and_o all_o this_o although_o our_o use_n of_o those_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n be_v moderate_a and_o lawful_a whereas_o if_o it_o be_v immoderate_a the_o sting_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n will_v perpetual_o afflict_v the_o soul_n when_o reflect_v on_o it_o and_o in_o that_o state_n it_o can_v but_o reflect_v continual_o when_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o rapid_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n drown_v by_o sleep_n or_o stupefy_v by_o sense_n when_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o her_o thought_n will_v be_v her_o past_a behaviour_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o her_o present_a condition_n from_o this_o consideration_n it_o will_v manifest_o appear_v how_o much_o more_o conduce_v piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o solid_a happiness_n than_o temporal_a prosperity_n even_o although_o no_o reward_n or_o punishment_n shall_v attend_v the_o soul_n in_o another_o life_n for_o although_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o render_v any_o man_n external_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n let_v a_o uninterrupted_a possession_n of_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o honour_n and_o power_n be_v bestow_v on_o he_o no_o one_o act_n of_o pleasure_n none_o of_o all_o these_o blessing_n will_v be_v of_o advantage_n to_o he_o after_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o charity_n will_v continue_v to_o all_o age_n the_o same_o complacency_n which_o the_o soul_n receive_v when_o it_o first_o exert_v any_o one_o of_o these_o action_n the_o same_o it_o shall_v receive_v for_o ever_o as_o often_o as_o reflection_n shall_v be_v make_v upon_o it_o nay_o much_o great_a after_o death_n when_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v enlarge_v and_o that_o which_o be_v now_o a_o simple_a act_n of_o complacency_n will_v then_o be_v advance_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n three_o although_o haman_n when_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o be_v actual_o deprive_v of_o his_o riches_n and_o greatness_n yet_o can_v not_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o in_o the_o like_a condition_n deny_v but_o that_o the_o deprivation_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o temporal_a advantage_n be_v at_o least_o possible_a the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o possibility_n alone_o defeat_v all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o temporal_a happiness_n at_o least_o suffer_v it_o not_o to_o become_v such_o as_o may_v satisfy_v the_o soul_n of_o man._n for_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n that_o they_o want_v at_o least_o this_o satisfaction_n to_o complete_a their_o happiness_n the_o assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o be_v continual_o distract_v with_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o with_o care_n of_o preserve_v it_o and_o that_o very_a solicitude_n proclaim_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o happiness_n this_o consideration_n may_v abundant_o convince_v mankind_n that_o true_a felicity_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n or_o secular_a enjoyment_n for_o can_v we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v propose_v such_o a_o supreme_a end_n to_o man_n as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o obtain_v such_o as_o be_v place_v beyond_o their_o power_n not_o possible_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o they_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n infallible_o fulfil_v their_o end_n and_o shall_v man_n alone_o be_v render_v incapable_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n propose_v to_o he_o or_o shall_v such_o a_o happiness_n be_v assign_v to_o he_o which_o a_o sickness_n may_v defeat_v the_o malice_n of_o a_o enemy_n may_v ruin_v a_o petty_a accident_n may_v overthrow_v let_v we_o not_o entertain_v such_o mean_a conception_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n if_o worldly_a man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o sense_n they_o must_v at_o least_o confess_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o happiness_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o deprivation_n and_o what_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o can_v but_o be_v always_o fear_v by_o they_o since_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n leave_v beyond_o it_o last_o let_v the_o continuance_n of_o their_o present_a happiness_n be_v assure_v to_o they_o yet_o can_v it_o never_o be_v hope_v but_o little_a cross_n will_v intervene_v that_o all_o their_o passion_n will_v not_o always_o be_v gratify_v and_o then_o even_o the_o least_o cross_n or_o the_o disappointment_n of_o any_o single_a passion_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o interrupt_v their_o whole_a satisfaction_n and_o spoil_v their_o pleasure_n haman_n enjoy_v all_o which_o his_o sense_n or_o most_o extravagant_a lust_n can_v crave_v and_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v the_o continuance_n of_o it_o yet_o a_o petty_a affront_n put_v upon_o he_o by_o mordecai_n afflict_v he_o beyond_o measure_n take_v away_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o force_v he_o amid_o they_o all_o to_o conclude_v himself_o unhappy_a temporal_a felicity_n depend_v upon_o a_o complication_n of_o so_o many_o cause_n that_o it_o never_o can_v arrive_v at_o perfection_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o some_o of_o those_o cause_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v and_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o one_o will_v render_v the_o operation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n ineffectual_a it_o will_v not_o in_o that_o case_n be_v sufficient_a to_o compensate_a for_o the_o loss_n of_o one_o by_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o other_o temporal_a advantage_n rather_o man_n will_v conclude_v himself_o more_o unhappy_a in_o the_o absence_n of_o that_o than_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o these_o nay_o the_o great_a share_n he_o obtain_v of_o other_o benefit_n of_o fortune_n the_o more_o he_o will_v afflict_v himself_o for_o the_o want_n of_o what_o he_o in_o vain_a desire_n since_o the_o concurrence_n of_o so_o many_o gift_n of_o fortune_n most_o frequent_o produce_v a_o haughtiness_n of_o mind_n which_o flatter_v itself_o with_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o greatness_n and_o can_v bear_v the_o least_o disappointment_n if_o then_o man_n devote_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n have_v conclude_v themselves_o unhappy_a amid_o the_o affluence_n of_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n if_o temporal_a felicity_n be_v unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o fill_v its_o capacity_n or_o perfect_a its_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o perpetual_a care_n and_o distraction_n if_o often_o impossible_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o we_o and_o always_o possible_a to_o be_v take_v from_o we_o if_o it_o may_v be_v defeat_v by_o petty_a accident_n and_o cross_n and_o that_o such_o shall_v happen_v can_v be_v avoid_v if_o for_o these_o reason_n and_o many_o other_o which_o we_o can_v now_o insist_v upon_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o render_v any_o man_n true_o happy_a what_o remain_v but_o that_o
therein_o by_o consequence_n adore_v he_o and_o all_o receive_a form_n of_o prayer_n do_v express_o include_v a_o act_n and_o confession_n of_o worship_n much_o more_o do_v a_o fervent_a and_o devout_a soul_n which_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a manner_n true_o adore_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o pray_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n with_o the_o most_o absolute_a complacency_n and_o subjection_n which_o his_o soul_n can_v form_n conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o far_o the_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n as_o such_o whole_o devote_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o depend_v not_o only_o upon_o his_o power_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o desire_n but_o also_o upon_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o the_o grant_v and_o upon_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o in_o his_o admirable_a transport_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o garden_n commit_v his_o request_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o a_o entire_a subjection_n and_o all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v the_o most_o intense_a act_n of_o adoration_n which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n add_v to_o this_o that_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n which_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o use_v in_o prayer_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o prayer_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o complete_a act_n of_o worship_n man_n have_v differ_v indeed_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a posture_n some_o use_v prostration_n other_o stretch_v out_o the_o hand_n and_o most_o kneel_v but_o in_o this_o all_o have_v agree_v that_o that_o posture_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v which_o may_v best_o denote_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o supplicant_n to_o god_n but_o the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o three_o head_n propose_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o expressive_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o so_o the_o same_o necessity_n which_o we_o before_o show_v to_o lie_v upon_o we_o of_o adore_v god_n will_v also_o require_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o as_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o other_o reason_n for_o which_o we_o owe_v adoration_n to_o he_o always_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o oblige_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o life_n so_o prayer_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v continual_o address_v to_o he_o although_o we_o have_v many_o time_n no_o particular_a want_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o he_o prayer_n as_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o debt_n at_o all_o time_n due_a to_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v also_o found_v upon_o eternal_a reason_n which_o admit_v no_o change_n our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o the_o same_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v invariable_o possess_v by_o he_o the_o same_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n persist_v unalterable_a adoration_n therefore_o be_v in_o almost_o all_o case_n to_o be_v form_v upon_o the_o same_o conception_n to_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o same_o consideration_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o operation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v repeat_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n ten_o thousand_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o a_o â—ational_a man_n can_v no_o more_o alter_v the_o thought_n upon_o which_o adoration_n be_v found_v than_o he_o can_v the_o eternal_a cause_n upon_o which_o those_o thought_n be_v raise_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n the_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o man_n worship_v god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o be_v over_o and_o over_o again_o repeat_v every_o day_n ofttimes_o a_o day_n and_o that_o for_o many_o age_n together_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o we_o owe_v worship_n to_o god_n every_o day_n every_o part_n of_o the_o day_n although_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n require_v that_o not_o all_o but_o some_o certain_a fix_a time_n be_v employ_v in_o it_o this_o worship_n be_v to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o adore_v god_n we_o confess_v ourselves_o his_o creature_n we_o acknowledge_v his_o supreme_a authority_n we_o implore_v his_o mercy_n we_o solicit_v his_o goodness_n when_o we_o worship_v he_o a_o second_o time_n the_o same_o thought_n return_v if_o a_o three_o time_n it_o be_v but_o the_o renewal_a of_o the_o same_o conception_n what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o we_o employ_v in_o this_o act_n of_o adoration_n shall_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o in_o they_o the_o same_o word_n be_v repeat_v again_o and_o again_o every_o day_n for_o be_v not_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v again_o and_o again_o be_v not_o his_o infinite_a attribute_n deserve_v adoration_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o can_v our_o conception_n be_v real_o change_v while_o the_o object_n remain_v the_o same_o have_v these_o person_n discover_v new_a perfection_n in_o god_n or_o new_a foundation_n of_o worship_n since_o the_o last_o act_n of_o it_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n continual_o affect_v new_a compliment_n and_o new_a harangue_n that_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o any_o magical_a force_n in_o the_o variation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o espouse_v the_o very_o gross_a error_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o our_o lord_n reprehend_v in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n matthew_n who_o place_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n not_o in_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o word_n yet_o can_v this_o error_n be_v avoid_v by_o those_o who_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n or_o frequent_a change_n in_o it_o for_o since_o the_o internal_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v any_o change_n in_o the_o external_a word_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a virtue_n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o if_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n more_o effectual_o promote_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o hearer_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o true_a that_o it_o render_v all_o true_a devotion_n absolute_o impossible_a to_o the_o hearer_n for_o in_o hear_v a_o prayer_n before_o unknown_a and_o unheard_a of_o even_o a_o understand_a man_n and_o of_o quick_a apprehension_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o single_o examine_v every_o sentence_n of_o the_o prayer_n he_o hear_v whether_o he_o may_v safe_o join_v in_o it_o lest_o perhaps_o any_o blasphemy_n or_o folly_n or_o indecency_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o sentence_n be_v thus_o examine_v a_o second_o present_v itself_o and_o then_o a_o three_o so_o that_o a_o intelligent_a auditor_n attend_v only_o to_o examine_v by_o part_n the_o prayer_n he_o hear_v have_v no_o leisure_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o in_o pray_v to_o adore_v he_o and_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o know_a man_n be_v thus_o defeat_v a_o auditor_n of_o low_a capacity_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o form_v in_o his_o mind_n such_o a_o rational_a devotion_n as_o become_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o will_v whole_o employ_v himself_o in_o divert_v his_o fancy_n with_o some_o new_a and_o surprise_v sentence_n and_o expect_v what_o next_o shall_v follow_v whereas_o in_o set_n and_o know_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o devout_a hearer_n be_v before_o assure_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o his_o mind_n be_v at_o rest_n upon_o that_o account_n attend_v whole_o to_o form_v all_o those_o act_n of_o devotion_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prayer_n express_v and_o therein_o receive_v extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v accustom_v to_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n have_v through_o long_o use_v form_v noble_a conception_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o word_n and_o raise_v intense_a affection_n upon_o other_o conceive_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n of_o sin_n upon_o these_o and_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o most_o profound_a reverence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o word_n the_o soul_n have_v affix_v all_o these_o thought_n and_o act_n to_o those_o several_a word_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o receive_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o same_o affection_n and_o
obtain_v by_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v promote_v by_o the_o praise_n and_o by_o the_o service_n of_o men._n the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v direct_o promote_v by_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n while_o other_o man_n view_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o action_n raise_v their_o thought_n to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o conceive_v somewhat_o yet_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a in_o he_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o if_o that_o imperfect_a light_n which_o may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o so_o glorious_a the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n exceed_v all_o imagination_n that_o if_o such_o eminent_a act_n of_o goodness_n be_v perform_v by_o frail_a man_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o he_o devoid_a of_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n the_o fullness_n of_o all_o goodness_n dwell_v if_o the_o action_n of_o his_o servant_n deserve_v love_n and_o 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and_o unexperienced_a mind_n there_o be_v no_o great_a obstacle_n of_o goodness_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v singular_a thereby_o the_o natural_a impression_n of_o reason_n may_v incline_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n but_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o swim_v against_o the_o stream_n to_o oppose_v their_o single_a example_n to_o the_o prevailling_a corruption_n of_o a_o sinful_a world_n nor_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o contempt_n of_o wicked_a man_n without_o the_o patronage_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o great_a and_o good_a example_n who_o practice_n they_o may_v plead_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n and_o that_o defence_n which_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n enable_v they_o not_o to_o draw_v from_o reason_n they_o may_v draw_v from_o their_o authority_n although_o not_o only_o weak_a mind_n but_o even_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o understand_a person_n while_o unexperienced_a in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o shock_v the_o power_n of_o a_o general_a example_n if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n they_o yet_o want_v boldness_n to_o execute_v it_o and_o dread_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suspicion_n of_o affectation_n or_o fear_v of_o appear_v singular_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o youth_n especial_o suffer_v by_o ill_a example_n who_o through_o a_o natural_a modesty_n be_v ever_o wont_a to_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o prevail_a fashion_n further_o a_o good_a example_n instruct_v the_o more_o ignorant_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n few_o be_v enable_v at_o least_o few_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o they_o rely_v herein_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v wise_a than_o themselves_o who_o they_o find_v to_o profess_v no_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o act_n as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o they_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o any_o further_a enquiry_n and_o dismiss_v all_o resolution_n of_o goodness_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o be_v find_v by_o they_o that_o wise_a man_n or_o so_o account_v who_o by_o their_o learning_n be_v full_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o find_v out_o the_o cheat_n of_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o such_o have_v after_o a_o diligent_a and_o accurate_a search_n be_v so_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v be_v content_a to_o hazard_v their_o life_n to_o restrain_v their_o pleasure_n to_o deny_v their_o passion_n from_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o if_o great_a and_o illustrious_a person_n who_o have_v opportunity_n of_o improve_n all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o the_o most_o exquisite_a satisfaction_n yet_o moderate_v and_o limit_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o vulgar_a mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a assurance_n than_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o and_o if_o he_o find_v this_o he_o there_o rest_v satisfy_v if_o not_o he_o proceed_v no_o far_o and_o from_o this_o experience_n also_o he_o draw_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o conduct_n even_o after_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o his_o obligation_n in_o all_o doubtful_a action_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n he_o consult_v the_o example_n of_o his_o superior_n and_o pursue_v the_o way_n which_o they_o have_v mark_v out_o to_o he_o follow_v they_o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o true_a light_n nay_o to_o generous_a as_o well_o as_o vulgar_a mind_n example_n be_v a_o effectual_a motive_n of_o virtue_n to_o such_o emulation_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n and_o a_o noble_a disdain_n of_o be_v exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a to_o they_o the_o preference_n of_o any_o other_o be_v a_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o sloth_n and_o when_o other_o have_v go_v before_o with_o reward_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o stay_v behind_o it_o be_v this_o principle_n of_o generosity_n which_o keep_v up_o virtue_n among_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v this_o which_o give_v rise_v and_o increase_v to_o art_n and_o science_n and_o which_o now_o maintain_v valour_n our_o lord_n have_v improve_v the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o direct_v it_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o noble_a end_n propose_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n hold_v out_o the_o crown_n of_o victory_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n he_o have_v in_o this_o precept_n concern_v exemplariness_n give_v to_o we_o a_o yet_o further_o scope_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o generosity_n not_o only_o propose_v reward_n to_o the_o conqueror_n to_o those_o of_o a_o more_o elevate_a virtue_n but_o also_o to_o such_o who_o excite_v by_o their_o illustrious_a example_n shall_v follow_v they_o although_o at_o a_o distance_n make_v they_o thereby_o the_o instrument_n of_o save_v other_o and_o that_o possible_o in_o great_a number_n at_o least_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o of_o we_o so_o inconsiderable_a who_o may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o influence_n and_o authority_n upon_o some_o one_o or_o other_o as_o to_o move_v and_o direct_v he_o by_o his_o example_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o infinite_a happiness_n to_o another_o which_o to_o a_o good_a and_o a_o generous_a mind_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o pursuit_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o may_v make_v he_o exemplary_a that_o so_o he_o may_v promote_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o other_o men._n it_o may_v seem_v indeed_o past_a hope_n that_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n when_o so_o few_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v their_o own_o salvation_n or_o be_v good_a for_o their_o own_o sake_n any_o shall_v attempt_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o men._n yet_o i_o do_v not_o despair_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o such_o generous_a mind_n leave_v in_o the_o world_n who_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a felicity_n to_o themselves_o to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n and_o act_v upon_o this_o persuasion_n study_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a that_o by_o their_o example_n other_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o same_o practice_n and_o thereby_o secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n to_o such_o exemplary_a person_n frequent_a praise_n be_v give_v and_o eminent_a reward_n promise_v more_o particular_o in_o daniel_n xii_o 3._o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o lustre_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n be_v compare_v to_o
opinion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a happiness_n himself_o in_o order_n recount_v his_o dignity_n and_o they_o admire_v they_o he_o report_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o they_o extol_v they_o he_o boast_v of_o his_o grandeur_n and_o riches_n and_o they_o proclaim_v he_o happy_a yet_o himself_o who_o best_o know_v what_o happiness_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o declare_v himself_o unhappy_a and_o all_o this_o to_o avail_v he_o nothing_o last_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o haman_n whilst_o yet_o in_o full_a favour_n with_o his_o prince_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v great_a demonstration_n of_o it_o he_o suffer_v no_o apprehension_n of_o lose_v his_o present_a enjoyment_n such_o thought_n indeed_o distract_v a_o worldly_a man_n embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o rest_v content_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o he_o to_o relish_v any_o delight_n while_o afflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n while_o despair_v to_o retain_v his_o present_a happiness_n he_o will_v grow_v pale_a at_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o approach_a storm_n and_o instead_o of_o receive_v any_o complacency_n from_o his_o present_a prosperity_n distract_v his_o thought_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a misery_n in_o such_o circumstance_n a_o epicure_n may_v well_o confess_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a advantage_n of_o his_o life_n profit_v he_o nothing_o while_o he_o suffer_v inward_a distraction_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o fall_n which_o will_v render_v he_o so_o much_o more_o miserable_a by_o how_o much_o it_o deprive_v he_o of_o a_o great_a prosperity_n haman_n at_o this_o time_n have_v no_o such_o fear_n he_o have_v yet_o receive_v no_o repulse_n at_o court_n his_o favour_n daily_o increase_v he_o have_v that_o very_a day_n receive_v eminent_a mark_n of_o his_o prince_n affection_n and_o be_v the_o day_n after_o to_o receive_v yet_o more_o all_o this_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o all_o this_o he_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o speech_n ver._n 12._o for_o he_o say_v moreover_o yea_o esther_n the_o queen_n do_v let_v no_o man_n come_v in_o with_o the_o king_n unto_o the_o banquet_n that_o she_o have_v prepare_v but_o myself_o and_o to_o morrow_n be_o i_o invite_v unto_o she_o also_o with_o the_o king_n far_o from_o fear_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o present_a greatness_n he_o probable_o hope_v the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o if_o then_o haman_n under_o all_o these_o circumstance_n miss_v of_o his_o desire_a end_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o worldly_a enjoyment_n we_o may_v reasonable_o suspect_v some_o defect_n to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o neither_o haman_n can_v nor_o any_o other_o can_v receive_v any_o real_a happiness_n from_o thence_o and_o this_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o in_o some_o few_o consideration_n first_o then_o nothing_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n be_v able_a to_o satiate_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o however_o temporal_a benefit_n may_v at_o a_o distance_n ravish_v the_o imagination_n and_o create_v extraordinary_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o excellency_n yet_o when_o obtain_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v empty_a and_o trifle_a unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o fill_v its_o capacity_n they_o be_v like_o the_o fruit_n of_o sodom_n which_o by_o their_o external_a beauty_n attract_v the_o eye_n but_o when_o touch_v crumble_v into_o ash_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o only_a object_n of_o desire_n man_n frame_v to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v system_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o they_o no_o soon_o do_v they_o become_v object_n of_o fruition_n but_o the_o meanness_n of_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o after_o a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o man_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v not_o that_o he_o desire_v that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o be_v never_o enable_v by_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o to_o say_v i_o be_o now_o complete_o happy_a i_o here_o terminate_v my_o desire_n he_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v his_o desire_n yet_o far_o and_o seek_v true_a felicity_n somewhere_o else_o which_o while_o constant_a to_o his_o principle_n he_o can_v place_v no_o where_o else_o than_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o therefore_o he_o earnest_o pursue_v yet_o never_o attain_v that_o degree_n if_o he_o fix_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o degree_n he_o may_v indeed_o arrive_v at_o that_o but_o when_o arrive_v find_v himself_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o remove_v from_o true_a happiness_n he_o turmoil_v and_o distract_v himself_o experience_v the_o vanity_n of_o former_a project_n invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n until_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o life_n and_o design_n together_o the_o great_a of_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v riches_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o latter_a be_v common_a even_o to_o beast_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o sense_n no_o less_o strong_a and_o lively_a than_o men._n and_o then_o sure_o none_o will_v so_o far_o debase_v his_o nature_n as_o to_o level_v himself_o with_o beast_n by_o propose_v to_o himself_o a_o felicity_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o as_o we_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n god_n intend_v happiness_n to_o each_o part_n that_o he_o put_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a even_o in_o this_o life_n but_o then_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o constitute_v but_o one_o person_n the_o pleasure_n of_o either_o must_v be_v such_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o as_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o body_n by_o impose_v on_o it_o unnecessary_a rigour_n and_o mortification_n so_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debase_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o body_n a_o limit_v use_n of_o pleasure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o body_n but_o then_o that_o very_a limitation_n suppose_v a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n of_o man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o after_o all_o the_o real_a happiness_n of_o such_o limit_a pleasure_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n enjoy_v they_o as_o in_o the_o reflex_n thought_n of_o the_o soul_n form_v to_o its_o self_n a_o act_n of_o complacency_n for_o have_v limit_v they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o unlimited_a use_n of_o these_o pleasure_n instead_o of_o confer_v a_o real_a benefit_n involve_v man_n in_o trouble_n and_o anxiety_n in_o care_n and_o danger_n and_o when_o enjoy_v endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n no_o long_o than_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n continue_v when_o expire_v leave_v only_o a_o weariness_n and_o nauseousness_n behind_o they_o so_o then_o sensual_a pleasure_n conduce_v little_a to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n unless_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o to_o be_v the_o utmost_a happiness_n of_o man_n which_o render_v he_o happy_a but_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o as_o to_o riches_n the_o natural_a use_n of_o they_o be_v subordinate_v to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o can_v bestow_v nothing_o beyond_o they_o if_o any_o imagine_v as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o too_o many_o do_v that_o the_o very_a satisfaction_n of_o possess_v riches_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o bear_v any_o part_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o unmanly_a a_o conception_n as_o nothing_o can_v exceed_v the_o wickedness_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v equal_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a depravation_n of_o nature_n than_o all_o the_o villainy_n of_o sense_n or_o sin_n of_o violence_n and_o if_o no_o punishment_n attend_v it_o hereafter_o will_v rather_o deserve_v our_o scorn_n than_o envy_n the_o acquisition_n of_o riches_n be_v general_o indeed_o at_o least_o indirect_o refer_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o be_v procure_v by_o they_o and_o as_o such_o can_v carry_v the_o happiness_n of_o they_o no_o far_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v which_o we_o before_o consider_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o riches_n that_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o although_o in_o the_o acquire_n of_o they_o they_o general_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o command_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v obtain_v they_o yet_o they_o seldom_o begin_v in_o earnest_a a_o fruition_n of_o they_o ever_o propose_v a_o end_n to_o themselves_o
direct_o affect_v not_o his_o mind_n which_o still_o remain_v untouched_a expose_v indeed_o to_o the_o ordinary_a assault_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o assault_v as_o they_o be_v not_o suspend_v by_o god_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o assist_v by_o he_o which_o assault_v how_o they_o be_v affect_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o come_v next_o to_o inquire_v have_v first_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o although_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v or_o explain_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o our_o own_o experience_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o admit_v such_o doubt_n and_o that_o the_o faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n be_v imperceptible_a to_o we_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o although_o it_o be_v so_o near_o relate_v to_o we_o we_o know_v but_o very_o imperfect_o the_o manner_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o her_o action_n the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o tempt_v we_o two_o way_n properly_z and_o improper_o innumerable_a example_n of_o each_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n the_o latter_a be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o first_o apostate_n and_o rebel_n against_o god_n and_o still_o continue_v his_o opposition_n to_o he_o so_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n and_o head_n of_o all_o which_o oppose_v god_n as_o be_v the_o lust_n the_o passion_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o sublunary_a object_n by_o worldly_a pleasure_n whatsoever_o be_v do_v by_o these_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o do_v after_o his_o example_n and_o under_o his_o banner_n since_o his_o fall_n the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n divide_v between_o god_n and_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v do_v by_o his_o influence_n command_n direction_n and_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o be_v bad_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v do_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o imitate_v he_o follow_v his_o conduct_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o government_n for_o thus_o all_o being_n disobedient_a to_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o constitute_v one_o society_n whereof_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o head_n and_o because_o this_o society_n busy_a themselves_o whole_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v delude_v by_o gross_a pleasure_n he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n not_o that_o he_o have_v or_o ever_o have_v the_o disposition_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o the_o disposal_n of_o kingdom_n or_o distribution_n of_o temporal_a conveniency_n or_o inconvenience_n which_o have_v be_v the_o mistake_n of_o some_o such_o power_n never_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o tell_v our_o saviour_n indeed_o in_o tempt_v of_o he_o that_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o but_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o devil_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o tempt_v man_n by_o act_v immediate_o upon_o their_o soul_n by_o suggest_v wicked_a thought_n unto_o they_o by_o instigate_a they_o to_o wickedness_n and_o disobedience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o temptation_n by_o which_o we_o so_o much_o suffer_v which_o we_o so_o much_o fear_n and_o by_o which_o he_o execute_v his_o malice_n and_o hatred_n upon_o mankind_n there_o be_v but_o two_o possible_a way_n by_o which_o this_o can_v easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v perform_v since_o a_o extraordinary_a derivation_n of_o power_n from_o god_n be_v reject_v the_o first_o be_v by_o move_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o produce_v whatsoever_o thought_n and_o idea_n he_o think_v fit_a by_o move_v their_o animal_n spirit_n which_o in_o man_n have_v so_o near_o a_o connexion_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o such_o motion_n in_o they_o will_v infallible_o and_o unavoidable_o produce_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o devil_n as_o they_o be_v most_o sagacious_a spirit_n and_o of_o long_a experience_n may_v have_v observe_v and_o find_v to_o which_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o and_o such_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v annex_v and_o according_o procure_v those_o motion_n as_o often_o as_o they_o desire_v to_o introduce_v such_o thought_n for_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o all_o immaterial_a being_n have_v a_o natural_a power_n of_o move_a matter_n we_o find_v that_o in_o our_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o low_a of_o all_o such_o being_n that_o move_v our_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o our_o whole_a body_n it_o no_o soon_o form_v a_o idea_n but_o the_o spirit_n attend_v the_o formation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v move_v according_a to_o its_o diversity_n there_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n than_o between_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o other_o immaterial_a be_v so_o that_o the_o devil_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o our_o imagination_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o spirit_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o move_v or_o disorder_v our_o whole_a body_n since_o to_o the_o former_a be_v require_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n which_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v any_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o latter_a be_v require_v a_o power_n transcend_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v settle_v and_o preserve_v which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o violate_a by_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n as_o produce_v a_o bare_a idea_n or_o naked_a conception_n of_o any_o thing_n this_o way_n of_o impress_v thought_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v possible_a but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o all_o immaterial_a being_n can_v communicate_v thought_n and_o make_v impression_n on_o each_o other_o without_o this_o it_o not_o be_v imagine_v how_o a_o society_n of_o angel_n or_o devil_n can_v consist_v and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o each_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o if_o one_o man_n can_v immediate_o impress_v a_o thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o be_v here_o inchain_v in_o a_o body_n in_o which_o state_n no_o approach_n can_v be_v make_v to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n nature_n have_v provide_v another_o way_n for_o man_n to_o communicate_v their_o thought_n which_o when_o it_o shall_v cease_v by_o put_v off_o the_o body_n we_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v that_o privilege_n common_a to_o other_o imaterial_a being_n of_o communicate_v our_o thought_n to_o each_o other_o by_o immediate_a influence_n at_o least_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o angel_n and_o devil_n have_v that_o privilege_n because_o they_o have_v form_v society_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v without_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v impress_v any_o thought_n upon_o each_o other_o that_o be_v upon_o being_n of_o equal_a dignity_n they_o be_v sure_o much_o more_o able_a to_o do_v it_o upon_o those_o of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n and_o capacity_n such_o as_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n both_o these_o way_n be_v possible_a but_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o by_o either_o of_o these_o method_n i_o dare_v not_o determine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v concern_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v possible_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o as_o person_n desire_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o article_n of_o christianity_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o christian_n firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v take_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o our_o ability_n to_o resist_v he_o he_o can_v proceed_v indeed_o no_o far_o than_o to_o suggest_v the_o first_o cogitation_n of_o any_o object_n and_o if_o man_n also_o stop_v here_o he_o will_v never_o forfeit_v his_o innocence_n the_o devil_n will_v never_o obtain_v his_o desire_a end_n he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o indeed_o yet_o this_o he_o improve_v to_o great_a advantage_n and_o with_o that_o success_n which_o we_o all_o lament_v he_o know_v the_o constitution_n of_o all_o man_n and_o
holiness_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n yet_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o interest_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o obedience_n this_o obviate_v all_o the_o objection_n even_o of_o worldly_a man_n who_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o it_o can_v never_o true_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n a_o thorough_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v banish_v all_o sinful_a temptation_n and_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a and_o irrational_a of_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o prefer_v a_o present_a trifle_n before_o a_o future_a treasure_n and_o voluntary_o quit_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n to_o retain_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o truth_n hold_v in_o quit_v the_o momentany_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o for_o a_o exchange_n of_o future_a glory_n but_o even_o in_o undergo_a the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o our_o saviour_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n for_o when_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o have_v foretell_v that_o bear_v the_o cross_n shall_v be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o decline_v this_o cross_n and_o save_v his_o life_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o his_o faith_n shall_v thereby_o incur_v a_o much_o great_a punishment_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o system_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v institute_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o enlarge_v or_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n improve_v its_o faculty_n and_o procure_v to_o it_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o its_o desire_n and_o the_o liberality_n of_o its_o creator_n whosoever_o therefore_o serious_o intend_v to_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o gospel_n must_v prepare_v himself_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o not_o decline_v death_n whensoever_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o my_o command_n shall_v require_v that_o trial_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v his_o duty_n but_o secure_a and_o promote_v his_o interest_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v base_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o i_o or_o violate_v my_o command_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o avoid_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o much_o great_a loss_n and_o punishment_n than_o that_o which_o they_o so_o cowardly_o fear_v and_o ungenerous_o decline_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o shall_v willing_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o slight_v all_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o preserve_v their_o obedience_n to_o i_o entire_a and_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o gospel_n shall_v be_v certain_o crown_v with_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v attain_v by_o it_o this_o be_v your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o my_o command_n your_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v quit_v that_o particular_a share_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v thereby_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n but_o even_o if_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n be_v â—â—aped_v upon_o one_o single_a man_n or_o can_v be_v all_o obtain_v by_o denial_n of_o my_o religion_n or_o violation_n of_o my_o law_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v prevaricate_v upon_o such_o mean_a consideration_n will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n when_o he_o cast_v up_o his_o account_n that_o he_o have_v gain_v nothing_o to_o evince_v illustrate_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n ii_o that_o this_o interest_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o soul_n render_v miserable_a by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o head_n may_v be_v comprise_v the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o first_o then_o the_o dignity_n and_o precedence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n by_o wife_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n nay_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v ever_o firm_o believe_v this_o as_o a_o opinion_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o least_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o it_o all_o false_a religion_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n propose_v by_o god_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v it_o be_v this_o only_a which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n which_o liken_n we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v this_o whereby_o we_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a and_o wonderful_a perfection_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a whereby_o we_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n grateful_a to_o our_o creator_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will._n and_o therefore_o prov._n xx._n 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v call_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o by_o that_o only_o we_o receive_v the_o divine_a illumination_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n this_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o soul_n beyond_o the_o body_n may_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v from_o many_o other_o consideration_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o three_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n as_o first_o by_o the_o soul_n alone_o we_o receive_v the_o influence_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n some_o divine_a benefit_n indeed_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o body_n as_o creation_n and_o preservation_n but_o those_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o belong_v equal_o to_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o create_a being_n whereas_o the_o favour_n grant_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v peculiar_a to_o it_o and_o to_o infinite_o great_a value_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o knowledge_n desire_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o improvement_n all_o the_o superadded_a happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v entire_o bestow_v on_o it_o alone_o all_o revelation_n be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o happiness_n to_o who_o it_o be_v little_a inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o rescue_v this_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n into_o this_o as_o into_o a_o capacious_a treasure_n be_v all_o the_o divine_a grace_n convey_v grace_n of_o which_o the_o body_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a than_o a_o stock_n or_o
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o mean_n we_o miss_v the_o end_n and_o by_o pursue_v contrary_a method_n render_v ourselves_o miserable_a that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o general_n and_o of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n to_o which_o our_o text_n more_o peculiar_o relate_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o then_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o rational_a be_v and_o as_o such_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v its_o action_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v worse_o than_o insensible_a being_n which_o all_o perform_v the_o several_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o by_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o command_n of_o their_o creator_n whereas_o the_o soul_n in_o contract_a habit_n of_o sin_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n debase_v its_o own_o nature_n rebel_n against_o god_n and_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o its_o creation_n for_o for_o this_o very_a end_n our_o soul_n be_v create_v that_o they_o shall_v act_n as_o spiritual_a being_n and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n insert_v in_o they_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n form_v by_o our_o reason_n at_o least_o maintain_v if_o not_o advance_v our_o nature_n when_o afterward_o through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n these_o rule_n be_v corrupt_v and_o our_o judgement_n blind_v god_n give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n and_o let_v we_o know_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n give_v we_o and_o a_o soul_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n then_o or_o violate_v it_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v our_o nature_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a sort_n of_o being_n for_o as_o sin_n turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n so_o it_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o somewhat_o worse_a than_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v still_o continue_v soul_n but_o that_o do_v but_o augment_v their_o misery_n because_o be_v immortal_a they_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a always_o gnaw_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o degenerous_a action_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o own_o deprave_a nature_n second_o sin_n destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v and_o in_o these_o will_v consist_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o serene_a meditation_n upon_o the_o unparalleled_a perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o a_o ardent_a and_o perpetual_a love_n of_o he_o and_o conscience_n of_o be_v love_v by_o he_o now_o sin_n set_v a_o man_n at_o enmity_n with_o god_n make_v he_o unworthy_a his_o favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o such_o contemplation_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v on_o he_o with_o delight_n who_o we_o account_v our_o enemy_n or_o how_o can_v we_o not_o esteem_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o law_n we_o violate_v and_o who_o precept_n we_o contemn_v the_o conscience_n of_o this_o divine_a anger_n alone_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n than_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v force_v to_o say_v god_n have_v create_v i_o and_o do_v now_o preserve_v i_o but_o think_v i_o unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o esteem_v i_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o heaven_n shall_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a miracle_n be_v bestow_v upon_o wicked_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o relish_v with_o they_o nor_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o last_o sin_n defeat_v the_o future_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o exclude_v it_o from_o its_o intend_a reward_n and_o engage_v it_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o probationer_n for_o another_o be_v a_o be_v of_o itself_o capable_a of_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o act_v here_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o great_a perfection_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o by_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o this_o world_n gain_v admittance_n into_o the_o next_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
nature_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v it_o that_o it_o will_v infinite_o aggravate_v the_o sharpness_n of_o its_o pain_n for_o its_o immortality_n will_v render_v they_o eternal_a and_o its_o understanding_n will_v heighten_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n sinner_n often_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o miserable_a condition_n and_o fancy_n themselves_o seat_v in_o paradise_n when_o environ_v with_o pleasure_n and_o glut_v with_o enjoyment_n they_o can_v stifle_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o secure_o make_v use_n of_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n but_o in_o hell_n their_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o the_o sharpness_n of_o their_o torment_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o rest_n and_o if_o those_o shall_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o will_v they_o still_o be_v torment_v with_o a_o inward_a fire_n so_o much_o the_o more_o violent_a because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v certain_o convince_v in_o judgement_n that_o they_o act_v against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o reason_n in_o run_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o gross_a and_o trifle_a pleasure_n we_o may_v next_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o chief_o intend_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n against_o which_o christ_n fore-arm_n his_o follower_n by_o inculcate_v this_o necessary_a truth_n of_o prefer_v the_o good_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n for_o this_o foul_a sin_n be_v ever_o commit_v for_o some_o temporal_a end_n be_v too_o odious_a to_o recommend_v itself_o without_o some_o outward_a advantage_n man_n deny_v not_o their_o god_n out_o of_o a_o dislike_n or_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o a_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n prevent_v some_o inconvenience_n or_o gratify_v some_o lusts._n this_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o contagion_n with_o idolatry_n under_o the_o old_a law_n for_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o true_a one_o and_o the_o first_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o latter_a how_o heinous_a god_n account_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v chief_o direct_v against_o this_o sin_n alone_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v employ_v against_o it_o and_o all_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n ever_o inflict_v upon_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o this_o cause_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o record_n leave_v in_o sacred_a history_n of_o any_o pardon_n ever_o grant_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o indeed_o a_o wilful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n dissolve_v the_o very_a union_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o pardon_n such_o a_o person_n open_o by_o his_o act_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o god_n bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o and_o disclaim_v his_o pardon_n it_o will_v prostitute_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o make_v it_o cheap_a and_o easy_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o such_o execrable_a villainy_n which_o do_v violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o very_a last_o effort_n of_o impiety_n this_o can_v but_o degrade_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o affinity_n to_o god_n and_o debar_v it_o from_o all_o near_a approach_n to_o his_o presence_n we_o can_v hope_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n leave_v in_o god_n after_o a_o denial_n of_o he_o nor_o can_v without_o horror_n entertain_v any_o remembrance_n of_o he_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v our_o soul_n happy_a with_o the_o continual_a meditation_n of_o his_o perfection_n or_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o future_a fruition_n of_o he_o in_o that_o case_n it_o will_v be_v our_o interest_n to_o banish_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o remove_v from_o ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a all_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o dread_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o future_a torment_n thus_o a_o denial_n of_o god_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o only_o render_v we_o unhappy_a but_o cause_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v yet_o more_o unhappy_a by_o a_o total_a and_o wilful_a stifle_v of_o all_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o god_n in_o which_o alone_a true_a happiness_n consist_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o notorious_a apostasy_n when_o any_o one_o open_o renounce_v his_o religion_n and_o deny_v his_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o case_n in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o often_o happen_v but_o also_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o no_o less_o formal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n than_o that_o beforementioned_a where_o the_o sinner_n put_v in_o the_o scale_n the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o sin_n with_o the_o future_a consequence_n and_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o it_o and_o after_o have_v weigh_v each_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n of_o which_o he_o be_v very_o conscious_a and_o prefer_v the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sin_n this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o no_o less_o true_a apostasy_n than_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o god_n for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whosoever_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a choice_n prefer_v the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v never_o forego_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v first_o then_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o great_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o due_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o render_v our_o soul_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o happy_a as_o we_o possible_o can_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o all_o the_o care_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o provide_v necessary_n or_o rather_o superfluity_n to_o the_o body_n or_o attend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o that_o no_o far_a use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o serve_v as_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o body_n to_o heighten_v its_o enjoyment_n and_o refine_v its_o pleasure_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o a_o more_o noble_a be_v which_o deserve_v our_o care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o the_o loss_n of_o happiness_n may_v not_o god_n just_o say_v to_o mankind_n i_o have_v give_v to_o you_o great_a and_o celestial_a soul_n endue_v with_o wonderful_a perfection_n and_o capable_a of_o much_o great_a when_o right_o cultivate_v your_o body_n i_o form_v from_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o your_o soul_n i_o send_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o one_o i_o permit_v to_o return_v to_o corruption_n but_o the_o other_o i_o have_v invest_v with_o immortality_n how_o just_o may_v i_o expect_v that_o you_o will_v have_v value_v these_o two_o according_a to_o their_o several_a worth_n and_o dignity_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o indeed_o starve_v the_o body_n nor_o tyrannize_v over_o it_o but_o however_o attend_v chief_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o intend_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n which_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o alas_o man_n be_v turn_v back_o and_o grow_v foolish_a employ_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o 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afford_v no_o leisure_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o her_o creator_n the_o necessity_n of_o her_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o form_v these_o meditation_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o that_o real_a happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n when_o join_v in_o one_o again_o second_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n deserve_v our_o great_a care_n much_o more_o do_v the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o consummation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o crown_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o infinite_a preference_n which_o be_v due_a to_o these_o beyond_o those_o of_o our_o body_n for_o can_v it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o act_n as_o though_o we_o have_v neither_o soul_n nor_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o another_o more_o glorious_a and_o last_a state_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o our_o rest_n in_o this_o that_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o judge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v of_o make_v our_o account_n ready_a let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o just_o weigh_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o vanity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o shortness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o this_o frail_a life_n remember_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o 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body_n which_o at_o the_o general_a resurrection_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o station_n and_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v perfect_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o we_o can_v not_o consign_v ourselves_o up_o to_o pursue_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o heap_v up_o riches_n which_o be_v of_o no_o service_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n and_o promote_v not_o our_o real_a happiness_n in_o this_o can_v you_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v all_o this_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n employ_v your_o life_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_a hope_v for_o the_o perfection_n design_v and_o make_v no_o step_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o rather_o let_v we_o endeavour_v with_o our_o utmost_a vigour_n to_o maintain_v that_o degree_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o we_o among_o create_a being_n and_o not_o by_o our_o degeneracy_n become_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n let_v we_o do_v nothing_o unworthy_a that_o noble_a be_v which_o be_v seat_v within_o we_o nor_o clothe_v the_o body_n with_o the_o spoil_n of_o it_o let_v we_o maintain_v the_o dignity_n and_o character_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o a_o severe_a and_o unblemished_a integrity_n and_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o assurance_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v allot_v to_o we_o certain_o in_o worldly_a matter_n we_o willing_o oversee_v lesser_o and_o more_o trivial_a gain_n for_o obtain_v of_o a_o great_a and_o more_o substantial_a profit_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o slight_v the_o impertinent_a gaiety_n and_o vile_a allurement_n of_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o treasure_n which_o fade_v not_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n last_o if_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o preferable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n if_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v of_o small_a account_n when_o oppose_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o if_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a perfection_n of_o mankind_n a_o firm_a constancy_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n although_o attend_v in_o this_o life_n with_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n discouragement_n and_o affliction_n will_v not_o only_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o high_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o the_o conclusion_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20._o of_o novemb_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o remarkable_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o scope_n to_o which_o his_o whole_a discourse_n be_v therein_o direct_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o pretence_n wherewith_o unreasonable_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o defend_v or_o excuse_v their_o sin_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n arise_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o visible_a experience_n of_o they_o or_o a_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o constant_a miracle_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n alone_o that_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o also_o in_o their_o ancient_a and_o receive_v doctrine_n they_o entertain_v scruple_n because_o not_o confirm_v by_o a_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n which_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o a_o incredulity_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v hereditary_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o renew_v as_o often_o as_o the_o divine_a miracle_n be_v interrupt_v no_o soon_o be_v joshua_n dead_a and_o that_o generation_n which_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o judge_n ii_o but_o the_o next_o generation_n even_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v and_o although_o miracle_n be_v continue_v down_o among_o they_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n yet_o as_o these_o can_v be_v visible_a but_o to_o a_o certain_a number_n they_o produce_v no_o universal_a influence_n affect_v not_o the_o rest_n and_o even_o in_o those_o who_o see_v they_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o wonder_n and_o amusement_n they_o still_o continue_v their_o disbelief_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o they_o see_v not_o yet_o effect_v and_o of_o that_o future_a state_n which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o perceive_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o but_o it_o have_v find_v place_n even_o among_o christian_n also_o many_o of_o who_o have_v even_o renounce_v and_o deny_v their_o faith_n because_o themselves_o can_v not_o see_v those_o miracle_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o found_v other_o become_v irresolute_a and_o remiss_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n unsatisfied_a in_o the_o event_n of_o it_o and_o all_o pretend_v
eternal_a happiness_n and_o true_a christian_a obedience_n which_o no_o change_n of_o fortune_n can_v dissolve_v no_o unforeseen_a calamity_n can_v overthrow_v therein_o the_o undertaker_n be_v only_o to_o answer_v for_o his_o diligence_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n require_v to_o complete_a his_o success_n but_o what_o be_v entire_o in_o his_o power_n if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v rest_v secure_a of_o the_o reward_n the_o nature_n the_o extent_n the_o duration_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v full_o make_v know_v unto_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o any_o long_o be_v distract_v with_o anxious_a thought_n about_o it_o and_o so_o have_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o as_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n give_v rest_n unto_o his_o soul_n weary_v before_o with_o a_o fruitless_a and_o uncertain_a search_n of_o happiness_n the_o last_o argument_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v take_v from_o the_o external_a assistance_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v and_o do_v still_o continue_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n in_o impose_v his_o yoke_n upon_o mankind_n know_v very_o well_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o opposition_n of_o his_o precept_n to_o their_o ordinary_a passion_n the_o tenderness_n and_o clemency_n which_o become_v the_o saviour_n redeemer_n and_o mediator_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o freewill_n alone_a but_o assist_v their_o obedience_n with_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o those_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n which_o render_v the_o imposition_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o he_o lay_v upon_o they_o easie_n and_o pleasant_a to_o they_o to_o convey_v this_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o it_o he_o have_v found_v a_o church_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v and_o public_o declare_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o those_o rite_n which_o himself_o have_v institute_v he_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o as_o such_o communicate_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o we_o who_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o if_o any_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o body_n whereof_o himself_o be_v the_o head_n they_o cease_v to_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o he_o receive_v none_o of_o those_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o body_n at_o least_o they_o can_v receive_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n appoint_v to_o convey_v they_o and_o if_o any_o pretend_v new_a light_n and_o new_a way_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v therefore_o what_o may_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o set_v up_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a light_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n to_o compensate_a the_o neglect_n of_o temperance_n and_o meekness_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v off_o the_o ordinary_a communication_n between_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o that_o channel_n find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o practise_v those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o our_o lord_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o annul_v the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o alleviate_v but_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n to_o claim_v the_o benefit_n and_o refuse_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o mankind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o vain_a persuasion_n and_o arrogant_a pretence_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o therein_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v he_o have_v settle_v the_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o change_v if_o we_o slight_v the_o assistance_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o mean_n we_o be_v incapable_a let_v we_o right_o esteem_v and_o implore_v this_o assistance_n to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v receive_v it_o that_o be_v a_o constant_a communion_n with_o his_o body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o her_o holy_a office_n and_o sacrament_n so_o shall_v we_o experience_v that_o his_o command_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o render_v pleasant_a by_o their_o reward_n but_o be_v also_o make_v easie_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o find_v assurance_n of_o what_o he_o promise_v rest_v to_o our_o weary_a soul_n the_o thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n and_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o many_o argument_n at_o last_o conclude_v his_o argument_n with_o these_o word_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o to_o act_v in_o a_o contrary_a manner_n be_v to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o invade_v what_o he_o claim_v peculiarly_a to_o himself_o and_o sure_o no_o less_o a_o argument_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o violate_v the_o majesty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n can_v deter_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o passion_n in_o man_n and_o can_v plead_v for_o itself_o with_o more_o plausible_a argument_n than_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o as_o that_o nature_n direct_v all_o creature_n to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o repel_v the_o assault_n of_o enemy_n that_o for_o this_o purpose_n all_o animal_n be_v endue_v with_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o courage_n that_o to_o pass_v by_o one_o enemy_n unrevenged_a expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o insult_v of_o enemy_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o friend_n and_o to_o renew_v wrong_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o baseness_n and_o cowardice_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o timorous_a soul_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o the_o affront_v and_o wrong_n of_o another_o man_n and_o that_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n to_o punish_v the_o malice_n of_o a_o offender_n by_o procure_v loss_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o part_n of_o distributive_a justice_n of_o which_o every_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n that_o so_o as_o the_o smart_n of_o revenge_n inflict_v may_v punish_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o aggressor_n the_o pleasure_n of_o inflict_a revenge_n may_v make_v some_o amends_o for_o the_o undeserved_a suffering_n of_o the_o injure_a party_n such_o argument_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o revenge_n and_o such_o do_v once_o introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o revenge_n be_v not_o only_o a_o matter_n allow_v but_o even_o a_o virtue_n the_o duty_n of_o every_o noble_a and_o courageous_a mind_n consonant_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o every_o private_a man._n thus_o the_o great_a master_n of_o morality_n among_o the_o heathen_n among_o who_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o that_o revenge_n be_v sweet_a than_o life_n itself_o that_o moderation_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o create_v but_o none_o in_o revenge_a injury_n that_o not_o to_o revenge_v a_o wrong_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o fear_n and_o sloth_n of_o a_o unmanly_a and_o degenerous_a mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v teach_v throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n to_o bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v we_o to_o recompense_v to_o no_o man_n evil_a for_o evil_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n which_o concern_v my_o present_a design_n not_o to_o avenge_v ourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o any_o sin_n of_o injustice_n commit_v against_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n either_o by_o
another_o have_v injure_v we_o and_o be_v not_o we_o in_o every_o sin_n injurious_a to_o god_n thy_o fellow-servant_n have_v perhaps_o injure_v thou_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o thou_o have_v injure_v god_n the_o lord_n of_o both_o very_o often_o perhaps_o every_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o than_o what_o equality_n be_v there_o between_o injure_v a_o fellow-servant_n and_o a_o master_n he_o perhaps_o be_v provoke_v nay_o first_o injure_v by_o thou_o before_o he_o commit_v any_o act_n of_o hatred_n or_o malice_n against_o thou_o but_o thou_o have_v offend_v thy_o lord_n from_o who_o thou_o never_o receive_v any_o injury_n by_o who_o thou_o have_v be_v oblige_v with_o the_o great_a benefit_n by_o who_o favour_n thou_o live_v and_o from_o who_o thou_o expect_v all_o that_o can_v make_v thou_o happy_a consider_v that_o if_o god_n shall_v examine_v strict_o and_o immediate_o revenge_v all_o thy_o offence_n against_o he_o thou_o have_v not_o one_o day_n to_o live_v for_o if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o o_o lord_n who_o may_v abide_v it_o so_o say_v a_o better_a man_n than_o thou_o be_v and_o much_o more_o must_v thou_o confess_v if_o thou_o either_o dissemble_v not_o with_o other_o or_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o those_o secret_a sin_n which_o be_v know_v only_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n and_o have_v no_o witness_n but_o god_n alone_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o open_a and_o manifest_a one_o which_o we_o daily_o commit_v what_o pardon_n can_v we_o expect_v if_o god_n shall_v take_v a_o severe_a account_n of_o our_o negligence_n and_o want_n of_o attention_n in_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o idle_a speech_n proceed_v from_o our_o mouth_n and_o the_o rash_a judgement_n which_o we_o make_v and_o such_o other_o sin_n and_o inadvertency_n commit_v but_o in_o any_o one_o day_n we_o shall_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o despair_v of_o pardon_n but_o if_o he_o ransack_v our_o soul_n and_o bring_v forth_o into_o judgement_n all_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o it_o the_o evil_a desire_n and_o unclean_a thought_n the_o unlawful_a motion_n and_o vain_a imagination_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o hope_n leave_v and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o day_n bring_v inevitable_a destruction_n upon_o we_o without_o the_o mercy_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o god_n what_o a_o abyss_n of_o mercy_n will_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o whole_a life_n require_v yet_o all_o these_o sin_n he_o condescend_v to_o pardon_v all_o this_o mercy_n he_o extend_v to_o man_n with_o this_o single_a condition_n that_o he_o pardon_v the_o offence_n of_o his_o fellow-christian_a for_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o revenge_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o promise_n of_o divine_a pardon_n be_v neither_o so_o full_a nor_o so_o clear_a and_o therefore_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o wink_v at_o their_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n in_o some_o case_n i_o will_v not_o reckon_v as_o such_o that_o law_n of_o give_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n for_o however_o it_o be_v afterward_o most_o gross_o misinterpret_v by_o the_o jew_n it_o include_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o revenge_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o design_n of_o it_o but_o certain_o that_o law_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o revenge_n which_o allow_v to_o the_o kindred_n of_o any_o man_n slay_v unadvised_o to_o retaliate_v his_o death_n upon_o the_o author_n of_o it_o if_o they_o overtake_v he_o before_o he_o enter_v into_o any_o city_n of_o refuge_n it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o as_o we_o have_v a_o better_a religion_n and_o great_a promise_n so_o we_o have_v strong_a argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o in_o this_o case_n he_o who_o give_v we_o both_o have_v forbid_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n to_o we_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o so_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o also_o of_o the_o divine_a command_n revenge_n be_v make_v injurious_a to_o god_n and_o unlawful_a to_o we_o further_o not_o only_o do_v we_o want_v that_o authority_n which_o revenge_n presupposeth_a not_o only_o be_v we_o preclude_v by_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o god_n but_o we_o also_o want_v other_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o we_o before_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o we_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o first_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a gild_n of_o the_o crime_n which_o we_o will_v revenge_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n ought_v to_o be_v know_v before_o any_o judgement_n be_v pass_v on_o it_o in_o humane_a judicature_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o interest_n of_o public_a society_n require_v that_o probable_a evidence_n be_v accept_v that_o judgement_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n but_o if_o man_n pretend_v to_o judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o other_o to_o define_v the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o to_o execute_v the_o punishment_n upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o revenge_n they_o ought_v exact_o to_o know_v the_o most_o private_a thought_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o what_o step_n and_o argument_n the_o will_n be_v induce_v to_o commit_v that_o injury_n what_o judgement_n the_o understanding_n form_v of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v commit_v otherwise_o man_n may_v gross_o mistake_v they_o may_v judge_v that_o to_o be_v a_o injury_n which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o other_o for_o a_o kindness_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v rather_o merit_v than_o gild_n in_o the_o offender_n and_o if_o his_o intend_a benefit_n do_v real_o turn_v to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v a_o misfortune_n to_o they_o both_o yet_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o benefit_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v less_o thus_o a_o passionate_a revenge_n may_v be_v employ_v against_o its_o own_o benefactor_n and_o invert_v the_o course_n of_o justice_n punish_v the_o well-doer_n in_o other_o case_n man_n may_v interpret_v act_n of_o inadvertency_n to_o proceed_v from_o a_o form_a malice_n and_o punish_v what_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o venial_a injury_n as_o a_o mortal_a offence_n they_o may_v prosecute_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n even_o after_o the_o other_o have_v repent_v of_o the_o injury_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o resolve_v if_o possible_a to_o make_v reparation_n for_o it_o and_o thereby_o have_v expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o case_n man_n may_v err_v most_o gross_o in_o pass_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o enormity_n of_o injury_n offer_v to_o they_o which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o precede_v all_o revenge_n and_o how_o dangerous_a such_o error_n be_v our_o lord_n acquaint_v we_o when_o he_o assure_v we_o matth._n vii_o 2._o with_o what_o judgement_n you_o judge_v you_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o with_o what_o measure_v you_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o you_o again_o this_o reason_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o execute_v revenge_n aright_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o he_o and_o dangerous_a to_o be_v desire_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o alone_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o spirit_n again_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o form_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o every_o offence_n and_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v he_o will_v still_o commit_v fatal_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o his_o passion_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o he_o will_v far_o exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o prescribe_a punishment_n add_v weight_n and_o sharpness_n to_o it_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o own_o hatred_n and_o imagine_v that_o his_o anger_n ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v therein_o nay_o i_o fear_v that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o revenge_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v not_o out_o of_o abhorrence_n to_o the_o sin_n commit_v but_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o other_o not_o to_o reform_v the_o irregularity_n of_o the_o other_o but_o to_o gratify_v his_o own_o passion_n not_o to_o oppose_v sin_n but_o to_o harm_v a_o suppose_a enemy_n and_o thus_o not_o only_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o malice_n will_v ensue_v but_o also_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v whole_o over-turned_n mankind_n will_v be_v involve_v in_o continual_a war_n while_o he_o who_o be_v first_o injure_v carry_v his_o revenge_n beyond_o the_o
his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n the_o soldier_n send_v to_o break_v his_o leg_n while_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o they_o may_v hasten_v his_o death_n who_o they_o suppose_v not_o yet_o to_o have_v expire_v find_v he_o already_o dead_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o the_o devout_a woman_n which_o follow_v he_o take_v he_o down_o from_o the_o cross_n lay_v he_o in_o his_o grave_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v then_o dead_a his_o disciple_n who_o if_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v offer_v will_v not_o easy_o believe_v he_o dead_a from_o who_o they_o then_o expect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o at_o his_o first_o appear_v to_o they_o they_o be_v affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n to_o these_o proof_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v add_v to_o evince_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o death_n a_o evidence_n which_o be_v want_v to_o all_o the_o relation_n of_o man_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o allege_v from_o plato_n the_o story_n of_o eris_n lie_v for_o many_o day_n among_o the_o dead_a body_n and_o after_o that_o recover_a life_n again_o and_o pretend_v that_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o they_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o certain_a person_n to_o life_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o relate_v by_o any_o for_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o fact_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o case_n the_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o person_n be_v true_o dead_a nor_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v it_o less_o evident_a that_o christ_n be_v true_o alive_a invest_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o real_a body_n meet_v in_o he_o he_o be_v see_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o which_o prove_v his_o body_n not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o aerial_a apparition_n he_o talk_v and_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o demonstrate_v that_o body_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n he_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n of_o feeling_n command_v they_o to_o handle_v he_o say_v to_o unbelieving_a thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n which_o manifest_v that_o the_o body_n which_o he_o then_o offer_v to_o that_o trial_n be_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o still_o retain_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o spear_n that_o this_o same_o body_n and_o soul_n reunite_v be_v also_o join_v to_o the_o divinity_n as_o before_o his_o passion_n appear_v from_o his_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v after_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o real_a resurrection_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n first_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o faith_n of_o who_o although_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v die_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a of_o these_o the_o pious_a woman_n be_v first_o bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o reward_n of_o their_o maintain_v their_o love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o when_o his_o apostle_n have_v forsake_v he_o or_o that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o garden_n where_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v immediate_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o before_o he_o be_v yet_o depart_v out_o of_o it_o they_o see_v he_o know_v he_o and_o salute_v he_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n be_v advertise_v of_o it_o by_o they_o haste_v to_o see_v their_o master_n and_o receive_v not_o only_o a_o transient_a view_n of_o he_o but_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o appear_v to_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o and_o at_o last_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o friend_n we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o enemy_n which_o in_o all_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n the_o soldier_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o watch_v his_o sepulchre_n plain_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v his_o resurrection_n although_o be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o such_o unusual_a prodigy_n they_o do_v not_o well_o perceive_v it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v not_o suffer_v by_o their_o fear_n to_o stay_v till_o christ_n shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o feel_v the_o earthquake_n which_o remove_v the_o stone_n roll_v to_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o see_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o angel_n like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n and_o come_v into_o the_o city_n show_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v as_o we_o read_v matth._n xxviii_o ii_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n have_v before_o join_v with_o man_n in_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o here_o concur_v in_o witness_v his_o resurrection_n the_o woman_n come_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n present_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o look_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n in_o the_o sepulchre_n find_v there_o two_o angel_n in_o white_a sit_v one_o at_o the_o head_n the_o other_o at_o the_o foot_n where_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v lie_v who_o say_v to_o they_o why_o seek_v you_o the_o dead_a among_o the_o live_n he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v last_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v both_o his_o friend_n and_o enemy_n the_o report_n of_o sense_n ofttimes_o repeat_v to_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o resurrection_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o this_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n comfort_v enable_v and_o encourage_v the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o also_o in_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o concurrent_a miracle_n as_o it_o be_v act_v iu_o 33._o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o open_o affirm_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o then_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o affirmation_n wrought_v sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o to_o the_o spectator_n do_v as_o full_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v it_o do_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v exert_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n for_o the_o attestation_n of_o a_o lye_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o reality_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o the_o ii_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n express_v in_o those_o word_n have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n which_o be_v various_o interpret_v some_o maintain_v that_o they_o imply_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o grave_a other_o that_o they_o point_v out_o the_o dolorous_a suffering_n by_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o a_o state_n opposite_a to_o that_o humiliation_n a_o three_o sort_n understanding_n by_o they_o a_o destruction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v support_v with_o great_a reason_n nor_o will_v it_o here_o be_v proper_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n which_o of_o they_o rather_o be_v to_o be_v embrace_v they_o be_v all_o rational_a consonant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o significative_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n i_o will_v therefore_o apply_v they_o all_o the_o first_o opinion_n include_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n that_o be_v a_o reunion_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n separate_v by_o death_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o chief_o refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o here_o allege_v by_o the_o apostle_n david_n have_v be_v often_o bring_v
by_o his_o enemy_n into_o extreme_a danger_n of_o death_n which_o he_o common_o express_v by_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a word_n as_o psal._n xviii_o 4._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o and_o verse_n 5._o the_o sorrow_n of_o hell_n compass_v i_o about_o and_o psal._n cxvi_o 3._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n get_v hold_v upon_o i_o yet_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n amid_o all_o these_o calamity_n he_o rest_v assure_v of_o deliverance_n and_o express_v his_o confidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n my_o flesh_n shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n receive_v and_o on_o all_o hand_n grant_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o david_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o his_o action_n suffering_n and_o deliverance_n prefigure_v the_o office_n the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o and_o particular_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o this_o passage_n be_v much_o more_o evident_o and_o literal_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n than_o in_o david_n he_o indeed_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o enemy_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n yet_o die_v he_o do_v and_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v leave_v in_o hell_n that_o be_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o in_o the_o place_n of_o depart_a soul_n and_o his_o body_n do_v see_v corruption_n have_v be_v bury_v many_o hundred_o year_n but_o as_o for_o christ_n he_o die_v indeed_o yet_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n neither_o do_v his_o body_n see_v corruption_n his_o soul_n be_v present_o reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o even_o during_o the_o separation_n not_o leave_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v join_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v his_o body_n corrupt_v but_o raise_v up_o and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o less_o than_o forty_o hour_n in_o which_o time_n the_o body_n of_o decease_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o the_o second_o interpretation_n christ_n be_v raise_v from_o a_o painful_a death_n to_o a_o opposite_a state_n to_o a_o condition_n of_o glory_n happiness_n power_n and_o immortality_n the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n so_o lively_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n of_o the_o last_o week_n we_o can_v forget_v and_o over_o all_o these_o he_o eminent_o triumph_v in_o his_o resurrection_n upon_o this_o day_n he_o be_v then_o make_v subject_n to_o death_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o set_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o death_n for_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o rom._n vi_o 9_o he_o then_o bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man._n he_o now_o dispense_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n grant_v to_o men._n he_o be_v then_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n appear_v as_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o malefactor_n he_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n raise_v above_o the_o earth_n seat_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n iii_o 22._o the_o word_n explain_v in_o their_o three_o sense_n infer_v the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n effect_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v express_v hebr._n ii_o 14._o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v this_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o life_n contribute_v he_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n he_o confute_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o seduce_v world_n he_o found_v a_o church_n wherein_o open_a enmity_n shall_v be_v profess_v to_o the_o devil_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o death_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o all_o this_o dispensation_n he_o glorious_o finish_v in_o his_o resurrection_n therein_o he_o literal_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a baffle_v the_o opposition_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v vain_o imagine_v that_o by_o procure_v the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n to_o be_v give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o redeemer_n his_o design_n and_o attempt_v promote_v that_o very_a end_n which_o he_o so_o much_o dread_v he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o christ_n shall_v both_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o to_o perfect_v our_o salvation_n that_o he_o be_v for_o a_o while_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o iii_o this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o christ_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n the_o apostle_n found_v the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o the_o determination_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o here_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a just_a or_o convenient_a as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n ix_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n to_o mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o convenient_a in_o this_o sense_n than_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a or_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n because_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n the_o divine_a be_v unite_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v have_v appear_v surprise_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o little_a affection_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o his_o own_o nature_n wherein_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a to_o continue_v in_o hell_n in_o the_o common_a state_n of_o mortality_n or_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o divinity_n shall_v suffer_v that_o nature_n to_o be_v corrupt_v or_o lie_v neglect_v among_o the_o dead_a to_o which_o itself_o continue_v to_o be_v unite_v even_o in_o the_o grave_a this_o we_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v believe_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v oppose_v this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o very_a resurrection_n will_v convince_v their_o error_n for_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n again_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o work_n of_o omnipotence_n that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n alone_o yet_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o jew_n john_n ii_o 19_o destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n as_o the_o evangelist_n subjoin_v and_o again_o john_n x._o 18._o no_o man_n take_v my_o life_n from_o i_o but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o myself_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o our_o lord_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o glorify_v he_o will_v never_o have_v claim_v this_o power_n have_v it_o not_o be_v inherent_a in_o himself_o he_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o power_n reunite_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o body_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o exclusion_n to_o the_o other_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n who_o all_o concur_v therein_o for_o power_n be_v a_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n continue_v undivided_a in_o the_o person_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o the_o father_n be_v say_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n since_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a person_n in_o that_o bless_a trinity_n
upon_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o kneel_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o priest_n at_o other_o time_n and_o to_o the_o people_n at_o all_o time_n in_o pray_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n and_o country_n concern_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n subjection_n and_o duty_n in_o any_o action_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o second_o and_o three_o head_n of_o my_o text_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o consider_v the_o last_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n willing_a shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o seventeen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v have_v before_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o duty_n the_o place_n and_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o word_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o they_o how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o condition_n be_v do_v partly_o appear_v from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n for_o if_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o chief_a act_n of_o adoration_n which_o he_o pay_v to_o god_n requisite_a for_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o want_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o all_o necessary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n to_o he_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o previous_a qualification_n without_o which_o his_o prayer_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o become_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o curse_n to_o he_o if_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o place_n and_o posture_n of_o prayer_n not_o universal_o design_v by_o god_n be_v in_o all_o case_n so_o useful_a and_o in_o some_o necessary_a to_o we_o much_o more_o will_v those_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v it_o in_o whatsoever_o place_n or_o posture_n it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v at_o no_o time_n accept_v by_o god_n the_o more_o general_a and_o necessary_a of_o these_o condition_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o latter_a word_n of_o the_o text_n subjoin_v to_o his_o exhortation_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o holy_a hand_n ii_o without_o wrath_n and_o iii_o without_o doubt_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o these_o three_o condition_n in_o their_o order_n first_o it_o be_v require_v that_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o with_o holy_a hand_n that_o be_v with_o pure_a and_o clean_a hand_n defile_v with_o no_o rapine_n or_o uncleanness_n innocent_a from_o all_o rebellion_n towards_o god_n and_o injustice_n towards_o men._n a_o condition_n not_o first_o introduce_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o of_o universal_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n allow_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n among_o they_o prayer_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o same_o use_n which_o it_o obtain_v among_o we_o that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n or_o procure_v his_o favour_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o occasion_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o add_v sacrifice_n to_o their_o prayer_n whensoever_o they_o intend_v to_o pay_v a_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n or_o more_o signal_o to_o engage_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n even_o the_o gentile_n place_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o worship_n rather_o in_o the_o prayer_n than_o in_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o many_o nice_a and_o superstitious_a rule_n and_o caution_n use_v by_o they_o in_o recite_v the_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n at_o the_o time_n of_o sacrifice_n so_o full_o be_v they_o convince_v that_o prayer_n alone_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n can_v true_o worship_v god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n no_o less_o persuade_v that_o without_o purity_n their_o prayer_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a hence_o proceed_v that_o ancient_a and_o constant_a institution_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o sacrifice_v by_o wash_n lustration_n and_o other_o sign_n of_o purity_n a_o institution_n receive_v also_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o as_o we_o read_v exod._n xl._o 32._o command_v that_o the_o priest_n shall_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v themselves_o whensoever_o they_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n consonant_o to_o which_o institution_n david_n say_v psal._n xxvi_o 6._o i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n o_o lord_n it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o external_a purity_n practise_v under_o the_o law_n do_v typify_v the_o internal_a purity_n to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n that_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v to_o evince_v it_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o this_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n be_v chief_o require_v in_o order_n to_o prayer_n which_o will_v instruct_v you_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o internal_a purity_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o reflect_v with_o what_o care_n and_o constancy_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n purify_v themselves_o before_o their_o sacrifice_n that_o so_o christian_n may_v be_v ashamed_a if_o with_o the_o same_o diligence_n they_o cleanse_v not_o their_o soul_n in_o prepare_v they_o for_o prayer_n the_o same_o argument_n persuade_v in_o both_o case_n namely_o the_o sense_n of_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o either_o do_v profess_v yet_o although_o we_o never_o find_v that_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n presume_v to_o sacrifice_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n it_o be_v but_o ordinary_a to_o observe_v that_o christian_n pray_v with_o impure_a mind_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o that_o external_a purity_n be_v a_o easy_a imposition_n but_o internal_a holiness_n a_o difficult_a duty_n a_o difference_n indeed_o not_o inconsiderable_a but_o infinite_o outweigh_v by_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o more_o glorious_a reward_n by_o the_o constant_a pleasure_n of_o mind_n attend_v internal_a purity_n all_o which_o be_v want_v to_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o purification_n and_o last_o by_o that_o conviction_n which_o every_o one_o may_v have_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o external_a holiness_n be_v either_o obscure_a as_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o none_o at_o all_o as_o among_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o these_o reason_n i_o will_v now_o insist_v on_o and_o first_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v without_o innocence_n and_o purity_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n by_o which_o man_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o obedience_n pretend_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o he_o and_o proclaim_v enmity_n to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o conceive_v that_o while_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v detain_v in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n his_o prayer_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o offer_v up_o in_o vain_a if_o we_o look_v in_o the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n we_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v absurd_a to_o beg_v any_o favour_n of_o he_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o hate_v who_o we_o declare_v our_o enemy_n who_o we_o revile_v affront_n and_o despise_v all_o this_o we_o do_v to_o god_n by_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o himself_o profess_v hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o sinful_a men._n but_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n shall_v obtain_v any_o benefit_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v dear_a and_o well-pleasing_a to_o he_o as_o among_o human_a benefactor_n a_o kindness_n be_v always_o suppose_a to_o precede_v the_o benefit_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o sinner_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o god_n or_o receive_v his_o favour_n or_o if_o man_n can_v flatter_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o belief_n yet_o the_o express_a denunciation_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o entertain_v it_o who_o far_o from_o allow_v any_o kindness_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o proclaim_v that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n unto_o the_o wicked_a eminent_a and_o innumerable_a promise_n of_o favour_n be_v indeed_o annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o by_o
scripture_n be_v faid_fw-we to_o be_v the_o footstool_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a just_a and_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n ii_o and_o that_o he_o real_o do_v ascend_v thither_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o ascension_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v feel_v and_o handle_v that_o with_o which_o they_o have_v converse_v for_o forty_o day_n together_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o material_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n again_o and_o have_v perform_v all_o manner_n of_o vital_a action_n that_o very_a body_n they_o see_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o jesus_n who_o have_v rose_n again_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o who_o have_v lead_v they_o out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v visible_a and_o present_a to_o they_o till_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o his_o ascension_n as_o he_o be_v yet_o speak_v with_o they_o be_v part_v from_o they_o and_o carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n as_o we_o read_v luk._n xxiv_o which_o refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o christ_n ascend_v in_o spirit_n only_o have_v first_o put_v off_o and_o return_v to_o the_o several_a element_n that_o body_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o again_o that_o body_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v local_o present_a with_o they_o upon_o earth_n they_o see_v soon_o after_o to_o be_v real_o remove_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v into_o heaven_n for_o as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n when_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o bless_a they_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o testify_v his_o real_a and_o corporeal_a presence_n with_o they_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o next_o moment_n even_o while_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o part_v from_o they_o and_o while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n which_o prove_v his_o ascension_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o local_a translation_n from_o the_o part_n here_o below_o to_o those_o above_o and_o that_o at_o that_o moment_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_o humane_a body_n whatever_o glorious_a change_n it_o undergo_v after_o its_o reception_n into_o heaven_n the_o seat_n of_o immortality_n and_o spiritual_a being_n other_o circumstance_n deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o this_o ascension_n and_o first_o our_o lord_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v please_v to_o call_v together_o many_o if_o not_o all_o his_o disciple_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o a_o favour_n which_o be_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o conduct_n indeed_o be_v different_a but_o the_o reason_n not_o unlike_a in_o both_o case_n both_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v thenceforth_o to_o pass_v into_o necessary_a article_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o principal_a support_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o mankind_n both_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v place_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n by_o the_o attestation_n of_o many_o and_o credible_a witness_n to_o effect_v this_o at_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o any_o witness_n shall_v be_v present_a since_o the_o action_n of_o life_n visible_o and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o perform_v by_o he_o after_o his_o know_a crucifixion_n and_o burial_n abundant_o and_o even_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o some_o few_o day_n before_o he_o be_v true_o dead_a their_o sense_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o be_v now_o true_o alive_a whence_o they_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o they_o have_v actual_o see_v his_o resurrection_n whereas_o in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o ascension_n he_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v see_v by_o they_o in_o this_o life_n no_o mortal_a be_v thenceforward_o to_o see_v his_o state_n of_o glory_n or_o testify_v his_o station_n in_o heaven_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o that_o action_n which_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o testify_v and_o preach_v to_o other_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n be_v add_v to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o bless_a spirit_n far_o from_o repine_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o ascension_n exalt_v to_o a_o superior_a degree_n of_o glory_n descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o bear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o his_o arrival_n there_o as_o at_o his_o nativity_n they_o have_v do_v to_o proclaim_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o deity_n upon_o earth_n for_o it_o follow_v act_v i._o 10._o behold_v two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n which_o also_o say_v you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o apparition_n of_o angel_n a_o empty_a pageant_n or_o a_o unnecessary_a addition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n ascension_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o attendance_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n by_o their_o testimony_n concern_v his_o ascension_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o see_v he_o receive_v upon_o the_o cloud_n they_o look_v up_o and_o follow_v he_o with_o their_o eye_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sight_n can_v reach_v but_o that_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o low_a region_n and_o not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n their_o sense_n can_v not_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o lord_n be_v carry_v thither_o to_o evidence_n therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o remain_v that_o god_n by_o these_o ministerial_a spirit_n shall_v declare_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n these_o angel_n be_v wont_a to_o minister_v before_o and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v know_v to_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o they_o testify_v that_o christ_n have_v ascend_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v descend_v and_o thereby_o perfect_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n who_o sight_n can_v not_o reach_v so_o far_o far_o these_o bless_a spirit_n not_o only_o bring_v evidence_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o real_a ascension_n of_o their_o master_n into_o heaven_n but_o also_o give_v they_o comfort_n and_o alleviate_v their_o sorrow_n conceive_v for_o his_o departure_n by_o add_v those_o word_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o you_o have_v see_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n elisha_n have_v see_v his_o master_n elijah_n carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n yet_o know_v not_o certain_o how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v dispose_v of_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v he_o again_o he_o entertain_v the_o sight_n with_o grief_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o it_o rend_v his_o clothes_n nor_o have_v the_o disciple_n be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o anxiety_n without_o the_o present_a consolation_n of_o these_o angel_n when_o their_o lord_n have_v before_o his_o death_n declare_v to_o they_o his_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o the_o father_n john_n xvi_o they_o can_v not_o dissemble_v their_o grief_n as_o himself_o observe_v verse_n 6._o because_o i_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n unto_o you_o sorrow_n have_v fill_v your_o heart_n and_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n still_o retain_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o they_o have_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v not_o at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n which_o hope_n be_v total_o defeat_v by_o his_o departure_n into_o heaven_n both_o these_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o the_o angel_n happy_o do_v remove_v in_o these_o word_n they_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o take_v from_o they_o but_o themselves_o shall_v see_v he_o return_v in_o the_o last_o of_o day_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imagine_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v abolish_v they_o