by_o god_n consider_v no_o further_a than_o whether_o it_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o sense_n become_v clamorous_a if_o deny_v and_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o root_v out_o while_o we_o carry_v this_o body_n about_o with_o we_o who_o want_n and_o natural_a motion_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o it_o it_o be_v indeed_o absolute_o subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n if_o this_o exert_v its_o self_n vigorous_o and_o maintain_v a_o constant_a guard_n but_o if_o it_o grow_v remiss_a if_o those_o natural_a motion_n either_o by_o negligence_n or_o the_o impression_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v raise_v into_o strong_a passion_n the_o danger_n be_v evident_a sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n and_o if_o not_o repel_v by_o a_o vigorous_a opposition_n will_v force_v its_o entrance_n this_o constant_a rebellion_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n against_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v that_o unhappiness_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o rom._n vii_o i_o see_v another_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n this_o alone_a be_v a_o constant_a temptation_n to_o mankind_n but_o then_o most_o dangerous_a when_o excite_v and_o foment_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o imprint_n in_o the_o imagination_n all_o those_o argument_n which_o can_v enforce_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o render_v they_o plausible_a in_o opposition_n to_o these_o we_o shall_v prepare_v ourselves_o by_o a_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o the_o restrainment_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o obedience_n if_o by_o a_o assiduous_a entertainment_n of_o these_o argument_n in_o our_o thought_n they_o become_v familiar_a and_o as_o it_o be_v habitual_a to_o we_o no_o soon_o shall_v we_o be_v prompt_v to_o sin_n by_o the_o insurrection_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n or_o the_o solicitation_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o the_o contrary_a argument_n will_v present_v themselves_o oppose_v and_o defeat_v the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o that_o this_o sin_n include_v some_o considerable_a pleasure_n the_o mind_n on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v remember_v that_o god_n send_v we_o not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v our_o pleasure_n as_o we_o shall_v think_v most_o convenient_a but_o to_o perform_v those_o immutable_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o bestow_v existence_n on_o we_o that_o this_o propose_a pleasure_n be_v indeed_o mean_a and_o trifle_a deprive_v we_o of_o a_o far_o great_a pleasure_n and_o draw_v eternal_a misery_n upon_o we_o if_o the_o body_n or_o imagination_n now_o affect_v urge_v vehement_o for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o 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infallible_a effect_n will_v be_v that_o they_o must_v blind_o follow_v either_o the_o fortuitous_a conception_n of_o a_o rove_a imagination_n or_o the_o impression_n of_o external_a object_n or_o the_o secret_a insinuation_n of_o subtle_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o this_o condition_n man_n inconsiderate_o follow_v that_o idea_n which_o first_o strike_v he_o and_o then_o no_o wonder_n the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o this_o favourable_a opportunity_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o imagination_n and_o turn_v it_o to_o his_o own_o destruction_n have_v thus_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o effectual_a method_n of_o resist_v our_o grand_a adversary_n the_o devil_n arise_v from_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o external_a assistance_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n with_o success_n and_o these_o be_v chief_o two_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a spirit_n and_o of_o these_o brief_o in_o their_o order_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v never_o want_v to_o faithful_a christian_n in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n he_o have_v engage_v that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v and_o this_o promise_v he_o observe_v inviolable_o by_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o direct_v our_o thought_n by_o influence_v our_o wi_n not_o that_o all_o the_o aforementioned_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o ability_n of_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v less_o owe_v to_o he_o than_o these_o more_o extraordinary_a emanation_n both_o equal_o proceed_v from_o his_o gift_n both_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o liberality_n but_o the_o former_a be_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n which_o can_v be_v want_v to_o he_o while_o he_o be_v
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 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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 procure_v pleasure_n for_o his_o body_n rise_v early_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n to_o heap_v up_o riches_n for_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o bodily_a enjoyment_n make_v this_o the_o only_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o else_o as_o for_o his_o soul_n he_o make_v it_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o body_n refuse_v to_o receive_v direction_n from_o it_o and_o sometime_o forget_v that_o he_o have_v any_o what_o shall_v we_o answer_v to_o these_o expostulation_n of_o god_n i_o fear_v we_o can_v plead_v innocence_n our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n demonstrate_v the_o contrary_n we_o be_v continual_o busy_a about_o enlarge_a our_o petty_a acquisition_n in_o the_o world_n we_o trouble_v and_o turmoil_v ourselves_o about_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o body_n but_o
afford_v no_o leisure_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o her_o creator_n the_o necessity_n of_o her_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o form_v these_o meditation_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o that_o real_a happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n when_o join_v in_o one_o again_o second_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n deserve_v our_o great_a care_n much_o more_o do_v the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o consummation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o crown_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o infinite_a preference_n which_o be_v due_a to_o these_o beyond_o those_o of_o our_o body_n for_o can_v it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o act_n as_o though_o we_o have_v neither_o soul_n nor_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o another_o more_o glorious_a and_o last_a state_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o our_o rest_n in_o this_o that_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o judge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v of_o make_v our_o account_n ready_a let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o just_o weigh_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o vanity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o shortness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o this_o frail_a life_n remember_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o 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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
conviction_n will_v be_v no_o less_o unuseful_a and_o unsuccessful_a than_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v either_o if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o reason_n which_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n or_o the_o force_n of_o those_o objection_n to_o which_o both_o method_n be_v liable_a the_o true_a cause_n which_o render_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n unsuccessful_a be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o men._n it_o find_v no_o welcome_a reception_n in_o world_n because_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n the_o of_o it_o it_o abridge_v the_o sensuality_n the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v not_o obey_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v forgo_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n a_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o lest_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o restrain_v his_o admire_a enjoyment_n it_o forbid_v revenge_n envy_n and_o malice_n and_o therefore_o mind_n possess_v with_o these_o vice_n can_v bear_v it_o these_o be_v the_o impediment_n which_o defeat_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o plead_v more_o strong_o and_o persuade_v more_o effectual_o than_o the_o argument_n which_o recommend_v that_o excellent_a religion_n few_o or_o none_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o perceive_v not_o the_o just_a motive_n of_o its_o credibility_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o reasonable_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o then_o compare_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n forbid_v by_o it_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o they_o willing_o over_o see_v and_o reject_v the_o latter_a that_o they_o may_v not_o forego_v the_o former_a and_o while_o man_n act_v thus_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n no_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n will_v be_v able_a to_o reform_v they_o if_o any_o such_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n in_o confirmation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o this_o conviction_n be_v already_o sufficient_o perform_v by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n so_o that_o in_o both_o case_n reason_n direct_v they_o to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o in_o one_o case_n the_o direction_n of_o reason_n be_v reject_v it_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v that_o in_o another_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n a_o resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o reason_n shall_v direct_v and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o violate_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v great_a or_o less_o since_o the_o man_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o obey_v it_o any_o far_a than_o it_o shall_v agree_v with_o his_o own_o lusts._n for_o miracle_n affect_v the_o understanding_n only_o they_o reform_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man._n they_o induce_v he_o indeed_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o from_o who_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v direction_n but_o remove_v not_o those_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o oppose_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o divine_a direction_n the_o same_o irregular_a desire_n continue_v the_o same_o affection_n possess_v his_o soul_n and_o will_v infallible_o render_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o duty_n unsuccessful_a until_o a_o firm_a resolution_n be_v form_v by_o he_o of_o perform_v whatsoever_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n of_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o reason_n shall_v direct_v of_o assent_v to_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v recommend_v and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v once_o form_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n settle_v for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o religion_n will_v obtain_v equal_a success_n with_o any_o extraordinary_a method_n whatsoever_o since_o even_o in_o that_o sufficient_a evidence_n may_v be_v find_v to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o reason_n direct_v and_o require_v obedience_n and_o assent_n to_o it_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o jew_n even_o under_o the_o government_n of_o moses_n while_o they_o enjoy_v the_o sight_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n nay_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o be_v feed_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n continue_v still_o no_o less_o disobedient_a make_v frequent_a apostasy_n from_o god_n rebel_v against_o his_o prophet_n by_o who_o ministration_n those_o miracle_n be_v perform_v and_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v not_o leave_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n behind_o they_o but_o retain_v the_o same_o sensuality_n and_o perverseness_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a revelation_n can_v make_v any_o impression_n on_o they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o god_n wrought_v one_o or_o ten_o thousand_o miracle_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n since_o one_o alone_a might_n convince_v they_o and_o all_o together_o can_v do_v no_o more_o as_o a_o blind_a man_n receive_v no_o more_o advantage_n from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o from_o a_o single_a star_n our_o lord_n indeed_o say_v in_o matth._n xi_o 21._o that_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o bethsaida_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o this_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v say_v rather_o to_o exaggerate_v the_o impenitence_n and_o perverseness_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o to_o declare_v what_o will_v have_v be_v the_o certain_a event_n if_o those_o miracle_n have_v real_o be_v perform_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n beside_o the_o case_n be_v infinite_o different_a between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o tyrian_n the_o former_a have_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o want_v that_o advantage_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n whence_o they_o also_o descend_v have_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n have_v be_v deface_v by_o long_a disuse_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v even_o necessary_a to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o restore_v the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o have_v they_o see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n far_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o common_a objection_n to_o which_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o convey_v religion_n long_o since_o settle_v without_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a method_n by_o miracle_n be_v subject_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n the_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v the_o want_n of_o absolute_a demonstration_n and_o even_o although_o miracle_n shall_v be_v always_o continue_v that_o still_o will_v be_v want_v man_n desirous_a to_o retain_v their_o vice_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n will_v still_o allege_v that_o those_o miracle_n be_v no_o other_o than_o illusion_n that_o their_o sense_n deceive_v they_o or_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o trick_n and_o imposture_n particular_o that_o sort_n of_o method_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o text_n desire_v may_v be_v employ_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o brethren_n will_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o exceptionable_a i_o mean_v the_o apparition_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o decease_a man_n assure_v the_o live_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o another_o life_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o form_v rule_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v true_a from_o imaginary_a apparition_n the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n from_o illusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o if_o such_o rule_n can_v be_v form_v man_n can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v reveal_v since_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n put_v not_o off_o their_o vice_n with_o the_o body_n and_o may_v still_o retain_v such_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v exercise_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o corporeal_a organ_n such_o as_o envy_n malice_n lie_v and_o fraud_n or_o if_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v the_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n attend_v such_o apparition_n will_v infallible_o hinder_v all_o clear_a perception_n either_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o apparition_n or_o of_o the_o matter_n reveal_v in_o it_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o here_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prejudice_n common_a to_o many_o christian_n who_o imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o have_v see_v with_o
life_n as_o it_o be_v high_o generous_a so_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o retain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therewith_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o so_o great_a that_o your_o own_o imagination_n will_v amplify_v it_o more_o than_o any_o word_n i_o can_v use_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o choose_a servant_n to_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v of_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o christian_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v incite_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o interval_n of_o piety_n this_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o in_o the_o 3d._a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o suffer_v such_o enormous_a sinner_n whole_o to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o therefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v undergo_v sharp_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n not_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n have_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n or_o that_o temporal_a calamity_n do_v always_o attend_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o as_o in_o a_o general_a persecution_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o precedent_a sin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o particular_a man_n although_o not_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n to_o have_v require_v to_o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o partake_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n so_o neither_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o those_o first_o christian_n be_v before_o their_o conversion_n for_o this_o reason_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o same_o visible_a manner_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o fear_v that_o a_o far_o great_a punishment_n be_v reserve_v to_o we_o hereafter_o if_o by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n we_o prevent_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o this_o precedent_n sinful_a course_n of_o life_n be_v another_o great_a difficulty_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n who_o have_v contract_v before_o their_o conversion_n long_o and_o fix_a habit_n of_o vice_n efface_v by_o disuse_n all_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o honesty_n which_o to_o restore_v can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o application_n if_o to_o these_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o those_o time_n we_o add_v the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v what_o just_a reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v i_o will_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o particular_a duty_n the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n with_o many_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o piety_n which_o we_o experience_n and_o lament_v that_o which_o chief_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o man_n in_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n be_v enure_v to_o follow_v the_o perception_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v easy_o form_v and_o affect_v the_o mind_n without_o any_o precedent_a preparation_n of_o it_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o object_n which_o sense_n present_v to_o he_o without_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n or_o form_v any_o conclusion_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n whereas_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o christianity_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o man_n not_o put_v into_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o they_o they_o can_v obtain_v nor_o yet_o conceive_v they_o without_o a_o regular_a proceed_n of_o judgement_n they_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o dignity_n power_n and_o other_o attribute_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o their_o own_o action_n to_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n the_o certain_a immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o possible_a immortality_n of_o their_o body_n the_o assurance_n of_o both_o from_o he_o who_o can_v perform_v it_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o such_o immortality_n shall_v be_v confer_v to_o receive_v then_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a conduct_n of_o this_o life_n all_o this_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v and_o examine_v before_o any_o conviction_n can_v be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o convince_v there_o want_v a_o second_o series_n of_o thought_n to_o convince_v mankind_n that_o to_o embrace_v this_o truth_n be_v their_o real_a interest_n the_o reward_v propose_v by_o it_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a they_o affect_v not_o the_o sense_n nor_o strike_v the_o imagination_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o measure_v the_o fruition_n of_o all_o pleasure_n he_o relish_v but_o little_a the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o scarce_o know_v wherein_o they_o consist_v and_o that_o which_o draw_v near_a to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o conception_n and_o meditation_n of_o intellectual_a object_n he_o find_v himself_o soon_o weary_a of_o it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o when_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v overcome_v here_o be_v still_o require_v another_o train_n of_o thought_n to_o fix_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n notwithstanding_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v till_o another_o life_n if_o then_o so_o much_o consideration_n be_v require_v to_o render_v the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n effectual_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o hardly_o conceive_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o present_a fruition_n and_o so_o little_a grateful_a to_o those_o organ_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o fruition_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v foresee_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n for_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n allow_v their_o soul_n to_o entertain_v any_o conception_n beyond_o what_o sense_n administer_v to_o they_o how_o few_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o immaterial_a being_n or_o spiritual_a interest_n not_o that_o any_o extraordinary_a strength_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v to_o form_v such_o thought_n and_o conviction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o frequent_o urge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v retain_v such_o thought_n improve_v they_o and_o act_n upon_o they_o but_o even_o this_o be_v irksome_a to_o his_o deprave_a nature_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v his_o body_n his_o soul_n he_o little_o know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o the_o noble_a pleasure_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o one_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o other_o he_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o disadvantage_n betray_v he_o either_o to_o neglect_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o to_o prefer_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n before_o they_o unless_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o diligent_a attention_n he_o have_v form_v a_o full_a conviction_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o value_n of_o they_o that_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o follow_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o even_o the_o reversion_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n another_o difficulty_n alike_o common_a to_o all_o be_v the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v that_o it_o include_v every_o action_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o any_o one_o part_n destroy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o exercise_v this_o or_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n unless_o the_o whole_a life_n be_v uniform_a and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o put_v a_o christian_a
their_o secret_a malice_n assign_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o to_o be_v their_o love_n of_o justice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o of_o their_o country_n and_o such_o be_v the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n that_o these_o pretence_n seldom_o want_v success_n cover_v the_o malice_n and_o rancour_n of_o a_o canker_a soul_n and_o give_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o secure_a opportunity_n of_o revenge_n all_o be_v apt_a to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v revenge_n when_o proceed_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o false_a honour_n which_o be_v before_o mention_v because_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v dissemble_v yet_o in_o truth_n this_o sort_n of_o revenge_n be_v infinite_o less_o criminal_a than_o the_o former_a arise_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n however_o dissemble_v and_o assume_v to_o itself_o more_o specious_a name_n this_o be_v form_v by_o a_o violent_a commotion_n of_o mind_n which_o last_v not_o many_o hour_n but_o that_o by_o a_o harden_a malice_n which_o work_v secret_o for_o many_o year_n together_o this_o be_v common_o effect_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o blood_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v scarce_o time_n to_o recollect_v itself_o or_o command_v the_o unruly_a passion_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a aggravation_n that_o any_o sin_n can_v receive_v this_o may_v sometime_o fall_v even_o upon_o a_o good_a man_n who_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n and_o from_o a_o violent_a indignation_n of_o receive_v unworthy_a injury_n may_v sudden_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o desire_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n but_o of_o the_o other_o a_o good_a man_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o hatred_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v habitual_a sin_n shall_v consist_v with_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o all_o habitual_a sin_n the_o mind_n can_v but_o many_o time_n reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o disease_n and_o be_v as_o often_o convince_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o it_o nourish_v the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o those_o sin_n often_o recur_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a of_o her_o own_o disease_n yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o man_n resolve_v to_o retain_v his_o hatred_n and_o malice_n towards_o other_o and_o in_o this_o resolution_n be_v encourage_v from_o the_o consideration_n that_o these_o sin_n be_v close_o and_o secret_a will_v consist_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o in_o his_o base_a design_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrite_n fix_v and_o determinate_a resolution_n of_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o still_o make_v use_n of_o his_o glorious_a name_n to_o carry_v on_o private_a design_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o scripture_n the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n be_v still_o denounce_v against_o hypocrite_n since_o they_o be_v all_o deliberate_a sin_n such_o as_o oppression_n covetousness_n injustice_n lie_v slander_v perfidiousness_n hatred_n and_o malice_n all_o sin_n of_o the_o most_o enormous_a gild_n and_o heighten_v by_o this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o piety_n religion_n and_o zeal_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o execute_v the_o several_a design_n of_o they_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o pretend_v a_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n as_o if_o they_o will_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o punish_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordinary_o provide_v no_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n reserve_v it_o to_o another_o yet_o oftentimes_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o these_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o punish_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o opposition_n to_o their_o humour_n fancy_n and_o design_n it_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o some_o man_n a_o unpardonable_a crime_n to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a or_o another_o party_n to_o have_v cross_v or_o oppose_v a_o design_n of_o the_o other_o although_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a or_o perhaps_o to_o have_v once_o perform_v their_o duty_n without_o partiality_n and_o corrupt_a favour_n to_o other_o when_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n do_v require_v it_o certain_o if_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n will_v be_v find_v the_o great_a of_o all_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a calamites_n overturning_a the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n great_a and_o numerous_a society_n of_o man_n such_o as_o this_o nation_n be_v can_v easy_o be_v dissolve_v without_o intestine_a division_n and_o such_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v find_v almost_o all_o the_o great_a society_n of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v break_v when_o they_o have_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o those_o continual_o practise_v upon_o each_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o preserve_v the_o religious_a or_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o country_n against_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o each_o prevail_v employ_v their_o interest_n and_o power_n not_o to_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o religion_n or_o law_n but_o to_o the_o ruin_n or_o vexation_n of_o the_o other_o i_o will_v not_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o own_o nation_n or_o bring_v any_o instance_n from_o our_o time_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o engage_v in_o any_o party_n but_o if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o example_n of_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n cover_v under_o such_o specious_a pretence_n thus_o when_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n resolve_v to_o take_v away_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o put_v on_o a_o mighty_a show_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a service_n and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o roman_a governor_n as_o a_o enemy_n unto_o cesar_n although_o themselves_o indeed_o care_v so_o little_a for_o cesar_n that_o they_o have_v at_o that_o very_a time_n form_v the_o design_n of_o a_o general_a rebellion_n against_o he_o as_o appear_v short_o after_o and_o when_o this_o rebellion_n break_v out_o and_o the_o people_n unanimous_o attempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o ancient_a liberty_n the_o most_o bloody_a and_o wicked_a part_n of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o zealot_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a concern_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o punish_v the_o secret_a favourer_n and_o friend_n of_o the_o roman_n murder_v or_o rob_v every_o man_n his_o private_a enemy_n and_o by_o this_o division_n make_v way_n to_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o without_o this_o advantage_n can_v not_o easy_o have_v overcome_v that_o populous_a and_o resolute_a nation_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o a_o resolve_a prosecution_n of_o revenge_n and_o much_o more_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scope_n or_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v produce_v this_o effect_n if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o when_o almost_o every_o man_n plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o command_n which_o oppose_v his_o peculiar_a passion_n when_o little_a beside_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v among_o we_o and_o even_o that_o pretence_n continue_v not_o out_o of_o any_o reverence_n to_o religion_n but_o because_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o secular_a and_o mean_a design_n we_o can_v but_o despair_v of_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n therein_o however_o we_o must_v declare_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n than_o to_o study_v revenge_n to_o continue_v hatred_n and_o animosity_n without_o end_n and_o never_o to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v a_o injury_n such_o a_o conduct_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o however_o cover_v with_o specious_a colour_n of_o wonderful_a zeal_n or_o purity_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o party_n will_v be_v no_o less_o damnable_a in_o a_o christian_a than_o idolatry_n in_o a_o heathen_a last_o if_o neither_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n nor_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n nor_o the_o regard_n of_o public_a security_n concern_v therein_o nor_o the_o direct_a opposition_n of_o christianity_n to_o it_o can_v draw_v man_n from_o the_o love_n of_o revenge_n yet_o at_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
they_o for_o however_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n be_v require_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o more_o essential_a condition_n of_o prayer_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o require_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n whereof_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n be_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n large_o treat_v of_o this_o worship_n can_v be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n unless_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o certain_a place_n and_o time_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o if_o the_o place_n of_o it_o be_v not_o fix_v no_o public_a worship_n can_v well_o consist_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o command_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o have_v not_o therein_o teach_v that_o all_o place_n be_v equal_o fit_v in_o which_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o singularity_n of_o one_o place_n and_o the_o appropriation_n of_o all_o public_a worship_n to_o that_o alone_a but_o continue_v the_o necessity_n of_o fix_v some_o certain_a place_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o believe_a world_n for_o that_o purpose_n not_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o man_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o place_n dedicate_v to_o religious_a uses_n or_o in_o a_o place_n make_v common_a to_o all_o the_o ordinary_a uses_n of_o life_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v take_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v mere_o ceremonial_a in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o retain_v all_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o the_o consecration_n of_o certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o appropriate_v they_o to_o that_o use_n alone_o be_v such_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o manifest_v since_o there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o who_o decry_v all_o difference_n between_o sacred_a and_o profane_a place_n first_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n those_o attribute_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o and_o evident_o appear_v in_o that_o most_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o himself_o have_v fix_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v contrive_v with_o the_o most_o exact_a symmetry_n dispose_v in_o a_o most_o beautiful_a order_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o worship_n which_o man_n pay_v to_o god_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o attrribute_n chief_o appear_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o reason_n that_o man_n shall_v direct_v his_o worship_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o if_o then_o in_o the_o visible_a operation_n of_o god_n such_o a_o decent_a order_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o the_o same_o order_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v maintain_v otherwise_o no_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v no_o homage_n pay_v to_o that_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o we_o see_v and_o admire_v in_o the_o creation_n god_n have_v not_o only_o form_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o also_o add_v infinite_a variety_n of_o light_n mineral_n plant_n and_o animal_n for_o his_o delight_n and_o for_o the_o ornament_n of_o life_n since_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o divine_a perfection_n manifest_v by_o their_o operation_n this_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o only_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o ceremony_n and_o many_o circumstance_n to_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n but_o also_o make_v it_o to_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o to_o accuse_v such_o addition_n and_o external_a ceremony_n of_o superstition_n be_v no_o less_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v add_v to_o the_o creation_n many_o thing_n not_o necessary_a yet_o ornamental_a to_o it_o how_o incongruous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o a_o irregular_a and_o slovenly_a manner_n how_o improper_a a_o return_n for_o the_o additional_a yet_o unnecessary_a convenience_n of_o humane_a life_n to_o adore_v the_o author_n of_o they_o without_o any_o order_n or_o external_a decency_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o induce_v man_n before_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o set_v they_o apart_o for_o that_o use_n only_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n be_v few_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n yet_o therein_o we_o find_v evident_a footstep_n of_o such_o dedication_n more_o particular_o in_o gen._n xxviii_o 16._o where_o jacob_n enjoy_v a_o vision_n at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n immediate_o conclude_v that_o the_o place_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o he_o say_v sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n which_o reflection_n of_o jacob_n prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o patriarch_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v be_v their_o belief_n that_o in_o those_o place_n god_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a present_a and_o to_o manifest_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o of_o a_o place_n of_o worship_n he_o immediate_o address_v himself_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o dedicate_a certain_a place_n to_o this_o use_n be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n alone_o but_o of_o all_o age_n and_o man_n profess_v any_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a which_o general_a practice_n and_o persuasion_n be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n allow_v to_o be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o where_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o as_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n of_o life_n and_o all_o the_o conveniency_n of_o it_o so_o he_o require_v as_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a act_n of_o adoration_n that_o some_o part_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o himself_o as_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o dominion_n over_o the_o whole_a thus_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n pay_v homage_n to_o he_o in_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o body_n in_o the_o concomitant_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o the_o external_a gesture_n of_o adoration_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v our_o good_n and_o wealth_n from_o he_o by_o offer_v up_o some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o to_o be_v employ_v as_o he_o shall_v direct_v which_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n consist_v chief_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o act_n of_o charity_n we_o confess_v he_o the_o author_n of_o life_n by_o dedicate_a certain_a time_n of_o it_o to_o his_o service_n and_o we_o confess_v he_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n by_o appropriate_v and_o submit_v some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o his_o immediate_a service_n by_o this_o his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v eminent_o acknowledge_v and_o the_o vassalage_n of_o man_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v declare_v further_o the_o erection_n and_o dedication_n of_o church_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v both_o useful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o proclaim_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o belief_n in_o he_o by_o all_o significative_a expression_n to_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o our_o profession_n to_o all_o age_n and_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o all_o man_n this_o fabric_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v most_o natural_o signify_v which_o be_v so_o many_o stand_n and_o last_a monument_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o that_o god_n to_o who_o service_n they_o be_v appropriate_v for_o this_o reason_n we_o often_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n erect_v pillar_n and_o heap_n of_o stone_n to_o be_v so_o many_o last_a monument_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o how_o gracious_o god_n accept_v such_o visible_a
repentance_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinner_n if_o the_o repentance_n be_v true_a perfect_a and_o serious_a the_o sinner_n thereby_o cleanse_v his_o soul_n and_o in_o that_o moment_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n if_o not_o so_o a_o imperfect_a or_o a_o feign_a repentance_n will_v no_o more_o promote_v the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n than_o if_o the_o supplicant_n have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o his_o sin_n nor_o ought_v this_o to_o be_v any_o dissuasion_n from_o early_a and_o constant_a innocence_n that_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o audience_n and_o favour_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n as_o to_o those_o of_o holy_a man_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o be_v no_o total_a change_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n that_o be_v indeed_o object_v by_o the_o envious_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n against_o the_o good_a housholder_n who_o reward_v the_o late-comer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n as_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o unequal_a distribution_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v what_o that_o good_a housholder_n represent_v god_n in_o the_o parable_n reply_v be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a that_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o man_n pious_a from_o his_o infancy_n without_o any_o notorious_a sin_n deserve_v no_o more_o from_o god_n than_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n new_o return_v to_o obedience_n yet_o to_o assert_v both_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o to_o enforce_v a_o constant_a holiness_n from_o the_o motive_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o it_o a_o little_a further_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o petition_n of_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o iniquity_n take_v away_o their_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n this_o he_o do_v to_o manasseh_n to_o the_o ninevite_n to_o many_o both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o we_o find_v neither_o promise_n nor_o example_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a favour_n beside_o pardon_n confer_v immediate_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_n such_o as_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o enemy_n prolongation_n of_o life_n communication_n of_o benefit_n to_o other_o for_o their_o sake_n effusion_n of_o eminent_a grace_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v reward_v reserve_v to_o person_n of_o more_o illustrious_a and_o more_o constant_a piety_n who_o by_o a_o long_a obedience_n give_v undoubted_a proof_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o their_o time_n as_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o abraham_n moses_n and_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v never_o defile_v with_o any_o notorious_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o world_n by_o remarkable_a act_n and_o uninterrupted_a habit_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o god_n by_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n consequent_a to_o their_o prayer_n their_o piety_n patience_n and_o obedience_n be_v raise_v far_o above_o the_o standard_n of_o latter_a time_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o we_o who_o have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o their_o example_n find_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o even_o dare_v not_o to_o ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o many_o indeed_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a benefit_n grant_v at_o the_o prayer_n of_o ancient_a saint_n be_v intend_v as_o so_o many_o miraculous_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o under_o the_o law_n be_v the_o only_o promise_a reward_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n yet_o still_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n do_v at_o this_o day_n decrease_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o piety_n and_o may_v be_v raise_v with_o it_o a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o chief_a design_n of_o it_o which_o as_o i_o before_o large_o prove_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o acknowledge_v his_o dominion_n over_o mankind_n his_o justice_n his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o omniscience_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n man_n declare_v his_o belief_n of_o all_o these_o divine_a attribute_n but_o without_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o affront_v they_o all_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o prayer_n and_o far_o from_o worship_v god_n in_o it_o deny_v his_o perfection_n and_o overthrow_v what_o otherwise_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o reason_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o obedience_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o god_n no_o less_o be_v that_o concomitant_a purity_n command_v for_o which_o we_o now_o plead_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o require_v prayer_n will_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n to_o perform_v the_o act_n and_o withhold_v the_o condition_n be_v then_o no_o other_o than_o to_o confess_v a_o obligation_n and_o immediate_o to_o deny_v it_o if_o prayer_n include_v a_o confession_n of_o our_o want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n continuance_n in_o sin_n argue_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o that_o imperfection_n that_o we_o affect_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o god_n and_o exempt_v from_o his_o government_n if_o in_o that_o man_n profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o by_o not_o purge_v his_o mind_n from_o sin_n he_o make_v his_o profession_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o protestation_n against_o plain_a fact_n if_o there_o he_o imply_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o he_o manifest_v by_o his_o practice_n that_o he_o think_v it_o not_o just_a to_o be_v deprive_v by_o his_o law_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o belove_a lusts._n if_o by_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n he_o confess_v he_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v every_o where_o present_a by_o his_o sin_n he_o pretend_v to_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o retire_v from_o his_o presence_n if_o in_o the_o one_o he_o publish_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o the_o other_o he_o defi_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o bow_v his_o knee_n indeed_o and_o prostrate_v his_o body_n in_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o his_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n thus_o a_o sinner_n wilful_o continue_v in_o sin_n destroy_v that_o adoration_n which_o by_o prayer_n he_o pretend_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n nor_o be_v that_o the_o only_a consequence_n attend_v sin_n in_o prayer_n that_o it_o defeat_v the_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o obstruct_v the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o it_o far_o involve_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o that_o he_o therein_o affront_v all_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o in_o pray_v to_o he_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n consist_v in_o commit_v the_o fact_n after_o a_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a invocation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n in_o revile_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n after_o a_o particular_a mention_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o both_o these_o and_o many_o more_o crime_n be_v act_v as_o often_o as_o a_o love_n or_o resolution_n of_o sin_v be_v retain_v with_o prayer_n so_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o deprave_v to_o a_o most_o deplorable_a degree_n it_o will_v fear_v to_o approach_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n without_o a_o perfect_a innocence_n that_o be_v either_o conscience_n of_o have_v commit_v no_o sin_n or_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o it_o if_o we_o join_v all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o we_o still_o shall_v not_o conceive_v a_o great_a than_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n god_n profess_v his_o supreme_a dominion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n proceed_v to_o violate_v the_o â—aws_n which_o he_o have_v found_v to_o call_v he_o by_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n yet_o neither_o to_o revere_v his_o majesty_n nor_o to_o fear_v his_o punishment_n to_o celebrate_v
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
light_n and_o example_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o in_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o this_o place_n and_o entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o whereas_o every_o one_o deviate_a from_o this_o rule_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v moral_a or_o religious_a action_n become_v a_o spot_n in_o this_o light_n a_o exception_n to_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o church_n against_o unbeliever_n he_o defeat_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a advantage_n which_o christ_n propose_v to_o produce_v in_o sound_v of_o a_o church_n and_o thereby_o become_v guilty_a not_o only_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o all_o those_o infidel_n or_o profane_a person_n who_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o discover_v that_o exemplariness_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v convince_v they_o if_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v and_o no_o such_o frequent_a or_o sincere_a effect_n of_o conversion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v it_o may_v well_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o cause_n that_o by_o the_o disobedience_n and_o vicious_a life_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o once_o glorious_a light_n be_v well_o nigh_o cover_v with_o spot_n and_o almost_o turn_v into_o darkness_n this_o luminary_n of_o the_o church_n never_o indeed_o be_v without_o spot_n even_o in_o its_o great_a vigour_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o while_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o perform_v their_o duty_n the_o diminution_n of_o light_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o be_v scarce_o discernible_a in_o succeed_a time_n as_o the_o number_n of_o wicked_a christian_n increase_v the_o light_n proportionable_o diminish_v until_o our_o day_n wherein_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o invert_v that_o the_o number_n of_o pious_a christian_n be_v very_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o the_o light_n of_o the_o church_n be_v almost_o extinguish_v whosoever_o then_o add_v to_o this_o remain_a light_n by_o his_o own_o single_a piety_n do_v the_o great_a service_n and_o whoever_o detract_v from_o it_o by_o his_o ill_a example_n do_v the_o great_a mischief_n because_o every_o addition_n and_o diminution_n be_v more_o sensible_a in_o a_o less_o than_o a_o great_a quantity_n of_o light_n thus_o all_o christian_n may_v become_v exemplar_n in_o conspire_v to_o complete_a the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n to_o those_o who_o be_v without_o it_o for_o not_o every_o one_o be_v fit_v in_o particular_a and_o single_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o other_o men._n many_o thing_n must_v concur_v to_o that_o which_o ofttimes_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man._n the_o mind_n of_o other_o man_n on_o who_o his_o example_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o influence_n must_v be_v first_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o his_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n or_o any_o other_o quality_n which_o may_v induce_v other_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n and_o where_o such_o quality_n be_v find_v the_o obligation_n of_o be_v exemplar_n become_v much_o more_o strict_a in_o that_o case_n he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o act_n in_o common_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o particular_a also_o as_o a_o director_n of_o all_o those_o who_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o his_o example_n such_o be_v parent_n to_o their_o child_n master_n to_o their_o servant_n great_a man_n to_o their_o inferior_n king_n to_o their_o subject_n wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n all_o such_o be_v as_o light_n to_o those_o subject_v to_o they_o who_o eye_n be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o be_v wont_a to_o form_v direction_n to_o themselves_o from_o their_o practice_n and_o this_o be_v what_o god_n particular_o require_v of_o great_a and_o know_a man_n in_o return_n for_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o they_o employ_v it_o for_o the_o instruction_n or_o persuasion_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o power_n and_o their_o knowledge_n have_v distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n and_o set_v they_o in_o a_o eminent_a station_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o be_v subject_v or_o inferior_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o every_o action_n of_o they_o have_v some_o influence_n but_o ordinary_o every_o habit_n fix_v even_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o inferior_n of_o who_o the_o most_o part_n look_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o demeanour_n of_o those_o who_o they_o suppose_v in_o power_n or_o knowledge_n to_o excel_v themselves_o if_o they_o observe_v no_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n these_o can_v so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o if_o they_o practise_v forbid_v pleasure_n or_o give_v way_n to_o unlawful_a passion_n these_o will_v lose_v even_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o see_v their_o superior_n the_o suppose_a judge_n of_o decency_n and_o lawfulness_n without_o fear_n to_o pursue_v if_o they_o conscientious_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n even_o respect_v to_o their_o person_n will_v engage_v other_o in_o the_o same_o course_n of_o piety_n as_o be_v general_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o be_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o themselves_o be_v more_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v true_a happiness_n thus_o every_o good_a man_n fit_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v he_o for_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o become_v a_o public_a blessing_n he_o enter_v not_o into_o heaven_n alone_o but_o carry_v with_o he_o the_o welcome_a attendance_n of_o those_o who_o his_o example_n have_v draw_v thither_o with_o he_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o in_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o such_o exemplar_n yet_o most_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o as_o be_v superior_a to_o some_o other_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v rule_n of_o direction_n from_o they_o and_o not_o a_o few_o be_v place_v in_o such_o eminent_a station_n as_o derive_v exceed_v influence_n upon_o all_o those_o who_o be_v seat_v under_o they_o and_o such_o if_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n become_v a_o snare_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o destruction_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o their_o example_n be_v betray_v into_o sin_n they_o fall_v not_o alone_o but_o like_o lucifer_n seat_v on_o a_o eminent_a throne_n draw_v legion_n of_o apostate_n angel_n with_o they_o into_o hell_n for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o all_o who_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v and_o can_v plead_v as_o do_v those_o sinner_n who_o act_n in_o the_o low_a sphere_n that_o thereby_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o alone_o rather_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n ruin_v by_o their_o ill_a example_n will_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o be_v revenge_v on_o they_o it_o be_v frequent_o add_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o jeroboam_n as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o his_o crime_n that_o he_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o a_o single_a apostasy_n but_o draw_v the_o whole_a nation_n into_o idolatry_n by_o his_o power_n and_o example_n we_o need_v look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o history_n of_o that_o and_o other_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o great_a example_n for_o as_o often_o as_o those_o introduce_v idolatry_n or_o restore_v true_a religion_n so_o often_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n fall_v into_o apostasy_n or_o return_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o reward_n of_o those_o pious_a prince_n will_v receive_v infinite_a increase_n from_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o their_o example_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o the_o other_o will_v be_v heighten_v from_o the_o infection_n communicate_v to_o other_o by_o their_o wickedness_n and_o what_o prince_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o subject_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o same_o be_v all_o superior_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o inferior_n whether_o in_o authority_n riches_n or_o knowledge_n the_o piety_n of_o a_o master_n reform_v or_o his_o dissoluteness_n corrupt_v a_o whole_a family_n the_o exemplariness_n of_o a_o rich_a man_n instruct_v or_o his_o wickedness_n debauch_v all_o his_o poor_a dependent_n the_o religious_a conduct_n of_o a_o know_a man_n correct_v or_o his_o unwary_a behaviour_n pervert_v all_o his_o admirer_n and_o all_o such_o shall_v certain_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o their_o exemplary_a piety_n or_o if_o their_o conduct_n be_v contrary_a the_o punishment_n of_o their_o private_a sin_n will_v be_v much_o
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
our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o manner_n of_o temptation_n in_o each_o case_n be_v not_o different_a be_v in_o each_o case_n effect_v by_o inward_a suggestion_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n visible_o appear_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n to_o have_v propose_v his_o allure_a temptation_n without_o any_o disguise_n will_v more_o have_v prejudice_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o than_o all_o the_o specious_a argument_n wherewith_o he_o recommend_v they_o can_v have_v enforce_v they_o he_o tempt_v christ_n by_o insinuate_v secret_o into_o his_o mind_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o that_o since_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n he_o have_v better_o satisfy_v his_o hunger_n by_o turn_v the_o stone_n into_o bread_n than_o endure_v it_o any_o long_o in_o await_v the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o to_o leap_v off_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o be_v carry_v safe_a in_o the_o air_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o raise_v his_o glory_n and_o fame_n among_o man_n and_o that_o if_o he_o will_v employ_v that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o gain_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o lord_n and_o thus_o he_o continue_v to_o tempt_v we_o with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o excellent_a wisdom_n know_v that_o all_o those_o suggestion_n proceed_v from_o that_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v those_o evil_a motion_n which_o we_o then_o find_v within_o ourselves_o to_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o since_o these_o suggestion_n be_v usual_o specious_a argument_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o be_v find_v in_o sin_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o this_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o understanding_n which_o as_o they_o imagine_v raise_v they_o beyond_o the_o trifle_a superstition_n of_o religious_a fool_n who_o be_v content_a to_o forfeit_v the_o chief_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v they_o know_v not_o who_o and_o suffer_v they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n whereby_o they_o alone_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o reconcile_v all_o these_o sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v to_o their_o pretence_n of_o future_a happiness_n when_o indeed_o pious_a man_n know_v no_o less_o than_o they_o what_o be_v the_o specious_a argument_n recommend_v sinful_a pleasure_n and_o by_o what_o method_n they_o may_v be_v best_a enhance_v but_o they_o will_v not_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o such_o consideration_n and_o if_o suggest_v to_o they_o present_o do_v remove_v they_o not_o only_o because_o by_o attention_n to_o they_o they_o be_v endanger_v to_o be_v allure_v or_o betray_v to_o consent_v to_o they_o but_o also_o because_o voluntary_o to_o continue_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o dwell_v upon_o they_o be_v a_o sin_n since_o this_o include_v a_o connivance_n of_o the_o will_n not_o restrain_v the_o imagination_n from_o such_o impure_a idea_n and_o be_v common_o attend_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o complacency_n which_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o put_v the_o please_a sin_n in_o practice_n so_o then_o the_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o elude_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o decline_v his_o suggestion_n immediate_o to_o remove_v even_o the_o first_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o divert_v the_o soul_n to_o some_o lawful_a object_n but_o because_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o strong_o excite_v by_o some_o violent_a object_n or_o impression_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v even_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o suppress_v it_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n as_o we_o see_v in_o violent_a passion_n which_o can_v no_o more_o be_v allay_v by_o one_o act_n of_o dissent_n in_o the_o will_n than_o a_o tempestuous_a sea_n be_v calm_v in_o one_o minute_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o provide_v remedy_n against_o such_o adventure_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a be_v that_o prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n v._o 29._o 30._o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o otherwise_o indifferent_a object_n thou_o find_v thyself_o often_o betray_v to_o a_o unlawful_a use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o any_o other_o sin_n deprive_v thyself_o even_o of_o that_o lawful_a pleasure_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o expose_v thy_o soul_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o total_a destruction_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_a not_o only_o that_o apparent_a but_o even_o all_o real_a satisfaction_n if_o by_o any_o please_a object_n of_o sight_n thou_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v tempt_v to_o unlawful_a desire_n by_o a_o prudent_a caution_n debar_v thyself_o even_o of_o those_o otherwise_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o that_o noble_a faculty_n if_o grateful_a object_n of_o touch_n do_v often_o excite_v such_o vehement_a passion_n in_o thou_o as_o can_v be_v satisfy_v without_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o thence_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n without_o lust_a after_o she_o suffer_v not_o thy_o eye_n to_o gaze_v upon_o she_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o engage_v in_o company_n without_o be_v tempt_v to_o drunkenness_n deny_v thyself_o so_o dangerous_a a_o satisfaction_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n a_o most_o divine_a counsel_n and_o excellent_o fit_v to_o defeat_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o propensity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n to_o sin_n every_o man_n may_v discover_v in_o himself_o a_o proneness_n to_o some_o particular_a sin_n beyond_o other_o of_o which_o evil_a spirit_n make_v their_o advantage_n and_o most_o frequent_o assault_v man_n by_o incite_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o here_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v chief_o careful_a and_o rather_o than_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o it_o dread_v even_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o suspect_v even_o his_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o object_n to_o which_o the_o sin_n relate_v and_o if_o all_o this_o circumspection_n prevent_v not_o the_o return_n of_o his_o unlawful_a passion_n as_o oft_o as_o the_o object_n be_v renew_v to_o renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o at_o least_o until_o those_o passion_n can_v be_v so_o far_o allay_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v again_o entertain_v the_o object_n without_o any_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o most_o frequent_a case_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o that_o be_v when_o the_o idea_n produce_v by_o the_o object_n or_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o it_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o a_o single_a dissent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o caution_n be_v either_o by_o our_o own_o negligence_n or_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o our_o adversary_n or_o both_o actual_o produce_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n chief_o appear_v the_o devil_n be_v vigilant_a and_o unwearied_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o design_n attack_n we_o on_o all_o side_n successive_o if_o he_o be_v repulse_v at_o one_o post_n he_o assault_v we_o at_o another_o and_o never_o give_v over_o till_o he_o gain_v entrance_n here_o be_v the_o chief_a conflict_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_n spirit_n excit_v his_o imagination_n when_o his_o passion_n be_v raise_v by_o this_o conception_n when_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n grow_v impetuous_a oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o reason_n and_o require_v blind_o to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o this_o to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v the_o devil_n opportunity_n to_o assault_v we_o and_o success_n in_o it_o this_o proceed_v no_o far_a than_o the_o bare_a satisfaction_n of_o sense_n it_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n look_v not_o up_o to_o heaven_n nor_o discern_v any_o future_a hope_n therein_o common_a with_o beast_n who_o pursue_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o present_a object_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o futurity_n this_o continual_o incit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v the_o object_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o without_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v allow_v or_o forbid_v
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
advantage_n by_o it_o they_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v indeed_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v require_v a_o discrimination_n of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o than_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o because_o the_o bad_a be_v to_o be_v punish_v the_o good_a must_v be_v reward_v with_o any_o supernatural_a favour_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o man_n for_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o be_v and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o life_n from_o god_n and_o enjoy_v they_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n or_o if_o a_o extraordinary_a reward_n may_v be_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n yet_o can_v no_o man_n in_o that_o state_n conceive_v a_o assurance_n of_o his_o title_n to_o it_o since_o no_o such_o reward_n can_v be_v claim_v but_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o every_o one_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v in_o any_o such_o claim_n last_o to_o remove_v all_o this_o anxiety_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o renounce_v all_o hope_n of_o future_a or_o supernatural_a happiness_n and_o live_v regardless_o of_o it_o for_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v still_o suggest_v to_o he_o that_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o if_o he_o slight_v the_o suggestion_n his_o conscience_n will_v afflict_v and_o torment_v he_o will_v upbraid_v he_o with_o it_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o condemn_v himself_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v these_o suggestion_n he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a and_o if_o he_o can_v effect_v it_o he_o must_v conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o beast_n upon_o the_o whole_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v not_o but_o labour_n with_o great_a anxiety_n grow_v restless_a and_o impatient_a under_o the_o burden_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v thereby_o necessitate_v to_o betake_v itself_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o christ_n who_o promise_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o it_o but_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n more_o particular_o refer_v to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n a_o religion_n encumber_a with_o so_o many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o many_o positive_a precept_n and_o observation_n that_o st._n peter_n just_o complain_v of_o it_o in_o act_n xv._n 10._o as_o of_o a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o their_o father_n nor_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o at_o first_o intend_v to_o perfect_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n or_o immediate_o to_o procure_v happiness_n but_o rather_o to_o guard_v that_o stiff-necked_a people_n from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o incline_v that_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v about_o these_o legal_a observation_n they_o may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o superstitious_a rite_n and_o even_o conceive_v a_o hatred_n of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o contribute_v little_a to_o raise_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o improve_v his_o faculty_n or_o give_v he_o assurance_n of_o what_o he_o most_o desire_a a_o happiness_n equal_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o undeserved_o call_v the_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o ezek._n xx._n say_v to_o be_v statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o judgement_n whereby_o the_o observer_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o live_v to_o have_v be_v give_v in_o his_o anger_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o many_o rebellion_n and_o apostasy_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a number_n of_o their_o positive_a precept_n ceremony_n and_o observation_n how_o little_o they_o contribute_v to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o will_n or_o enlighten_v of_o the_o understanding_n how_o obscure_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v and_o how_o inconsiderable_a the_o reward_n annex_v to_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o institution_n infinite_o more_o severe_a than_o what_o be_v afterward_o introduce_v by_o christ._n there_o be_v â—ndeed_o a_o reward_n adjoin_v to_o it_o but_o â—hat_n so_o far_o beneath_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n terminate_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o even_o this_o reward_n they_o find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v common_a to_o the_o observer_n and_o violator_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o good_a alone_o yet_o be_v subject_a to_o as_o many_o variation_n as_o be_v the_o body_n which_o it_o principal_o concern_v again_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o sensible_a vexation_n to_o a_o consider_v mind_n that_o they_o be_v treat_v by_o god_n at_o such_o distance_n debar_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o be_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o prescribe_v of_o they_o can_v discover_v no_o reasonableness_n or_o excellency_n in_o they_o no_o agreeableness_n between_o they_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o such_o carnal_a observation_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o or_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v they_o yet_o when_o they_o view_v the_o number_n the_o extent_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o they_o even_o despair_v to_o perform_v they_o they_o have_v indeed_o all_o the_o reason_n common_a to_o natural_a religion_n and_o some_o peculiar_a to_o themselves_o to_o expect_v from_o the_o divine_a justice_n a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a reward_n but_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o legal_a righteousness_n consist_v in_o a_o universal_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n extinguish_v their_o hope_n and_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o all_o the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v provide_v remedy_n expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n of_o omission_n inadvertency_n and_o a_o lesser_a gild_n but_o give_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n to_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o heinous_a nature_n have_v assign_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o expiation_n nor_o allow_v any_o mean_n of_o pardon_n for_o they_o amid_o all_o these_o difficulty_n the_o mind_n be_v afflict_v be_v conscious_a of_o her_o own_o offence_n but_o not_o discover_v the_o remedy_n of_o the_o guilt_n despise_v the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o temporal_a felicity_n yet_o promise_v no_o better_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o precept_n but_o take_v no_o complacency_n therein_o fear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o scarce_o able_a to_o avoid_v it_o thus_o be_v the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o itself_o a_o heavy_a burden_n even_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o pharisaical_a interpretation_n who_o by_o their_o scruple_n nicety_n and_o supererrogation_n have_v at_o that_o time_n almost_o double_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o in_o relief_n of_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n our_o lord_n invite_v the_o weary_a soul_n to_o take_v refuge_n in_o his_o religion_n assure_v she_o of_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n therein_o ease_n of_o scruple_n and_o removal_n of_o anxiety_n in_o the_o 28_o verse_n bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o past_a sin_n nor_o despair_n of_o pardon_n not_o fear_v to_o approach_v to_o he_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o mount_n sina_n when_o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v by_o god_n from_o thence_o for_o that_o himself_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n in_o the_o 29_o verse_n ready_a to_o forgive_v their_o sin_n upon_o sincere_a repentance_n condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n willing_a to_o lay_v open_a all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o their_o understanding_n to_o adapt_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a to_o treat_v all_o with_o a_o constant_a sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o fill_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o the_o promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o reward_n which_o shall_v be_v nothing_o inferior_a to_o their_o most_o extend_a desire_n the_o far_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o ii_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o yoke_n and_o lightness_n of_o the_o burden_n impose_v upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n separate_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o it_o more_o near_o respect_v our_o practice_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o this_o yoke_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n or_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n which_o word_n st._n john_n make_v use_v of_o to_o express_v the_o same_o sense_n 1_o joh._n v._o 3._o for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o
whether_o your_o conscience_n do_v not_o instruct_v you_o that_o many_o thing_n you_o ought_v to_o do_v other_o to_o omit_v and_o whether_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o upbraid_v to_o you_o the_o omission_n or_o violation_n of_o your_o duty_n if_o then_o all_o the_o momentous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o what_o our_o lord_n exact_v of_o we_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o reason_n will_v have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o if_o no_o revelation_n have_v intervene_v sure_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o christianity_n be_v a_o burden_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o practise_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o contrary_a conduct_n be_v a_o force_n of_o nature_n now_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v natural_a to_o any_o be_v be_v most_o easy_a to_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o common_a sense_n will_v teach_v we_o for_o in_o be_v such_o it_o be_v most_o adapt_v and_o proportion_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a this_o argument_n will_v receive_v a_o far_a illustration_n from_o that_o sweet_a complacency_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o all_o good_a action_n and_o which_o do_v infinite_o alleviate_v the_o burden_n and_o compensate_a the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o this_o our_o lord_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o in_o the_o text_n when_o affirm_v his_o yoke_n to_o be_v easy_a he_o use_v a_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o original_a more_o proper_o denote_v sweet_a and_o pleasant_a what_o great_a argument_n than_o can_v be_v conceive_v either_o of_o the_o eaâ—iness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n than_o that_o a_o grateful_a complacency_n always_o attend_v they_o while_o the_o soul_n congratulate_v to_o herself_o the_o performance_n of_o her_o duty_n the_o conquest_n of_o adverse_a lust_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o she_o own_o faculty_n no_o joy_n can_v be_v conceive_v more_o intense_a than_o this_o none_o more_o serene_a and_o undisturbed_a because_o none_o more_o spiritual_a or_o found_v upon_o better_a reason_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o every_o good_a man_n can_v confirm_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n nor_o do_v even_o bad_a man_n want_v the_o same_o conviction_n for_o none_o almost_o be_v find_v so_o total_o corrupt_v who_o do_v not_o sometime_o practise_v good_a action_n and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o receive_v not_o a_o inward_a satisfaction_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o degree_n of_o complacency_n be_v find_v in_o they_o who_o through_o disuse_n be_v wont_n little_a to_o relish_v or_o value_v spiritual_a pleasure_n what_o infinite_a satisfaction_n must_v good_a man_n reap_v from_o thence_o who_o by_o a_o well_o fix_a determination_n have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o present_a happiness_n and_o will_v hereafter_o procure_v yet_o more_o noble_a enjoyment_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o vicious_a action_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o no_o less_o constant_a dissatisfaction_n and_o regret_n of_o mind_n raise_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n only_o for_o who_o can_v be_v impious_a or_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o not_o conceive_v indignation_n at_o his_o own_o ingratitude_n who_o ever_o reflect_v upon_o any_o inordinate_a lust_n commit_v by_o he_o and_o do_v not_o afterward_o vex_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o command_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o can_v not_o overcome_v a_o foolish_a desire_n who_o ever_o yield_v to_o drunkenness_n and_o do_v not_o at_o the_o return_n of_o his_o wit_n conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o himself_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o sin_n reason_n do_v not_o fail_v to_o upbraid_v to_o man_n that_o he_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o his_o nature_n degrade_v his_o soul_n and_o dishonour_v himself_o this_o remorse_n alone_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a punishment_n make_v know_v by_o revelation_n bring_v far_o more_o affliction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o sin_n bring_v pleasure_n to_o it_o these_o expire_v in_o a_o moment_n those_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n remain_v which_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suspend_v by_o violent_a lust_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o will_v certain_o break_v out_o with_o great_a force_n and_o torment_v the_o mind_n with_o inward_a shame_n anxiety_n and_o distrust_n upon_o the_o whole_a a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v most_o agreeable_a most_o easy_a and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n even_o abstract_v from_o the_o obligation_n superad_v by_o revelation_n and_o the_o reward_n promise_v by_o it_o so_o that_o our_o lord_n in_o make_v the_o moral_a virtue_n the_o only_a practical_a duty_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o propose_a reward_n have_v impose_v a_o most_o easy_a and_o most_o desirable_a yoke_n upon_o mankind_n a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o reason_n more_o particular_o render_v easy_a that_o most_o arduous_a duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_n endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n employ_v by_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n facility_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a notion_n and_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n which_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v bear_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o hazard_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o eminent_a advantage_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o proportionable_a industry_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n when_o therefore_o the_o great_a happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o freewill_n as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n the_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o easy_a burden_n when_o it_o procure_v to_o we_o such_o a_o infinite_a reward_n and_o not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n from_o christ_n impose_v so_o strict_a and_o universal_a holiness_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v also_o a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o we_o of_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o all_o other_o action_n of_o life_n our_o endeavour_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o vigorous_a as_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v more_o or_o less_o intense_a the_o fervency_n of_o the_o desire_n be_v always_o proportionable_a to_o our_o esteem_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o conceive_v a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o this_o noble_a end_n and_o be_v thereby_o incite_v to_o use_v a_o suitable_a diligence_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o form_n to_o ourselves_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o by_o reflect_v on_o the_o infinite_a duration_n the_o inconceivable_a pleasure_n and_o immutable_a state_n of_o it_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o trifle_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o a_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a than_o can_v be_v now_o conceive_v this_o will_v carry_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n baffle_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o temporal_a affliction_n much_o more_o effectual_o than_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n the_o ambition_n of_o a_o crown_n or_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o violent_a passion_n have_v engage_v many_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a undertake_n for_o in_o these_o latter_a case_n the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o end_n be_v never_o ascertain_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o design_n the_o most_o vigorous_a industry_n and_o courage_n be_v in_o they_o subject_a to_o the_o chance_n of_o fortune_n whereas_o in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a conjunction_n between_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n between_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
of_o gratitude_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a corporeal_a bondage_n and_o leave_v we_o without_o any_o obligation_n of_o render_v public_a and_o solemn_a honour_n to_o he_o for_o free_v we_o from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a slavery_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o feast_n of_o easter_n institute_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o redemption_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o they_o appoint_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n christ_n be_v our_o passover_n as_o we_o hear_v this_o morning_n from_o 1_o cor._n v._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o christian_a festival_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v they_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o no_o less_o religion_n than_o be_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n gratitude_n and_o devotion_n because_o they_o commemorate_v far_o great_a benefit_n that_o this_o festival_n therefore_o be_v particular_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n immediate_o after_o their_o time_n do_v most_o evident_o manifest_v it_o scarce_o be_v st._n john_n the_o last_o liver_n of_o the_o apostle_n dead_a when_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n begin_v to_o divide_v about_o the_o time_n of_o solemnize_n easter_n not_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v solemnize_v but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a or_o a_o movable_a feast_n both_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o custom_n as_o for_o a_o essential_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o indeed_o strain_v a_o circumstance_n too_o far_o but_o clear_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o easter_n be_v then_o by_o all_o christian_n account_v a_o essential_a institution_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a to_o vary_v the_o least_o circumstance_n former_o receive_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o festival_n have_v succeed_v instead_o of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o do_v prefigure_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o our_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o they_o in_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb._n as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o remove_v all_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o house_n so_o we_o be_v to_o put_v away_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o they_o then_o sing_v hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o consummate_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o day_n as_o they_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n in_o a_o habit_n and_o posture_n express_v their_o readiness_n to_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a testimony_n of_o rejoice_v and_o mutual_a kindness_n so_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o be_v pay_v upon_o this_o day_n with_o a_o bitter_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n to_o go_v wherever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o be_v for_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a thanksgiving_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v form_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o more_o particular_o for_o raise_v to_o life_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n so_o by_o worthy_o celebrate_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o shall_v obtain_v to_o be_v hereafter_o admit_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o share_v in_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o now_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o april_n 5_o 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 prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o whereby_o we_o chief_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o god_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o necessity_n to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v annex_v and_o so_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o effect_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o which_o this_o verse_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n in_o it_o the_o word_n easy_o direct_v i_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v ii_o the_o place_n of_o it_o every_o where_o iii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n to_o enforce_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o command_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_v herein_o by_o divine_a commission_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v long_o since_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n found_v by_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v his_o commission_n before_o he_o impose_v the_o command_n a_o command_n not_o first_o introduce_v by_o he_o but_o often_o repeat_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o since_o none_o as_o i_o suppose_v will_v dispute_v the_o command_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o proceed_v to_o do_v first_o then_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v by_o man_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v necessary_a to_o we_o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n at_o first_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o afterward_o all_o his_o life_n long_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o maintain_v by_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o that_o service_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o pay_v and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o adore_v his_o majesty_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o own_o his_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o profess_v himself_o the_o creature_n the_o servant_n the_o subject_a of_o god_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o as_o such_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n for_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o we_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n have_v set_v he_o beyond_o all_o want_n of_o external_a aid_n and_o even_o beyond_o all_o increase_n of_o happiness_n even_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o our_o worship_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o less_o require_v of_o we_o since_o it_o declare_v our_o conviction_n of_o that_o gratitude_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o benefit_n and_o his_o power_n that_o honour_n worship_n and_o reverence_n which_o belong_v
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
thought_n will_v easy_o recur_v as_o often_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v repeat_v and_o immediate_o create_v a_o real_a devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o have_v by_o frequent_a hear_n and_o meditation_n of_o those_o word_n full_o attain_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o they_o and_o long_o since_o receive_v deep_a impression_n from_o they_o by_o this_o benefit_n the_o devout_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v and_o direct_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o a_o certain_a method_n of_o devotion_n and_o worship_n which_o mighty_o facilitate_v their_o conception_n remove_v their_o distraction_n and_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o attend_v to_o that_o alone_a on_o which_o they_o be_v then_o employ_v this_o alone_a aught_o to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o frequency_n of_o it_o to_o mankind_n that_o it_o make_v up_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v perhaps_o be_v more_o persuasive_a that_o it_o produce_v great_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n to_o man_n which_o be_v so_o amplify_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o many_o promise_n of_o grant_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v desire_v by_o the_o frequent_a example_n of_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n and_o benefit_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a the_o duty_n shall_v be_v neglect_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o either_o devoid_a of_o faith_n or_o regardless_o of_o their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v not_o only_o promise_v by_o christ_n that_o whatsoever_o man_n shall_v ask_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o have_v faith_n nothing_o which_o they_o desire_v shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o they_o that_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v open_a to_o they_o that_o knock_v that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o even_o to_o obtain_v more_o than_o be_v include_v in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n as_o be_v there_o illustrate_v by_o example_n but_o god_n have_v also_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v himself_o as_o labour_v under_o the_o ordinary_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n who_o often_o grant_v what_o they_o have_v not_o design_v to_o avoid_v the_o restless_a importunity_n of_o the_o petitioner_n that_o so_o no_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n may_v discourage_v man_n from_o apply_v himself_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n thus_o luk._n xi_o our_o lord_n describe_v god_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o housholder_n who_o although_o he_o will_v not_o lend_v to_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o friendship_n yet_o do_v it_o to_o satisfy_v his_o importunity_n and_o luk._n xviii_o he_o resemble_v god_n to_o a_o unjust_a judge_n who_o although_o he_o will_v not_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o poor_a widow_n for_o justice_n sake_n as_o who_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v it_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o her_o troublesome_a importunity_n these_o representation_n may_v perhaps_o appear_v surprise_v it_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v his_o favour_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v fall_v under_o any_o temptation_n common_a to_o man._n yet_o if_o we_o look_v a_o little_a near_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o whole_a conduct_n agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n god_n indeed_o bestow_v not_o any_o favour_n but_o upon_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n he_o have_v affix_v certain_a condition_n to_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o will_v not_o separate_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o any_o one_o he_o ever_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o cause_n and_o be_v deaf_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n yet_o grant_v many_o petition_n to_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o petitioner_n which_o without_o that_o importunity_n will_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v for_o he_o who_o pray_v importunate_o to_o god_n do_v thereby_o qualify_v himself_o for_o his_o favour_n since_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v conceive_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v address_v himself_o by_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o every_o sin_n which_o may_v obstruct_v the_o grant_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o herein_o his_o care_n will_v be_v no_o less_o intense_a than_o be_v his_o desire_n of_o what_o he_o then_o request_v his_o very_a address_v himself_o to_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o find_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o happiness_n in_o his_o favour_n if_o the_o prayer_n be_v often_o repeat_v as_o be_v always_o in_o case_n of_o importunity_n the_o soul_n do_v thereby_o contract_v a_o habit_n of_o piety_n of_o think_v upon_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n of_o fear_v he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o when_o man_n by_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o disposition_n no_o wonder_n that_o god_n shall_v then_o grant_v to_o he_o what_o at_o first_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o and_o then_o indulge_v to_o he_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a since_o he_o be_v now_o become_v as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a thus_o prayer_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o reform_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o expel_v profaneness_n infidelity_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o to_o introduce_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o will_v at_o last_o give_v a_o just_a claim_n of_o divine_a favour_n to_o he_o man_n by_o present_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n do_v accustom_v his_o mind_n to_o just_a conception_n of_o his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o command_n over_o we_o do_v imprint_v therein_o a_o awful_a regard_n of_o his_o majesty_n after_o many_o resolution_n form_v and_o renew_v in_o prayer_n she_o find_v the_o very_a inclination_n of_o his_o will_n change_v what_o at_o first_o he_o do_v but_o cold_o desire_v after_o many_o reflection_n on_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o he_o vehement_o affect_v what_o at_o first_o he_o be_v but_o light_o persuade_v of_o after_o many_o profession_n he_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o what_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a impression_n of_o mind_n after_o frequent_a iteration_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n become_v a_o well_o fix_a habit._n it_o must_v be_v a_o unnatural_a sort_n of_o perverseness_n which_o dare_v to_o invoke_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o confess_v therein_o his_o justice_n power_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o immediate_o affront_v they_o all_o which_o can_v desire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o frequent_a petition_n and_o yet_o oppose_v he_o by_o constant_a rebellion_n the_o mind_n of_o very_a few_o person_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o monstrous_a wickedness_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n of_o man_n already_o pious_a and_o religious_a but_o also_o a_o effectual_a method_n to_o make_v man_n such_o which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o perform_v they_o then_o become_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o those_o illustrious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o prayer_n thus_o much_o of_o prayer_n in_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n for_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o place_n this_o whole_a epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o bishop_n a_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v almost_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o prescribe_v rule_n of_o external_a worship_n and_o government_n in_o this_o chapter_n then_o the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n for_o public_a prayer_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o oppose_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n he_o there_o command_v to_o that_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o word_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o or_o more_o literal_o in_o every_o place_n the_o public_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v affix_v to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v equal_o in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n prevail_v god_n be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n have_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o jewish_a manner_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v frivolous_a and_o also_o false_a for_o the_o jew_n do_v believe_v and_o maintain_v no_o less_o than_o himself_o that_o private_a prayer_n both_o might_n and_o ought_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o equal_o in_o all_o place_n beside_o in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n for_o the_o dress_n of_o woman_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o