at_o this_o day_n for_o this_o teach_v we_o what_o manner_n of_o worship_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n rational_a and_o spiritual_a the_o product_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o the_o worship_n we_o offer_v to_o he_o aught_o to_o consist_v not_o in_o external_n show_v and_o observation_n but_o in_o the_o affection_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n last_o remind_v we_o of_o the_o affinity_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o his_o nature_n by_o partake_v in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o body_n in_o its_o excellency_n and_o real_a interest_n as_o god_n do_v all_o finite_a creature_n the_o last_o attribute_n of_o god_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n be_v his_o wisdom_n the_o only_a wise_a god_n which_o may_v respect_v either_o the_o extent_n or_o the_o supreme_a excellency_n of_o his_o knowledge_n either_o that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o most_o secret_a transaction_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n or_o that_o he_o best_a of_o all_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o mean_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n what_o be_v most_o fit_a in_o itself_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o in_o either_o sense_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o our_o adoration_n if_o god_n indeed_o see_v all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o most_o inward_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n if_o the_o most_o private_a motion_n of_o our_o heart_n can_v escape_v his_o knowledge_n this_o not_o only_o describe_v he_o to_o be_v of_o infinite_a capacity_n and_o thereby_o worthy_a of_o the_o high_a veneration_n but_o also_o encourage_v to_o adore_v and_o worship_n he_o since_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o our_o piety_n although_o never_o so_o secret_o perform_v can_v pass_v unregarded_a by_o he_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v throw_v away_o and_o become_v ineffectual_a whereas_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o pay_v this_o tribute_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n we_o can_v flatter_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o secrecy_n and_o conceal_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o of_o all_o other_o attribute_n ought_v to_o create_v in_o we_o the_o most_o lively_o concern_v and_o diligence_n to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o witness_n with_o we_o to_o observe_v our_o demeanour_n and_o note_v every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o if_o so_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o no_o action_n of_o praise_n or_o thanksgiving_n will_v miscarry_v or_o fall_v short_a of_o its_o intend_a end_n to_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n god_n not_o only_o view_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o be_v conscious_a of_o every_o motion_n whether_o of_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o best_a and_o most_o proper_a end_n forseeth_a all_o effect_n know_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o order_v all_o his_o design_n in_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o perfect_a method_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o esteem_v ourselves_o unconcerned_a in_o all_o this_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n most_o illustrious_o in_o favour_n of_o mankind_n thus_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n tend_v to_o the_o service_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n who_o he_o constitute_v lord_n of_o all_o the_o visible_a world_n and_o most_o wise_o contrive_v it_o for_o his_o convenience_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n this_o our_o sense_n teach_v we_o this_o we_o can_v doubt_v if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o consider_v in_o what_o a_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a frame_n they_o be_v unite_v and_o conspire_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man._n the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o unsearchable_a yet_o such_o as_o manifest_v a_o most_o complete_a wisdom_n and_o tender_a regard_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o above_o all_o his_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o love_n to_o mankind_n appear_v most_o eminent_o in_o contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a and_o sinful_a man_n in_o a_o method_n wherein_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o sinner_n without_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n wherein_o relief_n be_v afford_v and_o mercy_n grant_v to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o diligence_n and_o vigilance_n require_v as_o necessary_a wherein_o none_o be_v exclude_v none_o can_v just_o either_o presume_v or_o despair_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v but_o create_v in_o we_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o law_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o his_o decree_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n and_o passion_n whole_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a testimony_n of_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o most_o please_a to_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v how_o just_o the_o apostle_n infer_v from_o they_o all_o that_o to_o god_n the_o possessor_n of_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v ascribe_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o we_o find_v that_o from_o all_o these_o perfection_n god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o our_o praise_n and_o adoration_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o true_a conception_n of_o they_o and_o can_v in_o justice_n be_v deny_v ought_v not_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v neglect_v to_o return_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n be_v the_o high_a effort_n of_o gratitude_n which_o we_o can_v aim_v at_o and_o indeed_o the_o utmost_a which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o represent_v they_o upon_o earth_n by_o costly_a image_n and_o magnificent_a pageant_n to_o erect_v stately_a temple_n in_o remembrance_n of_o they_o or_o acknowledge_v the_o deference_n due_a to_o they_o by_o elaborate_a and_o pompous_a ceremony_n action_n indeed_o wherein_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o express_v their_o religious_a sentiment_n yet_o expression_n far_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o that_o infinite_a object_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v spiritual_a and_o as_o such_o require_v a_o spiritual_a acknowledgement_n a_o inward_a worship_n that_o we_o ever_o preserve_v noble_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o maintain_v a_o awful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o obligation_n that_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n our_o king_n and_o governor_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v our_o be_v and_o in_o who_o sight_n we_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n that_o we_o cautious_o fear_v to_o offend_v he_o studious_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v those_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o our_o action_n manifest_a that_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o thus_o may_v we_o render_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v continual_o and_o without_o intermission_n for_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o life_n fix_v upon_o principle_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o be_v a_o continue_a act_n of_o honour_v god_n although_o we_o can_v always_o employ_v our_o thought_n in_o admire_v his_o perfection_n or_o our_o tongue_n in_o confess_v they_o the_o angel_n indeed_o be_v by_o the_o spirituality_n of_o their_o nature_n fit_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n without_o intermission_n as_o be_v not_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o body_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o of_o man_n who_o knowledge_n in_o this_o life_n be_v imperfect_a who_o temptation_n be_v numerous_a and_o distraction_n continual_a no_o more_o be_v require_v than_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o direct_v his_o life_n in_o general_n by_o principle_n and_o rule_n which_o arise_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o ultimate_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v this_o condition_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v any_o difficult_a much_o less_o any_o grievous_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o angel_n now_o in_o the_o supreme_a fruition_n of_o their_o happiness_n this_o constitute_v their_o
of_o heathen_a philosopher_n tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o foment_n their_o pride_n and_o create_v in_o they_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n they_o refer_v it_o not_o to_o god_n nor_o employ_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o abate_v not_o their_o passion_n reform_v not_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o visible_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n save_v in_o make_v they_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a the_o constant_a character_n of_o those_o philosopher_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n will_n that_o we_o express_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n nor_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n either_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o understanding_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o expect_v either_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o we_o perpetual_o maintain_v a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o command_v of_o our_o almighty_a lawgiver_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o submission_n that_o we_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a threat_n or_o terror_n nor_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o supine_n negligence_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n but_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n which_o natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o that_o by_o this_o term_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o our_o faith_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o frequent_a acceptation_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o religion_n as_o it_o carry_v eminent_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n on_o many_o other_o account_n so_o chief_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o it_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n i._o if_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n propose_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o exact_o rational_a and_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o consideration_n but_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o no_o more_o than_o two_o as_o i._o christianity_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o secure_v his_o honour_n among_o man_n the_o brimary_n end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v intend_v cither_o to_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n and_o thanks_o which_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o right_a of_o creation_n redemption_n and_o other_o benefit_n require_v or_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n supply_v our_o necessity_n or_o confer_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o these_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o may_v best_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n our_o soul_n alone_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o religion_n can_v alone_o entertain_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o corporeal_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o otherwise_o holy_a or_o to_o be_v account_v of_o than_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o show_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o declare_v its_o thought_n and_o motion_n when_o vehement_a and_o intense_a by_o external_a indication_n all_o other_o voluntary_a external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o inward_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n serve_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o relate_v no_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n if_o we_o real_o employ_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n love_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v his_o justice_n these_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o discover_v themselves_o in_o outward_a act_n and_o gesture_n and_o can_v be_v suppress_v these_o external_a action_n declare_v to_o other_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o tend_v to_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v his_o glory_n but_o deserve_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v regard_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o inward_a piety_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o external_a show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o make_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o any_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o represent_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n by_o corporeal_a symbol_n rather_o than_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a service_n instead_o of_o a_o near_a conformity_n to_o himself_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n such_o a_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v true_a but_o neither_o agrceable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nor_o answer_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n god_n may_v accept_v it_o or_o even_o command_v it_o for_o a_o time_n in_o compassion_n to_o the_o blindness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n not_o capable_a under_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a religion_n but_o can_v never_o intend_v to_o continue_v it_o any_o long_o than_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a and_o open_a revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o the_o heathen_n deserve_v not_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v among_o who_o religious_a worship_n consist_v whole_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o action_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o wash_n and_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n in_o observation_n of_o time_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n which_o although_o they_o serve_v to_o typefie_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o with_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a religion_n yet_o do_v not_o direct_o signify_v any_o inward_a act_n of_o reverence_n piety_n or_o devotion_n nor_o be_v necessary_o accompany_v by_o they_o the_o perpetual_a offering_n of_o carnal_a sacrifice_n alone_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o worship_n since_o therein_o the_o sacrificer_n desire_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v the_o life_n of_o beast_n instead_o of_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n the_o devote_v their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o respect_v no_o ceremonial_a observance_n impose_v on_o we_o nor_o indeed_o any_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n save_v only_o those_o foederal_n rite_n i_o mean_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o
that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v on_o the_o cross_n may_v confess_v and_o firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n be_v bury_v and_o rise_v again_o but_o then_o i_o fear_v this_o remembrance_n will_v without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o commemorative_a rite_n which_o god_n ordain_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o the_o complete_a manifestation_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n become_v pure_o historical_a and_o have_v little_a influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n and_o contribute_v much_o less_o to_o excite_v that_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o direction_n who_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o this_o be_v best_a procure_v by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o most_o holy_a mystery_n where_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o significant_a manner_n represent_v to_o we_o where_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a apply_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o where_o every_o single_a communicant_a may_v behold_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n break_v and_o his_o bloodshed_n for_o he_o and_o by_o descend_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o form_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o benefit_n which_o will_v then_o only_o appear_v infinite_a and_o transcendent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a and_o may_v be_v productive_a of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o can_v but_o raise_v the_o utmost_a affection_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o create_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n as_o shall_v not_o easy_o expire_v but_o endeavour_v to_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o those_o action_n which_o shall_v be_v judge_v acceptable_a to_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n while_o the_o lively_a memory_n of_o those_o benefit_n continue_v which_o shall_v ever_o continue_v if_o often_o repair_v renew_v and_o increase_v by_o a_o frequent_a participation_n in_o that_o solemn_a act_n of_o their_o commemoration_n how_o great_a therefore_o be_v the_o prudence_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a time_n which_o repeat_v that_o commemoration_n every_o day_n and_o when_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n permit_v not_o that_o at_o least_o every_o sunday_n and_o esteem_v every_o baptize_v person_n who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n omit_v constant_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o it_o to_o have_v by_o that_o intermission_n fall_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o produce_v and_o secure_v that_o last_a gratitude_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o grand_a motive_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n permit_v not_o their_o zeal_n to_o grow_v cold_a and_o continue_v the_o same_o heat_n of_o devotion_n among_o they_o as_o if_o their_o saviour_n have_v be_v yet_o present_a with_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o deplore_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o ancient_a time_n and_o yet_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o they_o raise_v and_o foment_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o therein_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o so_o much_o celebrate_v piety_n we_o be_v equal_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o benefit_n we_o no_o less_o firm_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o than_o they_o do_v we_o no_o less_o passionate_o desire_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o have_v all_o other_o mean_n of_o instruction_n equal_o afford_v to_o we_o we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o have_v the_o same_o innate_a generous_a inclination_n of_o mind_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v no_o lef_n abound_v to_o we_o and_o the_o same_o reward_n do_v yet_o attend_v we_o how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o can_v equal_v their_o piety_n and_o holiness_n that_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o come_v so_o far_o beneath_o the_o example_n of_o those_o holy_a person_n that_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o a_o different_a religion_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o another_o master_n this_o can_v rational_o be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o to_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o those_o assistance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n bequeath_v to_o we_o of_o which_o the_o chief_a and_o infinite_o great_a be_v the_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n whereby_o that_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n in_o reveal_v religion_n i_o mean_v gratitude_n may_v be_v produce_v keep_v alive_a and_o receive_v continual_a accession_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n this_o to_o the_o no_o less_o scandal_n than_o prejudice_n of_o christianity_n have_v in_o latter_a age_n be_v fatal_o neglect_v and_o discontinue_v reduce_v to_o some_o few_o season_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o year_n and_o then_o perform_v by_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o several_a congregation_n a_o abuse_n which_o perhaps_o can_v be_v equal_v in_o any_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n which_o ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o primary_n and_o essential_a rite_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v general_o omit_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o it_o just_o therefore_o do_v it_o turn_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o general_n that_o it_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n remove_v this_o abuse_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o more_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n over_o all_o christendom_n which_o before_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v by_o long_a disuse_n almost_o become_v unknown_a for_o as_o for_o their_o constant_a private_a mass_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v pretend_v for_o their_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a most_o certain_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o conduce_v to_o commemorate_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n just_o also_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a which_o after_o a_o lamentable_a and_o universal_a disuse_n of_o these_o holy_a mystery_n introduce_v in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n have_v happy_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o they_o renew_v frequent_a communion_n and_o enjoy_v numerous_a communicant_n may_v pastor_n and_o people_n conspire_v to_o make_v this_o excellent_a custom_n become_v universal_a that_o so_o at_o last_o we_o may_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o see_v this_o church_n equal_v the_o apostolic_a time_n in_o zeal_n and_o piety_n as_o it_o do_v in_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n but_o i_o return_v to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o my_o text_n although_o even_o this_o conduce_v mighty_o to_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o argument_n now_o in_o hand_n and_o have_v sufficient_o manifest_v that_o gratitude_n or_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v to_o we_o the_o grand_a motive_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o ii_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a motive_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v for_o that_o purpose_n which_o however_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v this_o motive_n be_v before_o all_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o infallible_a wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o to_o salvation_n yet_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o then_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o force_n of_o goodness_n in_o general_n and_o how_o prevalent_a the_o obligation_n of_o benefit_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a of_o all_o argument_n nothing_o be_v so_o amiable_a and_o persuasive_a as_o this_o virtue_n of_o beneficence_n which_o carry_v invincible_a charm_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v great_a conquest_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o all_o the_o force_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n other_o virtue_n may_v create_v a_o veneration_n some_o a_o fear_n and_o other_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o persection_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o but_o this_o alone_a produce_v love_n the_o most_o active_a principle_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o god_n there_o be_v many_o attribute_n which_o may_v confound_v the_o apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o eternity_n and_o omnipresence_n other_o which_o may_v create_v awful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o as_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o omniscience_n and_o some_o which_o may_v produce_v
eucharist_n whereby_o we_o be_v initiate_v and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n profess_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o adherence_n to_o it_o entitle_v ourselves_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o continue_v to_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n such_o foederal_n rite_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o so_o little_o derogate_v from_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o they_o be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o it_o thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o also_o most_o effectual_o secure_v his_o honour_n and_o majesty_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o root_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o introduce_v the_o sole_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o how_o admirable_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o this_o purpose_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o precept_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o which_o have_v provide_v most_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n which_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n betray_v it_o to_o a_o universal_a idolatry_n the_o two_o great_a motive_n and_o cause_n of_o idolatry_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v first_o that_o man_n enure_v to_o sensual_a and_o corporeal_a object_n either_o lose_v all_o notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a god_n and_o then_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o fellow_n creature_n or_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n desire_v to_o worship_v he_o by_o some_o visible_a representation_n which_o may_v strike_v their_o sense_n or_o second_o that_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v deserve_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n they_o form_v to_o themselves_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inexorable_a deity_n who_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o prayer_n from_o their_o pollute_a hand_n nor_o be_v entreat_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o earthly_a prince_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o friend_n and_o favourite_n hence_o they_o set_v up_o innumerable_a intercessor_n with_o god_n either_o angel_n who_o they_o term_v demon_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o depart_a hero_n who_o they_o imagine_v dear_a to_o god_n solicit_v their_o mediation_n direct_v their_o prayer_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o they_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o supreme_a god_n these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a persuasion_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o idolatry_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v excellent_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n forbid_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o by_o any_o corporeal_a representation_n upon_o earth_n have_v invest_v his_o own_o son_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o express_v image_n of_o his_o person_n with_o our_o flesh_n and_o command_v we_o through_o he_o to_o worship_v himself_o and_o then_o to_o cure_v the_o fondness_n of_o mankind_n desire_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o intercessor_n he_o have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a intercessor_n and_o promise_v to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o in_o his_o name_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n and_o at_o his_o mediation_n to_o be_v propitious_a to_o we_o thus_o the_o wise_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n have_v most_o admirable_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o most_o successful_o for_o hereby_o idolatry_n be_v root_v out_o the_o constant_a worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n introduce_v and_o while_o the_o church_n continue_v uncorrupted_a preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n not_o the_o least_o resemblance_n of_o idolatry_n can_v be_v discover_v the_o very_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v their_o worship_n to_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o most_o worthy_a the_o nature_n of_o god_n no_o image_n be_v use_v by_o they_o nor_o any_o prayer_n offer_v up_o but_o by_o the_o alone_a mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n which_o admit_v corporeal_a representation_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o new_a intercessor_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n saint_n and_o angel_n who_o may_v receive_v and_o manage_v their_o request_n that_o so_o palpable_a a_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v shall_v be_v still_o defend_v as_o lawful_a and_o continue_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n after_o so_o manifest_a conviction_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o be_v admire_v but_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n have_v enforce_v they_o to_o do_v this_o which_o nothing_o but_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o desperate_a cause_n can_v persuade_v man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o no_o such_o corruption_n be_v practise_v nor_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n teach_v which_o be_v not_o even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n undoubted_o lawful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o condemnation_n if_o after_o so_o plain_a conviction_n we_o depart_v from_o a_o rational_a and_o true_o divine_a worship_n to_o embrace_v one_o corrupt_v with_o so_o gross_a a_o superstition_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o downright_o i_o dolatry_n have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o resemblance_n of_o it_o second_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o direct_v the_o natural_a religious_a inclination_n of_o man_n into_o the_o right_a channel_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n but_o also_o promote_v the_o real_a perfection_n of_o man_n by_o prescribe_v to_o he_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o conduct_n which_o be_v no_o small_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o manifest_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o excellent_a and_o holy_a more_o conduce_v to_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n than_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v his_o happiness_n to_o practise_v they_o although_o enforce_v with_o no_o command_n nor_o crown_v with_o any_o reward_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a a_o rational_a soul_n than_o to_o entertain_v noble_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o its_o creator_n to_o express_v a_o unlimited_a devotion_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o by_o all_o imaginable_a action_n of_o respect_n and_o honour_n to_o subdue_v our_o carnal_a affection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o reason_n conquer_v our_o lust_n and_o trample_v under_o foot_n all_o consideration_n of_o interest_n and_o prosperity_n when_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n to_o maintain_v a_o exact_a justice_n to_o all_o mankind_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o delight_n in_o act_n of_o charity_n such_o a_o conduct_n of_o life_n even_o the_o more_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n esteem_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o humane_a perfection_n and_o believe_v thofe_n person_n who_o possess_v it_o already_o enstate_v in_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o that_o they_o may_v manifest_v themselves_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o opinion_n there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o generous_a soul_n who_o choose_v to_o forego_v all_o temporal_a convenience_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o violate_v any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o aforementioned_a virtue_n the_o very_a design_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o those_o the_o very_a precept_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o practise_v they_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a and_o perfect_a manner_n and_o to_o refer_v all_o to_o god_n perform_v they_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n our_o saviour_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o guard_v our_o thought_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o vigilance_n with_o which_o we_o do_v our_o outward_a action_n and_o possess_v those_o virtue_n in_o our_o soul_n which_o other_o be_v content_a to_o do_v in_o appearance_n the_o jewish_a religion_n require_v no_o more_o than_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o several_a rite_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o whosoever_o perform_v they_o although_o without_o any_o inward_a sense_n of_o piety_n have_v fulfil_v all_o legal_a righteousness_n and_o be_v no_o long_o a_o debtor_n to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o evangelical_n righteousness_n soar_v high_a and_o scorn_v to_o stoop_v at_o such_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a element_n primary_o respect_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o can_v discover_v the_o most_o secret_a recess_n
of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a to_o find_a piety_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o appropriate_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o only_o again_o christianity_n direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o natural_a end_n the_o supreme_a good_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v but_o too_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v plain_o confess_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o all_o the_o refine_a morality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o direct_v rather_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n whereas_o the_o christian_a faith_n direct_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o good_a deed_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o preserve_v a_o awful_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o goodness_n hereby_o it_o add_v to_o all_o other_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o humility_n a_o virtue_n almost_o unknown_a to_o any_o other_o system_v of_o religion_n yet_o natural_o arise_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n last_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o simple_a equal_o adapt_v to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o may_v just_o be_v account_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n since_o it_o equal_o concern_v and_o include_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o none_o such_o as_o carry_v their_o conviction_n along_o with_o they_o and_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o to_o be_v propose_v the_o principle_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o significant_a such_o as_o may_v create_v a_o right_a sense_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o afford_v powerful_a argument_n to_o man_n of_o manifest_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o can_v be_v find_v or_o discover_v in_o it_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nothing_o which_o do_v not_o proclaim_v itself_o owe_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n namely_o ii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v rational_a and_o evident_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o evince_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v no_o inconsiderable_a advance_v in_o show_v it_o to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n for_o hereby_o all_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v form_v against_o it_o be_v prevent_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o revelation_n leave_v in_o their_o full_a force_n whereas_o no_o one_o system_v of_o false_a religion_n have_v ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o teach_v somewhat_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v reject_v without_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proof_n and_o argument_n whereby_o it_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n the_o falfeness_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n discover_v itself_o in_o propose_v the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n in_o give_v extravagant_a and_o undecent_a notion_n of_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o murderer_n adulterer_n and_o criminal_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o practise_v childish_a and_o ofttimes_o brutish_a superstition_n and_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o external_a worship_n to_o come_v to_o our_o own_o time_n the_o falseness_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a fable_n which_o it_o relate_v of_o god_n unworthy_a the_o petulancy_n of_o a_o infant_n much_o more_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o alwise_a be_v but_o chief_o in_o place_v the_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o unbridled_a lust_n and_o indulge_v a_o brutish_a appetite_n in_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o add_v to_o these_o a_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v draw_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o a_o alwise_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o never_o suffer_v any_o false_a religion_n to_o obtain_v which_o do_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o most_o evident_a mark_n of_o its_o falseness_n and_o consequent_o into_o which_o none_o can_v enter_v but_o by_o betray_v their_o reason_n and_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n hereby_o the_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n and_o involuntary_a error_n be_v take_v from_o all_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o one_o only_a god_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o the_o mean_a idiot_n may_v judge_v of_o sensible_a thing_n by_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n may_v just_o be_v account_v wilful_a and_o inexcusable_a thus_o all_o erroneous_a religion_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o falseness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o christianity_n recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o some_o reveal_v religion_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o miserable_o subject_v to_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lusts._n but_o as_o none_o more_o excellent_a religion_n than_o this_o can_v be_v propose_v so_o none_o can_v be_v found_v upon_o better_a proof_n for_o since_o all_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v at_o some_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a place_n however_o it_o may_v to_o they_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o contestable_a miracle_n yet_o the_o report_n of_o it_o can_v be_v convey_v to_o person_n distant_a in_o place_n and_o time_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v not_o demonstrative_a and_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n but_o moral_a and_o exclude_v all_o just_a doubt_n no_o general_a and_o universal_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v christianity_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o other_o manner_n and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a although_o these_o it_o possess_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o eminent_a manner_n which_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n brief_o to_o show_v miracle_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o god_n and_o to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o a_o finite_a be_v that_o wonderful_a and_o unaccountable_a action_n may_v be_v and_o often_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n or_o concurrence_n of_o evil_a spirit_n must_v be_v confess_v but_o these_o fail_v not_o to_o carry_v some_o evidence_n of_o deceit_n and_o imposture_n along_o with_o they_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o judicious_a and_o attentive_a person_n from_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o real_a work_n of_o omnipotence_n now_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v exert_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o slight_a and_o trivial_a occasion_n much_o less_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o lie_n or_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n appear_v invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o that_o his_o revelation_n neither_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n we_o must_v own_v his_o divine_a commission_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o revelation_n which_o in_o that_o case_n will_v true_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o moses_n who_o miracle_n be_v unexceptionable_a and_o his_o revelation_n in_o no_o respect_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o yet_o to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o no_o precedent_n one_o be_v yet_o make_v this_o also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n his_o revelation_n far_o from_o oppose_v
and_o withal_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o method_n whereby_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o escape_v the_o other_o but_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o yet_o with_o this_o belief_n and_o confession_n shall_v continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n or_o if_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a that_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n shall_v consist_v together_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o by_o his_o action_n he_o proclaim_v his_o unbelief_n to_o the_o world_n who_o neglect_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o repentance_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o deferr_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o god_n to_o our_o repentance_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o hebr._n iii_o 13._o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n which_o may_v either_o import_n the_o term_n of_o our_o natural_a life_n for_o that_o repentance_n will_v take_v no_o place_n after_o death_n agreeable_o to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n john_n ix_o 4._o the_o night_n come_v wherein_o no_o man_n can_v work_v so_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n and_o no_o more_o of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a to_o we_o than_o that_o moment_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v it_o ought_v to_o commence_v from_o this_o very_a moment_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v most_o natural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o hebrew_n repent_v to_o day_n that_o be_v immediate_o while_o god_n continue_v his_o offer_n of_o mercy_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o await_v our_o repentance_n till_o we_o please_v nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v wilful_o slight_v this_o term_n of_o repentance_n fix_v by_o god_n to_o every_o man_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v as_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n when_o that_o conviction_n be_v once_o thorough_o form_v when_o man_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v their_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o they_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o conformity_n consist_v in_o practise_v all_o the_o divine_a precept_n of_o holiness_n justice_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o all_o habitual_a sin_n be_v a_o open_a opposition_n to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v asâ—…ured_v that_o god_n have_v proclaim_v his_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a and_o denounce_v his_o wrath_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n then_o be_v life_n and_o death_n true_o set_v before_o they_o then_o be_v it_o commit_v to_o their_o choice_n which_o they_o will_v prefer_v a_o easy_a choice_a one_o will_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o deplorable_a experience_n of_o so_o many_o obstinate_a sinner_n teach_v we_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o choose_v the_o worse_o even_o under_o conviction_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o miserable_a perverseness_n we_o find_v indeed_o the_o temptation_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v very_o violent_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o bewitch_a nature_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o master_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a desire_n of_o true_a happiness_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o do_v not_o a_o unhappy_a mistake_n misguide_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o render_v all_o the_o present_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n ineffectual_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v false_a notion_n from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n that_o the_o term_v prefix_v by_o god_n to_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o yet_o expire_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v their_o repentance_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o it_o take_v out_o their_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v we_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a place_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o it_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o some_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v do_v provoke_v verse_n 16._o that_o be_v after_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o command_n or_o rely_v on_o his_o pomise_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o go_v up_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o relate_v in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o number_n to_o which_o this_o psalm_n particular_o relate_v they_o immediate_o indeed_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o resolve_v forthwith_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o design_n but_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o they_o have_v slip_v their_o time_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o to_o give_v they_o success_n it_o be_v frivolous_a therefore_o to_o plead_v the_o hope_n of_o continual_a offer_n of_o pardon_n for_o defer_v of_o repentance_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o if_o they_o exact_o know_v the_o time_n beyond_o which_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v not_o await_v they_o will_v immediate_o begin_v to_o form_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n such_o resolution_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o indeed_o unless_o a_o monstrous_a stupidity_n intervene_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o then_o the_o term_n be_v manifest_a and_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o be_v the_o moment_n from_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o obedience_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o irrational_a now_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n be_v found_v either_o in_o the_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o nature_n prone_a to_o yield_v to_o powerful_a temptation_n the_o latter_a suppose_v a_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o piety_n and_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o resolve_v unrepentance_n for_o then_o every_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o of_o resolution_n the_o former_a cause_n vanish_v when_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n be_v remove_v by_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o god_n wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o after_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o can_v pretend_v a_o ignorance_n of_o our_o duty_n much_o less_o those_o who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n so_o excellent_o constitute_v we_o have_v the_o scripture_n open_v to_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o incite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o weekly_a exhortation_n and_o disow_v all_o little_a art_n so_o usual_a in_o other_o church_n of_o procure_v salvation_n without_o a_o strict_a and_o real_a obedience_n there_o remain_v then_o to_o we_o only_o the_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n whereby_o to_o excuse_v our_o sin_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o suppose_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o which_o course_n we_o may_v be_v overtake_v with_o temptation_n and_o be_v unaware_o insuare_v by_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o sin_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v cloud_v with_o a_o passion_n and_o by_o violent_a impression_n from_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a object_n have_v scarce_o the_o liberty_n of_o direct_v her_o thought_n aright_o but_o if_o when_o this_o tempest_n be_v allay_v this_o cloud_n remove_v when_o the_o mind_n regain_v its_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o its_o condition_n it_o entertain_v any_o complacency_n with_o the_o sin_n perform_v or_o be_v willing_a to_o permit_v a_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v no_o long_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o of_o deliberate_a and_o resolve_a choice_n much_o more_o when_o any_o man_n resolve_v whole_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o his_o unrepentance_n although_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n that_o no_o pardon_n be_v promise_v to_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o give_v it_o and_o then_o even_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n it_o be_v
our_o constant_a duty_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o to_o prevent_v they_o and_o if_o possible_a at_o last_o whole_o to_o remove_v they_o otherwise_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n for_o they_o betray_v we_o into_o a_o neglect_n or_o perhaps_o a_o voluntary_a admission_n of_o they_o they_o lose_v their_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n and_o become_v sin_n of_o presumption_n sin_n of_o a_o much_o deep_a contagion_n to_o cure_v therefore_o and_o prevent_v even_o thofe_a sin_n which_o alone_o can_v take_v place_n in_o a_o true_a and_o real_a christian_a we_o must_v endeavour_v by_o a_o assiduous_a diligence_n and_o circumspect_a carriage_n to_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n for_o this_o end_n the_o observation_n of_o lent_n be_v wise_o institute_v by_o the_o church_n wherein_o by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vigilance_n over_o our_o action_n by_o frequent_a meditation_n prayer_n and_o other_o pious_a exercise_n and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o bodily_a austerity_n and_o mortification_n also_o we_o may_v seek_v remedy_n to_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o begin_v to_o form_v habit_n of_o holiness_n and_o sobriety_n which_o shall_v not_o expire_v with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o holy_a season_n but_o be_v continue_v and_o improve_v through_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o even_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n if_o then_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o repentance_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v upon_o the_o first_o conviction_n and_o that_o to_o defer_v it_o after_o that_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a obduration_n let_v we_o from_o this_o moment_n resolve_v to_o do_v it_o let_v we_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vigilance_n and_o attention_n in_o this_o holy_a season_n and_o so_o by_o make_v these_o pious_a resolution_n become_v habit_n continue_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o to_o our_o life_n end_v so_o shall_v we_o not_o fail_v of_o that_o infinite_a reward_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o consequent_a of_o it_o unfeigned_a obedience_n to_o which_o reward_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o ten_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 16_o 1689_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luke_n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v it_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o most_o prudent_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o set_v a_o part_n solemn_a time_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o more_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n found_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o though_o he_o commit_v no_o sin_n whereof_o to_o repent_v yet_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o office_n prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o execution_n by_o it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a abstinence_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n although_o the_o remissness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o latter_a time_n have_v almost_o defeat_v the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v that_o man_n who_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o contrive_v reason_n of_o their_o delay_n be_v loath_a to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o a_o unwelcome_a duty_n may_v be_v oblige_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o fellow_n christian_n and_o by_o the_o admonition_n of_o their_o guide_n to_o enter_v upon_o it_o at_o this_o time_n to_o apply_v themselves_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n to_o search_v their_o conscience_n inquire_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n discover_v their_o disease_n and_o seek_v the_o remedy_n of_o they_o by_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n acknowledge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o beg_v pardon_n of_o god_n who_o be_v offend_v by_o they_o removing_z they_o from_o the_o soul_n introduce_v contrary_a habit_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n tame_v the_o unruly_a pafsion_n of_o the_o body_n by_o a_o serious_a attention_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n to_o his_o precept_n to_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o threat_n to_o the_o deformity_n and_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o sin_n by_o inure_v the_o mind_n to_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n both_o of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v and_o the_o argument_n enforce_v it_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o check_v and_o over-rule_v the_o violent_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n to_o depress_v they_o by_o abstinence_n and_o fast_v in_o a_o word_n to_o subdue_v the_o body_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n we_o be_v indeed_o always_o oblige_v to_o watch_v over_o our_o action_n to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o discover_v they_o and_o to_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o fix_v some_o certain_a time_n wherein_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v exact_o search_v the_o imperfection_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o to_o be_v discover_v a_o strict_a course_n of_o piety_n to_o be_v undergo_v whereby_o it_o may_v make_v deep_a impression_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v root_n in_o it_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v most_o wifely_a determine_v and_o not_o leave_v her_o son_n to_o their_o own_o direction_n who_o may_v possible_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o either_o it_o be_v prevent_v by_o death_n or_o sin_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v remove_v and_o such_o be_v the_o excellent_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o in_o former_a age_n so_o solemn_a and_o devout_a their_o observation_n of_o lent_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o abstain_v from_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o meat_n for_o that_o even_o when_o right_o use_v be_v but_o â—…ubservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a design_n but_o in_o the_o form_n a_o exercise_n of_o a_o strict_a repentance_n of_o a_o more_o careful_a obedience_n and_o more_o constant_a devotion_n that_o it_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v great_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v in_o secret_a all_o theâ—…e_a act_n of_o mortification_n for_o so_o i_o call_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o destroy_v sin_n in_o man_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o mortification_n but_o do_v it_o in_o public_a in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o many_o external_a act_n of_o life_n those_o who_o have_v commit_v more_o heinous_a sin_n voluntary_o undergo_v a_o public_a penance_n fequestre_v themselves_o from_o the_o â—…ank_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v themselves_o in_o a_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v for_o the_o penitent_n there_o public_o confess_v their_o sin_n implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o they_o not_o only_o those_o but_o all_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o any_o flagrant_a crime_n still_o apply_v themselves_o during_o all_o that_o holy_a season_n to_o a_o extraordinary_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n deny_v themselves_o many_o of_o the_o ordinary_a and_o innocent_a pleasure_n of_o life_n that_o they_o may_v without_o interruption_n attend_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n to_o the_o mortify_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o improve_n of_o their_o good_a resolution_n into_o habit_n of_o piety_n i_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o macerate_v themselves_o with_o haircloth_n or_o whip_n or_o unreasonable_a fast_n those_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o latter_a and_o more_o ignorant_a age_n but_o they_o afflict_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o continual_a thought_n of_o have_v offend_v god_n by_o their_o sin_n they_o endeavour_v to_o form_n a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n by_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o it_o upon_o themselves_o in_o a_o public_a confession_n they_o daily_o implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o ardent_a expression_n and_o real_a sign_n of_o repentance_n which_o pious_a soul_n can_v invent_v they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o that_o mercy_n by_o raise_v and_o fix_v steady_a notion_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n by_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o vigilant_a struggle_v with_o all_o sinful_a motion_n and_o even_o root_a they_o out_o by_o maceration_n if_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v prevail_v that_o so_o they_o may_v present_v themselves_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a to_o their_o lord_n at_o the_o ensue_a solemnity_n of_o easter_n when_o whosoever_o do_v not_o communicate_v and_o have_v not_o prepare_v himself_o
be_v increase_v how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v god_n only_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o reveal_v religion_n which_o we_o profess_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v he_o also_o as_o the_o common_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o office_n nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o impartial_a execution_n of_o justice_n which_o can_v consist_v if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v distribute_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n if_o the_o reward_v propose_v to_o the_o diligent_a observer_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o the_o neglecter_n of_o they_o in_o vain_a then_o will_v good_a man_n employ_v so_o much_o industry_n zeal_n and_o caution_n in_o vain_a shall_v they_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n deny_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o more_o arduous_a duty_n of_o christianity_n if_o by_o all_o this_o they_o gain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o negligent_a sinner_n may_v secure_v to_o themselves_o and_o yet_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o a_o deprave_a will_n can_v desire_v nor_o can_v we_o account_v for_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v require_v such_o difficult_a duty_n of_o his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n and_o yet_o allow_v the_o same_o reward_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o they_o our_o lord_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n indeed_o those_o great_a pretender_n to_o holiness_n that_o the_o sinner_n and_o publican_n go_v into_o heaven_n before_o they_o and_o in_o another_o place_n say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n but_o then_o those_o sinner_n do_v repent_v which_o the_o pharisee_n refuse_v to_o do_v and_o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o heaven_n be_v there_o no_o other_o than_o prayer_n and_o tear_n without_o those_o the_o supreme_a judge_n will_v continue_v inexorable_a to_o they_o who_o have_v promise_v indeed_o to_o lay_v open_a heaven_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n will_v admit_v they_o into_o it_o otherwise_o what_o abraham_n say_v to_o god_n gen._n xviii_o 25._o when_o he_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v involve_v the_o just_a inhabitant_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o univeâ—…sal_a destruction_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o bring_v upon_o those_o city_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a the_o same_o we_o may_v just_o apply_v if_o god_n communicate_v the_o reward_n of_o just_a man_n such_o as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o hope_v of_o future_a happiness_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o sar_n be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v any_o such_o uneven_a conduct_n in_o god_n who_o from_o the_o in_o variable_a distribution_n of_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a of_o punishment_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n raise_v the_o proof_n of_o his_o own_o justice_n ezek._n xviii_o 25_o 26_o 27._o hear_v now_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a when_o a_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v die_v again_o when_o the_o wicked_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v save_v his_o soul_n alive_a therefore_o i_o will_v judge_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o head_n that_o i_o have_v little_a time_n leave_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o usefulness_n of_o repentance_n in_o that_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a sincere_a and_o right_o apply_v it_o avert_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n not_o through_o any_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o its_o own_o but_o through_o the_o gracious_a acceptance_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v pardon_n upon_o true_a repentance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v therefore_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o repentance_n be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v do_v nothing_o without_o most_o evident_a reason_n god_n therefore_o whensoever_o he_o take_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o caâ—…th_v it_o to_o judgement_n judge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o present_a disposition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o man_n have_v former_o live_v up_o to_o his_o command_n but_o do_v afterward_o apostatise_v from_o they_o and_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o die_v in_o that_o corrupt_a habit_n of_o mind_n he_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o former_o neglect_v his_o duty_n but_o before_o his_o death_n have_v change_v all_o the_o habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n into_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o love_n of_o piety_n and_o die_v in_o they_o god_n will_v reward_v he_o according_a to_o that_o prefent_a dispofition_n such_o a_o repentance_n then_o which_o god_n will_v accept_v must_v be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o mind_n not_o a_o slight_a sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n nor_o even_o a_o bitter_a sorrow_n for_o they_o if_o found_v only_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o punishment_n attend_v they_o it_o proceed_v not_o to_o change_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o with_o such_o a_o sorrow_n a_o love_n of_o sin_n may_v well_o consist_v nor_o even_o if_o this_o sorrow_n shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o duty_n for_o many_o day_n together_o and_o often_o break_v out_o into_o ardent_a ejaculation_n of_o devotion_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o avail_n unless_o the_o will_v be_v firm_o settle_v in_o resolution_n of_o continue_v the_o work_n so_o well_o begin_v and_o take_v off_o from_o all_o complacency_n in_o sin_n as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v sound_n or_o healthful_a although_o it_o have_v now_o and_o then_o some_o interval_n of_o health_n unless_o the_o whole_a crasis_n of_o it_o be_v strong_a and_o uncorrupted_a that_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o himself_o herein_o let_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o the_o great_a temptation_n which_o he_o know_v can_v affect_v he_o let_v he_o imagine_v himself_o secure_a from_o be_v discover_v in_o this_o world_n and_o not_o be_v immediate_o snatch_v away_o to_o judgement_n then_o let_v he_o impartial_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o those_o circumstance_n he_o shall_v prefer_v his_o duty_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o resolution_n therein_o he_o may_v then_o hope_v well_o of_o his_o own_o condition_n but_o because_o man_n in_o such_o examination_n will_v be_v partial_a to_o themselves_o let_v he_o take_v a_o view_n of_o his_o late_a action_n in_o which_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o sin_n commit_v deliberate_o after_o consideration_n in_o cool_a blood_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_a then_o let_v he_o assure_o conclude_v that_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v deprave_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o must_v be_v change_v by_o repentance_n before_o god_n will_v extend_v any_o mercy_n to_o he_o and_o that_o without_o such_o repentance_n he_o be_v for_o ever_o lose_v for_o in_o every_o such_o deliberate_a sin_n man_n real_o choose_v damnation_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o precedent_a deliberation_n of_o it_o his_o conscience_n set_v before_o he_o life_n and_o death_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o command_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o obedience_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n affix_v to_o it_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o his_o will_v be_v overrule_v by_o the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o vice_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n man_n do_v therein_o make_v a_o absolute_a choice_n of_o damnation_n for_o himself_o and_o do_v as_o true_o renounce_v obedience_n to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o make_v a_o open_a and_o formal_a abjuration_n of_o it_o a_o mind_n therefore_o so_o corrupt_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v say_v to_o be_v well_o dispose_v or_o
fit_v to_o receive_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n other_o sin_n there_o be_v which_o may_v consist_v with_o such_o a_o pious_a habit_n of_o soul_n as_o be_v require_v namely_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n the_o first_o sort_n arise_v from_o a_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n when_o a_o man_n offend_v against_o his_o duty_n because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o the_o second_o spring_n from_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o when_o a_o man_n through_o a_o sudden_a fear_n or_o passion_n be_v hurry_v on_o rash_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n before_o he_o well_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v before_o he_o have_v time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o duty_n or_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o do_v but_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o sin_n of_o presumption_n arise_v from_o a_o corruption_n of_o will_n and_o proceed_v upon_o deliberate_a choice_n and_o advise_v resolution_n i_o will_v illustrate_v all_o these_o by_o example_n st._n paul_n persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o church_n although_o he_o be_v all_o the_o while_o ready_a to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o which_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o receive_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o in_o unbelief_n if_o this_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v affect_v because_o man_n will_v not_o inquire_v after_o truth_n or_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o it_o the_o mis-carriage_n found_v upon_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o become_v wilful_a sin_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n st._n peter_n be_v a_o great_a example_n who_o through_o a_o sudden_a fear_n of_o death_n or_o punishment_n be_v betray_v to_o deny_v his_o master_n although_o he_o have_v before_o full_o resolve_v against_o it_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o fear_n be_v over_o and_o his_o mind_n return_v to_o the_o former_a freedom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v of_o it_o he_o weep_v bitter_o of_o wilful_a sin_n that_o of_o david_n against_o uriah_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n where_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n be_v after_o long_a deliberation_n and_o a_o contrivance_n of_o many_o day_n together_o at_o last_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o he_o and_o for_o this_o it_o be_v that_o nathan_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v deserve_v to_o die_v this_o create_v to_o he_o that_o last_a and_o vehement_a sorrow_n which_o we_o often_o find_v describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o this_o stick_v as_o a_o indelible_a blot_n to_o his_o memory_n when_o lesser_a offence_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o 1_o king_n xv._n 5._o that_o david_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n the_o hittite_n we_o read_v of_o many_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o he_o commit_v but_o these_o be_v easy_o pardon_v that_o stick_v close_o to_o he_o and_o can_v not_o be_v wipe_v off_o but_o by_o a_o long_a and_o strict_a repentance_n and_o patient_a endure_v of_o terrible_a calamity_n inflict_v on_o he_o other_o sin_n alter_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v sudden_o die_v even_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o they_o we_o may_v still_o hope_v for_o mercy_n but_o for_o a_o wilful_a sin_n no_o mercy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v till_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v entire_o change_v by_o repentance_n this_o distinction_n of_o sin_n may_v instruct_v you_o in_o the_o necessary_a manner_n of_o form_v your_o repentance_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n a_o general_a repentance_n may_v suffice_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o have_v offend_v god_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n a_o humble_a supplication_n of_o pardon_n a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v any_o such_o for_o the_o future_a but_o for_o every_o wilful_a sin_n a_o particular_a repentance_n be_v require_v a_o sad_a reflection_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o it_o a_o earnest_n and_o continue_a supplication_n for_o pardon_n of_o it_o a_o diligent_a struggle_v with_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o the_o will_n a_o long_a preparation_n of_o it_o by_o prayer_n by_o resolution_n by_o meditation_n by_o all_o necessary_a act_n of_o mortification_n which_o may_v entire_o change_v the_o bent_n and_o remove_v the_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o subdue_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o may_v the_o wilful_a sinner_n presume_v of_o pardon_n believe_v himself_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v in_o the_o text_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v that_o by_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a repentance_n we_o may_v all_o avoid_v for_o the_o sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o sermon_n preach_v april_n 21_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n acts._n x._o 34_o 35._o then_o peter_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o feaâ—…eth_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ought_v also_o to_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o can_v better_o be_v discover_v than_o from_o its_o most_o perfect_a agreement_n with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o subservience_n to_o they_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v first_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o then_o the_o good_a of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v promote_v by_o noble_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n the_o latter_a be_v enhance_v by_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n attribute_v of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o we_o be_v his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o this_o justice_n appear_v most_o conspicuous_o in_o the_o universal_a diffusion_n of_o his_o benefit_n in_o dispense_n his_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n impartial_o to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o exclude_v none_o from_o his_o favour_n but_o for_o reason_n common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o mankind_n this_o all_o man_n conceive_v to_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o god_n and_o as_o such_o it_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n although_o the_o influence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o may_v be_v more_o manifest_a in_o some_o age_n and_o under_o some_o dispensation_n than_o in_o other_o as_o his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o power_n be_v from_o all_o age_n equal_a and_o uniform_a but_o more_o open_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o external_a action_n relate_v to_o we_o his_o justice_n be_v always_o impartial_a and_o universal_a yet_o cloud_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n while_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v in_o appearance_n appropriate_v to_o a_o small_a division_n of_o mankind_n not_o cloud_v indeed_o direct_o and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fond_a opinion_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o fancy_v he_o partial_a in_o their_o behalf_n and_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o most_o gross_a manner_n do_v who_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o god_n have_v any_o care_n or_o respect_n fancy_v themselves_o dear_a to_o god_n not_o upon_o the_o common_a account_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o for_o peculiar_a reason_n as_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n their_o separation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o circumcision_n and_o other_o typical_a rite_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o treat_v all_o other_o person_n as_o profane_a and_o unclean_a allow_v no_o share_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n to_o they_o and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o unregarded_a by_o god_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n a_o prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v so_o far_o imbibe_v that_o the_o apostle_n retain_v it_o many_o year_n even_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o gentile_n to_o their_o company_n or_o conversation_n much_o less_o to_o the_o hope_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a call_v until_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a vision_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n teach_v st._n peter_n not_o to_o call_v any_o man_n
hope_n by_o mortify_v and_o change_v our_o former_a vicious_a course_n of_o life_n into_o a_o new_a and_o heavenly_a life_n or_o by_o conceive_v firm_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v our_o own_o resurrection_n by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n the_o former_a manner_n indeed_o be_v pure_o allegorical_a but_o a_o allegory_n as_o well_o most_o natural_a in_o its_o self_n as_o most_o familiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o treat_v of_o it_o often_o and_o large_o and_o inculcate_n it_o in_o almost_o all_o his_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v my_o text_n he_o tell_v the_o colossian_n col._n ii_o 12_o 20._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o and_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n galat._n ii_o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ._n philip._n iii_o 10._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 10._o alwayâ—…_n bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o iii_o and_o ivth_o chapter_n of_o 1_o pet._n and_o rom._n vi_o this_o conformity_n between_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o in_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o be_v at_o large_a explain_v we_o be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n these_o allegorical_a conclusion_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o fancy_n but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o so_o admirable_o contrive_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o our_o instruction_n than_o his_o precept_n and_o can_v not_o but_o have_v exceed_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n who_o thought_n be_v then_o and_o aught_o now_o to_o be_v chief_o employ_v about_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n they_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o both_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o jewish_a doctor_n employ_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o in_o allegorical_a explication_n of_o natural_a or_o divine_a truth_n and_o be_v more_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n consist_v in_o type_n shadow_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o lest_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o these_o allegorical_a inference_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a penman_n the_o present_a allegory_n draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v most_o excellent_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o more_o full_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o his_o lose_a condition_n free_v he_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devil_n reform_v his_o life_n and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o god_n have_v design_v for_o he_o in_o another_o life_n to_o this_o end_n a_o total_a desertion_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v before_o engage_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v whole_o impossible_a that_o a_o vicious_a soul_n shall_v receive_v that_o reward_n as_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o grant_v the_o reward_n on_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v his_o follower_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v relinquish_v all_o those_o temporal_a enjoyment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n place_v the_o whole_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o life_n in_o these_o unlawful_a enjoyment_n whoever_o renounce_v the_o use_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o promise_n at_o their_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o a_o new_a life_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o be_v excellent_o represent_v in_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v refer_v wherein_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v whole_o immerge_v in_o the_o water_n so_o that_o the_o immersion_n represent_v his_o resolution_n of_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v by_o death_n take_v from_o the_o world_n and_o then_o his_o emersion_n present_o follow_v signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n revive_v and_o appear_v after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o to_o mortify_v one_o single_a lust_n or_o to_o give_v up_o this_o or_o that_o sinful_a affection_n in_o exchange_n for_o eternal_a reward_n and_o retain_v the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o soul_n be_v full_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n till_o the_o resurrection_n he_o satisfy_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v endure_v scourge_n reproach_n and_o buffet_n he_o descend_v not_o from_o the_o cross_n after_o he_o have_v endure_v most_o bitter_a torment_n till_o he_o have_v complete_v his_o suffering_n by_o death_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v till_o it_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o then_o we_o be_v real_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n we_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o god_n permit_v to_o we_o we_o must_v absolute_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n suppose_v a_o full_a conviction_n that_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o a_o 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of_o singular_a instance_n of_o providence_n in_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a and_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a and_o relate_v not_o only_o particular_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o also_o from_o the_o frequency_n of_o they_o form_v and_o deliver_v general_a rule_n that_o wickedness_n never_o escape_v unpunished_a or_o innocence_n unrewarded_a in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o act_n cheerful_o and_o submissive_o in_o that_o station_n on_o in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o the_o supreme_a author_n of_o life_n have_v place_v he_o to_o receive_v not_o only_o without_o murmur_v but_o also_o with_o reverence_n all_o dispensation_n proceed_v from_o he_o he_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v he_o if_o sincere_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o he_o nor_o suffer_v his_o innocence_n to_o pass_v unregarded_a which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o rely_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o necessary_a one_o of_o 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lively_a and_o vigorous_a to_o a_o christian_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n who_o disow_v the_o place_n of_o his_o hope_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n it_o seem_v not_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o labour_n under_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n since_o these_o affect_v not_o his_o grand_a concern_v hinder_v not_o his_o real_a happiness_n and_o many_o time_n tend_v high_o to_o promote_v it_o in_o take_v that_o profession_n on_o he_o he_o renounce_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gratify_v his_o lust_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n profess_v himself_o a_o citizen_n of_o another_o country_n and_o list_v himself_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o these_o resolution_n proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n to_o attain_v his_o end_n be_v not_o amaze_v at_o any_o terror_n or_o disaster_n which_o may_v meet_v he_o in_o the_o way_n decline_v they_o indeed_o as_o far_o as_o prudence_n will_v permit_v but_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n to_o avoid_v they_o a_o natural_a consequence_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v root_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o the_o real_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o another_o life_n that_o cross_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n hinder_v not_o the_o acquifition_n of_o this_o supreme_a good_a and_o ofttimes_o promote_v it_o if_o public_a calamity_n invade_v the_o church_n if_o private_a misery_n affect_v himself_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v neither_o scandalize_v at_o the_o one_o nor_o despair_n through_o the_o other_o he_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v happy_a if_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n without_o his_o own_o fault_n his_o affliction_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o he_o may_v correct_v his_o wander_a thought_n and_o fix_v his_o hope_n upon_o god_n alone_o but_o that_o in_o no_o case_n it_o tend_v to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o chief_a and_o ultimate_a end_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o another_o life_n the_o exceed_a happiness_n of_o that_o fruition_n so_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o petty_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o life_n that_o no_o affliction_n no_o calamity_n so_o grievous_a can_v happen_v to_o any_o one_o which_o will_v not_o seem_v light_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o bless_a hope_n man_n may_v lessen_v our_o enjoyment_n here_o below_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n or_o envy_n of_o man_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o augment_v and_o improve_v they_o above_o for_o so_o the_o father_n do_v general_o expound_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n follow_v the_o text_n in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v many_o and_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n prepare_v for_o you_o to_o be_v distribute_v according_a to_o your_o great_a or_o less_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o only_a ambition_n worthy_a of_o a_o christian_a to_o aim_v at_o a_o eminent_a station_n in_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o preference_n will_v be_v no_o injury_n to_o another_o nor_o diminish_v another_o happiness_n contrary_a to_o the_o proceed_n of_o this_o world_n where_o the_o greatness_n or_o estate_n of_o one_o man_n can_v be_v raise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o upon_o the_o ruin_n or_o decay_n of_o another_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v indeed_o nor_o be_v it_o expect_v by_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v free_v himself_o absolute_o from_o all_o concern_n for_o thing_n here_o below_o such_o impassibility_n will_v be_v one_o of_o our_o chief_a perfection_n when_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v raise_v above_o this_o corruptible_a condition_n and_o become_v spiritualise_v but_o to_o aim_v at_o it_o in_o this_o life_n may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o impossible_a design_n but_o certain_o not_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v here_o citizen_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o such_o bind_v to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o general_a member_n of_o a_o civil_a society_n and_o as_o such_o oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o our_o country_n member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o as_o such_o command_v to_o labour_n for_o the_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n last_o in_o our_o own_o private_a capacity_n god_n design_v at_o least_o some_o sort_n of_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n for_o man_n when_o he_o place_v he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o we_o may_v lawful_o pursue_v and_o improve_v as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n sobriety_n and_o religion_n will_v permit_v to_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o require_v by_o god_n that_o in_o most_o case_n it_o may_v become_v a_o crime_n but_o the_o 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