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 christian_a be_v not_o place_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o his_o great_a concern_v here_o be_v only_o to_o improve_v his_o short_a term_n of_o life_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o durable_a happiness_n hereafter_o from_o this_o persuasion_n it_o will_v easy_o follow_v that_o different_a interest_n from_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pursue_v in_o this_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o herein_o a_o christian_a true_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o best_o of_o all_o manifest_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n by_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n willing_o that_o his_o design_n be_v far_o from_o sound_v a_o empire_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o he_o submit_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o true_o crucify_a with_o he_o until_o we_o as_o absolute_o forsake_v all_o desire_n and_o inclinaons_n to_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n as_o if_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n itself_o that_o we_o retain_v not_o the_o least_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o our_o former_a vicious_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o a_o total_a relinquish_a of_o they_o even_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o recall_v and_o re-establish_a they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o view_v the_o dreadful_a horror_n and_o anxiety_n under_o which_o our_o saviour_n labour_v while_o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o the_o cross_n if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o melancholy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n his_o ignominious_a condition_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n while_o he_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o grave_a we_o may_v perceive_v the_o desperate_a and_o deplorable_a state_n of_o man_n while_o yet_o detain_v in_o sin_n labour_v under_o the_o just_a displeasure_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n
privilege_n of_o nature_n and_o derogate_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n but_o forbid_v man_n to_o be_v transport_v by_o passion_n against_o their_o adversary_n and_o not_o to_o seek_v revenge_n for_o revenge_n sake_n that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o forbid_v to_o repair_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o injury_n or_o prevent_v the_o like_a injustice_n to_o himself_o or_o other_o for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o return_v the_o injury_n and_o gratify_v his_o anger_n in_o create_v a_o like_a inconvenience_n to_o his_o adversary_n or_o maintain_v a_o inward_a hatred_n to_o he_o and_o herein_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n most_o eminent_o discover_v itself_o for_o to_o preserve_v the_o common_a right_n of_o justice_n be_v no_o extraordinary_a matter_n for_o a_o reveal_v religion_n to_o perform_v this_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o temporal_a interest_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o civil_a society_n may_v effect_v but_o to_o conquer_v those_o violent_a passion_n of_o hatred_n anger_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n to_o retain_v a_o quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a mind_n amid_o provoke_a injury_n and_o affront_v to_o entertain_v the_o insult_n of_o a_o enemy_n rather_o with_o pity_n than_o resentment_n and_o manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o by_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o forgive_v they_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n and_o most_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o soul_n fill_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a thing_n which_o have_v a_o entire_a command_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o do_v in_o earnest_n pursue_v the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a religion_n these_o chief_o render_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n admirable_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o will_v make_v we_o the_o not_o unworthy_a disciple_n of_o so_o great_a a_o master_n last_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v correspondent_a to_o all_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o be_v most_o intense_a and_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n indeed_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o darling_n virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n which_o he_o studious_o cultivate_v above_o all_o other_o to_o promote_v which_o all_o his_o design_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n tend_v and_o his_o example_n most_o direct_o lead_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n be_v almost_o so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n even_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v primary_o wrought_v to_o testify_v his_o divine_a power_n bear_v eminent_a character_n of_o this_o love_a kindness_n be_v employ_v in_o heal_v the_o disease_n and_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o man_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o even_o his_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v mark_n vii_o 37._o he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o he_o make_v both_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v but_o the_o high_a testimony_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v his_o inestimable_a love_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n his_o descent_n from_o heaven_n ignominious_a life_n upon_o earth_n and_o at_o last_o most_o painful_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o rescue_v his_o own_o creature_n who_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o 1_o john_n iii_o 16._o and_o great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n a_o love_n so_o stupendous_a that_o it_o no_o less_o confound_v the_o apprehension_n than_o exceed_v the_o imitation_n of_o finite_a men._n to_o this_o the_o high_a expression_n of_o our_o charity_n be_v but_o faint_a attempt_n and_o imperfect_a shadow_n a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o capacity_n and_o therefore_o not_o require_v but_o whatsoever_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o can_v be_v but_o a_o mean_a return_n to_o so_o vast_a a_o obligation_n st._n john_n therefore_o make_v this_o easy_a and_o natural_a inference_n from_o it_o belove_v if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o john_n iu._n 11._o if_o our_o creator_n love_v we_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o worthy_a his_o love_n but_o have_v many_o way_n offend_v and_o deserve_v his_o extreme_a displeasure_n if_o he_o love_v we_o to_o so_o wonderful_a a_o degree_n sure_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v our_o fellow_n creature_n who_o have_v in_o they_o no_o less_o excellent_a perfection_n than_o ourselves_o with_o all_o possible_a affection_n which_o however_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n be_v yet_o infinite_o beneath_o the_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o especial_o since_o our_o saviour_n chief_o impose_v this_o condition_n on_o we_o in_o return_n of_o his_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o that_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o example_n john_n xiii_o 34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o very_a life_n of_o christianity_n without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o this_o in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n christian_n be_v eminent_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o devote_v all_o their_o possession_n to_o the_o office_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a a_o excess_n of_o charity_n which_o however_o no_o long_a practicable_a than_o while_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n continue_v to_o be_v small_a and_o be_v therefore_o lay_v aside_o when_o the_o church_n become_v numerous_a as_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o convenient_a nor_o even_o possible_a yet_o clear_o show_v what_o be_v the_o primitive_a genius_n of_o christianity_n how_o exact_o they_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n and_o with_o what_o fervour_n of_o charity_n they_o be_v endue_v a_o fervour_n which_o expire_v not_o with_o the_o disuse_n of_o that_o apostolic_a custom_n of_o share_v their_o possession_n in_o common_a but_o continue_v to_o exert_v itself_o for_o some_o age_n after_o in_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o real_a charity_n insomuch_o that_o the_o heathen_n use_v to_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n see_v how_o these_o galilean_n love_v one_o another_o if_o then_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v accuse_v of_o have_v disobey_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n forsake_v his_o example_n and_o entire_o lose_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v retreive_v that_o admirable_a charity_n which_o be_v by_o he_o so_o mighty_o enjoin_v practise_v and_o bequeath_v to_o his_o disciple_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o some_o of_o the_o great_a line_n and_o stroke_n of_o it_o and_o show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o most_o excellent_a which_o can_v possible_o be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o urge_v the_o imitation_n of_o it_o in_o some_o few_o word_n first_o then_o the_o imitation_n of_o this_o divine_a example_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a consider_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o disciple_n which_o include_v not_o only_o a_o obligation_n of_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o follow_v his_o example_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o divine_a precept_n be_v proper_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o believer_n but_o of_o a_o disciple_n to_o imitate_v the_o action_n and_o conduct_v of_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o the_o patriarch_n and_o jew_n may_v well_o be_v call_v believer_n in_o god_n but_o not_o the_o disciple_n of_o god_n precept_n only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a example_n be_v not_o propose_v as_o a_o rule_n unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v also_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n call_v his_o disciple_n because_o they_o be_v the_o constant_a witness_n and_o attendant_n of_o his_o life_n who_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v his_o companion_n as_o well_o in_o moral_a as_o natural_a action_n although_o this_o title_n be_v not_o so_o far_o appropriate_v to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o we_o if_o we_o take_v the_o same_o care_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o they_o do_v we_o may_v follow_v it_o though_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o may_v pursue_v it_o though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o and_o that_o
they_o and_o when_o neglect_v their_o duty_n punish_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o prophet_n amos_n chap._n iii_o ver._n 2._o you_o only_o have_v i_o know_v of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o you_o beyond_o other_o will_n i_o punish_v for_o all_o your_o iniquity_n and_o if_o god_n require_v a_o great_a return_n of_o obedience_n in_o proportion_n to_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o more_o signal_n obligation_n we_o must_v conclude_v ourselves_o far_o more_o near_o concern_v than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o in_o the_o divine_a favour_n so_o in_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hebr._n x._o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v our_o relation_n to_o god_n consider_v as_o a_o king_n but_o then_o the_o apostlc_n imply_v yet_o somewhat_o further_o by_o call_v he_o a_o king_n eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o their_o interpretation_n who_o suppose_v by_o the_o term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v mean_v all_o other_o immaterial_a being_n of_o what_o dignity_n soever_o that_o so_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o heathenphilosopher_n and_o many_o ancient_a heretic_n may_v be_v exclude_v who_o introduce_v many_o immaterial_a being_n coordinate_a to_o god_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o he_o this_o interpretation_n even_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a be_v too_o nice_a for_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o more_o natural_a and_o useful_a importance_n of_o this_o word_n be_v that_o as_o god_n have_v be_v our_o king_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o will_v continue_v his_o government_n for_o ever_o and_o exercise_v it_o not_o only_o till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o present_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o long_o as_o any_o immaterial_a being_n shall_v exist_v that_o be_v through_o all_o age_n a_o consideration_n which_o can_v but_o powerful_o incline_v we_o to_o adore_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o reverent_a awe_n of_o he_o while_o we_o remember_v that_o even_a death_n can_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o government_n and_o execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v deserve_v it_o earthly_a prince_n can_v maintain_v their_o power_n no_o long_o than_o their_o life_n and_o reach_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereas_o god_n be_v our_o king_n not_o only_o in_o this_o life_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n not_o only_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n here_o but_o after_o death_n while_o it_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o after_o the_o resurrection_n also_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v again_o rejoyned_n to_o the_o body_n how_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o revere_a how_o to_o adore_v that_o god_n to_o who_o government_n we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o eternity_n from_o who_o dominion_n not_o even_a death_n can_v rescue_v we_o and_o in_o who_o hand_n be_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n further_o while_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n over_o we_o to_o all_o age_n we_o can_v but_o remember_v and_o prepare_v for_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v if_o he_o be_v then_o also_o our_o king_n he_o will_v certain_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o a_o severe_a trial_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o dispense_n reward_n and_o punishment_n when_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o most_o wise_a decree_n shall_v permit_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n to_o be_v exercise_v that_o be_v after_o death_n it_o be_v the_o comfort_n ancient_o of_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_n by_o who_o self-murder_n be_v general_o though_o erroneous_o believe_v in_o many_o case_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o they_o can_v easy_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o threat_n and_o oppression_n of_o a_o tyrant_n by_o a_o voluntary_a death_n and_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o we_o christian_n that_o we_o can_v baffle_v and_o overthrow_v all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o most_o outrageous_a violence_n at_o least_o by_o a_o generous_a death_n but_o who_o can_v rescue_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v his_o judgement_n if_o he_o be_v our_o governor_n after_o death_n also_o to_o all_o age_n the_o king_n eternal_a the_o next_o attribute_n ascribe_v to_o god_n in_o my_o text_n be_v immortality_n which_o however_o it_o may_v seem_v coincident_a with_o the_o former_a attribute_n be_v very_o different_a from_o it_o that_o denote_v the_o eternity_n of_o his_o government_n this_o either_o the_o eternity_n or_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o original_a imply_v both_o and_o both_o mighty_o conduce_v to_o raise_v in_o we_o a_o extraordinary_a dread_n and_o veneration_n of_o god_n eternity_n consider_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o most_o transcendent_a and_o essential_a of_o all_o the_o perfection_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o indeed_o the_o fountain_n of_o they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v eternal_a that_o be_v independent_a of_o any_o other_o cause_n include_v a_o necessity_n of_o existence_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o give_v a_o be_v to_o itself_o but_o whatsoever_o can_v give_v a_o be_v to_o itself_o can_v add_v all_o other_o perfection_n so_o that_o no_o be_v can_v be_v eternal_a which_o be_v not_o infinite_o and_o supreme_o perfect_a from_o hence_o all_o other_o being_n derive_v their_o perfection_n which_o be_v various_o and_o obscure_o divide_v among_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v all_o unite_a and_o concentre_v in_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o finite_a soul_n to_o comprehend_v the_o fullness_n of_o this_o infinite_a perfection_n we_o can_v only_o entertain_v a_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o it_o and_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o several_a excellency_n of_o create_a being_n imagine_v it_o yet_o somewhat_o great_a than_o they_o all_o we_o admire_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o can_v without_o astonishment_n view_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n we_o revere_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o have_v sometime_o be_v amaze_v at_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o men._n the_o nature_n of_o angel_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a and_o their_o perfection_n more_o refine_v these_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o alas_o imperfect_a pattern_n which_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n with_o the_o original_a yet_o if_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v these_o how_o glorious_a and_o far_o exceed_v all_o imagination_n must_v the_o fountain_n of_o they_o be_v of_o which_o these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o minute_n stream_n or_o obscure_a ray_n to_o so_o glorious_a so_o infinite_o perfect_v a_o be_v what_o adoration_n be_v not_o due_a what_o sacrifice_n less_o than_o of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n can_v be_v proportionate_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o this_o so_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a a_o be_v have_v admit_v we_o to_o a_o near_a participation_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o life_n and_o promise_v to_o we_o a_o much_o near_o in_o the_o next_o that_o he_o have_v entail_v unconceivable_a reward_n on_o the_o faithfulobserver_n of_o his_o command_n and_o threaten_v the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n to_o the_o violator_n of_o they_o and_o then_o that_o all_o this_o will_v be_v most_o certain_o perform_v that_o his_o nature_n and_o decrecs_n be_v immutable_a that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n neither_o shadow_n of_o change_n we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n annex_v to_o these_o reward_n as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o success_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v the_o next_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v invisibility_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o precedent_a perfection_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n visible_a or_o material_a shall_v be_v infinite_o perfect_a or_o eternal_a for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n iu_o 18._o this_o former_o distinguish_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n from_o heathen_n and_o idolater_n who_o frame_v to_o themselves_o visible_a god_n and_o be_v not_o without_o use_n even_o
not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v consider_v not_o what_o distinguish_v he_o from_o a_o beast_n the_o existence_n of_o his_o soul_n after_o death_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o receive_v reward_n or_o punishment_n from_o his_o supreme_a judge_n after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n beast_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a condition_n while_o life_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n imagine_v that_o nothing_o attend_v he_o beyond_o this_o life_n he_o do_v therein_o compare_v or_o level_a him-self_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v yet_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o mistake_n be_v pardonable_a in_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v who_o religion_n teach_v they_o not_o to_o expect_v any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o life_n who_o argument_n of_o obedience_n be_v a_o earthly_a canaan_n a_o fruitful_a land_n a_o long_a life_n and_o abundance_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n their_o punishment_n no_o other_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o by_o captivity_n oppression_n calamity_n or_o sudden_a death_n their_o father_n receive_v no_o other_o promise_n their_o law_n teach_v no_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o signal_n calamity_n be_v the_o indication_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n arise_v from_o sin_n and_o freedom_n from_o misfortune_n argument_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n to_o particular_a person_n thus_o the_o apostle_n see_v a_o blind_a man_n present_o ask_v their_o lord_n whether_o for_o his_o own_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o parent_n that_o calamity_n be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o jew_n not_o partake_v with_o the_o galilean_n in_o their_o miserable_a end_n immediate_o conclude_v that_o neither_o have_v they_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o the_o guilt_n which_o they_o suppose_v draw_v that_o end_n upon_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o error_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o excusable_a their_o religion_n do_v not_o warrant_v they_o to_o make_v any_o such_o conclusion_n which_o propose_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o temporal_a reward_n or_o punishent_n to_o they_o yet_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o no_o other_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v by_o they_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o mistake_n be_v that_o what_o god_n have_v only_o promise_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o they_o apply_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a he_o engage_v by_o his_o promise_n to_o bestow_v upon_o that_o nation_n a_o fruitful_a land_n to_o continue_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o to_o they_o while_o his_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v public_o and_o general_o maintain_v to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o multiply_v they_o and_o bless_v they_o by_o give_v they_o fruitful_a season_n secure_a peace_n or_o at_o least_o victory_n over_o the_o disturber_n of_o their_o peace_n he_o threaten_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o possession_n to_o afflict_v thém_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o pestilence_n to_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o deny_v the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o if_o they_o sorsook_v his_o worship_n or_o general_o violate_v his_o law_n in_o this_o general_a prosperity_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o promise_a reward_n or_o threaten_a punishment_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v include_v and_o no_o otherwise_o god_n no_o where_o promise_v to_o they_o that_o he_o will_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n preserve_v the_o possession_n the_o peace_n and_o plenty_n of_o a_o few_o good_a man_n when_o the_o prevail_a and_o almost_o universal_a apostasy_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v require_v a_o general_a punishment_n in_o that_o case_n those_o few_o good_a man_n be_v to_o share_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n and_o retain_v no_o advantage_n beyond_o the_o other_o beside_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o receive_n from_o god_n hereafter_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o obedience_n neither_o do_v he_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v extraordinary_o punish_v the_o wickedness_n of_o a_o few_o man_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v continue_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o they_o share_v in_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o particular_a sin_n be_v reserve_v to_o a_o future_a judgement_n we_o find_v indeed_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o god_n do_v ofttimes_o rescue_v good_a man_n from_o a_o general_a calamity_n as_o caleb_n and_o josh'ua_n in_o the_o wilderness_n jeremy_n in_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n and_o many_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o sometime_o inflict_v exemplary_a punishment_n upon_o private_a sinner_n while_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n preserve_v entire_a their_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o still_o enjoy_v their_o peace_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o achan_n and_o uzziah_n but_o these_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v so_o many_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n exercise_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o government_n not_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o that_o people_n which_o we_o find_v chief_o in_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n and_o therein_o can_v discover_v no_o other_o than_o general_a threat_n or_o promise_n make_v not_o to_o particular_a person_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a nation_n take_v in_o society_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n include_v no_o more_o be_v manife_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o follow_v time_n for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n violate_v his_o covenant_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o in_o after_o age_n the_o good_a be_v involve_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o bad_a often_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v never_o any_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v by_o god_n with_o that_o people_n thus_o mordecai_n and_o daniel_n be_v carry_v away_o in_o the_o captivity_n thus_o jeroboam_n and_o ahab_n reign_v secure_o the_o psalmist_n complain_v that_o the_o wicked_a enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n and_o come_v in_o no_o misfortune_n like_o other_o man_n while_o the_o good_a be_v persecute_v afflict_a and_o kill_v all_o day_n long_o whereas_o if_o god_n have_v promise_v external_a happiness_n to_o every_o good_a man_n of_o that_o church_n in_o particular_a or_o denounce_v visible_a punishment_n upon_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o every_o single_a sinner_n it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a any_o such_o conduct_n shall_v have_v follow_v than_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o other_o than_o a_o falsé_fw-fr persuasion_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o such_o sensible_a reward_n or_o punishment_n be_v entail_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a that_o terrible_a calamity_n be_v certain_a argument_n of_o every_o heinous_a crime_n though_o unknown_a to_o man_n and_o that_o eminent_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o our_o saviour_n here_o oppose_v and_o before_o they_o of_o the_o friend_n of_o job_n who_o argument_n do_v all_o proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n and_o which_o occasion_v all_o those_o querulous_a expostulation_n with_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n concern_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o pious_a rather_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o have_v conclude_v that_o since_o god_n distinguish_v not_o always_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o visible_a mark_n of_o his_o favour_n or_o disfavour_v since_o he_o suffer_v his_o prophet_n and_o devout_a worshipper_n to_o be_v stone_v to_o be_v saw_v asunder_o to_o wander_v about_o in_o misery_n and_o suffer_v all_o those_o affliction_n which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n elegant_o describe_v since_o he_o permit_v the_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o wickedness_n to_o live_v in_o plenty_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n themselves_o have_v gross_o mistake_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o a_o visible_a impunity_n in_o this_o life_n be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o own_o innocence_n than_o it_o be_v of_o those_o prosperous_a sinner_n at_o who_o continue_a happiness_n they_o murmur_v and_o who_o impiety_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v not_o deny_v a_o right_a notion_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n and_o distribution_n of_o justice_n under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n will_v contribute_v much_o to_o remove_v a_o like_a prejudice_n from_o our_o mind_n with_o what_o they_o entertain_v for_o if_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o confine_v itself_o whole_o
this_o prejudice_n that_o man_n form_v rule_n from_o like_a case_n of_o this_o world_n fond_o imagine_v that_o man_n have_v escape_v all_o possibility_n of_o punishment_n when_o they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o body_n as_o the_o tyrant_n say_v of_o his_o adversary_n who_o have_v kill_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v escape_v his_o hand_n in_o that_o case_n man_n see_v not_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o and_o then_o those_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o consult_v the_o report_n of_o sense_n alone_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o little_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v perish_v that_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n since_o by_o that_o alone_a it_o be_v that_o man_n even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sensible_a of_o either_o that_o after_o death_n it_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n subject_a to_o his_o dominion_n and_o responsible_a for_o all_o its_o action_n do_v in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o probation_n allow_v to_o it_o all_o this_o be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o parable_n follow_v in_o this_o chapter_n which_o our_o lord_n purposely_o deliver_v in_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o text._n there_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o possessor_n of_o a_o vineyard_n wherein_o be_v a_o unfruitful_a vine_n the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o dresser_n of_o that_o vineyard_n who_o perceive_v the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o vine_n present_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o cumber_v the_o ground_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v root_v up_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o vineyard_n the_o owner_n of_o the_o vineyard_n on_o the_o contrary_n command_v it_o shall_v be_v let_v alone_o for_o some_o while_n long_o that_o it_o may_v full_o appear_v if_o perhaps_o it_o will_v ever_o bear_v fruit_n during_o which_o he_o will_v the_o dresser_n of_o his_o vineyard_n to_o dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o to_o promote_v the_o fertility_n of_o it_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a and_o if_o after_o all_o it_o continue_v unfruitful_a then_o give_v sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v cut_v down_o during_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n god_n execute_v not_o his_o final_a sentence_n upon_o man_n he_o do_v not_o immediate_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o tormenter_n upon_o the_o first_o act_n of_o disobedience_n for_o then_o alas_o who_o can_v be_v save_v but_o with_o a_o admirable_a patience_n await_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o life_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n leave_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promote_v it_o by_o the_o solicitation_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o admonition_n of_o his_o pastor_n by_o all_o imaginable_a method_n which_o may_v incline_v the_o will_n of_o man_n without_o put_v any_o force_n upon_o it_o if_o then_o in_o this_o life_n we_o find_v not_o the_o just_a recompense_n of_o our_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o pass_v unregarded_a by_o he_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n or_o that_o we_o continue_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o his_o most_o prudent_a government_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o violate_v the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o it_o by_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v this_o world_n to_o be_v the_o stage_n of_o action_n for_o mankind_n and_o the_o next_o to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n yet_o may_v not_o this_o forbearance_n of_o god_n encourage_v man_n to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2._o be_v to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n our_o lord_n throughout_o all_o his_o gospel_n warn_v man_n concern_v the_o suddenness_n and_o unexpected_a time_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n in_o prevention_n of_o this_o fatal_a error_n what_o his_o second_o come_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o his_o last_o come_n in_o judgement_n will_v be_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o death_n be_v to_o we_o which_o if_o it_o find_v we_o unprepared_a all_o the_o misery_n which_o christ_n denounce_v shall_v befall_v they_o will_v fall_v on_o we_o nor_o if_o life_n be_v assure_v to_o we_o can_v we_o at_o all_o time_n form_v such_o a_o true_a repentance_n as_o will_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o transient_a sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n but_o in_o a_o total_a change_n of_o all_o the_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will._n nor_o last_o be_v there_o any_o pardon_n promise_v to_o presumptuous_a sin_n deliberate_o commit_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o pardon_n offer_v to_o all_o true_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n and_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o large_o in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o these_o word_n in_o my_o next_o discourse_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 23d_o 16889_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luk._n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n i_o describe_v to_o you_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a season_n to_o improve_v which_o i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o repentance_n from_o these_o word_n and_o therein_o observe_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o pernicious_a mistake_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o divine_a justice_n not_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v thereby_o warrant_v they_o and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a execution_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o little_a necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o opposition_n to_o which_o i_o show_v you_o that_o however_o the_o jewish_a revelation_n may_v give_v some_o countenance_n to_o such_o a_o opinion_n yet_o that_o they_o have_v therein_o mistake_v their_o law_n that_o under_o christianity_n there_o be_v yet_o much_o less_o pretence_n to_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o present_a order_n of_o the_o world_n settle_v by_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o last_o that_o however_o god_n do_v ordinary_o bear_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o defer_v the_o punishment_n of_o they_o to_o another_o world_n yet_o that_o this_o give_v no_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n after_o have_v remove_v these_o obstacle_n of_o repentance_n i_o proceed_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v take_v from_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v the_o certainty_n of_o destruction_n without_o repentance_n pronounce_v by_o our_o lord_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v perish_v and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o by_o repentance_n if_o true_a sincere_a and_o right_o apply_v destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v these_o two_o then_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n and_o first_o i_o will_v improve_v the_o argument_n of_o repentance_n draw_v from_o the_o inevitable_a consequence_n of_o destruction_n attend_v the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o consequence_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o argument_n when_o once_o a_o full_a conviction_n be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o most_o affect_v mankind_n their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v indeed_o more_o noble_a to_o pay_v our_o just_a obedience_n to_o god_n rather_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n than_o that_o of_o interest_n rather_o out_o of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o the_o many_o benefit_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o entire_a subjection_n due_a to_o that_o almighty_a be_v than_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n but_o such_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o corrupt_v be_v his_o will_n and_o so_o much_o darken_v his_o understanding_n that_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v ever_o find_v insufficient_a god_n therefore_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n have_v be_v please_v to_o employ_v that_o more_o sensible_a argument_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n by_o propofe_v reward_n to_o his_o obedient_a servant_n and_o denounce_v punishment_n to_o obstinate_a sinner_n a_o argument_n which_o can_v fail_v if_o man_n
to_o show_v you_o that_o no_o objection_n to_o the_o justice_n and_o impartiality_n of_o god_n can_v be_v deduce_v from_o his_o conduct_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o which_o not_o only_o tend_v to_o vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o just_a esteem_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n not_o only_o restrain_v we_o from_o pass_v uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o our_o fellow_n servant_n or_o conceive_v amiss_o of_o those_o immutable_a rule_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n but_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o salvation_n depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o any_o external_a relation_n or_o denomination_n as_o upon_o the_o eternal_a obligation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o namely_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text._n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v not_o now_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n annex_v to_o a_o family_n or_o a_o nation_n to_o external_a badge_n and_o ritual_a observation_n but_o to_o the_o more_o noble_a and_o universal_a obligation_n of_o fear_n and_o righteousness_n offer_v and_o dispense_v unto_o all_o man_n upon_o the_o same_o condition_n condition_n from_o which_o none_o can_v plead_v exemption_n even_o although_o no_o revelation_n have_v enforce_v they_o they_o have_v then_o be_v duty_n even_o without_o a_o reward_n but_o be_v now_o condition_n of_o a_o reward_n which_o manifest_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o enhance_a by_o the_o universality_n of_o it_o for_o that_o in_o eve_n y_o nation_n he_o that_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v by_o he_o for_o after_o all_o the_o title_n to_o a_o reward_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n not_o on_o any_o merit_n of_o the_o work_n but_o the_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_n far_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v only_o exhort_v you_o to_o make_v a_o just_a use_n of_o what_o you_o have_v already_o learned_a that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o you_o to_o use_v your_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o attain_v that_o reward_n which_o god_n have_v render_v equal_o possible_a to_o you_o with_o those_o who_o be_v now_o the_o great_a saint_n in_o heaven_n that_o whatever_o your_o condition_n or_o circumstance_n may_v be_v here_o below_o god_n respect_v not_o that_o in_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n but_o only_o what_o be_v in_o your_o own_o power_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o you_o neglect_v these_o possible_a these_o easy_a condition_n offearing_a god_n and_o work_a righteousness_n flatter_v not_o yourselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o be_v exempt_v by_o any_o peculiar_a favour_n from_o undergo_a that_o universal_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n which_o be_v indifferent_o pronounce_v against_o all_o sinner_n which_o be_v also_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v by_o st._n peter_n from_o this_o very_a consideration_n 1_o pet._n i._n 17._o and_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n the_o thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v easter-day_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n coloss._n iii_o 1._o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v deserve_o celebrate_v with_o a_o great_a solemnity_n than_o any_o other_o festival_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o most_o signal_n act_n of_o our_o lord_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o the_o final_a completion_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o it_o other_o action_n indeed_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n to_o expect_v salvation_n from_o he_o but_o this_o alone_o give_v they_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o till_o than_o they_o retain_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_v be_v confound_v at_o his_o ignominious_a crucifixion_n and_o begin_v to_o suspect_v that_o they_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n all_o their_o glorious_a hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n the_o church_n then_o be_v not_o only_o disperse_v but_o destroy_v and_o none_o leave_v who_o will_v own_o their_o belief_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n the_o apostle_n be_v flee_v the_o woman_n prepare_v spice_n for_o his_o body_n now_o lie_v in_o the_o grave_a as_o not_o expect_v it_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o the_o jew_n triumph_v over_o his_o afflict_a disciple_n as_o have_v defeat_v their_o hope_n and_o overthrow_v their_o pretence_n at_o this_o time_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n our_o lord_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n dispel_v the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o confound_v his_o enemy_n by_o this_o he_o retrieve_v the_o lose_a faith_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o more_o fluctuation_n hereby_o he_o not_o only_o give_v the_o last_o and_o most_o infallible_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n unheard_a of_o in_o former_a age_n but_o also_o establish_v in_o mankind_n the_o glad_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a resurrection_n he_o have_v before_o indeed_o promise_v it_o but_o now_o give_v a_o earnest_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o manifest_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o actual_a effect_n of_o it_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o as_o the_o church_n do_v at_o first_o receive_v our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a with_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o triumph_n so_o it_o always_o continue_a to_o renew_v the_o remembrance_n of_o that_o triumph_n by_o extraordinary_a solemnity_n that_o the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o high_a argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o admonish_v their_o disciple_n to_o comfort_v one_o another_o with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o draw_v continual_a argument_n of_o instruction_n and_o motive_n of_o holiness_n from_o it_o and_o make_v all_o the_o mystery_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o a_o action_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o strike_v the_o sense_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a or_o convince_v the_o incredulous_a but_o to_o affect_v the_o soul_n and_o become_v a_o foundation_n of_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o belief_n to_o all_o christian_n our_o lord_n raise_v not_o his_o natural_a body_n from_o the_o grave_a to_o leave_v we_o his_o mystical_a body_n grovel_v on_o the_o ground_n he_o resume_v not_o his_o bodily_a life_n to_o leave_v we_o in_o a_o spiritual_a death_n but_o teach_v we_o thereby_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o region_n of_o light_n for_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o in_o my_o text_n and_o if_o so_o the_o natural_a consequence_n will_v be_v that_o we_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o and_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o new_a state_n of_o life_n into_o which_o we_o be_v enter_v if_o then_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o word_n therefore_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treatfirst_n of_o our_o resurrection_n with_o christ_n and_o second_o of_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o that_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o rise_v and_o bewith_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o firm_a belief_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o be_v already_o rise_v may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v so_o easy_o conceive_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o experience_n not_o in_o themselves_o any_o effect_n of_o this_o bless_a resurrection_n we_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n even_o in_o this_o life_n either_o by_o similitude_n or_o by_o
and_o not_o break_v loose_a from_o the_o chain_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o state_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n be_v indeed_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o high_a confusion_n without_o any_o consolation_n or_o apparent_a possibility_n of_o recovery_n yet_o much_o great_a be_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o unrepentant_a sinner_n who_o suffer_v all_o this_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o until_o he_o be_v regenerate_v see_v no_o approach_a delivery_n from_o all_o these_o calamity_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o church_n be_v rescue_v by_o his_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o from_o all_o these_o misery_n be_v unhappy_a man_n deliver_v by_o his_o regeneration_n our_o lord_n by_o his_o resurrection_n vindicate_v his_o honour_n from_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v argue_v against_o his_o divinity_n from_o the_o seem_a imperfection_n of_o his_o suffering_n overthrow_v the_o design_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o 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corruption_n but_o also_o a_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o renew_v a_o active_a course_n of_o life_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o bare_o content_a to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n but_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o triumphant_o into_o heaven_n and_o there_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n employ_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o mediate_v continual_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n if_o then_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o vital_a action_n proper_a to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a virtue_n and_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o new_a society_n with_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v far_o a_o bare_a recovery_n of_o life_n deserve_v not_o the_o title_n of_o a_o resurrection_n for_o then_o the_o intermediate_v death_n will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n at_o least_o it_o reach_v not_o the_o illustrious_a example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n who_o after_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a state_n than_o before_o his_o death_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n sin_n only_o except_v after_o his_o resurrection_n exempt_v from_o they_o all-before_a his_o passion_n subject_a to_o change_v and_o decay_n after_o his_o resurrection_n instate_v in_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a possession_n of_o glory_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n amplify_v this_o very_a matter_n rom._n vi_o 9_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o his_o life_n precede_v and_o follow_v his_o resurrection_n be_v infinite_o different_a that_o contemptible_a and_o mean_a this_o glorious_a and_o terrible_a that_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n this_o exalt_a above_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n converse_v not_o open_o among_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o from_o that_o time_n a_o new_a and_o different_a state_n of_o life_n be_v to_o commence_v never_o any_o more_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o relinquish_v whence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o express_v it_o near_o in_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o improve_v our_o obedience_n far_o than_o be_v exact_v of_o we_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o no_o more_o than_o temporary_a reward_n be_v promise_v at_o least_o that_o after_o our_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a life_n after_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n we_o walk_v invariable_o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o to_o relapse_n into_o our_o former_a state_n which_o we_o relinquish_v bydy_v with_o christ_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o partake_v in_o his_o resurrection_n by_o a_o similitude_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v otherwise_o secure_v to_o we_o a_o near_a imitation_n of_o he_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n in_o the_o next_o of_o this_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n without_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n man_n will_v have_v be_v prone_a to_o disbelieve_v they_o it_o seem_v a_o matter_n incredible_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o god_n shall_v after_o many_o age_n recollect_v the_o scatter_a part_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o reunite_a they_o into_o their_o former_a frame_n once_o more_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o live_a soul_n this_o to_o some_o seem_v impossible_a to_o other_o improbable_a but_o both_o be_v refute_v by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n which_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n always_o urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v and_o be_v employ_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o chief_a argument_n against_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o 1_o epist._n xv._n chapter_n god_n have_v promise_v as_o well_o to_o raise_v up_o mankind_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o the_o certain_a completion_n of_o this_o latter_a promise_n secure_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a benefit_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o how_o all_o precede_a promise_n be_v infallible_o perform_v and_o thus_o in_o some_o sense_n all_o mankind_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n inasmuch_o as_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 20._o that_o as_o the_o whole_a mass_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n so_o all_o mankind_n receive_v a_o earnest_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v their_o resurrection_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n but_o then_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o proper_a manner_n all_o faithful_a christian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ._n there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n a_o terrible_a as_o well_o as_o a_o desirable_a resurrection_n to_o rise_v therefore_o with_o christ_n be_v the_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o that_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o epist._n i._n 4._o be_v to_o rise_v to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o good_a and_o pious_a christian_n the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o they_o to_o such_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n
all_o along_o experience_v my_o affection_n to_o you_o and_o if_o you_o do_v still_o doubt_v i_o do_v now_o give_v you_o fresh_a assurance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o verse_n 2._o and_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o nâ—…e_n i_o will_v do_v it_o verse_n 14._o even_o my_o crucifixion_n be_v for_o your_o sake_n for_o to_o purchase_v redemption_n for_o you_o and_o after_o that_o my_o return_n into_o heaven_n be_v for_o your_o sake_n also_o to_o secure_v your_o reward_n and_o prepare_v you_o mansion_n there_o for_o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n i_o go_v not_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n for_o myself_o alone_o but_o in_o your_o name_n also_o and_o in_o your_o behalf_n let_v not_o your_o heart_n therefore_o be_v trouble_v neither_o he_o distract_v with_o the_o affliction_n that_o may_v fall_v upon_o you_o for_o whatsoever_o shock_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n although_o you_o be_v persecute_v injure_a and_o oppress_v let_v not_o this_o afflict_v you_o or_o cause_v you_o to_o despair_v this_o be_v not_o your_o abide_a place_n your_o mansion_n be_v in_o heaven_n let_v this_o be_v your_o consolation_n this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o dispel_v the_o anxiety_n and_o raise_v the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o in_o some_o manner_n to_o support_v all_o faithful_a christian_n in_o difficult_a emergency_n to_o all_o age_n this_o be_v speak_v indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o write_v for_o our_o instruction_n who_o it_o do_v no_o less_o concern_v for_o the_o church_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o by_o any_o peculiar_a privilege_n exempt_v from_o difficulty_n and_o disaster_n the_o promise_v make_v unto_o she_o be_v not_o to_o take_v place_n in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o if_o she_o be_v assault_v with_o tempest_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n she_o suffer_v no_o more_o than_o her_o lord_n and_o master_n do_v before_o she_o than_o her_o founder_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n also_o do_v a_o great_a calamity_n can_v befall_v the_o church_n than_o what_o befall_v the_o apostle_n at_o this_o time_n nay_o all_o that_o ever_o the_o church_n suffer_v all_o that_o it_o can_v suffer_v come_v far_o beneath_o it_o and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n think_v this_o consideration_n a_o sufficient_a remedy_n to_o their_o affliction_n much_o more_o therefore_o will_v it_o suffice_v to_o remove_v our_o lesser_a trouble_n and_o continue_v a_o constant_a quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o mind_n who_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o that_o it_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o text_n to_o discourse_n of_o these_o two_o head_n i._o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n natural_a religion_n or_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n give_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o receive_v comfort_n from_o thence_o in_o all_o difficulty_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o calamity_n insinuate_v in_o those_o word_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n ii_o what_o force_v the_o christian_a religion_n have_v superad_v to_o these_o reason_n of_o trust_n and_o consolation_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o first_o then_o what_o reason_n etc._n etc._n i_o join_v natural_a religion_n and_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n herein_o together_o because_o no_o certain_a hope_n or_o promise_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n be_v give_v to_o either_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n the_o reason_n of_o depend_v upon_o god_n in_o this_o life_n be_v common_a to_o both_o the_o jew_n indeed_o have_v strong_a reason_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o have_v have_v more_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a experience_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o common_a to_o natural_a religion_n which_o proceed_v no_o far_o with_o any_o certainty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o present_a life_n let_v we_o then_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o consideration_n where_o the_o first_o thought_n which_o present_v itself_o will_v be_v that_o since_o god_n create_v man_n by_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o continue_v to_o govern_v he_o and_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n according_a to_o his_o own_o primary_n decree_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o man_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o law_n of_o his_o government_n for_o if_o god_n bestow_v on_o he_o the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n and_o continue_v it_o by_o a_o constant_a preservation_n he_o may_v just_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v thankful_o receive_v that_o benefit_n without_o repine_v that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n perform_v their_o duty_n without_o variance_n in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n and_o if_o man_n alone_a desire_n that_o his_o station_n may_v be_v change_v his_o post_n remove_v he_o show_v himself_o unworthy_a even_o of_o the_o first_o benefit_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o existence_n much_o more_o of_o any_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o favour_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o god_n in_o his_o behalf_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o miserable_a member_n of_o mankind_n exclude_v his_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n be_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n as_o enjoy_v a_o noble_a and_o capacious_a soul_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v true_a happiness_n if_o direct_v aright_o or_o at_o least_o please_a itself_o with_o a_o mistake_a happiness_n a_o privilege_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o irrational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o however_o many_o of_o they_o have_v more_o exquisite_a and_o accurate_a organ_n of_o sense_n than_o man_n yet_o thence_o receive_v neither_o real_a nor_o imaginary_a happiness_n because_o not_o reflect_v on_o any_o perception_n of_o sense_n after_o all_o let_v the_o affliction_n of_o any_o private_a man_n be_v never_o so_o heavy_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o he_o the_o soul_n be_v still_o at_o liberty_n to_o improve_v its_o more_o real_a happiness_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o any_o of_o those_o calamity_n any_o far_o than_o it_o shall_v immerge_n or_o interest_n itself_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n and_o even_o this_o be_v no_o small_a consolation_n that_o in_o all_o the_o misfortune_n of_o this_o life_n we_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o execute_v that_o station_n which_o his_o providence_n have_v appoint_v we_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o station_n be_v fit_a for_o we_o we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n if_o not_o fit_a for_o we_o simple_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n yet_o in_o conjunction_n with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n expect_v the_o interruption_n of_o the_o public_a government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o our_o private_a concern_v indeed_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o god_n be_v the_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o be_v also_o infinite_o just_a and_o holy_a which_o may_v encourage_v man_n who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n in_o this_o life_n interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o good_a man_n and_o against_o bad_a men._n so_o that_o however_o the_o former_a consideration_n may_v remove_v the_o anxiety_n of_o man_n yet_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o assure_a belief_n of_o this_o latter_a will_n ever_o persuade_v they_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n which_o suppose_v the_o hope_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n or_o proceed_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o such_o extraordinary_a influence_n be_v actual_o confer_v upon_o the_o jew_n who_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n be_v common_o attend_v with_o temporal_a reward_n or_o punishment_n but_o this_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o particular_a covenant_n which_o admit_v no_o better_a hope_n confine_v it_o feel_v to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n and_o after_o all_o receive_v frequent_a exception_n and_o variation_n many_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o live_v in_o plenty_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o othâ—…rs_n of_o eminent_a sanctity_n persecute_v oppress_a and_o at_o last_o unjust_o slay_v so_o that_o only_o probable_a motive_n of_o trust_n in_o god_n remain_v in_o that_o dispensation_n under_o the_o law_n as_o because_o peace_n or_o misery_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v virtue_n or_o vice_n and_o this_o even_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o dictate_v only_o of_o natural_a religion_n in_o some_o measure_n have_v who_o have_v often_o take_v notice_n
we_o may_v do_v it_o those_o first_o and_o chief_a disciple_n have_v enable_v we_o by_o give_v we_o large_a account_n of_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n himself_o tell_v we_o john_n xv._n 8._o if_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o ver._n 10._o explain_v their_o bear_v much_o fruit_n by_o imitate_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n if_o you_o keep_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n even_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n so_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o religious_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o bless_a jesus_n live_v on_o earth_n he_o pursue_v the_o true_a end_n of_o happiness_n and_o cultivate_v those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o office_n what_o honour_n then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n of_o action_n it_o be_v the_o high_a ambition_n of_o the_o more_o generous_a among_o the_o heathen_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o their_o ancient_a hero_n and_o be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o ardent_o desire_v to_o resemble_v our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n their_o ambition_n be_v misplace_v and_o therefore_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o unhappiness_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v too_o great_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o pious_a soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o same_o duty_n wherein_o the_o bless_a jesus_n spend_v his_o life_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o devotion_n to_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n this_o consideration_n will_v dispel_v all_o weariness_n will_v add_v vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o all_o temporal_a evil_n which_o may_v attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n this_o will_v support_v we_o under_o all_o outward_a calamity_n alleviate_v our_o sorrow_n and_o calm_v our_o tempest_n to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n endure_v the_o same_o affliction_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n if_o he_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o fury_n of_o devil_n shall_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o same_o enemy_n if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o john_n xv._n 18._o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o same_o fortune_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n no_o sure_o only_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o they_o be_v on_o he_o that_o be_v not_o through_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n so_o shall_v we_o imitate_v he_o as_o well_o in_o the_o most_o happy_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o affliction_n as_o in_o the_o affliction_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o last_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n will_v be_v our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n if_o only_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v be_v give_v to_o we_o we_o may_v have_v be_v daily_o distract_v with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v the_o meaning_n extent_n and_o application_n of_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o error_n and_o craft_n of_o man_n and_o render_v useless_a by_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n whereas_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v away_o all_o these_o scruple_n and_o place_v every_o precept_n in_o its_o full_a light_n if_o we_o true_o imitate_v his_o example_n we_o be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v in_o all_o thing_n do_v our_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o perform_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o once_o obtain_v that_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n may_v we_o have_v by_o follow_v his_o example_n than_o by_o respect_v his_o precept_n only_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n after_o so_o many_o rule_n and_o precept_n give_v to_o his_o convert_v still_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o but_o then_o no_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ._n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ._n r_o cor._n xi_o 1._o by_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o gainsay_n of_o foolish_a man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o profound_a knowledge_n or_o deep_a speculation_n if_o they_o deride_v our_o christian_a virtue_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o duty_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o mortification_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o in_o practise_v they_o we_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n let_v they_o please_v themselves_o with_o their_o mirth_n and_o false_a supposal_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o pattern_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o place_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o precept_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n have_v at_o least_o recommend_v they_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o can_v assert_v they_o by_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o result_n from_o it_o let_v we_o by_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o follow_v this_o most_o excellent_a example_n fullfil_v the_o obligation_n and_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v on_o earth_n make_v like_o unto_o he_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n so_o we_o may_v hereafter_o in_o heaven_n be_v make_v yet_o more_o like_a unto_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o immortality_n the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v october_n 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._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 you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n have_v so_o contrive_v that_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v equal_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o excellency_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o it_o propose_v in_o its_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o beget_v and_o establish_v due_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o admirable_a congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n his_o goodness_n be_v conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o those_o infinite_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o liberal_a distribution_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o which_o more_o direct_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n in_o adapt_a that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o thereby_o render_v it_o no_o less_o easy_a than_o advantageous_a and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a among_o the_o heathen_n many_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n have_v employ_v their_o wit_n in_o refine_n the_o superstition_n of_o their_o country_n and_o assign_v reason_n for_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o obtain_v among_o they_o but_o their_o notion_n be_v abstruse_a and_o mystical_a their_o
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
god_n in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o choose_v israel_n and_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o make_v myself_o know_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n when_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o they_o say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o forth_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n into_o a_o land_n that_o i_o have_v espy_v for_o they_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o land_n then_o i_o say_v unto_o they_o cast_v you_o away_o every_o man_n the_o abomination_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o defile_v not_o yourselves_o with_o the_o idol_n of_o egypt_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n to_o say_v no_o more_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n under_o which_o god_n be_v constant_o worship_v from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o name_n import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o constancy_n in_o effect_v his_o promise_n the_o completion_n of_o which_o shall_v necessary_o as_o often_o return_v into_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o most_o holy_a name_n be_v take_v into_o their_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o at_o that_o moment_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v complete_v god_n make_v himself_o know_v unto_o the_o jew_n by_o this_o name_n jehovah_n say_v unto_o moses_n exod._n vi_o 3._o and_o i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o el_n shaddai_n or_o god_n almighty_a but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v not_o i_o know_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o be_v know_v indeed_o unto_o your_o forefather_n by_o my_o attribute_n of_o greatness_n and_o omnipotence_n whereby_o they_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v that_o i_o be_v able_a in_o due_a time_n to_o confer_v upon_o they_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o but_o 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of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o benefit_n be_v enjoin_v and_o parent_n command_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o their_o child_n on_o the_o severe_a penalty_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n which_o be_v in_o more_o frequent_a use_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v employ_v in_o repeat_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o urge_v the_o duty_n of_o gratitude_n arise_v from_o they_o and_o as_o if_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o that_o people_n consist_v in_o retain_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o favour_n moses_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o require_v nothing_o else_o of_o they_o who_o after_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o law_n and_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o they_o subjoin_v only_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o keep_v thy_o soul_n diligent_o lest_o thou_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o thy_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o lest_o they_o depart_v from_o thy_o heart_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o teach_v they_o thy_o son_n and_o thy_o son_n son_n deut._n iu._n 9_o he_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o if_o this_o grateful_a remembrance_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o it_o will_v draw_v along_o with_o it_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o therefore_o as_o our_o savioâ—…r_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o love_n o_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n so_o he_o comprise_v all_o in_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n afterward_o when_o the_o deplorable_a idolatry_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o which_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o captivity_n have_v almost_o effaced_a the_o memory_n of_o their_o miraculous_a deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o by_o a_o new_a prodigy_n of_o mercy_n god_n have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o captivity_n and_o replace_v they_o in_o their_o ancient_a possession_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o almost_o forget_a benefit_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o memory_n of_o which_o be_v grow_v faint_a among_o they_o but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a restitution_n the_o remembrance_n of_o which_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v suppose_v to_o produce_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n in_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o bespeak_v they_o jerem._n xvi_o 14_o 15._o therefore_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o it_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north_n and_o from_o all_o the_o land_n whither_o he_o have_v drive_v they_o and_o i_o will_v bring_v they_o again_o into_o their_o land_n that_o i_o give_v unto_o their_o father_n the_o same_o word_n he_o repeat_v in_o the_o xxiii_o seven_o and_o 8_o verse_n so_o studious_o do_v god_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o happiness_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o by_o heap_v new_a benefit_n upon_o they_o and_o inculcate_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o in_o all_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n under_o the_o gospel_n also_o god_n continue_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o author_n of_o some_o signal_n benefit_n as_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o we_o obtain_v redemption_n from_o our_o sin_n and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a egypt_n the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o every_o act_n of_o our_o christian_a worship_n the_o memory_n of_o this_o benefit_n be_v present_v to_o we_o while_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o father_n which_o can_v be_v without_o recall_v to_o mind_v his_o infinite_a mercy_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v design_v by_o he_o and_o effect_v by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n all_o the_o sacrament_n and_o external_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o benefit_n than_o do_v the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o commemorate_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n particular_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v institute_v to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o preserve_v a_o lively_a memory_n of_o that_o great_a and_o final_a act_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o continue_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o stripesby_n which_o we_o be_v heal_v and_o of_o that_o blood_n by_o which_o we_o be_v cleanse_v if_o by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n fail_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n for_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v that_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o deplorable_a disuse_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o which_o creep_v into_o latter_a age_n and_o be_v continue_v in_o our_o time_n that_o universal_a decay_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o lament_v can_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n as_o to_o this_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o with_o that_o of_o our_o redemption_n sensible_o decay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o that_o venerable_a mystery_n begin_v to_o be_v discontinue_v which_o be_v institute_v on_o purpose_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o a_o lively_a representation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n man_n perhaps_o may_v retain_v a_o historical_a remembrance_n of_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
greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n confer_v on_o he_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o regard_v he_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n rom._n v._n 8._o for_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v scarce_o will_v any_o other_o confer_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n upon_o any_o one_o however_o punctual_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o juftice_n and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o those_o office_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o he_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o one_o who_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n do_v more_o than_o be_v in_o common_a justice_n require_v some_o man_n induce_v by_o a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n will_v not_o fear_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o incomparable_a greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o while_o we_o far_o from_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n much_o less_o from_o do_v more_o than_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o we_o have_v by_o our_o sin_n provoke_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o proclaim_v ourselves_o enemy_n to_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o die_v for_o we_o if_o we_o apply_v this_o argument_n to_o our_o own_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o divine_a benefit_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o very_o cogent_a for_o if_o for_o a_o good_a although_o not_o for_o a_o just_a man_n some_o will_v out_o of_o gratitude_n even_o dare_v to_o die_v what_o ought_v not_o we_o to_o do_v for_o god_n who_o by_o his_o superabundant_a goodness_n have_v so_o far_o exceed_v what_o he_o owe_v to_o we_o in_o justice_n that_o the_o latter_a hold_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o former_a in_o strict_a propriety_n of_o speech_n he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o we_o since_o our_o creation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o although_o when_o once_o create_v he_o can_v without_o injustice_n necessitate_v we_o to_o be_v miserable_a or_o lie_v great_a evil_n upon_o we_o without_o respect_n to_o our_o demerit_n than_o what_o may_v be_v countervail_v by_o the_o happiness_n necessary_o flow_v from_o our_o existence_n yet_o be_v this_o owe_v rather_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n than_o to_o any_o right_n acquire_v by_o we_o but_o then_o the_o undeserved_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o we_o be_v great_a than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v and_o hold_v no_o proportion_n with_o any_o thing_n save_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o be_v no_o less_o than_o redemption_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o what_o can_v we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o to_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o in_o his_o sight_n be_v dust_n and_o ash_n not_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o miserable_o debase_v by_o sinsul_n habit_n not_o our_o righteousness_n or_o piety_n which_o be_v infinite_o inferior_a to_o our_o demerit_n and_o although_o most_o perfect_a yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o our_o duty_n not_o the_o ability_n of_o magnify_v the_o persection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o celebrate_v his_o majesty_n for_o that_o be_v infinite_a already_o and_o can_v receive_v no_o addition_n from_o our_o imperfect_a praise_n the_o angel_n be_v much_o more_o fit_v by_o the_o exâ—…lency_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o persorm_v that_o office_n as_o haâ—…ing_v more_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o â—…eing_v able_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o spirituality_n to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o he_o without_o intermission_n yet_o obtain_v not_o they_o the_o same_o favour_n with_o mankind_n nor_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n for_o they_o after_o apostasy_n he_o receive_v not_o to_o mercy_n but_o the_o angel_n which_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o leave_v their_o own_o habitation_n he_o have_v reserve_v in_o everlasting_a chain_n under_o darkness_n unto_o the_o judement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n judas_n vi._n it_o be_v man_n alone_o who_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o darling_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o to_o have_v try_v how_o far_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o oblige_v his_o creature_n by_o undeserved_a benefit_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o this_o consideration_n can_v but_o strike_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n that_o in_o dispense_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n he_o weigh_v not_o our_o merit_n but_o choose_v to_o make_v know_v his_o power_n in_o our_o weakness_n a_o consideration_n which_o may_v just_o find_v matter_n of_o astonishmeâ—…t_n for_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o work_v up_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o gratitude_n constrain_v we_o to_o obedience_n wise_o therefore_o do_v moses_n so_o much_o inculcate_v it_o in_o the_o ix_o of_o deuteronomy_n where_o aggraâ—…ating_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o wonderful_a and_o numerous_a benefit_n he_o charge_v they_o to_o remember_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v undeserved_a speak_v not_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o canaanite_n from_o before_o thou_o say_v for_o my_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n have_v bring_v i_o to_o possess_v this_o land_n not_o for_o thy_o righteousness_n or_o for_o the_o uprightness_n of_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o go_v to_o possess_v their_o land_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o nation_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n do_v drive_v they_o out_o from_o before_o thou_o and_o that_o he_o may_v perform_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o thy_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o the_o divine_a benefit_n ought_v to_o appear_v infinite_a unto_o we_o and_o create_v a_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o thankfulness_n bâ—…cause_n they_o be_v undeserved_a by_o we_o last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o no_o argument_n so_o effectual_a can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o this_o of_o gratitude_n the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v no_o otherwise_o move_v than_o by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o have_v not_o so_o far_o improuâ—…d_v their_o reason_n as_o to_o conceive_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o sensible_a object_n these_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o visible_a and_o most_o remarkable_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n by_o these_o as_o man_n be_v chief_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n so_o they_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v he_o worship_n and_o adoration_n to_o this_o purpose_n no_o action_n of_o god_n be_v so_o adapt_v as_o those_o which_o declare_v his_o beneficence_n and_o liberality_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o other_o action_n indeed_o may_v equal_o manifest_v his_o nature_n if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o but_o these_o few_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o meditation_n man_n seldom_o consider_v god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o relation_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o want_v some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o excite_v their_o attâ—…ntion_n and_o entertain_v their_o consideration_n these_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n make_v the_o deep_a impression_n on_o our_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o continue_v long_a in_o our_o mâ—…mories_n so_o that_o if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o be_v once_o effaced_a we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v all_o other_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n to_o have_v be_v long_o before_o forget_v and_o according_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o express_v the_o final_a apostasy_n of_o man_n from_o religion_n by_o their_o forget_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n thus_o judge_n ii_o after_o it_o have_v be_v say_v verse_n 7._o that_o the_o people_n serve_v god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o do_v for_o israel_n it_o be_v subjoin_v verse_n 10._o that_o when_o all_o that_o generation_n be_v dead_a there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o
worthy_o be_v execute_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n much_o lef_n can_v the_o righteous_a receiâ—…_n the_o recompense_n of_o their_o just_a deed_n therein_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a life_n worthy_a either_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o man_n be_v it_o riches_n or_o prosperity_n sensual_a delight_n and_o temporal_a convenience_n alas_o that_o god_n shall_v confer_v no_o more_o noble_a reward_n on_o his_o servant_n and_o follower_n that_o for_o such_o trifle_n only_o we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o after_o our_o labour_n and_o study_n to_o procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o virtue_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v attain_v no_o other_o reward_n than_o what_o even_o brute_n beast_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o ease_n of_o our_o body_n or_o if_o any_o voluptuous_a person_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o degenerous_a as_o to_o place_v his_o utmost_a felicity_n in_o these_o carnal_a enjoyment_n he_o will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o his_o design_a satisfaction_n although_o heap_v with_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o constant_a thought_n of_o his_o approach_a end_n which_o may_v be_v defer_v but_o can_v be_v remove_v will_v embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n create_v a_o continual_a disquiet_n and_o torment_v he_o with_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o then_o what_o a_o inconsiderable_a happiness_n be_v that_o which_o a_o ague_n or_o a_o fever_n a_o mistake_n or_o a_o casualty_n may_v destroy_v so_o foolish_a be_v it_o for_o a_o pious_a man_n to_o expect_v or_o desire_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v be_v as_o well_o impossible_a as_o unreasonable_a to_o exercise_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o please_a act_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o state_n if_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n be_v entail_v on_o just_a man_n only_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n under_o affliction_n no_o occasion_n for_o charity_n and_o contentment_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v destroy_v what_o great_a demonstration_n of_o religion_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o will_v then_o become_v not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o even_o unlawful_a be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o renunciation_n of_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o relinquish_a the_o assign_a reward_n by_o god_n what_o more_o certain_a manifestation_n of_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o at_o least_o to_o forego_v all_o worldly_a possession_n when_o call_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v then_o no_o less_o foolish_a than_o impracticable_a when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v no_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o dispense_v no_o reward_n after_o death_n it_o will_v then_o in_o wisdom_n concern_v every_o man_n to_o continue_v his_o life_n and_o possession_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n and_o overlook_a all_o interest_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o charity_n to_o miserable_a person_n will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o to_o the_o good_a who_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o calamity_n it_o will_v be_v unuseful_a and_o to_o show_v it_o to_o the_o bad_a in_o who_o misery_n be_v a_o punishment_n will_v be_v to_o reverse_v and_o overthrow_v the_o sentence_n of_o god_n nay_o to_o proceed_v yet_o far_o no_o virtue_n or_o vice_n obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o god_n will_v then_o take_v place_n for_o no_o virtue_n be_v acceptable_a no_o obedience_n deserve_v any_o reward_n from_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n struggle_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n or_o its_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n as_o it_o include_v somewhat_o of_o difficulty_n in_o it_o somewhat_o which_o evidence_v a_o mature_a choice_n of_o right_a reason_n prevail_v over_o the_o opposition_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n whereas_o if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n nothing_o will_v be_v leave_v wherein_o freewill_n may_v interpose_v all_o will_v indifferent_o strive_v to_o be_v good_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v wicked_a than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v pious_a when_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n shall_v draw_v the_o same_o way_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v our_o carnal_a desire_n will_v be_v to_o yield_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n 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in_o favour_n of_o good_a man_n which_o may_v rescue_v they_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o pestilence_n sword_n or_o famine_n or_o if_o so_o great_a a_o discrimination_n can_v be_v allow_v good_a man_n will_v necessary_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o suffering_n by_o their_o compassion_n by_o the_o loss_n and_o torment_n of_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n who_o be_v torment_v for_o their_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n will_v interrupt_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o pious_a and_o compassionate_a man_n by_o their_o shriek_n and_o clamour_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v what_o a_o scence_z of_o horror_n theearth_n will_v then_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o execute_v his_o vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n what_o a_o face_n of_o cruelty_n and_o desolation_n will_v then_o appear_v it_o will_v then_o bear_v so_o true_a a_o resemblance_n of_o hell_n that_o good_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v annihilate_v than_o to_o be_v present_a in_o it_o so_o that_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o good_a man_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a be_v defer_v to_o another_o life_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v at_o last_o abundant_o satisfy_v you_o both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o form_v both_o the_o decree_v mention_v in_o my_o text_n of_o appoint_v all_o man_n once_o to_o die_n and_o in_o exercise_v a_o final_a judgement_n not_o till_o after_o death_n we_o may_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o we_o be_v long_o since_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o but_o if_o we_o descend_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o examine_v they_o thorough_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o our_o conviction_n we_o be_v enure_v to_o sensual_a thing_n and_o sensual_a proof_n and_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v all_o that_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o another_o life_n because_o the_o experience_n of_o sense_n do_v not_o confirm_v it_o we_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o 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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 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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
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