and_o never_o take_v possession_n of_o they_o second_o by_o the_o fruition_n of_o temporal_a pleasure_n no_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o far_o noble_a part_n of_o man_n which_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o want_n of_o real_a happiness_n in_o the_o soul_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v stifle_v by_o powerful_a impression_n of_o sense_n but_o when_o those_o motion_n cease_v the_o soul_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a of_o and_o bewail_v the_o want_n of_o true_a happiness_n to_o obtain_v this_o a_o happiness_n agreeable_a to_o her_o nature_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o to_o her_o duration_n which_o be_v immortal_a must_v befound_v out_o this_o can_v never_o be_v place_v in_o sensual_a enjoyment_n which_o expire_v with_o the_o perception_n of_o sense_n and_o while_o continue_v affect_v not_o the_o soul_n unless_o with_o weariness_n in_o attend_v the_o violent_a motion_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o reflex_n thought_n of_o the_o soul_n alone_o which_o render_v it_o happy_a when_o it_o can_v reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o state_n without_o remorse_n or_o sorrow_n when_o it_o can_v view_v all_o its_o past_a action_n and_o present_a condition_n with_o a_o sweet_a complacency_n when_o it_o consider_v itself_o unite_v to_o god_n by_o execute_v his_o command_n and_o by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n none_o of_o all_o these_o condition_n can_v be_v find_v in_o temporal_a enjoyment_n for_o what_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o to_o a_o man_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n be_v pass_v to_o have_v gratify_v this_o or_o that_o sense_n do_v we_o applaud_v our_o good_a fortune_n for_o have_v once_o enjoy_v a_o pleasure_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o be_v long_o since_o expire_v or_o shall_v we_o receive_v any_o comfort_n after_o death_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o have_v possess_v riches_n and_o pleasure_n when_o alive_a and_o all_o this_o although_o our_o use_n of_o those_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n be_v moderate_a and_o lawful_a whereas_o if_o it_o be_v immoderate_a the_o sting_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n will_v perpetual_o afflict_v the_o soul_n when_o reflect_v on_o it_o and_o in_o that_o state_n it_o can_v but_o reflect_v continual_o when_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o rapid_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n drown_v by_o sleep_n or_o stupefy_v by_o sense_n when_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o her_o thought_n will_v be_v her_o past_a behaviour_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o her_o present_a condition_n from_o this_o consideration_n it_o will_v manifest_o appear_v how_o much_o more_o conduce_v piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o solid_a happiness_n than_o temporal_a prosperity_n even_o although_o no_o reward_n or_o punishment_n shall_v attend_v the_o soul_n in_o another_o life_n for_o although_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o render_v any_o man_n external_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n let_v a_o uninterrupted_a possession_n of_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o honour_n and_o power_n be_v bestow_v on_o he_o no_o one_o act_n of_o pleasure_n none_o of_o all_o these_o blessing_n will_v be_v of_o advantage_n to_o he_o after_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o charity_n will_v continue_v to_o all_o age_n the_o same_o complacency_n which_o the_o soul_n receive_v when_o it_o first_o exert_v any_o one_o of_o these_o action_n the_o same_o it_o shall_v receive_v for_o ever_o as_o often_o as_o reflection_n shall_v be_v make_v upon_o it_o nay_o much_o great_a after_o death_n when_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v enlarge_v and_o that_o which_o be_v now_o a_o simple_a act_n of_o complacency_n will_v then_o be_v advance_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n three_o although_o haman_n when_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o be_v actual_o deprive_v of_o his_o riches_n and_o greatness_n yet_o can_v not_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o in_o the_o like_a condition_n deny_v but_o that_o the_o deprivation_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o temporal_a advantage_n be_v at_o least_o possible_a the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o possibility_n alone_o defeat_v all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o temporal_a happiness_n at_o least_o suffer_v it_o not_o to_o become_v such_o as_o may_v satisfy_v the_o soul_n of_o man._n for_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n that_o they_o want_v at_o least_o this_o satisfaction_n to_o complete_a their_o happiness_n the_o assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o be_v continual_o distract_v with_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o with_o care_n of_o preserve_v it_o and_o that_o very_a solicitude_n proclaim_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o happiness_n this_o consideration_n may_v abundant_o convince_v mankind_n that_o true_a felicity_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n or_o secular_a enjoyment_n for_o can_v we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v propose_v such_o a_o supreme_a end_n to_o man_n as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o obtain_v such_o as_o be_v place_v beyond_o their_o power_n not_o possible_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o they_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n infallible_o fulfil_v their_o end_n and_o shall_v man_n alone_o be_v render_v incapable_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n propose_v to_o he_o or_o shall_v such_o a_o happiness_n be_v assign_v to_o he_o which_o a_o sickness_n may_v defeat_v the_o malice_n of_o a_o enemy_n may_v ruin_v a_o petty_a accident_n may_v overthrow_v let_v we_o not_o entertain_v such_o mean_a conception_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n if_o worldly_a man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o sense_n they_o must_v at_o least_o confess_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o happiness_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o deprivation_n and_o what_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o can_v but_o be_v always_o fear_v by_o they_o since_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n leave_v beyond_o it_o last_o let_v the_o continuance_n of_o their_o present_a happiness_n be_v assure_v to_o they_o yet_o can_v it_o never_o be_v hope_v but_o little_a cross_n will_v intervene_v that_o all_o their_o passion_n will_v not_o always_o be_v gratify_v and_o then_o even_o the_o least_o cross_n or_o the_o disappointment_n of_o any_o single_a passion_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o interrupt_v their_o whole_a satisfaction_n and_o spoil_v their_o pleasure_n haman_n enjoy_v all_o which_o his_o sense_n or_o most_o extravagant_a lust_n can_v crave_v and_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v the_o continuance_n of_o it_o yet_o a_o petty_a affront_n put_v upon_o he_o by_o mordecai_n afflict_v he_o beyond_o measure_n take_v away_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o force_v he_o amid_o they_o all_o to_o conclude_v himself_o unhappy_a temporal_a felicity_n depend_v upon_o a_o complication_n of_o so_o many_o cause_n that_o it_o never_o can_v arrive_v at_o perfection_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o some_o of_o those_o cause_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v and_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o one_o will_v render_v the_o operation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n ineffectual_a it_o will_v not_o in_o that_o case_n be_v sufficient_a to_o compensate_a for_o the_o loss_n of_o one_o by_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o other_o temporal_a advantage_n rather_o man_n will_v conclude_v himself_o more_o unhappy_a in_o the_o absence_n of_o that_o than_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o these_o nay_o the_o great_a share_n he_o obtain_v of_o other_o benefit_n of_o fortune_n the_o more_o he_o will_v afflict_v himself_o for_o the_o want_n of_o what_o he_o in_o vain_a desire_n since_o the_o concurrence_n of_o so_o many_o gift_n of_o fortune_n most_o frequent_o produce_v a_o haughtiness_n of_o mind_n which_o flatter_v itself_o with_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o greatness_n and_o can_v bear_v the_o least_o disappointment_n if_o then_o man_n devote_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n have_v conclude_v themselves_o unhappy_a amid_o the_o affluence_n of_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n if_o temporal_a felicity_n be_v unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o fill_v its_o capacity_n or_o perfect_a its_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o perpetual_a care_n and_o distraction_n if_o often_o impossible_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o we_o and_o always_o possible_a to_o be_v take_v from_o we_o if_o it_o may_v be_v defeat_v by_o petty_a accident_n and_o cross_n and_o that_o such_o shall_v happen_v can_v be_v avoid_v if_o for_o these_o reason_n and_o many_o other_o which_o we_o can_v now_o insist_v upon_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o render_v any_o man_n true_o happy_a what_o remain_v but_o that_o
stone_n last_o by_o the_o merit_n or_o gild_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n will_v be_v hereafter_o either_o save_v or_o condemn_v if_o then_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v primary_o bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a receptacle_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a grace_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o it_o if_o all_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o the_o body_n depend_v upon_o the_o well-doing_n of_o the_o soul_n certain_o this_o soul_n deserve_v our_o great_a regard_n and_o consideration_n as_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o by_o imitate_v his_o perfection_n as_o far_o as_o our_o finite_a nature_n will_v permit_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n alone_o which_o distinguish_v one_o man_n from_o another_o and_o make_v any_o person_n more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o childish_a mistake_n of_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o temporal_a greatness_n give_v a_o real_a excellency_n to_o mankind_n or_o confer_v a_o true_a dignity_n upon_o the_o possessor_n of_o they_o since_o all_o these_o outward_a advantage_n be_v common_a to_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o profligate_v of_o man_n who_o as_o they_o be_v most_o miserable_a in_o themselves_o so_o they_o deserve_v no_o other_o than_o the_o slight_a and_o contempt_n of_o all_o who_o know_v they_o not_o to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frail_a and_o momentany_a of_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bereave_v in_o a_o hour_n either_o by_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o fortune_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o but_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o wise_a creator_n shall_v assign_v that_o to_o be_v our_o chief_a perfection_n of_o which_o we_o may_v either_o be_v deprive_v or_o defraud_v and_o that_o our_o happiness_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o another_o man._n in_o that_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o miserable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o become_v happy_a so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a endowment_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o poor_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v and_o when_o obtain_v can_v by_o no_o art_n or_o fraud_n be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o eminent_a perfection_n of_o daniel_n the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n pay_v to_o he_o and_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o he_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v in_o he_o dan._n vi_o 3._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o cause_v he_o to_o surpass_v the_o ordinary_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n not_o that_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a soul_n be_v infuse_v at_o first_o into_o he_o than_o into_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n for_o all_o soul_n be_v create_v equal_a and_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o improvement_n but_o that_o he_o have_v adorn_v it_o with_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o worthy_a the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o esteem_v of_o men._n and_o herein_o clear_o appear_v both_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n that_o all_o these_o improvement_n and_o cultivation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v equal_o possible_a to_o the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a men._n poverty_n and_o temporal_a calamity_n can_v exclude_v we_o from_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o in_o that_o from_o the_o great_a happiness_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n to_o be_v true_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o rich_a neighbour_n and_o to_o ensure_v to_o himself_o the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n although_o not_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n thus_o god_n have_v in_o truth_n make_v a_o equal_a distribution_n to_o all_o man_n by_o assign_v to_o all_o soul_n a_o equal_a capacity_n for_o as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o put_v in_o the_o scale_n with_o piety_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n they_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o consideration_n there_o be_v some_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n indeed_o which_o be_v not_o common_a and_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o all_o man_n as_o learning_n and_o a_o exquisite_a knowledge_n these_o may_v put_v in_o a_o fair_a plea_n for_o a_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o excellency_n as_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o soul_n when_o once_o acquire_v of_o infinite_a use_n in_o this_o life_n and_o perhaps_o great_a in_o the_o next_o but_o then_o there_o be_v disadvantage_n attend_v such_o acquire_v knowledge_n which_o may_v just_o take_v off_o the_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o become_v no_o reasonable_a object_n of_o envy_n to_o a_o pious_a unlearned_a christian._n as_o that_o it_o render_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n infinite_o more_o difficult_a to_o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o expose_v they_o to_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n not_o common_a to_o all_o other_o person_n but_o chief_o because_o more_o and_o great_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o great_a and_o more_o severe_a punishment_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n god_n require_v no_o more_o than_o a_o hearty_a sincerity_n belief_n and_o sure_a trust_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n in_o they_o he_o willing_o over-seeth_a small_a and_o trivial_a fault_n and_o impute_v not_o error_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o influence_n and_o corrupt_v their_o practice_n but_o of_o the_o more_o learned_a sort_n of_o christian_n he_o require_v right_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o worthy_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n employ_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o after_o all_o a_o exact_a observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n punctilio_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o they_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o pardon_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v obtain_v if_o indeed_o at_o last_o they_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n they_o will_v shine_v there_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a station_n and_o bright_a glory_n but_o then_o even_o the_o low_a degree_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o we_o can_v either_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v thus_o all_o the_o true_o desirable_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v possible_a to_o all_o and_o debar_v from_o none_o those_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n a_o active_a zeal_n to_o his_o service_n a_o strict_a sobriety_n in_o ourselves_o and_o a_o fervent_a charity_n to_o all_o our_o neighbour_n how_o far_o these_o will_v advance_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o soul_n appear_v hence_o that_o these_o only_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o uninterrupted_a possession_n of_o these_o which_o make_v angel_n and_o the_o want_n of_o these_o which_o make_v devil_n last_o our_o body_n when_o consider_v alone_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a beyond_o other_o material_a creature_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o improvement_n it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o same_o mass_n of_o matter_n with_o other_o body_n and_o after_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o death_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o same_o corruption_n become_v filth_n and_o rottenness_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o most_o odious_a of_o all_o thing_n nay_o even_o in_o this_o life_n it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o miserable_a condition_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n if_o it_o be_v not_o actuate_v by_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a soul_n which_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o dull_a and_o vile_a matter_n and_o give_v it_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o and_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o so_o far_o be_v this_o body_n from_o receive_v new_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n that_o it_o continual_o decay_v till_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n and_o become_v as_o the_o dung_n of_o the_o earth_n none_o yet_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n can_v give_v beauty_n to_o their_o body_n or_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o add_v one_o cubit_n to_o their_o stature_n none_o with_o the_o great_a art_n and_o industry_n can_v make_v their_o sense_n more_o quick_a and_o accurate_a but_o certain_o not_o any_o can_v procure_v immortality_n to_o their_o body_n a_o privilege_n which_o natural_o belong_v
righteous_a if_o he_o always_o note_v and_o ofttimes_o punish_v their_o small_a failures_n if_o with_o all_o their_o care_n and_o vigilance_n their_o mortification_n and_o circumspection_n they_o be_v but_o hardly_o save_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hope_v that_o heaven_n will_v open_v to_o they_o who_o have_v live_v remiss_o and_o secure_o have_v betray_v their_o profession_n and_o by_o a_o impenitent_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n have_v dishonour_v the_o author_n of_o salvation_n and_o rebel_v against_o the_o author_n of_o their_o be_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v it_o do_v appear_v what_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v careful_a of_o their_o salvation_n shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v their_o care_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v negligent_a of_o it_o shall_v shake_v off_o their_o stupidity_n and_o apply_v themselves_o with_o their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o salvation_n ought_v neither_o to_o discourage_v the_o good_a nor_o affright_v the_o bad_a the_o worth_a and_o happiness_n of_o it_o infinite_o countervail_v all_o the_o labour_n which_o can_v be_v employ_v about_o it_o nor_o will_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a deprivation_n a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n but_o the_o begin_n of_o exceed_v and_o endless_a torment_n the_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v it_o aught_o to_o confirm_v the_o diligent_a and_o awaken_v the_o negligent_a to_o increase_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o one_o and_o expel_v the_o remissness_n of_o the_o other_o that_o so_o the_o one_o may_v continue_v his_o course_n so_o well_o begin_v the_o other_o may_v find_v the_o right_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o enter_v into_o it_o god_n grant_v that_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o both_o the_o twelve_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23._o of_o febr._n 1689_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n matth._n xi_o 30._o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o various_a interpretation_n of_o yoke_n and_o burden_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o distinction_n make_v by_o some_o between_o they_o i_o suppose_v the_o peculiar_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v a_o recommendation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o easiness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n all_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v may_v be_v fit_o express_v by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o yoke_n and_o burden_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o restrain_v the_o action_n of_o man_n limit_v they_o to_o certain_a rule_n impose_v upon_o he_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o and_o abstinence_n from_o other_o action_n which_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v regard_v and_o use_v they_o as_o indifferent_a which_o demonstrate_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n the_o author_n of_o such_o religion_n as_o full_o as_o a_o yoke_n do_v the_o subjection_n of_o beast_n to_o their_o possessor_n or_o of_o captive_n to_o their_o conqueror_n yet_o this_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o however_o the_o latter_a may_v be_v repine_v at_o with_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v the_o deprivation_n of_o precedent_a liberty_n the_o former_a be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o result_n and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o god_n do_v upon_o that_o account_n owe_v absolute_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o enjoy_v the_o use_n of_o freewill_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v and_o practise_v such_o rule_n of_o conduct_n as_o the_o sovereign_a lawgiver_n shall_v appoint_v so_o that_o although_o in_o the_o former_a case_n it_o may_v be_v ofttimes_o lawful_a to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n or_o at_o least_o desire_v the_o removal_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v no_o more_o reasonable_a to_o deny_v subjection_n than_o to_o receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o while_o man_n therefore_o put_v any_o value_n upon_o the_o benefit_n of_o life_n and_o be_v it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v receive_v it_o with_o those_o inseparable_a burden_n which_o it_o please_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o annex_v to_o it_o such_o as_o subjection_n to_o himself_o and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o as_o natural_a religion_n may_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v true_o call_v a_o yoke_n so_o much_o more_o all_o institute_v religion_n wherein_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o natural_a and_o common_a reason_n of_o subjection_n to_o god_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o for_o some_o more_o particular_a reason_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n and_o testify_v their_o subjection_n by_o solemn_a profession_n and_o some_o external_a rite_n the_o jew_n do_v therefore_o fit_o express_v the_o whole_a obligation_n of_o their_o law_n by_o the_o denomination_n of_o a_o yoke_n and_o whosoever_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o it_o be_v say_v to_o take_v the_o yoke_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o man_n who_o deny_v all_o obedience_n to_o god_n either_o in_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n be_v call_v man_n of_o belial_n that_o be_v man_n without_o a_o yoke_n in_o compliance_n to_o this_o receive_a form_n of_o speech_n among_o they_o our_o lord_n also_o call_v his_o religion_n a_o yoke_n and_o confess_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o burden_n but_o then_o as_o well_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o jewish_a as_o to_o encourage_v mankind_n to_o take_v that_o yoke_n upon_o they_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o design_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o word_n i._n comparative_o as_o this_o description_n of_o the_o yoke_n or_o religion_n of_o christ_n distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o ii_o absolute_o as_o it_o imply_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o take_v either_o separately_z or_o all_o together_o to_o be_v easy_a of_o practice_n and_o not_o grievous_a to_o be_v undergo_v the_o easiness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o his_o religion_n above_o all_o other_o our_o lord_n intimate_v in_o his_o whole_a discourse_n precede_v this_o final_a sentence_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n in_o the_o 28_o verse_n which_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v be_v oppress_v and_o even_o to_o have_v yield_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o burden_n to_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n or_o complacency_n therein_o that_o they_o grow_v weary_a of_o they_o seek_v for_o rest_n and_o relief_n and_o afflict_a themselves_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o can_v not_o but_o be_v very_o grievous_a when_o no_o prospect_n of_o reward_n appear_v to_o the_o conscientious_a observer_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o some_o good_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o which_o excite_v the_o diligence_n of_o man_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o those_o hope_n will_v support_v he_o under_o all_o difficulty_n nothing_o less_o than_o the_o prospect_n of_o some_o excellent_a reward_n can_v encourage_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o maintain_v a_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a war_n against_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n to_o afflict_v itself_o with_o continual_a carefulness_n and_o enter_v upon_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n when_o no_o reward_n therefore_o be_v promise_v when_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n be_v if_o not_o unknown_a yet_o at_o least_o uncertain_a as_o they_o want_v a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n so_o the_o very_a ignorance_n of_o true_a happiness_n be_v none_o of_o their_o least_o anxiety_n they_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o more_o noble_a enjoyment_n than_o what_o their_o sense_n can_v present_v to_o they_o and_o they_o can_v not_o stifle_v the_o restless_a desire_n of_o this_o happiness_n they_o set_v themselves_o to_o inquire_v after_o it_o frame_v nice_a system_n and_o subtle_a definition_n of_o it_o yet_o all_o their_o labour_n end_v in_o empty_a and_o uncertain_a notion_n what_o a_o continual_a vexation_n be_v it_o then_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o great_a improument_n of_o felicity_n and_o yet_o know_v not_o either_o wherein_o they_o consist_v or_o how_o they_o may_v be_v obtain_v to_o view_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o many_o and_o laborious_a virtue_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o be_v unsatisfied_a to_o what_o purpose_n all_o this_o tend_v or_o wherein_o they_o shall_v receive_v any_o
prayer_n which_o make_v this_o whole_a observation_n concern_v the_o veneration_n due_a to_o church_n not_o improper_a in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o prayer_n iii_o i_o pass_v now_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n 〈◊〉_d the_o text_n that_o be_v the_o posture_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o prayer_n which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n nor_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n a_o matter_n so_o indifferent_a as_o deserve_v not_o our_o enquiry_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o some_o that_o all_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v no_o profess_a enemy_n to_o order_n and_o decency_n it_o appear_v far_o otherwise_o for_o since_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o the_o existence_n of_o both_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o continue_v by_o he_o since_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o next_o it_o follow_v that_o both_o aught_o to_o make_v return_v of_o praise_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n this_o the_o soul_n the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o reason_n do_v by_o love_v honour_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o he_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o noble_a operation_n yet_o be_v it_o enable_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o gesture_n imply_v adoration_n submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o with_o the_o body_n be_v to_o make_v no_o return_n of_o gratitude_n for_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n to_o he_o both_o thereâ—â—â—_n be_v alike_o necessary_a the_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n be_v indeed_o more_o acceptable_a because_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o public_a worship_n where_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o only_a visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o internal_a honour_n pay_v by_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o word_n of_o public_a praise_n and_o adoration_n be_v express_v by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o in_o that_o the_o very_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o subjection_n pay_v to_o god_n since_o such_o gesture_n use_v in_o sacred_a place_n and_o to_o a_o invisible_a be_v be_v notorious_o know_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n bodily_a worship_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o such_o as_o may_v express_v the_o great_a submission_n and_o deep_a humility_n the_o most_o intense_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o significative_a humiliation_n of_o the_o body_n that_o posture_n therefore_o which_o express_v the_o most_o humble_a submission_n aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n the_o principal_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n only_o the_o particular_a posture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n because_o the_o expression_n of_o civility_n honour_n and_o subjection_n vary_v in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v any_o one_o gesture_n since_o what_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o worship_n in_o one_o nation_n may_v be_v contrary_a in_o another_o the_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n therefore_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o such_o modes_n vary_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v absolute_o necessary_a essential_a and_o command_v by_o god_n which_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v most_o expressive_a of_o humility_n submission_n and_o subjection_n if_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n of_o respect_n which_o obtain_v in_o any_o nation_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o case_n to_o pretend_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n stand_v be_v not_o only_o indecent_a but_o unlawful_a a_o detain_v from_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o he_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o worship_n when_o a_o more_o exalt_a degree_n be_v possible_a if_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n prostration_n be_v the_o most_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n that_o then_o become_v necessary_a in_o divine_a worship_n if_o neither_o prostration_n nor_o kneel_v be_v in_o use_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o same_o infallible_a rule_n be_v always_o to_o obtain_v that_o whatsoever_o posture_n by_o custom_n institution_n or_o prescription_n be_v most_o significative_a of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o adore_v god_n and_o in_o prayer_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o adoration_n to_o apply_v this_o rule_n to_o our_o own_o practice_n it_o be_v notorious_a and_o undeniable_a that_o in_o the_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n that_o whereof_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n be_v we_o to_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n this_o posture_n therefore_o become_v our_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o we_o adore_v god_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n in_o this_o nation_n therefore_o or_o in_o any_o other_o where_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o submissive_a gesture_n to_o practice_v stand_v in_o public_a prayer_n be_v in_o truth_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o supreme_a honour_n be_v due_a to_o god_n to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v that_o homage_n to_o he_o which_o man_n be_v content_a to_o pay_v to_o earthly_a prince_n as_o if_o either_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o or_o themselves_o be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a to_o condescend_v to_o it_o in_o many_o eastern_a country_n prostration_n have_v be_v in_o use_n and_o there_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o stand_v with_o either_o spread_n forth_o the_o hand_n or_o gentle_o incline_v the_o body_n and_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o breast_n in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o posture_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o significative_a posture_n be_v whole_o vain_a since_o no_o posture_n signify_v any_o respect_n in_o that_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o use_v and_o what_o in_o one_o place_n include_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o reverence_n in_o another_o may_v signify_v none_o at_o all_o among_o the_o jew_n kneel_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o be_v the_o most_o reverential_a gesture_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n psal._n cxli_o 2._o dan._n vi_o 10._o luk._n xxii_o 41._o act_n ix_o 40._o xxi_o 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o also_o among_o the_o grecian_n st._n paul_n therefore_o write_v to_o both_o of_o they_o join_v in_o one_o church_n in_o corinth_n express_v in_o this_o place_n the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o of_o hand_n because_o that_o custom_n do_v prevail_v among_o they_o not_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o posture_n in_o prayer_n who_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o particular_a nation_n among_o who_o the_o most_o submiss_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o civil_a posture_n be_v kneel_v with_o clasp_a hand_n and_o that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v be_v always_o the_o most_o receive_a gesture_n in_o the_o western_a world_n but_o most_o certain_o be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o western_a church_n vid._n tertul._n &_o cypr._n it_o have_v be_v indeed_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v that_o in_o sacrifice_n the_o priest_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o shall_v do_v it_o stand_v in_o compliance_n with_o this_o universal_a custom_n our_o church_n have_v most_o certain_o direct_v that_o the_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n from_o the_o altar_n where_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v celebrate_v shall_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o the_o priest_n in_o a_o stand_a posture_n which_o i_o will_v not_o omit_v to_o observe_v to_o you_o lest_o that_o practice_n shall_v be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o kneel_v in_o time_n of_o prayer_n since_o it_o be_v found_v
opinion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a happiness_n himself_o in_o order_n recount_v his_o dignity_n and_o they_o admire_v they_o he_o report_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o they_o extol_v they_o he_o boast_v of_o his_o grandeur_n and_o riches_n and_o they_o proclaim_v he_o happy_a yet_o himself_o who_o best_o know_v what_o happiness_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o declare_v himself_o unhappy_a and_o all_o this_o to_o avail_v he_o nothing_o last_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o haman_n whilst_o yet_o in_o full_a favour_n with_o his_o prince_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v great_a demonstration_n of_o it_o he_o suffer_v no_o apprehension_n of_o lose_v his_o present_a enjoyment_n such_o thought_n indeed_o distract_v a_o worldly_a man_n embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o rest_v content_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o he_o to_o relish_v any_o delight_n while_o afflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n while_o despair_v to_o retain_v his_o present_a 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of_o his_o speech_n ver._n 12._o for_o he_o say_v moreover_o yea_o esther_n the_o queen_n do_v let_v no_o man_n come_v in_o with_o the_o king_n unto_o the_o banquet_n that_o she_o have_v prepare_v but_o myself_o and_o to_o morrow_n be_o i_o invite_v unto_o she_o also_o with_o the_o king_n far_o from_o fear_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o present_a greatness_n he_o probable_o hope_v the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o if_o then_o haman_n under_o all_o these_o circumstance_n miss_v of_o his_o desire_a end_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o worldly_a enjoyment_n we_o may_v reasonable_o suspect_v some_o defect_n to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o neither_o haman_n can_v nor_o any_o other_o can_v receive_v any_o real_a happiness_n from_o thence_o and_o this_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o in_o some_o few_o consideration_n first_o then_o nothing_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n be_v able_a to_o satiate_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o however_o temporal_a benefit_n may_v at_o a_o distance_n ravish_v the_o imagination_n and_o create_v extraordinary_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o excellency_n yet_o when_o obtain_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v empty_a and_o trifle_a unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o fill_v its_o capacity_n they_o be_v like_o the_o fruit_n of_o sodom_n which_o by_o their_o external_a beauty_n attract_v the_o eye_n but_o when_o touch_v crumble_v into_o ash_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o only_a object_n of_o desire_n man_n frame_v to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v system_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o they_o no_o soon_o do_v they_o become_v object_n of_o fruition_n but_o the_o meanness_n of_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o after_o a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o man_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v not_o that_o he_o desire_v that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o be_v never_o enable_v by_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o to_o say_v i_o be_o now_o complete_o happy_a i_o here_o terminate_v my_o desire_n he_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v his_o desire_n yet_o far_o and_o seek_v true_a felicity_n somewhere_o else_o which_o while_o constant_a to_o his_o principle_n he_o can_v place_v no_o where_o else_o than_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o therefore_o he_o earnest_o pursue_v yet_o never_o attain_v that_o degree_n if_o he_o fix_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o degree_n he_o may_v indeed_o arrive_v at_o that_o but_o when_o arrive_v find_v himself_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o remove_v from_o true_a happiness_n he_o turmoil_v and_o distract_v himself_o experience_v the_o vanity_n of_o former_a project_n invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n until_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o life_n and_o design_n together_o the_o great_a of_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v riches_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o latter_a be_v common_a even_o to_o beast_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o sense_n no_o less_o strong_a and_o lively_a than_o men._n and_o then_o sure_o none_o will_v so_o far_o debase_v his_o nature_n as_o to_o level_v himself_o with_o beast_n by_o propose_v to_o himself_o a_o felicity_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o as_o we_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n god_n intend_v happiness_n to_o each_o part_n that_o he_o put_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a even_o in_o this_o life_n but_o then_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o constitute_v but_o one_o person_n the_o pleasure_n of_o either_o must_v be_v such_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o as_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o body_n by_o impose_v on_o it_o unnecessary_a rigour_n and_o mortification_n so_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debase_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o body_n a_o limit_v use_n of_o pleasure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o body_n but_o then_o that_o very_a limitation_n suppose_v a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n of_o man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o after_o all_o the_o real_a happiness_n of_o such_o limit_a pleasure_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n enjoy_v they_o as_o in_o the_o reflex_n thought_n of_o the_o soul_n form_v to_o its_o self_n a_o act_n of_o complacency_n for_o have_v limit_v they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o unlimited_a use_n of_o these_o pleasure_n instead_o of_o confer_v a_o real_a benefit_n involve_v man_n in_o trouble_n and_o anxiety_n in_o care_n and_o danger_n and_o when_o enjoy_v endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n no_o long_o than_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n continue_v when_o expire_v leave_v only_o a_o weariness_n and_o nauseousness_n behind_o they_o so_o then_o sensual_a pleasure_n conduce_v little_a to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n unless_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o to_o be_v the_o utmost_a happiness_n of_o man_n which_o render_v he_o happy_a but_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o as_o to_o riches_n the_o natural_a use_n of_o they_o be_v subordinate_v to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o can_v bestow_v nothing_o beyond_o they_o if_o any_o imagine_v as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o too_o many_o do_v that_o the_o very_a satisfaction_n of_o possess_v riches_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o bear_v any_o part_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o unmanly_a a_o conception_n as_o nothing_o can_v exceed_v the_o wickedness_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v equal_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a depravation_n of_o nature_n than_o all_o the_o villainy_n of_o sense_n or_o sin_n of_o violence_n and_o if_o no_o punishment_n attend_v it_o hereafter_o will_v rather_o deserve_v our_o scorn_n than_o envy_n the_o acquisition_n of_o riches_n be_v general_o indeed_o at_o least_o indirect_o refer_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o be_v procure_v by_o they_o and_o as_o such_o can_v carry_v the_o happiness_n of_o they_o no_o far_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v which_o we_o before_o consider_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o riches_n that_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o although_o in_o the_o acquire_n of_o they_o they_o general_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o command_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v obtain_v they_o yet_o they_o seldom_o begin_v in_o earnest_a a_o fruition_n of_o they_o ever_o propose_v a_o end_n to_o themselves_o
short_a if_o the_o devil_n bring_v great_a detriment_n to_o the_o spiritual_a interest_n of_o mankind_n the_o angel_n bring_v no_o less_o advantage_n to_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o eligible_a for_o man_n to_o suffer_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a spirit_n or_o to_o want_v they_o both_o together_o only_o the_o same_o caution_n which_o we_o before_o observe_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o procure_v and_o continue_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v also_o require_v here_o that_o we_o render_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o it_o by_o a_o diligent_a concurrence_n and_o that_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o by_o our_o perverseness_n grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n grieve_v the_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reward_n which_o for_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o care_v bestow_v on_o we_o they_o require_v of_o we_o that_o together_o with_o they_o we_o pay_v a_o due_a obedience_n to_o our_o common_a master_n that_o we_o defeat_v not_o their_o charitable_a design_n by_o our_o own_o wilfulness_n worship_n and_o other_o sign_n of_o divine_a honour_n they_o affect_v not_o nay_o this_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v from_o we_o the_o end_n of_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o procure_v happiness_n to_o man_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o next_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v obey_v their_o great_a master_n be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o success_n in_o it_o their_o only_a aim_n be_v that_o we_o will_v join_v with_o they_o here_o in_o pay_v entire_a obedience_n to_o our_o common_a creator_n that_o so_o we_o may_v join_v with_o they_o hereafter_o in_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o to_o he_o therefore_o be_v ascribe_v the_o glory_n and_o thanks_o of_o all_o their_o charitable_a operation_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n to_o he_o be_v render_v all_o praise_n and_o honour_n who_o at_o first_o create_v such_o excellent_a being_n and_o afterward_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o minister_n to_o our_o salvation_n who_o have_v place_v in_o we_o soul_n not_o unlike_a to_o these_o noble_a being_n and_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o he_o will_v in_o due_a time_n make_v we_o full_o like_a unto_o they_o to_o he_o with_o his_o son_n and_o bless_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o power_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20_o of_o octob._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n mark_v viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v adapt_v as_o well_o to_o the_o interest_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o consentaneous_a to_o our_o nature_n but_o advantageous_a to_o our_o person_n that_o it_o not_o only_o prescribe_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n but_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n herein_o it_o infinite_o surpass_v even_o all_o the_o more_o refine_a system_n of_o the_o gentile_a divinity_n and_o philosophy_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o refine_v our_o reason_n and_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o they_o can_v produce_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o satiate_v the_o unbounded_a appetite_n of_o the_o will_n and_o create_v a_o real_a happiness_n many_o of_o they_o indeed_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o neither_o hope_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o any_o reward_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n indeed_o have_v a_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o desire_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o rational_a being_n as_o be_v whole_o restrain_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n of_o man_n the_o body_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n communicate_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o our_o nature_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a perfection_n have_v consult_v not_o only_o the_o reason_n but_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n he_o have_v satisfy_v the_o first_o by_o give_v we_o a_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a religion_n not_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o beggarly_a element_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o whole_o immerse_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o agree_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v advance_v our_o interest_n by_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a reward_n far_o surpass_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n our_o most_o wise_a and_o ever_o bless_a lawgiver_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v more_o move_v with_o argument_n of_o profit_n than_o with_o consideration_n of_o duty_n the_o latter_a only_o affect_v our_o understanding_n but_o the_o first_o strike_v our_o sense_n and_o ravish_v our_o will._n he_o may_v as_o well_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n as_o redemption_n have_v enjoin_v to_o we_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o annex_v any_o reward_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o it_o have_v even_o then_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o a_o sufficient_a happiness_n by_o obey_v to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o patriarch_n before_o abraham_n serve_v god_n without_o any_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o reward_n much_o less_o a_o reward_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o value_n as_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o just_o hope_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o then_o that_o favour_n may_v consist_v only_o in_o provide_v they_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o other_o common_a benefit_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v not_o with_o any_o certainty_n be_v extend_v far_a since_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o together_o with_o a_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o require_v our_o obedience_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o obtain_v this_o reward_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n so_o must_v we_o condemn_v our_o own_o extreme_a folly_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v so_o great_a happiness_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n high_o accommodate_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o frequent_o urge_v by_o christ_n who_o begin_v his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n in_o the_o v._o chap._n of_o st._n matthew_n with_o affix_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o great_a and_o more_o arduous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o so_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o may_v willing_o be_v oversee_v by_o we_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o matth._n xiii_o 44._o he_o compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n the_o which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o a_o merchant_n sell_v all_o his_o estate_n to_o buy_v on_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n by_o which_o saleâ—_n and_o by_o the_o joyfulness_n attend_v it_o he_o intimate_v that_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n be_v to_o be_v forgo_v when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n a_o position_n which_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o paradox_n if_o that_o infallible_a mouth_n have_v not_o pronounce_v it_o and_o reason_n do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o prescribe_v to_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o he_o choose_v to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o either_o the_o will_n or_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n can_v be_v incite_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o life_n can_v not_o enforce_v we_o if_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o our_o redeemer_n die_v for_o we_o can_v not_o persuade_v we_o if_o gratitude_n to_o both_o can_v not_o oblige_v we_o if_o neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o
holiness_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n yet_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o interest_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o obedience_n this_o obviate_v all_o the_o objection_n even_o of_o worldly_a man_n who_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o it_o can_v never_o true_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n a_o thorough_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v banish_v all_o sinful_a temptation_n and_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a and_o irrational_a of_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o prefer_v a_o present_a trifle_n before_o a_o future_a treasure_n and_o voluntary_o quit_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n to_o retain_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o truth_n hold_v in_o quit_v the_o momentany_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o for_o a_o exchange_n of_o future_a glory_n but_o even_o in_o undergo_a the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o our_o saviour_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n for_o when_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o have_v foretell_v that_o bear_v the_o cross_n shall_v be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o decline_v this_o cross_n and_o save_v his_o life_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o his_o faith_n shall_v thereby_o incur_v a_o much_o great_a punishment_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o system_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v institute_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o enlarge_v or_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n improve_v its_o faculty_n and_o procure_v to_o it_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o its_o desire_n and_o the_o liberality_n of_o its_o creator_n whosoever_o therefore_o serious_o intend_v to_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o gospel_n must_v prepare_v himself_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o not_o decline_v death_n whensoever_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o my_o command_n shall_v require_v that_o trial_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v his_o duty_n but_o secure_a and_o promote_v his_o interest_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v base_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o i_o or_o violate_v my_o command_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o avoid_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o much_o great_a loss_n and_o punishment_n than_o that_o which_o they_o so_o cowardly_o fear_v and_o ungenerous_o decline_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o shall_v willing_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o slight_v all_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o preserve_v their_o obedience_n to_o i_o entire_a and_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o gospel_n shall_v be_v certain_o crown_v with_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v attain_v by_o it_o this_o be_v your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o my_o command_n your_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v quit_v that_o particular_a share_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v thereby_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n but_o even_o if_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n be_v â—â—aped_v upon_o one_o single_a man_n or_o can_v be_v all_o obtain_v by_o denial_n of_o my_o religion_n or_o violation_n of_o my_o law_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v prevaricate_v upon_o such_o mean_a consideration_n will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n when_o he_o cast_v up_o his_o account_n that_o he_o have_v gain_v nothing_o to_o evince_v illustrate_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n ii_o that_o this_o interest_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o soul_n render_v miserable_a by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o head_n may_v be_v comprise_v the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o first_o then_o the_o dignity_n and_o precedence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n by_o wife_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n nay_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v ever_o firm_o believe_v this_o as_o a_o opinion_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o least_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o it_o all_o false_a religion_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n propose_v by_o god_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v it_o be_v this_o only_a which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n which_o liken_n we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v this_o whereby_o we_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a and_o wonderful_a perfection_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a whereby_o we_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n grateful_a to_o our_o creator_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will._n and_o therefore_o prov._n xx._n 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v call_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o by_o that_o only_o we_o receive_v the_o divine_a illumination_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n this_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o soul_n beyond_o the_o body_n may_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v from_o many_o other_o consideration_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o three_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n as_o first_o by_o the_o soul_n alone_o we_o receive_v the_o influence_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n some_o divine_a benefit_n indeed_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o body_n as_o creation_n and_o preservation_n but_o those_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o belong_v equal_o to_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o create_a being_n whereas_o the_o favour_n grant_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v peculiar_a to_o it_o and_o to_o infinite_o great_a value_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o knowledge_n desire_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o improvement_n all_o the_o superadded_a happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v entire_o bestow_v on_o it_o alone_o all_o revelation_n be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o happiness_n to_o who_o it_o be_v little_a inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o rescue_v this_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n into_o this_o as_o into_o a_o capacious_a treasure_n be_v all_o the_o divine_a grace_n convey_v grace_n of_o which_o the_o body_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a than_o a_o stock_n or_o
nature_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v it_o that_o it_o will_v infinite_o aggravate_v the_o sharpness_n of_o its_o pain_n for_o its_o immortality_n will_v render_v they_o eternal_a and_o its_o understanding_n will_v heighten_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n sinner_n often_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o miserable_a condition_n and_o fancy_n themselves_o seat_v in_o paradise_n when_o environ_v with_o pleasure_n and_o glut_v with_o enjoyment_n they_o can_v stifle_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o secure_o make_v use_n of_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n but_o in_o hell_n their_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o the_o sharpness_n of_o their_o torment_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o rest_n and_o if_o those_o shall_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o will_v they_o still_o be_v torment_v with_o a_o inward_a fire_n so_o much_o the_o more_o violent_a because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v certain_o convince_v in_o judgement_n that_o they_o act_v against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o reason_n in_o run_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o gross_a and_o trifle_a pleasure_n we_o may_v next_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o chief_o intend_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n against_o which_o christ_n fore-arm_n his_o follower_n by_o inculcate_v this_o necessary_a truth_n of_o prefer_v the_o good_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n for_o this_o foul_a sin_n be_v ever_o commit_v for_o some_o temporal_a end_n be_v too_o odious_a to_o recommend_v itself_o without_o some_o outward_a advantage_n man_n deny_v not_o their_o god_n out_o of_o a_o dislike_n or_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o a_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n prevent_v some_o inconvenience_n or_o gratify_v some_o lusts._n this_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o contagion_n with_o idolatry_n under_o the_o old_a law_n for_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o true_a one_o and_o the_o first_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o latter_a how_o heinous_a god_n account_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v chief_o direct_v against_o this_o sin_n alone_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v employ_v against_o it_o and_o all_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n ever_o inflict_v upon_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o this_o cause_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o record_n leave_v in_o sacred_a history_n of_o any_o pardon_n ever_o grant_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o indeed_o a_o wilful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n dissolve_v the_o very_a union_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o pardon_n such_o a_o person_n open_o by_o his_o act_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o god_n bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o and_o disclaim_v his_o pardon_n it_o will_v prostitute_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o make_v it_o cheap_a and_o easy_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o such_o execrable_a villainy_n which_o do_v violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o very_a last_o effort_n of_o impiety_n this_o can_v but_o degrade_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o affinity_n to_o god_n and_o debar_v it_o from_o all_o near_a approach_n to_o his_o presence_n we_o can_v hope_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n leave_v in_o god_n after_o a_o denial_n of_o he_o nor_o can_v without_o horror_n entertain_v any_o remembrance_n of_o he_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v our_o soul_n happy_a with_o the_o continual_a meditation_n of_o his_o perfection_n or_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o future_a fruition_n of_o he_o in_o that_o case_n it_o will_v be_v our_o interest_n to_o banish_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o remove_v from_o ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a all_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o dread_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o future_a torment_n thus_o a_o denial_n of_o god_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o only_o render_v we_o unhappy_a but_o cause_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v yet_o more_o unhappy_a by_o a_o total_a and_o wilful_a stifle_v of_o all_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o god_n in_o which_o alone_a true_a happiness_n consist_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o notorious_a apostasy_n when_o any_o one_o open_o renounce_v his_o religion_n and_o deny_v his_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o case_n in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o often_o happen_v but_o also_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o no_o less_o formal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n than_o that_o beforementioned_a where_o the_o sinner_n put_v in_o the_o scale_n the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o sin_n with_o the_o future_a consequence_n and_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o it_o and_o after_o have_v weigh_v each_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n of_o which_o he_o be_v very_o conscious_a and_o prefer_v the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sin_n this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o no_o less_o true_a apostasy_n than_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o god_n for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whosoever_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a choice_n prefer_v the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v never_o forego_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v first_o then_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o great_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o due_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o render_v our_o soul_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o happy_a as_o we_o possible_o can_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o all_o the_o care_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o provide_v necessary_n or_o rather_o superfluity_n to_o the_o body_n or_o attend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o that_o no_o far_a use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o serve_v as_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o body_n to_o heighten_v its_o enjoyment_n and_o refine_v its_o pleasure_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o a_o more_o noble_a be_v which_o deserve_v our_o care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o the_o loss_n of_o happiness_n may_v not_o god_n just_o say_v to_o mankind_n i_o have_v give_v to_o you_o great_a and_o celestial_a soul_n endue_v with_o wonderful_a perfection_n and_o capable_a of_o much_o great_a when_o right_o cultivate_v your_o body_n i_o form_v from_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o your_o soul_n i_o send_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o one_o i_o permit_v to_o return_v to_o corruption_n but_o the_o other_o i_o have_v invest_v with_o immortality_n how_o just_o may_v i_o expect_v that_o you_o will_v have_v value_v these_o two_o according_a to_o their_o several_a worth_n and_o dignity_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o indeed_o starve_v the_o body_n nor_o tyrannize_v over_o it_o but_o however_o attend_v chief_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o intend_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n which_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o alas_o man_n be_v turn_v back_o and_o grow_v foolish_a employ_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o 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afford_v no_o leisure_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o her_o creator_n the_o necessity_n of_o her_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o form_v these_o meditation_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o that_o real_a happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n when_o join_v in_o one_o again_o second_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n deserve_v our_o great_a care_n much_o more_o do_v the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o consummation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o crown_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o infinite_a preference_n which_o be_v due_a to_o these_o beyond_o those_o of_o our_o body_n for_o can_v it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o act_n as_o though_o we_o have_v neither_o soul_n nor_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o another_o more_o glorious_a and_o last_a state_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o our_o rest_n in_o this_o that_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o judge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v of_o make_v our_o account_n ready_a let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o just_o weigh_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o vanity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o shortness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o this_o frail_a life_n remember_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o inconceivable_a happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o we_o must_v either_o put_v off_o our_o reason_n or_o employ_v it_o in_o pursue_v those_o interest_n which_o do_v so_o great_o and_o so_o near_o concern_v we_o let_v we_o be_v so_o brave_a and_o generous_a as_o not_o to_o think_v that_o we_o die_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v that_o we_o be_v make_v for_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n intend_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o spiritual_a being_n which_o can_v die_v and_o will_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o these_o soul_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o receive_v a_o participation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o will_v certain_o do_v so_o if_o they_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o it_o by_o our_o fatal_a stupidity_n and_o neglect_v and_o that_o in_o provide_v for_o this_o more_o excellent_a part_n of_o we_o we_o secure_v likewise_o a_o mansion_n for_o the_o body_n which_o at_o the_o general_a resurrection_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o station_n and_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v perfect_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o we_o can_v not_o consign_v ourselves_o up_o to_o pursue_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o heap_v up_o riches_n which_o be_v of_o no_o service_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n and_o promote_v not_o our_o real_a happiness_n in_o this_o can_v you_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v all_o this_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n employ_v your_o life_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_a hope_v for_o the_o perfection_n design_v and_o make_v no_o step_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o rather_o let_v we_o endeavour_v with_o our_o utmost_a vigour_n to_o maintain_v that_o degree_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o we_o among_o create_a being_n and_o not_o by_o our_o degeneracy_n become_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n let_v we_o do_v nothing_o unworthy_a that_o noble_a be_v which_o be_v seat_v within_o we_o nor_o clothe_v the_o body_n with_o the_o spoil_n of_o it_o let_v we_o maintain_v the_o dignity_n and_o character_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o a_o severe_a and_o unblemished_a integrity_n and_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o assurance_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v allot_v to_o we_o certain_o in_o worldly_a matter_n we_o willing_o oversee_v lesser_o and_o more_o trivial_a gain_n for_o obtain_v of_o a_o great_a and_o more_o substantial_a profit_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o slight_v the_o impertinent_a gaiety_n and_o vile_a allurement_n of_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o treasure_n which_o fade_v not_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n last_o if_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o preferable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n if_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v of_o small_a account_n when_o oppose_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o if_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a perfection_n of_o mankind_n a_o firm_a constancy_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n although_o attend_v in_o this_o life_n with_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n discouragement_n and_o affliction_n will_v not_o only_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o high_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o the_o conclusion_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20._o of_o novemb_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o remarkable_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o scope_n to_o which_o his_o whole_a discourse_n be_v therein_o direct_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o pretence_n wherewith_o unreasonable_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o defend_v or_o excuse_v their_o sin_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n arise_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o visible_a experience_n of_o they_o or_o a_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o constant_a miracle_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n alone_o that_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o also_o in_o their_o ancient_a and_o receive_v doctrine_n they_o entertain_v scruple_n because_o not_o confirm_v by_o a_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n which_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o a_o incredulity_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v hereditary_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o renew_v as_o often_o as_o the_o divine_a miracle_n be_v interrupt_v no_o soon_o be_v joshua_n dead_a and_o that_o generation_n which_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o judge_n ii_o but_o the_o next_o generation_n even_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v and_o although_o miracle_n be_v continue_v down_o among_o they_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n yet_o as_o these_o can_v be_v visible_a but_o to_o a_o certain_a number_n they_o produce_v no_o universal_a influence_n affect_v not_o the_o rest_n and_o even_o in_o those_o who_o see_v they_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o wonder_n and_o amusement_n they_o still_o continue_v their_o disbelief_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o they_o see_v not_o yet_o effect_v and_o of_o that_o future_a state_n which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o perceive_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o but_o it_o have_v find_v place_n even_o among_o christian_n also_o many_o of_o who_o have_v even_o renounce_v and_o deny_v their_o faith_n because_o themselves_o can_v not_o see_v those_o miracle_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o found_v other_o become_v irresolute_a and_o remiss_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n unsatisfied_a in_o the_o event_n of_o it_o and_o all_o pretend_v
life_n as_o it_o be_v high_o generous_a so_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o retain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therewith_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o so_o great_a that_o your_o own_o imagination_n will_v amplify_v it_o more_o than_o any_o word_n i_o can_v use_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o choose_a servant_n to_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v of_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o christian_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v incite_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o interval_n of_o piety_n this_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o in_o the_o 3d._a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o suffer_v such_o enormous_a sinner_n whole_o to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o therefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v undergo_v sharp_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n not_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n have_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n or_o that_o temporal_a calamity_n do_v always_o attend_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o as_o in_o a_o general_a persecution_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o precedent_a sin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o particular_a man_n although_o not_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n to_o have_v require_v to_o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o partake_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n so_o neither_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o those_o first_o christian_n be_v before_o their_o conversion_n for_o this_o reason_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o same_o visible_a manner_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o fear_v that_o a_o far_o great_a punishment_n be_v reserve_v to_o we_o hereafter_o if_o by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n we_o prevent_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o this_o precedent_n sinful_a course_n of_o life_n be_v another_o great_a difficulty_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n who_o have_v contract_v before_o their_o conversion_n long_o and_o fix_a habit_n of_o vice_n efface_v by_o disuse_n all_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o honesty_n which_o to_o restore_v can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o application_n if_o to_o these_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o those_o time_n we_o add_v the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v what_o just_a reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v i_o will_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o particular_a duty_n the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n with_o many_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o piety_n which_o we_o experience_n and_o lament_v that_o which_o chief_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o man_n in_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n be_v enure_v to_o follow_v the_o perception_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v easy_o form_v and_o affect_v the_o mind_n without_o any_o precedent_a preparation_n of_o it_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o object_n which_o sense_n present_v to_o he_o without_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n or_o form_v any_o conclusion_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n whereas_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o christianity_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o man_n not_o put_v into_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o they_o they_o can_v obtain_v nor_o yet_o conceive_v they_o without_o a_o regular_a proceed_n of_o judgement_n they_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o dignity_n power_n and_o other_o attribute_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o their_o own_o action_n to_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n the_o certain_a immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o possible_a immortality_n of_o their_o body_n the_o assurance_n of_o both_o from_o he_o who_o can_v perform_v it_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o such_o immortality_n shall_v be_v confer_v to_o receive_v then_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a conduct_n of_o this_o life_n all_o this_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v and_o examine_v before_o any_o conviction_n can_v be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o convince_v there_o want_v a_o second_o series_n of_o thought_n to_o convince_v mankind_n that_o to_o embrace_v this_o truth_n be_v their_o real_a interest_n the_o reward_v propose_v by_o it_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a they_o affect_v not_o the_o sense_n nor_o strike_v the_o imagination_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o measure_v the_o fruition_n of_o all_o pleasure_n he_o relish_v but_o little_a the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o scarce_o know_v wherein_o they_o consist_v and_o that_o which_o draw_v near_a to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o conception_n and_o meditation_n of_o intellectual_a object_n he_o find_v himself_o soon_o weary_a of_o it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o when_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v overcome_v here_o be_v still_o require_v another_o train_n of_o thought_n to_o fix_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n notwithstanding_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v till_o another_o life_n if_o then_o so_o much_o consideration_n be_v require_v to_o render_v the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n effectual_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o hardly_o conceive_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o present_a fruition_n and_o so_o little_a grateful_a to_o those_o organ_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o fruition_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v foresee_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n for_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n allow_v their_o soul_n to_o entertain_v any_o conception_n beyond_o what_o sense_n administer_v to_o they_o how_o few_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o immaterial_a being_n or_o spiritual_a interest_n not_o that_o any_o extraordinary_a strength_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v to_o form_v such_o thought_n and_o conviction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o frequent_o urge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v retain_v such_o thought_n improve_v they_o and_o act_n upon_o they_o but_o even_o this_o be_v irksome_a to_o his_o deprave_a nature_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v his_o body_n his_o soul_n he_o little_o know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o the_o noble_a pleasure_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o one_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o other_o he_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o disadvantage_n betray_v he_o either_o to_o neglect_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o to_o prefer_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n before_o they_o unless_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o diligent_a attention_n he_o have_v form_v a_o full_a conviction_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o value_n of_o they_o that_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o follow_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o even_o the_o reversion_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n another_o difficulty_n alike_o common_a to_o all_o be_v the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v that_o it_o include_v every_o action_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o any_o one_o part_n destroy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o exercise_v this_o or_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n unless_o the_o whole_a life_n be_v uniform_a and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o put_v a_o christian_a
his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n the_o soldier_n send_v to_o break_v his_o leg_n while_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o they_o may_v hasten_v his_o death_n who_o they_o suppose_v not_o yet_o to_o have_v expire_v find_v he_o already_o dead_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o the_o devout_a woman_n which_o follow_v he_o take_v he_o down_o from_o the_o cross_n lay_v he_o in_o his_o grave_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v then_o dead_a his_o disciple_n who_o if_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v offer_v will_v not_o easy_o believe_v he_o dead_a from_o who_o they_o then_o expect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o at_o his_o first_o appear_v to_o they_o they_o be_v affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n to_o these_o proof_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v add_v to_o evince_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o death_n a_o evidence_n which_o be_v want_v to_o all_o the_o relation_n of_o man_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o allege_v from_o plato_n the_o story_n of_o eris_n lie_v for_o many_o day_n among_o the_o dead_a body_n and_o after_o that_o recover_a life_n again_o and_o pretend_v that_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o they_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o certain_a person_n to_o life_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o relate_v by_o any_o for_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o fact_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o case_n the_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o person_n be_v true_o dead_a nor_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v it_o less_o evident_a that_o christ_n be_v true_o alive_a invest_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o real_a body_n meet_v in_o he_o he_o be_v see_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o which_o prove_v his_o body_n not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o aerial_a apparition_n he_o talk_v and_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o demonstrate_v that_o body_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n he_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n of_o feeling_n command_v they_o to_o handle_v he_o say_v to_o unbelieving_a thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n which_o manifest_v that_o the_o body_n which_o he_o then_o offer_v to_o that_o trial_n be_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o still_o retain_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o spear_n that_o this_o same_o body_n and_o soul_n reunite_v be_v also_o join_v to_o the_o divinity_n as_o before_o his_o passion_n appear_v from_o his_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v after_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o real_a resurrection_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n first_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o faith_n of_o who_o although_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v die_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a of_o these_o the_o pious_a woman_n be_v first_o bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o reward_n of_o their_o maintain_v their_o love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o when_o his_o apostle_n have_v forsake_v he_o or_o that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o garden_n where_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v immediate_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o before_o he_o be_v yet_o depart_v out_o of_o it_o they_o see_v he_o know_v he_o and_o salute_v he_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n be_v advertise_v of_o it_o by_o they_o haste_v to_o see_v their_o master_n and_o receive_v not_o only_o a_o transient_a view_n of_o he_o but_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o appear_v to_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o and_o at_o last_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o friend_n we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o enemy_n which_o in_o all_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n the_o soldier_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o watch_v his_o sepulchre_n plain_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v his_o resurrection_n although_o be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o such_o unusual_a prodigy_n they_o do_v not_o well_o perceive_v it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v not_o suffer_v by_o their_o fear_n to_o stay_v till_o christ_n shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o feel_v the_o earthquake_n which_o remove_v the_o stone_n roll_v to_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o see_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o angel_n like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n and_o come_v into_o the_o city_n show_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v as_o we_o read_v matth._n xxviii_o ii_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n have_v before_o join_v with_o man_n in_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o here_o concur_v in_o witness_v his_o resurrection_n the_o woman_n come_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n present_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o look_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n in_o the_o sepulchre_n find_v there_o two_o angel_n in_o white_a sit_v one_o at_o the_o head_n the_o other_o at_o the_o foot_n where_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v lie_v who_o say_v to_o they_o why_o seek_v you_o the_o dead_a among_o the_o live_n he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v last_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v both_o his_o friend_n and_o enemy_n the_o report_n of_o sense_n ofttimes_o repeat_v to_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o resurrection_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o this_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n comfort_v enable_v and_o encourage_v the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o also_o in_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o concurrent_a miracle_n as_o it_o be_v act_v iu_o 33._o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o open_o affirm_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o then_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o affirmation_n wrought_v sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o to_o the_o spectator_n do_v as_o full_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v it_o do_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v exert_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n for_o the_o attestation_n of_o a_o lye_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o reality_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o the_o ii_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n express_v in_o those_o word_n have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n which_o be_v various_o interpret_v some_o maintain_v that_o they_o imply_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o grave_a other_o that_o they_o point_v out_o the_o dolorous_a suffering_n by_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o a_o state_n opposite_a to_o that_o humiliation_n a_o three_o sort_n understanding_n by_o they_o a_o destruction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v support_v with_o great_a reason_n nor_o will_v it_o here_o be_v proper_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n which_o of_o they_o rather_o be_v to_o be_v embrace_v they_o be_v all_o rational_a consonant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o significative_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n i_o will_v therefore_o apply_v they_o all_o the_o first_o opinion_n include_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n that_o be_v a_o reunion_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n separate_v by_o death_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o chief_o refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o here_o allege_v by_o the_o apostle_n david_n have_v be_v often_o bring_v
they_o for_o however_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n be_v require_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o more_o essential_a condition_n of_o prayer_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o require_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n whereof_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n be_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n large_o treat_v of_o this_o worship_n can_v be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n unless_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o certain_a place_n and_o time_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o if_o the_o place_n of_o it_o be_v not_o fix_v no_o public_a worship_n can_v well_o consist_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o command_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o have_v not_o therein_o teach_v that_o all_o place_n be_v equal_o fit_v in_o which_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o singularity_n of_o one_o place_n and_o the_o appropriation_n of_o all_o public_a worship_n to_o that_o alone_a but_o continue_v the_o necessity_n of_o fix_v some_o certain_a place_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o believe_a world_n for_o that_o purpose_n not_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o man_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o place_n dedicate_v to_o religious_a uses_n or_o in_o a_o place_n make_v common_a to_o all_o the_o ordinary_a uses_n of_o life_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v take_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v mere_o ceremonial_a in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o retain_v all_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o the_o consecration_n of_o certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o appropriate_v they_o to_o that_o use_n alone_o be_v such_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o manifest_v since_o there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o who_o decry_v all_o difference_n between_o sacred_a and_o profane_a place_n first_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n those_o attribute_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o and_o evident_o appear_v in_o that_o most_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o himself_o have_v fix_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v contrive_v with_o the_o most_o exact_a symmetry_n dispose_v in_o a_o most_o beautiful_a order_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o worship_n which_o man_n pay_v to_o god_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o attrribute_n chief_o appear_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o reason_n that_o man_n shall_v direct_v his_o worship_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o if_o then_o in_o the_o visible_a operation_n of_o god_n such_o a_o decent_a order_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o the_o same_o order_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v maintain_v otherwise_o no_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v no_o homage_n pay_v to_o that_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o we_o see_v and_o admire_v in_o the_o creation_n god_n have_v not_o only_o form_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o also_o add_v infinite_a variety_n of_o light_n mineral_n plant_n and_o animal_n for_o his_o delight_n and_o for_o the_o ornament_n of_o life_n since_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o divine_a perfection_n manifest_v by_o their_o operation_n this_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o only_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o ceremony_n and_o many_o circumstance_n to_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n but_o also_o make_v it_o to_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o to_o accuse_v such_o addition_n and_o external_a ceremony_n of_o superstition_n be_v no_o less_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v add_v to_o the_o creation_n many_o thing_n not_o necessary_a yet_o ornamental_a to_o it_o how_o incongruous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o a_o irregular_a and_o slovenly_a manner_n how_o improper_a a_o return_n for_o the_o additional_a yet_o unnecessary_a convenience_n of_o humane_a life_n to_o adore_v the_o author_n of_o they_o without_o any_o order_n or_o external_a decency_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o induce_v man_n before_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o set_v they_o apart_o for_o that_o use_n only_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n be_v few_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n yet_o therein_o we_o find_v evident_a footstep_n of_o such_o dedication_n more_o particular_o in_o gen._n xxviii_o 16._o where_o jacob_n enjoy_v a_o vision_n at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n 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wealth_n from_o he_o by_o offer_v up_o some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o to_o be_v employ_v as_o he_o shall_v direct_v which_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n consist_v chief_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o act_n of_o charity_n we_o confess_v he_o the_o author_n of_o life_n by_o dedicate_a certain_a time_n of_o it_o to_o his_o service_n and_o we_o confess_v he_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n by_o appropriate_v and_o submit_v some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o his_o immediate_a service_n by_o this_o his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v eminent_o acknowledge_v and_o the_o vassalage_n of_o man_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v declare_v further_o the_o erection_n and_o dedication_n of_o church_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v both_o useful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o proclaim_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o belief_n in_o he_o by_o all_o significative_a expression_n to_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o our_o profession_n to_o all_o age_n and_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o all_o man_n this_o fabric_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v most_o natural_o signify_v which_o be_v so_o many_o stand_n and_o last_a monument_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o that_o god_n to_o who_o service_n they_o be_v appropriate_v for_o this_o reason_n we_o often_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n erect_v pillar_n and_o heap_n of_o stone_n to_o be_v so_o many_o last_a monument_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o how_o gracious_o god_n accept_v such_o visible_a
scripture_n be_v faid_fw-we to_o be_v the_o footstool_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a just_a and_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n ii_o and_o that_o he_o real_o do_v ascend_v thither_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o ascension_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v feel_v and_o handle_v that_o with_o which_o they_o have_v converse_v for_o forty_o day_n together_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o material_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n again_o and_o have_v perform_v all_o manner_n of_o vital_a action_n that_o very_a body_n they_o see_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o jesus_n who_o have_v rose_n again_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o who_o have_v lead_v they_o out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v visible_a and_o present_a to_o they_o till_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o his_o ascension_n as_o he_o be_v yet_o speak_v with_o they_o be_v part_v from_o they_o and_o carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n as_o we_o read_v luk._n xxiv_o which_o refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o christ_n ascend_v in_o spirit_n only_o have_v first_o put_v off_o and_o return_v to_o the_o several_a element_n that_o body_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o again_o that_o body_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v local_o present_a with_o they_o upon_o earth_n they_o see_v soon_o after_o to_o be_v real_o remove_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v into_o heaven_n for_o as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n when_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o bless_a they_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o testify_v his_o real_a and_o corporeal_a presence_n with_o they_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o next_o moment_n even_o while_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o part_v from_o they_o and_o while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n which_o prove_v his_o ascension_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o local_a translation_n from_o the_o part_n here_o below_o to_o those_o above_o and_o that_o at_o that_o moment_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_o humane_a body_n whatever_o glorious_a change_n it_o undergo_v after_o its_o reception_n into_o heaven_n the_o seat_n of_o immortality_n and_o spiritual_a being_n other_o circumstance_n deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o this_o ascension_n and_o first_o our_o lord_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v please_v to_o call_v together_o many_o if_o not_o all_o his_o disciple_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o a_o favour_n which_o be_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o conduct_n indeed_o be_v different_a but_o the_o reason_n not_o unlike_a in_o both_o case_n both_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v thenceforth_o to_o pass_v into_o necessary_a article_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o principal_a support_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o mankind_n both_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v place_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n by_o the_o attestation_n of_o many_o and_o credible_a witness_n to_o effect_v this_o at_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o any_o witness_n shall_v be_v present_a since_o the_o action_n of_o life_n visible_o and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o perform_v by_o he_o after_o his_o know_a crucifixion_n and_o burial_n abundant_o and_o even_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o some_o few_o day_n before_o he_o be_v true_o dead_a their_o sense_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o be_v now_o true_o alive_a whence_o they_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o they_o have_v actual_o see_v his_o resurrection_n whereas_o in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o ascension_n he_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v see_v by_o they_o in_o this_o life_n no_o mortal_a be_v thenceforward_o to_o see_v his_o state_n of_o glory_n or_o testify_v his_o station_n in_o heaven_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o that_o action_n which_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o testify_v and_o preach_v to_o other_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n be_v add_v to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o bless_a spirit_n far_o from_o repine_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o ascension_n exalt_v to_o a_o superior_a degree_n of_o glory_n descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o bear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o his_o arrival_n there_o as_o at_o his_o nativity_n they_o have_v do_v to_o proclaim_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o deity_n upon_o earth_n for_o it_o follow_v act_v i._o 10._o behold_v two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n which_o also_o say_v you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o apparition_n of_o angel_n a_o empty_a pageant_n or_o a_o unnecessary_a addition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n ascension_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o attendance_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n by_o their_o testimony_n concern_v his_o ascension_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o see_v he_o receive_v upon_o the_o cloud_n they_o look_v up_o and_o follow_v he_o with_o their_o eye_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sight_n can_v reach_v but_o that_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o low_a region_n and_o not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n their_o sense_n can_v not_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o lord_n be_v carry_v thither_o to_o evidence_n therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o remain_v that_o god_n by_o these_o ministerial_a spirit_n shall_v declare_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n these_o angel_n be_v wont_a to_o minister_v before_o and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v know_v to_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o they_o testify_v that_o christ_n have_v ascend_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v descend_v and_o thereby_o perfect_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n who_o sight_n can_v not_o reach_v so_o far_o far_o these_o bless_a spirit_n not_o only_o bring_v evidence_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o real_a ascension_n of_o their_o master_n into_o heaven_n but_o also_o give_v they_o comfort_n and_o alleviate_v their_o sorrow_n conceive_v for_o his_o departure_n by_o add_v those_o word_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o you_o have_v see_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n elisha_n have_v see_v his_o master_n elijah_n carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n yet_o know_v not_o certain_o how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v dispose_v of_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v he_o again_o he_o entertain_v the_o sight_n with_o grief_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o it_o rend_v his_o clothes_n nor_o have_v the_o disciple_n be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o anxiety_n without_o the_o present_a consolation_n of_o these_o angel_n when_o their_o lord_n have_v before_o his_o death_n declare_v to_o they_o his_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o the_o father_n john_n xvi_o they_o can_v not_o dissemble_v their_o grief_n as_o himself_o observe_v verse_n 6._o because_o i_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n unto_o you_o sorrow_n have_v fill_v your_o heart_n and_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n still_o retain_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o they_o have_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v not_o at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n which_o hope_n be_v total_o defeat_v by_o his_o departure_n into_o heaven_n both_o these_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o the_o angel_n happy_o do_v remove_v in_o these_o word_n they_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o take_v from_o they_o but_o themselves_o shall_v see_v he_o return_v in_o the_o last_o of_o day_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imagine_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v abolish_v they_o
the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o revelation_n be_v infallible_a none_o can_v deny_v for_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o one_o who_o infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v except_v to_o these_o revelation_n and_o deny_v assent_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o think_v of_o before_o and_o which_o even_o when_o reveal_v to_o he_o he_o can_v well_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n show_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v or_o stumble_v at_o this_o from_o the_o obvious_a example_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o any_o be_v inferior_a to_o it_o nor_o the_o secret_n or_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o it_o find_v out_o by_o any_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o inferior_a be_v if_o it_o can_v speak_v and_o argue_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o noble_a faculty_n because_o it_o can_v conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o for_o one_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o because_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o than_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v in_o the_o text_n even_n so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unreasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o then_o all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o conception_n cease_v and_o it_o remain_v only_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o allege_a revelation_n be_v true_o divine_a this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n assert_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n declare_v his_o preach_v of_o it_o to_o be_v found_v not_o upon_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o nice_a conclusion_n as_o be_v the_o system_n of_o philosophy_n then_o receive_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o world_n from_o which_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o these_o two_o character_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o gentile_a philosophy_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o secure_a to_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o other_o effect_v both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n further_o these_o matter_n when_o once_o reveal_v and_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n as_o we_o propose_v not_o to_o other_o with_o artificial_a sophistry_n and_o rhetoric_n so_o we_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o pure_a argument_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o logical_a inference_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v ver._n 13._o but_o as_o we_o teach_v they_o with_o that_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o god_n direct_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o effect_v so_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o compare_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o general_a motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o follow_v but_o with_o the_o wisdom_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a now_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o method_n in_o our_o enquiry_n herein_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o 14_o ver._n but_o the_o natural_a man._n 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because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o for_o this_o we_o can_v rational_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o full_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o object_n which_o that_o we_o be_v not_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o many_o object_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n appear_v both_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o manifold_a experience_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v finite_a and_o so_o must_v the_o faculty_n of_o it_o also_o be_v one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o understanding_n which_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a
but_o these_o man_n proceed_v chief_o upon_o those_o objection_n which_o we_o have_v already_o refute_v and_o upon_o unreasonable_a and_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o wrest_v to_o their_o sense_n while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o remove_v it_o whole_o but_o while_o they_o attempt_v this_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o far_o great_a difficulty_n and_o even_o in_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o god_n have_v command_v that_o all_o shall_v worship_v the_o son_n even_o as_o they_o do_v the_o father_n and_o themselves_o never_o dare_v to_o deny_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o christ_n hereby_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v that_o divine_a adoration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o be_v which_o be_v not_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o palpable_a contradiction_n infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o they_o so_o much_o dread_v for_o a_o act_n of_o divine_a adoration_n consist_v chief_o in_o a_o awful_a conception_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v pay_v to_o any_o object_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o adore_v christ_n with_o divine_a honour_n the_o mind_n must_v consider_v he_o as_o god_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a repugnance_n of_o conception_n and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n remain_v in_o full_a force_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v attend_v it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v those_o argument_n it_o remain_v that_o if_o we_o act_v rational_o we_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o discourse_n from_o this_o 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and_o everblessed_n trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n to_o who_o be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o error_n and_o false_a persuasion_n to_o which_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v subject_a none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o common_a than_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o irrational_a part_n be_v direct_v by_o their_o creator_n to_o some_o supreme_a end_n the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infallible_a hand_n while_o man_n the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n miscarry_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a soul_n capacious_a faculty_n and_o the_o uncontrolled_a use_n of_o a_o freewill_n which_o bestow_v on_o man_n a_o possibility_n of_o be_v true_o happy_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o miscarriage_n he_o set_v the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n on_o work_n to_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n he_o run_v through_o all_o the_o pleasure_n whether_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n of_o which_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a he_o fix_v his_o desire_n upon_o those_o which_o most_o of_o all_o strike_v his_o imagination_n or_o gratify_v his_o sense_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o obtain_v they_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o freewill_n when_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o one_o end_n he_o invent_v another_o he_o grow_v wanton_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o more_o he_o indulge_v his_o rove_a thought_n the_o far_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o true_a end_n a_o miserable_a calamity_n indeed_o that_o man_n alone_o shall_v miscarry_v in_o his_o supreme_a end_n yet_o a_o calamity_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v a_o calamity_n which_o have_v involve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o know_v no_o other_o end_n than_o what_o be_v terminate_v in_o this_o life_n seek_v no_o other_o happine_v than_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o expire_v with_o they_o many_o have_v indeed_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o thought_n rescue_v themselves_o from_o this_o common_a calamity_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v by_o the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n deliver_v from_o it_o they_o know_v a_o better_a and_o more_o last_a happiness_n they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o their_o nature_n yet_o by_o a_o miserable_a corruption_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v betray_v to_o neglect_v this_o end_n to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n and_o over-rule_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a esteem_n of_o corporeal_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n which_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n divert_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n take_v root_n in_o his_o imagination_n raise_v his_o passion_n and_o by_o their_o assistance_n continue_v its_o possession_n nothing_o therefore_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o the_o retrieve_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o real_a happiness_n to_o rectify_v the_o thought_n and_o secure_v the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o to_o obviate_v the_o deceitfulness_n to_o defeat_v the_o delusion_n of_o sensual_a and_o temporal_a happiness_n by_o manifest_v how_o unsatisfactory_a it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n how_o unable_a to_o fill_v the_o capacious_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o vain_a and_o trifle_a how_o unworthy_a our_o study_n and_o desire_v this_o will_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a end_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o end_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o when_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o no_o real_a happiness_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o that_o however_o it_o may_v flatter_v the_o sense_n and_o please_v the_o imagination_n it_o will_v fill_v no_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o effect_v this_o conviction_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o various_a argument_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o mutability_n of_o fortune_n the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n forfeit_v by_o a_o blind_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n the_o vanity_n of_o it_o when_o obtain_v the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o it_o when_o expire_v but_o above_o all_o the_o example_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o after_o they_o have_v obtain_v all_o which_o they_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n rest_v unsatisfied_a or_o become_v unhappy_a be_v divest_v of_o their_o felicity_n and_o reduce_v to_o misery_n or_o amid_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n by_o a_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v declare_v and_o confess_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o much_o court_v and_o other_o so_o much_o admire_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o of_o haman_n in_o my_o text_n who_o amid_o all_o his_o honour_n and_o title_n his_o wealth_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n amid_o all_o the_o pleasure_n which_o this_o life_n can_v receive_v convince_v by_o undeniable_a experience_n confess_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o that_o both_o these_o consideration_n therefore_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o experience_n confirm_v
by_o god_n consider_v no_o further_a than_o whether_o it_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o sense_n become_v clamorous_a if_o deny_v and_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o root_v out_o while_o we_o carry_v this_o body_n about_o with_o we_o who_o want_n and_o natural_a motion_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o it_o it_o be_v indeed_o absolute_o subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n if_o this_o exert_v its_o self_n vigorous_o and_o maintain_v a_o constant_a guard_n but_o if_o it_o grow_v remiss_a if_o those_o natural_a motion_n either_o by_o negligence_n or_o the_o impression_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v raise_v into_o strong_a passion_n the_o danger_n be_v evident_a sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n and_o if_o not_o repel_v by_o a_o vigorous_a opposition_n will_v force_v its_o entrance_n this_o constant_a rebellion_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n against_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v that_o unhappiness_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o rom._n vii_o i_o see_v another_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n this_o alone_a be_v a_o constant_a temptation_n to_o mankind_n but_o then_o most_o dangerous_a when_o excite_v and_o foment_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o imprint_n in_o the_o imagination_n all_o those_o argument_n which_o can_v enforce_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o render_v they_o plausible_a in_o opposition_n to_o these_o we_o shall_v prepare_v ourselves_o by_o a_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o the_o restrainment_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o obedience_n if_o by_o a_o assiduous_a entertainment_n of_o these_o argument_n in_o our_o thought_n they_o become_v familiar_a and_o as_o it_o be_v habitual_a to_o we_o no_o soon_o shall_v we_o be_v prompt_v to_o sin_n by_o the_o insurrection_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n or_o the_o solicitation_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o the_o contrary_a argument_n will_v present_v themselves_o oppose_v and_o defeat_v the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o that_o this_o sin_n include_v some_o considerable_a pleasure_n the_o mind_n on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v remember_v that_o god_n send_v we_o not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v our_o pleasure_n as_o we_o shall_v think_v most_o convenient_a but_o to_o perform_v those_o immutable_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o bestow_v existence_n on_o we_o that_o this_o propose_a pleasure_n be_v indeed_o mean_a and_o trifle_a deprive_v we_o of_o a_o far_o great_a pleasure_n and_o draw_v eternal_a misery_n upon_o we_o if_o the_o body_n or_o imagination_n now_o affect_v urge_v vehement_o for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o 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or_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n if_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v with_o a_o exact_a and_o ready_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n if_o it_o have_v full_o weigh_v they_o thorough_o digest_v they_o and_o firm_o retain_v they_o it_o can_v want_v the_o propose_a end_n the_o defeat_n of_o temptation_n continuance_n of_o innocence_n and_o increase_v of_o piety_n to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n with_o such_o consideration_n will_v indeed_o successful_o baffle_v the_o assault_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o continual_o in_o such_o will_v whole_o prevent_v his_o attempt_n but_o because_o such_o continual_a attention_n to_o spiritual_a meditation_n be_v i_o will_v not_o say_v rare_a but_o impracticable_a in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n of_o life_n instead_o of_o that_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o employ_v their_o soul_n continual_o with_o some_o certain_a thought_n which_o if_o not_o pious_a yet_o at_o least_o may_v be_v innocent_a it_o be_v a_o no_o less_o true_a than_o common_a maxim_n that_o idleness_n lay_v man_n open_a to_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o position_n plain_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o lay_v down_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o devil_n operation_n in_o his_o temptation_n for_o this_o be_v by_o imprint_v the_o first_o thought_n of_o any_o object_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n he_o have_v no_o where_o so_o easy_a a_o entrance_n as_o where_o the_o soul_n lie_v open_a on_o all_o side_n uncultivated_a unemployed_a in_o such_o a_o state_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o any_o impression_n and_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o when_o it_o have_v receive_v they_o will_v scarce_o make_v any_o other_o than_o a_o feeble_a opposition_n to_o the_o plausible_a insinuation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o suppose_v the_o habitation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o desert_n place_n where_o man_n for_o want_n of_o business_n or_o innocent_a society_n wherewith_o to_o entertain_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n lay_v open_a to_o his_o assault_n whereas_o if_o the_o mind_n busy_v itself_o continual_o either_o in_o pious_a meditation_n lawful_a concern_v of_o the_o body_n knowledge_n and_o prosecution_n of_o useful_a art_n and_o science_n in_o a_o chaste_a society_n or_o innocent_a recreation_n the_o imagination_n be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o conception_n of_o those_o object_n wherein_o the_o mind_n be_v employ_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o happy_o preclude_v they_o man_n be_v a_o think_v be_v enjoy_v a_o active_a and_o immaterial_a soul_n which_o as_o such_o must_v necessary_o be_v always_o employ_v in_o some_o cogitation_n or_o other_o if_o then_o man_n will_v take_v no_o care_n to_o direct_v and_o regulate_v their_o thought_n at_o all_o time_n the_o infallible_a effect_n will_v be_v that_o they_o must_v blind_o follow_v either_o the_o fortuitous_a conception_n of_o a_o rove_a imagination_n or_o the_o impression_n of_o external_a object_n or_o the_o secret_a insinuation_n of_o subtle_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o this_o condition_n man_n inconsiderate_o follow_v that_o idea_n which_o first_o strike_v he_o and_o then_o no_o wonder_n the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o this_o favourable_a opportunity_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o imagination_n and_o turn_v it_o to_o his_o own_o destruction_n have_v thus_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o effectual_a method_n of_o resist_v our_o grand_a adversary_n the_o devil_n arise_v from_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o external_a assistance_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n with_o success_n and_o these_o be_v chief_o two_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a spirit_n and_o of_o these_o brief_o in_o their_o order_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v never_o want_v to_o faithful_a christian_n in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n he_o have_v engage_v that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v and_o this_o promise_v he_o observe_v inviolable_o by_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o direct_v our_o thought_n by_o influence_v our_o wi_n not_o that_o all_o the_o aforementioned_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o ability_n of_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v less_o owe_v to_o he_o than_o these_o more_o extraordinary_a emanation_n both_o equal_o proceed_v from_o his_o gift_n both_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o liberality_n but_o the_o former_a be_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n which_o can_v be_v want_v to_o he_o while_o he_o be_v
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o 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overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o its_o creation_n for_o for_o this_o very_a end_n our_o soul_n be_v create_v that_o they_o shall_v act_n as_o spiritual_a being_n and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n insert_v in_o they_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n form_v by_o our_o reason_n at_o least_o maintain_v if_o not_o advance_v our_o nature_n when_o afterward_o through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n these_o rule_n be_v corrupt_v and_o our_o judgement_n blind_v god_n give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n and_o let_v we_o know_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n give_v we_o and_o a_o soul_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n then_o or_o violate_v it_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v our_o nature_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a sort_n of_o being_n for_o as_o sin_n turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n so_o it_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o somewhat_o worse_a than_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v still_o continue_v soul_n but_o that_o do_v but_o augment_v their_o misery_n because_o be_v immortal_a they_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a always_o gnaw_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o degenerous_a action_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o own_o deprave_a nature_n second_o sin_n destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v and_o in_o these_o will_v consist_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o serene_a meditation_n upon_o the_o unparalleled_a perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o a_o ardent_a and_o perpetual_a love_n of_o he_o and_o conscience_n of_o be_v love_v by_o he_o now_o sin_n set_v a_o man_n at_o enmity_n with_o god_n make_v he_o unworthy_a his_o favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o such_o contemplation_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v on_o he_o with_o delight_n who_o we_o account_v our_o enemy_n or_o how_o can_v we_o not_o esteem_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o law_n we_o violate_v and_o who_o precept_n we_o contemn_v the_o conscience_n of_o this_o divine_a anger_n alone_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n than_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v force_v to_o say_v god_n have_v create_v i_o and_o do_v now_o preserve_v i_o but_o think_v i_o unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o esteem_v i_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o heaven_n shall_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a miracle_n be_v bestow_v upon_o wicked_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o relish_v with_o they_o nor_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o last_o sin_n defeat_v the_o future_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o exclude_v it_o from_o its_o intend_a reward_n and_o engage_v it_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o probationer_n for_o another_o be_v a_o be_v of_o itself_o capable_a of_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o act_v here_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o great_a perfection_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o by_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o this_o world_n gain_v admittance_n into_o the_o next_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
mankind_n by_o a_o studious_a communication_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v at_o first_o act_v in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o judea_n not_o in_o a_o desert_n or_o in_o a_o cell_n not_o spend_v in_o a_o solitary_a retirement_n or_o know_v to_o few_o and_o after_o that_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n commit_v to_o write_v whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o that_o light_a which_o first_o arise_v and_o shine_v in_o a_o small_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o universe_n and_o become_v a_o general_a and_o eternal_a standard_n of_o duty_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o this_o light_n shall_v confer_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o which_o our_o lord_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o walk_v not_o in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n for_o if_o the_o light_n which_o christ_n communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n be_v so_o illustrious_a as_o we_o before_o describe_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o or_o imitate_v the_o other_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o darkness_n in_o the_o same_o ignorance_n and_o error_n in_o which_o he_o be_v before_o involve_v he_o have_v thereby_o his_o mistake_v remove_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o duty_n ascertain_v to_o he_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n convey_v to_o he_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n our_o lord_n chief_o intend_v in_o these_o word_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v put_v themselves_o under_o his_o discipline_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o easy_a and_o practical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v of_o more_o use_n to_o we_o light_a and_o darkness_n in_o scripture_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v those_o two_o contrary_a state_n of_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o reveal_v light_n and_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o those_o who_o former_o live_v or_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n hence_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v often_o call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v express_v by_o darkness_n as_o ephes._n v._n 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_n walk_v as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o all_o sin_n be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o rom._n xiii_o 12._o let_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o ephes._n v._n 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o lord_n therefore_o in_o this_o place_n teach_v we_o that_o his_o true_a disciple_n they_o who_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o light_n walk_v in_o the_o right_a way_n cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v direct_v into_o and_o follow_v the_o path_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n many_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o be_v before_o subject_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o ignorance_n occasion_v by_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o know_v they_o not_o to_o be_v sin_n their_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n can_v not_o direct_v the_o will_n aright_o or_o betray_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a choice_n even_o when_o it_o be_v dispose_v aright_o and_o as_o reason_n will_v resolve_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o miserable_a state_n indeed_o when_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o know_v it_o not_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n fit_o describe_v matth._n vi_o 23._o if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n if_o thy_o judgement_n be_v corrupt_v with_o error_n or_o ignorance_n of_o thy_o duty_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n from_o this_o unhappiness_n our_o saviour_n full_o free_v his_o disciple_n by_o teach_v they_o all_o necessary_a truth_n by_o inform_v their_o judgement_n by_o set_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o full_a light_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v use_v any_o ordinary_a diligence_n they_o can_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o further_o these_o work_n of_o darknse_n even_o among_o the_o gentile_n much_o less_o among_o christian_n proceed_v not_o always_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o judgement_n from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n but_o more_o ordinary_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n be_v act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n and_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n while_o act_v yet_o fit_o call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n because_o as_o our_o lord_n tell_v nicodemus_n john_n iii_o 20._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a detestation_n of_o sin_n when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o in_o all_o man_n which_o make_v the_o most_o profligate_v man_n desire_v their_o sin_n may_v be_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o not_o consider_v perhaps_o as_o they_o seldom_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n which_o occasion_n such_o work_n of_o darkness_n christ_n have_v also_o provide_v for_o and_o remove_v by_o propose_v such_o argument_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o can_v fail_v to_o persuade_v by_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n and_o thereby_o influence_v the_o will._n for_o beside_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o interest_n concern_v in_o it_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o right_o understand_v carry_v internal_a and_o powerful_a argument_n of_o persuasion_n with_o it_o further_o this_o sentence_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o to_o the_o discover_v the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o other_o relation_n to_o christ._n for_o as_o he_o that_o follow_v this_o light_n can_v walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n shall_v follow_v this_o light_n it_o be_v former_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o retain_v their_o infidelity_n and_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n because_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o condemnation_n of_o as_o many_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n they_o still_o walk_v in_o darkness_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o by_o christianity_n be_v confer_v to_o they_o they_o practise_v the_o same_o vice_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o infidel_n be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v to_o they_o by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n who_o nevertheless_o call_v themselves_o the_o son_n of_o light_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o of_o such_o st._n john_n have_v pronounce_v 1_o john_n i._n 6._o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o 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whether_o your_o conscience_n do_v not_o instruct_v you_o that_o many_o thing_n you_o ought_v to_o do_v other_o to_o omit_v and_o whether_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o upbraid_v to_o you_o the_o omission_n or_o violation_n of_o your_o duty_n if_o then_o all_o the_o momentous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o what_o our_o lord_n exact_v of_o we_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o reason_n will_v have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o if_o no_o revelation_n have_v intervene_v sure_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o christianity_n be_v a_o burden_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o practise_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o contrary_a conduct_n be_v a_o force_n of_o nature_n now_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v natural_a to_o any_o be_v be_v most_o easy_a to_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o common_a sense_n will_v teach_v we_o for_o in_o be_v such_o it_o be_v most_o adapt_v and_o proportion_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a this_o argument_n will_v receive_v a_o far_a illustration_n from_o that_o sweet_a complacency_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o all_o good_a action_n and_o which_o do_v infinite_o alleviate_v the_o burden_n and_o compensate_a the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o this_o our_o lord_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o in_o the_o text_n when_o affirm_v his_o yoke_n to_o be_v easy_a he_o use_v a_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o original_a more_o proper_o denote_v sweet_a and_o pleasant_a what_o great_a argument_n than_o can_v be_v conceive_v either_o of_o the_o eaâ—iness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n than_o that_o a_o grateful_a complacency_n always_o attend_v they_o while_o the_o soul_n congratulate_v to_o herself_o the_o performance_n of_o her_o duty_n the_o conquest_n of_o adverse_a lust_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o she_o own_o faculty_n no_o joy_n can_v be_v conceive_v more_o intense_a than_o this_o none_o more_o serene_a and_o undisturbed_a because_o none_o more_o spiritual_a or_o found_v upon_o better_a reason_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o every_o good_a man_n can_v confirm_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n nor_o do_v even_o bad_a man_n want_v the_o same_o conviction_n for_o none_o almost_o be_v find_v so_o total_o corrupt_v who_o do_v not_o sometime_o practise_v good_a action_n and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o receive_v not_o a_o inward_a satisfaction_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o degree_n of_o complacency_n be_v find_v in_o they_o who_o through_o disuse_n be_v wont_n little_a to_o relish_v or_o value_v spiritual_a pleasure_n what_o infinite_a satisfaction_n must_v good_a man_n reap_v from_o thence_o who_o by_o a_o well_o fix_a determination_n have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o present_a happiness_n and_o will_v hereafter_o procure_v yet_o more_o noble_a enjoyment_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o vicious_a action_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o no_o less_o constant_a dissatisfaction_n and_o regret_n of_o mind_n raise_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n only_o for_o who_o can_v be_v impious_a or_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o not_o conceive_v indignation_n at_o his_o own_o ingratitude_n who_o ever_o reflect_v upon_o any_o inordinate_a lust_n commit_v by_o he_o and_o do_v not_o afterward_o vex_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o command_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o can_v not_o overcome_v a_o foolish_a desire_n who_o ever_o yield_v to_o drunkenness_n and_o do_v not_o at_o the_o return_n of_o his_o wit_n conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o himself_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o sin_n reason_n do_v not_o fail_v to_o upbraid_v to_o man_n that_o he_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o his_o nature_n degrade_v his_o soul_n and_o dishonour_v himself_o this_o remorse_n alone_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a punishment_n make_v know_v by_o revelation_n bring_v far_o more_o affliction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o sin_n bring_v pleasure_n to_o it_o these_o expire_v in_o a_o moment_n those_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n remain_v which_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suspend_v by_o violent_a lust_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o will_v certain_o break_v out_o with_o great_a force_n and_o torment_v the_o mind_n with_o inward_a shame_n anxiety_n and_o distrust_n upon_o the_o whole_a a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v most_o agreeable_a most_o easy_a and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n even_o abstract_v from_o the_o obligation_n superad_v by_o revelation_n and_o the_o reward_n promise_v by_o it_o so_o that_o our_o lord_n in_o make_v the_o moral_a virtue_n the_o only_a practical_a duty_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o propose_a reward_n have_v impose_v a_o most_o easy_a and_o most_o desirable_a yoke_n upon_o mankind_n a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o reason_n more_o particular_o render_v easy_a that_o most_o arduous_a duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_n endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n employ_v by_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n facility_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a notion_n and_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n which_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v bear_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o hazard_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o eminent_a advantage_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o proportionable_a industry_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n when_o therefore_o the_o great_a happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o freewill_n as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n the_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o easy_a burden_n when_o it_o procure_v to_o we_o such_o a_o infinite_a reward_n and_o not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n from_o christ_n impose_v so_o strict_a and_o universal_a holiness_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v also_o a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o we_o of_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o all_o other_o action_n of_o life_n our_o endeavour_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o vigorous_a as_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v more_o or_o less_o intense_a the_o fervency_n of_o the_o desire_n be_v always_o proportionable_a to_o our_o esteem_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o conceive_v a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o this_o noble_a end_n and_o be_v thereby_o incite_v to_o use_v a_o suitable_a diligence_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o form_n to_o ourselves_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o by_o reflect_v on_o the_o infinite_a duration_n the_o inconceivable_a pleasure_n and_o immutable_a state_n of_o it_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o trifle_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o a_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a than_o can_v be_v now_o conceive_v this_o will_v carry_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n baffle_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o temporal_a affliction_n much_o more_o effectual_o than_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n the_o ambition_n of_o a_o crown_n or_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o violent_a passion_n have_v engage_v many_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a undertake_n for_o in_o these_o latter_a case_n the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o end_n be_v never_o ascertain_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o design_n the_o most_o vigorous_a industry_n and_o courage_n be_v in_o they_o subject_a to_o the_o chance_n of_o fortune_n whereas_o in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a conjunction_n between_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n between_o
of_o gratitude_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a corporeal_a bondage_n and_o leave_v we_o without_o any_o obligation_n of_o render_v public_a and_o solemn_a honour_n to_o he_o for_o free_v we_o from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a slavery_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o feast_n of_o easter_n institute_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o redemption_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o they_o appoint_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n christ_n be_v our_o passover_n as_o we_o hear_v this_o morning_n from_o 1_o cor._n v._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o christian_a festival_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v they_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o no_o less_o religion_n than_o be_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n gratitude_n and_o devotion_n because_o they_o commemorate_v far_o great_a benefit_n that_o this_o festival_n therefore_o be_v particular_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n immediate_o after_o their_o time_n do_v most_o evident_o manifest_v it_o scarce_o be_v st._n john_n the_o last_o liver_n of_o the_o apostle_n dead_a when_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n begin_v to_o divide_v about_o the_o time_n of_o solemnize_n easter_n not_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v solemnize_v but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a or_o a_o movable_a feast_n both_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o custom_n as_o for_o a_o essential_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o indeed_o strain_v a_o circumstance_n too_o far_o but_o clear_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o easter_n be_v then_o by_o all_o christian_n account_v a_o essential_a institution_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a to_o vary_v the_o least_o circumstance_n former_o receive_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o festival_n have_v succeed_v instead_o of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o do_v prefigure_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o our_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o they_o in_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb._n as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o remove_v all_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o house_n so_o we_o be_v to_o put_v away_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o they_o then_o sing_v hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o consummate_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o day_n as_o they_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n in_o a_o habit_n and_o posture_n express_v their_o readiness_n to_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a testimony_n of_o rejoice_v and_o mutual_a kindness_n so_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o be_v pay_v upon_o this_o day_n with_o a_o bitter_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n to_o go_v wherever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o be_v for_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a thanksgiving_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v form_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o more_o particular_o for_o raise_v to_o life_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n so_o by_o worthy_o celebrate_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o shall_v obtain_v to_o be_v hereafter_o admit_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o share_v in_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o now_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o april_n 5_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o whereby_o we_o chief_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o god_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o necessity_n to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v annex_v and_o so_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o effect_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o which_o this_o verse_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n in_o it_o the_o word_n easy_o direct_v i_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v ii_o the_o place_n of_o it_o every_o where_o iii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n to_o enforce_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o command_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_v herein_o by_o divine_a commission_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v long_o since_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n found_v by_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v his_o commission_n before_o he_o impose_v the_o command_n a_o command_n not_o first_o introduce_v by_o he_o but_o often_o repeat_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o since_o none_o as_o i_o suppose_v will_v dispute_v the_o command_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o proceed_v to_o do_v first_o then_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v by_o man_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v necessary_a to_o we_o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n at_o first_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o afterward_o all_o his_o life_n long_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o maintain_v by_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o that_o service_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o pay_v and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o adore_v his_o majesty_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o own_o his_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o profess_v himself_o the_o creature_n the_o servant_n the_o subject_a of_o god_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o as_o such_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n for_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o we_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n have_v set_v he_o beyond_o all_o want_n of_o external_a aid_n and_o even_o beyond_o all_o increase_n of_o happiness_n even_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o our_o worship_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o less_o require_v of_o we_o since_o it_o declare_v our_o conviction_n of_o that_o gratitude_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o benefit_n and_o his_o power_n that_o honour_n worship_n and_o reverence_n which_o belong_v
upon_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o kneel_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o priest_n at_o other_o time_n and_o to_o the_o people_n at_o all_o time_n in_o pray_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n and_o country_n concern_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n subjection_n and_o duty_n in_o any_o action_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o second_o and_o three_o head_n of_o my_o text_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o consider_v the_o last_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n willing_a shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o seventeen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v have_v before_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o duty_n the_o place_n and_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o word_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o they_o how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o condition_n be_v do_v partly_o appear_v from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n for_o if_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o chief_a act_n of_o adoration_n which_o he_o pay_v to_o god_n requisite_a for_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o want_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o all_o necessary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n to_o he_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o previous_a qualification_n without_o which_o his_o prayer_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o become_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o curse_n to_o he_o if_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o place_n and_o posture_n of_o prayer_n not_o universal_o design_v by_o god_n be_v in_o all_o case_n so_o useful_a and_o in_o some_o necessary_a to_o we_o much_o more_o will_v those_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v it_o in_o whatsoever_o place_n or_o posture_n it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v at_o no_o time_n accept_v by_o god_n the_o more_o general_a and_o necessary_a of_o these_o condition_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o latter_a word_n of_o the_o text_n subjoin_v to_o his_o exhortation_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o holy_a hand_n ii_o without_o wrath_n and_o iii_o without_o doubt_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o these_o three_o condition_n in_o their_o order_n first_o it_o be_v require_v that_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o with_o holy_a hand_n that_o be_v with_o pure_a and_o clean_a hand_n defile_v with_o no_o rapine_n or_o uncleanness_n innocent_a from_o all_o rebellion_n towards_o god_n and_o injustice_n towards_o men._n a_o condition_n not_o first_o introduce_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o of_o universal_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n allow_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n among_o they_o prayer_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o same_o use_n which_o it_o obtain_v among_o we_o that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n or_o procure_v his_o favour_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o occasion_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o add_v sacrifice_n to_o their_o prayer_n whensoever_o they_o intend_v to_o pay_v a_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n or_o more_o signal_o to_o engage_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n even_o the_o gentile_n place_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o worship_n rather_o in_o the_o prayer_n than_o in_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o many_o nice_a and_o superstitious_a rule_n and_o caution_n use_v by_o they_o in_o recite_v the_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n at_o the_o time_n of_o sacrifice_n so_o full_o be_v they_o convince_v that_o prayer_n alone_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n can_v true_o worship_v god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n no_o less_o persuade_v that_o without_o purity_n their_o prayer_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a hence_o proceed_v that_o ancient_a and_o constant_a institution_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o sacrifice_v by_o wash_n lustration_n and_o other_o sign_n of_o purity_n a_o institution_n receive_v also_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o as_o we_o read_v exod._n xl._o 32._o command_v that_o the_o priest_n shall_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v themselves_o whensoever_o they_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n consonant_o to_o which_o institution_n david_n say_v psal._n xxvi_o 6._o i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n o_o lord_n it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o external_a purity_n practise_v under_o the_o law_n do_v typify_v the_o internal_a purity_n to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n that_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v to_o evince_v it_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o this_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n be_v chief_o require_v in_o order_n to_o prayer_n which_o will_v instruct_v you_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o internal_a purity_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o reflect_v with_o what_o care_n and_o constancy_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n purify_v themselves_o before_o their_o sacrifice_n that_o so_o christian_n may_v be_v ashamed_a if_o with_o the_o same_o diligence_n they_o cleanse_v not_o their_o soul_n in_o prepare_v they_o for_o prayer_n the_o same_o argument_n persuade_v in_o both_o case_n namely_o the_o sense_n of_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o either_o do_v profess_v yet_o although_o we_o never_o find_v that_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n presume_v to_o sacrifice_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n it_o be_v but_o ordinary_a to_o observe_v that_o christian_n pray_v with_o impure_a mind_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o that_o external_a purity_n be_v a_o easy_a imposition_n but_o internal_a holiness_n a_o difficult_a duty_n a_o difference_n indeed_o not_o inconsiderable_a but_o infinite_o outweigh_v by_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o more_o glorious_a reward_n by_o the_o constant_a pleasure_n of_o mind_n attend_v internal_a purity_n all_o which_o be_v want_v to_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o purification_n and_o last_o by_o that_o conviction_n which_o every_o one_o may_v have_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o external_a holiness_n be_v either_o obscure_a as_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o none_o at_o all_o as_o among_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o these_o reason_n i_o will_v now_o insist_v on_o and_o first_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v without_o innocence_n and_o purity_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n by_o which_o man_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o obedience_n pretend_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o he_o and_o proclaim_v enmity_n to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o conceive_v that_o while_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v detain_v in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n his_o prayer_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o offer_v up_o in_o vain_a if_o we_o look_v in_o the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n we_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v absurd_a to_o beg_v any_o favour_n of_o he_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o hate_v who_o we_o declare_v our_o enemy_n who_o we_o revile_v affront_n and_o despise_v all_o this_o we_o do_v to_o god_n by_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o himself_o profess_v hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o sinful_a men._n but_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n shall_v obtain_v any_o benefit_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v dear_a and_o well-pleasing_a to_o he_o as_o among_o human_a benefactor_n a_o kindness_n be_v always_o suppose_a to_o precede_v the_o benefit_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o sinner_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o god_n or_o receive_v his_o favour_n or_o if_o man_n can_v flatter_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o belief_n yet_o the_o express_a denunciation_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o entertain_v it_o who_o far_o from_o allow_v any_o kindness_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o proclaim_v that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n unto_o the_o wicked_a eminent_a and_o innumerable_a promise_n of_o favour_n be_v indeed_o annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o by_o
divine_a power_n our_o lord_n have_v exercise_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o three_o year_n together_o and_o that_o not_o in_o private_a in_o a_o corner_n among_o his_o own_o follower_n but_o in_o all_o the_o great_a city_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o multitude_n in_o their_o street_n and_o synagogue_n before_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o discern_a man_n among_o they_o in_o the_o solemn_a festival_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o every_o male_n be_v bind_v to_o appear_v three_o time_n a_o year_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o where_o christ_n never_o fail_v to_o be_v present_a and_o to_o declare_v his_o mission_n by_o miracle_n and_o by_o oral_a teach_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o every_o male_a of_o judea_n arrive_v to_o man_n estate_n have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n personal_o see_v some_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o even_o at_o his_o death_n such_o manifest_a indication_n of_o his_o divinity_n appear_v that_o a_o unprejudiced_a heathen_a the_o roman_a centurion_n who_o guard_v his_o cross_n can_v not_o forbear_v to_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o heathen_n a_o divine_a person_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o proof_n and_o miracle_n it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o jew_n retain_v their_o infidelity_n that_o far_o from_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o even_o while_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o remain_v they_o do_v affront_n and_o revile_v he_o accuse_v he_o of_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n even_o while_o they_o see_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o his_o doctrine_n even_o before_o they_o have_v digest_v the_o bread_n wherewith_o he_o have_v miraculous_o feed_v they_o as_o we_o read_v joh._n vi_o what_o then_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o whole_a carriage_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o people_n who_o no_o argument_n can_v persuade_v no_o miracle_n can_v affect_v who_o deserve_v no_o far_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o god_n and_o who_o will_v have_v treat_v the_o visible_a resurrection_n of_o christ_n with_o no_o less_o contempt_n than_o they_o have_v do_v his_o former_a miracle_n it_o be_v at_o first_o sight_n somewhat_o incredible_a indeed_o that_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n can_v possible_o so_o far_o deprave_v his_o reason_n as_o to_o withstand_v such_o powerful_a argument_n and_o deny_v the_o truth_n set_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n and_o some_o have_v not_o fail_v hereupon_o to_o object_n to_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miracle_n since_o have_v he_o do_v it_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v disbelieve_v he_o and_o deny_v assent_n to_o his_o revelation_n but_o alas_o who_o can_v account_v for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n or_o the_o failure_n of_o his_o understanding_n a_o little_a reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o experience_n of_o humane_a life_n will_v convince_v we_o how_o gross_a and_o to_o we_o unaccountable_a error_n many_o man_n commit_v how_o often_o a_o matter_n which_o seem_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o when_o propose_v to_o other_o can_v or_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o to_o recur_v to_o more_o particular_a example_n this_o very_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v stubborn_a incredulous_a and_o rebellious_a amid_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o they_o murmur_v against_o he_o even_o while_o they_o subsist_v by_o his_o miraculous_a ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n and_o punishment_n of_o god_n daily_o visible_a to_o they_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o often_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o be_v they_o the_o former_a age_n only_o which_o have_v commit_v such_o prodigious_a mistake_v even_o in_o our_o own_o age_n we_o have_v no_o less_o eminent_a instance_n of_o unaccountable_a corruption_n of_o understanding_n in_o some_o man_n which_o because_o they_o be_v ordinary_a and_o common_a we_o cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o but_o in_o truth_n have_v the_o ancient_n by_o revelation_n foresee_v they_o they_o will_v have_v no_o less_o admire_v the_o folly_n of_o subsequent_a age_n than_o we_o now_o do_v the_o error_n of_o precedent_a time_n to_o name_v only_o one_o now_o among_o many_o who_o can_v have_v then_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v exist_v a_o large_a society_n of_o man_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o eat_v their_o god_n to_o devour_v his_o body_n ten_o thousand_o time_n and_o yet_o retain_v it_o whole_a to_o divide_v it_o into_o as_o many_o part_n every_o one_o of_o which_o shall_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o infinite_a other_o like_a absurdity_n and_o yet_o this_o we_o know_v the_o papist_n do_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o because_o such_o a_o perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o corruption_n of_o judgement_n can_v be_v well_o conceive_v by_o we_o or_o seem_v incredible_a to_o we_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a mankind_n shall_v be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o gross_a no_o miscarriage_n so_o enormous_a which_o man_n may_v not_o commit_v and_o that_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v see_v and_o handle_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o have_v reject_v so_o many_o antecedent_n proof_n will_v have_v be_v insensible_a of_o this_o also_o but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o who_o such_o a_o favour_n shall_v be_v grant_v it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o consideration_n that_o notwithstanding_o our_o lord_n vouchsafe_v not_o to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n the_o visible_a presence_n of_o his_o body_n after_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o that_o he_o have_v by_o other_o method_n offer_v to_o mankind_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o reasonable_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a not_o only_o in_o relation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o see_v his_o precedent_a miracle_n but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o undertake_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n who_o demand_v a_o sign_n from_o he_o he_o have_v refer_v to_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a after_o three_o day_n continuance_n in_o the_o grave_a and_o this_o he_o have_v effectual_o perform_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o unexceptionable_a witness_n his_o apostle_n and_o other_o discliple_n who_o as_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v fit_v and_o enable_v to_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o world_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n they_o have_v see_v and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o their_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n handle_v his_o body_n clear_o perceive_v that_o a_o rational_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o it_o and_o the_o divinity_n to_o both_o as_o before_o his_o resurrection_n they_o be_v afterward_o enable_v to_o testify_v this_o to_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o to_o do_v it_o successful_o by_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n not_o only_o confer_v upon_o themselves_o but_o upon_o whosoever_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n for_o that_o purpose_n they_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o voluntary_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n by_o undergo_a all_o the_o hardship_n of_o life_n the_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n all_o which_o none_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v do_v without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o so_o convince_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o form_v their_o judgement_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v mistake_v or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o vainglorious_a as_o to_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o suffer_v a_o death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a yet_o be_v we_o not_o in_o this_o case_n permit_v to_o believe_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o by_o the_o various_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o they_o and_o communicate_v by_o they_o by_o which_o god_n himself_o give_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o affirm_v be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o head_n i_o need_v add_v no_o
to_o the_o soul_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o invest_v with_o immortality_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n devest_v of_o these_o gross_a sense_n which_o now_o accompany_v we_o and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o worldly_a and_o admire_a pleasure_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vileness_n of_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o can_v be_v make_v happy_a without_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o any_o real_a worth_n god_n will_v have_v continue_v they_o to_o we_o in_o another_o life_n but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v way_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o humane_a happiness_n by_o the_o abolishment_n of_o all_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o despoil_v the_o body_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n be_v light_a and_o trifle_a incompatible_a with_o real_a happiness_n and_o unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o the_o body_n those_o pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o our_o body_n be_v capable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a so_o much_o to_o admire_v here_o below_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n delight_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n finite_a short_a and_o contemptible_a the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o increase_v their_o worth_n but_o then_o this_o very_a repetition_n become_v nauseous_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v common_o produce_v by_o a_o irregular_a appetite_n but_o always_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o when_o perform_v they_o leave_v no_o satisfaction_n behind_o they_o they_o cloy_v the_o appetite_n and_o by_o their_o frequency_n become_v troublesome_a and_o even_o odious_a to_o we_o be_v finish_v in_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o leave_v nothing_o grateful_a behind_o they_o but_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v end_n with_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o life_n may_v be_v obstruct_v by_o disease_n and_o calamity_n a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n in_o who_o all_o the_o greatness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v join_v he_o preside_v over_o a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a people_n and_o that_o in_o great_a glory_n than_o all_o the_o king_n before_o or_o after_o he_o so_o that_o if_o ambition_n worldly_a honour_n and_o pomp_n can_v make_v he_o happy_a he_o possess_v they_o all_o in_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o fame_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n among_o neighbour_n nation_n can_v increase_v this_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v from_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o east_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o mouth_n if_o riches_n can_v confer_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o desire_a perfection_n none_o can_v put_v in_o a_o better_a claim_n for_o it_o than_o he_o in_o who_o time_n gold_n be_v esteem_v no_o more_o than_o iron_n and_o silver_n as_o stone_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o last_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v complete_a our_o happiness_n none_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o he_o at_o who_o command_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o profound_a and_o uninterrupted_a peace_n all_o his_o life_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v that_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o suppose_a mean_n of_o happiness_n he_o assure_v we_o eccles._n ii_o 10._o that_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o nor_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n nay_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o curiosity_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v nothing_o unattempted_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o know_v madness_n and_o folly_n eccles._n i._n 17._o one_o who_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o can_v by_o his_o exquisite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n heighten_v and_o refine_v these_o pleasure_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o they_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n if_o then_o no_o real_a happiness_n if_o no_o solid_a pleasure_n can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n from_o riches_n and_o the_o outward_a pomp_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v recur_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o happiness_n true_o solid_a and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a none_o but_o a_o vast_a and_o infinite_a good_a can_v satisfy_v the_o unbounded_a desire_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o eternity_n itself_o can_v satiate_v a_o immortal_a be_v for_o however_o our_o soul_n be_v finite_a as_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v yet_o our_o will_n have_v no_o limit_n but_o continual_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o unless_o that_o good_a which_o they_o already_o possess_v can_v receive_v no_o far_o addition_n this_o good_a be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v fix_v our_o restless_a will_n and_o by_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n ravish_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pleasure_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o be_v a_o happiness_n true_o peculiar_a to_o 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