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
before_o mention_v that_o be_v unless_o we_o rise_v from_o sin_n to_o die_v again_o last_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o incomparable_a humility_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n manifest_v in_o his_o suffering_n render_v it_o not_o possible_a not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n he_o die_v not_o for_o his_o own_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o and_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o his_o own_o gild_n draw_v not_o that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o relieve_v the_o cause_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n and_o not_o suffer_v his_o persecutor_n any_o long_o to_o triumph_v in_o their_o wickedness_n further_o by_o his_o exact_a obedience_n by_o his_o inimitable_a patience_n in_o suffer_v the_o pain_n and_o his_o admirable_a humility_n in_o undergo_a the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v raise_v up_o that_o as_o he_o have_v humble_v himself_o in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o a_o no_o less_o illustrious_a glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o suffering_n and_o humility_n of_o christ_n be_v frequent_o assign_v as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o his_o exaltation_n it_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v of_o he_o psal._n cx_o 7._o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o brook_n in_o the_o way_n therefore_o shall_v he_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n and_o after_o his_o passion_n and_o ascension_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o by_o st._n paul_n philip._n ii_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o deash_n of_o the_o cross._n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o the_o first_o step_n of_o his_o exaltation_n be_v his_o resurrection_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o relate_v to_o both_o those_o part_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n which_o have_v undergo_v that_o meritorious_a humiliation_n not_o only_o his_o soul_n have_v suffer_v agony_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n have_v resign_v itself_o entire_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o submit_v quiet_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o bitter_a sentence_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o as_o the_o representative_a of_o sinful_a man_n have_v endure_v the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n a_o violent_a separation_n from_o the_o body_n with_o invincible_a patience_n and_o charity_n but_o also_o his_o body_n have_v partake_v in_o his_o agony_n have_v sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n have_v endure_v scourge_n and_o buffet_n crucifixion_n and_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o spear_n both_o soul_n and_o body_n therefore_o be_v to_o share_v in_o the_o reward_n of_o all_o these_o suffering_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n his_o body_n be_v to_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n capable_a of_o resurrection_n be_v to_o be_v reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o both_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o join_v since_o by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o be_v become_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o new_a and_o eternal_a covenant_n thus_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o inference_n proper_a to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n if_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v found_v our_o hope_n be_v raise_v that_o by_o which_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v complete_v the_o author_n of_o it_o crown_v and_o advance_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o look_v for_o the_o same_o resurrection_n it_o become_v we_o to_o celebrate_v this_o festival_n dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o with_o a_o suitable_a religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o account_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a institution_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o church_n that_o this_o day_n be_v account_v sacred_a beyond_o all_o other_o of_o the_o year_n our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o so_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o complete_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n on_o it_o no_o reveal_v religion_n be_v yet_o ever_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o celebrate_v some_o certain_a and_o solemn_a festival_n at_o fix_a time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o public_a solemnisation_n of_o those_o festival_n upon_o which_o the_o most_o illustrious_a act_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v perform_v be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o fact_n to_o deny_v all_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o be_v himself_o then_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o celebrate_v a_o solemn_a festival_n when_o he_o speak_v those_o word_n and_o sure_o unless_o there_o be_v solemn_a time_n and_o place_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n it_o will_v never_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v so_o worship_v nor_o be_v he_o worship_v in_o truth_n when_o man_n pay_v no_o external_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v true_o obtain_v to_o they_o himself_o have_v consecrate_v this_o day_n by_o his_o rise_n from_o the_o grave_a on_o it_o the_o apostle_n have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o this_o sacred_a use_n by_o their_o own_o and_o by_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n have_v before_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o in_o recognition_n of_o their_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o have_v create_v the_o world_n in_o six_o day_n and_o rest_v on_o the_o seven_o and_o that_o seven_o day_n which_o they_o celebrate_v rather_o than_o any_o other_o of_o the_o week_n be_v sanctify_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o that_o day_n as_o it_o be_v deut._n v._n 15._o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o servant_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n bring_v thou_o out_o thence_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretch_a out_o arm_n therefore_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n command_v thou_o to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n as_o the_o jew_n therefore_o date_v their_o seven_o day_n for_o ever_o from_o that_o day_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o the_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n continue_v to_o date_n their_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o day_n upon_o which_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_v a_o redemption_n so_o far_o great_a than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n that_o well_o may_v the_o day_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n give_v way_n to_o the_o day_n celebrate_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o redemption_n this_o change_n therefore_o be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o even_o before_o his_o ascension_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n by_o his_o personal_a direction_n and_o approbation_n for_o all_o the_o religious_a assembly_n we_o find_v of_o they_o both_z before_z and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n that_o so_o as_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o manifest_v their_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o solemnize_n for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n in_o which_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o so_o we_o christian_n shall_v declare_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o also_o manifest_a that_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n by_o sanctify_v for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n upon_o which_o the_o great_a and_o last_o act_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v perform_v which_o be_v therefore_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n i._n 10._o far_o as_o the_o particular_a day_n of_o the_o weekly_a festival_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v determine_v by_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o the_o seven_o day_n so_o the_o far_o great_a of_o their_o annual_a solemnity_n be_v institute_v in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o deliverance_n effect_v in_o the_o first_o month_n of_o the_o year_n this_o god_n do_v institute_v by_o a_o special_a command_n which_o be_v at_o large_a repeat_v to_o you_o in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o this_o day_n and_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o with_o so_o great_a rigour_n that_o he_o declare_v that_o soul_n which_o do_v not_o keep_v this_o annual_a feast_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o israel_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v require_v such_o eminent_a external_a testimony_n
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 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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
of_o happiness_n and_o then_o be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v against_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o effect_v we_o scorn_v that_o imperfect_a happiness_n which_o his_o providence_n have_v assign_v we_o in_o the_o world_n we_o esteem_v it_o inferior_a to_o the_o suppose_a dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v not_o enjoy_v some_o great_a happiness_n than_o what_o we_o find_v belong_v to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n this_o happiness_n most_o man_n place_v in_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o sense_n but_o then_o quick_o perceive_v that_o even_o more_o ignoble_a being_n enjoy_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n they_o turmoil_v themselves_o about_o enhance_a the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o either_o seek_v after_o riches_n or_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o luxury_n but_o after_o all_o find_v themselves_o disappoint_v they_o become_v discontent_v because_o not_o obtain_v a_o happiness_n correspondent_a to_o the_o esteem_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n or_o if_o any_o of_o better_a education_n and_o more_o noble_a thought_n seek_v this_o felicity_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o soul_n yet_o be_v not_o they_o free_v from_o the_o like_a mistake_n but_o aim_v at_o great_a perfection_n than_o their_o nature_n will_v bear_v carry_v their_o inquiry_n into_o matter_n too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o then_o become_v disquiet_v because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o because_o they_o find_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v ofttimes_o dull_a and_o devoid_a of_o vigour_n and_o can_v hinder_v the_o perturbation_n of_o they_o by_o commotion_n from_o the_o body_n and_o ofttimes_o experience_v the_o decay_n of_o their_o faculty_n with_o these_o thought_n they_o afflict_v themselves_o and_o imagine_v their_o nature_n to_o be_v somewhat_o great_a than_o it_o real_o be_v vain_o endeavour_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o these_o imperfection_n such_o be_v the_o common_a mistake_n of_o mankind_n mistake_n which_o few_o escape_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o particular_a yet_o frequent_a mistake_v derive_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n which_o be_v no_o less_o gross_a and_o far_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n from_o this_o irrational_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o excellency_n many_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n when_o they_o execute_v his_o command_n and_o perform_v his_o will._n they_o imagine_v the_o benefit_n redound_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a kindness_n to_o he_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o proposal_n of_o salvation_n and_o thence_o be_v often_o draw_v into_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v wink_v at_o their_o impenitence_n rather_o than_o forfeit_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o save_v they_o this_o error_n have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o among_o many_o christian_n it_o be_v believe_v that_o god_n may_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v make_v a_o debtor_n to_o man_n by_o work_n of_o supererogation_n and_o other_o persuade_v themselves_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o particular_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o predestination_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o they_o may_v pretend_v indeed_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n the_o arbitrary_a will_n of_o god_n but_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o it_o will_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o proud_a opinion_n of_o their_o excellency_n beyond_o their_o fellow_n christian_n which_o make_v they_o arrogant_a and_o morose_a and_o so_o possess_v their_o brain_n that_o they_o imagine_v god_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o relax_v the_o general_a term_n of_o salvation_n and_o forego_v his_o command_n of_o a_o strict_a obedience_n for_o their_o sake_n this_o false_a persuasion_n sometime_o advance_v so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v themselves_o place_v by_o their_o extraordinary_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n unaccountable_a excellency_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o common_a law_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thence_o bold_o invade_v those_o office_n which_o be_v never_o entrust_v to_o they_o and_o disturb_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o not_o oblige_v to_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a which_o offence_n the_o apostle_n more_o particular_o complain_v of_o in_o this_o place_n these_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a error_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o unreasonable_a conceit_n of_o man_n concern_v their_o own_o worth_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o pretence_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o very_o frivolous_a man_n be_v far_o from_o such_o a_o excellent_a be_v as_o these_o pretence_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v his_o original_a be_v mean_a and_o common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o most_o ignoble_a animal_n while_o yet_o a_o infant_n nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v in_o he_o which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o brute_n beast_n except_o a_o great_a inability_n of_o help_v himself_o nothing_o of_o reason_n can_v be_v discern_v in_o he_o which_o must_v afterward_o be_v instill_v by_o degree_n by_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o other_o or_o if_o bear_v with_o he_o yet_o exert_v itself_o but_o slow_o and_o will_v never_o become_v considerable_a without_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o ill_a conceit_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o man_n at_o first_o be_v bear_v a_o animal_n and_o afterward_o become_v rational_a be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o education_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o man_n will_v creep_v upon_o all_o four_o and_o imitate_v beast_n as_o well_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o his_o body_n as_o in_o the_o brutishness_n of_o his_o life_n when_o after_o a_o thousand_o chance_n which_o may_v have_v destroy_v he_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o man_n he_o still_o lead_v a_o more_o precarious_a life_n than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o element_n perform_v not_o their_o office_n if_o the_o earth_n shall_v deny_v her_o fruit_n or_o the_o air_n its_o benign_a influence_n if_o any_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o possible_a accident_n shall_v light_v upon_o he_o his_o life_n be_v end_v which_o whilst_o it_o continue_v be_v perplex_v with_o continual_a care_n turmoil_v with_o constant_a labour_n expose_v to_o infinite_a adversity_n and_o after_o all_o support_v with_o inconsiderable_a pleasure_n for_o what_o great_a matter_n do_v we_o enjoy_v here_o below_o than_o more_o ignoble_a creature_n do_v length_n of_o life_n agility_n accuracy_n of_o sense_n satisfaction_n of_o it_o and_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v even_o common_a to_o they_o we_o can_v employ_v indeed_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v but_o alas_o this_o privilege_n will_v have_v be_v scarce_o desirable_a have_v not_o god_n promote_v art_n and_o science_n among_o man_n by_o raise_v their_o apprehension_n at_o first_o with_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o although_o god_n do_v not_o at_o first_o reveal_v these_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o will_v man_n never_o have_v obtain_v that_o sagacity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o they_o if_o god_n have_v not_o raise_v they_o from_o the_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n by_o communicate_v to_o they_o supernatural_a revelation_n that_o part_n and_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v those_o advantage_n do_v so_o little_a exercise_n these_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o unthinking_a beast_n to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o condition_n or_o if_o all_o man_n can_v natural_o obtain_v clear_a and_o noble_a thought_n of_o thing_n yet_o will_v this_o but_o add_v little_a to_o their_o happiness_n while_o uncertain_a of_o its_o future_a state_n for_o want_v of_o revelation_n to_o a_o soul_n which_o grasp_v eternity_n it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o continual_a affliction_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o what_o will_v succeed_v it_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v these_o melancholy_a thought_n by_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o will_v find_v little_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o if_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o whole_o to_o they_o he_o will_v soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o they_o when_o he_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o enjoyment_n he_o will_v confess_v the_o emptiness_n of_o they_o and_o scarce_o desire_v to_o retrieve_v they_o such_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v may_v perhaps_o wish_v to_o live_v over_o his_o life_n again_o but_o then_o it_o be_v only_o in_o hope_n of_o obtain_n great_a happiness_n
his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n the_o soldier_n send_v to_o break_v his_o leg_n while_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o they_o may_v hasten_v his_o death_n who_o they_o suppose_v not_o yet_o to_o have_v expire_v find_v he_o already_o dead_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o the_o devout_a woman_n which_o follow_v he_o take_v he_o down_o from_o the_o cross_n lay_v he_o in_o his_o grave_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v then_o dead_a his_o disciple_n who_o if_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v offer_v will_v not_o easy_o believe_v he_o dead_a from_o who_o they_o then_o expect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o at_o his_o first_o appear_v to_o they_o they_o be_v affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n to_o these_o proof_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v add_v to_o evince_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o death_n a_o evidence_n which_o be_v want_v to_o all_o the_o relation_n of_o man_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o allege_v from_o plato_n the_o story_n of_o eris_n lie_v for_o many_o day_n among_o the_o dead_a body_n and_o after_o that_o recover_a life_n again_o and_o pretend_v that_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o they_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o certain_a person_n to_o life_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o relate_v by_o any_o for_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o fact_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o case_n the_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o person_n be_v true_o dead_a nor_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v it_o less_o evident_a that_o christ_n be_v true_o alive_a invest_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o real_a body_n meet_v in_o he_o he_o be_v see_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o which_o prove_v his_o body_n not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o aerial_a apparition_n he_o talk_v and_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o demonstrate_v that_o body_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n he_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n of_o feeling_n command_v they_o to_o handle_v he_o say_v to_o unbelieving_a thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n which_o manifest_v that_o the_o body_n which_o he_o then_o offer_v to_o that_o trial_n be_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o still_o retain_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o spear_n that_o this_o same_o body_n and_o soul_n reunite_v be_v also_o join_v to_o the_o divinity_n as_o before_o his_o passion_n appear_v from_o his_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v after_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o real_a resurrection_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n first_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o faith_n of_o who_o although_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v die_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a of_o these_o the_o pious_a woman_n be_v first_o bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o reward_n of_o their_o maintain_v their_o love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o when_o his_o apostle_n have_v forsake_v he_o or_o that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o garden_n where_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v immediate_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o before_o he_o be_v yet_o depart_v out_o of_o it_o they_o see_v he_o know_v he_o and_o salute_v he_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n be_v advertise_v of_o it_o by_o they_o haste_v to_o see_v their_o master_n and_o receive_v not_o only_o a_o transient_a view_n of_o he_o but_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o appear_v to_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o and_o at_o last_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o friend_n we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o enemy_n which_o in_o all_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n the_o soldier_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o watch_v his_o sepulchre_n plain_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v his_o resurrection_n although_o be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o such_o unusual_a prodigy_n they_o do_v not_o well_o perceive_v it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v not_o suffer_v by_o their_o fear_n to_o stay_v till_o christ_n shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o feel_v the_o earthquake_n which_o remove_v the_o stone_n roll_v to_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o see_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o angel_n like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n and_o come_v into_o the_o city_n show_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v as_o we_o read_v matth._n xxviii_o ii_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n have_v before_o join_v with_o man_n in_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o here_o concur_v in_o witness_v his_o resurrection_n the_o woman_n come_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n present_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o look_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n in_o the_o sepulchre_n find_v there_o two_o angel_n in_o white_a sit_v one_o at_o the_o head_n the_o other_o at_o the_o foot_n where_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v lie_v who_o say_v to_o they_o why_o seek_v you_o the_o dead_a among_o the_o live_n he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v last_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v both_o his_o friend_n and_o enemy_n the_o report_n of_o sense_n ofttimes_o repeat_v to_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o resurrection_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o this_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n comfort_v enable_v and_o encourage_v the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o also_o in_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o concurrent_a miracle_n as_o it_o be_v act_v iu_o 33._o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o open_o affirm_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o then_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o affirmation_n wrought_v sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o to_o the_o spectator_n do_v as_o full_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v it_o do_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v exert_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n for_o the_o attestation_n of_o a_o lye_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o reality_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o the_o ii_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n express_v in_o those_o word_n have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n which_o be_v various_o interpret_v some_o maintain_v that_o they_o imply_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o grave_a other_o that_o they_o point_v out_o the_o dolorous_a suffering_n by_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o a_o state_n opposite_a to_o that_o humiliation_n a_o three_o sort_n understanding_n by_o they_o a_o destruction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v support_v with_o great_a reason_n nor_o will_v it_o here_o be_v proper_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n which_o of_o they_o rather_o be_v to_o be_v embrace_v they_o be_v all_o rational_a consonant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o significative_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n i_o will_v therefore_o apply_v they_o all_o the_o first_o opinion_n include_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n that_o be_v a_o reunion_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n separate_v by_o death_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o chief_o refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o here_o allege_v by_o the_o apostle_n david_n have_v be_v often_o bring_v
by_o his_o enemy_n into_o extreme_a danger_n of_o death_n which_o he_o common_o express_v by_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a word_n as_o psal._n xviii_o 4._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o and_o verse_n 5._o the_o sorrow_n of_o hell_n compass_v i_o about_o and_o psal._n cxvi_o 3._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n get_v hold_v upon_o i_o yet_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n amid_o all_o these_o calamity_n he_o rest_v assure_v of_o deliverance_n and_o express_v his_o confidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n my_o flesh_n shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n receive_v and_o on_o all_o hand_n grant_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o david_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o his_o action_n suffering_n and_o deliverance_n prefigure_v the_o office_n the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o and_o particular_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o this_o passage_n be_v much_o more_o evident_o and_o literal_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n than_o in_o david_n he_o indeed_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o enemy_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n yet_o die_v he_o do_v and_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v leave_v in_o hell_n that_o be_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o in_o the_o place_n of_o depart_a soul_n and_o his_o body_n do_v see_v corruption_n have_v be_v bury_v many_o hundred_o year_n but_o as_o for_o christ_n he_o die_v indeed_o yet_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n neither_o do_v his_o body_n see_v corruption_n his_o soul_n be_v present_o reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o even_o during_o the_o separation_n not_o leave_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v join_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v his_o body_n corrupt_v but_o raise_v up_o and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o less_o than_o forty_o hour_n in_o which_o time_n the_o body_n of_o decease_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o the_o second_o interpretation_n christ_n be_v raise_v from_o a_o painful_a death_n to_o a_o opposite_a state_n to_o a_o condition_n of_o glory_n happiness_n power_n and_o immortality_n the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n so_o lively_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n of_o the_o last_o week_n we_o can_v forget_v and_o over_o all_o these_o he_o eminent_o triumph_v in_o his_o resurrection_n upon_o this_o day_n he_o be_v then_o make_v subject_n to_o death_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o set_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o death_n for_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o rom._n vi_o 9_o he_o then_o bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man._n he_o now_o dispense_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n grant_v to_o men._n he_o be_v then_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n appear_v as_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o malefactor_n he_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n raise_v above_o the_o earth_n seat_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n iii_o 22._o the_o word_n explain_v in_o their_o three_o sense_n infer_v the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n effect_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v express_v hebr._n ii_o 14._o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v this_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o life_n contribute_v he_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n he_o confute_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o seduce_v world_n he_o found_v a_o church_n wherein_o open_a enmity_n shall_v be_v profess_v to_o the_o devil_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o death_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o all_o this_o dispensation_n he_o glorious_o finish_v in_o his_o resurrection_n therein_o he_o literal_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a baffle_v the_o opposition_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v vain_o imagine_v that_o by_o procure_v the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n to_o be_v give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o redeemer_n his_o design_n and_o attempt_v promote_v that_o very_a end_n which_o he_o so_o much_o dread_v he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o christ_n shall_v both_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o to_o perfect_v our_o salvation_n that_o he_o be_v for_o a_o while_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o iii_o this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o christ_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n the_o apostle_n found_v the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o the_o determination_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o here_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a just_a or_o convenient_a as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n ix_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n to_o mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o convenient_a in_o this_o sense_n than_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a or_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n because_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n the_o divine_a be_v unite_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v have_v appear_v surprise_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o little_a affection_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o his_o own_o nature_n wherein_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a to_o continue_v in_o hell_n in_o the_o common_a state_n of_o mortality_n or_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o divinity_n shall_v suffer_v that_o nature_n to_o be_v corrupt_v or_o lie_v neglect_v among_o the_o dead_a to_o which_o itself_o continue_v to_o be_v unite_v even_o in_o the_o grave_a this_o we_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v believe_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v oppose_v this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o very_a resurrection_n will_v convince_v their_o error_n for_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n again_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o work_n of_o omnipotence_n that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n alone_o yet_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o jew_n john_n ii_o 19_o destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n as_o the_o evangelist_n subjoin_v and_o again_o john_n x._o 18._o no_o man_n take_v my_o life_n from_o i_o but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o myself_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o our_o lord_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o glorify_v he_o will_v never_o have_v claim_v this_o power_n have_v it_o not_o be_v inherent_a in_o himself_o he_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o power_n reunite_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o body_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o exclusion_n to_o the_o other_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n who_o all_o concur_v therein_o for_o power_n be_v a_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n continue_v undivided_a in_o the_o person_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o the_o father_n be_v say_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n since_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a person_n in_o that_o bless_a trinity_n
by_o who_o power_n the_o soul_n of_o christ_n be_v rejoin_v to_o the_o body_n 2._o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o founder_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a not_o convenient_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a and_o chief_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o revelation_n so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n thereof_o to_o this_o therefore_o he_o at_o all_o time_n refer_v as_o to_o the_o last_o and_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o mission_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sign_n which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o authority_n that_o as_o ionas_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o this_o he_o have_v fix_v the_o expectation_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o his_o hearer_n and_o by_o this_o he_o be_v to_o set_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n have_v he_o leave_v his_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a after_o all_o these_o assurance_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v insult_v over_o his_o disciple_n with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o christian_n do_v over_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n who_o promise_v to_o rise_v again_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n little_a imagine_v that_o his_o name_n or_o religion_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n although_o now_o after_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n expire_v the_o impostor_n still_o lie_v in_o hell_n have_v christ_n not_o rise_v again_o the_o apostle_n confess_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 14._o their_o preach_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o vain_a but_o when_o so_o illustrious_a a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a authority_n have_v intervene_v when_o heaven_n itself_o have_v declare_v it_o so_o eminent_o to_o deny_v assent_n will_v be_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o jew_n in_o the_o most_o violent_a execution_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o malice_n engage_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v himself_o it_o have_v be_v no_o less_o easy_a for_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o have_v ascend_v from_o the_o grave_a but_o first_o the_o design_n of_o his_o suffering_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o since_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o restore_v himself_o to_o life_n to_o labour_v under_o any_o doubt_n have_v he_o descend_v from_o the_o cross_n before_o he_o die_v he_o can_v not_o have_v atone_v for_o the_o gild_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v he_o descend_v immediate_o after_o his_o death_n it_o will_v have_v be_v pretend_v that_o he_o have_v not_o die_v yet_o even_o this_o they_o will_v have_v confess_v to_o be_v miraculous_a but_o perhaps_o refer_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v his_o former_a miracle_n not_o to_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o to_o magical_a operation_n whereas_o this_o pretence_n do_v whole_o vanish_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n since_o no_o magic_a or_o diabolick_a power_n remain_v after_o death_n in_o short_a so_o great_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o his_o resurrection_n so_o undeniable_a the_o fact_n and_o so_o important_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o sermon_n employ_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a argument_n of_o conviction_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v mathias_n to_o the_o apostleship_n describe_v his_o office_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o witness_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n god_n have_v more_o than_o once_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n declare_v he_o by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o constant_a miracle_n to_o be_v his_o son_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o this_o inferior_a to_o that_o proceed_v from_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o be_v in_o many_o place_n say_v to_o have_v then_o adopt_v christ_n for_o his_o son_n because_o he_o then_o eminent_o declare_v to_o he_o be_v so_o as_o act_v xiii_o 33._o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o psalm_n ii_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o rom._n i._n 4._o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v from_o the_o incarnation_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n chief_o in_o his_o resurrection_n 3._o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v assure_v chief_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o when_o he_o therefore_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o a_o incorruptible_a state_n of_o glory_n they_o then_o raise_v their_o hope_n and_o conceive_v full_a assurance_n of_o immortality_n till_o then_o mankind_n have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o by_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v convince_v that_o either_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o immortality_n or_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o confer_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v perceive_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o dissolution_n of_o death_n the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o then_o consider_v their_o own_o relation_n to_o christ_n may_v hope_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v by_o his_o resurrection_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o have_v often_o promise_v that_o his_o faithful_a follower_n shall_v be_v coheir_n with_o he_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n entitle_v the_o whole_a mass_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o same_o favour_n only_o it_o be_v require_v and_o that_o just_o if_o that_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n we_o must_v also_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o death_n for_o so_o the_o promise_n run_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o crucify_v our_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v if_o we_o as_o full_o forsake_v all_o vicious_a habit_n as_o he_o who_o die_v be_v bereave_v of_o vital_a action_n if_o far_a we_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o that_o as_o he_o die_v but_o once_o but_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o we_o henceforward_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o righteousness_n than_o we_o may_v reasonable_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o he_o the_o forerunner_n in_o our_o resurrection_n which_o we_o have_v so_o near_o express_v in_o our_o death_n we_o be_v then_o true_o member_n of_o himself_o the_o head_n be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o suffering_n we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o gracious_a acceptation_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v while_o we_o inviolable_o continue_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o other_o indeed_o be_v before_o he_o raise_v from_o dead_a to_o life_n as_o those_o raise_v by_o elijah_n elishah_n and_o by_o christ_n before_o and_o at_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o these_o be_v all_o to_o die_v again_o and_o so_o thereby_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o immortality_n to_o mankind_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o who_o in_o behalf_n of_o mankind_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o immortality_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v for_o we_o and_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o unless_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o imitate_v the_o imperfect_a resurrection_n of_o those_o mortal_a man_n
we_o seek_v for_o true_a happiness_n somewhere_o else_o if_o the_o former_a can_v be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o some_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n and_o when_o find_v out_o to_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o here_o perhaps_o humane_a reason_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v may_v continue_v to_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o after_o a_o tedious_a disquisition_n be_v unable_a to_o discover_v either_o the_o end_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o god_n have_v therefore_o in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n mark_v out_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supreme_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o therein_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n hereafter_o which_o hope_n shall_v then_o be_v turn_v into_o possession_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n by_o these_o we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v fill_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v co-extended_n with_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o but_o never_o weary_v we_o which_o shall_v affect_v all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o no_o cross_n and_o disaster_n which_o will_v never_o expire_v but_o be_v renew_v every_o moment_n which_o no_o adversity_n of_o fortune_n nor_o infirmity_n of_o body_n which_o neither_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v from_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o yourselves_o to_o obtain_v this_o bless_a state_n i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v be_v no_o small_a motive_n to_o you_o you_o all_o desire_n happiness_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o full_o convince_v what_o be_v the_o only_a true_a happiness_n it_o can_v but_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o exert_v all_o its_o faculty_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o after_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o end_n of_o man_n there_o need_v no_o exhortation_n to_o pursue_v it_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o natural_a than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o hunger_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a appetite_n the_o misfortune_n be_v that_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n and_o unruly_a passion_n represent_v and_o amplify_a to_o we_o the_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o secular_a delight_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a these_o passion_n shall_v arise_v we_o permit_v these_o false_a judgement_n to_o be_v form_v we_o be_v please_v at_o first_o with_o the_o delusion_n although_o conscious_a of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o become_v so_o far_o stupefy_v that_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o until_o at_o last_o a_o terrible_a affliction_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n awaken_v the_o soul_n and_o revive_v its_o better_a notion_n what_o those_o dreadful_a remembrancer_n may_v then_o do_v reason_n may_v now_o much_o more_o easy_o and_o more_o certain_o effect_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n to_o consider_v their_o vanity_n and_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n when_o this_o conviction_n be_v thorough_o form_v we_o shall_v be_v even_o necessitate_v to_o look_v upward_o and_o fix_v our_o hope_n in_o heaven_n and_o then_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o labour_n direct_v thither_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o god_n promote_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o crown_v with_o success_n success_n which_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n here_o and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n hereafter_o to_o this_o joy_n may_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23d_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o represent_v he_o to_o man_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o adoration_n the_o latter_a persuade_v man_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o latter_a no_o obligation_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o accurate_a delivery_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o give_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o teach_v with_o certainty_n the_o method_n of_o his_o external_a action_n the_o former_a be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o admit_v no_o variation_n the_o latter_a may_v receive_v improvement_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n and_o lie_v great_a obligation_n on_o he_o under_o one_o dispensation_n than_o under_o another_o so_o much_o of_o both_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o may_v direct_v man_n aright_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o they_o employ_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o convince_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o both_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o mistake_v will_v equal_o defeat_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o nature_n lead_v man_n into_o idolatry_n of_o the_o second_o into_o negligence_n and_o impiety_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a indeed_o to_o mistake_v concern_v the_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o weak_a understanding_n i_o mean_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o serve_v to_o beget_v notion_n of_o religion_n in_o men._n all_o man_n whether_o true_a believer_n or_o idolater_n agree_v in_o this_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v whether_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n omnipresence_n and_o such_o like_a be_v necessary_a perfection_n without_o which_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v subsist_v yet_o mankind_n have_v most_o miserable_o mistake_v in_o this_o plain_a and_o easy_a matter_n have_v deify_v creature_n which_o have_v none_o of_o all_o these_o perfection_n have_v quit_v sometime_o even_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o ofttimes_o corrupt_v it_o and_o these_o mistake_v reveal_v religion_n do_v rectify_v and_o restore_v to_o man_n what_o they_o have_v wilful_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a action_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o mistake_v derive_v his_o knowledge_n from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o form_v such_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o external_a conduct_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o may_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o it_o but_o this_o persuasion_n will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o conviction_n and_o this_o direction_n of_o that_o certainty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o reveal_v religion_n and_o even_o in_o revelation_n admit_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o his_o intend_a benefit_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o revelation_n so_o that_o however_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o worship_v god_n continue_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o reveal_v religion_n they_o be_v both_o improve_v and_o enhance_v and_o also_o secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o how_o great_a that_o danger_n be_v the_o scripture_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n that_o whole_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n and_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v discover_v for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v yet_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o till_o after_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n all_o of_o they_o both_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v eminent_a for_o wisdom_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o one_o of_o they_o approve_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
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the_o cross_n undergo_v persecution_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o even_o suffer_v death_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o who_o love_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n or_o possession_n beyond_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o among_o other_o precept_n command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n of_o nature_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n precept_n all_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v forgo_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n destroy_v rather_o than_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o least_o be_v injure_v our_o
can_v consist_v together_o let_v we_o rather_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n who_o have_v send_v this_o glorious_a light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o then_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o this_o marvellous_a light_n have_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o former_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o all_o necessary_a truth_n let_v we_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o and_o improve_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o light_n by_o invariable_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v it_o become_v to_o we_o what_o our_o lord_n promise_v in_o the_o text_n the_o light_n of_o life_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o febr._n 1689_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o peter_n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o lazy_a profession_n that_o the_o acquisition_n of_o salvation_n be_v no_o easy_a undertake_n our_o lord_n have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v we_o by_o those_o many_o precept_n of_o watch_v and_o constant_a preparation_n to_o receive_v he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v we_o to_o judgement_n by_o those_o many_o parable_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o design_n by_o those_o frequent_a prediction_n of_o persecution_n hatred_n and_o tribulation_n which_o shall_v attend_v his_o faithful_a disciple_n but_o in_o no_o place_n be_v we_o press_v to_o vigilance_n and_o diligence_n by_o a_o more_o cogent_a argument_n than_o in_o these_o word_n which_o reach_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n both_o those_o who_o earnest_o desire_v and_o pursue_v salvation_n and_o those_o who_o either_o not_o desire_v it_o or_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o retain_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v manifest_o destructive_a of_o it_o to_o increase_v the_o diligence_n of_o the_o former_a they_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o without_o extreme_a difficulty_n be_v scarce_o save_v and_o to_o confound_v the_o vain_a hope_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o force_v they_o to_o change_v their_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n if_o they_o will_v with_o any_o appearance_n of_o success_n continue_v their_o desire_n of_o happiness_n they_o be_v assure_v that_o even_o the_o righteous_a be_v but_o hardly_o save_v and_o then_o certain_o no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n can_v be_v leave_v for_o they_o to_o enforce_v this_o argument_n upon_o each_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v be_v also_o of_o my_o discourse_n i._o then_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o salvation_n even_o to_o the_o righteous_a with_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v many_o of_o they_o peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n when_o st._n peter_n write_v and_o affect_v not_o we_o other_o be_v peculiar_a to_o we_o and_o concern_v not_o they_o and_o many_o common_a to_o both_o i_o begin_v with_o thâ—_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o will_v also_o show_v the_o occasion_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o text_n and_o context_n 1._o of_o the_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n the_o principal_a intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n be_v the_o persecution_n to_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n he_o have_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o patient_a endure_v of_o this_o persecution_n both_o in_o this_o and_o in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n by_o the_o prediction_n of_o it_o by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n by_o the_o certainty_n of_o revenge_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o god_n upon_o their_o persecutor_n call_v it_o a_o fiery_a trial_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o 16_o verse_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v raise_v against_o they_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n subjoin_v in_o the_o 17_o verse_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o time_n now_o draw_v near_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v but_o our_o lord_n have_v also_o foretell_v in_o the_o xiii_o chap._n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o the_o xxi_o of_o st._n luke_n that_o this_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v precede_v by_o a_o fierce_a persecution_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o shall_v be_v hate_v by_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n shall_v be_v betray_v by_o their_o near_a relation_n through_o a_o blind_a zeal_n drive_v from_o one_o city_n to_o another_o deliver_v up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v a_o affliction_n so_o great_a as_o never_o be_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n no_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v as_o himself_o say_v matth._n xxiv_o 21._o insomuch_o as_o many_o shall_v be_v offend_v and_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o if_o god_n do_v not_o in_o mercy_n shorten_v those_o day_n a_o universal_a defection_n may_v possible_o ensue_v this_o be_v that_o judgement_n then_o which_o st._n peter_n say_v shall_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n shall_v cause_v that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v shall_v shock_v their_o faith_n and_o almost_o extinguish_v their_o hope_n or_o if_o both_o faith_n and_o hope_n continue_v shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o prefer_v the_o ease_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n to_o they_o both_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o distrust_v the_o providence_n and_o sometime_o even_o to_o disbelieve_v the_o be_v of_o god_n when_o they_o see_v wickedness_n triumphant_a in_o the_o world_n injustice_n unpunished_a and_o innocence_n oppress_v without_o any_o extraordinary_a interposition_n or_o apparent_a regard_n of_o god_n this_o argument_n have_v make_v all_o the_o atheist_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o signal_o visible_a as_o in_o those_o dreadful_a time_n we_o can_v wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o in_o take_v that_o profession_n on_o they_o they_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v and_o be_v indeed_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o receive_v the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n when_o upon_o their_o first_o entrance_n instead_o of_o present_a advantage_n they_o be_v encounter_v with_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n which_o a_o subtle_a and_o powerful_a enemy_n can_v bring_v upon_o they_o such_o discouragement_n can_v not_o but_o deter_v from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n many_o of_o these_o new_a convert_v who_o by_o their_o education_n and_o preconceive_a opinion_n be_v ill_o prepare_v to_o withstand_v such_o fierce_a assault_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o expectation_n of_o temporal_a reward_n and_o a_o powerful_a messiah_n who_o far_o from_o the_o subject_v they_o to_o their_o enemy_n shall_v put_v the_o whole_a world_n under_o their_o command_n and_o the_o gentile_n have_v be_v wont_a free_o to_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o sense_n and_o pleasure_n to_o bring_v off_o the_o one_o from_o these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o other_o from_o this_o ease_n and_o luxury_n to_o follow_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n not_o only_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o suffering_n to_o exchange_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o earthly_a happiness_n for_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o our_o lord_n foretell_v and_o daily_a experience_n do_v then_o confirm_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o belief_n in_o he_o must_v certain_o have_v be_v such_o a_o difficulty_n as_o can_v be_v surmount_v but_o by_o few_o if_o we_o shall_v even_o remove_v those_o disadvantage_n of_o education_n and_o custom_n and_o suppose_v a_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o salvation_n and_o a_o hearty_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v it_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o secure_v against_o the_o force_n of_o such_o violent_a temptation_n as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o every_o man_n not_o a_o ordinary_a soul_n that_o can_v surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o without_o astonishment_n await_v the_o execution_n when_o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o mere_a opinion_n of_o a_o invisible_a interest_n can_v prevent_v it_o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n of_o a_o far_o high_a nature_n than_o what_o the_o world_n general_o account_v courage_n which_o be_v common_o no_o more_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o passion_n and_o be_v still_o maintain_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o success_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o some_o visible_a interest_n when_o therefore_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n retain_v their_o faith_n with_o the_o universal_a hatred_n of_o all_o man_n with_o the_o probable_a loss_n of_o their_o fortune_n and_o even_o of_o their_o
whether_o your_o conscience_n do_v not_o instruct_v you_o that_o many_o thing_n you_o ought_v to_o do_v other_o to_o omit_v and_o whether_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o upbraid_v to_o you_o the_o omission_n or_o violation_n of_o your_o duty_n if_o then_o all_o the_o momentous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o what_o our_o lord_n exact_v of_o we_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o reason_n will_v have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o if_o no_o revelation_n have_v intervene_v sure_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o christianity_n be_v a_o burden_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o practise_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o contrary_a conduct_n be_v a_o force_n of_o nature_n now_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v natural_a to_o any_o be_v be_v most_o easy_a to_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o common_a sense_n will_v teach_v we_o for_o in_o be_v such_o it_o be_v most_o adapt_v and_o proportion_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a this_o argument_n will_v receive_v a_o far_a illustration_n from_o that_o sweet_a complacency_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o all_o good_a action_n and_o which_o do_v infinite_o alleviate_v the_o burden_n and_o compensate_a the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o this_o our_o lord_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o in_o the_o text_n when_o affirm_v his_o yoke_n to_o be_v easy_a he_o use_v a_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o original_a more_o proper_o denote_v sweet_a and_o pleasant_a what_o great_a argument_n than_o can_v be_v conceive_v either_o of_o the_o eaâ—iness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n than_o that_o a_o grateful_a complacency_n always_o attend_v they_o while_o the_o soul_n congratulate_v to_o herself_o the_o performance_n of_o her_o duty_n the_o conquest_n of_o adverse_a lust_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o she_o own_o faculty_n no_o joy_n can_v be_v conceive_v more_o intense_a than_o this_o none_o more_o serene_a and_o undisturbed_a because_o none_o more_o spiritual_a or_o found_v upon_o better_a reason_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o every_o good_a man_n can_v confirm_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n nor_o do_v even_o bad_a man_n want_v the_o same_o conviction_n for_o none_o almost_o be_v find_v so_o total_o corrupt_v who_o do_v not_o sometime_o practise_v good_a action_n and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o receive_v not_o a_o inward_a satisfaction_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o degree_n of_o complacency_n be_v find_v in_o they_o who_o through_o disuse_n be_v wont_n little_a to_o relish_v or_o value_v spiritual_a pleasure_n what_o infinite_a satisfaction_n must_v good_a man_n reap_v from_o thence_o who_o by_o a_o well_o fix_a determination_n have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o present_a happiness_n and_o will_v hereafter_o procure_v yet_o more_o noble_a enjoyment_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o vicious_a action_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o no_o less_o constant_a dissatisfaction_n and_o regret_n of_o mind_n raise_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n only_o for_o who_o can_v be_v impious_a or_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o not_o conceive_v indignation_n at_o his_o own_o ingratitude_n who_o ever_o reflect_v upon_o any_o inordinate_a lust_n commit_v by_o he_o and_o do_v not_o afterward_o vex_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o command_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o can_v not_o overcome_v a_o foolish_a desire_n who_o ever_o yield_v to_o drunkenness_n and_o do_v not_o at_o the_o return_n of_o his_o wit_n conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o himself_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o sin_n reason_n do_v not_o fail_v to_o upbraid_v to_o man_n that_o he_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o his_o nature_n degrade_v his_o soul_n and_o dishonour_v himself_o this_o remorse_n alone_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a punishment_n make_v know_v by_o revelation_n bring_v far_o more_o affliction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o sin_n bring_v pleasure_n to_o it_o these_o expire_v in_o a_o moment_n those_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n remain_v which_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suspend_v by_o violent_a lust_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o will_v certain_o break_v out_o with_o great_a force_n and_o torment_v the_o mind_n with_o inward_a shame_n anxiety_n and_o distrust_n upon_o the_o whole_a a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v most_o agreeable_a most_o easy_a and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n even_o abstract_v from_o the_o obligation_n superad_v by_o revelation_n and_o the_o reward_n promise_v by_o it_o so_o that_o our_o lord_n in_o make_v the_o moral_a virtue_n the_o only_a practical_a duty_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o propose_a reward_n have_v impose_v a_o most_o easy_a and_o most_o desirable_a yoke_n upon_o mankind_n a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o reason_n more_o particular_o render_v easy_a that_o most_o arduous_a duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_n endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n employ_v by_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n facility_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a notion_n and_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n which_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v bear_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o hazard_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o eminent_a advantage_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o proportionable_a industry_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n when_o therefore_o the_o great_a happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o freewill_n as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n the_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o easy_a burden_n when_o it_o procure_v to_o we_o such_o a_o infinite_a reward_n and_o not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n from_o christ_n impose_v so_o strict_a and_o universal_a holiness_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v also_o a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o we_o of_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o all_o other_o action_n of_o life_n our_o endeavour_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o vigorous_a as_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v more_o or_o less_o intense_a the_o fervency_n of_o the_o desire_n be_v always_o proportionable_a to_o our_o esteem_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o conceive_v a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o this_o noble_a end_n and_o be_v thereby_o incite_v to_o use_v a_o suitable_a diligence_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o form_n to_o ourselves_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o by_o reflect_v on_o the_o infinite_a duration_n the_o inconceivable_a pleasure_n and_o immutable_a state_n of_o it_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o trifle_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o a_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a than_o can_v be_v now_o conceive_v this_o will_v carry_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n baffle_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o temporal_a affliction_n much_o more_o effectual_o than_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n the_o ambition_n of_o a_o crown_n or_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o violent_a passion_n have_v engage_v many_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a undertake_n for_o in_o these_o latter_a case_n the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o end_n be_v never_o ascertain_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o design_n the_o most_o vigorous_a industry_n and_o courage_n be_v in_o they_o subject_a to_o the_o chance_n of_o fortune_n whereas_o in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a conjunction_n between_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n between_o
least_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v have_v take_v from_o they_o that_o common_a pretence_n before_o mention_v of_o zeal_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o justice_n lest_o if_o revenge_n shall_v not_o be_v inflict_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o therefore_o god_n have_v full_o provide_v for_o who_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o fall_v so_o far_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o justice_n as_o to_o permit_v any_o sin_n to_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o he_o neither_o expiate_v by_o repentance_n nor_o attend_v with_o punishment_n and_o have_v moreover_o oblige_v himself_o by_o promise_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n offer_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o that_o as_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v do_v although_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o luk._n xviii_o 25._o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o his_o punishment_n shall_v always_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o unjust_a aggressor_n in_o this_o life_n nor_o have_v he_o promise_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o place_n in_o deuteronomy_n refer_v to_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o to_o i_o belong_v vengeance_n or_o recompense_n in_o time_n or_o to_o be_v execute_v in_o due_a time_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o his_o punishment_n shall_v always_o immediate_o follow_v the_o commission_n of_o every_o crime_n or_o injury_n unless_o we_o desire_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n dispeople_v and_o become_v a_o theatre_n of_o dreadful_a tragedy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o have_v ordinary_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o more_o disquiet_v injury_n of_o unjust_a man_n by_o the_o commission_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o revenge_v they_o in_o his_o stead_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o entrust_v office_n we_o be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o single_o to_o deserve_v a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o providence_n in_o behalf_n of_o we_o if_o we_o desire_v this_o revenge_n shall_v be_v extend_v yet_o far_o and_o shall_v punish_v in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o our_o sake_n even_o the_o gild_n of_o injury_n offer_v to_o we_o we_o manifest_v a_o inhuman_a disposition_n of_o mind_n delight_v in_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o men._n god_n have_v promise_v indeed_o as_o a_o benefit_n to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n that_o he_o will_v revenge_v the_o injury_n offer_v to_o they_o but_o if_o this_o revenge_n be_v take_v in_o this_o life_n the_o benefit_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n arise_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o enemy_n but_o either_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o temporal_a peace_n secure_v thereby_o or_o in_o the_o persuasion_n which_o good_a man_n may_v thence_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n if_o the_o revenge_n be_v take_v in_o another_o life_n the_o benefit_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o latter_a for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n now_o in_o heaven_n who_o be_v injure_v by_o bad_a man_n when_o alive_a to_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a because_o they_o be_v once_o their_o enemy_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o enhance_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o such_o unworthy_a consideration_n complacency_n in_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o revenge_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v find_v no_o place_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o may_v find_v no_o place_n on_o barth_n may_v this_o discourse_n conduce_v the_o fourteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o easter-day_n 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n xi_o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o how_o glorious_a the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v how_o undeniable_a at_o that_o time_n how_o powerful_a a_o assurance_n of_o all_o his_o precedent_n promise_v and_o revelation_n what_o effect_v it_o have_v both_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o his_o crucifier_n how_o effectual_o it_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o divinity_n both_o of_o his_o mission_n and_o his_o person_n as_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o their_o action_n immediate_o subsequent_a to_o it_o do_v demonstrate_v so_o this_o declaration_n make_v by_o they_o in_o the_o text_n do_v evince_v they_o who_o before_o have_v flee_v upon_o his_o apprehension_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o hope_n at_o his_o crucifixion_n have_v either_o deny_v or_o forsake_v he_o who_o begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o give_v up_o all_o for_o lose_v resume_v their_o courage_n and_o their_o faith_n at_o the_o news_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o now_o see_v that_o salvation_n wrought_v which_o before_o they_o have_v even_o cease_v to_o hope_n for_o the_o most_o incredulous_a of_o they_o can_v now_o say_v to_o he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n nor_o do_v they_o henceforward_o admit_v any_o doubt_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n of_o which_o they_o have_v herein_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n they_o fear_v not_o to_o profess_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o open_o to_o arraign_v the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a a_o innocent_a person_n and_o he_o no_o other_o than_o their_o own_o messiah_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n to_o denounce_v to_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o destruction_n without_o belief_n in_o he_o not_o only_o to_o testify_v his_o resurrection_n in_o that_o great_a concourse_n of_o the_o jew_n meet_v together_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o also_o to_o declare_v it_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v rise_v again_o as_o in_o these_o word_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o which_o present_v we_o with_o i._o the_o affirmation_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o ii_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n iii_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a etc._n etc._n 1._o the_o word_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n a_o truth_n both_o well_o know_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v then_o relate_v it_o and_o attest_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n verse_n 3._o so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v only_o hear_v it_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o proof_n both_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o amplify_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o mystery_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o which_o this_o day_n be_v sacred_a in_o relate_v then_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o holy_a penman_n have_v be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o manifest_v that_o he_o be_v real_o dead_a after_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o as_o true_o alive_a again_o after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o this_o be_v know_v to_o his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o disciple_n and_o attest_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o the_o point_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_o prove_v and_o none_o remain_v liable_a to_o the_o least_o exception_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v require_v that_o assurance_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o his_o have_v be_v real_o dead_a a_o article_n which_o be_v full_o express_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o common_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n wherein_o we_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o bury_v and_o to_o have_v descend_v into_o hell_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v true_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n the_o place_n be_v therein_o assign_v wherein_o each_o be_v contain_v from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o burial_n to_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n his_o body_n remain_v in_o the_o grave_a his_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o other_o separate_a soul_n in_o hell_n whether_o we_o understand_v thereby_o either_o the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o depart_a soul_n or_o the_o place_n of_o damn_a soul_n i_o will_v not_o now_o engage_v in_o that_o controversy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o either_o opinion_n place_v his_o soul_n in_o that_o interval_n of_o time_n among_o other_o soul_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o christ_n be_v thus_o true_o separate_v appear_v from_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o
therein_o by_o consequence_n adore_v he_o and_o all_o receive_a form_n of_o prayer_n do_v express_o include_v a_o act_n and_o confession_n of_o worship_n much_o more_o do_v a_o fervent_a and_o devout_a soul_n which_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a manner_n true_o adore_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o pray_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n with_o the_o most_o absolute_a complacency_n and_o subjection_n which_o his_o soul_n can_v form_n conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o far_o the_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n as_o such_o whole_o devote_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o depend_v not_o only_o upon_o his_o power_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o desire_n but_o also_o upon_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o the_o grant_v and_o upon_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o in_o his_o admirable_a transport_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o garden_n commit_v his_o request_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o a_o entire_a subjection_n and_o all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v the_o most_o intense_a act_n of_o adoration_n which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n add_v to_o this_o that_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n which_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o use_v in_o prayer_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o prayer_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o complete_a act_n of_o worship_n man_n have_v differ_v indeed_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a posture_n some_o use_v prostration_n other_o stretch_v out_o the_o hand_n and_o most_o kneel_v but_o in_o this_o all_o have_v agree_v that_o that_o posture_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v which_o may_v best_o denote_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o supplicant_n to_o god_n but_o the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o three_o head_n propose_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o expressive_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o so_o the_o same_o necessity_n which_o we_o before_o show_v to_o lie_v upon_o we_o of_o adore_v god_n will_v also_o require_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o as_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o other_o reason_n for_o which_o we_o owe_v adoration_n to_o he_o always_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o oblige_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o life_n so_o prayer_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v continual_o address_v to_o he_o although_o we_o have_v many_o time_n no_o particular_a want_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o he_o prayer_n as_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o debt_n at_o all_o time_n due_a to_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v also_o found_v upon_o eternal_a reason_n which_o admit_v no_o change_n our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o the_o same_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v invariable_o possess_v by_o he_o the_o same_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n persist_v unalterable_a adoration_n therefore_o be_v in_o almost_o all_o case_n to_o be_v form_v upon_o the_o same_o conception_n to_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o same_o consideration_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o operation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v repeat_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n ten_o thousand_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o a_o â—ational_a man_n can_v no_o more_o alter_v the_o thought_n upon_o which_o adoration_n be_v found_v than_o he_o can_v the_o eternal_a cause_n upon_o which_o those_o thought_n be_v raise_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n the_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o man_n worship_v god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o be_v over_o and_o over_o again_o repeat_v every_o day_n ofttimes_o a_o day_n and_o that_o for_o many_o age_n together_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o we_o owe_v worship_n to_o god_n every_o day_n every_o part_n of_o the_o day_n although_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n require_v that_o not_o all_o but_o some_o certain_a fix_a time_n be_v employ_v in_o it_o this_o worship_n be_v to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o adore_v god_n we_o confess_v ourselves_o his_o creature_n we_o acknowledge_v his_o supreme_a authority_n we_o implore_v his_o mercy_n we_o solicit_v his_o goodness_n when_o we_o worship_v he_o a_o second_o time_n the_o same_o thought_n return_v if_o a_o three_o time_n it_o be_v but_o the_o renewal_a of_o the_o same_o conception_n what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o we_o employ_v in_o this_o act_n of_o adoration_n shall_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o in_o they_o the_o same_o word_n be_v repeat_v again_o and_o again_o every_o day_n for_o be_v not_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v again_o and_o again_o be_v not_o his_o infinite_a attribute_n deserve_v adoration_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o can_v our_o conception_n be_v real_o change_v while_o the_o object_n remain_v the_o same_o have_v these_o person_n discover_v new_a perfection_n in_o god_n or_o new_a foundation_n of_o worship_n since_o the_o last_o act_n of_o it_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n continual_o affect_v new_a compliment_n and_o new_a harangue_n that_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o any_o magical_a force_n in_o the_o variation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o espouse_v the_o very_o gross_a error_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o our_o lord_n reprehend_v in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n matthew_n who_o place_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n not_o in_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o word_n yet_o can_v this_o error_n be_v avoid_v by_o those_o who_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n or_o frequent_a change_n in_o it_o for_o since_o the_o internal_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v any_o change_n in_o the_o external_a word_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a virtue_n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o if_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n more_o effectual_o promote_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o hearer_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o true_a that_o it_o render_v all_o true_a devotion_n absolute_o impossible_a to_o the_o hearer_n for_o in_o hear_v a_o prayer_n before_o unknown_a and_o unheard_a of_o even_o a_o understand_a man_n and_o of_o quick_a apprehension_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o single_o examine_v every_o sentence_n of_o the_o prayer_n he_o hear_v whether_o he_o may_v safe_o join_v in_o it_o lest_o perhaps_o any_o blasphemy_n or_o folly_n or_o indecency_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o sentence_n be_v thus_o examine_v a_o second_o present_v itself_o and_o then_o a_o three_o so_o that_o a_o intelligent_a auditor_n attend_v only_o to_o examine_v by_o part_n the_o prayer_n he_o hear_v have_v no_o leisure_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o in_o pray_v to_o adore_v he_o and_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o know_a man_n be_v thus_o defeat_v a_o auditor_n of_o low_a capacity_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o form_v in_o his_o mind_n such_o a_o rational_a devotion_n as_o become_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o will_v whole_o employ_v himself_o in_o divert_v his_o fancy_n with_o some_o new_a and_o surprise_v sentence_n and_o expect_v what_o next_o shall_v follow_v whereas_o in_o set_n and_o know_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o devout_a hearer_n be_v before_o assure_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o his_o mind_n be_v at_o rest_n upon_o that_o account_n attend_v whole_o to_o form_v all_o those_o act_n of_o devotion_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prayer_n express_v and_o therein_o receive_v extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v accustom_v to_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n have_v through_o long_o use_v form_v noble_a conception_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o word_n and_o raise_v intense_a affection_n upon_o other_o conceive_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n of_o sin_n upon_o these_o and_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o most_o profound_a reverence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o word_n the_o soul_n have_v affix_v all_o these_o thought_n and_o act_n to_o those_o several_a word_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o receive_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o same_o affection_n and_o
light_n and_o example_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o in_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o this_o place_n and_o entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o whereas_o every_o one_o deviate_a from_o this_o rule_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v moral_a or_o religious_a action_n become_v a_o spot_n in_o this_o light_n a_o exception_n to_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o church_n against_o unbeliever_n he_o defeat_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a advantage_n which_o christ_n propose_v to_o produce_v in_o sound_v of_o a_o church_n and_o thereby_o become_v guilty_a not_o only_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o all_o those_o infidel_n or_o profane_a person_n who_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o discover_v that_o exemplariness_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v convince_v they_o if_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v and_o no_o such_o frequent_a or_o sincere_a effect_n of_o conversion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v it_o may_v well_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o cause_n that_o by_o the_o disobedience_n and_o vicious_a life_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o once_o glorious_a light_n be_v well_o nigh_o cover_v with_o spot_n and_o almost_o turn_v into_o darkness_n this_o luminary_n of_o the_o church_n never_o indeed_o be_v without_o spot_n even_o in_o its_o great_a vigour_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o while_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o perform_v their_o duty_n the_o diminution_n of_o light_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o be_v scarce_o discernible_a in_o succeed_a time_n as_o the_o number_n of_o wicked_a christian_n increase_v the_o light_n proportionable_o diminish_v until_o our_o day_n wherein_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o invert_v that_o the_o number_n of_o pious_a christian_n be_v very_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o the_o light_n of_o the_o church_n be_v almost_o extinguish_v whosoever_o then_o add_v to_o this_o remain_a light_n by_o his_o own_o single_a piety_n do_v the_o great_a service_n and_o whoever_o detract_v from_o it_o by_o his_o ill_a example_n do_v the_o great_a mischief_n because_o every_o addition_n and_o diminution_n be_v more_o sensible_a in_o a_o less_o than_o a_o great_a quantity_n of_o light_n thus_o all_o christian_n may_v become_v exemplar_n in_o conspire_v to_o complete_a the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n to_o those_o who_o be_v without_o it_o for_o not_o every_o one_o be_v fit_v in_o particular_a and_o single_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o other_o men._n many_o thing_n must_v concur_v to_o that_o which_o ofttimes_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man._n the_o mind_n of_o other_o man_n on_o who_o his_o example_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o influence_n must_v be_v first_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o his_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n or_o any_o other_o quality_n which_o may_v induce_v other_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n and_o where_o such_o quality_n be_v find_v the_o obligation_n of_o be_v exemplar_n become_v much_o more_o strict_a in_o that_o case_n he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o act_n in_o common_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o particular_a also_o as_o a_o director_n of_o all_o those_o who_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o his_o example_n such_o be_v parent_n to_o their_o child_n master_n to_o their_o servant_n great_a man_n to_o their_o inferior_n king_n to_o their_o subject_n wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n all_o such_o be_v as_o light_n to_o those_o subject_v to_o they_o who_o eye_n be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o be_v wont_a to_o form_v direction_n to_o themselves_o from_o their_o practice_n and_o this_o be_v what_o god_n particular_o require_v of_o great_a and_o know_a man_n in_o return_n for_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o they_o employ_v it_o for_o the_o instruction_n or_o persuasion_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o power_n and_o their_o knowledge_n have_v distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n and_o set_v they_o in_o a_o eminent_a station_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o be_v subject_v or_o inferior_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o every_o action_n of_o they_o have_v some_o influence_n but_o ordinary_o every_o habit_n fix_v even_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o inferior_n of_o who_o the_o most_o part_n look_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o demeanour_n of_o those_o who_o they_o suppose_v in_o power_n or_o knowledge_n to_o excel_v themselves_o if_o they_o observe_v no_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n these_o can_v so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o if_o they_o practise_v forbid_v pleasure_n or_o give_v way_n to_o unlawful_a passion_n these_o will_v lose_v even_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o see_v their_o superior_n the_o suppose_a judge_n of_o decency_n and_o lawfulness_n without_o fear_n to_o pursue_v if_o they_o conscientious_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n even_o respect_v to_o their_o person_n will_v engage_v other_o in_o the_o same_o course_n of_o piety_n as_o be_v general_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o be_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o themselves_o be_v more_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v true_a happiness_n thus_o every_o good_a man_n fit_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v he_o for_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o become_v a_o public_a blessing_n he_o enter_v not_o into_o heaven_n alone_o but_o carry_v with_o he_o the_o welcome_a attendance_n of_o those_o who_o his_o example_n have_v draw_v thither_o with_o he_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o in_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o such_o exemplar_n yet_o most_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o as_o be_v superior_a to_o some_o other_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v rule_n of_o direction_n from_o they_o and_o not_o a_o few_o be_v place_v in_o such_o eminent_a station_n as_o derive_v exceed_v influence_n upon_o all_o those_o who_o be_v seat_v under_o they_o and_o such_o if_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n become_v a_o snare_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o destruction_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o their_o example_n be_v betray_v into_o sin_n they_o fall_v not_o alone_o but_o like_o lucifer_n seat_v on_o a_o eminent_a throne_n draw_v legion_n of_o apostate_n angel_n with_o they_o into_o hell_n for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o all_o who_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v and_o can_v plead_v as_o do_v those_o sinner_n who_o act_n in_o the_o low_a sphere_n that_o thereby_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o alone_o rather_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n ruin_v by_o their_o ill_a example_n will_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o be_v revenge_v on_o they_o it_o be_v frequent_o add_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o jeroboam_n as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o his_o crime_n that_o he_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o a_o single_a apostasy_n but_o draw_v the_o whole_a nation_n into_o idolatry_n by_o his_o power_n and_o example_n we_o need_v look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o history_n of_o that_o and_o other_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o great_a example_n for_o as_o often_o as_o those_o introduce_v idolatry_n or_o restore_v true_a religion_n so_o often_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n fall_v into_o apostasy_n or_o return_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o reward_n of_o those_o pious_a prince_n will_v receive_v infinite_a increase_n from_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o their_o example_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o the_o other_o will_v be_v heighten_v from_o the_o infection_n communicate_v to_o other_o by_o their_o wickedness_n and_o what_o prince_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o subject_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o same_o be_v all_o superior_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o inferior_n whether_o in_o authority_n riches_n or_o knowledge_n the_o piety_n of_o a_o master_n reform_v or_o his_o dissoluteness_n corrupt_v a_o whole_a family_n the_o exemplariness_n of_o a_o rich_a man_n instruct_v or_o his_o wickedness_n debauch_v all_o his_o poor_a dependent_n the_o religious_a conduct_n of_o a_o know_a man_n correct_v or_o his_o unwary_a behaviour_n pervert_v all_o his_o admirer_n and_o all_o such_o shall_v certain_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o their_o exemplary_a piety_n or_o if_o their_o conduct_n be_v contrary_a the_o punishment_n of_o their_o private_a sin_n will_v be_v much_o