mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o christ_n witness_n than_o the_o sin_n become_v deadly_a because_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v use_v and_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o credibility_n give_v that_o can_v be_v expect_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v there_o be_v every_o thing_n do_v which_o may_v procure_v belief_n in_o a_o disinterest_v person_n and_o therefore_o for_o any_o obstinate_o to_o contradict_v this_o be_v quite_o to_o prescind_v his_o own_o hope_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o himself_o by_o wilful_o reject_v all_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v gain_v belief_n i_o pray_v god_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v christianity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4.9_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a word_n and_o every_o way_n worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v that_o they_o may_v timely_o see_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o error_n and_o through_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v eternal_o save_v a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n ii_o rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v show_v from_o these_o word_n that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n be_v true_a and_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o thing_n truth_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o none_o need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o because_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n a_o ray_n and_o beam_n that_o descend_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n now_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o those_o that_o write_v it_o we_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v because_o they_o be_v present_a and_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o set_v down_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o will_v deceive_v other_o because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v discover_v and_o beside_o have_v no_o self-end_n nor_o design_n in_o broach_v a_o falsehood_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o own_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o last_o that_o they_o give_v as_o high_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n on_o which_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n depend_v as_o possible_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n to_o any_o thing_n or_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o next_o cause_n of_o shame_n be_v if_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a therefore_o we_o come_v now_o to_o show_v that_o christianity_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rational_a that_o be_v agreeable_a with_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o god_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o it_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a forasmuch_o as_o god_n be_v the_o high_a reason_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o than_o he_o will_v be_v the_o author_n of_o something_o unlike_o himself_o and_o that_o have_v no_o analogy_n or_o correspondence_n with_o any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o therefore_o to_o affirm_v that_o god_n can_v propound_v to_o we_o what_o be_v altogether_o irrational_a and_o bear_v no_o harmony_n or_o agreement_n with_o any_o of_o our_o faculty_n be_v to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o nonsense_n contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n reason_n be_v that_o light_n and_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o guide_v they_o safe_a from_o error_n falsehood_n and_o delusion_n and_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v reasonable_a we_o say_v that_o it_o have_v a_o conformity_n with_o those_o intellectual_a principle_n the_o sovereign_a author_n of_o our_o being_n have_v plant_v in_o we_o there_o be_v a_o suitableness_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o such_o thing_n with_o the_o rational_a frame_n and_o make_v of_o our_o own_o soul_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o he_o term_v rom._n 12.1_o a_o present_v our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n that_o be_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o if_o we_o understand_v ourselves_o be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n peter_n bid_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o give_v a_o answer_n or_o make_v a_o apology_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o i_o e._n he_o will_v have_v we_o prepare_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a and_o rational_a account_n why_o we_o be_v christian_n but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o it_o or_o how_o shall_v any_o man_n defend_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o soul_n to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n so_o that_o if_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a but_o here_o we_o must_v note_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n above_o humane_a reason_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o say_v they_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n the_o frame_n of_o christianity_n itself_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o great_a mystery_n and_o a_o mystery_n we_o know_v must_v have_v something_o hide_a and_o recondit_fw-la in_o it_o which_o be_v discern_v only_o by_o capable_a mind_n and_o there_o may_v be_v and_o doubtless_o be_v some_o sacred_a and_o hide_a doctrine_n in_o christian_a religion_n above_o humane_a reason_n in_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o our_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v light_v upon_o they_o or_o find_v they_o out_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o mysterious_a truth_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o our_o reason_n now_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o there_o be_v a_o rational_a defence_n to_o be_v make_v for_o they_o and_o a_o satisfactory_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o can_v never_o by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o reason_n have_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o union_n of_o god_n with_o humane_a nature_n nor_o discover_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n nor_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n nor_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o but_o now_o that_o they_o be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o can_v show_v that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o sound_a reason_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o unreasonableness_n in_o christianity_n it_o must_v arise_v either_o 1._o from_o the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o it_o or_o 2._o from_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o unreasonableness_n or_o incongruity_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o christianity_n will_v appear_v thus_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o release_v and_o free_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o evil_a into_o which_o they_o have_v unhappy_o plunge_v themselves_o and_o to_o recover_v they_o into_o a_o holy_a blameless_a and_o heavenly_a life_n and_o nature_n that_o behave_v themselves_o harmless_o and_o unblamable_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o encompass_v with_o many_o hardship_n and_o affliction_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n they_o may_v at_o last_o through_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n arrive_v by_o orderly_a step_n and_o degree_n to_o the_o land_n of_o righteousness_n their_o ancient_a inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o free_a counsel_n and_o determination_n of_o almighty_a god_n which_o flow_v only_o from_o his_o immense_a and_o boundless_a love_n now_o the_o method_n and_o way_n which_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o to_o bring_v this_o great_a design_n about_o be_v such_o so_o fit_v and_o adapt_v to_o to_o our_o case_n and_o condition_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n
never_o enjoy_v so_o little_a hope_n be_v there_o of_o solid_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o sincere_a virtue_n 2._o communion_n with_o god_n be_v another_o blessing_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v so_o peculiar_a to_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o a_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o continue_v so_o can_v never_o have_v the_o least_o taste_n or_o vital_a relish_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a sympathy_n and_o harmony_n run_v through_o the_o world_n whereby_o thing_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n incline_v to_o and_o be_v attractive_a of_o one_o another_o now_o where_o there_o be_v no_o agreeableness_n or_o suitableness_n of_o nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o firm_a union_n or_o society_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o vicious_a man_n to_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o element_n to_o change_v their_o nature_n or_o darkness_n and_o light_n to_o combine_v and_o love_o shake_v hand_n together_o and_o whatever_o our_o modern_a spiritualist_n and_o enthusiast_n may_v talk_v of_o their_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o christen_v with_o christ_n to_o who_o it_o may_v just_o be_v reply_v in_o the_o word_n of_o plotinus_n long_o ago_o to_o the_o gnostic_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o virtue_n and_o real_a goodness_n god_n be_v but_o a_o name_n a_o empty_a and_o dry_a sound_n yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o very_a intimate_a communion_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o good_a man_n when_o the_o soul_n converse_v with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o quiet_a and_o secret_a feel_n of_o the_o virtue_n sweetness_n and_o power_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o the_o forename_a philosopher_n express_v it_o and_o describe_v further_o this_o tactual_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n he_o say_v that_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n do_v as_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d join_v centre_n and_o centre_n do_v whole_o swallow_v up_o one_o another_o so_o that_o this_o philosopher_n seem_v to_o aim_v at_o a_o union_n even_o more_o than_o touch_n but_o whatever_o idea_n these_o high_a and_o raise_v expression_n may_v imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n yet_o doubtless_o their_o full_a sense_n be_v comprehend_v in_o that_o of_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o i._n e._n there_o be_v a_o intimate_a communication_n between_o god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thorough_o baptise_a into_o the_o spirit_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o god_n impart_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o one_o in_o this_o life_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o his_o infinite_a fullness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a privilege_n of_o create_a nature_n 3._o a_o good_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n as_o the_o understanding_n memory_n and_o will._n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v pure_a and_o clear_a and_o capable_a of_o difference_v and_o discern_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o the_o will_v obedient_a to_o that_o light_n present_v to_o it_o and_o the_o memory_n like_o a_o faithful_a steward_n treasure_n up_o those_o choice_n and_o useful_a truth_n commit_v to_o its_o trust_n now_o true_a goodness_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o it_o purify_v and_o refine_v these_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v infinite_o weaken_v and_o disorder_v by_o sensuality_n and_o immoderate_a desire_n after_o the_o bodily_a life_n there_o be_v nothing_o cast_v so_o fatal_a a_o damp_n upon_o the_o choice_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o deep_a immersion_n in_o sensual_a pleasure_n so_o that_o though_o in_o this_o life_n we_o see_v but_o in_o a_o glass_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n it_o and_o that_o dark_o yet_o such_o be_v our_o infelicity_n that_o the_o gross_a stream_n and_o suffusion_n that_o arise_v by_o the_o enormous_a agitation_n of_o the_o corporeal_a life_n so_o full_o and_o besmear_v the_o glass_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o the_o pure_a image_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o bright_a face_n of_o truth_n can_v sincere_o be_v see_v and_o discern_v in_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o mind_n be_v never_o so_o healthful_a and_o sprightly_a as_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o even_a course_n of_o virtue_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v health_n and_o freedom_n from_o pain_n and_o what_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o these_o than_o temperance_n chastity_n and_o sobriety_n for_o the_o mind_n be_v thorough_o purge_v and_o free_v from_o the_o pressure_n of_o earthly_a vice_n and_o extravagant_a lust_n derive_v a_o heal_a influence_n even_o upon_o the_o body_n itself_o and_o add_v a_o briskness_n and_o vivacity_n to_o our_o terrestrial_a frame_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v sower_v with_o hatred_n pine_v with_o envy_n and_o daily_o fret_v with_o those_o corrode_a care_n a_o covetous_a humour_n infect_v it_o withal_o the_o body_n participate_v of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o often_o betray_v its_o own_o ill_a constitution_n by_o a_o meagre_n look_v and_o a_o pale_a and_o deject_a countenance_n be_v not_o the_o voluptuous_a person_n frequent_o press_v into_o the_o grave_a by_o a_o unequal_a load_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lascivious_a man_n groan_n under_o the_o misery_n be_v contract_v from_o a_o lustful_a bed_n nay_o many_o time_n the_o innocent_a posterity_n rue_v the_o fault_n and_o sin_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o rottenness_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o parent_n procure_v by_o their_o insatiable_a and_o ungovernable_a appetite_n be_v equal_o transmit_v together_o with_o their_o inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n only_o virtue_n that_o be_v kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o by_o forbid_v we_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v destroy_v our_o nature_n and_o if_o we_o will_v hearken_v to_o its_o gentle_a whisper_v it_o not_o only_o show_v we_o how_o by_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n it_o will_v preserve_v our_o health_n and_o free_v we_o from_o pain_n by_o accustom_v we_o to_o a_o discreet_a moderation_n of_o our_o sensual_a passion_n and_o desire_n but_o it_o bestow_v a_o benign_a pulchritude_n and_o serenity_n that_o be_v easy_o discern_v in_o the_o external_a visage_n and_o countenance_n and_o perhaps_o solomon_n may_v allude_v to_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o wisdom_n make_v the_o face_n to_o shine_v 8.1_o intimate_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o cheerful_a light_n and_o vigour_n as_o diffuse_v those_o lovely_a beam_n which_o become_v visible_a in_o the_o very_a face_n as_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n observe_v that_o a_o good_a single-hearted_n and_o benign_a person_n discover_v these_o beautiful_a qualification_n in_o his_o eye_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o hide_v they_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o the_o body_n from_o religion_n the_o blessing_n which_o belong_v joint_o both_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v 1._o a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o natural_a desire_n of_o perpetuate_a his_o name_n and_o memory_n and_o in_o all_o his_o action_n of_o moment_n he_o make_v to_o himself_o little_a emblem_n and_o faint_a representation_n of_o immortality_n from_o hence_o spring_v the_o care_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o ground_n of_o those_o costly_a monument_n erect_v by_o the_o ancient_n viz._n that_o they_o may_v immortalize_v their_o name_n but_o these_o be_v poor_a and_o petty_a thing_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o abject_a mind_n to_o place_v our_o fame_n and_o reputation_n in_o any_o of_o those_o external_a thing_n which_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n may_v obliterate_v and_o deface_v a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n be_v only_o the_o production_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a virtue_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o noble_a and_o expansive_a this_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o glorious_a a_o memory_n do_v it_o transmit_v of_o we_o to_o succeed_a generation_n this_o alone_a will_v make_v the_o remembrance_n of_o we_o like_o a_o precious_a ointment_n which_o will_v yield_v a_o pleasant_a fragrancy_n and_o perfume_n when_o we_o be_v go_v into_o the_o other_o world_n 2._o a_o competency_n of_o mean_n and_o estate_n it_o be_v true_a a_o flourish_a condition_n be_v not_o always_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o best_a christian_a but_o rather_o consider_v the_o restless_a endeavour_n of_o vice_n to_o promote_v itself_o we_o must_v expect_v through_o many_o tribulation_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o the_o sincere_o religious_a person_n do_v not_o flow_v with_o earthly_a
teach_v all_o man_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v reverent_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o to_o have_v honourable_a thought_n of_o his_o work_n but_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o we_o up_o more_o firm_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o then_o show_v that_o in_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o a_o first_o cause_n of_o shame_n be_v if_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o be_v not_o true_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v confident_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v false_a and_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o credibility_n for_o and_o shall_v expose_v his_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o hazard_v and_o danger_n for_o it_o he_o will_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v 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everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o life_n when_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o shall_v appear_v with_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o clearness_n sure_o that_o man_n must_v be_v bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n that_o can_v be_v ashamed_a of_o a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o of_o which_o there_o may_v be_v make_v the_o best_a defence_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v show_v by_o a_o few_o argument_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n jesus_n to_o communicate_v this_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o world_n to_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o they_o that_o will_v have_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n upon_o this_o subject_a may_v consult_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o grotius_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o dr._n patrick_n now_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o ely_n now_o to_o this_o purpose_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o christian_n religion_n be_v build_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o probable_a either_o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o 2._o that_o they_o shall_v deceive_v other_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o here-say_a but_o be_v constant_a attendant_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v he_o work_v his_o miracle_n when_o he_o cure_v disease_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n choose_v another_o into_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o act_n 1.21.22_o wherefore_o of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o his_o resurrection_n here_o be_v one_o who_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o assert_v upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n the_o action_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n chap._n 1.2_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v be_v such_o as_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o doubtless_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o from_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o it_o according_a to_o that_o common_a say_n pluris_fw-la est_fw-la unus_fw-la ocularis_fw-la testis_fw-la quam_fw-la auriti_fw-la decem_fw-la one_o ocular_a demonstration_n be_v worth_a ten_o hearsays_a and_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o peter_n and_o john_n give_v to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n act_n 4.20_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o run_v over_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o that_o one_o which_o be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 15.14_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v likewise_o vain_a the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v vain_a because_o they_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o that_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n shall_v be_v reward_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n whereas_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v there_o be_v then_o no_o reward_n for_o believer_n and_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o talk_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o pious_a soul_n after_o this_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o melancholic_a person_n to_o amuse_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n if_o christ_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n will_v be_v as_o empty_a and_o vain_a because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o
be_v the_o reason_n the_o gaul_n give_v for_o their_o sacrifice_v of_o man_n comment_fw-fr pro_fw-la vitâ_fw-la hominum_fw-la nisi_fw-la vita_fw-la hominis_fw-la reddatur_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la deorum_fw-la immortalium_fw-la numen_fw-la placari_fw-la arbitrabantur_fw-la i._n e._n they_o think_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v avert_v unless_o the_o life_n of_o some_o man_n be_v offer_v as_o a_o piacular_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o rest_n now_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o death_n extricate_v man_n from_o this_o insult_a pride_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o barbarous_a usage_n and_o infinite_a contempt_n of_o humane_a race_n and_o the_o shed_v of_o his_o blood_n become_v a_o real_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o obtain_v term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n with_o he_o for_o all_o his_o lapse_v brethren_n 4._o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o this_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n the_o person_n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o stray_a soul_n of_o man_n to_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v have_v all_o power_n commit_v into_o his_o hand_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o since_o he_o humble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o vilify_v his_o own_o life_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o great_a benefit_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o lay_n it_o down_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o ignominious_a and_o accurse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n divine_a justice_n be_v concern_v to_o reward_v these_o exinanition_n with_o a_o proportionable_a glory_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v instate_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o reward_v his_o faithful_a friend_n and_o adherent_n and_o punish_v his_o refractory_a and_o stubborn_a enemy_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o government_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o that_o our_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a whatever_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o servant_n and_o a_o powerful_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o persevere_v and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o end_n in_o virtue_n though_o we_o pass_v through_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o be_v thus_o make_v god_n vicegerent_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o will_v order_v all_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o at_o last_o remarkable_o triumph_n over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n you_o see_v now_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o becommingness_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a it_o be_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o necessity_n all_o which_o when_o st._n paul_n have_v consider_v he_o break_v out_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o admiration_n rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v various_a way_n and_o method_n of_o govern_v and_o order_v his_o creature_n far_o above_o our_o shallow_a comprehension_n but_o the_o way_n of_o recover_a man_n be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o easy_a compliance_n with_o those_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la the_o world_n labour_v under_o and_o such_o apt_a condescension_n to_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o a_o entire_a view_n we_o can_v wonder_v that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o religion_n be_v no_o confuse_v jumble_v or_o nonsense_n but_o a_o contrivance_n wherein_o appear_v the_o great_a art_n and_o high_a wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o all_o sober_a person_n admire_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n they_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o stand_v amaze_v at_o this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n or_o recovery_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o their_o first_o and_o original_a happiness_n and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o order_n and_o management_n of_o the_o several_a phaenomena_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o natural_a world_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a defence_n to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o contrivance_n and_o conduct_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o moral_a a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n iii_o rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o unreasonableness_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o it_o be_v infinite_o agreeable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o case_n and_o necessity_n we_o have_v clear_o demonstrate_v it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o show_v with_o the_o same_o plainness_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o disagree_v with_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v that_o upon_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o account_n we_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n consist_v either_o 1._o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o 2._o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v command_v as_o duty_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o practice_n or_o 3._o of_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v obedient_a and_o severe_a punishment_n and_o threaten_n to_o the_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a who_o refuse_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o consonant_a they_o be_v to_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o a_o unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a virgin_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o apparition_n of_o angel_n at_o his_o birth_n that_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o east_n shall_v have_v notice_n and_o come_v to_o see_v he_o be_v all_o thing_n so_o high_o become_v that_o we_o shall_v wonder_v if_o the_o same_o or_o something_o like_o they_o have_v not_o be_v do_v for_o our_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a person_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o fair_a copy_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o pure_a life_n and_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o carnal_a exorbitance_n and_o corporeal_a impurity_n in_o which_o mankind_n wallow_v as_o if_o their_o only_a felicity_n have_v consist_v in_o the_o high_a and_o rank_a exercise_n of_o their_o animal_n power_n it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a that_o his_o birth_n shall_v be_v different_a from_o the_o common_a manner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o father_n but_o god_n be_v a_o way_n very_o suitable_a to_o gain_v a_o great_a authority_n to_o those_o holy_a precept_n that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reverence_n due_a to_o what_o any_o person_n near_o relate_v to_o god_n communicate_v and_o that_o the_o angel_n shall_v usher_v in_o his_o wonderful_a nativity_n with_o a_o solemn_a anthem_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o serve_v to_o enhance_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o eminency_n value_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a prince_n of_o angel_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o in_o that_o christ_n be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o person_n in_o who_o the_o gentile_n shall_v trust_v though_o the_o magi_n or_o wiseman_n intend_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v a_o prefiguration_n of_o that_o cheerful_a submission_n the_o gentile_a world_n shall_v yield_v to_o he_o as_o their_o prince_n and_o redeemer_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v manifest_v to_o they_o and_o that_o christ_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n like_o one_o of_o we_o clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n than_o if_o god_n shall_v speak_v by_o a_o angel_n or_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o since_o many_o trouble_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n attend_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o immortality_n it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o bear_v they_o with_o patience_n when_o we_o see_v our_o most_o holy_a and_o innocent_a lord_n suffer_v a_o world_n of_o reproach_n and_o indignity_n and_o much_o hard_a usage_n
before_o he_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o more_o unbecoming_a or_o unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o with_o a_o humane_a body_n which_o his_o own_o hand_n have_v fashion_v and_o which_o be_v fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v than_o it_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a presence_n to_o take_v up_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o stone_n last_o that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o visible_a judge_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v no_o less_o congruous_a and_o rational_a 1._o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o this_o honour_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v a_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o voluntary_a suffering_n and_o humiliation_n which_o be_v the_o account_n our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v himself_o john_n 5.27_o and_o have_v give_v he_o authority_n to_o execute_v judgement_n also_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man._n that_o be_v because_o he_o humble_v himself_o to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o not_o only_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n with_o all_o its_o harmless_a infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n but_o endure_v with_o wonderful_a patience_n the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n the_o opprobrious_a taunt_n and_o revile_n of_o a_o rude_a generation_n and_o submit_v himself_o at_o last_o to_o a_o death_n full_a of_o pain_n ignominy_n and_o disgrace_n 2._o in_o regard_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n for_o this_o visible_a appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n attend_v with_o innumerable_a legion_n of_o mighty_a angel_n descend_v into_o these_o low_a region_n near_o the_o earth_n the_o glory_n of_o who_o presence_n will_v be_v conspicuous_a to_o all_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a conviction_n to_o all_o wicked_a person_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o do_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o same_o jesus_n that_o deliver_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o now_o come_v to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o not_o obey_v it_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v and_o doubtless_o be_v many_o scoff_v atheistical_a spirit_n in_o the_o aerial_a region_n as_o well_o as_o here_o on_o earth_n who_o ascribe_v all_o great_a mutation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o chance_n and_o fortune_n or_o the_o necessary_a combination_n of_o matter_n this_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o such_o a_o visible_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o sure_a prediction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v effectual_o confute_v their_o vain_a philosophy_n and_o force_v they_o even_o against_o their_o will_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n neither_o will_v it_o be_v a_o less_o afflict_a abasement_n of_o the_o insult_a pride_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n and_o his_o rebellious_a associate_n who_o so_o long_o tyrannize_v over_o mankind_n with_o such_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n to_o feel_v themselves_o cast_v down_o into_o everlasting_a destruction_n by_o that_o nature_n which_o they_o have_v so_o much_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v faithful_a adherent_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o firm_o persist_v in_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o discouragement_n they_o meet_v withal_o his_o appearance_n in_o such_o a_o sensible_a manner_n will_v be_v exceed_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a for_o they_o behold_v he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o such_o transcendent_a power_n and_o glory_n must_v needs_o overflow_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n to_o find_v that_o now_o their_o redemption_n will_v be_v full_o complete_v for_o what_o may_v not_o they_o hope_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n who_o be_v both_o their_o merciful_a redeemer_n and_o their_o judge_n and_o this_o very_a sight_n of_o their_o long-expected_n saviour_n will_v invigorate_v their_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o life_n as_o shall_v through_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n transform_v their_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o these_o fiery_a chariot_n like_o elijah_n they_o shall_v ascend_v from_o these_o mortal_a region_n to_o augment_v the_o train_n of_o this_o great_a and_o almighty_a judge_n so_o every_o way_n agreeable_a be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n 2._o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v command_v as_o duty_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v only_o a_o revive_n the_o natural_a inscription_n and_o law_n of_o righteousness_n engrave_v upon_o our_o soul_n at_o their_o first_o creation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o that_o long_a degeneracy_n we_o lie_v under_o and_o the_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a growth_n of_o our_o animal_n faculty_n must_v exceed_o impair_v if_o not_o whole_o obliterate_v the_o fair_a impress_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v all_o those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o to_o we_o afresh_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n that_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o be_v the_o exsuscitate_v and_o raise_v up_o that_o decay_a and_o almost_o die_a spark_n of_o divine_a life_n yet_o leave_v in_o we_o and_o which_o may_v gain_v such_o strength_n by_o the_o powerful_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o consume_v or_o convert_v into_o its_o nature_n all_o that_o rubbish_n which_o hinder_v and_o obstruct_v it_o and_o according_a to_o these_o measure_v the_o command_n and_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v frame_v so_o that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a intellectual_a furniture_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a and_o consistent_a with_o our_o rational_a frame_n than_o to_o love_n and_o honour_n god_n from_o who_o infinite_a fullness_n we_o and_o all_o thing_n receive_v their_o be_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o all_o our_o supply_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o nothingness_n that_o all_o that_o we_o have_v proceed_v and_o flow_v from_o his_o inexhausted_a bounty_n to_o sit_v quiet_a and_o content_v under_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o subordination_n and_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o christianity_n enjoin_v we_o to_o pay_v all_o duty_n and_o service_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o it_o strict_o command_v all_o manner_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n to_o other_o forbid_v all_o harm_n and_o wrong_v to_o any_o thing_n live_v and_o instead_o of_o that_o require_v every_o man_n in_o his_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n to_o do_v all_o that_o good_a that_o at_o any_o time_n lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o be_v kind_a and_o compassionate_a forget_v and_o forgive_a all_o manner_n of_o injury_n do_v unto_o we_o and_o return_v good_a for_o the_o evil_a that_o we_o have_v receive_v furthermore_o christianity_n command_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o lie_v and_o hypocrisy_n as_o thing_n beneath_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o banish_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o malignity_n rancour_n malice_n and_o envy_n as_o be_v the_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o prosperity_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a above_o all_o other_o be_v enlarge_v and_o widen_v with_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n ready_o undertake_v the_o help_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a and_o indigent_a look_v upon_o all_o mankind_n as_o brethren_n and_o thereby_o joy_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n now_o as_o to_o ourselves_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o exercise_v great_a temperance_n and_o moderation_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o corporeal_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n not_o to_o defile_v and_o pollute_v ourselves_o with_o debauch_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o to_o remember_v that_o our_o soul_n once_o come_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o incorruptible_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a to_o suffer_v they_o to_o wallow_v and_o tumble_v in_o the_o dirt_n and_o mire_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o since_o we_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a extraction_n religion_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o citizen_n of_o that_o heavenly_a country_n and_o to_o release_v and_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o this_o world_n and_o to_o think_v of_o our_o return_n thither_o
jesus_n christ_n who_o take_v our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n upon_o he_o part_v with_o his_o own_o life_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o a_o inevitable_a danger_n which_o will_v have_v undo_v we_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o recompense_n of_o this_o great_a love_n he_o desire_v we_o only_o to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a by_o take_v upon_o we_o his_o easy_a yoke_n and_o light_a burden_n and_o can_v we_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o slight_v he_o for_o it_o and_o forget_v his_o command_n what_o band_n or_o cord_n can_v tie_v soul_n near_o together_o than_o that_o love_n which_o be_v strong_a than_o death_n or_o what_o word_n make_v deep_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v by_o their_o die_a friend_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o expel_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o further_a of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v no_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o to_o satisfy_v for_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o weakness_n frailty_n and_o drudgery_n of_o our_o mortal_a state_n and_o endure_v such_o deep_a agony_n of_o spirit_n as_o force_v he_o to_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o after_o suffer_v a_o inglorious_a and_o painful_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o this_o mere_o upon_o our_o account_n and_o out_o of_o a_o mighty_a sense_n of_o compassion_n for_o our_o misery_n be_v so_o astonish_v a_o love_n as_o must_v needs_o thaw_v our_o icy_a heart_n and_o dissolve_v they_o into_o tear_n and_o a_o ready_a conformity_n to_o his_o will._n how_o can_v any_o man_n go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o his_o saviour_n come_v for_o this_o only_a end_n into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o present_v all_o man_n a_o glorious_a church_n to_o god_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n whatever_o sin_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o assault_v thy_o soul_n present_a unto_o it_o thy_o die_a saviour_n who_o with_o his_o outstretch_v arm_n on_o the_o cross_n sue_v for_o admittance_n into_o thy_o strong_a affection_n be_v thou_o ensnare_v with_o pride_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v upon_o thyself_o without_o watery_a eye_n when_o thou_o behold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n bear_v a_o helpless_a infant_n of_o a_o poor_a virgin_n subject_n to_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o sinless_a infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o at_o last_o breathe_v out_o his_o innocent_a soul_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o his_o bitter_a enemy_n be_v thou_o covetous_a and_o too_o desirous_a of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n then_o remember_v judas_n and_o consider_v what_o a_o heinous_a and_o bloody_a act_n his_o covetousness_n betray_v he_o to_o even_o the_o deliver_n up_o his_o harmless_a lord_n and_o master_n to_o the_o malicious_a and_o implacable_a jew_n and_o whoever_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o the_o world_n he_o do_v with_o judas_n sell_v his_o saviour_n thus_o you_o may_v see_v of_o what_o great_a usefulness_n this_o one_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o the_o gospel_n every_o where_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v express_v his_o death_n on_o the_o cross_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o our_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o crucify_a all_o our_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o affection_n 4._o another_o powerful_a mean_n by_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o engage_v in_o holiness_n be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o holy_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o life_n and_o action_n be_v therefore_o careful_o write_v by_o his_o disciple_n that_o man_n may_v learn_v of_o he_o and_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o discover_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o action_n which_o our_o lord_n do_v as_o a_o public_a person_n invest_v with_o authority_n from_o heaven_n as_o likewise_o those_o action_n of_o he_o which_o he_o do_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n we_o must_v distinguish_v these_o i_o say_v from_o those_o wherein_o he_o be_v set_v as_o a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v 1._o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o action_n which_o he_o perform_v as_o a_o public_a person_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v that_o relate_v whole_o to_o his_o office_n as_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a representative_a of_o mankind_n who_o take_v upon_o he_o and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o god._n thus_o he_o give_v new_a law_n of_o life_n to_o man_n and_o forgive_v sin_n by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o public_a victim_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o world_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v his_o fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n his_o lead_v a_o single_a life_n and_o refuse_v all_o earthly_a honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o hitherto_o likewise_o we_o may_v refer_v that_o action_n of_o zeal_n wherewith_o our_o lord_n be_v possess_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o despise_a gentile_n against_o a_o corrupt_a generation_n who_o only_o pretend_v but_o have_v real_o nothing_o of_o true_a zeal_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o they_o when_o as_o st._n matthew_n relate_v it_o chap._n 21.12_o he_o go_v into_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o cast_v out_o all_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money-changer_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o they_o that_o sell_v dove_n 2._o nor_o be_v we_o call_v to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o action_n which_o he_o do_v to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o act_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n such_o be_v all_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o give_a sight_n to_o the_o blind_a speech_n to_o the_o dumb_a and_o hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a his_o command_v the_o wind_n and_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o instant_o obey_v he_o his_o multiply_a bread_n according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n so_o that_o a_o few_o loaf_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v some_o thousand_o of_o eater_n his_o cure_v all_o bodily_a disease_n and_o distemper_n and_o show_v his_o power_n over_o evil_a spirit_n which_o upon_o his_o sole_a command_n and_o word_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v those_o body_n they_o have_v vex_v and_o torment_v but_o above_o all_o his_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n not_o only_o here_o but_o in_o the_o region_n of_o separate_a soul_n likewise_o now_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v we_o call_v to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n but_o though_o we_o be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o these_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o therefore_o throw_v away_o or_o record_v to_o no_o purpose_n we_o may_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n though_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o necessity_n to_o imitate_v he_o in_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o presumption_n in_o we_o so_o to_o do_v when_o we_o read_v that_o he_o fast_v forty_o day_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o further_o we_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o bodily_a lust_n and_o affection_n we_o be_v in_o a_o great_a forwardness_n and_o better_a disposition_n to_o converse_v with_o god._n when_o we_o hear_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n steadfast_o decline_v all_o earthly_a dignity_n and_o honour_n it_o show_v we_o what_o a_o light_a esteem_n god_n put_v upon_o these_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o true_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o so_o of_o all_o our_o lord_n be_v miraculous_a action_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o credential_n and_o seal_n from_o heaven_n that_o attest_v and_o verify_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o he_o act_v there_o be_v something_o still_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v for_o our_o encouragement_n and_o support_v in_o that_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n which_o he_o come_v to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n when_o we_o find_v he_o by_o a_o miracle_n redress_v the_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n and_o ease_v they_o of_o their_o sorrow_n by_o cure_v their_o bodily_a distemper_n do_v not_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a temper_n to_o sympathize_v with_o other_o in_o their_o misery_n and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o lend_v our_o assist_a hand_n to_o free_v they_o from_o they_o when_o
and_o fret_a passion_n of_o pride_n envy_n and_o malice_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o disturb_v man_n own_o quiet_a and_o that_o of_o the_o society_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o make_v they_o like_o those_o disconsolate_a spirit_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n continual_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o seek_v rest_n but_o find_v none_o but_o if_o they_o will_v strive_v to_o suppress_v the_o boiling_n and_o irregular_a fermentation_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o endeavour_v to_o turn_v they_o into_o calmness_n and_o meekness_n if_o they_o will_v give_v that_o honour_n and_o deference_n to_o their_o present_a governor_n that_o christ_n law_n command_v and_o bear_v a_o hearty_a love_n and_o benignity_n to_o all_o their_o fellow_n creature_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o last_a peace_n and_o concord_n shall_v ensue_v upon_o such_o fit_a and_o due_o qualify_v preparation_n they_o will_v then_o see_v that_o our_o present_a establishment_n which_o divine_a providence_n have_v so_o miraculous_o bring_v about_o be_v not_o only_o for_o our_o own_o but_o the_o universal_a good_a and_o happiness_n of_o all_o europe_n 2._o another_o public_a blessing_n be_v plenty_n which_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o it_o be_v ascertain_v and_o secure_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n for_o what_o can_v more_o contribute_v to_o a_o general_a plenty_n than_o that_o every_o man_n be_v industrious_a in_o his_o proper_a call_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n enjoin_v diligence_n which_o like_o a_o provident_a governess_n solicit_n and_o excite_v the_o torpid_a and_o languish_a member_n of_o our_o earthly_a frame_n to_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o the_o several_a office_n of_o humane_a life_n religion_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o retrench_v the_o unruly_a appetite_n of_o man_n and_o cut_v off_o those_o superfluous_a expense_n which_o luxury_n and_o debauchery_n make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o and_o this_o it_o do_v by_o teach_v temperance_n and_o frugality_n and_o by_o show_v man_n a_o noble_a and_o more_o profitable_a way_n of_o convert_v their_o abundance_n by_o charity_n to_o the_o necessitous_a and_o indigent_a which_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_a imitation_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o overflow_a goodness_n which_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o their_o several_a measure_n and_o capacity_n taste_v of_o 3._o a_o three_o public_a blessing_n be_v safety_n and_o security_n from_o danger_n which_o religion_n have_v so_o far_o a_o influence_n upon_o that_o it_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v only_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n that_o can_v make_v we_o dwell_v in_o safety_n and_o 12.21_o that_o no_o evil_a shall_v happen_v to_o the_o just_a but_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v fill_v with_o mischief_n again_o 14.34_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n when_o man_n once_o become_v treacherous_a to_o their_o god_n they_o seldom_o prove_v true_a to_o his_o vicegerent_n here_o below_o and_o if_o they_o have_v walk_v up_o sincere_o to_o the_o prescription_n of_o christianity_n the_o fear_n of_o a_o foreign_a invasion_n have_v be_v needless_a it_o be_v want_n of_o religion_n that_o make_v man_n betray_v their_o native_a country_n correspond_v with_o its_o enemy_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o course_n as_o the_o brave_a and_o more_o generous_a heathen_n look_v upon_o as_o wretched_a and_o ignoble_a for_o sure_o those_o person_n who_o can_v let_v themselves_o loose_a to_o unhinge_v a_o establish_a government_n to_o weaken_v and_o undermine_v a_o prince_n who_o upon_o just_a account_n merit_v to_o be_v call_v deliciae_fw-la humani_fw-la generis_fw-la than_o that_o noble_a roman_a emperor_n whatever_o pretence_n they_o may_v make_v to_o christianity_n will_v find_v it_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v they_o have_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o where_o a_o people_n be_v true_o religious_a submissive_a to_o their_o lawful_a governor_n and_o charitable_o affect_v towards_o one_o another_o there_o the_o invisible_a minister_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v engage_v in_o their_o protection_n and_o defence_n and_o those_o chariot_n and_o horse_n of_o fire_n be_v as_o ready_a now_o to_o preserve_v true_a goodness_n as_o heretofore_o to_o secure_v the_o prophet_n elisha_n from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o syrian_a army_n it_o be_v only_a when_o a_o nation_n grow_v deplorable_o wicked_a that_o their_o guardian_n providence_n be_v withdraw_v and_o those_o kind_n and_o officious_a spirit_n say_v as_o of_o old_a of_o babylon_n forsake_v she_o and_o let_v we_o go_v by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v abundant_o serviceable_a for_o the_o obtain_n public_a and_o general_a blessing_n now_o for_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o every_o particular_a man_n person_n they_o be_v either_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n or_o of_o both_o those_o of_o the_o soul_n be_v 1._o joy_n and_o contentment_n of_o mind_n when_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v itself_o in_o a_o perpetual_a calm_a and_o be_v not_o ruffle_v and_o discompose_v with_o boisterous_a passion_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o our_o passion_n shall_v be_v eradicate_v by_o a_o stoical_a apathy_n for_o that_o be_v to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o choice_a furniture_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v bountiful_o confer_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o turn_v man_n into_o some_o other_o species_n of_o be_v than_o what_o they_o be_v desire_v be_v the_o foot_n and_o wing_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o vigorous_a contention_n after_o virtue_n and_o hope_n and_o gladness_n the_o arm_n that_o embrace_v so_o great_a a_o good_a but_o that_o when_o the_o affection_n be_v keep_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n and_o all_o subject_v to_o the_o imperium_fw-la and_o command_n of_o the_o first_o mover_n divine_a love_n the_o soul_n sustain_v and_o keep_v itself_o so_o firm_a and_o compact_a by_o that_o inward_a power_n and_o strength_n that_o the_o most_o violent_a storm_n of_o external_a accident_n can_v shake_v or_o dissettle_v that_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n it_o reap_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v such_o a_o inestimable_a and_o solid_a treasure_n as_o be_v just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o choice_a gratification_n of_o the_o bodily_a life_n all_o worldly_a joy_n be_v flashy_a and_o dilute_a and_o carry_v with_o it_o much_o of_o a_o earthly_a composition_n but_o that_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n that_o arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o well-doing_n be_v substantial_a and_o immovable_a and_o can_v neither_o be_v destroy_v by_o time_n nor_o damp_v and_o choke_v by_o the_o most_o calamitous_a circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n who_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o live_v so_o pleasant_o and_o content_o as_o they_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a who_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o distrustful_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n believe_v themselves_o secure_a under_o the_o royal_a mantle_n of_o heaven_n care_n and_o providence_n and_o who_o can_v look_v back_o upon_o their_o past_a life_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o terror_n and_o gild_n so_o that_o if_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o for_o sin_n and_o vice_n they_o will_v set_v we_o above_o all_o those_o anxious_a fear_n and_o solicitude_n that_o render_v a_o man_n life_n uncomfortable_a on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o vice_n fatal_o draw_v after_o it_o a_o chain_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n and_o he_o that_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o sin_n can_v but_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o person_n always_o oblige_v to_o punishment_n and_o this_o create_v a_o perpetual_a distrust_n and_o misgive_n of_o mind_n afford_v he_o nothing_o to_o support_v his_o patience_n under_o here_o nor_o any_o hope_n of_o better_v his_o condition_n hereafter_o but_o beside_o these_o disquiet_v fear_n and_o terror_n the_o constant_a attendant_n of_o vice_n which_o produce_v restless_a day_n and_o sleepless_a and_o uneasy_a night_n those_o evil_a and_o wicked_a affection_n to_o which_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v enslave_v have_v a_o very_a evil_a influence_n upon_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n pursue_v as_o its_o ultimate_a good_a and_o felicity_n those_o passionate_a desire_n and_o emigration_n of_o spirit_n after_o it_o follow_v he_o even_o into_o the_o next_o life_n the_o covetous_a person_n who_o spin_v out_o his_o life_n in_o a_o golden_a thread_n have_v his_o appetite_n and_o hunger_n keen_o edge_v in_o the_o next_o world_n after_o the_o idol_n which_o he_o adore_v in_o this_o and_o the_o lascivious_a man_n burn_v with_o those_o flame_v his_o debauch_a soul_n have_v kindle_v here_o below_o and_o because_o the_o future_a state_n deny_v the_o act_n of_o those_o vice_n in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o here_o upon_o earth_n it_o rend_v the_o perplex_a mind_n with_o a_o perpetual_a thirst_n after_o that_o which_o she_o can_v