a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o parish-church_n of_o s._n magnus_n the_o martyr_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n on_o sunday_n december_n 24._o 1693._o by_o edward_n roberts_n m._n a._n then_o lecturer_n imprimatur_fw-la carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la feb._n 13._o 1693_o 4._o london_n print_v for_o s._n smith_n and_o b._n walford_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1694._o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o parish-church_n of_o s._n magnus_n london_n etc._n etc._n s._n john_n ep._n iii_o verse_n 2._o belove_a i_o wish_v above_o all_o thing_n that_o thou_o may_v prosper_v and_o be_v in_o health_n even_o as_o thy_o soul_n prosper_v these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o favourite-apostle_n of_o bless_a saviour_n who_o have_v the_o courage_n and_o fidelity_n to_o own_v he_o in_o extremity_n to_o endure_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o behold_v his_o shameful_a crucifixion_n they_o be_v part_n of_o this_o short_a epistle_n which_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o gaius_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o inscription_n of_o it_o verse_n 1_o about_o who_o the_o conjecture_n of_o learned_a man_n be_v various_a when_o they_o will_v point_v he_o out_o with_o more_o particular_a exactness_n as_o to_o he_o abide_v or_o residence_n but_o the_o undoubted_a account_n of_o s._n john_n in_o the_o context_n make_v out_o what_o be_v material_a to_o our_o purpose_n viz._n that_o gaius_n be_v not_o only_o a_o proselyte_n to_o christianity_n so_o make_v by_o he_o but_o a_o generous_a assertor_n of_o it_o before_o a_o infidel_n world_n a_o worthy_a man_n who_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o master_n of_o wealth_n and_o of_o a_o heart_n also_o to_o employ_v it_o aright_o who_o make_v his_o house_n the_o sanctuary_n of_o distress_a professor_n show_v a_o very_a remarkable_a kindness_n and_o hospitality_n both_o to_o the_o brethren_n and_o to_o stranger_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o his_o charity_n before_o the_o church_n verse_n 5_o 6._o in_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a usefulness_n s._n john_n send_v he_o this_o epistolary_a letter_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a expression_n of_o his_o concern_v for_o his_o welfare_n in_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o that_o word_n to_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o now_o do_v and_o always_o shall_v wish_v above_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v prosper_v and_o be_v in_o health_n even_o as_o his_o soul_n prosper_v the_o word_n be_v so_o very_o plain_a in_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o paraphrase_n to_o make_v they_o plain_o they_o contain_v a_o affectionate_a and_o devout_a petition_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o god_n will_v prosper_v gaius_n in_o his_o body_n his_o fortune_n and_o all_o his_o outward_a concern_v as_o he_o have_v already_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n improve_v his_o spiritual_a and_o better_a part_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a proper_a return_n i_o can_v make_v this_o day_n as_o to_o your_o worthy_a pastor_n so_o to_o you_o and_o other_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o who_o without_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o kindness_n have_v continue_v your_o civility_n and_o encouragement_n for_o many_o year_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o holy_a call_v your_o furtherance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n our_o prayer_n our_o public_a discourse_n our_o private_a admonition_n all_o our_o endeavour_n within_o these_o gate_n and_o without_o centre_n here_o in_o your_o prosperity_n the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o it_o be_v that_o we_o most_o earnest_o contend_v for_o without_o which_o the_o large_a temporal_a portion_n we_o be_v sure_a must_v vex_v and_o oppress_v the_o owner_n the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o may_v humble_o ask_v with_o a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n of_o be_v hear_v for_o that_o be_v a_o petition_n always_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n but_o prayer_n for_o bodily_a satisfaction_n do_v often_o return_v empty_a and_o shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o great_a indifferency_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o providence_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n will_v great_o direct_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o pursuit_n of_o this_o comprehensive_a happiness_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o reap_v both_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o left_a in_o speak_v of_o which_o i_o will_v insist_v on_o the_o follow_a head_n of_o discourse_n first_o show_v wherein_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o soul_n proper_o consist_v second_o add_v to_o this_o a_o account_n of_o that_o bodily_a and_o external_n welfare_n the_o desire_n of_o which_o be_v strong_o root_v in_o human_a nature_n and_o too_o often_o make_v the_o great_a the_o darling_n consideration_n of_o our_o life_n three_o comply_v with_o a_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n by_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o fervent_o wish_v that_o you_o and_o 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influence_n of_o it_o with_o a_o full_a entire_a design_n to_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o indeed_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o view_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o age_n with_o a_o careless_a eye_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v too_o many_o who_o decry_v the_o doctrine_n of_o spirit_n that_o branch_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a which_o relate_v to_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o design_n most_o unworthy_a of_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o practice_n degenerate_v into_o brute_n who_o stifle_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v all_o intellectual_a operation_n and_o maintain_v a_o strict_a converse_n with_o thing_n pure_o corporeal_a and_o when_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o morning_n thought_n and_o cool_v recollection_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o fulfil_v of_o their_o lust_n it_o become_v their_o interest_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o high_a principle_n shall_v never_o awake_v to_o a_o future_a account_n but_o utter_o perish_v with_o the_o body_n whereas_o to_o the_o pious_a and_o unprejudiced_a the_o contrary_a be_v most_o apparent_a when_o the_o mind_n lie_v fair_o open_a to_o its_o own_o notice_n and_o deduction_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o that_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o principle_n distinct_a from_o the_o body_n this_o be_v the_o common_a dictate_v and_o result_v of_o reason_n but_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o must_v be_v fetch_v from_o divine_a revelation_n this_o show_v its_o immortality_n with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o authority_n god_n who_o make_v our_o soul_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v essence_n which_o can_v never_o be_v destroy_v by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n and_o malice_n sufficient_a to_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v pass_v into_o a_o state_n in_o which_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o they_o wherefore_o act_v consistent_o with_o ourselves_o and_o maintain_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a christianity_n we_o ought_v to_o secure_v to_o our_o soul_n the_o preeminence_n these_o noble_a being_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o our_o care_n who_o prosperity_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v by_o way_n agreeable_a to_o their_o spiritual_a nature_n i_o will_v mention_v three_o 1._o by_o our_o judicious_a and_o deliberate_a profess_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o assure_a light_n of_o which_o our_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o full_a view_n of_o and_o be_v conduct_v to_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n this_o be_v the_o lead_a method_n by_o which_o the_o mighty_a growth_n of_o gaius_n be_v happy_o cultivate_v even_o by_o his_o walk_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o it_o style_v here_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o truth_n and_o call_v
before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n deliver_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n with_o admirable_a perspicuity_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o he_o with_o agreeable_a integrity_n to_o his_o christian_a convert_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v learn_v from_o the_o write_n of_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o thraldom_n of_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o this_o truth_n to_o inform_v and_o cleanse_v to_o exalt_v and_o purify_v at_o once_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o prerogative_n of_o any_o man_n nature_n nor_o imprint_v on_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o a_o after-acquirement_a and_o the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o christian_a our_o care_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o shall_v be_v early_o and_o let_v we_o set_v out_o in_o quest_n of_o truth_n as_o soon_o as_o 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samaritan_n to_o the_o faith_n some_o have_v go_v forth_o of_o their_o door_n with_o a_o peremptory_a resolution_n to_o affront_v the_o priest_n and_o yet_o have_v be_v catch_v first_o and_o afterward_o convert_v by_o his_o doctrine_n the_o sermon_n have_v be_v so_o pat_o and_o seasonable_a as_o to_o pierce_v the_o dark_a corner_n of_o their_o soul_n cure_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o heart_n cause_v it_o to_o flow_v with_o sincere_a and_o obstinate_a tear_n when_o just_a before_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o nothing_o but_o profane_a laughter_n and_o derision_n but_o then_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a event_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v depend_v on_o special_a case_n that_o can_v never_o with_o any_o justice_n be_v draw_v into_o consequence_n for_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o common_a method_n of_o providence_n the_o ordinary_a proceedure_v of_o salvation_n truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o regular_a way_n and_o within_o the_o close_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o 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which_o with_o inviolable_a integrity_n preserve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o that_o fountain_n draw_v forth_o a_o religion_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o every_o way_n proper_a to_o ennoble_v our_o nature_n and_o perfect_a the_o common_a salvation_n a_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o except_v against_o by_o its_o great_a enemy_n for_o believe_v too_o much_o or_o adopt_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a but_o as_o believe_v too_o little_a our_o charge_n be_v not_o the_o reject_v of_o any_o old_a article_n but_o a_o declare_v most_o commendable_a averseness_n to_o subscribe_v any_o that_o be_v new_a it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n those_o glorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o they_o throw_v off_o and_o cashier_v only_o additional_a corruption_n restore_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o its_o primitive_a simplicity_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o those_o error_n which_o be_v now_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o popery_n who_o most_o ready_o receive_v all_o the_o untainted_a all_o the_o true_o catholic_n and_o orthodox_n truth_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o roman_a into_o the_o article_n confession_n and_o homily_n of_o the_o national_a church_n in_o which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a interest_n to_o continue_v always_o but_o a_o particular_a crown_n a_o glory_n to_o do_v so_o in_o time_n of_o liberty_n and_o temptation_n for_o man_n to_o embrace_v truth_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o sincerity_n to_o continue_v regular_a good_a christian_n when_o there_o be_v no_o external_a restraint_n to_o make_v they_o so_o much_o as_o good_a hypocrite_n be_v conformity_n upon_o choice_n and_o religious_a principle_n and_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v from_o the_o abstract_a recommend_v excellency_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o have_v no_o by-ends_a to_o serve_v no_o design_n to_o drive_v on_o but_o our_o redemption_n from_o all_o captivity_n the_o increase_v of_o our_o grace_n and_o the_o save_v of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n it_o ii_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o better_a part_n consist_v as_o in_o a_o judicious_a and_o settle_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o its_o know_a rule_n and_o stand_v institution_n the_o truth_n may_v be_v and_o too_o often_o be_v manifest_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n person_n may_v be_v in_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n and_o receive_v no_o more_o honour_n or_o benefit_n by_o it_o than_o pontius_n pilate_n do_v by_o stand_v in_o our_o creed_n they_o may_v be_v place_v there_o to_o their_o eternal_a shame_n and_o condemnation_n our_o happiness_n can_v arise_v from_o our_o relation_n to_o it_o but_o must_v flow_v from_o a_o habitual_a conformity_n with_o its_o law_n and_o public_a appointment_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o slender_a support_n to_o our_o conscience_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o his_o praise_n to_o graven_n image_n if_o our_o life_n be_v spend_v without_o veneration_n for_o his_o law_n and_o gratitude_n for_o his_o benefit_n our_o zeal_n against_o idol_n can_v never_o be_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n we_o may_v be_v so_o far_o orthodox_n as_o to_o own_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o only_a and_o yet_o stand_v condemn_v for_o their_o disuse_n or_o profanation_n the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o be_v leave_v in_o our_o hand_n to_o no_o purpose_n if_o we_o only_o vindicate_v our_o right_n to_o read_v it_o and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o sacrilegious_a detention_n of_o it_o from_o the_o people_n in_o other_o and_o yet_o slight_a it_o ourselves_o or_o seldom_o peruse_v it_o to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n to_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n to_o fortify_v our_o mind_n against_o thrive_a error_n and_o spiritual_a enchantment_n and_o in_o these_o religious_a performance_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o come_v on_o well_o and_o prosper_v without_o great_a application_n of_o mind_n the_o fervour_n of_o piety_n so_o remarkable_a in_o the_o first_o disciple_n have_v this_o next_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o their_o spring_n and_o origine_fw-la those_o height_n be_v owe_v to_o their_o unwearied_a constancy_n to_o their_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o mighty_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o eastern_a christian_n who_o preserve_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o saviour_n within_o the_o dominion_n of_o its_o great_a enemy_n chief_o by_o this_o mean_n by_o rise_v early_o before_o the_o sun_n to_o perform_v their_o public_a devotion_n as_o previous_o
necessary_a to_o their_o enter_v with_o success_n on_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o private_a calling_n nor_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o contemptible_a among_o ourselves_o for_o we_o may_v with_o comfort_n observe_v in_o this_o great_a city_n that_o many_o person_n of_o slow_a capacity_n and_o in_o straight_a circumstance_n by_o a_o careful_a watch_v over_o their_o heart_n and_o way_n by_o a_o entire_a dedication_n of_o themselves_o to_o god_n by_o the_o signal_n advantage_n of_o have_v the_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n together_o with_o a_o habitual_a attendance_n on_o their_o parochial_a ministry_n to_o arrive_v to_o a_o good_a proficiency_n in_o practical_a religion_n and_o by_o painful_a degree_n to_o be_v nurse_v up_o into_o excellent_a christian_n whereas_o other_o of_o far_o quick_a part_n and_o more_o leisure_n want_v probity_n of_o mind_n closeness_n of_o attention_n and_o a_o teachable_a humility_n ramble_v eternal_o from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o but_o without_o receive_v last_a benefit_n in_o any_o man_n of_o desultory_a temper_n grow_v sceptical_a they_o may_v vouchsafe_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n but_o be_v habitual_o please_v with_o nothing_o who_o industrious_o decry_v what_o solomon_n recommend_v as_o the_o only_a sure_a method_n of_o thrive_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n eccles_n 11._o 6._o in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o whether_o shall_v prosper_v either_o this_o or_o that_o or_o whether_o they_o both_o shall_v be_v alike_o good_a but_o the_o high_a zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o holy_a office_n can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a security_n to_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o these_o be_v only_a mean_n of_o christianity_n and_o not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o consider_v therefore_o that_o the_o most_o flame_a sacrifice_n may_v carry_v in_o it_o destructive_a and_o consume_a quality_n and_o that_o some_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v set_v up_o devotion_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o honest_a morality_n pray_v long_o the_o better_a to_o drown_v the_o dismal_a cry_n of_o widow_n and_o orphan_n and_o to_o build_v their_o own_o fortune_n upon_o the_o grave_n of_o their_o oppress_a neighbour_n i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o carry_v the_o matter_n high_o yet_o and_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o third_z the_o finish_n strike_v of_o this_o spiritual_a improvement_n and_o that_o be_v universal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v conceal_v where_o it_o be_v and_o but_o rare_o counterfeit_v where_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v not_o a_o single_a virtue_n but_o all_o unite_a in_o the_o same_o breast_n a_o strong_a combination_n of_o the_o more_o generous_a quality_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o dilate_v themselves_o on_o all_o proper_a occasion_n into_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o conclude_a argument_n of_o s._n john_n by_o which_o he_o demonstrate_v the_o growth_n of_o this_o excellent_a 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light_n and_o find_v want_v the_o whore_n in_o the_o proverb_n have_v pay_v her_o vow_n whereas_o a_o good_a life_n a_o bright_a charitable_a conversation_n be_v like_o the_o pure_a sort_n of_o money_n which_o pass_v free_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o be_v never_o question_v in_o any_o payment_n when_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a testify_v for_o he_o in_o the_o gate_n and_o his_o worth_n be_v attest_v before_o the_o church_n malice_n itself_o be_v strike_v dead_a nay_o the_o public-spirited_a true_o good_a man_n stand_v entitle_v to_o the_o blessing_n of_o demetrius_n in_o this_o epistle_n and_o have_v no_o enemy_n or_o rather_o shall_v have_v none_o but_o satan_n the_o common_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v fair_a argument_n of_o probability_n these_o be_v likely_a sign_n that_o we_o shall_v but_o real_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o diffusive_a beneficence_n be_v certain_a evidence_n of_o our_o have_v by_o god_n help_n already_o prosper_v and_o yet_o he_o that_o advance_v thus_o far_o on_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o make_v a_o full_a stand_v here_o shall_v never_o unless_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a mercy_n arrive_v thither_o for_o christianity_n propose_v not_o fix_v determinate_a degree_n of_o virtue_n beyond_o which_o there_o be_v no_o advance_v the_o spiritual_a stature_n be_v at_o no_o period_n like_o the_o natural_a at_o a_o full_a growth_n but_o always_o grow_v our_o bright_a grace_n be_v still_o capable_a of_o accession_n and_o must_v shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n for_o man_n to_o get_v into_o a_o road_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o many_o be_v more_o unhappy_o engage_v and_o upon_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o live_v after_o the_o old_a customary_a rate_n be_v plain_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o may_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v no_o blemish_n to_o their_o profession_n but_o by_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o it_o they_o ought_v to_o press_v forward_o and_o commence_v encourage_v example_n visible_a pattern_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v a_o station_n both_o of_o safety_n and_o honour_n and_o as_o the_o voyage_n be_v never_o reckon_v prosperous_a till_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v past_a the_o storm_n rid_v out_o and_o the_o vessel_n bring_v safe_a into_o harbour_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o conclude_v ourselves_o free_a from_o temptation_n and_o foul_a relapse_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n our_o felicity_n grow_v on_o this_o side_n but_o be_v there_o only_o in_o maturity_n and_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o full_a scripture-nation_n of_o spiritual_a prosperity_n which_o be_v the_o first_o point_n to_o be_v settle_v according_a to_o the_o propose_a method_n the_o second_o general_n head_n and_o now_o fall_v under_o consideration_n be_v a_o account_n of_o that_o bodily_a and_o external_n welfare_n which_o be_v strong_o root_v in_o our_o common_a nature_n and_o too_o often_o seek_v with_o rave_v importunity_n the_o body_n be_v of_o a_o mean_a original_a be_v incapable_a of_o the_o forementioned_a discipline_n and_o cultivation_n never_o to_o be_v raise_v in_o this_o world_n to_o a_o high_a character_n than_o a_o heap_n of_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o yet_o overlook_v its_o mean_a and_o corruptible_a quality_n many_o bestow_v on_o it_o the_o great_a care_n this_o be_v a_o object_n of_o a_o very_a distinguish_a passion_n and_o no_o mean_n be_v forbear_v no_o cost_n spare_v to_o prop_v up_o and_o adorn_v it_o which_o be_v the_o degenerate_a folly_n the_o reign_a sin_n of_o mankind_n however_o god_n have_v form_v the_o body_n and_o make_v it_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o always_o act_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o it_o we_o have_v it_o plain_o grant_v in_o the_o text_n that_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o be_v a_o real_a philosophic_a good_a and_o the_o object_n of_o a_o christian_a wish_n which_o consist_v main_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o in_o the_o health_n of_o it_o grotius_n in_o his_o comment_n observe_v that_o s._n john_n wish_v corporal_a prosperity_n to_o gaius_n set_v down_o health_n as_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o it_o without_o which_o his_o other_o satisfaction_n have_v be_v of_o little_a worth_n this_o preserve_v the_o organ_n enable_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o taste_n and_o sound_v and_o all_o other_o sensible_a object_n it_o give_v due_a quickness_n and_o agility_n and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o live_v with_o any_o pleasure_n to_o ourselves_o or_o profit_n to_o our_o several_a generation_n the_o want_n of_o health_n cause_v the_o most_o patient_a man_n to_o desire_v strangle_v rather_o than_o life_n a_o blessing_n of_o that_o vast_a use_n and_o consequence_n that_o god_n reserve_v it_o in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o make_v it_o the_o reward_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v
express_o say_v to_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n it_o may_v be_v great_o preserve_v where_o it_o be_v and_o restore_v where_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o human_a remedy_n but_o without_o his_o blessing_n the_o art_n of_o man_n be_v vain_a a_o mere_a empiric_n prescription_n the_o great_a importance_n of_o it_o its_z giving_z a_o true_a relish_n to_o all_o outward_a thing_n make_v it_o the_o common_a form_n of_o salutation_n in_o all_o country_n we_o still_o greet_v our_o friend_n with_o particular_a inquiry_n about_o the_o state_n of_o their_o health_n and_o bid_v they_o adieu_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o hearty_a concern_v for_o it_o but_o this_o be_v our_o unhappiness_n that_o this_o fundamental_a blessing_n do_v not_o make_v we_o always_o grateful_a to_o he_o that_o give_v it_o the_o value_n of_o it_o be_v seldom_o sufficient_o acknowledge_v till_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o smite_v with_o sickness_n for_o this_o reason_n some_o 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and_o not_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n that_o may_v be_v too_o scanty_a and_o straight_o a_o allowance_n for_o a_o person_n advance_v to_o a_o high_a station_n which_o if_o confer_v on_o a_o man_n of_o less_o figure_n will_v oppress_v and_o run_v he_o into_o distraction_n the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o relate_n to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n be_v most_o absure_v and_o superstitious_a who_o will_v tie_v down_o all_o but_o themselves_o to_o mere_a necessary_n and_o talk_v of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o air_n of_o contempt_n as_o if_o a_o earthly_a body_n can_v subsist_v by_o intuition_n and_o the_o slender_a accommodation_n of_o a_o cell_n be_v sufficient_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n but_o such_o speculation_n be_v plain_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o that_o apostle_n who_o preach_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n viz._n not_o whole_o to_o extinguish_v the_o desire_n of_o earthly_a conveniency_n but_o to_o correct_v the_o keenness_n of_o it_o and_o keep_v it_o regular_a who_o have_v make_v the_o pleasant_a garden_n in_o eden_n the_o station_n of_o adam_n at_o first_o be_v so_o far_o kind_a to_o his_o posterity_n as_o to_o make_v their_o bodily_a life_n easy_a and_o delightful_a no_o labour_n be_v assign_v they_o that_o be_v pure_o penal_a their_o great_a toil_n be_v mingle_v with_o sweetness_n and_o by_o proper_a encouragement_n turn_v into_o play_n and_o diversion_n wealth_n be_v make_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o promise_n to_o the_o virtuous_a and_o be_v most_o certain_o a_o blessing_n when_o honest_o acquire_v and_o manage_v with_o wisdom_n so_o as_o to_o cause_v many_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o donor_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v direct_v by_o any_o certain_a rule_n because_o it_o depend_v upon_o lucky_a season_n and_o unforeseen_a accident_n and_o often_o flow_v from_o hide_a spring_n but_o a_o know_v visible_a instrument_n of_o procure_v it_o to_o any_o land_n be_v commerce_n with_o foreign_a nation_n when_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o solomon_n silver_n and_o gold_n be_v plenteous_a as_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n of_o jerusalem_n much_o of_o that_o vast_a treasure_n be_v the_o growth_n of_o other_o country_n it_o be_v bring_v from_o ophir_n by_o the_o navy_n of_o ship_n which_o the_o king_n have_v form_v in_o ezion_n geber_n and_o by_o the_o merchant_n that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sea_n this_o be_v the_o great_a support_n of_o human_a society_n merchandize_v unite_v the_o most_o distant_a nation_n we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n feed_v and_o clothe_v by_o those_o who_o we_o never_o see_v nor_o can_v see_v this_o promote_v industry_n and_o make_v as_o a_o suitable_a compensation_n for_o the_o various_a peril_n and_o difficulty_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o all_o man_n be_v strange_o dazzle_v and_o captivate_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o secular_a wealth_n and_o grandeur_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o entrust_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o always_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o be_v so_o entrust_v riches_n may_v and_o frequent_o do_v flow_v in_o upon_o righteous_a and_o excellent_a man_n in_o great_a abundance_n those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a for_o piety_n in_o their_o several_a age_n have_v be_v so_o for_o their_o wealth_n too_o but_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v no_o absolute_a sign_n of_o wrathful_a dereliction_n and_o that_o we_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o care_n of_o god_n providence_n who_o can_v and_o if_o there_o be_v need_n will_v prepare_v a_o table_n for_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o by_o infinite_a way_n beyond_o the_o ken_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o they_o surprise_v reward_v their_o dependence_n on_o himself_o who_o can_v turn_v penury_n into_o fullness_n and_o bondage_n into_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n to_o expect_v always_o the_o completion_n of_o our_o wish_n and_o to_o sail_v with_o a_o full_a gale_n be_v plain_o to_o mistake_v our_o right_n to_o outward_a thing_n freedom_n from_o evil_n be_v the_o happiness_n of_o glorify_a saint_n above_o earthly_a pilgrim_n can_v only_o depend_v on_o succour_n proportion_v to_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v so_o support_v in_o this_o world_n as_o not_o to_o miss_v of_o the_o durable_a glory_n of_o the_o next_o the_o three_o main_a attribute_n of_o external_n welfare_n be_v peace_n a_o blessing_n necessary_a to_o guard_n and_o secure_v we_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o two_o before_o mention_v under_o which_o term_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o comprehend_v all_o prosperity_n whatsoever_o and_o as_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n draw_v on_o the_o latter_a prophet_n foretell_v the_o undisturbed_a possession_n of_o peace_n as_o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o a_o honour_n reserve_v by_o god_n to_o accompany_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o son_n esay_n 2._o 4._o and_o he_o shall_v judge_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v rebuke_v many_o people_n they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o blow_n share_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-book_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o which_o prophecy_n receive_v no_o literal_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o condition_n of_o christian_a state_n which_o be_v but_o the_o more_o unhappy_o expert_a in_o the_o art_n of_o war_n and_o draw_v their_o own_o blood_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v expound_v to_o be_v praedictio_fw-la consilii_fw-la non_fw-la eventûs_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o christ_n himself_o it_o be_v read_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o a_o after-relation_n for_o as_o he_o make_v his_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o quiet_a hour_n so_o be_v the_o promote_a of_o peace_n the_o whole_a endeavour_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o bequeath_v as_o a_o common_a leagacy_n to_o his_o disciple_n at_o his_o death_n a_o blessing_n of_o that_o high_a and_o public_a nature_n that_o the_o heathen_n look_v upon_o war_n to_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a and_o afflict_a of_o all_o temporal_a evil_n and_o to_o we_o christian_n sure_o who_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o revelation_n stand_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n it_o can_v have_v no_o mild_a appearance_n war_n when_o extort_a from_o a_o nation_n in_o its_o common_a defence_n be_v a_o sore_a judgement_n to_o be_v lament_v and_o not_o glory_v in_o as_o a_o brave_a and_o lofty_a undertake_n victory_n itself_o can_v scarce_o hold_v up_o its_o head_n for_o shame_n when_o represent_v as_o the_o purchase_n of_o christian_a blood_n the_o evil_n of_o it_o be_v too_o much_o feel_v to_o need_v a_o description_n and_o god_n alone_o know_v when_o the_o melodious_a voice_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o
our_o border_n of_o such_o as_o may_v not_o foster_v and_o invite_v new_a injury_n or_o present_v we_o with_o a_o second_o and_o more_o perfect_a edition_n of_o the_o old_a the_o firm_a possession_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v in_o strictness_n compensate_a the_o loss_n of_o it_o eternal_a slavery_n to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v the_o great_a misery_n which_o can_v befall_v any_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o already_o enslave_v so_o that_o to_o ward_v off_o that_o fatal_a blow_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v calm_o undergo_v less_o hardship_n and_o calamity_n slight_a essay_n of_o misery_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o depredation_n ravages_n and_o military_a execution_n of_o those_o country_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o war._n and_o god_n who_o order_v nothing_o in_o vain_a much_o less_o for_o destructive_a end_n do_v certain_o ordain_v the_o suspension_n of_o peace_n itself_o for_o our_o good_n there_o be_v frequent_a interruption_n of_o it_o in_o all_o kingdom_n for_o wise_a purpose_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n be_v often_o shake_v and_o destroy_v when_o the_o government_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v theocratical_a the_o long_a period_n of_o it_o which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n be_v that_o set_v down_o judge_n 3._o 30._o the_o land_n have_v rest_v fourscore_o year_n and_o without_o such_o intermixture_n of_o public_a good_a and_o evil_a peace_n will_v scarce_o be_v think_v a_o blessing_n do_v not_o the_o night_n succeed_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n will_v annoy_v we_o and_o constant_a day_n will_v be_v a_o insupportable_a burden_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o sickness_n and_o poverty_n health_n and_o abundance_n will_v have_v no_o relish_n in_o they_o this_o then_o be_v a_o wise_a method_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o from_o caress_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n the_o mean_a gratification_n of_o sense_n to_o exalt_v we_o to_o a_o more_o christian_a employment_n to_o render_v we_o more_o careful_a in_o the_o improve_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o can_v exceptin_n negative_n be_v desined_a by_o we_o and_o must_v last_v for_o ever_o as_o long_o indeed_o as_o we_o be_v compound_v of_o these_o different_a principle_n the_o animal_n and_o the_o intellectual_a it_o will_v be_v a_o allow_o necessary_a duty_n to_o endeavour_v the_o welfare_n of_o both_o but_o then_o abundant_a care_n be_v to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o that_o our_o attendance_n be_v proportion_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n that_o we_o keep_v the_o worse_a part_n under_o the_o constant_a subjection_n of_o the_o better_a for_o it_o look_v like_o a_o rank_a infidelity_n to_o spend_v six_o day_n in_o the_o week_n in_o provide_v for_o the_o need_v nay_o too_o often_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o one_o and_o to_o grudge_v god_n own_o day_n as_o too_o much_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o other_o both_o indeed_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o 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itself_o be_v the_o more_o prevalent_a with_o god_n because_o present_v by_o a_o supreme_a officer_n of_o his_o son_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o strain_n of_o devotion_n peculiar_a to_o s._n john_n but_o a_o common_a pitch_n equal_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n nay_o visible_o excel_v by_o s._n paul_n rom._n 9_o 3._o when_o he_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n his_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n a_o strange_a expression_n of_o love_n a_o overflow_a charity_n to_o be_v content_n himself_o to_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o sheepfold_n and_o stand_v utter_o excommunicate_v if_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o jew_n may_v come_v in_o and_o be_v save_v and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n no_o unkindness_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o his_o person_n no_o disparagement_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o his_o doctrine_n can_v abate_v his_o zeal_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o when_o constrain_v to_o execute_v the_o severe_a censure_n upon_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a he_o urge_v the_o charity_n of_o the_o end_n to_o justify_v the_o severity_n of_o that_o action_n by_o allege_v that_o the_o flesh_n be_v destroy_v or_o punish_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o than_o be_v our_o pattern_n and_o show_v we_o how_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n we_o be_v send_v out_o as_o so_o many_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n and_o whatever_o be_v the_o reward_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o work_n enough_o our_o labour_n be_v thick_a and_o more_o abundant_a even_o such_o as_o may_v bow_v down_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o cause_v he_o who_o be_v divine_o inspire_v to_o complain_v of_o insufficiency_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o none_o of_o our_o manifold_a labour_n can_v succeed_v well_o and_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n without_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o he_o that_o send_v we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n so_o well_o prepare_v as_o to_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o good_a wheat_n tare_n will_v more_o or_o less_o grow_v up_o with_o it_o and_o unless_o the_o soil_n be_v kind_o season_v our_o endeavour_n be_v lose_v the_o best_a counsel_n must_v perish_v in_o the_o delivery_n without_o attentive_a disposition_n in_o the_o hearer_n who_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v weigh_v rather_o than_o number_v by_o the_o prudent_a messenger_n of_o god_n and_o when_o instead_o of_o grow_v better_a they_o be_v but_o the_o more_o refractory_a and_o contumacious_a sinner_n under_o instruction_n we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cut_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v to_o use_v any_o force_n be_v to_o betray_v and_o abuse_v our_o authority_n we_o do_v preach_v a_o law_n which_o be_v enforce_v upon_o mankind_n with_o the_o high_a penalty_n even_o under_o pain_n of_o have_v their_o soul_n and_o body_n eternal_o torment_v but_o those_o invisible_a terror_n be_v slight_v and_o the_o most_o real_a torment_n declare_v metaphorical_a scandalous_a offender_n may_v indeed_o be_v debar_v communion_n and_o deny_v the_o public_a comfort_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o to_o they_o be_v no_o punishment_n nor_o be_v we_o appoint_v only_o to_o contend_v with_o the_o infidelity_n of_o mankind_n but_o with_o their_o ignorant_a mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la thing_n more_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o often_o equal_o difficult_a to_o be_v remove_v the_o profane_a be_v without_o apology_n because_o they_o outface_v god_n himself_o and_o despise_v his_o threaten_n and_o the_o careless_n be_v never_o to_o be_v excuse_v who_o expect_v virtue_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o their_o soul_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n and_o be_v nourish_v there_o without_o moral_a reflection_n which_o be_v a_o method_n of_o thrive_a as_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a in_o religion_n as_o in_o civil_a business_n and_o yet_o gainful_a opportunity_n and_o good_a market_n must_v be_v narrow_o watch_v to_o drive_v on_o the_o one_o when_o no_o mean_n be_v hold_v necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o other_o and_o among_o those_o who_o subscribe_v to_o the_o use_v of_o mean_n and_o frequent_v the_o sanctuary_n there_o be_v much_o barrenness_n to_o be_v find_v also_o the_o main_a end_n of_o public_a instruction_n be_v often_o defeat_v by_o the_o partiality_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o be_v bias_v and_o bribe_v beforehand_o so_o that_o all_o be_v reject_v or_o swallow_v in_o a_o lump_n without_o the_o solemnity_n of_o chew_v and_o examination_n and_o not_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v recommend_v but_o the_o person_n or_o his_o character_n be_v chief_o regard_v and_o the_o holy_a gospel_n be_v receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v real_o and_o in_o itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o take_v it_o for_o so_o high_a a_o affront_n to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o his_o own_o house_n and_o deny_v so_o much_o as_o a_o partial_a