by_o his_o enemy_n into_o extreme_a danger_n of_o death_n which_o he_o common_o express_v by_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a word_n as_o psal._n xviii_o 4._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o and_o verse_n 5._o the_o sorrow_n of_o hell_n compass_v i_o about_o and_o psal._n cxvi_o 3._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n get_v hold_v upon_o i_o yet_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n amid_o all_o these_o calamity_n he_o rest_v assure_v of_o deliverance_n and_o express_v his_o confidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n my_o flesh_n shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n receive_v and_o on_o all_o hand_n grant_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o david_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o his_o action_n suffering_n and_o deliverance_n prefigure_v the_o office_n the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o and_o particular_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o this_o passage_n be_v much_o more_o evident_o and_o literal_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n than_o in_o david_n he_o indeed_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o enemy_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n yet_o die_v he_o do_v and_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v leave_v in_o hell_n that_o be_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o in_o the_o place_n of_o depart_a soul_n and_o his_o body_n do_v see_v corruption_n have_v be_v bury_v many_o hundred_o year_n but_o as_o for_o christ_n he_o die_v indeed_o yet_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n neither_o do_v his_o body_n see_v corruption_n his_o soul_n be_v present_o reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o even_o during_o the_o separation_n not_o leave_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v join_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v his_o body_n corrupt_v but_o raise_v up_o and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o less_o than_o forty_o hour_n in_o which_o time_n the_o body_n of_o decease_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o the_o second_o interpretation_n christ_n be_v raise_v from_o a_o painful_a death_n to_o a_o opposite_a state_n to_o a_o condition_n of_o glory_n happiness_n power_n and_o immortality_n the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n so_o lively_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n of_o the_o last_o week_n we_o can_v forget_v and_o over_o all_o these_o he_o eminent_o triumph_v in_o his_o resurrection_n upon_o this_o day_n he_o be_v then_o make_v subject_n to_o death_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o set_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o death_n for_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o rom._n vi_o 9_o he_o then_o bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man._n he_o now_o dispense_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n grant_v to_o men._n he_o be_v then_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n appear_v as_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o malefactor_n he_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n raise_v above_o the_o earth_n seat_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n iii_o 22._o the_o word_n explain_v in_o their_o three_o sense_n infer_v the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n effect_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v express_v hebr._n ii_o 14._o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v this_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o life_n contribute_v he_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n he_o confute_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o seduce_v world_n he_o found_v a_o church_n wherein_o open_a enmity_n shall_v be_v profess_v to_o the_o devil_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o death_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o all_o this_o dispensation_n he_o glorious_o finish_v in_o his_o resurrection_n therein_o he_o literal_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a baffle_v the_o opposition_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v vain_o imagine_v that_o by_o procure_v the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n to_o be_v give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o redeemer_n his_o design_n and_o attempt_v promote_v that_o very_a end_n which_o he_o so_o much_o dread_v he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o christ_n shall_v both_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o to_o perfect_v our_o salvation_n that_o he_o be_v for_o a_o while_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o iii_o this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o christ_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n the_o apostle_n found_v the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o the_o determination_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o here_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a just_a or_o convenient_a as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n ix_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n to_o mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o convenient_a in_o this_o sense_n than_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a or_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n because_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n the_o divine_a be_v unite_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v have_v appear_v surprise_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o little_a affection_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o his_o own_o nature_n wherein_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a to_o continue_v in_o hell_n in_o the_o common_a state_n of_o mortality_n or_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o divinity_n shall_v suffer_v that_o nature_n to_o be_v corrupt_v or_o lie_v neglect_v among_o the_o dead_a to_o which_o itself_o continue_v to_o be_v unite_v even_o in_o the_o grave_a this_o we_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v believe_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v oppose_v this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o very_a resurrection_n will_v convince_v their_o error_n for_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n again_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o work_n of_o omnipotence_n that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n alone_o yet_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o jew_n john_n ii_o 19_o destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n as_o the_o evangelist_n subjoin_v and_o again_o john_n x._o 18._o no_o man_n take_v my_o life_n from_o i_o but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o myself_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o our_o lord_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o glorify_v he_o will_v never_o have_v claim_v this_o power_n have_v it_o not_o be_v inherent_a in_o himself_o he_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o power_n reunite_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o body_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o exclusion_n to_o the_o other_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n who_o all_o concur_v therein_o for_o power_n be_v a_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n continue_v undivided_a in_o the_o person_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o the_o father_n be_v say_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n since_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a person_n in_o that_o bless_a trinity_n
holiness_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n yet_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o interest_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o obedience_n this_o obviate_v all_o the_o objection_n even_o of_o worldly_a man_n who_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o it_o can_v never_o true_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n a_o thorough_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v banish_v all_o sinful_a temptation_n and_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a and_o irrational_a of_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o prefer_v a_o present_a trifle_n before_o a_o future_a treasure_n and_o voluntary_o quit_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n to_o retain_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o truth_n hold_v in_o quit_v the_o momentany_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o for_o a_o exchange_n of_o future_a glory_n but_o even_o in_o undergo_a the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o our_o saviour_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n for_o when_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o have_v foretell_v that_o bear_v the_o cross_n shall_v be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o decline_v this_o cross_n and_o save_v his_o life_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o his_o faith_n shall_v thereby_o incur_v a_o much_o great_a punishment_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o system_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v institute_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o enlarge_v or_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n improve_v its_o faculty_n and_o procure_v to_o it_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o its_o desire_n and_o the_o liberality_n of_o its_o creator_n whosoever_o therefore_o serious_o intend_v to_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o gospel_n must_v prepare_v himself_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o not_o decline_v death_n whensoever_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o my_o command_n shall_v require_v that_o trial_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v his_o duty_n but_o secure_a and_o promote_v his_o interest_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v base_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o i_o or_o violate_v my_o command_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o avoid_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o much_o great_a loss_n and_o punishment_n than_o that_o which_o they_o so_o cowardly_o fear_v and_o ungenerous_o decline_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o shall_v willing_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o slight_v all_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o preserve_v their_o obedience_n to_o i_o entire_a and_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o gospel_n shall_v be_v certain_o crown_v with_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v attain_v by_o it_o this_o be_v your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o my_o command_n your_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v quit_v that_o particular_a share_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v thereby_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n but_o even_o if_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n be_v â—â—aped_v upon_o one_o single_a man_n or_o can_v be_v all_o obtain_v by_o denial_n of_o my_o religion_n or_o violation_n of_o my_o law_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v prevaricate_v upon_o such_o mean_a consideration_n will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n when_o he_o cast_v up_o his_o account_n that_o he_o have_v gain_v nothing_o to_o evince_v illustrate_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n ii_o that_o this_o interest_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o soul_n render_v miserable_a by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o head_n may_v be_v comprise_v the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o first_o then_o the_o dignity_n and_o precedence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n by_o wife_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n nay_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v ever_o firm_o believe_v this_o as_o a_o opinion_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o least_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o it_o all_o false_a religion_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n propose_v by_o god_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v it_o be_v this_o only_a which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n which_o liken_n we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v this_o whereby_o we_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a and_o wonderful_a perfection_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a whereby_o we_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n grateful_a to_o our_o creator_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will._n and_o therefore_o prov._n xx._n 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v call_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o by_o that_o only_o we_o receive_v the_o divine_a illumination_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n this_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o soul_n beyond_o the_o body_n may_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v from_o many_o other_o consideration_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o three_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n as_o first_o by_o the_o soul_n alone_o we_o receive_v the_o influence_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n some_o divine_a benefit_n indeed_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o body_n as_o creation_n and_o preservation_n but_o those_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o belong_v equal_o to_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o create_a being_n whereas_o the_o favour_n grant_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v peculiar_a to_o it_o and_o to_o infinite_o great_a value_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o knowledge_n desire_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o improvement_n all_o the_o superadded_a happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v entire_o bestow_v on_o it_o alone_o all_o revelation_n be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o happiness_n to_o who_o it_o be_v little_a inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o rescue_v this_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n into_o this_o as_o into_o a_o capacious_a treasure_n be_v all_o the_o divine_a grace_n convey_v grace_n of_o which_o the_o body_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a than_o a_o stock_n or_o
opinion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a happiness_n himself_o in_o order_n recount_v his_o dignity_n and_o they_o admire_v they_o he_o report_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o they_o extol_v they_o he_o boast_v of_o his_o grandeur_n and_o riches_n and_o they_o proclaim_v he_o happy_a yet_o himself_o who_o best_o know_v what_o happiness_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o declare_v himself_o unhappy_a and_o all_o this_o to_o avail_v he_o nothing_o last_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o haman_n whilst_o yet_o in_o full_a favour_n with_o his_o prince_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v great_a demonstration_n of_o it_o he_o suffer_v no_o apprehension_n of_o lose_v his_o present_a enjoyment_n such_o thought_n indeed_o distract_v a_o worldly_a man_n embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o rest_v content_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o he_o to_o relish_v any_o delight_n while_o afflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n while_o despair_v to_o retain_v his_o present_a happiness_n he_o will_v grow_v pale_a at_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o approach_a storm_n and_o instead_o of_o receive_v any_o complacency_n from_o his_o present_a prosperity_n distract_v his_o thought_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a misery_n in_o such_o circumstance_n a_o epicure_n may_v well_o confess_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a advantage_n of_o his_o life_n profit_v he_o nothing_o while_o he_o suffer_v inward_a distraction_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o fall_n which_o will_v render_v he_o so_o much_o more_o miserable_a by_o how_o much_o it_o deprive_v he_o of_o a_o great_a prosperity_n haman_n at_o this_o time_n have_v no_o such_o fear_n he_o have_v yet_o receive_v no_o repulse_n at_o court_n his_o favour_n daily_o increase_v he_o have_v that_o very_a day_n receive_v eminent_a mark_n of_o his_o prince_n affection_n and_o be_v the_o day_n after_o to_o receive_v yet_o more_o all_o this_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o all_o this_o he_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o speech_n ver._n 12._o for_o he_o say_v moreover_o yea_o esther_n the_o queen_n do_v let_v no_o man_n come_v in_o with_o the_o king_n unto_o the_o banquet_n that_o she_o have_v prepare_v but_o myself_o and_o to_o morrow_n be_o i_o invite_v unto_o she_o also_o with_o the_o king_n far_o from_o fear_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o present_a greatness_n he_o probable_o hope_v the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o if_o then_o haman_n under_o all_o these_o circumstance_n miss_v of_o his_o desire_a end_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o worldly_a enjoyment_n we_o may_v reasonable_o suspect_v some_o defect_n to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o neither_o haman_n can_v nor_o any_o other_o can_v receive_v any_o real_a happiness_n from_o thence_o and_o this_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o in_o some_o few_o consideration_n first_o then_o nothing_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n be_v able_a to_o satiate_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o however_o temporal_a benefit_n may_v at_o a_o distance_n ravish_v the_o imagination_n and_o create_v extraordinary_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o excellency_n yet_o when_o obtain_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v empty_a and_o trifle_a unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o fill_v its_o capacity_n they_o be_v like_o the_o fruit_n of_o sodom_n which_o by_o their_o external_a beauty_n attract_v the_o eye_n but_o when_o touch_v crumble_v into_o ash_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o only_a object_n of_o desire_n man_n frame_v to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v system_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o they_o no_o soon_o do_v they_o become_v object_n of_o fruition_n but_o the_o meanness_n of_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o after_o a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o man_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v not_o that_o he_o desire_v that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o be_v never_o enable_v by_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o to_o say_v i_o be_o now_o complete_o happy_a i_o here_o terminate_v my_o desire_n he_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v his_o desire_n yet_o far_o and_o seek_v true_a felicity_n somewhere_o else_o which_o while_o constant_a to_o his_o principle_n he_o can_v place_v no_o where_o else_o than_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o therefore_o he_o earnest_o pursue_v yet_o never_o attain_v that_o degree_n if_o he_o fix_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o degree_n he_o may_v indeed_o arrive_v at_o that_o but_o when_o arrive_v find_v himself_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o remove_v from_o true_a happiness_n he_o turmoil_v and_o distract_v himself_o experience_v the_o vanity_n of_o former_a project_n invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n until_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o life_n and_o design_n together_o the_o great_a of_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v riches_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o latter_a be_v common_a even_o to_o beast_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o sense_n no_o less_o strong_a and_o lively_a than_o men._n and_o then_o sure_o none_o will_v so_o far_o debase_v his_o nature_n as_o to_o level_v himself_o with_o beast_n by_o propose_v to_o himself_o a_o felicity_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o as_o we_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n god_n intend_v happiness_n to_o each_o part_n that_o he_o put_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a even_o in_o this_o life_n but_o then_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o constitute_v but_o one_o person_n the_o pleasure_n of_o either_o must_v be_v such_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o as_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o body_n by_o impose_v on_o it_o unnecessary_a rigour_n and_o mortification_n so_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debase_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o body_n a_o limit_v use_n of_o pleasure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o body_n but_o then_o that_o very_a limitation_n suppose_v a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n of_o man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o after_o all_o the_o real_a happiness_n of_o such_o limit_a pleasure_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n enjoy_v they_o as_o in_o the_o reflex_n thought_n of_o the_o soul_n form_v to_o its_o self_n a_o act_n of_o complacency_n for_o have_v limit_v they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o unlimited_a use_n of_o these_o pleasure_n instead_o of_o confer_v a_o real_a benefit_n involve_v man_n in_o trouble_n and_o anxiety_n in_o care_n and_o danger_n and_o when_o enjoy_v endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n no_o long_o than_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n continue_v when_o expire_v leave_v only_o a_o weariness_n and_o nauseousness_n behind_o they_o so_o then_o sensual_a pleasure_n conduce_v little_a to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n unless_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o to_o be_v the_o utmost_a happiness_n of_o man_n which_o render_v he_o happy_a but_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o as_o to_o riches_n the_o natural_a use_n of_o they_o be_v subordinate_v to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o can_v bestow_v nothing_o beyond_o they_o if_o any_o imagine_v as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o too_o many_o do_v that_o the_o very_a satisfaction_n of_o possess_v riches_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o bear_v any_o part_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o unmanly_a a_o conception_n as_o nothing_o can_v exceed_v the_o wickedness_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v equal_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a depravation_n of_o nature_n than_o all_o the_o villainy_n of_o sense_n or_o sin_n of_o violence_n and_o if_o no_o punishment_n attend_v it_o hereafter_o will_v rather_o deserve_v our_o scorn_n than_o envy_n the_o acquisition_n of_o riches_n be_v general_o indeed_o at_o least_o indirect_o refer_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o be_v procure_v by_o they_o and_o as_o such_o can_v carry_v the_o happiness_n of_o they_o no_o far_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v which_o we_o before_o consider_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o riches_n that_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o although_o in_o the_o acquire_n of_o they_o they_o general_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o command_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v obtain_v they_o yet_o they_o seldom_o begin_v in_o earnest_a a_o fruition_n of_o they_o ever_o propose_v a_o end_n to_o themselves_o
we_o seek_v for_o true_a happiness_n somewhere_o else_o if_o the_o former_a can_v be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o some_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n and_o when_o find_v out_o to_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o here_o perhaps_o humane_a reason_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v may_v continue_v to_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o after_o a_o tedious_a disquisition_n be_v unable_a to_o discover_v either_o the_o end_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o god_n have_v therefore_o in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n mark_v out_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supreme_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o therein_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n hereafter_o which_o hope_n shall_v then_o be_v turn_v into_o possession_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n by_o these_o we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v fill_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v co-extended_n with_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o but_o never_o weary_v we_o which_o shall_v affect_v all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o no_o cross_n and_o disaster_n which_o will_v never_o expire_v but_o be_v renew_v every_o moment_n which_o no_o adversity_n of_o fortune_n nor_o infirmity_n of_o body_n which_o neither_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v from_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o yourselves_o to_o obtain_v this_o bless_a state_n i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v be_v no_o small_a motive_n to_o you_o you_o all_o desire_n happiness_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o full_o convince_v what_o be_v the_o only_a true_a happiness_n it_o can_v but_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o exert_v all_o its_o faculty_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o after_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o end_n of_o man_n there_o need_v no_o exhortation_n to_o pursue_v it_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o natural_a than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o hunger_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a appetite_n the_o misfortune_n be_v that_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n and_o unruly_a passion_n represent_v and_o amplify_a to_o we_o the_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o secular_a delight_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a these_o passion_n shall_v arise_v we_o permit_v these_o false_a judgement_n to_o be_v form_v we_o be_v please_v at_o first_o with_o the_o delusion_n although_o conscious_a of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o become_v so_o far_o stupefy_v that_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o until_o at_o last_o a_o terrible_a affliction_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n awaken_v the_o soul_n and_o revive_v its_o better_a notion_n what_o those_o dreadful_a remembrancer_n may_v then_o do_v reason_n may_v now_o much_o more_o easy_o and_o more_o certain_o effect_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n to_o consider_v their_o vanity_n and_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n when_o this_o conviction_n be_v thorough_o form_v we_o shall_v be_v even_o necessitate_v to_o look_v upward_o and_o fix_v our_o hope_n in_o heaven_n and_o then_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o labour_n direct_v thither_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o god_n promote_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o crown_v with_o success_n success_n which_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n here_o and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n hereafter_o to_o this_o joy_n may_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23d_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o represent_v he_o to_o man_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o adoration_n the_o latter_a persuade_v man_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o latter_a no_o obligation_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o accurate_a delivery_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o give_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o teach_v with_o certainty_n the_o method_n of_o his_o external_a action_n the_o former_a be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o admit_v no_o variation_n the_o latter_a may_v receive_v improvement_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n and_o lie_v great_a obligation_n on_o he_o under_o one_o dispensation_n than_o under_o another_o so_o much_o of_o both_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o may_v direct_v man_n aright_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o they_o employ_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o convince_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o both_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o mistake_v will_v equal_o defeat_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o nature_n lead_v man_n into_o idolatry_n of_o the_o second_o into_o negligence_n and_o impiety_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a indeed_o to_o mistake_v concern_v the_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o weak_a understanding_n i_o mean_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o serve_v to_o beget_v notion_n of_o religion_n in_o men._n all_o man_n whether_o true_a believer_n or_o idolater_n agree_v in_o this_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v whether_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n omnipresence_n and_o such_o like_a be_v necessary_a perfection_n without_o which_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v subsist_v yet_o mankind_n have_v most_o miserable_o mistake_v in_o this_o plain_a and_o easy_a matter_n have_v deify_v creature_n which_o have_v none_o of_o all_o these_o perfection_n have_v quit_v sometime_o even_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o ofttimes_o corrupt_v it_o and_o these_o mistake_v reveal_v religion_n do_v rectify_v and_o restore_v to_o man_n what_o they_o have_v wilful_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a action_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o mistake_v derive_v his_o knowledge_n from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o form_v such_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o external_a conduct_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o may_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o it_o but_o this_o persuasion_n will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o conviction_n and_o this_o direction_n of_o that_o certainty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o reveal_v religion_n and_o even_o in_o revelation_n admit_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o his_o intend_a benefit_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o revelation_n so_o that_o however_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o worship_v god_n continue_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o reveal_v religion_n they_o be_v both_o improve_v and_o enhance_v and_o also_o secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o how_o great_a that_o danger_n be_v the_o scripture_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n that_o whole_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n and_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v discover_v for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v yet_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o till_o after_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n all_o of_o they_o both_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v eminent_a for_o wisdom_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o one_o of_o they_o approve_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
thy_o mind_n can_v affright_v thou_o from_o perform_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o it_o if_o thou_o dare_v not_o resist_v its_o command_n and_o quiet_o submite_v to_o it_o how_o much_o more_o be_v thou_o oblige_v to_o revere_a the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n where_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v sweet_o join_v together_o where_o no_o limitation_n can_v be_v find_v nothing_o exclude_v from_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o no_o cessation_n to_o be_v expect_v if_o thou_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v this_o power_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o judge_v whether_o omnipotence_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v if_o thou_o appeale_v to_o sense_n view_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n pass_v through_o heaven_n and_o earth_n thou_o shall_v discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o omnipotence_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o pretend_v yet_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o evident_a reflect_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o say_v who_o give_v they_o to_o thou_o consider_v the_o fabric_n of_o thy_o body_n who_o form_v it_o for_o thou_o these_o be_v undeniable_a mark_n of_o thy_o subjection_n to_o a_o almighty_a power_n which_o even_o if_o thou_o do_v deny_v it_o be_v by_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n create_v by_o he_o that_o thou_o can_v deny_v it_o thus_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v whatsoever_o punishment_n he_o please_v on_o his_o disobedient_a creature_n and_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v vain_o imagine_v this_o power_n to_o be_v useless_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o like_o antiquate_a law_n never_o put_v in_o execution_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n be_v excellent_a in_o judgement_n also_o that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o judge_v mank_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o so_o judgement_n do_v almost_o every_o where_o signify_v in_o scripture_n the_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n upon_o delinquent_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o public_a law_n which_o be_v fix_v to_o mankind_n and_o prescribe_v for_o their_o direction_n nothing_o but_o the_o most_o extreme_a stupidity_n can_v defeat_v the_o success_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o divine_a worship_n since_o this_o equal_o affect_v both_o the_o wife_n and_o foolish_a by_o strike_v their_o imagination_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n a_o fear_n which_o will_v affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o no_o other_o argument_n can_v prevail_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n may_v be_v slight_v the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n may_v be_v neglect_v his_o power_n may_v be_v deride_v when_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o sinner_n will_v awaken_v the_o conscience_n and_o affright_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o although_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o as_o in_o natural_a religion_n for_o let_v the_o punishment_n be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o their_o quality_n let_v the_o time_n of_o their_o execution_n be_v hide_v from_o sinner_n yet_o this_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o such_o he_o will_v exercise_v judgement_n and_o that_o as_o his_o power_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o most_o formidable_a judicature_n on_o earth_n so_o his_o punishment_n will_v be_v correspondent_a exceed_v what_o man_n can_v inflict_v and_o herein_o appear_v the_o excellence_n of_o this_o judgement_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n humane_a judicature_n can_v take_v hold_v only_o of_o the_o external_a action_n of_o man_n and_o even_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o offender_n may_v set_v he_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o punishment_n they_o may_v be_v evade_v by_o crafty_a defence_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o great_a power_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o death_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v finish_v by_o it_o but_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o the_o most_o secret_a action_n of_o man_n be_v call_v in_o question_n even_o their_o thought_n can_v escape_v discovery_n the_o judge_n can_v be_v blind_v by_o crafty_a insinuation_n nor_o divert_v from_o his_o resolution_n by_o extraneous_a cause_n nothing_o can_v rescue_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n not_o even_a death_n itself_o his_o dominion_n extend_v beyond_o the_o grave_a reach_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o surmount_v the_o resistance_n of_o all_o create_a being_n if_o then_o fear_n can_v affect_v man_n if_o punishment_n can_v deter_v they_o if_o power_n can_v awe_v they_o if_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o these_o can_v convince_v they_o they_o do_v all_o combine_v to_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o continue_v religion_n in_o mankind_n but_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v slave_n to_o god_n and_o servant_n through_o fear_n only_o he_o dispense_v reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n to_o men._n he_o be_v excellent_a in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n he_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n to_o his_o precept_n not_o because_o any_o reward_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o dispense_n his_o benefit_n and_o then_o his_o justice_n will_v require_v that_o he_o dispense_v they_o to_o the_o most_o worthy_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o powerful_a a_o argument_n interest_n be_v in_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n what_o draw_v attendant_n to_o prince_n or_o servant_n to_o great_a man_n but_o the_o power_n of_o reward_v they_o and_o the_o prospect_n of_o preferment_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o their_o favour_n this_o seldom_o fail_v to_o secure_v to_o they_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v due_a from_o dependent_n honour_n and_o service_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o raise_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v they_o beyond_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o will_v no_o less_o effectual_o secure_v what_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o we_o adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v attain_v be_v far_o great_a such_o as_o the_o donor_n will_v not_o and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o other_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o from_o we_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o time_n nor_o restrain_v by_o any_o limitation_n the_o assurance_n also_o of_o obtain_v they_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o can_v give_v what_o he_o please_v and_o will_v give_v what_o he_o promise_v whereas_o the_o favour_n expect_v from_o man_n may_v be_v defeat_v by_o forgetfulness_n by_o unfaithfulness_n may_v be_v intercept_v by_o other_o may_v become_v impossible_a to_o be_v bestow_v if_o then_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a and_o most_o certain_a reward_n can_v procure_v what_o man_n obtain_v by_o their_o petty_a and_o uncertain_a favour_n fear_v and_o reverence_n we_o must_v deplore_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinate_a perverseness_n of_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n propose_v by_o god_n yield_v to_o those_o propose_v by_o man_n which_o yet_o affect_v the_o same_o passion_n that_o of_o desire_n but_o in_o a_o much_o low_a degree_n last_o to_o secure_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o be_v befit_v his_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n lest_o our_o adoration_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v with_o any_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n entertain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v in_o this_o life_n the_o rule_n and_o method_n whereby_o god_n dispense_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n may_v be_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o he_o may_v suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v afflict_v he_o may_v permit_v the_o wicked_a to_o prosper_v he_o may_v in_o appearance_n cut_v off_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a man_n by_o present_a misery_n and_o encourage_v the_o disobedience_n of_o bad_a man_n by_o temporal_a felicity_n his_o way_n may_v be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o judgement_n past_o find_v out_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v any_o opinion_n of_o injustice_n in_o god_n or_o imperfection_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o government_n although_o the_o secret_n of_o providence_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o that_o be_v such_o he_o will_v not_o afflict_v the_o mysterious_a obscurity_n of_o providence_n herein_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o
presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o a_o peculiar_a unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n dispense_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o any_o one_o or_o indulge_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o such_o be_v the_o presumption_n indeed_o and_o such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a success_n of_o favourite_n on_o earth_n where_o favour_n be_v often_o distribute_v not_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o reason_n of_o who_o favour_n be_v certain_a fixed_z and_o universal_a equal_o distribute_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o none_o who_o shall_v not_o qualify_v himself_o by_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n may_v we_o all_o therefore_o upon_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o impartiality_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o certain_a mean_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o doubt_v to_o obtain_v our_o desire_n the_o assurance_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n give_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o as_o sure_o as_o we_o here_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n so_o sure_o will_v he_o complete_a his_o promise_n to_o we_o of_o happiness_n hereafter_o the_o six_o sermon_n part_n i._o preach_v on_o the_o one_a of_o sept._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o depravity_n of_o nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n that_o aversion_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o readiness_n of_o comply_v with_o unlawful_a suggestion_n which_o all_o discover_v in_o themselves_o all_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n without_o assiduous_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o any_o habit_n of_o piety_n or_o virtue_n can_v be_v form_v that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o struggle_v against_o the_o natural_a desire_n and_o overrule_a the_o propensity_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o negligence_n alone_o or_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n will_v produce_v a_o habit_n of_o vice_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o man_n we_o may_v rather_o hope_v the_o contrary_a since_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o all_o thing_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o their_o end_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o end_n do_v thereby_o become_v unnatural_a yet_o the_o experience_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o it_o have_v put_v man_n in_o all_o age_n upon_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o some_o resolve_v it_o into_o fate_n other_o into_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o body_n some_o into_o the_o malign_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o not_o a_o few_o into_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o all_o these_o conception_n be_v gross_a in_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o matter_n will_v have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v be_v unaccountable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n nor_o do_v all_o revelation_n clear_v this_o doubt_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n little_a light_n be_v add_v to_o it_o it_o be_v christianity_n alone_o which_o full_o manifest_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o unhappiness_n and_o as_o the_o discovery_n of_o disease_n facilitate_v the_o cure_n of_o they_o thereby_o enable_v we_o to_o avoid_v or_o at_o least_o overcome_v the_o contagion_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n manifest_v by_o revelation_n only_o be_v two_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n succeed_v the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o devil_n the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o apply_v fit_a remedy_n to_o they_o yet_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o be_v little_o know_v by_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n and_o frequent_o mistake_v by_o the_o more_o know_a sort_n of_o christian_n i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o latter_a take_v occasion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n of_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o constant_a danger_n whereto_o christian_n be_v expose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o their_o adversary_n walk_v about_o seek_v their_o destruction_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o rage_n and_o force_v wherewith_o he_o assault_v the_o faithful_a denote_v by_o compare_v he_o to_o the_o most_o terrible_a of_o wild_a beast_n when_o enrage_v as_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o from_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v to_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o as_o utter_o deprive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o that_o man_n be_v of_o natural_a life_n who_o be_v devour_v by_o a_o wild_a beast_n for_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o word_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o i._o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n ii_o our_o duty_n ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o first_o then_o although_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o devil_n tempt_v we_o be_v very_o obscure_a as_o be_v all_o the_o action_n of_o immaterial_a being_n and_o although_o it_o become_v we_o not_o to_o determine_v rash_o what_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v yet_o our_o inquiry_n herein_o will_v be_v lawful_a while_o guide_v by_o reason_n and_o useful_a because_o teach_v we_o a_o matter_n which_o do_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v fatal_a to_o we_o and_o convince_a the_o opposition_n of_o unbelieve_a man_n who_o mock_v at_o this_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o evil_a spirit_n for_o although_o '_o the_o common_a and_o constant_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n herein_o produce_v by_o their_o visible_a effect_n do_v render_v it_o high_o probable_a although_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o immaterial_a being_n differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a quality_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o although_o divine_a revelation_n add_v to_o all_o these_o have_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o improve_v and_o urge_v these_o argument_n since_o we_o inquire_v not_o after_o the_o existence_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n it_o will_v however_o be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_a men._n their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o bad_a from_o good_a man_n save_v that_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o angel_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o best_a man_n so_o the_o wickedness_n of_o devil_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n they_o be_v once_o at_o their_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o angel_n endue_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o happiness_n but_o when_o through_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o rebel_v against_o god_n disobey_v his_o command_n forsake_v that_o station_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v they_o and_o aim_v at_o 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be_v quick_a and_o know_a spirit_n they_o can_v not_o but_o immediate_o perceive_v their_o unhappiness_n and_o make_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o indeed_o can_v not_o but_o make_v they_o lament_v their_o folly_n and_o repent_v also_o if_o a_o violent_a sorrow_n only_o for_o past_a miscarriage_n can_v be_v call_v repentance_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o sorrow_n can_v be_v deny_v since_o in_o this_o consist_v their_o torment_n but_o a_o unsuccessful_a sorrow_n a_o sorrow_n without_o submission_n to_o the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o sorrow_n which_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v and_o which_o therefore_o will_v continue_v for_o ever_o heighten_v by_o the_o great_a aggravation_n as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o unspeakable_a and_o which_o be_v more_o irrecoverable_a loss_n not_o to_o be_v end_v by_o death_n nor_o divert_v by_o a_o stupid_a inconsideration_n but_o place_v in_o a_o know_v active_a always_o think_v and_o 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have_v determine_v by_o fix_a and_o certain_a law_n of_o motion_n which_o it_o exceed_v their_o power_n to_o reverse_v or_o change_v but_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o not_o determine_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o any_o certain_a action_n admit_v the_o interposition_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a they_o alleviate_v not_o their_o own_o torment_n nor_o gain_v any_o real_a advantage_n hereby_o yet_o ought_v not_o this_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_v of_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o man_n reap_v no_o real_a profit_n by_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o man_n do_v often_o sin_v and_o that_o false_a satisfaction_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o gratify_v their_o lust_n the_o devil_n obtain_v by_o serve_v their_o revenge_n and_o envy_n so_o then_o that_o the_o devil_n shall_v desire_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o same_o unhappiness_n 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guilty_a of_o such_o a_o absurd_a heresy_n yet_o many_o perhaps_o from_o the_o frequent_a experience_n of_o their_o own_o yield_n to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v so_o far_o corrupt_v in_o judgement_n as_o to_o believe_v they_o irresistible_a or_o at_o least_o plead_v this_o in_o excuse_n of_o their_o impenitence_n to_o such_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o change_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o all_o creature_n and_o among_o they_o devil_n also_o be_v subject_v add_v to_o this_o the_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o resist_v their_o temptation_n which_o will_v have_v be_v vain_a if_o these_o have_v be_v irresistible_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v which_o will_v not_o have_v take_v place_n if_o we_o can_v not_o overcome_v all_o temptation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o daily_o resist_v and_o surmount_v they_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v baffle_v they_o if_o they_o will_v use_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n assist_v with_o that_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o so_o that_o what_o the_o aposte_n say_v of_o some_o man_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 26._o that_o they_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o voluntary_o follow_v his_o suggestion_n which_o also_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n command_v to_o timothy_n in_o the_o precedent_a word_n of_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o second_o error_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o god_n give_v to_o the_o devil_n a_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o tempt_a man_n a_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o even_o modern_a writer_n who_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n obedience_n the_o first_o in_o that_o god_n have_v gracious_o contrive_v this_o impediment_n of_o obedience_n to_o man_n that_o so_o his_o obedience_n may_v become_v the_o more_o meritorious_a and_o the_o latter_a in_o that_o man_n perform_v his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o so_o great_a impediment_n this_o opinion_n although_o receive_v will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o clear_a our_o doubt_n since_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o devil_n exercise_v this_o delegated_a power_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v be_v god_n may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o tempt_v we_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v let_v no_o man_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v say_v that_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o double_a deal_v as_o to_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n tempt_v we_o to_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o to_o allure_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o by_o promise_n by_o threat_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o it_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o evil_a spirit_n employ_v by_o he_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v no_o less_o injustice_n to_o he_o than_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o nay_o too_o blacken_v he_o and_o to_o clear_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o temptation_n for_o if_o the_o devil_n herein_o act_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o god_n they_o act_n
direct_o affect_v not_o his_o mind_n which_o still_o remain_v untouched_a expose_v indeed_o to_o the_o ordinary_a assault_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o assault_v as_o they_o be_v not_o suspend_v by_o god_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o assist_v by_o he_o which_o assault_v how_o they_o be_v affect_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o come_v next_o to_o inquire_v have_v first_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o although_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v or_o explain_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o our_o own_o experience_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o admit_v such_o doubt_n and_o that_o the_o faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n be_v imperceptible_a to_o we_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o although_o it_o be_v so_o near_o relate_v to_o we_o we_o know_v but_o very_o imperfect_o the_o manner_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o her_o action_n the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o tempt_v we_o two_o way_n properly_z and_o improper_o innumerable_a example_n of_o each_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n the_o latter_a be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o first_o apostate_n and_o rebel_n against_o god_n and_o still_o continue_v his_o opposition_n to_o he_o so_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n and_o head_n of_o all_o which_o oppose_v god_n as_o be_v the_o lust_n the_o passion_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o sublunary_a object_n by_o worldly_a pleasure_n whatsoever_o be_v do_v by_o these_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o do_v after_o his_o example_n and_o under_o his_o banner_n since_o his_o fall_n the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n divide_v between_o god_n and_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v do_v by_o his_o influence_n command_n direction_n and_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o be_v bad_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v do_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o imitate_v he_o follow_v his_o conduct_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o government_n for_o thus_o all_o being_n disobedient_a to_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o constitute_v one_o society_n whereof_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o head_n and_o because_o this_o society_n busy_a themselves_o whole_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v delude_v by_o gross_a pleasure_n he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n not_o that_o he_o have_v or_o ever_o have_v the_o disposition_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o the_o disposal_n of_o kingdom_n or_o distribution_n of_o temporal_a conveniency_n or_o inconvenience_n which_o have_v be_v the_o mistake_n of_o some_o such_o power_n never_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o tell_v our_o saviour_n indeed_o in_o tempt_v of_o he_o that_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o but_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o devil_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o tempt_v man_n by_o act_v immediate_o upon_o their_o soul_n by_o suggest_v wicked_a thought_n unto_o they_o by_o instigate_a they_o to_o wickedness_n and_o disobedience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o temptation_n by_o which_o we_o so_o much_o suffer_v which_o we_o so_o much_o fear_n and_o by_o which_o he_o execute_v his_o malice_n and_o hatred_n upon_o mankind_n there_o be_v but_o two_o possible_a way_n by_o which_o this_o can_v easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v perform_v since_o a_o extraordinary_a derivation_n of_o power_n from_o god_n be_v reject_v the_o first_o be_v by_o move_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o produce_v whatsoever_o thought_n and_o idea_n he_o think_v fit_a by_o move_v their_o animal_n spirit_n which_o in_o man_n have_v so_o near_o a_o connexion_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o such_o motion_n in_o they_o will_v infallible_o and_o unavoidable_o produce_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o devil_n as_o they_o be_v most_o sagacious_a spirit_n and_o of_o long_a experience_n may_v have_v observe_v and_o find_v to_o which_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o and_o such_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v annex_v and_o according_o procure_v those_o motion_n as_o often_o as_o they_o desire_v to_o introduce_v such_o thought_n for_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o all_o immaterial_a being_n have_v a_o natural_a power_n of_o move_a matter_n we_o find_v that_o in_o our_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o low_a of_o all_o such_o being_n that_o move_v our_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o our_o whole_a body_n it_o no_o soon_o form_v a_o idea_n but_o the_o spirit_n attend_v the_o formation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v move_v according_a to_o its_o diversity_n there_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n than_o between_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o other_o immaterial_a be_v so_o that_o the_o devil_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o our_o imagination_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o spirit_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o move_v or_o disorder_v our_o whole_a body_n since_o to_o the_o former_a be_v require_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n which_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v any_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o latter_a be_v require_v a_o power_n transcend_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v settle_v and_o preserve_v which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o violate_a by_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n as_o produce_v a_o bare_a idea_n or_o naked_a conception_n of_o any_o thing_n this_o way_n of_o impress_v thought_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v possible_a but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o all_o immaterial_a being_n can_v communicate_v thought_n and_o make_v impression_n on_o each_o other_o without_o this_o it_o not_o be_v imagine_v how_o a_o society_n of_o angel_n or_o devil_n can_v consist_v and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o each_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o if_o one_o man_n can_v immediate_o impress_v a_o thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o be_v here_o inchain_v in_o a_o body_n in_o which_o state_n no_o approach_n can_v be_v make_v to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n nature_n have_v provide_v another_o way_n for_o man_n to_o communicate_v their_o thought_n which_o when_o it_o shall_v cease_v by_o put_v off_o the_o body_n we_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v that_o privilege_n common_a to_o other_o imaterial_a being_n of_o communicate_v our_o thought_n to_o each_o other_o by_o immediate_a influence_n at_o least_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o angel_n and_o devil_n have_v that_o privilege_n because_o they_o have_v form_v society_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v without_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v impress_v any_o thought_n upon_o each_o other_o that_o be_v upon_o being_n of_o equal_a dignity_n they_o be_v sure_o much_o more_o able_a to_o do_v it_o upon_o those_o of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n and_o capacity_n such_o as_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n both_o these_o way_n be_v possible_a but_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o by_o either_o of_o these_o method_n i_o dare_v not_o determine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v concern_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v possible_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o as_o person_n desire_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o article_n of_o christianity_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o christian_n firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v take_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o our_o ability_n to_o resist_v he_o he_o can_v proceed_v indeed_o no_o far_o than_o to_o suggest_v the_o first_o cogitation_n of_o any_o object_n and_o if_o man_n also_o stop_v here_o he_o will_v never_o forfeit_v his_o innocence_n the_o devil_n will_v never_o obtain_v his_o desire_a end_n he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o indeed_o yet_o this_o he_o improve_v to_o great_a advantage_n and_o with_o that_o success_n which_o we_o all_o lament_v he_o know_v the_o constitution_n of_o all_o man_n and_o
by_o god_n consider_v no_o further_a than_o whether_o it_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o sense_n become_v clamorous_a if_o deny_v and_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o root_v out_o while_o we_o carry_v this_o body_n about_o with_o we_o who_o want_n and_o natural_a motion_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o it_o it_o be_v indeed_o absolute_o subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n if_o this_o exert_v its_o self_n vigorous_o and_o maintain_v a_o constant_a guard_n but_o if_o it_o grow_v remiss_a if_o those_o natural_a motion_n either_o by_o negligence_n or_o the_o impression_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v raise_v into_o strong_a passion_n the_o danger_n be_v evident_a sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n and_o if_o not_o repel_v by_o a_o vigorous_a opposition_n will_v force_v its_o entrance_n this_o constant_a rebellion_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n against_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v that_o unhappiness_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o rom._n vii_o i_o see_v another_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n this_o alone_a be_v a_o constant_a temptation_n to_o mankind_n but_o then_o most_o dangerous_a when_o excite_v and_o foment_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o imprint_n in_o the_o imagination_n all_o those_o argument_n which_o can_v enforce_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o render_v they_o plausible_a in_o opposition_n to_o these_o we_o shall_v prepare_v ourselves_o by_o a_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o the_o restrainment_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o obedience_n if_o by_o a_o assiduous_a entertainment_n of_o these_o argument_n in_o our_o thought_n they_o become_v familiar_a and_o as_o it_o be_v habitual_a to_o we_o no_o soon_o shall_v we_o be_v prompt_v to_o sin_n by_o the_o insurrection_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n or_o the_o solicitation_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o the_o contrary_a argument_n will_v present_v themselves_o oppose_v and_o defeat_v the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o that_o this_o sin_n include_v some_o considerable_a pleasure_n the_o mind_n on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v remember_v that_o god_n send_v we_o not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v our_o pleasure_n as_o we_o shall_v think_v most_o convenient_a but_o to_o perform_v those_o immutable_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o bestow_v existence_n on_o we_o that_o this_o propose_a pleasure_n be_v indeed_o mean_a and_o trifle_a deprive_v we_o of_o a_o far_o great_a pleasure_n and_o draw_v eternal_a misery_n upon_o we_o if_o the_o body_n or_o imagination_n now_o affect_v urge_v vehement_o for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o desire_n the_o soul_n will_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o deny_v a_o unnecessary_a gratification_n to_o it_o than_o to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n by_o a_o soolish_a compliance_n with_o it_o if_o secrecy_n and_o security_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v suggest_v reason_n will_v oppose_v the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n will_v dread_v his_o majesty_n and_o fear_v his_o anger_n if_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v plead_v a_o know_a soul_n will_v present_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o every_o wilful_a sin_n be_v mortal_a and_o a_o open_a rebellion_n against_o god_n if_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v object_v reason_n silence_v the_o objection_n and_o appeal_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o argument_n from_o whence_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n it_o have_v receive_v a_o thorough_a conviction_n and_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o argument_n of_o sin_n suggest_v either_o by_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n or_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n if_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v with_o a_o exact_a and_o ready_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n if_o it_o have_v full_o weigh_v they_o thorough_o digest_v they_o and_o firm_o retain_v they_o it_o can_v want_v the_o propose_a end_n the_o defeat_n of_o temptation_n continuance_n of_o innocence_n and_o increase_v of_o piety_n to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n with_o such_o consideration_n will_v indeed_o successful_o baffle_v the_o assault_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o continual_o in_o such_o will_v whole_o prevent_v his_o attempt_n but_o because_o such_o continual_a attention_n to_o spiritual_a meditation_n be_v i_o will_v not_o say_v rare_a but_o impracticable_a in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n of_o life_n instead_o of_o that_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o employ_v their_o soul_n continual_o with_o some_o certain_a thought_n which_o if_o not_o pious_a yet_o at_o least_o may_v be_v innocent_a it_o be_v a_o no_o less_o true_a than_o common_a maxim_n that_o idleness_n lay_v man_n open_a to_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o position_n plain_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o lay_v down_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o devil_n operation_n in_o his_o temptation_n for_o this_o be_v by_o imprint_v the_o first_o thought_n of_o any_o object_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n he_o have_v no_o where_o so_o easy_a a_o entrance_n as_o where_o the_o soul_n lie_v open_a on_o all_o side_n uncultivated_a unemployed_a in_o such_o a_o state_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o any_o impression_n and_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o when_o it_o have_v receive_v they_o will_v scarce_o make_v any_o other_o than_o a_o feeble_a opposition_n to_o the_o plausible_a insinuation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o suppose_v the_o habitation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o desert_n place_n where_o man_n for_o want_n of_o business_n or_o innocent_a society_n wherewith_o to_o entertain_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n lay_v open_a to_o his_o assault_n whereas_o if_o the_o mind_n busy_v itself_o continual_o either_o in_o pious_a meditation_n lawful_a concern_v of_o the_o body_n knowledge_n and_o prosecution_n of_o useful_a art_n and_o science_n in_o a_o chaste_a society_n or_o innocent_a recreation_n the_o imagination_n be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o conception_n of_o those_o object_n wherein_o the_o mind_n be_v employ_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o happy_o preclude_v they_o man_n be_v a_o think_v be_v enjoy_v a_o active_a and_o immaterial_a soul_n which_o as_o such_o must_v necessary_o be_v always_o employ_v in_o some_o cogitation_n or_o other_o if_o then_o man_n will_v take_v no_o care_n to_o direct_v and_o regulate_v their_o thought_n at_o all_o time_n the_o infallible_a effect_n will_v be_v that_o they_o must_v blind_o follow_v either_o the_o fortuitous_a conception_n of_o a_o rove_a imagination_n or_o the_o impression_n of_o external_a object_n or_o the_o secret_a insinuation_n of_o subtle_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o this_o condition_n man_n inconsiderate_o follow_v that_o idea_n which_o first_o strike_v he_o and_o then_o no_o wonder_n the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o this_o favourable_a opportunity_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o imagination_n and_o turn_v it_o to_o his_o own_o destruction_n have_v thus_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o effectual_a method_n of_o resist_v our_o grand_a adversary_n the_o devil_n arise_v from_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o external_a assistance_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n with_o success_n and_o these_o be_v chief_o two_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a spirit_n and_o of_o these_o brief_o in_o their_o order_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v never_o want_v to_o faithful_a christian_n in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n he_o have_v engage_v that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v and_o this_o promise_v he_o observe_v inviolable_o by_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o direct_v our_o thought_n by_o influence_v our_o wi_n not_o that_o all_o the_o aforementioned_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o ability_n of_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v less_o owe_v to_o he_o than_o these_o more_o extraordinary_a emanation_n both_o equal_o proceed_v from_o his_o gift_n both_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o liberality_n but_o the_o former_a be_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n which_o can_v be_v want_v to_o he_o while_o he_o be_v
short_a if_o the_o devil_n bring_v great_a detriment_n to_o the_o spiritual_a interest_n of_o mankind_n the_o angel_n bring_v no_o less_o advantage_n to_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o eligible_a for_o man_n to_o suffer_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a spirit_n or_o to_o want_v they_o both_o together_o only_o the_o same_o caution_n which_o we_o before_o observe_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o procure_v and_o continue_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v also_o require_v here_o that_o we_o render_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o it_o by_o a_o diligent_a concurrence_n and_o that_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o by_o our_o perverseness_n grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o sin_n grieve_v the_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reward_n which_o for_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o care_v bestow_v on_o we_o they_o require_v of_o we_o that_o together_o with_o they_o we_o pay_v a_o due_a obedience_n to_o our_o common_a master_n that_o we_o defeat_v not_o their_o charitable_a design_n by_o our_o own_o wilfulness_n worship_n and_o other_o sign_n of_o divine_a honour_n they_o affect_v not_o nay_o this_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v from_o we_o the_o end_n of_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o procure_v happiness_n to_o man_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o next_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v obey_v their_o great_a master_n be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o success_n in_o it_o their_o only_a aim_n be_v that_o we_o will_v join_v with_o they_o here_o in_o pay_v entire_a obedience_n to_o our_o common_a creator_n that_o so_o we_o may_v join_v with_o they_o hereafter_o in_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o to_o he_o therefore_o be_v ascribe_v the_o glory_n and_o thanks_o of_o all_o their_o charitable_a operation_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n to_o he_o be_v render_v all_o praise_n and_o honour_n who_o at_o first_o create_v such_o excellent_a being_n and_o afterward_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o minister_n to_o our_o salvation_n who_o have_v place_v in_o we_o soul_n not_o unlike_a to_o these_o noble_a being_n and_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o he_o will_v in_o due_a time_n make_v we_o full_o like_a unto_o they_o to_o he_o with_o his_o son_n and_o bless_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o power_n may_v majesty_n dominion_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20_o of_o octob._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n mark_v viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v adapt_v as_o well_o to_o the_o interest_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o consentaneous_a to_o our_o nature_n but_o advantageous_a to_o our_o person_n that_o it_o not_o only_o prescribe_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n but_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n herein_o it_o infinite_o surpass_v even_o all_o the_o more_o refine_a system_n of_o the_o gentile_a divinity_n and_o philosophy_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o refine_v our_o reason_n and_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o they_o can_v produce_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o satiate_v the_o unbounded_a appetite_n of_o the_o will_n and_o create_v a_o real_a happiness_n many_o of_o they_o indeed_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o neither_o hope_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o any_o reward_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n indeed_o have_v a_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o desire_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o rational_a being_n as_o be_v whole_o restrain_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n of_o man_n the_o body_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n communicate_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o our_o nature_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a perfection_n have_v consult_v not_o only_o the_o reason_n but_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n he_o have_v satisfy_v the_o first_o by_o give_v we_o a_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a religion_n not_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o beggarly_a element_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o whole_o immerse_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o agree_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v advance_v our_o interest_n by_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a reward_n far_o surpass_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n our_o most_o wise_a and_o ever_o bless_a lawgiver_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v more_o move_v with_o argument_n of_o profit_n than_o with_o consideration_n of_o duty_n the_o latter_a only_o affect_v our_o understanding_n but_o the_o first_o strike_v our_o sense_n and_o ravish_v our_o will._n he_o may_v as_o well_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n as_o redemption_n have_v enjoin_v to_o we_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o annex_v any_o reward_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o it_o have_v even_o then_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o a_o sufficient_a happiness_n by_o obey_v to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o patriarch_n before_o abraham_n serve_v god_n without_o any_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o reward_n much_o less_o a_o reward_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o value_n as_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o just_o hope_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o then_o that_o favour_n may_v consist_v only_o in_o provide_v they_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o other_o common_a benefit_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v not_o with_o any_o certainty_n be_v extend_v far_a since_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o together_o with_o a_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o require_v our_o obedience_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o obtain_v this_o reward_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n so_o must_v we_o condemn_v our_o own_o extreme_a folly_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v so_o great_a happiness_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n high_o accommodate_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o frequent_o urge_v by_o christ_n who_o begin_v his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n in_o the_o v._o chap._n of_o st._n matthew_n with_o affix_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o great_a and_o more_o arduous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o so_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o may_v willing_o be_v oversee_v by_o we_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o matth._n xiii_o 44._o he_o compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n the_o which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o a_o merchant_n sell_v all_o his_o estate_n to_o buy_v on_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n by_o which_o saleâ—_n and_o by_o the_o joyfulness_n attend_v it_o he_o intimate_v that_o all_o worldly_a consideration_n be_v to_o be_v forgo_v when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n a_o position_n which_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o paradox_n if_o that_o infallible_a mouth_n have_v not_o pronounce_v it_o and_o reason_n do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o prescribe_v to_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o he_o choose_v to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o either_o the_o will_n or_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n can_v be_v incite_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o life_n can_v not_o enforce_v we_o if_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o our_o redeemer_n die_v for_o we_o can_v not_o persuade_v we_o if_o gratitude_n to_o both_o can_v not_o oblige_v we_o if_o neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o
stone_n last_o by_o the_o merit_n or_o gild_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n will_v be_v hereafter_o either_o save_v or_o condemn_v if_o then_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v primary_o bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a receptacle_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a grace_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o it_o if_o all_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o the_o body_n depend_v upon_o the_o well-doing_n of_o the_o soul_n certain_o this_o soul_n deserve_v our_o great_a regard_n and_o consideration_n as_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o by_o imitate_v his_o perfection_n as_o far_o as_o our_o finite_a nature_n will_v permit_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n alone_o which_o distinguish_v one_o man_n from_o another_o and_o make_v any_o person_n more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o childish_a mistake_n of_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o temporal_a greatness_n give_v a_o real_a excellency_n to_o mankind_n or_o confer_v a_o true_a dignity_n upon_o the_o possessor_n of_o they_o since_o all_o these_o outward_a advantage_n be_v common_a to_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o profligate_v of_o man_n who_o as_o they_o be_v most_o miserable_a in_o themselves_o so_o they_o deserve_v no_o other_o than_o the_o slight_a and_o contempt_n of_o all_o who_o know_v they_o not_o to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frail_a and_o momentany_a of_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bereave_v in_o a_o hour_n either_o by_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o fortune_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o but_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o wise_a creator_n shall_v assign_v that_o to_o be_v our_o chief_a perfection_n of_o which_o we_o may_v either_o be_v deprive_v or_o defraud_v and_o that_o our_o happiness_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o another_o man._n in_o that_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o miserable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o become_v happy_a so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a endowment_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o poor_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v and_o when_o obtain_v can_v by_o no_o art_n or_o fraud_n be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o eminent_a perfection_n of_o daniel_n the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n pay_v to_o he_o and_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o he_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v in_o he_o dan._n vi_o 3._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o cause_v he_o to_o surpass_v the_o ordinary_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n not_o that_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a soul_n be_v infuse_v at_o first_o into_o he_o than_o into_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n for_o all_o soul_n be_v create_v equal_a and_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o improvement_n but_o that_o he_o have_v adorn_v it_o with_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o worthy_a the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o esteem_v of_o men._n and_o herein_o clear_o appear_v both_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n that_o all_o these_o improvement_n and_o cultivation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v equal_o possible_a to_o the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a men._n poverty_n and_o temporal_a calamity_n can_v exclude_v we_o from_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o in_o that_o from_o the_o great_a happiness_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n to_o be_v true_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o rich_a neighbour_n and_o to_o ensure_v to_o himself_o the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n although_o not_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n thus_o god_n have_v in_o truth_n make_v a_o equal_a distribution_n to_o all_o man_n by_o assign_v to_o all_o soul_n a_o equal_a capacity_n for_o as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o put_v in_o the_o scale_n with_o piety_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n they_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o consideration_n there_o be_v some_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n indeed_o which_o be_v not_o common_a and_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o all_o man_n as_o learning_n and_o a_o exquisite_a knowledge_n these_o may_v put_v in_o a_o fair_a plea_n for_o a_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o excellency_n as_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o soul_n when_o once_o acquire_v of_o infinite_a use_n in_o this_o life_n and_o perhaps_o great_a in_o the_o next_o but_o then_o there_o be_v disadvantage_n attend_v such_o acquire_v knowledge_n which_o may_v just_o take_v off_o the_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o become_v no_o reasonable_a object_n of_o envy_n to_o a_o pious_a unlearned_a christian._n as_o that_o it_o render_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n infinite_o more_o difficult_a to_o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o expose_v they_o to_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n not_o common_a to_o all_o other_o person_n but_o chief_o because_o more_o and_o great_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o great_a and_o more_o severe_a punishment_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n god_n require_v no_o more_o than_o a_o hearty_a sincerity_n belief_n and_o sure_a trust_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n in_o they_o he_o willing_o over-seeth_a small_a and_o trivial_a fault_n and_o impute_v not_o error_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o influence_n and_o corrupt_v their_o practice_n but_o of_o the_o more_o learned_a sort_n of_o christian_n he_o require_v right_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o worthy_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n employ_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o after_o all_o a_o exact_a observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n punctilio_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o they_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o pardon_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v obtain_v if_o indeed_o at_o last_o they_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n they_o will_v shine_v there_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a station_n and_o bright_a glory_n but_o then_o even_o the_o low_a degree_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o we_o can_v either_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v thus_o all_o the_o true_o desirable_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v possible_a to_o all_o and_o debar_v from_o none_o those_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n a_o active_a zeal_n to_o his_o service_n a_o strict_a sobriety_n in_o ourselves_o and_o a_o fervent_a charity_n to_o all_o our_o neighbour_n how_o far_o these_o will_v advance_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o soul_n appear_v hence_o that_o these_o only_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o uninterrupted_a possession_n of_o these_o which_o make_v angel_n and_o the_o want_n of_o these_o which_o make_v devil_n last_o our_o body_n when_o consider_v alone_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a beyond_o other_o material_a creature_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o improvement_n it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o same_o mass_n of_o matter_n with_o other_o body_n and_o after_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o death_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o same_o corruption_n become_v filth_n and_o rottenness_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o most_o odious_a of_o all_o thing_n nay_o even_o in_o this_o life_n it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o miserable_a condition_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n if_o it_o be_v not_o actuate_v by_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a soul_n which_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o dull_a and_o vile_a matter_n and_o give_v it_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o and_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o so_o far_o be_v this_o body_n from_o receive_v new_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n that_o it_o continual_o decay_v till_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n and_o become_v as_o the_o dung_n of_o the_o earth_n none_o yet_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n can_v give_v beauty_n to_o their_o body_n or_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o add_v one_o cubit_n to_o their_o stature_n none_o with_o the_o great_a art_n and_o industry_n can_v make_v their_o sense_n more_o quick_a and_o accurate_a but_o certain_o not_o any_o can_v procure_v immortality_n to_o their_o body_n a_o privilege_n which_o natural_o belong_v
to_o the_o soul_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o invest_v with_o immortality_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n devest_v of_o these_o gross_a sense_n which_o now_o accompany_v we_o and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o worldly_a and_o admire_a pleasure_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vileness_n of_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o can_v be_v make_v happy_a without_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o any_o real_a worth_n god_n will_v have_v continue_v they_o to_o we_o in_o another_o life_n but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v way_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o humane_a happiness_n by_o the_o abolishment_n of_o all_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o despoil_v the_o body_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n be_v light_a and_o trifle_a incompatible_a with_o real_a happiness_n and_o unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o the_o body_n those_o pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o our_o body_n be_v capable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a so_o much_o to_o admire_v here_o below_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n delight_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n finite_a short_a and_o contemptible_a the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o increase_v their_o worth_n but_o then_o this_o very_a repetition_n become_v nauseous_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v common_o produce_v by_o a_o irregular_a appetite_n but_o always_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o when_o perform_v they_o leave_v no_o satisfaction_n behind_o they_o they_o cloy_v the_o appetite_n and_o by_o their_o frequency_n become_v troublesome_a and_o even_o odious_a to_o we_o be_v finish_v in_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o leave_v nothing_o grateful_a behind_o they_o but_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v end_n with_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o life_n may_v be_v obstruct_v by_o disease_n and_o calamity_n a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n in_o who_o all_o the_o greatness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v join_v he_o preside_v over_o a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a people_n and_o that_o in_o great_a glory_n than_o all_o the_o king_n before_o or_o after_o he_o so_o that_o if_o ambition_n worldly_a honour_n and_o pomp_n can_v make_v he_o happy_a he_o possess_v they_o all_o in_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o fame_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n among_o neighbour_n nation_n can_v increase_v this_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v from_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o east_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o mouth_n if_o riches_n can_v confer_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o desire_a perfection_n none_o can_v put_v in_o a_o better_a claim_n for_o it_o than_o he_o in_o who_o time_n gold_n be_v esteem_v no_o more_o than_o iron_n and_o silver_n as_o stone_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o last_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v complete_a our_o happiness_n none_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o he_o at_o who_o command_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o profound_a and_o uninterrupted_a peace_n all_o his_o life_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v that_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o suppose_a mean_n of_o happiness_n he_o assure_v we_o eccles._n ii_o 10._o that_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o nor_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n nay_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o curiosity_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v nothing_o unattempted_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o know_v madness_n and_o folly_n eccles._n i._n 17._o one_o who_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o can_v by_o his_o exquisite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n heighten_v and_o refine_v these_o pleasure_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o they_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n if_o then_o no_o real_a happiness_n if_o no_o solid_a pleasure_n can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n from_o riches_n and_o the_o outward_a pomp_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v recur_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o happiness_n true_o solid_a and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a none_o but_o a_o vast_a and_o infinite_a good_a can_v satisfy_v the_o unbounded_a desire_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o eternity_n itself_o can_v satiate_v a_o immortal_a be_v for_o however_o our_o soul_n be_v finite_a as_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v yet_o our_o will_n have_v no_o limit_n but_o continual_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o unless_o that_o good_a which_o they_o already_o possess_v can_v receive_v no_o far_o addition_n this_o good_a be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v fix_v our_o restless_a will_n and_o by_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n ravish_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pleasure_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o be_v a_o happiness_n true_o peculiar_a to_o 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the_o cross_n undergo_v persecution_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o even_o suffer_v death_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o who_o love_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n or_o possession_n beyond_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o among_o other_o precept_n command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n of_o nature_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n precept_n all_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v forgo_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n destroy_v rather_o than_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o least_o be_v injure_v our_o
nature_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v it_o that_o it_o will_v infinite_o aggravate_v the_o sharpness_n of_o its_o pain_n for_o its_o immortality_n will_v render_v they_o eternal_a and_o its_o understanding_n will_v heighten_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n sinner_n often_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o miserable_a condition_n and_o fancy_n themselves_o seat_v in_o paradise_n when_o environ_v with_o pleasure_n and_o glut_v with_o enjoyment_n they_o can_v stifle_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o secure_o make_v use_n of_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n but_o in_o hell_n their_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o the_o sharpness_n of_o their_o torment_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o rest_n and_o if_o those_o shall_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o will_v they_o still_o be_v torment_v with_o a_o inward_a fire_n so_o much_o the_o more_o violent_a because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v certain_o convince_v in_o judgement_n that_o they_o act_v against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o reason_n in_o run_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o gross_a and_o trifle_a pleasure_n we_o may_v next_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o chief_o intend_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n against_o which_o christ_n fore-arm_n his_o follower_n by_o inculcate_v this_o necessary_a truth_n of_o prefer_v the_o good_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n for_o this_o foul_a sin_n be_v ever_o commit_v for_o some_o temporal_a end_n be_v too_o odious_a to_o recommend_v itself_o without_o some_o outward_a advantage_n man_n deny_v not_o their_o god_n out_o of_o a_o dislike_n or_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o a_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n prevent_v some_o inconvenience_n or_o gratify_v some_o lusts._n this_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o contagion_n with_o idolatry_n under_o the_o old_a law_n for_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o true_a one_o and_o the_o first_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o latter_a how_o heinous_a god_n account_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v chief_o direct_v against_o this_o sin_n alone_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v employ_v against_o it_o and_o all_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n ever_o inflict_v upon_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o this_o cause_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o record_n leave_v in_o sacred_a history_n of_o any_o pardon_n ever_o grant_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o indeed_o a_o wilful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n dissolve_v the_o very_a union_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o pardon_n such_o a_o person_n open_o by_o his_o 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god_n and_o remove_v from_o ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a all_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o dread_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o future_a torment_n thus_o a_o denial_n of_o god_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o only_o render_v we_o unhappy_a but_o cause_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v yet_o more_o unhappy_a by_o a_o total_a and_o wilful_a stifle_v of_o all_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o god_n in_o which_o alone_a true_a happiness_n consist_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o notorious_a apostasy_n when_o any_o one_o open_o renounce_v his_o religion_n and_o deny_v his_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o case_n in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o often_o happen_v but_o also_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o no_o less_o formal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n than_o that_o beforementioned_a where_o the_o sinner_n put_v in_o the_o scale_n the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o sin_n with_o the_o future_a consequence_n and_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o it_o and_o after_o have_v weigh_v each_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n of_o which_o he_o be_v very_o conscious_a and_o prefer_v the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sin_n this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o no_o less_o true_a apostasy_n than_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o god_n for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whosoever_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a choice_n prefer_v the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v never_o forego_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v first_o then_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o great_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o due_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o render_v our_o soul_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o happy_a as_o we_o possible_o can_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o all_o the_o care_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o provide_v necessary_n or_o rather_o superfluity_n to_o the_o body_n or_o attend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o that_o no_o far_a use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o serve_v as_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o body_n to_o heighten_v its_o enjoyment_n and_o refine_v its_o pleasure_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o a_o more_o noble_a be_v which_o deserve_v our_o care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o the_o loss_n of_o happiness_n may_v not_o god_n just_o say_v to_o mankind_n i_o have_v give_v to_o you_o great_a and_o celestial_a soul_n endue_v with_o wonderful_a perfection_n and_o capable_a of_o much_o great_a when_o right_o cultivate_v your_o body_n i_o form_v from_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o your_o soul_n i_o send_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o one_o i_o permit_v to_o return_v to_o corruption_n but_o the_o other_o i_o have_v invest_v with_o immortality_n how_o just_o may_v i_o expect_v that_o you_o will_v have_v value_v these_o two_o according_a to_o their_o several_a worth_n and_o dignity_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o indeed_o starve_v the_o body_n nor_o tyrannize_v over_o it_o but_o however_o attend_v chief_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o intend_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n which_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o alas_o man_n be_v turn_v back_o and_o grow_v foolish_a employ_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o 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afford_v no_o leisure_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o her_o creator_n the_o necessity_n of_o her_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o form_v these_o meditation_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o that_o real_a happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n when_o join_v in_o one_o again_o second_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n deserve_v our_o great_a care_n much_o more_o do_v the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o consummation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o crown_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o infinite_a preference_n which_o be_v due_a to_o these_o beyond_o those_o of_o our_o body_n for_o can_v it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o act_n as_o though_o we_o have_v neither_o soul_n nor_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o another_o more_o glorious_a and_o last_a state_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o our_o rest_n in_o this_o that_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o judge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v of_o make_v our_o account_n ready_a let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o just_o weigh_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o vanity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o shortness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o this_o frail_a life_n remember_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o inconceivable_a happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o we_o must_v either_o put_v off_o our_o reason_n or_o employ_v it_o in_o pursue_v those_o interest_n which_o do_v so_o great_o and_o so_o near_o concern_v we_o let_v we_o be_v so_o brave_a and_o generous_a as_o not_o to_o think_v that_o we_o die_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v that_o we_o be_v make_v for_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n intend_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o spiritual_a being_n which_o can_v die_v and_o will_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o these_o soul_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o receive_v a_o participation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o will_v certain_o do_v so_o if_o they_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o it_o by_o our_o fatal_a stupidity_n and_o neglect_v and_o that_o in_o provide_v for_o this_o more_o excellent_a part_n of_o we_o we_o secure_v likewise_o a_o mansion_n for_o the_o body_n which_o at_o the_o general_a resurrection_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o station_n and_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v perfect_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o we_o can_v not_o consign_v ourselves_o up_o to_o pursue_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o heap_v up_o riches_n which_o be_v of_o no_o service_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n and_o promote_v not_o our_o real_a happiness_n in_o this_o can_v you_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v all_o this_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n employ_v your_o life_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_a hope_v for_o the_o perfection_n design_v and_o make_v no_o step_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o rather_o let_v we_o endeavour_v with_o our_o utmost_a vigour_n to_o maintain_v that_o degree_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o we_o among_o create_a being_n and_o not_o by_o our_o degeneracy_n become_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n let_v we_o do_v nothing_o unworthy_a that_o noble_a be_v which_o be_v seat_v within_o we_o nor_o clothe_v the_o body_n with_o the_o spoil_n of_o it_o let_v we_o maintain_v the_o dignity_n and_o character_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o a_o severe_a and_o unblemished_a integrity_n and_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o assurance_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v allot_v to_o we_o certain_o in_o worldly_a matter_n we_o willing_o oversee_v lesser_o and_o more_o trivial_a gain_n for_o obtain_v of_o a_o great_a and_o more_o substantial_a profit_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o slight_v the_o impertinent_a gaiety_n and_o vile_a allurement_n of_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o treasure_n which_o fade_v not_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n last_o if_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o preferable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n if_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v of_o small_a account_n when_o oppose_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o if_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a perfection_n of_o mankind_n a_o firm_a constancy_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n although_o attend_v in_o this_o life_n with_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n discouragement_n and_o affliction_n will_v not_o only_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o high_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o the_o conclusion_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 20._o of_o novemb_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o remarkable_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o scope_n to_o which_o his_o whole_a discourse_n be_v therein_o direct_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o pretence_n wherewith_o unreasonable_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o defend_v or_o excuse_v their_o sin_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n arise_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o visible_a experience_n of_o they_o or_o a_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o constant_a miracle_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n alone_o that_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o also_o in_o their_o ancient_a and_o receive_v doctrine_n they_o entertain_v scruple_n because_o not_o confirm_v by_o a_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n which_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o a_o incredulity_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v hereditary_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o renew_v as_o often_o as_o the_o divine_a miracle_n be_v interrupt_v no_o soon_o be_v joshua_n dead_a and_o that_o generation_n which_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o judge_n ii_o but_o the_o next_o generation_n even_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v and_o although_o miracle_n be_v continue_v down_o among_o they_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n yet_o as_o these_o can_v be_v visible_a but_o to_o a_o certain_a number_n they_o produce_v no_o universal_a influence_n affect_v not_o the_o rest_n and_o even_o in_o those_o who_o see_v they_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o wonder_n and_o amusement_n they_o still_o continue_v their_o disbelief_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o they_o see_v not_o yet_o effect_v and_o of_o that_o future_a state_n which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o perceive_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o but_o it_o have_v find_v place_n even_o among_o christian_n also_o many_o of_o who_o have_v even_o renounce_v and_o deny_v their_o faith_n because_o themselves_o can_v not_o see_v those_o miracle_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o found_v other_o become_v irresolute_a and_o remiss_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n unsatisfied_a in_o the_o event_n of_o it_o and_o all_o pretend_v
life_n as_o it_o be_v high_o generous_a so_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o retain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therewith_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o so_o great_a that_o your_o own_o imagination_n will_v amplify_v it_o more_o than_o any_o word_n i_o can_v use_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o choose_a servant_n to_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v of_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o christian_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v incite_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o interval_n of_o piety_n this_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o in_o the_o 3d._a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o suffer_v such_o enormous_a sinner_n whole_o to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o therefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v undergo_v sharp_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n not_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n have_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n or_o that_o temporal_a calamity_n do_v always_o attend_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o as_o in_o a_o general_a persecution_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o precedent_a sin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o particular_a man_n although_o not_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n to_o have_v require_v to_o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o partake_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n so_o neither_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o those_o first_o christian_n be_v before_o their_o conversion_n for_o this_o reason_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o same_o visible_a manner_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o fear_v that_o a_o far_o great_a punishment_n be_v reserve_v to_o we_o hereafter_o if_o by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n we_o prevent_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o this_o precedent_n sinful_a course_n of_o life_n be_v another_o great_a difficulty_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n who_o have_v contract_v before_o their_o conversion_n long_o and_o fix_a habit_n of_o vice_n efface_v by_o disuse_n all_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o honesty_n which_o to_o restore_v can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o application_n if_o to_o these_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o those_o time_n we_o add_v the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v what_o just_a reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v i_o will_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o particular_a duty_n the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n with_o many_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o piety_n which_o we_o experience_n and_o lament_v that_o which_o chief_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o man_n in_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n be_v enure_v to_o follow_v the_o perception_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v easy_o form_v and_o affect_v the_o mind_n without_o any_o precedent_a preparation_n of_o it_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o object_n which_o sense_n present_v to_o he_o without_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n or_o form_v any_o conclusion_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n whereas_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o christianity_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o man_n not_o put_v into_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o they_o they_o can_v obtain_v nor_o yet_o conceive_v they_o without_o a_o regular_a proceed_n of_o judgement_n they_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o dignity_n power_n and_o other_o attribute_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o their_o own_o action_n to_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n the_o certain_a immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o possible_a immortality_n of_o their_o body_n the_o assurance_n of_o both_o from_o he_o who_o can_v perform_v it_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o such_o immortality_n shall_v be_v confer_v to_o receive_v then_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a conduct_n of_o this_o life_n all_o this_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v and_o examine_v before_o any_o conviction_n can_v be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o convince_v there_o want_v a_o second_o series_n of_o thought_n to_o convince_v mankind_n that_o to_o embrace_v this_o truth_n be_v their_o real_a interest_n the_o reward_v propose_v by_o it_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a they_o affect_v not_o the_o sense_n nor_o strike_v the_o imagination_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o measure_v the_o fruition_n of_o all_o pleasure_n he_o relish_v but_o little_a the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o scarce_o know_v wherein_o they_o consist_v and_o that_o which_o draw_v near_a to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o conception_n and_o meditation_n of_o intellectual_a object_n he_o find_v himself_o soon_o weary_a of_o it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o when_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v overcome_v here_o be_v still_o require_v another_o train_n of_o thought_n to_o fix_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n notwithstanding_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v till_o another_o life_n if_o then_o so_o much_o consideration_n be_v require_v to_o render_v the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n effectual_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o hardly_o conceive_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o present_a fruition_n and_o so_o little_a grateful_a to_o those_o organ_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o fruition_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v foresee_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n for_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n allow_v their_o soul_n to_o entertain_v any_o conception_n beyond_o what_o sense_n administer_v to_o they_o how_o few_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o immaterial_a being_n or_o spiritual_a interest_n not_o that_o any_o extraordinary_a strength_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v to_o form_v such_o thought_n and_o conviction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o frequent_o urge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v retain_v such_o thought_n improve_v they_o and_o act_n upon_o they_o but_o even_o this_o be_v irksome_a to_o his_o deprave_a nature_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v his_o body_n his_o soul_n he_o little_o know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o the_o noble_a pleasure_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o one_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o other_o he_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o disadvantage_n betray_v he_o either_o to_o neglect_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o to_o prefer_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n before_o they_o unless_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o diligent_a attention_n he_o have_v form_v a_o full_a conviction_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o value_n of_o they_o that_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o follow_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o even_o the_o reversion_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n another_o difficulty_n alike_o common_a to_o all_o be_v the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v that_o it_o include_v every_o action_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o any_o one_o part_n destroy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o exercise_v this_o or_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n unless_o the_o whole_a life_n be_v uniform_a and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o put_v a_o christian_a
death_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o herod_n seek_v the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o reprehend_v his_o incestuous_a marriage_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o as_o revenge_n can_v never_o be_v form_v in_o the_o mind_n without_o precedent_a malice_n and_o subsequent_a envy_n of_o the_o other_o out-living_a although_o but_o for_o one_o moment_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o revenge_n so_o neither_o can_v malice_n or_o envy_n take_v place_n without_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n and_o then_o as_o in_o all_o other_o sin_n so_o in_o this_o also_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o precedent_a approbation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o will_n and_o become_v not_o the_o less_o because_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o as_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v propose_v to_o the_o will_n under_o some_o specious_a pretence_n so_o revenge_n assume_v the_o show_n of_o justice_n and_o therein_o chief_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n which_o we_o before_o mention_v of_o encroach_a upon_o the_o prerogative_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o plausible_a plea_n to_o pretend_v that_o justice_n must_v be_v strict_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v the_o least_o injury_n of_o man_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o expiate_v the_o gild_n of_o their_o injury_n by_o a_o proportionable_a punishment_n that_o otherwise_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v maintain_v and_o good_a man_n will_v be_v always_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v and_o oppression_n of_o other_o upon_o this_o ground_n and_o with_o these_o pretence_n man_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o a_o supreme_a judge_n they_o will_v needs_o determine_v the_o quantity_n of_o every_o man_n demerit_n and_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o it_o this_o arrogance_n be_v visible_a in_o every_o act_n of_o revenge_n where_o the_o person_n revenge_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o punish_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o offender_n not_o only_o to_o secure_v his_o own_o safety_n for_o while_o it_o proceed_v no_o far_o it_o be_v not_o revenge_n but_o also_o to_o procure_v such_o a_o punishment_n to_o the_o other_o as_o may_v compensate_a for_o the_o flagitiousness_n of_o the_o injury_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o herein_o chief_o consist_v the_o offence_n of_o a_o revengeful_a mind_n against_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o offence_n against_o our_o neighbour_n i_o do_v not_o now_o consider_v it_o this_o constitute_v the_o gild_n of_o it_o that_o it_o invade_v the_o office_n of_o the_o supreme_a judge_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o upon_o this_o be_v found_v the_o reason_n bring_v against_o revenge_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n await_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o all_o sinner_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n god_n take_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n from_o man_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o i_o will_v consider_v both_o together_o for_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n to_o man_n affix_v it_o to_o god_n and_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o man_n because_o it_o belong_v sole_o to_o god_n to_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o the_o demerit_n of_o every_o sinful_a action_n to_o determine_v the_o quantity_n of_o the_o gild_n and_o affix_v a_o proper_a punishment_n to_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n which_o office_n be_v invest_v in_o god_n as_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n live_v and_o the_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o he_o have_v form_v he_o quit_v not_o to_o the_o blind_a operation_n of_o chance_n nor_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a spirit_n nor_o yet_o to_o the_o unruly_a will_n of_o man_n but_o retain_v the_o government_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n gen._n xviii_o 25._o one_o part_n of_o this_o office_n of_o judge_n be_v to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o vengeance_n more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o nine_o psalm_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o just_a sentence_n upon_o sinner_n be_v term_v revenge_n and_o sinner_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v call_v his_o adversary_n as_o deut._n xxxii_o 43._o he_o will_v render_v vengeance_n to_o his_o adversary_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o claim_v that_o office_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o recompense_v in_o due_a manner_n the_o gild_n of_o every_o injurious_a act_n and_o all_o sin_n be_v such_o to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o full_a right_o to_o judge_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n his_o justice_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o escape_v unpunished_a he_o be_v merciful_a and_o far_o from_o punish_v offence_n beyond_o their_o merit_n chastise_v sinner_n less_o than_o they_o deserve_v he_o search_v the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v by_o false_a representation_n nor_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n he_o know_v exact_o the_o true_a demerit_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o can_v uner_o proportion_n the_o punishment_n to_o the_o crime_n he_o have_v promise_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o by_o a_o positive_a precept_n have_v take_v revenge_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o men._n if_o after_o all_o this_o man_n will_v presume_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n and_o pretend_v to_o punish_v the_o pravity_n of_o any_o action_n they_o manifest_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o god_n and_o place_n themselves_o in_o his_o seat_n of_o judicature_n a_o attempt_n which_o he_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o pardon_v who_o as_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o indeed_o can_v such_o revenge_n be_v execute_v without_o pretend_v to_o that_o supreme_a power_n which_o be_v invest_v in_o god_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o therein_o to_o renounce_v his_o government_n who_o have_v command_v the_o contrary_a to_o pass_v by_o that_o to_o revenge_v a_o injury_n must_v suppose_v a_o absolute_a subjection_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o the_o revenge_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v for_o after_o every_o man_n have_v use_v the_o privilege_n of_o self-defence_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o he_o have_v no_o more_o right_o leave_v of_o act_v any_o against_o he_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o injurious_a malice_n belong_v not_o to_o he_o unless_o the_o absolute_a subjection_n of_o the_o other_o give_v he_o just_a title_n to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o other_o for_o that_o do_v often_o happen_v but_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o secret_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v also_o belong_v to_o he_o who_o judge_v of_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o fact_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v how_o much_o or_o how_o little_a malice_n the_o injury_n include_v in_o it_o whereas_o in_o this_o respect_n no_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o we_o be_v all_o equal_o fellow-servant_n to_o god_n and_o then_o the_o expostulation_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v take_v place_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o assume_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o master_n and_o this_o be_v certain_o do_v as_o often_o as_o revenge_n be_v intend_v or_o effect_v but_o not_o only_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v we_o injurious_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v all_o fellow-creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n if_o we_o take_v revenge_n and_o in_o that_o make_v ourselves_o judge_n of_o such_o our_o fellow-servant_n but_o in_o that_o while_o we_o all_o equal_o hope_v for_o pardon_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n our_o common_a judge_n we_o deny_v it_o to_o one_o another_o and_o presume_v to_o require_v that_o from_o god_n which_o we_o will_v not_o grant_v ourselves_o if_o in_o plead_v for_o revenge_n we_o allege_v that_o
least_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v have_v take_v from_o they_o that_o common_a pretence_n before_o mention_v of_o zeal_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o justice_n lest_o if_o revenge_n shall_v not_o be_v inflict_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o therefore_o god_n have_v full_o provide_v for_o who_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o fall_v so_o far_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o justice_n as_o to_o permit_v any_o sin_n to_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o he_o neither_o expiate_v by_o repentance_n nor_o attend_v with_o punishment_n and_o have_v moreover_o oblige_v himself_o by_o promise_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n offer_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o that_o as_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v do_v although_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o luk._n xviii_o 25._o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o his_o punishment_n shall_v always_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o unjust_a aggressor_n in_o this_o life_n nor_o have_v he_o promise_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o place_n in_o deuteronomy_n refer_v to_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o to_o i_o belong_v vengeance_n or_o recompense_n in_o time_n or_o to_o be_v execute_v in_o due_a time_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o his_o punishment_n shall_v always_o immediate_o follow_v the_o commission_n of_o every_o crime_n or_o injury_n unless_o we_o desire_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n dispeople_v and_o become_v a_o theatre_n of_o dreadful_a tragedy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o have_v ordinary_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o more_o disquiet_v injury_n of_o unjust_a man_n by_o the_o commission_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o revenge_v they_o in_o his_o stead_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o entrust_v office_n we_o be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o single_o to_o deserve_v a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o providence_n in_o behalf_n of_o we_o if_o we_o desire_v this_o revenge_n shall_v be_v extend_v yet_o far_o and_o shall_v punish_v in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o our_o sake_n even_o the_o gild_n of_o injury_n offer_v to_o we_o we_o manifest_v a_o inhuman_a disposition_n of_o mind_n delight_v in_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o men._n god_n have_v promise_v indeed_o as_o a_o benefit_n to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n that_o he_o will_v revenge_v the_o injury_n offer_v to_o they_o but_o if_o this_o revenge_n be_v take_v in_o this_o life_n the_o benefit_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n arise_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o enemy_n but_o either_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o temporal_a peace_n secure_v thereby_o or_o in_o the_o persuasion_n which_o good_a man_n may_v thence_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n if_o the_o revenge_n be_v take_v in_o another_o life_n the_o benefit_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o latter_a for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n now_o in_o heaven_n who_o be_v injure_v by_o bad_a man_n when_o alive_a to_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a because_o they_o be_v once_o their_o enemy_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o enhance_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o such_o unworthy_a consideration_n complacency_n in_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o revenge_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v find_v no_o place_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o may_v find_v no_o place_n on_o barth_n may_v this_o discourse_n conduce_v the_o fourteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o easter-day_n 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n xi_o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o how_o glorious_a the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v how_o undeniable_a at_o that_o time_n how_o powerful_a a_o assurance_n of_o all_o his_o precedent_n promise_v and_o revelation_n what_o effect_v it_o have_v both_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o his_o crucifier_n how_o effectual_o it_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o divinity_n both_o of_o his_o mission_n and_o his_o person_n as_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o their_o action_n immediate_o subsequent_a to_o it_o do_v demonstrate_v so_o this_o declaration_n make_v by_o they_o in_o the_o text_n do_v evince_v they_o who_o before_o have_v flee_v upon_o his_o apprehension_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o hope_n at_o his_o crucifixion_n have_v either_o deny_v or_o forsake_v he_o who_o begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o give_v up_o all_o for_o lose_v resume_v their_o courage_n and_o their_o faith_n at_o the_o news_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o now_o see_v that_o salvation_n wrought_v which_o before_o they_o have_v even_o cease_v to_o hope_n for_o the_o most_o incredulous_a of_o they_o can_v now_o say_v to_o he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n nor_o do_v they_o henceforward_o admit_v any_o doubt_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n of_o which_o they_o have_v herein_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n they_o fear_v not_o to_o profess_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o open_o to_o arraign_v the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a a_o innocent_a person_n and_o he_o no_o other_o than_o their_o own_o messiah_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n to_o denounce_v to_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o destruction_n without_o belief_n in_o he_o not_o only_o to_o testify_v his_o resurrection_n in_o that_o great_a concourse_n of_o the_o jew_n meet_v together_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o also_o to_o declare_v it_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v rise_v again_o as_o in_o these_o word_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o which_o present_v we_o with_o i._o the_o affirmation_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o ii_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n iii_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a etc._n etc._n 1._o the_o word_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n a_o truth_n both_o well_o know_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v then_o relate_v it_o and_o attest_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n verse_n 3._o so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v only_o hear_v it_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o proof_n both_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o amplify_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o mystery_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o which_o this_o day_n be_v sacred_a in_o relate_v then_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o holy_a penman_n have_v be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o manifest_v that_o he_o be_v real_o dead_a after_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o as_o true_o alive_a again_o after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o this_o be_v know_v to_o his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o disciple_n and_o attest_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o the_o point_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_o prove_v and_o none_o remain_v liable_a to_o the_o least_o exception_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v require_v that_o assurance_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o his_o have_v be_v real_o dead_a a_o article_n which_o be_v full_o express_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o common_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n wherein_o we_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o bury_v and_o to_o have_v descend_v into_o hell_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v true_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n the_o place_n be_v therein_o assign_v wherein_o each_o be_v contain_v from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o burial_n to_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n his_o body_n remain_v in_o the_o grave_a his_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o other_o separate_a soul_n in_o hell_n whether_o we_o understand_v thereby_o either_o the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o depart_a soul_n or_o the_o place_n of_o damn_a soul_n i_o will_v not_o now_o engage_v in_o that_o controversy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o either_o opinion_n place_v his_o soul_n in_o that_o interval_n of_o time_n among_o other_o soul_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o christ_n be_v thus_o true_o separate_v appear_v from_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o
his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n the_o soldier_n send_v to_o break_v his_o leg_n while_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o they_o may_v hasten_v his_o death_n who_o they_o suppose_v not_o yet_o to_o have_v expire_v find_v he_o already_o dead_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o the_o devout_a woman_n which_o follow_v he_o take_v he_o down_o from_o the_o cross_n lay_v he_o in_o his_o grave_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v then_o dead_a his_o disciple_n who_o if_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v offer_v will_v not_o easy_o believe_v he_o dead_a from_o who_o they_o then_o expect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o at_o his_o first_o appear_v to_o they_o they_o be_v affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n to_o these_o proof_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v add_v to_o evince_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o death_n a_o evidence_n which_o be_v want_v to_o all_o the_o relation_n of_o man_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o allege_v from_o plato_n the_o story_n of_o eris_n lie_v for_o many_o day_n among_o the_o dead_a body_n and_o after_o that_o recover_a life_n again_o and_o pretend_v that_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o they_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o certain_a person_n to_o life_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o relate_v by_o any_o for_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o fact_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o case_n the_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o person_n be_v true_o dead_a nor_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v it_o less_o evident_a that_o christ_n be_v true_o alive_a invest_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o real_a body_n meet_v in_o he_o he_o be_v see_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o judge_v it_o 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scripture_n call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n i._n 10._o far_o as_o the_o particular_a day_n of_o the_o weekly_a festival_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v determine_v by_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o the_o seven_o day_n so_o the_o far_o great_a of_o their_o annual_a solemnity_n be_v institute_v in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o deliverance_n effect_v in_o the_o first_o month_n of_o the_o year_n this_o god_n do_v institute_v by_o a_o special_a command_n which_o be_v at_o large_a repeat_v to_o you_o in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o this_o day_n and_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o with_o so_o great_a rigour_n that_o he_o declare_v that_o soul_n which_o do_v not_o keep_v this_o annual_a feast_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o israel_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v require_v such_o eminent_a external_a testimony_n
to_o learn_v how_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o be_v excite_v to_o it_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o your_o meeting_n in_o this_o holy_a place_n be_v that_o you_o may_v worship_n god_n herein_o but_o how_o can_v you_o be_v say_v to_o worship_v he_o who_o place_n yourselves_o in_o no_o posture_n of_o worship_n who_o express_v no_o concern_v at_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n join_v not_o in_o they_o nor_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o they_o can_v you_o real_o believe_v stand_v or_o sit_v to_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n or_o will_v you_o not_o confess_v kneel_v to_o be_v real_o the_o most_o humble_a posture_n and_o if_o so_o sure_o the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v to_o be_v approach_v in_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o devout_a manner_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o correct_v a_o ill_a custom_n study_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o complete_a service_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n to_o attend_v diligent_o to_o they_o to_o join_v devout_o in_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n both_o with_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o both_o be_v create_v by_o he_o so_o shall_v you_o true_o worship_n god_n so_o shall_v you_o entitle_v yourselves_o to_o all_o those_o glorious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n obtain_v your_o desire_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n the_o sixteen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o treat_v large_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v and_o urge_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n from_o these_o two_o consideration_n especial_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n make_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o lay_v open_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n can_v not_o engage_v yet_o at_o least_o that_o of_o interest_n may_v persuade_v i_o than_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n have_v first_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o that_o especial_o and_o therein_o manifest_v how_o much_o great_a the_o obligation_n be_v to_o public_a prayer_n how_o more_o expressive_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n what_o great_a advantage_n it_o bring_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n and_o what_o more_o noble_a promise_n be_v annex_v to_o it_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n every_o where_o ii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n teach_v to_o be_v every_o where_o that_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o but_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o any_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v herein_o he_o distinguish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o the_o more_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n nay_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o himself_o be_v affix_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n where_o the_o priest_n daily_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o perform_v the_o other_o office_n of_o legal_a worship_n and_o adult_v male_n among_o the_o jew_n thrice_o every_o year_n give_v their_o attendance_n this_o be_v both_o easy_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a dimension_n of_o their_o country_n and_o also_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o relapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v in_o that_o stiff-necked_a people_n have_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v permit_v to_o they_o in_o many_o separate_a place_n where_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o the_o immediate_a oversight_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v actual_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n whensoever_o quit_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o begin_v to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n to_o this_o temple_n therefore_o after_o the_o full_a settlement_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o promise_a land_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o affix_v out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n nor_o be_v any_o expiation_n of_o sin_n provide_v to_o it_o many_o glorious_a promise_n be_v appropriate_v as_o that_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n offer_v up_o in_o it_o and_o be_v gracious_a to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o be_v propagate_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n the_o observation_n of_o this_o institution_n become_v both_o impossible_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o be_v therefore_o abolish_v by_o god_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o be_v thenceforward_o command_v to_o be_v alike_o celebrate_v in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o church_n his_o presence_n be_v not_o confine_v nor_o his_o promise_n annex_v to_o one_o place_n he_o be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n and_o receive_v their_o petition_n with_o equal_a favour_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v the_o christian_a from_o the_o jewish_a worship_n direct_v public_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o as_o he_o have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o upon_o another_o respect_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o command_v that_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n whereas_o the_o jew_n never_o pray_v for_o any_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o communion_n this_o enlargement_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n can_v not_o indeed_o but_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v be_v now_o appropriate_v for_o near_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o from_o all_o age_n determine_v to_o enlarge_v his_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o gather_v into_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v both_o by_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a fact_n provide_v abundant_a reason_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o himself_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v extend_v into_o the_o whole_a earth_n thus_o zeph._n ii_o 11._o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o when_o god_n shall_v found_v the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o every_o one_o from_o his_o place_n even_o all_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o in_o mal._n i._n 11._o for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o prophecy_n do_v clear_o instruct_v the_o jew_n that_o when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o shall_v be_v worship_v alike_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o even_o those_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v then_o offer_v up_o from_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o although_o in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v appear_v strange_a unto_o the_o jew_n who_o mind_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o
they_o for_o however_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n be_v require_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o more_o essential_a condition_n of_o prayer_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o require_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n whereof_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n be_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n large_o treat_v of_o this_o worship_n can_v be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n unless_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o certain_a place_n and_o time_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o if_o the_o place_n of_o it_o be_v not_o fix_v no_o public_a worship_n can_v well_o consist_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o command_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o have_v not_o therein_o teach_v that_o all_o place_n be_v equal_o fit_v in_o which_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o singularity_n of_o one_o place_n and_o the_o appropriation_n of_o all_o public_a worship_n to_o that_o alone_a but_o continue_v the_o necessity_n of_o fix_v some_o certain_a place_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o believe_a world_n for_o that_o purpose_n not_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o man_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o place_n dedicate_v to_o religious_a uses_n or_o in_o a_o place_n make_v common_a to_o all_o the_o ordinary_a uses_n of_o life_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v take_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v mere_o ceremonial_a in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o retain_v all_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o the_o consecration_n of_o certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o appropriate_v they_o to_o that_o use_n alone_o be_v such_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o manifest_v since_o there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o who_o decry_v all_o difference_n between_o sacred_a and_o profane_a place_n first_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n those_o attribute_n be_v eternal_a in_o he_o and_o evident_o appear_v in_o that_o most_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o himself_o have_v fix_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v contrive_v with_o the_o most_o exact_a symmetry_n dispose_v in_o a_o most_o beautiful_a order_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o worship_n which_o man_n pay_v to_o god_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o attrribute_n chief_o appear_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o reason_n that_o man_n shall_v direct_v his_o worship_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o if_o then_o in_o the_o visible_a operation_n of_o god_n such_o a_o decent_a order_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o the_o same_o order_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v maintain_v otherwise_o no_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v no_o homage_n pay_v to_o that_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o we_o see_v and_o admire_v in_o the_o creation_n god_n have_v not_o only_o form_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o also_o add_v infinite_a variety_n of_o light_n mineral_n plant_n and_o animal_n for_o his_o delight_n and_o for_o the_o ornament_n of_o life_n since_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o divine_a perfection_n manifest_v by_o their_o operation_n this_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o only_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o ceremony_n and_o many_o circumstance_n to_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n but_o also_o make_v it_o to_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o to_o accuse_v such_o addition_n and_o external_a ceremony_n of_o superstition_n be_v no_o less_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v add_v to_o the_o creation_n many_o thing_n not_o necessary_a yet_o ornamental_a to_o it_o how_o incongruous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o a_o irregular_a and_o slovenly_a manner_n how_o improper_a a_o return_n for_o the_o additional_a yet_o unnecessary_a convenience_n of_o humane_a life_n to_o adore_v the_o author_n of_o they_o without_o any_o order_n or_o external_a decency_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o induce_v man_n before_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o set_v they_o apart_o for_o that_o use_n only_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n be_v few_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n yet_o therein_o we_o find_v evident_a footstep_n of_o such_o dedication_n more_o particular_o in_o gen._n xxviii_o 16._o where_o jacob_n enjoy_v a_o vision_n at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n immediate_o conclude_v that_o the_o place_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o he_o say_v sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n which_o reflection_n of_o jacob_n prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o patriarch_n to_o dedicate_v certain_a place_n to_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v be_v their_o belief_n that_o in_o those_o place_n god_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a present_a and_o to_o manifest_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o of_o a_o place_n of_o worship_n he_o immediate_o address_v himself_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o dedicate_a certain_a place_n to_o this_o use_n be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n alone_o but_o of_o all_o age_n and_o man_n profess_v any_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a which_o general_a practice_n and_o persuasion_n be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n allow_v to_o be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o where_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o as_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n of_o life_n and_o all_o the_o conveniency_n of_o it_o so_o he_o require_v as_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a act_n of_o adoration_n that_o some_o part_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o himself_o as_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o dominion_n over_o the_o whole_a thus_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n pay_v homage_n to_o he_o in_o the_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o body_n in_o the_o concomitant_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o the_o external_a gesture_n of_o adoration_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v our_o good_n and_o wealth_n from_o he_o by_o offer_v up_o some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o to_o be_v employ_v as_o he_o shall_v direct_v which_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n consist_v chief_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o act_n of_o charity_n we_o confess_v he_o the_o author_n of_o life_n by_o dedicate_a certain_a time_n of_o it_o to_o his_o service_n and_o we_o confess_v he_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n by_o appropriate_v and_o submit_v some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o his_o immediate_a service_n by_o this_o his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v eminent_o acknowledge_v and_o the_o vassalage_n of_o man_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v declare_v further_o the_o erection_n and_o dedication_n of_o church_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v both_o useful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o proclaim_v our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o belief_n in_o he_o by_o all_o significative_a expression_n to_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o our_o profession_n to_o all_o age_n and_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o all_o man_n this_o fabric_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v most_o natural_o signify_v which_o be_v so_o many_o stand_n and_o last_a monument_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o that_o god_n to_o who_o service_n they_o be_v appropriate_v for_o this_o reason_n we_o often_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n erect_v pillar_n and_o heap_n of_o stone_n to_o be_v so_o many_o last_a monument_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o how_o gracious_o god_n accept_v such_o visible_a
prayer_n which_o make_v this_o whole_a observation_n concern_v the_o veneration_n due_a to_o church_n not_o improper_a in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o prayer_n iii_o i_o pass_v now_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n 〈◊〉_d the_o text_n that_o be_v the_o posture_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o prayer_n which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n nor_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n a_o matter_n so_o indifferent_a as_o deserve_v not_o our_o enquiry_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o some_o that_o all_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v no_o profess_a enemy_n to_o order_n and_o decency_n it_o appear_v far_o otherwise_o for_o since_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o the_o existence_n of_o both_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o continue_v by_o he_o since_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o next_o it_o follow_v that_o both_o aught_o to_o make_v return_v of_o praise_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n this_o the_o soul_n the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o reason_n do_v by_o love_v honour_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o he_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o noble_a operation_n yet_o be_v it_o enable_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o gesture_n imply_v adoration_n submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o with_o the_o body_n be_v to_o make_v no_o return_n of_o gratitude_n for_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n to_o he_o both_o thereâ—â—â—_n be_v alike_o necessary_a the_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n be_v indeed_o more_o acceptable_a because_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o public_a worship_n where_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o only_a visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o internal_a honour_n pay_v by_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o word_n of_o public_a praise_n and_o adoration_n be_v express_v by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o in_o that_o the_o very_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o subjection_n pay_v to_o god_n since_o such_o gesture_n use_v in_o sacred_a place_n and_o to_o a_o invisible_a be_v be_v notorious_o know_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n bodily_a worship_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o such_o as_o may_v express_v the_o great_a submission_n and_o deep_a humility_n the_o most_o intense_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o significative_a humiliation_n of_o the_o body_n that_o posture_n therefore_o which_o express_v the_o most_o humble_a submission_n aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n the_o principal_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n only_o the_o particular_a posture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n because_o the_o expression_n of_o civility_n honour_n and_o subjection_n vary_v in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v any_o one_o gesture_n since_o what_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o worship_n in_o one_o nation_n may_v be_v contrary_a in_o another_o the_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n therefore_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o such_o modes_n vary_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v absolute_o necessary_a essential_a and_o command_v by_o god_n which_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v most_o expressive_a of_o humility_n submission_n and_o subjection_n if_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n of_o respect_n which_o obtain_v in_o any_o nation_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o case_n to_o pretend_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n stand_v be_v not_o only_o indecent_a but_o unlawful_a a_o detain_v from_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o he_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o worship_n when_o a_o more_o exalt_a degree_n be_v possible_a if_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n prostration_n be_v the_o most_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n that_o then_o become_v necessary_a in_o divine_a worship_n if_o neither_o prostration_n nor_o kneel_v be_v in_o use_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o same_o infallible_a rule_n be_v always_o to_o obtain_v that_o whatsoever_o posture_n by_o custom_n institution_n or_o prescription_n be_v most_o significative_a of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o adore_v god_n and_o in_o prayer_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o adoration_n to_o apply_v this_o rule_n to_o our_o own_o practice_n it_o be_v notorious_a and_o undeniable_a that_o in_o the_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n that_o whereof_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n be_v we_o to_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n this_o posture_n therefore_o become_v our_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o we_o adore_v god_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n in_o this_o nation_n therefore_o or_o in_o any_o other_o where_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o submissive_a gesture_n to_o practice_v stand_v in_o public_a prayer_n be_v in_o truth_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o supreme_a honour_n be_v due_a to_o god_n to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v that_o homage_n to_o he_o which_o man_n be_v content_a to_o pay_v to_o earthly_a prince_n as_o if_o either_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o or_o themselves_o be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a to_o condescend_v to_o it_o in_o many_o eastern_a country_n prostration_n have_v be_v in_o use_n and_o there_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o stand_v with_o either_o spread_n forth_o the_o hand_n or_o gentle_o incline_v the_o body_n and_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o breast_n in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o posture_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o significative_a posture_n be_v whole_o vain_a since_o no_o posture_n signify_v any_o respect_n in_o that_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o use_v and_o what_o in_o one_o place_n include_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o reverence_n in_o another_o may_v signify_v none_o at_o all_o among_o the_o jew_n kneel_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o be_v the_o most_o reverential_a gesture_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n psal._n cxli_o 2._o dan._n vi_o 10._o luk._n xxii_o 41._o act_n ix_o 40._o xxi_o 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o also_o among_o the_o grecian_n st._n paul_n therefore_o write_v to_o both_o of_o they_o join_v in_o one_o church_n in_o corinth_n express_v in_o this_o place_n the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o of_o hand_n because_o that_o custom_n do_v prevail_v among_o they_o not_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o posture_n in_o prayer_n who_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o particular_a nation_n among_o who_o the_o most_o submiss_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o civil_a posture_n be_v kneel_v with_o clasp_a hand_n and_o that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v be_v always_o the_o most_o receive_a gesture_n in_o the_o western_a world_n but_o most_o certain_o be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o western_a church_n vid._n tertul._n &_o cypr._n it_o have_v be_v indeed_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v that_o in_o sacrifice_n the_o priest_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o shall_v do_v it_o stand_v in_o compliance_n with_o this_o universal_a custom_n our_o church_n have_v most_o certain_o direct_v that_o the_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n from_o the_o altar_n where_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v celebrate_v shall_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o the_o priest_n in_o a_o stand_a posture_n which_o i_o will_v not_o omit_v to_o observe_v to_o you_o lest_o that_o practice_n shall_v be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o kneel_v in_o time_n of_o prayer_n since_o it_o be_v found_v
repentance_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinner_n if_o the_o repentance_n be_v true_a perfect_a and_o serious_a the_o sinner_n thereby_o cleanse_v his_o soul_n and_o in_o that_o moment_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n if_o not_o so_o a_o imperfect_a or_o a_o feign_a repentance_n will_v no_o more_o promote_v the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n than_o if_o the_o supplicant_n have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o his_o sin_n nor_o ought_v this_o to_o be_v any_o dissuasion_n from_o early_a and_o constant_a innocence_n that_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o audience_n and_o favour_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n as_o to_o those_o of_o holy_a man_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o be_v no_o total_a change_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n that_o be_v indeed_o object_v by_o the_o envious_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n against_o the_o good_a housholder_n who_o reward_v the_o late-comer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n as_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o unequal_a distribution_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v what_o that_o good_a housholder_n represent_v god_n in_o the_o parable_n reply_v be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a that_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o man_n pious_a from_o his_o infancy_n without_o any_o notorious_a sin_n deserve_v no_o more_o from_o god_n than_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n new_o return_v to_o obedience_n yet_o to_o assert_v both_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o to_o enforce_v a_o constant_a holiness_n from_o the_o motive_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o it_o a_o little_a further_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o petition_n of_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o iniquity_n take_v away_o their_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n this_o he_o do_v to_o manasseh_n to_o the_o ninevite_n to_o many_o both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o we_o find_v neither_o promise_n nor_o example_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a favour_n beside_o pardon_n confer_v immediate_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_n such_o as_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o enemy_n prolongation_n of_o life_n communication_n of_o benefit_n to_o other_o for_o their_o sake_n effusion_n of_o eminent_a grace_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v reward_v reserve_v to_o person_n of_o more_o illustrious_a and_o more_o constant_a piety_n who_o by_o a_o long_a obedience_n give_v undoubted_a proof_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o their_o time_n as_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o abraham_n moses_n and_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v never_o defile_v with_o any_o notorious_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o world_n by_o remarkable_a act_n and_o uninterrupted_a habit_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o god_n by_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n consequent_a to_o their_o prayer_n their_o piety_n patience_n and_o obedience_n be_v raise_v far_o above_o the_o standard_n of_o latter_a time_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o we_o who_o have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o their_o example_n find_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o even_o dare_v not_o to_o ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o many_o indeed_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a benefit_n grant_v at_o the_o prayer_n of_o ancient_a saint_n be_v intend_v as_o so_o many_o miraculous_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o under_o the_o law_n be_v the_o only_o promise_a reward_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n yet_o still_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n do_v at_o this_o day_n decrease_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o piety_n and_o may_v be_v raise_v with_o it_o a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o chief_a design_n of_o it_o which_o as_o i_o before_o large_o prove_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o acknowledge_v his_o dominion_n over_o mankind_n his_o justice_n his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o omniscience_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n man_n declare_v his_o belief_n of_o all_o these_o divine_a attribute_n but_o without_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o affront_v they_o all_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o prayer_n and_o far_o from_o worship_v god_n in_o it_o deny_v his_o perfection_n and_o overthrow_v what_o otherwise_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o reason_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o obedience_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o god_n no_o less_o be_v that_o concomitant_a purity_n command_v for_o which_o we_o now_o plead_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o require_v prayer_n will_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n to_o perform_v the_o act_n and_o withhold_v the_o condition_n be_v then_o no_o other_o than_o to_o confess_v a_o obligation_n and_o immediate_o to_o deny_v it_o if_o prayer_n include_v a_o confession_n of_o our_o want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n continuance_n in_o sin_n argue_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o that_o imperfection_n that_o we_o affect_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o god_n and_o exempt_v from_o his_o government_n if_o in_o that_o man_n profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o by_o not_o purge_v his_o mind_n from_o sin_n he_o make_v his_o profession_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o protestation_n against_o plain_a fact_n if_o there_o he_o imply_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o he_o manifest_v by_o his_o practice_n that_o he_o think_v it_o not_o just_a to_o be_v deprive_v by_o his_o law_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o belove_a lusts._n if_o by_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n he_o confess_v he_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v every_o where_o present_a by_o his_o sin_n he_o pretend_v to_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o retire_v from_o his_o presence_n if_o in_o the_o one_o he_o publish_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o the_o other_o he_o defi_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o bow_v his_o knee_n indeed_o and_o prostrate_v his_o body_n in_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o his_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n thus_o a_o sinner_n wilful_o continue_v in_o sin_n destroy_v that_o adoration_n which_o by_o prayer_n he_o pretend_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n nor_o be_v that_o the_o only_a consequence_n attend_v sin_n in_o prayer_n that_o it_o defeat_v the_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o obstruct_v the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o it_o far_o involve_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o that_o he_o therein_o affront_v all_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o in_o pray_v to_o he_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n consist_v in_o commit_v the_o fact_n after_o a_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a invocation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n in_o revile_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n after_o a_o particular_a mention_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o both_o these_o and_o many_o more_o crime_n be_v act_v as_o 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of_o his_o understanding_n a_o little_a reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o experience_n of_o humane_a life_n will_v convince_v we_o how_o gross_a and_o to_o we_o unaccountable_a error_n many_o man_n commit_v how_o often_o a_o matter_n which_o seem_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o when_o propose_v to_o other_o can_v or_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o to_o recur_v to_o more_o particular_a example_n this_o very_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v stubborn_a incredulous_a and_o rebellious_a amid_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o they_o murmur_v against_o he_o even_o while_o they_o subsist_v by_o his_o miraculous_a ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n and_o punishment_n of_o god_n daily_o visible_a to_o they_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o often_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o be_v they_o the_o former_a age_n only_o which_o have_v commit_v such_o 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papist_n do_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o because_o such_o a_o perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o corruption_n of_o judgement_n can_v be_v well_o conceive_v by_o we_o or_o seem_v incredible_a to_o we_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a mankind_n shall_v be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o gross_a no_o miscarriage_n so_o enormous_a which_o man_n may_v not_o commit_v and_o that_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v see_v and_o handle_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o have_v reject_v so_o many_o antecedent_n proof_n will_v have_v be_v insensible_a of_o this_o also_o but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o who_o such_o a_o favour_n shall_v be_v grant_v it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o 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the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o so_o convince_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o form_v their_o judgement_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v mistake_v or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o vainglorious_a as_o to_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o suffer_v a_o death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a yet_o be_v we_o not_o in_o this_o case_n permit_v to_o believe_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o by_o the_o various_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o they_o and_o communicate_v by_o they_o by_o which_o god_n himself_o give_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o affirm_v be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o head_n i_o need_v add_v no_o
scripture_n be_v faid_fw-we to_o be_v the_o footstool_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a just_a and_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n ii_o and_o that_o he_o real_o do_v ascend_v thither_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o ascension_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v feel_v and_o handle_v that_o with_o which_o they_o have_v converse_v for_o forty_o day_n together_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o material_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n again_o and_o have_v perform_v all_o manner_n of_o vital_a action_n that_o very_a body_n they_o see_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o jesus_n who_o have_v 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upon_o they_o testify_v his_o real_a and_o corporeal_a presence_n with_o they_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o next_o moment_n even_o while_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o part_v from_o they_o and_o while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n which_o prove_v his_o ascension_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o local_a translation_n from_o the_o part_n here_o below_o to_o those_o above_o and_o that_o at_o that_o moment_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_o humane_a body_n whatever_o glorious_a change_n it_o undergo_v after_o its_o reception_n into_o heaven_n the_o seat_n of_o immortality_n and_o spiritual_a being_n other_o circumstance_n deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o this_o ascension_n and_o first_o our_o lord_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v please_v to_o call_v together_o many_o if_o not_o all_o his_o disciple_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o a_o favour_n which_o be_v not_o 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superior_a degree_n of_o glory_n descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o bear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o his_o arrival_n there_o as_o at_o his_o nativity_n they_o have_v do_v to_o proclaim_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o deity_n upon_o earth_n for_o it_o follow_v act_v i._o 10._o behold_v two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n which_o also_o say_v you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o apparition_n of_o angel_n a_o empty_a pageant_n or_o a_o unnecessary_a addition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n ascension_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o attendance_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n by_o their_o testimony_n concern_v his_o ascension_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o see_v he_o receive_v upon_o the_o cloud_n they_o look_v up_o and_o follow_v he_o with_o their_o eye_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sight_n can_v reach_v but_o that_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o low_a region_n and_o not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n their_o sense_n can_v not_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o lord_n be_v carry_v thither_o to_o evidence_n therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o remain_v that_o god_n by_o these_o ministerial_a spirit_n shall_v declare_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n these_o angel_n be_v wont_a to_o minister_v before_o and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v know_v to_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o they_o testify_v that_o christ_n have_v ascend_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v descend_v and_o thereby_o perfect_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n who_o sight_n can_v not_o reach_v so_o far_o far_o these_o bless_a spirit_n not_o only_o bring_v evidence_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o real_a ascension_n of_o their_o master_n into_o heaven_n but_o also_o give_v they_o comfort_n and_o alleviate_v their_o sorrow_n conceive_v for_o his_o departure_n by_o add_v those_o word_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o you_o have_v see_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n elisha_n have_v see_v his_o master_n elijah_n carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n yet_o know_v not_o certain_o how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v dispose_v of_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v he_o again_o he_o entertain_v the_o sight_n with_o grief_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o it_o rend_v his_o clothes_n nor_o have_v the_o disciple_n be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o anxiety_n without_o the_o present_a consolation_n of_o these_o angel_n when_o their_o lord_n have_v before_o his_o death_n declare_v to_o they_o his_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o the_o father_n john_n xvi_o they_o can_v not_o dissemble_v their_o grief_n as_o himself_o observe_v verse_n 6._o because_o i_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n unto_o you_o sorrow_n have_v fill_v your_o heart_n and_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n still_o retain_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o they_o have_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v not_o at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n which_o hope_n be_v total_o defeat_v by_o his_o departure_n into_o heaven_n both_o these_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o the_o angel_n happy_o do_v remove_v in_o these_o word_n they_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o take_v from_o they_o but_o themselves_o shall_v see_v he_o return_v in_o the_o last_o of_o day_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imagine_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v abolish_v they_o