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
assistance_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o give_v no_o commission_n to_o the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v man_n so_o neither_o do_v he_o give_v he_o any_o assistance_n in_o the_o tempt_a of_o they_o that_o only_o natural_a mean_n therefore_o remain_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o this_o natural_a mean_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o by_o work_v upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n that_o this_o he_o effect_n by_o imprint_v idea_n and_o conception_n of_o several_a object_n therein_o either_o by_o produce_v such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n which_o create_v such_o conception_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o by_o immediate_o communicate_v such_o conception_n to_o it_o or_o perhaps_o by_o some_o other_o unknown_a way_n but_o whatsoever_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n may_v be_v that_o the_o effect_n be_v and_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o production_n of_o bare_a idea_n or_o first_o cogitation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n for_o as_o for_o his_o tempt_a one_o man_n by_o the_o solicitation_n or_o persecution_n of_o another_o that_o must_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o same_o original_a since_o he_o can_v induce_v one_o man_n to_o tempt_v another_o no_n otherwise_o than_o by_o tempt_v that_o first_o man_n in_o a_o proper_a and_o strict_a sense_n from_o this_o short_a view_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o devil_n effect_v his_o temptation_n and_o the_o power_n which_o attend_v they_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v our_o own_o ability_n to_o resist_v they_o for_o the_o same_o power_n which_o we_o have_v either_o to_o approve_v or_o reject_v the_o first_o thought_n of_o any_o object_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o same_o power_n we_o have_v to_o repel_v the_o insinuation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n since_o these_o extend_v no_o far_o without_o our_o own_o concurrence_n the_o first_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o bare_a conception_n of_o any_o object_n before_o any_o judgement_n be_v form_v of_o they_o or_o the_o will_v be_v yet_o incline_v on_o either_o side_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o if_o the_o mind_n shall_v conceive_v the_o material_a act_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o even_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o run_v over_o all_o the_o apparent_a advantage_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o determine_v whether_o it_o shall_v admit_v or_o reject_v it_o such_o a_o bare_a conception_n precede_v every_o operation_n of_o the_o will._n the_o imagination_n or_o understanding_n first_o represent_v the_o object_n to_o the_o will_n and_o then_o the_o will_n form_v a_o judgement_n of_o it_o either_o consent_n to_o or_o disapprove_v the_o thing_n propose_v the_o latter_a the_o use_n of_o the_o will_n be_v always_o in_o our_o power_n and_o can_v beforce_v by_o any_o power_n whether_o of_o man_n or_o devil_n nay_o with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v can_v be_v overrule_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o power_n be_v his_o will_n and_o this_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o himself_o have_v fix_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o power_n constrain_v the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o operation_n will_v be_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a because_o not_o free_a and_o so_o capable_a neither_o of_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n so_o that_o man_n be_v secure_a on_o this_o side_n his_o will_n always_o remain_v untouched_a the_o only_a approach_n which_o can_v be_v make_v to_o he_o be_v by_o his_o imagination_n or_o faculty_n of_o conception_n and_o this_o be_v not_o always_o in_o his_o power_n evil_a spirit_n may_v impress_v idea_n in_o it_o without_o his_o own_o concurrence_n the_o presence_n of_o object_n will_v natural_o produce_v they_o and_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o memory_n will_v recall_v they_o in_o all_o this_o the_o will_n be_v not_o concern_v such_o thought_n will_v enter_v into_o the_o soul_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n but_o even_o against_o the_o desire_n of_o man._n he_o can_v avoid_v the_o conception_n of_o those_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o he_o either_o by_o evil_a spirit_n or_o external_a object_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o own_o memory_n but_o then_o as_o man_n can_v avoid_v they_o so_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o answer_v for_o they_o no_o more_o than_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o sin_n commit_v by_o another_o or_o see_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n in_o which_o case_n he_o can_v avoid_v the_o conception_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o render_v guilty_a thereby_o which_o sufficient_o confute_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n who_o maintain_v these_o first_o cogitation_n to_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o that_o as_o such_o we_o be_v answerable_a for_o they_o for_o whether_o the_o conception_n be_v imprint_v in_o the_o mindby_n the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o more_o necessary_a effect_n than_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n whether_o see_v or_o hear_v in_o which_o last_o case_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o a_o conception_n of_o the_o matter_n relate_v or_o see_v can_v be_v prevent_v the_o soul_n be_v so_o quick_a a_o be_v that_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o object_n strike_v the_o organ_n of_o sense_n but_o it_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o if_o then_o in_o such_o obvious_a case_n the_o first_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v absolute_o involuntary_a if_o the_o mind_n can_v prevent_v the_o gross_a operation_n of_o sense_n much_o less_o will_v it_o be_v able_a to_o exclude_v the_o more_o subtle_a impression_n of_o spiritual_a being_n such_o as_o be_v the_o temptation_n of_o devil_n or_o the_o inward_a suggestion_n of_o imagination_n but_o then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o man_n be_v not_o accountable_a for_o these_o because_o not_o within_o his_o power_n a_o man_n indeed_o may_v turn_v away_o his_o eye_n from_o behold_v sin_n he_o may_v stop_v his_o ear_n when_o he_o hear_v please_v relation_n of_o sin_n he_o may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n stifle_v these_o suggestion_n whether_o of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o a_o deprave_a imagination_n he_o may_v expel_v they_o from_o his_o mind_n and_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o lodge_v themselves_o within_o his_o breast_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o example_n shall_v be_v our_o constant_a pattern_n he_o have_v frame_v such_o a_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o in_o he_o to_o master_v any_o temptation_n be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o duty_n no_o soon_o do_v the_o devil_n suggest_v to_o he_o the_o miraculous_a conversion_n of_o stone_n into_o bread_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o hunger_n but_o he_o reject_v the_o proposal_n because_o contrary_a to_o a_o due_a reliance_n upon_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o protection_n when_o he_o will_v have_v persuade_v he_o to_o work_v a_o unnecessary_a miracle_n in_o throw_v himself_o off_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n he_o immediate_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o tempt_v his_o providence_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o that_o prohibition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a safeguard_v against_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n when_o he_o tempt_v our_o lord_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n himself_o by_o promise_v he_o in_o reward_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o he_o oppose_v to_o this_o the_o divine_a command_n of_o worship_v god_fw-we alone_a and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v into_o debate_n whether_o he_o shall_v admit_v the_o proposal_n but_o with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n immediate_o reject_v all_o thought_n of_o it_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n his_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n alone_o be_v as_o quick_a as_o his_o conception_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o by_o the_o subtle_a tempter_n and_o that_o because_o he_o have_v firm_o root_v this_o principle_n in_o his_o mind_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v his_o duty_n he_o will_v perform_v whatsoever_o be_v unlawful_a he_o will_v reject_v if_o we_o by_o assiduous_a meditation_n will_v take_v care_n to_o fix_v the_o same_o principle_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o will_v diligent_o recall_v it_o to_o mind_n as_o often_o as_o any_o object_n of_o choice_n be_v present_v to_o we_o if_o the_o same_o pious_a indignation_n will_v seize_v we_o as_o often_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o real_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o it_o be_v for_o
man_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v never_o withdraw_v from_o we_o nor_o deny_v to_o we_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o man_n can_v claim_v in_o right_a of_o his_o nature_n be_v confer_v only_o to_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n and_o be_v withdraw_v upon_o the_o abuse_n or_o neglect_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o conceive_v how_o god_n herein_o influence_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n after_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o even_o finite_a spirit_n can_v effect_v it_o if_o they_o can_v by_o long_a experince_n find_v out_o what_o cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v annex_v to_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n he_o sure_o who_o do_v at_o first_o unite_v they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o if_o evil_a spirit_n by_o the_o privilege_n of_o immaterial_a being_n can_v communicate_v thought_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o immediate_a influence_n he_o certain_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o can_v do_v much_o more_o he_o may_v proceed_v in_o other_o method_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o he_o nor_o himself_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n however_o this_o we_o must_v assure_o believe_v that_o god_n change_v not_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n herein_o in_o violent_o withhold_a our_o will_n from_o consent_v to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o rational_a being_n point_v out_o the_o right_a way_n to_o we_o persuade_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o it_o fixeth_z reward_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o move_v we_o gentle_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o embrace_v it_o but_o after_o all_o will_v not_o forcible_o carry_v we_o into_o it_o and_o thus_o he_o deal_v with_o we_o when_o tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n he_o give_v we_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o withstand_v he_o enlighten_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o full_a prospect_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v withdraw_v the_o will_n from_o his_o solicitation_n but_o after_o all_o leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n and_o await_v the_o issue_n not_o that_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v give_v to_o all_o who_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o who_o right_o seek_v it_o he_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v not_o earnest_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v not_o thankful_o receive_v if_o it_o be_v not_o sober_o use_v if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o improve_v as_o he_o former_o deliver_v up_o the_o rebellious_a israelite_n to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n and_o as_o still_o by_o the_o solemn_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n when_o right_o apply_v wicked_a christian_n be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will._n another_o method_n whereby_o god_n assist_v mankind_n extraordinary_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v by_o restrain_v his_o force_n and_o limit_v his_o malice_n the_o devil_n can_v perform_v any_o act_n of_o temptation_n without_o the_o ordinary_a permission_n of_o god_n and_o ofttimes_o he_o be_v extraordinary_o restrain_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n from_o tempt_v faithful_a man_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o ability_n to_o endure_v god_n put_v a_o hook_n in_o the_o nose_n of_o this_o leviathan_n and_o fix_v his_o bound_n unto_o he_o how_o far_o he_o shall_v pass_v and_o no_o far_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n where_o he_o determine_v how_o far_o his_o power_n of_o temptation_n shall_v extend_v and_o forbid_v he_o to_o proceed_v any_o far_a than_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a and_o most_o conspicuous_a benefit_n of_o christianity_n that_o by_o the_o reception_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n that_o old_a dragon_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v chain_v up_o his_o power_n abridge_v his_o malice_n weaken_v before_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o have_v procure_v to_o himself_o a_o universal_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n except_o in_o the_o small_a spot_n of_o judea_n erect_v oracle_n and_o daily_o effect_v lie_v wonder_n man_n be_v from_o their_o infancy_n train_v up_o in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o education_n if_o any_o oppose_v his_o worship_n he_o be_v present_o decry_v as_o a_o atheist_n as_o a_o introducer_n of_o new_a religion_n obnoxious_a to_o severe_a punishment_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n if_o man_n entertain_v a_o suspicion_n of_o that_o irrational_a worship_n which_o he_o have_v form_v he_o can_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o seem_a miracle_n fright_v they_o into_o his_o obedience_n by_o prodigy_n keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o divinity_n by_o sorcery_n and_o prediction_n all_o this_o be_v then_o permit_v to_o he_o till_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v his_o power_n then_o sensible_o decrease_v until_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o determine_v by_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v then_o remand_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o work_v apparent_a miracle_n at_o least_o in_o christian_a country_n confine_v to_o secret_a and_o dark_a operation_n only_o and_o even_o those_o in_o great_a measure_n enervate_v and_o defeat_v by_o that_o ordinary_a grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o public_a sacrament_n and_o office_n of_o the_o church_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v somewhat_o of_o the_o assistance_n give_v to_o we_o by_o good_a spirit_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n of_o which_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n do_v particular_o require_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n which_o be_v pious_o institute_v by_o the_o church_n in_o commemoration_n of_o those_o many_o and_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n among_o these_o none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v what_o we_o now_o treat_v of_o their_o assist_v we_o in_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n for_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n i._n 14._o they_o apply_v themselves_o with_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o this_o charitable_a office_n attend_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n countermine_v the_o stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o affection_n promote_a the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n how_o all_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v after_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n operate_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o whatsoever_o natural_a power_n these_o possess_v equal_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a if_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o move_a matter_n and_o so_o of_o affect_v our_o imagination_n much_o more_o these_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v imprint_v idea_n in_o our_o mind_n by_o immediate_a influence_n much_o more_o these_o who_o pious_a design_n be_v bless_v and_o prosper_v by_o their_o almighty_a patron_n if_o they_o by_o long_a observation_n have_v find_v out_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n these_o possess_v by_o nature_n a_o equal_a knowledge_n and_o have_v obtain_v a_o much_o great_a by_o divine_a communication_n if_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o less_o defensible_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n where_o the_o attempt_n may_v most_o successful_o be_v make_v these_o have_v discern_v the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v most_o persuasive_a to_o every_o single_a man_n and_o fail_v not_o to_o apply_v they_o fit_o if_o they_o prosecute_v their_o hatred_n and_o wicked_a design_n against_o mankind_n with_o unwearied_a malice_n these_o continue_v their_o good_a office_n with_o no_o less_o constant_a diligence_n and_o charity_n if_o they_o be_v render_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a in_o all_o their_o action_n by_o their_o subtlety_n agility_n long_a experience_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n these_o obtain_v the_o same_o faculty_n in_o equal_a perfection_n and_o with_o far_o great_a probability_n of_o success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o therein_o these_o act_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n they_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o these_o with_o a_o constant_a complacency_n and_o prospect_n of_o reward_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o those_o with_o a_o perpetual_a vexation_n as_o know_v the_o increase_n of_o their_o punishment_n do_v attend_v it_o these_o assist_v and_o direct_v by_o god_n those_o restrain_v and_o withheld_a by_o he_o in_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
god_n if_o no_o vain_a glory_n or_o desire_v of_o humane_a praise_n be_v intermix_v therewith_o but_o the_o sole_a design_n be_v the_o advancement_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v of_o rashness_n all_o those_o noble_a ancient_a martyr_n who_o without_o any_o force_n confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n and_o thereby_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o torment_v and_o death_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o example_n of_o constancy_n to_o less_o courageous_a christian_n who_o can_v not_o otherwise_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o generous_a example_n do_v more_o effectual_o raise_v the_o courage_n of_o other_o christian_n labour_v under_o persecution_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a reward_n propose_v by_o christ_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v for_o his_o name_n and_o to_o justify_v this_o proceed_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n sy_n paul_n himself_o as_o we_o read_v act_n xxi_o have_v resolve_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o continue_v his_o resolution_n although_o it_o be_v foretell_v to_o he_o by_o agabus_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o himself_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n do_v abide_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v there_o suffer_v a_o grievous_a persecution_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a or_o commendable_a to_o perform_v good_a work_n public_o and_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o men._n many_o other_o such_o case_n may_v be_v find_v i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o penance_n and_o charity_n as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o practice_n of_o public_a penance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o present_a time_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v then_o the_o great_a preserver_n of_o unfeigned_a piety_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o the_o discontinuance_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o want_n and_o coldness_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o time_n they_o very_o well_o know_v former_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o that_o god_n chief_o regard_v inward_a repentance_n the_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o admonition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o anoint_v thy_o head_n and_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o but_o unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o what_o be_v say_v of_o fast_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o act_n and_o indication_n of_o repentance_n yet_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o penance_n require_v the_o institution_n and_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o then_o be_v religion_n and_o piety_n maintain_v in_o its_o full_a vigour_n when_o person_n guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a crime_n however_o eminent_a by_o birth_n or_o station_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n seclude_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o separate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o appear_v in_o sackcloth_n or_o other_o penitential_a dress_n beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o god_n with_o tear_n and_o desire_a reconciliation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o many_o day_n but_o ofttimes_o for_o many_o year_n together_o such_o discipline_n can_v not_o but_o produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o behold_v it_o a_o exceed_a dread_n of_o sin_n and_o caution_n in_o abstain_v from_o such_o scandal_n as_o will_v certain_o draw_v upon_o they_o either_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o undergo_a the_o same_o severity_n the_o sight_n of_o those_o penitent_n be_v more_o instructive_a to_o ordinary_a christian_n than_o all_o the_o most_o elaborate_a invective_n against_o sin_n or_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n represent_v to_o they_o at_o once_o the_o gild_n the_o horror_n the_o shame_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v their_o repentance_n to_o be_v account_v less_o real_a or_o internal_a because_o attend_v with_o such_o outward_a profession_n rather_o these_o give_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n since_o to_o take_v away_o the_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o scandal_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n they_o refuse_v not_o to_o undergo_v the_o long_a and_o strict_a severity_n of_o public_a penance_n and_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o put_v themselves_o to_o open_a shame_n in_o like_a manner_n however_o ordinary_o speak_v charity_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o our_o lord_n have_v large_o warn_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n to_o be_v see_v of_o they_o that_o be_v for_o this_o only_a reason_n that_o we_o may_v be_v see_v and_o praise_v by_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o and_o by_o see_v they_o may_v be_v excite_v either_o to_o glorify_v god_n or_o to_o practise_v the_o like_a charity_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a not_o only_o secure_v the_o reward_n promise_v to_o charity_n but_o also_o become_v of_o excellent_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n due_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n however_o it_o may_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o former_a age_n when_o almost_o all_o christian_n exercise_v charity_n even_o to_o profuseness_n certain_o in_o our_o age_n which_o be_v chief_o deficient_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n in_o any_o to_o restore_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o any_o eminent_a and_o public_a example_n and_o although_o very_o great_a reward_n be_v promise_v to_o secret_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o to_o public_a charity_n exercise_v in_o such_o case_n much_o great_a be_v reserve_v if_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v with_o any_o mixture_n of_o vain_a glory_n or_o ignoble_a design_n because_o such_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o secret_a charity_n in_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o but_z far_a also_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o men._n in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o like_a case_n the_o advantage_n produce_v thereby_o to_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o exciting_a other_o by_o the_o force_n of_o example_n to_o the_o imitation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o good_a work_n although_o that_o be_v very_o great_a as_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o it_o invincible_o form_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n to_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o knowledge_n such_o as_o constitute_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o that_o the_o same_o be_v profess_v by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o profession_n of_o other_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o real_a themselves_o will_v assent_v without_o any_o scruple_n if_o they_o suspect_v their_o reality_n themselves_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n now_o the_o public_a and_o eminent_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n give_v the_o only_a evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o man_n since_o in_o a_o country_n where_o any_o religion_n prevail_v by_o custom_n and_o education_n a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o it_o may_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o either_o and_o not_o to_o contradict_v it_o may_v be_v due_a only_o to_o common_a civility_n but_o whoever_o public_o perform_v good_a work_n give_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o he_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o thereby_o dispose_v other_o to_o the_o same_o belief_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n perform_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o my_o text_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o exemplary_a piety_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o end_n will_v real_o be_v