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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n baptism_n ghost_n holy_a 8,479 5 5.8461 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A65594 One and twenty sermons preach'd in Lambeth Chapel Before the Most Reverend Father in God Dr. William Sancroft, late Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury. In the years MDCLXXXIX. MDCXC. By the learned Henry Wharton, M.A. chaplain to His Grace. Being the second and last volume. Wharton, Henry, 1664-1695.; White, Robert, 1645-1703, engraver. 1698 (1698) Wing W1566; ESTC R218467 236,899 602

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uncontrolled_a tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v withdraw_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cause_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o to_o become_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o all_o nation_n except_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v often_o seduce_v to_o idolatry_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o have_v new_o instigate_v they_o to_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o messiah_n all_o these_o enormous_a crime_n this_o continue_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o particular_o the_o last_o and_o great_a the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v from_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n a_o severe_a punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v judgement_n in_o the_o text_n because_o a_o sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n this_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v above_o in_o the_o xii_o 31._o now_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o world_n now_o shall_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v cast_v out_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v destroy_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n free_a man_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o withdraw_v the_o world_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o devil_n this_o to_o those_o proud_a spirit_n be_v the_o sharp_a punishment_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o carry_v on_o and_o complete_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n derive_v down_o and_o continue_v to_o the_o church_n from_o his_o bless_a influence_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v ability_n and_o courage_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n to_o ruin_v the_o power_n of_o 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add_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o see_v he_o go_v that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o our_o lord_n describe_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n matth._n xiii_o 26._o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o inquire_v into_o what_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v translate_v yet_o not_o unfit_a to_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ascend_v into_o those_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o most_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o ephes._n iu._n 10._o he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v far_o above_o all_o heaven_n and_o hebr._n vii_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o heb._n ix_o 12._o pass_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n even_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o same_o state_n of_o 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although_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o our_o lord_n expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o his_o subsequent_a action_n offer_v convince_a argument_n to_o mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o teach_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n thus_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v much_o more_o exalt_v by_o this_o glorious_a triumph_n they_o see_v he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o ample_a power_n which_o they_o so_o long_o wish_v to_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o which_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o reward_v his_o follower_n and_o effect_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o john_n fourteen_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o he_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o intend_v to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o may_v be_v also_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o see_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v accomplish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a motive_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n or_o promise_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o same_o foreknowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o foresee_v the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o can_v as_o easy_o foresee_v the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v exalt_v whosoever_o he_o please_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o his_o power_n can_v not_o be_v question_v and_o his_o will_n therein_o he_o have_v often_o declare_v assure_v they_o joh._n xii_o 32._o when_o i_o be_o lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o herein_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o mankind_n receive_v increase_v and_o strength_n they_o have_v all_o impatient_o wish_v for_o immortality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v still_o exist_v but_o their_o body_n be_v equal_o part_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o both_o yet_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a they_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n he_o affirm_v it_o he_o promise_v it_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a be_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o man_n who_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n all_o this_o do_v seem_v incredible_a till_o they_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v visible_o receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o place_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o like_a immortality_n of_o their_o own_o body_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o while_o they_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o relation_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o forerunner_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o society_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o time_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o since_o what_o he_o foretell_v of_o his_o own_o ascension_n they_o see_v effect_v since_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o follow_v their_o captain_n their_o head_n and_o their_o forerunner_n and_o with_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o place_n of_o their_o desire_a happiness_n far_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n and_o our_o priest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o either_o of_o those_o his_o office_n receive_v increase_v by_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o king_n he_o be_v thereby_o invest_v in_o the_o actual_a dominion_n of_o his_o church_n enable_v to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o her_o wellbeing_a as_o our_o priest_n his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n be_v make_v much_o more_o prevalent_a by_o his_o personal_a presence_n with_o he_o under_o the_o law_n the_o efficacy_n of_o
without_o control_v dare_v to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n vilify_v his_o person_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n but_o now_o they_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o contestable_a proof_n from_o heaven_n that_o his_o person_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a his_o doctrine_n divine_a and_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n in_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n have_v suffer_v aspersion_n in_o not_o revenge_v the_o suffering_n and_o reward_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o son_n but_o now_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o the_o jew_n convince_v that_o neither_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a nor_o his_o merit_n unrewarded_a the_o devil_n have_v triumph_v in_o his_o suppose_a conquest_n over_o christ_n and_o his_o imagination_n of_o have_v baffle_v the_o design_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o procure_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o his_o arrogant_a pretension_n be_v henceforth_o to_o be_v check_v his_o hope_n to_o be_v defeat_v his_o empire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v all_o these_o advantage_n be_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o these_o our_o lord_n sum_v up_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v inquire_v i._o in_o what_o sense_n all_o these_o effect_n and_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ii_o how_o far_o these_o promise_a effect_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o word_n reprove_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a be_v take_v from_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o signify_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n by_o such_o proof_n and_o testimony_n as_o by_o a_o impartial_a judge_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v valid_a the_o office_n therefore_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v the_o paraclet_n the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o earth_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n to_o produce_v these_o proof_n to_o urge_v and_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v indeed_o abundant_a proof_n before_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o proof_n be_v not_o convictive_a till_o lay_v open_a declare_v and_o propose_v this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o he_o perform_v by_o pour_v extraordinary_a gift_n upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o on_o this_o day_n which_o may_v enable_v they_o with_o power_n and_o eloquence_n with_o courage_n and_o success_n to_o propose_v those_o proof_n and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o reproof_n this_o conviction_n not_o only_o by_o their_o gift_n receive_v and_o labour_n perform_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o by_o all_o their_o miracle_n sermon_n and_o preach_v perform_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o these_o action_n be_v equal_o direct_v to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o in_o virtue_n of_o those_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n all_o their_o gift_n and_o labour_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o his_o power_n and_o derive_v from_o his_o grant_n their_o knowledge_n to_o his_o inspiration_n their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o his_o support_n their_o speak_v to_o his_o impulse_n their_o miracle_n to_o his_o power_n their_o success_n to_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o all_o which_o they_o perform_v aught_o true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o miracle_n action_n and_o prophecy_n of_o their_o lord_n before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o miracle_n and_o labour_n of_o themselves_o after_o it_o be_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o efficacy_n the_o application_n of_o this_o conviction_n be_v to_o proceed_v sole_o from_o the_o ability_n confer_v on_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continue_v his_o office_n of_o advocate_n not_o only_o during_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o those_o gift_n which_o he_o then_o begin_v to_o dispense_v to_o the_o apostle_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o diffuse_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o gift_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v maintain_v the_o faithful_a enliven_v the_o conviction_n continue_v he_o then_o convince_v the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o now_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o their_o successor_n act_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o they_o through_o his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n his_o gift_n indeed_o confer_v on_o they_o be_v far_o more_o eminent_a because_o more_o necessary_a his_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n more_o remarkable_a because_o manifest_v the_o completion_n of_o many_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o promise_n of_o this_o text_n be_v then_o more_o eminent_o fulfil_v and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o i_o come_v next_o in_o order_n to_o consider_v first_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o come_n reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o christ_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 9_o verse_n by_o the_o world_n we_o be_v here_o primary_o to_o understand_v the_o jew_n who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n perform_v by_o christ_n deny_v assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n this_o disbelief_n of_o they_o before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o excuse_v and_o pardon_n and_o st._n pet._n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n v._o 17._o extenuate_v their_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n by_o their_o ignorance_n which_o plea_n will_v have_v be_v but_o trifle_v have_v not_o their_o ignorance_n in_o some_o measure_n be_v excusable_a but_o after_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o stand_v out_o against_o those_o manifold_a conviction_n that_o be_v then_o offer_v can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o inexcusable_a perverseness_n and_o incredulity_n of_o this_o we_o may_v assign_v two_o several_a reason_n first_o that_o although_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n perform_v many_o and_o those_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o these_o affect_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spectator_n of_o they_o for_o while_o alive_a he_o never_o blazon_v abroad_o his_o miracle_n nor_o employ_v his_o disciple_n in_o spread_v the_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o however_o many_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n can_v not_o but_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o his_o divinity_n yet_o the_o universal_a conviction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o courage_n and_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o proclaim_v his_o action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o all_o man_n and_o if_o need_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o other_o no_o less_o extraordinary_a miracle_n second_o the_o chief_a note_n affix_v by_o god_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o prophet_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o prophecy_n thus_o in_o deut._n xviii_o when_o moses_n assure_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o god_n shall_v raise_v they_o up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o himself_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n he_o give_v they_o this_o token_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o the_o true_a and_o any_o false_a messiah_n if_o the_o prediction_n of_o he_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v real_o come_v to_o pass_v then_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o almost_o only_a prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o can_v serve_v as_o sign_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o resurrection_n of_o himself_o after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o that_o generation_n shall_v pass_v away_o the_o first_o be_v happy_o accomplish_v upon_o this_o day_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n
the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o revelation_n be_v infallible_a none_o can_v deny_v for_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o one_o who_o infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v except_v to_o these_o revelation_n and_o deny_v assent_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o think_v of_o before_o and_o which_o even_o when_o reveal_v to_o he_o he_o can_v well_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n show_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v or_o stumble_v at_o this_o from_o the_o obvious_a example_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o any_o be_v inferior_a to_o it_o nor_o the_o secret_n or_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o it_o find_v out_o by_o any_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o inferior_a be_v if_o it_o can_v speak_v and_o argue_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o noble_a faculty_n because_o it_o can_v conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o for_o one_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o because_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o than_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v in_o the_o text_n even_n so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unreasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o then_o all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o conception_n cease_v and_o it_o remain_v only_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o allege_a revelation_n be_v true_o divine_a this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n assert_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n declare_v his_o preach_v of_o it_o to_o be_v found_v not_o upon_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o nice_a conclusion_n as_o be_v the_o system_n of_o philosophy_n then_o receive_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o world_n from_o which_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o these_o two_o character_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o gentile_a philosophy_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o secure_a to_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o other_o effect_v both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n further_o these_o matter_n when_o once_o reveal_v and_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n as_o we_o propose_v not_o to_o other_o with_o artificial_a sophistry_n and_o rhetoric_n so_o we_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o pure_a argument_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o logical_a inference_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v ver._n 13._o but_o as_o we_o teach_v they_o with_o that_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o god_n direct_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o effect_v so_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o compare_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o general_a motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o follow_v but_o with_o the_o wisdom_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a now_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o method_n in_o our_o enquiry_n herein_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o 14_o ver._n but_o the_o natural_a man._n he_o who_o judge_v these_o revelation_n only_o according_a to_o his_o preconceive_a notion_n take_v up_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o receive_v not_o from_o they_o who_o weigh_v not_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n reinforcing_a these_o revelation_n he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v truth_n which_o surmount_v the_o reach_n of_o naked_a reason_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v only_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o regard_v not_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o revelation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v recommend_v so_o that_o while_o he_o act_v in_o this_o irrational_a method_n he_o can_v know_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whereas_o he_o who_o understand_v well_o the_o motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o compare_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a ver._n 15._o judge_v all_o thing_n may_v safe_o and_o without_o error_n pronounce_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o do_v so_o he_o be_v not_o just_o to_o be_v overrule_v with_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o consider_v the_o thing_n absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o compare_v with_o its_o motive_n of_o credibility_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man._n since_o plain_a reason_n direct_v that_o if_o the_o motive_n be_v find_v weighty_a than_o the_o difficulty_n he_o shall_v declare_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o not_o be_v startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n as_o concern_v a_o subject_n exceed_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o best_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o revelation_n we_o have_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v he_o but_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ._n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o context_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v form_v these_o two_o consideration_n whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n i._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o revelation_n nor_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o mere_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o ii_o that_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v their_o internal_a probability_n so_o much_o as_o their_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n first_o then_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v scandalize_v at_o they_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o for_o this_o we_o can_v rational_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o full_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o object_n which_o that_o we_o be_v not_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o many_o object_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n appear_v both_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o manifold_a experience_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v finite_a and_o so_o must_v the_o faculty_n of_o it_o also_o be_v one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o understanding_n which_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a
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 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be_v
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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 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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 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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 sale●_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