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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aganist_n god_n who_o inflict_v that_o unhappiness_n as_o a_o punishment_n upon_o they_o and_o although_o he_o may_v have_v annihilate_v they_o in_o their_o first_o attempt_n yet_o continue_v their_o existence_n to_o they_o and_o therein_o their_o misery_n or_o against_o man_n who_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o attain_v that_o happiness_n which_o they_o lose_v and_o place_v in_o dignity_n above_o they_o who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v themselves_o above_o their_o fellow_n angel_n and_o even_o equal_a to_o god_n himself_o inspire_a with_o these_o wicked_a thought_n they_o employ_v themselves_o continual_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o because_o this_o opposition_n can_v take_v place_n only_o in_o hinder_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n design_v and_o desire_v by_o god_n use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o effect_v it_o the_o disposition_n of_o all_o inanimate_a body_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o material_a world_n god_n 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 with_o themselves_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o be_v only_o somewhat_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v effect_v their_o desire_n and_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o wi_n to_o satisfy_v this_o difficulty_n many_o have_v entertain_v false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o it_o will_v be_v adviseable_a to_o remove_v before_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o direct_a consideration_n of_o the_o manner_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n tempt_v we_o and_o first_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o refute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o manichee_n or_o valentinian_o who_o give_v to_o the_o devil_n a_o independent_a existence_n from_o god_n and_o uncontrollable_a by_o he_o nay_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n save_v that_o of_o goodness_n allow_v he_o a_o infinite_a power_n whereby_o he_o can_v force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o wicked_a counsel_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o any_o christian_n will_v at_o this_o time_n be_v 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
conviction_n will_v be_v no_o less_o unuseful_a and_o unsuccessful_a than_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v either_o if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o reason_n which_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n or_o the_o force_n of_o those_o objection_n to_o which_o both_o method_n be_v liable_a the_o true_a cause_n which_o render_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n unsuccessful_a be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o men._n it_o find_v no_o welcome_a reception_n in_o world_n because_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n the_o of_o it_o it_o abridge_v the_o sensuality_n the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v not_o obey_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v forgo_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n a_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o lest_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o restrain_v his_o admire_a enjoyment_n it_o forbid_v revenge_n envy_n and_o malice_n and_o therefore_o mind_n possess_v with_o these_o vice_n can_v bear_v it_o these_o be_v the_o impediment_n which_o defeat_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o plead_v more_o strong_o and_o persuade_v more_o effectual_o than_o the_o argument_n which_o recommend_v that_o excellent_a religion_n few_o or_o none_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o perceive_v not_o the_o just_a motive_n of_o its_o credibility_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o reasonable_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o then_o compare_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n forbid_v by_o it_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o they_o willing_o over_o see_v and_o reject_v the_o latter_a that_o they_o may_v not_o forego_v the_o former_a and_o while_o man_n act_v thus_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n no_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n will_v be_v able_a to_o reform_v they_o if_o any_o such_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n in_o confirmation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o this_o conviction_n be_v already_o sufficient_o perform_v by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n so_o that_o in_o both_o case_n reason_n direct_v they_o to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o in_o one_o case_n the_o direction_n of_o reason_n be_v reject_v it_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v that_o in_o another_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n a_o resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o reason_n shall_v direct_v and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o violate_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v great_a or_o less_o since_o the_o man_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o obey_v it_o any_o far_a than_o it_o shall_v agree_v with_o his_o own_o lusts._n for_o miracle_n affect_v the_o understanding_n only_o they_o reform_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man._n they_o induce_v he_o indeed_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o from_o who_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v direction_n but_o remove_v not_o those_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o oppose_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o divine_a direction_n the_o same_o irregular_a desire_n continue_v the_o same_o affection_n possess_v his_o soul_n and_o will_v infallible_o render_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o duty_n unsuccessful_a until_o a_o firm_a resolution_n be_v form_v by_o he_o of_o perform_v whatsoever_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n of_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o reason_n shall_v direct_v of_o assent_v to_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v recommend_v and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v once_o form_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n settle_v for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o religion_n will_v obtain_v equal_a success_n with_o any_o extraordinary_a method_n whatsoever_o since_o even_o in_o that_o sufficient_a evidence_n may_v be_v find_v to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o reason_n direct_v and_o require_v obedience_n and_o assent_n to_o it_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o jew_n even_o under_o the_o government_n of_o moses_n while_o they_o enjoy_v the_o sight_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n nay_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o be_v feed_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n continue_v still_o no_o less_o disobedient_a make_v frequent_a apostasy_n from_o god_n rebel_v against_o his_o prophet_n by_o who_o ministration_n those_o miracle_n be_v perform_v and_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v not_o leave_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n behind_o they_o but_o retain_v the_o same_o sensuality_n and_o perverseness_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a revelation_n can_v make_v any_o impression_n on_o they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o god_n wrought_v one_o or_o ten_o thousand_o miracle_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n since_o one_o alone_a might_n convince_v they_o and_o all_o together_o can_v do_v no_o more_o as_o a_o blind_a man_n receive_v no_o more_o advantage_n from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o from_o a_o single_a star_n our_o lord_n indeed_o say_v in_o matth._n xi_o 21._o that_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o bethsaida_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o this_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v say_v rather_o to_o exaggerate_v the_o impenitence_n and_o perverseness_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o to_o declare_v what_o will_v have_v be_v the_o certain_a event_n if_o those_o miracle_n have_v real_o be_v perform_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n beside_o the_o case_n be_v infinite_o different_a between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o tyrian_n the_o former_a have_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o want_v that_o advantage_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n whence_o they_o also_o descend_v have_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n have_v be_v deface_v by_o long_a disuse_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v even_o necessary_a to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o restore_v the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o have_v they_o see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n far_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o common_a objection_n to_o which_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o convey_v religion_n long_o since_o settle_v without_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a method_n by_o miracle_n be_v subject_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n the_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v the_o want_n of_o absolute_a demonstration_n and_o even_o although_o miracle_n shall_v be_v always_o continue_v that_o still_o will_v be_v want_v man_n desirous_a to_o retain_v their_o vice_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n will_v still_o allege_v that_o those_o miracle_n be_v no_o other_o than_o illusion_n that_o their_o sense_n deceive_v they_o or_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o trick_n and_o imposture_n particular_o that_o sort_n of_o method_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o text_n desire_v may_v be_v employ_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o brethren_n will_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o exceptionable_a i_o mean_v the_o apparition_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o decease_a man_n assure_v the_o live_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o another_o life_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o form_v rule_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v true_a from_o imaginary_a apparition_n the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n from_o illusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o if_o such_o rule_n can_v be_v form_v man_n can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v reveal_v since_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n put_v not_o off_o their_o vice_n with_o the_o body_n and_o may_v still_o retain_v such_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v exercise_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o corporeal_a organ_n such_o as_o envy_n malice_n lie_v and_o fraud_n or_o if_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v the_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n attend_v such_o apparition_n will_v infallible_o hinder_v all_o clear_a perception_n either_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o apparition_n or_o of_o the_o matter_n reveal_v in_o it_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o here_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prejudice_n common_a to_o many_o christian_n who_o imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o have_v see_v with_o
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 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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 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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
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 spiritual_a being_n who_o alone_o can_v contemplate_v the_o majesty_n and_o inimitable_a goodness_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o by_o so_o do_v secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n infinite_a in_o itself_o not_o inferior_a to_o the_o vast_a desire_n of_o the_o will_n which_o survive_v all_o the_o change_n of_o fortune_n malice_n of_o man_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o if_o we_o can_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o greatness_n of_o these_o spiritual_a pleasure_n their_o convenience_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o infinite_a duration_n of_o they_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o they_o immerse_v in_o gross_a and_o earthly_a delight_n so_o far_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o willing_a nor_o perhaps_o able_a to_o receive_v these_o great_a and_o more_o real_a enjoyment_n by_o attend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v even_o change_v the_o nature_n and_o nobleness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o from_o guide_n and_o director_n make_v they_o mere_a instrument_n to_o our_o body_n devest_v they_o of_o all_o remembrance_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a degrade_v they_o into_o a_o servile_a condition_n and_o be_v we_o not_o sometime_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v perhaps_o forget_v that_o we_o be_v create_v in_o a_o condition_n little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thus_o far_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n revelation_n do_v the_o same_o no_o less_o full_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o wean_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o thing_n above_o to_o withdraw_v we_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o seat_v we_o at_o last_o in_o heaven_n to_o this_o the_o whole_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o religion_n plain_o tend_v command_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o take_v up_o 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
eternal_a happiness_n and_o true_a christian_a obedience_n which_o no_o change_n of_o fortune_n can_v dissolve_v no_o unforeseen_a calamity_n can_v overthrow_v therein_o the_o undertaker_n be_v only_o to_o answer_v for_o his_o diligence_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n require_v to_o complete_a his_o success_n but_o what_o be_v entire_o in_o his_o power_n if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v rest_v secure_a of_o the_o reward_n the_o nature_n the_o extent_n the_o duration_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v full_o make_v know_v unto_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o any_o long_o be_v distract_v with_o anxious_a thought_n about_o it_o and_o so_o have_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o as_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n give_v rest_n unto_o his_o soul_n weary_v before_o with_o a_o fruitless_a and_o uncertain_a search_n of_o happiness_n the_o last_o argument_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v take_v from_o the_o external_a assistance_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v and_o do_v still_o continue_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n in_o impose_v his_o yoke_n upon_o mankind_n know_v very_o well_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o opposition_n of_o his_o precept_n to_o their_o ordinary_a passion_n the_o tenderness_n and_o clemency_n which_o become_v the_o saviour_n redeemer_n and_o mediator_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o freewill_n alone_a but_o assist_v their_o obedience_n with_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o those_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n which_o render_v the_o imposition_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o he_o lay_v upon_o they_o easie_n and_o pleasant_a to_o they_o to_o convey_v this_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o it_o he_o have_v found_v a_o church_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v and_o public_o declare_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o those_o rite_n which_o himself_o have_v institute_v he_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o as_o such_o communicate_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o we_o who_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o if_o any_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o body_n whereof_o himself_o be_v the_o head_n they_o cease_v to_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o he_o receive_v none_o of_o those_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o body_n at_o least_o they_o can_v receive_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n appoint_v to_o convey_v they_o and_o if_o any_o pretend_v new_a light_n and_o new_a way_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v therefore_o what_o may_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o set_v up_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a light_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n to_o compensate_a the_o neglect_n of_o temperance_n and_o meekness_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v off_o the_o ordinary_a communication_n between_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o that_o channel_n find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o practise_v those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o our_o lord_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o annul_v the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o alleviate_v but_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n to_o claim_v the_o benefit_n and_o refuse_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o mankind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o vain_a persuasion_n and_o arrogant_a pretence_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o therein_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v he_o have_v settle_v the_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o change_v if_o we_o slight_v the_o assistance_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o mean_n we_o be_v incapable_a let_v we_o right_o esteem_v and_o implore_v this_o assistance_n to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v receive_v it_o that_o be_v a_o constant_a communion_n with_o his_o body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o her_o holy_a office_n and_o sacrament_n so_o shall_v we_o experience_v that_o his_o command_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o render_v pleasant_a by_o their_o reward_n but_o be_v also_o make_v easie_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o find_v assurance_n of_o what_o he_o promise_v rest_v to_o our_o weary_a soul_n the_o thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_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 the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n and_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o many_o argument_n at_o last_o conclude_v his_o argument_n with_o these_o word_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o to_o act_v in_o a_o contrary_a manner_n be_v to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o invade_v what_o he_o claim_v peculiarly_a to_o himself_o and_o sure_o no_o less_o a_o argument_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o violate_v the_o majesty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n can_v deter_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o passion_n in_o man_n and_o can_v plead_v for_o itself_o with_o more_o plausible_a argument_n than_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o as_o that_o nature_n direct_v all_o creature_n to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o repel_v the_o assault_n of_o enemy_n that_o for_o this_o purpose_n all_o animal_n be_v endue_v with_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o courage_n that_o to_o pass_v by_o one_o enemy_n unrevenged_a expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o insult_v of_o enemy_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o friend_n and_o to_o renew_v wrong_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o baseness_n and_o cowardice_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o timorous_a soul_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o the_o affront_v and_o wrong_n of_o another_o man_n and_o that_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n to_o punish_v the_o malice_n of_o a_o offender_n by_o procure_v loss_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o part_n of_o distributive_a justice_n of_o which_o every_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n that_o so_o as_o the_o smart_n of_o revenge_n inflict_v may_v punish_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o aggressor_n the_o pleasure_n of_o inflict_a revenge_n may_v make_v some_o amends_o for_o the_o undeserved_a suffering_n of_o the_o injure_a party_n such_o argument_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o revenge_n and_o such_o do_v once_o introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o revenge_n be_v not_o only_o a_o matter_n allow_v but_o even_o a_o virtue_n the_o duty_n of_o every_o noble_a and_o courageous_a mind_n consonant_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o every_o private_a man._n thus_o the_o great_a master_n of_o morality_n among_o the_o heathen_n among_o who_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o that_o revenge_n be_v sweet_a than_o life_n itself_o that_o moderation_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o create_v but_o none_o in_o revenge_a injury_n that_o not_o to_o revenge_v a_o wrong_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o fear_n and_o sloth_n of_o a_o unmanly_a and_o degenerous_a mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v teach_v throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n to_o bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v we_o to_o recompense_v to_o no_o man_n evil_a for_o evil_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n which_o concern_v my_o present_a design_n not_o to_o avenge_v ourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o any_o sin_n of_o injustice_n commit_v against_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n either_o by_o
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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
his_o kingdom_n thus_o far_o reason_n will_v direct_v we_o but_o then_o revelation_n give_v we_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o immediate_a protection_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o be_v tell_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n with_o faith_n exclude_v doubt_n he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o argument_n include_v a_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o administer_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n satisfy_v his_o justice_n and_o declare_v his_o goodness_n thus_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o thus_o we_o can_v conceive_v his_o nature_n without_o adore_v it_o can_v consider_v his_o judgement_n and_o justice_n without_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n and_o obey_v his_o command_n thus_o be_v we_o on_o every_o side_n surround_v with_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n improve_v the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o argument_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o four_o of_o august_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v among_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o mankind_n none_o be_v more_o fatal_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o ordinary_a than_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o merit_n it_o be_v a_o deplorable_a misfortune_n indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n so_o near_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o who_o pretend_v to_o fathom_n heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o discover_v the_o property_n of_o invisible_a being_n and_o extend_v his_o knowledge_n both_o to_o precedent_n and_o future_a time_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o his_o own_o condition_n and_o entertain_v erroneous_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v merit_n not_o to_o comprehend_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v no_o wonder_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o essence_n surpass_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o finite_a understanding_n not_o to_o conceive_v accurate_o the_o property_n of_o immaterial_a being_n whether_o angel_n or_o separate_a soul_n may_v be_v excusable_a immateriality_n may_v easy_o confound_v a_o apprehension_n enure_v only_o to_o sensible_a object_n but_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o dignity_n the_o capacity_n of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v just_o admire_v if_o the_o frequency_n of_o such_o mistake_v do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o admiration_n of_o they_o if_o they_o extend_v no_o far_a than_o speculation_n they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v pardon_v and_o befit_v the_o consideration_n of_o philosopher_n only_o and_o think_v man_n but_o when_o they_o reach_v to_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o soul_n introduce_v false_a principle_n of_o practice_n which_o at_o last_o become_v fatal_a to_o the_o real_a interest_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v concern_v all_o man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o acquire_v more_o just_a conception_n to_o this_o purpose_n reason_n invite_v we_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o ourselves_o to_o contract_v our_o thought_n and_o not_o carry_v they_o beyond_o our_o merit_n to_o form_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o our_o perfection_n and_o not_o in_o a_o overween_a confidence_n of_o they_o enlarge_v our_o pretension_n beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v direct_v indeed_o more_o particular_o to_o those_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n whether_o of_o knowledge_n miracle_n or_o other_o grace_n despise_v their_o fellow_n christian_n who_o be_v less_o gift_v become_v proud_a and_o arrogant_a invade_v the_o office_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o violate_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o deliver_v in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o equal_o oppose_v all_o other_o error_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o merit_n recommend_v by_o a_o peculiar_a preface_n of_o divine_a authority_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o direct_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o although_o all_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o particular_a exorbitance_n and_o propose_v in_o such_o a_o general_a precept_n as_o will_v obviate_v all_o the_o aforemention_v mistake_v and_o inconvenience_n not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v i_o shall_v consider_v it_o then_o as_o such_o a_o general_a precept_n and_o show_v i._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o ii_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o i._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o fond_a and_o exorbitant_a pretension_n of_o man_n with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o nature_n man_n be_v apt_a falâ—ly_o to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a sort_n of_o be_v than_o he_o real_o be_v he_o please_v himself_o with_o vast_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o dignity_n and_o upon_o confidence_n of_o they_o raise_v his_o pretension_n to_o matter_n beyond_o his_o capacity_n at_o least_o beyond_o his_o merit_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n from_o hence_o be_v derive_v the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v our_o present_a and_o future_a misery_n the_o wicked_a angel_n have_v lead_v the_o way_n who_o be_v no_o soon_o create_v but_o reflect_v on_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o dignity_n of_o their_o order_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o understanding_n become_v proud_a and_o insolent_a rebel_v against_o god_n and_o attempt_v a_o independency_n on_o the_o crown_n of_o heaven_n man_n soon_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o reflect_v on_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v then_o entire_a and_o vigorous_a exalt_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o present_a condition_n which_o be_v then_o free_a from_o care_n and_o cross_n entertain_v a_o foolish_a ambition_n of_o improve_n his_o nature_n to_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a even_o of_o make_v himself_o like_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o be_v false_o persuade_v by_o the_o serpent_n that_o the_o way_n to_o compass_n his_o design_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o fall_v from_o his_o former_a happiness_n and_o entail_v misery_n upon_o all_o his_o posterity_n who_o happiness_n be_v from_o thence_o abate_v their_o faculty_n enervate_v and_o their_o perfection_n lessen_v yet_o can_v not_o the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o their_o first_o parent_n nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o much_o great_a imperfection_n divert_v succeed_a mankind_n from_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o mistake_v they_o lose_v the_o dignity_n but_o retain_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o forefather_n keep_v up_o their_o pretension_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o overgreat_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o impiety_n of_o atheist_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v whole_o independent_a from_o god_n and_o deny_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o existence_n from_o he_o to_o omit_v the_o profaneness_n of_o ancient_a epicurean_o and_o many_o modern_a deist_n who_o disown_n his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_v absolute_o from_o his_o dominion_n even_o those_o who_o own_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o still_o continue_v extravagant_a pretence_n to_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v design_v for_o they_o we_o common_o imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o that_o all_o other_o being_n heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o animal_n be_v create_v mere_o for_o our_o service_n hence_o we_o form_v a_o lofty_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o excellence_n and_o look_v down_o upon_o other_o creature_n with_o disdain_n we_o grow_v angry_a if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v not_o continual_o conspire_v to_o advance_v our_o interest_n we_o think_v ourselves_o injure_v if_o the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o violate_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o concern_v we_o project_n extraordinary_a scheme_n
can_v cunning_o suggest_v those_o sin_n unto_o they_o to_o which_o they_o be_v most_o prone_a he_o be_v unwearied_a in_o his_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o malice_n and_o so_o can_v continual_o renew_v his_o suggestion_n he_o can_v improve_v they_o with_o the_o introduce_v of_o all_o those_o false_a argument_n which_o can_v recommend_v any_o sin_n he_o can_v propose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o specious_a appearance_n be_v not_o discourage_v by_o any_o repulse_n renew_v his_o solicitation_n with_o the_o most_o constant_a diligence_n if_o man_n consider_v what_o pleasure_n the_o world_n can_v give_v he_o he_o amplifi_v to_o he_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o if_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v reflect_v on_o he_o suggest_v their_o difficulty_n if_o past_a sin_n be_v recall_v to_o mind_n he_o exaggerate_v their_o enormity_n and_o suggest_v they_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a if_o good_a christian_n through_o long_o struggle_v and_o constancy_n baffle_v he_o in_o all_o these_o attempt_n by_o stifle_v his_o wicked_a impression_n in_o their_o first_o rise_n by_o withhold_v their_o assent_n and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v his_o motion_n he_o employ_v other_o method_n and_o excile_v wicked_a man_n who_o seldom_o resist_v his_o suggestion_n because_o always_o recommend_v with_o the_o apparent_a show_n of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n or_o some_o other_o advantage_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o his_o design_n by_o bad_a example_n or_o counsel_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a by_o injury_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v the_o very_a case_n st._n peter_n particular_o speak_v of_o in_o this_o place_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o vigilant_a and_o powerful_a adversary_n we_o have_v to_o encounter_v the_o conviction_n of_o which_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o our_o ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o to_o inquire_v the_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o oppose_v he_o and_o serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n and_o successful_a use_n of_o they_o this_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o which_o god_n willing_a shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o seven_o sermon_n part_n ii_o preach_v on_o the_o 29_o 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 have_v represent_v to_o you_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n the_o powerful_a and_o constant_a opposition_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o lay_v open_a the_o mean_n of_o resistance_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o man_n against_o these_o violent_a and_o continual_a assault_n lest_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o vigour_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n success_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n carry_v on_o his_o assault_n shall_v discourage_v you_o from_o a_o resolute_a resistance_n what_o in_o other_o combat_n be_v wont_a to_o encourage_v man_n may_v be_v reduce_v either_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o some_o great_a interest_n as_o life_n and_o liberty_n lie_v then_o at_o stake_n to_o be_v recover_v or_o even_o improve_v by_o victory_n and_o forfeit_v by_o a_o defeat_n or_o to_o the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o success_n these_o argument_n we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n want_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o move_v man_n to_o venture_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n even_o single_o and_o without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o each_o other_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o worldly_a happiness_n will_v induce_v man_n to_o fight_v even_o when_o there_o be_v little_a probability_n of_o success_n and_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o success_n will_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n although_o no_o great_a interest_n be_v decide_v by_o it_o it_o may_v be_v wonder_v indeed_o that_o what_o be_v so_o ordinary_a in_o temporal_a matter_n shall_v seldom_o be_v discover_v in_o spiritual_a concern_v where_o both_o these_o motive_n be_v always_o join_v together_o and_o yet_o both_o seldom_o obtain_v their_o effect_n here_o a_o far_o great_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n than_o be_v ever_o the_o occasion_n of_o temporal_a quarrel_n here_o great_a certainty_n of_o success_n appear_v since_o here_o to_o obtain_v a_o victory_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o ally_n the_o courage_n of_o other_o man_n or_o the_o lucky_a accident_n of_o fortune_n but_o upon_o the_o single_a power_n of_o every_o private_a man_n for_o which_o every_o one_o can_v become_v answerable_a if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o resistance_n make_v by_o man_n to_o the_o assault_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v feeble_a and_o ofttimes_o unsuccessful_a we_o must_v ascribe_v it_o not_o to_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o these_o argument_n or_o conviction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o to_o want_v of_o consideration_n that_o man_n blind_o pursue_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n raise_v not_o their_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o seldom_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o spiritual_a interest_n inquire_v not_o what_o opposition_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o or_o what_o ability_n be_v confer_v on_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v defeat_v this_o opposition_n man_n indeed_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o ascribe_v this_o want_n of_o success_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o rather_o than_o their_o own_o default_n and_o so_o they_o may_v excuse_v themselves_o care_v not_o either_o to_o vilify_v the_o divine_a justice_n or_o depress_v their_o own_o nature_n thus_o the_o marcionite_n and_o other_o heretic_n of_o old_a pretend_a that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o almighty_a be_v who_o will_n can_v not_o be_v resist_v and_o which_o be_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n some_o other_o fear_v not_o to_o maintain_v that_o god_n give_v not_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o all_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v resist_v with_o success_n if_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o vain_a will_v man_n endeavour_v to_o resist_v he_o nay_o it_o will_v be_v even_o irrational_a to_o undertake_v a_o resistance_n which_o we_o be_v before_o assure_v will_v be_v unsuccessful_a we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v than_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o those_o evil_a spirit_n and_o submit_v ourselves_o quiet_o to_o that_o tyranny_n which_o we_o foresee_v can_v never_o be_v shake_v off_o but_o far_o from_o advise_v this_o submission_n st._n peter_n exhort_v we_o to_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o assure_a hope_n of_o success_n and_o deliverance_n and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o fierceness_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o assault_v make_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n by_o compare_v he_o to_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o amplify_v the_o dreadful_a execution_n which_o he_o perform_v upon_o conquer_a man_n by_o say_v that_o he_o do_v devour_v they_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o resistance_n and_o in_o resist_v he_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n in_o pursue_v the_o design_n and_o improve_n the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o will_v consider_v the_o mean_n of_o resist_v the_o devil_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o man_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a the_o result_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o external_n the_o supernatural_a yet_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n first_o then_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n and_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o the_o internal_a faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o understand_v this_o full_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n obtain_v their_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o effect_v their_o temptation_n this_o i_o treat_v large_o of_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o shall_v only_o repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o it_o unto_o you_o the_o devil_n than_o operate_v herein_o as_o a_o natural_a agent_n only_o who_o nature_n be_v finite_a his_o operation_n must_v be_v of_o a_o limit_a power_n also_o he_o can_v violent_o over-rule_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o forcible_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o free-will_n for_o this_o be_v to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n whereas_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o creature_n can_v exceed_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n fix_v by_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o man_n by_o their_o natural_a power_n may_v resist_v and_o surmount_v his_o temptation_n especial_o since_o they_o be_v not_o enforce_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
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
our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o manner_n of_o temptation_n in_o each_o case_n be_v not_o different_a be_v in_o each_o case_n effect_v by_o inward_a suggestion_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n visible_o appear_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n to_o have_v propose_v his_o allure_a temptation_n without_o any_o disguise_n will_v more_o have_v prejudice_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o than_o all_o the_o specious_a argument_n wherewith_o he_o recommend_v they_o can_v have_v enforce_v they_o he_o tempt_v christ_n by_o insinuate_v secret_o into_o his_o mind_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o that_o since_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n he_o have_v better_o satisfy_v his_o hunger_n by_o turn_v the_o stone_n into_o bread_n than_o endure_v it_o any_o long_o in_o await_v the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o to_o leap_v off_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o be_v carry_v safe_a in_o the_o air_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o raise_v his_o glory_n and_o fame_n among_o man_n and_o that_o if_o he_o will_v employ_v that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o gain_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o lord_n and_o thus_o he_o continue_v to_o tempt_v we_o with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o excellent_a wisdom_n know_v that_o all_o those_o suggestion_n proceed_v from_o that_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v those_o evil_a motion_n which_o we_o then_o find_v within_o ourselves_o to_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o since_o these_o suggestion_n be_v usual_o specious_a argument_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o be_v find_v in_o sin_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o this_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o understanding_n which_o as_o they_o imagine_v raise_v they_o beyond_o the_o trifle_a superstition_n of_o religious_a fool_n who_o be_v content_a to_o forfeit_v the_o chief_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v they_o know_v not_o who_o and_o suffer_v they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n whereby_o they_o alone_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o reconcile_v all_o these_o sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v to_o their_o pretence_n of_o future_a happiness_n when_o indeed_o pious_a man_n know_v no_o less_o than_o they_o what_o be_v the_o specious_a argument_n recommend_v sinful_a pleasure_n and_o by_o what_o method_n they_o may_v be_v best_a enhance_v but_o they_o will_v not_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o such_o consideration_n and_o if_o suggest_v to_o they_o present_o do_v remove_v they_o not_o only_o because_o by_o attention_n to_o they_o they_o be_v endanger_v to_o be_v allure_v or_o betray_v to_o consent_v to_o they_o but_o also_o because_o voluntary_o to_o continue_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o dwell_v upon_o they_o be_v a_o sin_n since_o this_o include_v a_o connivance_n of_o the_o will_n not_o restrain_v the_o imagination_n from_o such_o impure_a idea_n and_o be_v common_o attend_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o complacency_n which_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o put_v the_o please_a sin_n in_o practice_n so_o then_o the_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o elude_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o decline_v his_o suggestion_n immediate_o to_o remove_v even_o the_o first_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o divert_v the_o soul_n to_o some_o lawful_a object_n but_o because_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o strong_o excite_v by_o some_o violent_a object_n or_o impression_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v even_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o suppress_v it_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n as_o we_o see_v in_o violent_a passion_n which_o can_v no_o more_o be_v allay_v by_o one_o act_n of_o dissent_n in_o the_o will_n than_o a_o tempestuous_a sea_n be_v calm_v in_o one_o minute_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o provide_v remedy_n against_o such_o adventure_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a be_v that_o prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n v._o 29._o 30._o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o otherwise_o indifferent_a object_n thou_o find_v thyself_o often_o betray_v to_o a_o unlawful_a use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o any_o other_o sin_n deprive_v thyself_o even_o of_o that_o lawful_a pleasure_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o expose_v thy_o soul_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o total_a destruction_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_a not_o only_o that_o apparent_a but_o even_o all_o real_a satisfaction_n if_o by_o any_o please_a object_n of_o sight_n thou_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v tempt_v to_o unlawful_a desire_n by_o a_o prudent_a caution_n debar_v thyself_o even_o of_o those_o otherwise_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o that_o noble_a faculty_n if_o grateful_a object_n of_o touch_n do_v often_o excite_v such_o vehement_a passion_n in_o thou_o as_o can_v be_v satisfy_v without_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o thence_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n without_o lust_a after_o she_o suffer_v not_o thy_o eye_n to_o gaze_v upon_o she_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o engage_v in_o company_n without_o be_v tempt_v to_o drunkenness_n deny_v thyself_o so_o dangerous_a a_o satisfaction_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n a_o most_o divine_a counsel_n and_o excellent_o fit_v to_o defeat_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o propensity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n to_o sin_n every_o man_n may_v discover_v in_o himself_o a_o proneness_n to_o some_o particular_a sin_n beyond_o other_o of_o which_o evil_a spirit_n make_v their_o advantage_n and_o most_o frequent_o assault_v man_n by_o incite_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o here_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v chief_o careful_a and_o rather_o than_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o it_o dread_v even_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o suspect_v even_o his_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o object_n to_o which_o the_o sin_n relate_v and_o if_o all_o this_o circumspection_n prevent_v not_o the_o return_n of_o his_o unlawful_a passion_n as_o oft_o as_o the_o object_n be_v renew_v to_o renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o at_o least_o until_o those_o passion_n can_v be_v so_o far_o allay_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v again_o entertain_v the_o object_n without_o any_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o most_o frequent_a case_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o that_o be_v when_o the_o idea_n produce_v by_o the_o object_n or_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o it_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o a_o single_a dissent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o caution_n be_v either_o by_o our_o own_o negligence_n or_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o our_o adversary_n or_o both_o actual_o produce_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n chief_o appear_v the_o devil_n be_v vigilant_a and_o unwearied_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o design_n attack_n we_o on_o all_o side_n successive_o if_o he_o be_v repulse_v at_o one_o post_n he_o assault_v we_o at_o another_o and_o never_o give_v over_o till_o he_o gain_v entrance_n here_o be_v the_o chief_a conflict_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_n spirit_n excit_v his_o imagination_n when_o his_o passion_n be_v raise_v by_o this_o conception_n when_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n grow_v impetuous_a oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o reason_n and_o require_v blind_o to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o this_o to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v the_o devil_n opportunity_n to_o assault_v we_o and_o success_n in_o it_o this_o proceed_v no_o far_a than_o the_o bare_a satisfaction_n of_o sense_n it_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n look_v not_o up_o to_o heaven_n nor_o discern_v any_o future_a hope_n therein_o common_a with_o beast_n who_o pursue_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o present_a object_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o futurity_n this_o continual_o incit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v the_o object_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o without_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v allow_v or_o forbid_v
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 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be_v
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 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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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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
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
worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o if_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a prayer_n be_v more_o eminent_o so_o the_o intention_n of_o private_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o obtain_v supply_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o then_o to_o worship_v god_n whereas_o in_o public_a prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o necessity_n but_o a_o secondary_a intention_n so_o that_o to_o intermit_v the_o use_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o pray_v only_o in_o private_a be_v for_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o own_o design_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o public_a worship_n and_o prayer_n do_v far_o more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v open_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o other_o confess_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n magnify_v his_o benefit_n deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n whereas_o he_o who_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o a_o closet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v so_o much_o to_o other_o man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o he_o equal_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v also_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o want_v his_o mercy_n the_o psalmist_n therefore_o upon_o the_o receive_n of_o great_a and_o eminent_a benefit_n be_v wont_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o congregation_n as_o well_o know_v that_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o do_v far_o more_o contribute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o more_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n receive_v no_o increase_n of_o honour_n from_o our_o praise_n for_o neither_o do_v he_o receive_v any_o such_o advantage_n from_o private_a worship_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impious_a to_o say_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o man._n but_o by_o public_a worship_n man_n do_v more_o evident_o manifest_v their_o gratitude_n to_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v of_o his_o benefit_n and_o their_o own_o obligation_n than_o by_o private_a prayer_n and_o adoration_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o former_a be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n which_o good_a can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o procure_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n one_o part_n of_o which_o be_v a_o just_a return_n of_o gratitude_n and_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n receive_v not_o increase_v of_o honour_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o from_o those_o of_o men._n yet_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o find_v of_o heaven_n represent_v they_o as_o incessant_o sing_v praise_n to_o their_o great_a creator_n who_o not_o content_a to_o retain_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o their_o own_o thought_n communicate_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n find_v church_n that_o be_v separate_z society_n of_o man_n unite_v by_o certain_a law_n and_o under_o one_o common_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o one_o common_a form_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o private_a worship_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o contrive_v and_o find_v church_n by_o wonder_n of_o providence_n as_o he_o have_v that_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o vain_a have_v he_o give_v to_o they_o particular_a law_n and_o annex_v many_o privilege_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o under_o the_o old_a law_n he_o require_v every_o male_a to_o appear_v before_o he_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o command_v public_a worship_n to_o be_v continual_o pay_v to_o himself_o in_o daily_a sacrifice_n yet_o as_o he_o declare_v although_o he_o care_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o bullock_n nor_o for_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v the_o duty_n and_o adjoin_v reward_n to_o it_o because_o it_o public_o declare_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devout_a sacrificer_n to_o himself_o in_o these_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n our_o lord_n while_o one_o earth_n constant_o give_v his_o attendance_n at_o appoint_a time_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n frequent_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v in_o the_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n there_o make_v use_v of_o although_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v pour_v out_o extempore_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o devout_a prayer_n than_o those_o receive_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n if_o then_o god_n so_o strict_o exact_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o exact_o perform_v it_o if_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n god_n have_v gather_v and_o unite_v a_o church_n under_o common_a law_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o common_a reward_n what_o account_n can_v they_o make_v who_o either_o lie_v aside_o all_o public_a worship_n as_o superfluous_a or_o decry_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o meet_v once_o a_o week_n to_o worship_n god_n place_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o day_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o exhortation_n to_o and_o direction_n how_o to_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o private_a so_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a than_o to_o the_o other_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n wheresoever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n join_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o with_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n he_o will_v excite_v and_o render_v effectual_a their_o devotion_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o will_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o petition_n and_o how_o effectual_a must_v those_o prayer_n be_v wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o concur_v or_o what_o doubt_n can_v remain_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n when_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o assistance_n pardon_v favour_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v ancient_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o translate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o among_o they_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v give_v not_o to_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o same_o privilege_n be_v make_v common_a to_o all_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n do_v prevail_v to_o worship_n offer_v up_o from_o public_a place_n alone_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a and_o more_o illustrious_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v appear_v by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a honour_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n while_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n stand_v while_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o worship_n be_v perform_v therein_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o
his_o justice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o defraud_v oppress_v and_o injure_v to_o own_o his_o goodness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o deny_v compassion_n to_o his_o creature_n make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n to_o intercede_v with_o he_o for_o new_a benefit_n and_o employ_v those_o already_o grant_v in_o oppose_v his_o authority_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o have_v receive_v life_n and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o to_o yield_v he_o any_o service_n for_o it_o to_o confess_v his_o unlimited_a knowledge_n and_o presence_n and_o therewith_o retain_v secret_a resolution_n of_o sin_v all_o these_o be_v as_o heinous_a provocation_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o form_v all_o yet_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o pray_v with_o impure_a heart_n and_o mind_n and_o all_o yet_o receive_v this_o far_a aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o prayer_n such_o be_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n but_o to_o those_o who_o profess_v belief_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n no_o less_o weighty_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o prayer_n consist_v in_o our_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v grant_v mere_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o christian_a prayer_n and_o if_o ourselves_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o that_o in_o he_o and_o through_o he_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n to_o we_o no_o christian_a therefore_o have_v any_o other_o title_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o relation_n can_v consist_v without_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v all_o direct_v to_o promote_v purity_n justice_n and_o holiness_n the_o want_n of_o these_o condition_n break_v off_o the_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o man_n who_o then_o in_o vain_a supplicate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o disobedience_n he_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o may_v plead_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a but_o himself_o have_v no_o share_n in_o they_o he_o may_v fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n seat_n but_o will_v find_v no_o high_a priest_n to_o intercede_v for_o he_o who_o by_o his_o sin_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o crucify_a he_o afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n ii_o the_o second_o condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o without_o wrath_n that_o be_v without_o malice_n or_o hatred_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o anger_v grow_v inveterate_a the_o passion_n of_o anger_n be_v indeed_o no_o less_o unlawful_a to_o those_o that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o while_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o passion_n continue_v any_o one_o shall_v be_v dispose_v to_o pray_v while_o that_o commotion_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o attend_v anger_n last_v the_o mind_n can_v attend_v to_o nothing_o else_o and_o can_v direct_v its_o thought_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o during_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o only_o impious_a but_o unnatural_a to_o undertake_v it_o in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o engage_v its_o whole_a strength_n and_o intention_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v do_v when_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v between_o prayer_n and_o anger_n it_o ought_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o compose_v itself_o in_o a_o sedate_n and_o quiet_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o can_v do_v while_o disorder_v by_o any_o passion_n which_o reason_n will_v also_o make_v prayer_n unbefitting_a and_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n impossible_a not_o only_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o anger_n but_o also_o in_o such_o a_o hatred_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o violence_n of_o it_o continual_o employ_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n especial_o where_o the_o person_n hate_v be_v present_a to_o it_o and_o allow_v to_o it_o no_o interval_n of_o calm_a and_o quiet_a until_o it_o be_v either_o satisfy_v with_o revenge_n or_o expire_v with_o long_a time_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o hatred_n be_v a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a anger_n which_o for_o the_o former_a reason_n exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o prayer_n during_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o but_o such_o a_o degree_n be_v monstrous_a the_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n allow_v frequent_a interval_n of_o serenity_n to_o the_o mind_n fret_v not_o the_o thought_n continual_o and_o have_v this_o immediate_a effect_n only_o that_o whensoever_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o do_v return_v or_o the_o cause_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v first_o found_v be_v recall_v to_o mind_n either_o resolution_n or_o desire_n of_o revenge_n be_v conceive_v and_o a_o purpose_n form_v of_o not_o forgive_a even_o this_o moderate_a and_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n render_v the_o soul_n unfit_a for_o prayer_n and_o always_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o it_o for_o in_o prayer_n if_o direct_v and_o conceive_v aright_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o resign_v up_o his_o affection_n and_o faculty_n entire_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o but_o he_o who_o nourish_v hatred_n in_o his_o mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a neither_o resign_v up_o himself_o nor_o confess_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n for_o that_o very_a affection_n he_o retain_v in_o opposition_n to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o seek_v or_o desire_v revenge_n he_o make_v himself_o a_o judge_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o suppose_a injury_n and_o thereby_o invade_v the_o office_n and_o usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o if_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o have_v the_o only_a right_a to_o exercise_v such_o a_o judgement_n this_o confession_n therefore_o of_o subjection_n and_o self-resignation_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o prayer_n can_v consist_v with_o hatred_n and_o indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o prayer_n join_v with_o hatred_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o lord_n i_o resign_v up_o myself_o to_o thy_o disposal_n but_o will_v not_o commit_v my_o cause_n to_o thy_o decision_n i_o devote_v my_o affection_n and_o faculty_n to_o thy_o service_n but_o will_v not_o quit_v my_o hatred_n for_o thy_o command_n i_o acknowledge_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o reserve_v to_o myself_o a_o right_a to_o judge_v and_o punish_v by_o revenge_n my_o enemy_n who_o yet_o be_v my_o equal_a and_o thy_o subject_n so_o absurd_a incongruous_a and_o repugnant_a be_v the_o thought_n and_o petition_n of_o a_o malicious_a soul_n compare_v together_o as_o do_v not_o only_o just_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o petition_n but_o also_o deserve_v a_o eminent_a punishment_n for_o dare_v thus_o to_o collude_v with_o god_n but_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o hatred_n with_o prayer_n be_v yet_o behind_o namely_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n who_o may_v just_o affix_v whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v to_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o to_o the_o assurance_n of_o success_n in_o prayer_n he_o have_v above_o all_o other_o qualification_n pre-required_n freedom_n from_o envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n this_o he_o have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v before_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o especial_o that_o solemn_a one_o of_o prayer_n be_v pay_v to_o himself_o as_o in_o matth._n v._n 23._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n he_o have_v make_v this_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n to_o mankind_n forgive_v that_o you_o may_v be_v forgive_v for_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o not_o neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n matth._n vi_o 14._o he_o have_v insert_v this_o condition_n into_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v give_v both_o as_o a_o form_n and_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o christian_n forgive_v we_o our_o
salvation_n of_o man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v procure_v thereby_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v incline_v by_o their_o own_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o wish_v well_o to_o their_o fellow-creature_n to_o be_v concern_v at_o their_o welfare_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v if_o not_o with_o equal_a yet_o with_o like_a reason_n who_o possess_v soul_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o alike_o immortal_a by_o these_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o number_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n former_o diminish_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o lucifer_n and_o his_o associate_n be_v to_o be_v repair_v all_o which_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v unconcern_v in_o the_o felicity_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o although_o the_o divine_a dispoposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n of_o it_o but_o when_o by_o the_o order_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n as_o we_o read_v hebr._n i._n 14._o there_o be_v abundant_a reason_n for_o this_o their_o exultation_n since_o without_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n their_o labour_n have_v be_v whole_o vain_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n not_o capable_a of_o relief_n but_o after_o they_o see_v this_o at_o once_o make_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a in_o a_o rapture_n of_o joy_n they_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o hymn_n of_o praise_n for_o if_o there_o be_v joy_n among_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o be_v save_v how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n be_v redeem_v and_o make_v capable_a of_o salvation_n even_o the_o angel_n themselves_o although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o mankind_n receive_v signal_n benefit_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o their_o happiness_n consist_v in_o contemplate_v and_o praise_v the_o nature_n the_o attribute_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n their_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v finite_a as_o be_v their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o every_o addition_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o increase_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o great_a benefit_n which_o in_o their_o state_n they_o can_v receive_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n i._n 12._o that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o that_o before_o this_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n xxiv_o 36._o but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n but_o my_o father_n only_o when_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o thereby_o begin_v to_o complete_a the_o wonderful_a mystery_n of_o man_n salvation_n then_o clear_o appear_v to_o these_o bless_a spirit_n what_o be_v before_o obscure_a to_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n the_o mysterious_a secret_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o signification_n of_o prophecy_n which_o go_v before_o the_o purport_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o other_o rational_a being_n this_o new_a knowledge_n administer_v to_o they_o fresh_a reason_n of_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o increase_v their_o happiness_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o angel_n move_v by_o great_a reason_n to_o join_v in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n but_o why_o they_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o audible_o so_o as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o shepherd_n as_o st._n luke_n relate_v we_o be_v still_o to_o inquire_v that_o angel_n which_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o this_o office_n have_v new_o finish_v his_o message_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o happiness_n which_o will_v thence_o ensue_v to_o all_o mankind_n when_o immediate_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n be_v present_a with_o he_o and_o sing_v this_o hymn_n this_o without_o doubt_n be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o hear_v it_o and_o other_o who_o shall_v know_v by_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o benefit_n to_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o birth_n be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n on_o who_o the_o angel_n so_o attend_v we_o find_v not_o that_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o prophet_n be_v usher_v in_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n as_o on_o mount_n sina_n to_o moses_n on_o mount_n horeb_n to_o elias_n but_o it_o be_v still_o attend_v with_o some_o other_o visible_a sign_n as_o in_o both_o those_o place_n by_o extraordinary_a commotion_n in_o the_o air_n which_o also_o represent_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o old_a law_n and_o in_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o which_o god_n descend_v upon_o earth_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o we_o find_v it_o foretell_v by_o one_o angel_n proclaim_v by_o another_o and_o celebrate_a 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n this_o declare_v his_o majesty_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n if_o not_o of_o his_o person_n yet_o at_o least_o of_o his_o mission_n now_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o angel_n praise_v god_n upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o will_v show_v that_o all_o those_o reason_n which_o may_v induce_v the_o angel_n to_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o hymn_n of_o praise_n be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o more_o persuasive_a to_o they_o if_o the_o angel_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o divine_a glory_n wrought_v hereby_o and_o be_v not_o we_o oblige_v to_o magnify_v the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a emanation_n of_o they_o both_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o rational_a soul_n if_o the_o angel_n so_o far_o rejoice_v in_o the_o benefit_n and_o salvation_n of_o other_o how_o much_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v thankful_a who_o reap_v the_o advantage_n upon_o who_o the_o benefit_n be_v bestow_v if_o the_o angel_n be_v glad_a to_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n accomplish_v much_o more_o sure_o shall_v men_n esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v who_o enjoy_v it_o so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n if_o the_o angel_n have_v reason_n man_n have_v much_o more_o to_o celebrate_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n with_o this_o hymn_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n i_o will_v consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o and_o first_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o desire_n of_o what_o have_v not_o as_o a_o approbation_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v towards_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n the_o addition_n of_o in_o the_o high_a signify_v either_o in_o heaven_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o what_o follow_v peace_n on_o earth_n be_v a_o completion_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n sing_v o_o heaven_n and_o rejoice_v o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v redeem_v jacob_n etc._n etc._n or_o more_o natural_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o higheâ—â—â—â—gree_n in_o which_o sense_n this_o phrase_n be_v â—ost_o frequent_o understand_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o psal._n xciii_o 4._o where_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o septuagint_n the_o lord_n be_v mighty_a in_o the_o high_a that_o be_v mighty_a above_o all_o and_o sure_o with_o great_a reason_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o give_v the_o high_a glory_n to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o eternal_a attribute_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o any_o other_o effect_n whatsoever_o and_o from_o whence_o he_o receive_v the_o great_a glory_n which_o be_v ever_o pay_v by_o mankind_n to_o god_n to_o pursue_v this_o in_o particular_a consideration_n the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n do_v never_o appear_v so_o eminent_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o this_o mystery_n true_o do_v st._n john_n say_v 1_o joh._n iu_o 9_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v