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the_o promise_v of_o god_n of_o give_v he_o a_o better_a inheritance_n in_o another_o land_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n although_o neither_o we_o nor_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o those_o promise_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o possession_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n neither_o require_v nor_o accept_v a_o irrational_a belief_n in_o man_n but_o as_o he_o at_o first_o endue_v he_o with_o reasonable_a faculty_n so_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n so_o much_o diminish_v as_o by_o affix_v to_o he_o revelation_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o include_v contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o such_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v as_o plain_o as_o the_o obscurity_n 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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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procure_v to_o himself_o a_o universal_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n except_o in_o the_o small_a spot_n of_o judea_n erect_v oracle_n and_o daily_o effect_v lie_v wonder_n man_n be_v from_o their_o infancy_n train_v up_o in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o education_n if_o any_o oppose_v his_o worship_n he_o be_v present_o decry_v as_o a_o atheist_n as_o a_o introducer_n of_o new_a religion_n obnoxious_a to_o severe_a punishment_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n if_o man_n entertain_v a_o suspicion_n of_o that_o irrational_a worship_n which_o he_o have_v form_v he_o can_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o seem_a miracle_n fright_v they_o into_o his_o obedience_n by_o prodigy_n keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o divinity_n by_o sorcery_n and_o prediction_n all_o this_o be_v then_o permit_v to_o he_o till_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v his_o power_n then_o sensible_o decrease_v until_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o determine_v by_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v then_o remand_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o work_v apparent_a miracle_n at_o least_o in_o christian_a country_n confine_v to_o secret_a and_o dark_a operation_n only_o and_o even_o those_o in_o great_a measure_n enervate_v and_o defeat_v by_o that_o ordinary_a grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o public_a sacrament_n and_o office_n of_o the_o church_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v somewhat_o of_o the_o assistance_n give_v to_o we_o by_o good_a spirit_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n of_o which_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n do_v particular_o require_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n which_o be_v pious_o institute_v by_o the_o church_n in_o commemoration_n of_o those_o many_o and_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n among_o these_o none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v what_o we_o now_o treat_v of_o their_o assist_v we_o in_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n for_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n i._n 14._o they_o apply_v themselves_o with_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o this_o charitable_a office_n attend_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n countermine_v the_o stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o affection_n promote_a the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n how_o all_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v after_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n operate_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o whatsoever_o natural_a power_n these_o possess_v equal_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a if_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o move_a matter_n and_o so_o of_o affect_v our_o imagination_n much_o more_o these_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v imprint_v idea_n in_o our_o mind_n by_o immediate_a influence_n much_o more_o these_o who_o pious_a design_n be_v bless_v and_o prosper_v by_o their_o almighty_a patron_n if_o they_o by_o long_a observation_n have_v find_v out_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n these_o possess_v by_o nature_n a_o equal_a knowledge_n and_o have_v obtain_v a_o much_o great_a by_o divine_a communication_n if_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o less_o defensible_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n where_o the_o attempt_n may_v most_o successful_o be_v make_v these_o have_v discern_v the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v most_o persuasive_a to_o every_o single_a man_n and_o fail_v not_o to_o apply_v they_o fit_o if_o they_o prosecute_v their_o hatred_n and_o wicked_a design_n against_o mankind_n with_o unwearied_a malice_n these_o continue_v their_o good_a office_n with_o no_o less_o constant_a diligence_n and_o charity_n if_o they_o be_v render_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a in_o all_o their_o action_n by_o their_o subtlety_n agility_n long_a experience_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n these_o obtain_v the_o same_o faculty_n in_o equal_a perfection_n and_o with_o far_o great_a probability_n of_o success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o therein_o these_o act_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n they_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o these_o with_o a_o constant_a complacency_n and_o prospect_n of_o reward_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o those_o with_o a_o perpetual_a vexation_n as_o know_v the_o increase_n of_o their_o punishment_n do_v attend_v it_o these_o assist_v and_o direct_v by_o god_n those_o restrain_v and_o withheld_a by_o he_o in_o
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
the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o revelation_n be_v infallible_a none_o can_v deny_v for_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o one_o who_o infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v except_v to_o these_o revelation_n and_o deny_v assent_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o think_v of_o before_o and_o which_o even_o when_o reveal_v to_o he_o he_o can_v well_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n show_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v or_o stumble_v at_o this_o from_o the_o obvious_a example_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o any_o be_v inferior_a to_o it_o nor_o the_o secret_n or_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o it_o find_v out_o by_o any_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o inferior_a be_v if_o it_o can_v speak_v and_o argue_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o noble_a faculty_n because_o it_o can_v conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o for_o one_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o because_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o than_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v in_o the_o text_n even_n so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unreasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o then_o all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o conception_n cease_v and_o it_o remain_v only_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o allege_a revelation_n be_v true_o divine_a this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n assert_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n declare_v his_o preach_v of_o it_o to_o be_v found_v not_o upon_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o nice_a conclusion_n as_o be_v the_o system_n of_o philosophy_n then_o receive_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o world_n from_o which_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o these_o two_o character_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o gentile_a philosophy_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o secure_a to_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o other_o effect_v both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n further_o these_o matter_n when_o once_o reveal_v and_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n as_o we_o propose_v not_o to_o other_o with_o artificial_a sophistry_n and_o rhetoric_n so_o we_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o pure_a argument_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o logical_a inference_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v ver._n 13._o but_o as_o we_o teach_v they_o with_o that_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o god_n direct_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o effect_v so_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o compare_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o general_a motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o follow_v but_o with_o the_o wisdom_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a now_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o method_n in_o our_o enquiry_n herein_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o 14_o ver._n but_o the_o natural_a man._n he_o who_o judge_v these_o revelation_n only_o according_a to_o his_o preconceive_a notion_n take_v up_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o receive_v not_o from_o they_o who_o weigh_v not_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n reinforcing_a these_o revelation_n he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v truth_n which_o surmount_v the_o reach_n of_o naked_a reason_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v only_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o regard_v not_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o revelation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v recommend_v so_o that_o while_o he_o act_v in_o this_o irrational_a method_n he_o can_v know_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whereas_o he_o who_o understand_v well_o the_o motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o compare_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a ver._n 15._o judge_v all_o thing_n may_v safe_o and_o without_o error_n pronounce_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o do_v so_o he_o be_v not_o just_o to_o be_v overrule_v with_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o consider_v the_o thing_n absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o compare_v with_o its_o motive_n of_o credibility_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man._n since_o plain_a reason_n direct_v that_o if_o the_o motive_n be_v find_v weighty_a than_o the_o difficulty_n he_o shall_v declare_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o not_o be_v startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n as_o concern_v a_o subject_n exceed_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o best_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o revelation_n we_o have_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v he_o but_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ._n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o context_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v form_v these_o two_o consideration_n whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n i._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o revelation_n nor_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o mere_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o ii_o that_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v their_o internal_a probability_n so_o much_o as_o their_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n first_o then_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v scandalize_v at_o they_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o for_o this_o we_o can_v rational_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o full_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o object_n which_o that_o we_o be_v not_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o many_o object_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n appear_v both_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o manifold_a experience_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v finite_a and_o so_o must_v the_o faculty_n of_o it_o also_o be_v one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o understanding_n which_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a
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
presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o a_o peculiar_a unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n dispense_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o any_o one_o or_o indulge_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o such_o be_v the_o presumption_n indeed_o and_o such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a success_n of_o favourite_n on_o earth_n where_o favour_n be_v often_o distribute_v not_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o reason_n of_o who_o favour_n be_v certain_a fixed_z and_o universal_a equal_o distribute_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o none_o who_o shall_v not_o qualify_v himself_o by_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n may_v we_o all_o therefore_o upon_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o impartiality_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o certain_a mean_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o doubt_v to_o obtain_v our_o desire_n the_o assurance_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n give_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o as_o sure_o as_o we_o here_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n so_o sure_o will_v he_o complete_a his_o promise_n to_o we_o of_o happiness_n hereafter_o the_o six_o sermon_n part_n i._o preach_v on_o the_o one_a of_o sept._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o depravity_n of_o nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n that_o aversion_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o readiness_n of_o comply_v with_o unlawful_a suggestion_n which_o all_o discover_v in_o themselves_o all_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n without_o assiduous_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o any_o habit_n of_o piety_n or_o virtue_n can_v be_v form_v that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o struggle_v against_o the_o natural_a desire_n and_o overrule_a the_o propensity_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o negligence_n alone_o or_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n will_v produce_v a_o habit_n of_o vice_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o man_n we_o may_v rather_o hope_v the_o contrary_a since_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o all_o thing_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o their_o end_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o end_n do_v thereby_o become_v unnatural_a yet_o the_o experience_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o it_o have_v put_v man_n in_o all_o age_n upon_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o some_o resolve_v it_o into_o fate_n other_o into_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o body_n some_o into_o the_o malign_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o not_o a_o few_o into_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o all_o these_o conception_n be_v gross_a in_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o matter_n will_v have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v be_v unaccountable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n nor_o do_v all_o revelation_n clear_v this_o doubt_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n little_a light_n be_v add_v to_o it_o it_o be_v christianity_n alone_o which_o full_o manifest_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o unhappiness_n and_o as_o the_o discovery_n of_o disease_n facilitate_v the_o cure_n of_o they_o thereby_o enable_v we_o to_o avoid_v or_o at_o least_o overcome_v the_o contagion_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n manifest_v by_o revelation_n only_o be_v two_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n succeed_v the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o devil_n the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o apply_v fit_a remedy_n to_o they_o yet_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o be_v little_o know_v by_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n and_o frequent_o mistake_v by_o the_o more_o know_a sort_n of_o christian_n i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o latter_a take_v occasion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n of_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o constant_a danger_n whereto_o christian_n be_v expose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o their_o adversary_n walk_v about_o seek_v their_o destruction_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o rage_n and_o force_v wherewith_o he_o assault_v the_o faithful_a denote_v by_o compare_v he_o to_o the_o most_o terrible_a of_o wild_a beast_n when_o enrage_v as_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o from_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v to_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o as_o utter_o deprive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o that_o man_n be_v of_o natural_a life_n who_o be_v devour_v by_o a_o wild_a beast_n for_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o word_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o i._o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n ii_o our_o duty_n ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o first_o then_o although_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o devil_n tempt_v we_o be_v very_o obscure_a as_o be_v all_o the_o action_n of_o immaterial_a being_n and_o although_o it_o become_v we_o not_o to_o determine_v rash_o what_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v yet_o our_o inquiry_n herein_o will_v be_v lawful_a while_o guide_v by_o reason_n and_o useful_a because_o teach_v we_o a_o matter_n which_o do_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v fatal_a to_o we_o and_o convince_a the_o opposition_n of_o unbelieve_a man_n who_o mock_v at_o this_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o evil_a spirit_n for_o although_o '_o the_o common_a and_o constant_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n herein_o produce_v by_o their_o visible_a effect_n do_v render_v it_o high_o probable_a although_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o immaterial_a being_n differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a quality_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o although_o divine_a revelation_n add_v to_o all_o these_o have_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o improve_v and_o urge_v these_o argument_n since_o we_o inquire_v not_o after_o the_o existence_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n it_o will_v however_o be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_a men._n their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o bad_a from_o good_a man_n save_v that_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o angel_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o best_a man_n so_o the_o wickedness_n of_o devil_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n they_o be_v once_o at_o their_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o angel_n endue_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o happiness_n but_o when_o through_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o rebel_v against_o god_n disobey_v his_o command_n forsake_v that_o station_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v they_o and_o aim_v at_o high_a dignity_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o former_a happiness_n and_o throw_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o whereas_o before_o they_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o reflect_v upon_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o perpetual_a communication_n of_o light_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o angel_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n in_o extraordinary_a emanation_n they_o have_v now_o debase_v their_o nature_n by_o violate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o fruition_n of_o any_o divine_a illumination_n be_v reduce_v into_o that_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o loss_n can_v not_o but_o infinite_o disquiet_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o ambitious_a design_n and_o as_o they_o
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thought_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o such_o motion_n in_o they_o will_v infallible_o and_o unavoidable_o produce_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o devil_n as_o they_o be_v most_o sagacious_a spirit_n and_o of_o long_a experience_n may_v have_v observe_v and_o find_v to_o which_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o and_o such_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v annex_v and_o according_o procure_v those_o motion_n as_o often_o as_o they_o desire_v to_o introduce_v such_o thought_n for_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o all_o immaterial_a being_n have_v a_o natural_a power_n of_o move_a matter_n we_o find_v that_o in_o our_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o low_a of_o all_o such_o being_n that_o move_v our_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o our_o whole_a body_n it_o no_o soon_o form_v a_o idea_n but_o the_o spirit_n attend_v the_o formation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v move_v according_a to_o its_o diversity_n 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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
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 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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 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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
life_n as_o it_o be_v high_o generous_a so_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o retain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therewith_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o so_o great_a that_o your_o own_o imagination_n will_v amplify_v it_o more_o than_o any_o word_n i_o can_v use_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o choose_a servant_n to_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v of_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o christian_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o open_a exercise_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v incite_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o interval_n of_o piety_n this_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o in_o the_o 3d._a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o suffer_v such_o enormous_a sinner_n whole_o to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o therefore_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v undergo_v sharp_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n not_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n have_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n or_o that_o temporal_a calamity_n do_v always_o attend_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o as_o in_o a_o general_a persecution_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o the_o precedent_a sin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o particular_a man_n although_o not_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n to_o have_v require_v to_o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o partake_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n so_o neither_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o those_o first_o christian_n be_v before_o their_o conversion_n for_o this_o reason_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o same_o visible_a manner_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o fear_v that_o a_o far_o great_a punishment_n be_v reserve_v to_o we_o hereafter_o if_o by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n we_o prevent_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o this_o precedent_n sinful_a course_n of_o life_n be_v another_o great_a difficulty_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n who_o have_v contract_v before_o their_o conversion_n long_o and_o fix_a habit_n of_o vice_n efface_v by_o disuse_n all_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o honesty_n which_o to_o restore_v can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o application_n if_o to_o these_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o those_o time_n we_o add_v the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v what_o just_a reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v i_o will_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o particular_a duty_n the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n with_o many_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o piety_n which_o we_o experience_n and_o lament_v that_o which_o chief_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o man_n in_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n be_v enure_v to_o follow_v the_o perception_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v easy_o form_v and_o affect_v the_o mind_n without_o any_o precedent_a preparation_n of_o it_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o object_n which_o sense_n present_v to_o he_o without_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n or_o form_v any_o conclusion_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n whereas_o the_o reward_n propose_v by_o christianity_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o man_n not_o put_v into_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o they_o they_o can_v obtain_v nor_o yet_o conceive_v they_o without_o a_o regular_a proceed_n of_o judgement_n they_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o dignity_n power_n and_o other_o attribute_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o their_o own_o action_n to_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n the_o certain_a immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o possible_a immortality_n of_o their_o body_n the_o assurance_n of_o both_o from_o he_o who_o can_v perform_v it_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o such_o immortality_n shall_v be_v confer_v to_o receive_v then_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a conduct_n of_o this_o life_n all_o this_o must_v be_v first_o consider_v and_o examine_v before_o any_o conviction_n can_v be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o convince_v there_o want_v a_o second_o series_n of_o thought_n to_o convince_v mankind_n that_o to_o embrace_v this_o truth_n be_v their_o real_a interest_n the_o reward_v propose_v by_o it_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a they_o affect_v not_o the_o sense_n nor_o strike_v the_o imagination_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o measure_v the_o fruition_n of_o all_o pleasure_n he_o relish_v but_o little_a the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o scarce_o know_v wherein_o they_o consist_v and_o that_o which_o draw_v near_a to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o conception_n and_o meditation_n of_o intellectual_a object_n he_o find_v himself_o soon_o weary_a of_o it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o when_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v overcome_v here_o be_v still_o require_v another_o train_n of_o thought_n to_o fix_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n notwithstanding_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v till_o another_o life_n if_o then_o so_o much_o consideration_n be_v require_v to_o render_v the_o argument_n of_o christianity_n effectual_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o hardly_o conceive_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o present_a fruition_n and_o so_o little_a grateful_a to_o those_o organ_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o fruition_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v foresee_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n for_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n allow_v their_o soul_n to_o entertain_v any_o conception_n beyond_o what_o sense_n administer_v to_o they_o how_o few_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o immaterial_a being_n or_o spiritual_a interest_n not_o that_o any_o extraordinary_a strength_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v to_o form_v such_o thought_n and_o conviction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o frequent_o urge_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v retain_v such_o thought_n improve_v they_o and_o act_n upon_o they_o but_o even_o this_o be_v irksome_a to_o his_o deprave_a nature_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v his_o body_n his_o soul_n he_o little_o know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o the_o noble_a pleasure_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o one_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o other_o he_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o disadvantage_n betray_v he_o either_o to_o neglect_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o to_o prefer_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n before_o they_o unless_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o diligent_a attention_n he_o have_v form_v a_o full_a conviction_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o value_n of_o they_o that_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o follow_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o even_o the_o reversion_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n another_o difficulty_n alike_o common_a to_o all_o be_v the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v that_o it_o include_v every_o action_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o any_o one_o part_n destroy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o exercise_v this_o or_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n unless_o the_o whole_a life_n be_v uniform_a and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o put_v a_o christian_a
scripture_n be_v faid_fw-we to_o be_v the_o footstool_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a just_a and_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n ii_o and_o that_o he_o real_o do_v ascend_v thither_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o ascension_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v feel_v and_o handle_v that_o with_o which_o they_o have_v converse_v for_o forty_o day_n together_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o material_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n again_o and_o have_v perform_v all_o manner_n of_o vital_a action_n that_o very_a body_n they_o see_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o jesus_n who_o have_v rose_n again_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o who_o have_v lead_v they_o out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v visible_a and_o present_a to_o they_o till_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o his_o ascension_n as_o he_o be_v yet_o speak_v with_o they_o be_v part_v from_o they_o and_o carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n as_o we_o read_v luk._n xxiv_o which_o refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o christ_n ascend_v in_o spirit_n only_o have_v first_o put_v off_o and_o return_v to_o the_o several_a element_n that_o body_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o again_o that_o body_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v local_o present_a with_o they_o upon_o earth_n they_o see_v soon_o after_o to_o be_v real_o remove_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v into_o heaven_n for_o as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n when_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o bless_a they_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o testify_v his_o real_a and_o corporeal_a presence_n with_o they_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o next_o moment_n even_o while_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o part_v from_o they_o and_o while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n which_o prove_v his_o ascension_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o local_a translation_n from_o the_o part_n here_o below_o to_o those_o above_o and_o that_o at_o that_o moment_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_o humane_a body_n whatever_o glorious_a change_n it_o undergo_v after_o its_o reception_n into_o heaven_n the_o seat_n of_o immortality_n and_o spiritual_a being_n other_o circumstance_n deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o this_o ascension_n and_o first_o our_o lord_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v please_v to_o call_v together_o many_o if_o not_o all_o his_o disciple_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o a_o favour_n which_o be_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o conduct_n indeed_o be_v different_a but_o the_o reason_n not_o unlike_a in_o both_o case_n both_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v thenceforth_o to_o pass_v into_o necessary_a article_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o principal_a support_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o mankind_n both_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v place_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n by_o the_o attestation_n of_o many_o and_o credible_a witness_n to_o effect_v this_o at_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o any_o witness_n shall_v be_v present_a since_o the_o action_n of_o life_n visible_o and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o perform_v by_o he_o after_o his_o know_a crucifixion_n and_o burial_n abundant_o and_o even_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o some_o few_o day_n before_o he_o be_v true_o dead_a their_o sense_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o be_v now_o true_o alive_a whence_o they_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o they_o have_v actual_o see_v his_o resurrection_n whereas_o in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o ascension_n he_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v see_v by_o they_o in_o this_o life_n no_o mortal_a be_v thenceforward_o to_o see_v his_o state_n of_o glory_n or_o testify_v his_o station_n in_o heaven_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o that_o action_n which_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o testify_v and_o preach_v to_o other_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n be_v add_v to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o bless_a spirit_n far_o from_o repine_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o ascension_n exalt_v to_o a_o superior_a degree_n of_o glory_n descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o bear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o his_o arrival_n there_o as_o at_o his_o nativity_n they_o have_v do_v to_o proclaim_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o deity_n upon_o earth_n for_o it_o follow_v act_v i._o 10._o behold_v two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n which_o also_o say_v you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o apparition_n of_o angel_n a_o empty_a pageant_n or_o a_o unnecessary_a addition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n ascension_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o attendance_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n by_o their_o testimony_n concern_v his_o ascension_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o see_v he_o receive_v upon_o the_o cloud_n they_o look_v up_o and_o follow_v he_o with_o their_o eye_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sight_n can_v reach_v but_o that_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o low_a region_n and_o not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n their_o sense_n can_v not_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o lord_n be_v carry_v thither_o to_o evidence_n therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o remain_v that_o god_n by_o these_o ministerial_a spirit_n shall_v declare_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n these_o angel_n be_v wont_a to_o minister_v before_o and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v know_v to_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o they_o testify_v that_o christ_n have_v ascend_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v descend_v and_o thereby_o perfect_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n who_o sight_n can_v not_o reach_v so_o far_o far_o these_o bless_a spirit_n not_o only_o bring_v evidence_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o real_a ascension_n of_o their_o master_n into_o heaven_n but_o also_o give_v they_o comfort_n and_o alleviate_v their_o sorrow_n conceive_v for_o his_o departure_n by_o add_v those_o word_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o you_o have_v see_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n elisha_n have_v see_v his_o master_n elijah_n carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n yet_o know_v not_o certain_o how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v dispose_v of_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v he_o again_o he_o entertain_v the_o sight_n with_o grief_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o it_o rend_v his_o clothes_n nor_o have_v the_o disciple_n be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o anxiety_n without_o the_o present_a consolation_n of_o these_o angel_n when_o their_o lord_n have_v before_o his_o death_n declare_v to_o they_o his_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o the_o father_n john_n xvi_o they_o can_v not_o dissemble_v their_o grief_n as_o himself_o observe_v verse_n 6._o because_o i_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n unto_o you_o sorrow_n have_v fill_v your_o heart_n and_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n still_o retain_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o they_o have_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v not_o at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n which_o hope_n be_v total_o defeat_v by_o his_o departure_n into_o heaven_n both_o these_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o the_o angel_n happy_o do_v remove_v in_o these_o word_n they_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o take_v from_o they_o but_o themselves_o shall_v see_v he_o return_v in_o the_o last_o of_o day_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imagine_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v abolish_v they_o
the_o propagation_n of_o it_o afterward_o for_o several_a age_n the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n seldom_o want_v their_o effect_n in_o private_a christian_n and_o even_o wrought_v so_o far_o in_o public_a society_n profess_v christianity_n that_o for_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o christian_n never_o war_v against_o other_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n nor_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o whole_o expire_v in_o these_o degenerate_a time_n witness_v that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o still_o frequent_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o who_o it_o be_v charitable_o be_v to_o suppose_a that_o none_o presume_v to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n without_o a_o entire_a resolution_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o maintain_v peace_n with_o all_o men._n the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o angel_n doxology_n be_v goodwill_n towards_o man_n which_o express_v much_o more_o than_o reconciliation_n of_o god_n to_o man_n imply_v no_o less_o than_o his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a which_o god_n do_v of_o his_o son_n when_o he_o say_v of_o he_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o the_o assumption_n of_o the_o humane_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o far_o propitiate_v god_n in_o regard_n to_o man_n that_o he_o not_o only_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o but_o also_o admit_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n make_v they_o capable_a of_o even_o preternatural_a happiness_n even_o of_o enjoy_v himself_o in_o heaven_n insomuch_o that_o he_o who_o have_v once_o through_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n repent_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o and_o resolve_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o do_v now_o adopt_v they_o for_o the_o darling_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o as_o the_o original_a word_n in_o the_o text_n imply_v even_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o vouchsafe_v to_o honour_n they_o by_o join_v it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o son_n and_o therein_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o degree_n even_o above_o that_o of_o angel_n not_o only_o admit_v they_o to_o that_o pardon_n of_o past_a sin_n which_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o angel_n but_o also_o send_v the_o prince_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o who_o afterward_o ascend_v with_o it_o into_o heaven_n shall_v thereby_o consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o his_o body_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o glory_n and_o sure_o no_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n or_o of_o his_o delight_n in_o mankind_n can_v be_v desire_v than_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o society_n of_o himself_o in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o delight_n which_o he_o testify_v to_o take_v in_o his_o belove_a son_n the_o utmost_a reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o he_o advance_v his_o human_a nature_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heaven_n for_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v place_v there_o from_o all_o age_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n admit_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v imitate_v his_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o glory_n the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n wherewith_o the_o human_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o invest_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o a_o earnest_a that_o we_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o same_o honour_n for_o christ_n our_o forerunner_n be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o we_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o leave_v without_o other_o visible_a pledge_n of_o the_o same_o hope_n more_o particular_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v lively_o represent_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o it_o the_o bread_n declare_v his_o body_n the_o wine_n his_o blood_n the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n the_o mortality_n of_o his_o body_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v redemption_n for_o mankind_n the_o distribution_n of_o both_o to_o every_o communicant_a manifest_v that_o they_o be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o receive_v his_o figurative_a body_n be_v assure_v of_o obtain_v in_o due_a time_n the_o same_o happiness_n with_o his_o true_a body_n now_o in_o heaven_n by_o these_o figure_n of_o his_o true_a body_n we_o open_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o incarnation_n that_o he_o real_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o in_o appearance_n as_o be_v the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n for_o that_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o represent_v which_o be_v not_o real_a we_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o that_o adoration_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v this_o religious_a action_n we_o profess_v our_o belief_n that_o he_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o that_o in_o time_n all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n be_v fullfil_v in_o that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o come_v as_o the_o intention_n and_o the_o office_n of_o this_o festival_n direct_v last_o we_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n if_o we_o do_v all_o this_o with_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o charity_n so_o shall_v we_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n to_o renew_v their_o hymn_n to_o sing_v glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v honour_v by_o this_o devotion_n and_o thankfulness_n of_o his_o servant_n peace_n on_o earth_n wherein_o man_n be_v hereby_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o goodwill_n towards_o man_n who_o be_v hereby_o admit_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v hereafter_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_n finis_fw-la