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 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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 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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
add_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o see_v he_o go_v that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o our_o lord_n describe_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n matth._n xiii_o 26._o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o inquire_v into_o what_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v translate_v yet_o not_o unfit_a to_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ascend_v into_o those_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o most_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o ephes._n iu._n 10._o he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v far_o above_o all_o heaven_n and_o hebr._n vii_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o heb._n ix_o 12._o pass_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n even_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o same_o state_n of_o glory_n with_o god_n the_o father_n his_o body_n be_v translate_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v the_o place_n whether_o in_o the_o three_o in_o the_o four_o or_o above_o the_o heaven_n be_v rash_a and_o unwarrantable_a but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o immediate_a residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n whatsoever_o region_n be_v most_o holy_a whatsoever_o place_n be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o those_o celestial_a orb_n thither_o christ_n ascend_v and_o there_o now_o reign_v in_o glory_n iii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o and_o great_a the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a benefit_n derive_v from_o it_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o a_o benefit_n which_o be_v indeed_o more_o sensible_a in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n when_o it_o communicate_v to_o many_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n but_o be_v at_o this_o day_n no_o less_o advantageous_a since_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o church_n be_v still_o maintain_v the_o faithful_a be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o unfaithful_a be_v convert_v thus_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o last_a benefit_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n procure_v to_o they_o those_o grace_n which_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v the_o ascension_n of_o elijah_n make_v one_o elisha_n leave_v a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o one_o disciple_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o no_o other_o but_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o universal_a benefit_n produce_v bless_a effect_n which_o shall_v extend_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o all_o age_n a_o second_o benefit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o from_o thence_o receive_v firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o have_v proclaim_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o own_o disciple_n in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unexpected_a to_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o resolution_n herein_o and_o when_o they_o faw_fw-we effect_v what_o he_o have_v before_o foretell_v they_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n thus_o although_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o our_o lord_n expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o his_o subsequent_a action_n offer_v convince_a argument_n to_o mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o teach_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n thus_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v much_o more_o exalt_v by_o this_o glorious_a triumph_n they_o see_v he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o ample_a power_n which_o they_o so_o long_o wish_v to_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o which_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o reward_v his_o follower_n and_o effect_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o john_n fourteen_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o he_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o intend_v to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o may_v be_v also_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o see_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v accomplish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a motive_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n or_o promise_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o same_o foreknowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o foresee_v the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o can_v as_o easy_o foresee_v the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v exalt_v whosoever_o he_o please_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o his_o power_n can_v not_o be_v question_v and_o his_o will_n therein_o he_o have_v often_o declare_v assure_v they_o joh._n xii_o 32._o when_o i_o be_o lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o herein_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o mankind_n receive_v increase_v and_o strength_n they_o have_v all_o impatient_o wish_v for_o immortality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v still_o exist_v but_o their_o body_n be_v equal_o part_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o both_o yet_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a they_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n he_o affirm_v it_o he_o promise_v it_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a be_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o man_n who_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n all_o this_o do_v seem_v incredible_a till_o they_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v visible_o receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o place_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o like_a immortality_n of_o their_o own_o body_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o while_o they_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o relation_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o forerunner_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o society_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o time_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o since_o what_o he_o foretell_v of_o his_o own_o ascension_n they_o see_v effect_v since_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o follow_v their_o captain_n their_o head_n and_o their_o forerunner_n and_o with_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o place_n of_o their_o desire_a happiness_n far_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n and_o our_o priest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o either_o of_o those_o his_o office_n receive_v increase_v by_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o king_n he_o be_v thereby_o invest_v in_o the_o actual_a dominion_n of_o his_o church_n enable_v to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o her_o wellbeing_a as_o our_o priest_n his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n be_v make_v much_o more_o prevalent_a by_o his_o personal_a presence_n with_o he_o under_o the_o law_n the_o efficacy_n of_o
efficacy_n of_o it_o with_o a_o unjust_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v introduce_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a and_o benign_a man_n that_o so_o his_o justice_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a clemency_n may_v demonstrate_v the_o force_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o a_o good_a man_n receive_v those_o kind_o who_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n the_o greatness_n of_o who_o bounty_n exceed_v our_o comprehension_n it_o have_v be_v enough_o as_o i_o before_o say_v to_o have_v propose_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a judge_n but_o to_o represent_v a_o cruel_a impious_a inhuman_a judge_n unmerciful_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o easy_a to_o supplicant_n instruct_v we_o that_o even_o a_o wicked_a nature_n may_v be_v by_o prayer_n incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v to_o do_v more_o lively_a to_o express_v the_o force_n foe_fw-mi prayer_n when_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o carry_v we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o severe_a judge_n cruel_a by_o nature_n but_o mollify_v by_o prayer_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n the_o father_n most_o good_a kind_a gentle_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o forgive_a sin_n bear_v with_o insuperable_a patience_n the_o daily_a affront_v of_o man_n the_o honour_n pay_v to_o his_o adversary_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o contumely_n therein_o offer_v to_o his_o own_o son_n what_o success_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hope_v to_o our_o prayer_n make_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v present_v with_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o necessary_a preparation_n the_o unjust_a judge_n although_o he_o fear_v not_o god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o widow_n for_o her_o importunity_n what_o fear_n can_v not_o do_v prayer_n obtain_v neither_o threat_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n can_v incline_v the_o man_n to_o justice_n yet_o the_o cry_n and_o supplication_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n soften_v his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o tractable_a if_o she_o can_v obtain_v so_o much_o from_o a_o rough_a ill-natured_a man_n how_o much_o great_a kindness_n goodness_n and_o love_n may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o god_n who_o always_o desire_v to_o show_v mercy_n but_o never_o to_o exercise_v severity_n who_o very_a threat_n and_o punishment_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o direct_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobedience_n let_v we_o once_o more_o review_v the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o unjust_a judge_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o men._n if_o he_o who_o never_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v any_o good_a change_v on_o the_o sudden_a by_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o poor_a supplicant_n and_o be_v move_v to_o compassion_n much_o more_o will_v the_o importunate_a prayer_n of_o man_n be_v prevalent_a with_o he_o who_o nature_n include_v a_o infinity_n of_o goodness_n and_o who_o dispense_v the_o emanation_n of_o that_o goodness_n in_o vast_a and_o constant_a benefit_n even_o without_o entreaty_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n riches_n life_n and_o health_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o only_a for_o his_o immense_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n but_o if_o he_o so_o favour_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v those_o who_o ask_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a that_o the_o benefit_n proceed_v from_o he_o what_o will_v he_o not_o bestow_v on_o those_o who_o spend_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o last_o reason_n of_o doubt_v in_o prayer_n be_v the_o conscience_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o supplicant_n which_o conscience_n be_v either_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a unworthiness_n of_o man_n or_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o these_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a the_o former_a fall_n in_o with_o that_o doubt_n which_o i_o last_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o remove_v and_o to_o persuade_v the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o that_o removal_n have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o day_n discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a the_o place_n of_o it_o to_o be_v regard_v the_o posture_n not_o to_o be_v neglect_v the_o condition_n indispensable_a and_o the_o success_n certain_a the_o eighteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o may_n 4._o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v so_o undeniable_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n so_o firm_a a_o assurance_n of_o those_o hope_n which_o we_o conceive_v of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n deserve_v at_o this_o season_n more_o than_o a_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o that_o which_o chief_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a continue_v his_o expectation_n of_o enjoy_v hereafter_o a_o better_a state_n and_o after_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o his_o saviour_n here_o on_o earth_n wrought_v for_o his_o sake_n complete_v his_o joy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n therefore_o all_o the_o time_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o joy_n during_o that_o whole_a season_n in_o the_o public_a office_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v no_o less_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o time_n than_o to_o those_o of_o more_o ancient_a age_n so_o our_o gratitude_n and_o rejoice_v in_o memory_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o intense_a it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o those_o ancient_a christian_n live_v near_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n have_v more_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v than_o we_o now_o have_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n always_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v now_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o uncertain_a interest_n as_o they_o be_v then_o when_o the_o experience_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n render_v it_o most_o certain_a or_o that_o however_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n who_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v no_o less_o just_a cause_n of_o joy_n than_o admiration_n yet_o that_o other_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n can_v not_o but_o be_v less_o concern_v at_o the_o relation_n by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fruitful_a in_o invent_v argument_n oppose_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n some_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o other_o even_o to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o after_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v not_o in_o public_a converse_v not_o in_o solemn_a place_n and_o among_o the_o multitude_n as_o before_o but_o only_o show_v himself_o to_o some_o few_o disciple_n of_o his_o own_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v off_o this_o objection_n and_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o conduct_n of_o christ_n relate_v in_o the_o text_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o and_o show_v open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v divide_v my_o design_a discourse_n into_o these_o three_o part_n i._o that_o to_o have_v show_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o whole_a unbelieve_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o create_v a_o universal_a conviction_n iii_o that_o god_n have_v notwithstanding_o offer_v to_o mankind_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o reasonable_a conviction_n first_o then_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o honour_n
henry_n wharton_z a.m._n one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v in_o lambeth_n chapel_n before_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n dr._n william_n sancroft_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o year_n mdclxxxix_o mdcxc_o by_o the_o learned_a henry_n wharton_n m._n a._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n be_v the_o second_o and_o last_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o â—i_fw-la chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n church_n yard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._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 p._n 25_o sermon_n iii_o esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o p._n 51_o sermon_n iu._n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o p._n 76_o sermon_n v._o 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 p._n 99_o sermon_n vi_o and_o vii_o 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 p._n 124_o 150_o sermon_n viii_o s._n mark_n viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v 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 p._n 181_o sermon_n ix_o s._n luk._n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 220_o sermon_n x._o s._n john_n viii_o 12._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n p._n 243_o sermon_n xi_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a source_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v p._n 266_o sermon_n xii_o matth._n xi_o 30._o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a p._n 291_o sermon_n xiii_o 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 p._n 318_o sermon_n fourteen_o act_n x._o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o p._n 352_o sermon_n xv_o xvi_o xvii_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v p._n 380_o 411_o 431_o sermon_n xviii_o act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n p._n 466_o sermon_n xix_o mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_n of_o god_n p._n 494_o sermon_n xx._n matth._n v._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n p._n 521_o sermon_n xxi_o luk._n ii_o 14._o 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 p._n 567_o the_o first_o sermon_n on_o whit_n sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v be_v the_o final_a confirmation_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o perfect_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n set_v the_o last_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o long_o before_o gather_v a_o select_a number_n of_o faithful_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n but_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o have_v found_v a_o church_n till_o he_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o till_o than_o their_o notion_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o false_a and_o frivolous_a and_o as_o they_o certain_o know_v not_o what_o form_n of_o faith_n to_o profess_v so_o they_o dare_v not_o profess_v it_o open_o their_o religious_a meeting_n be_v yet_o in_o secret_a and_o no_o attempt_n yet_o make_v to_o form_v a_o church_n by_o conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n their_o thought_n be_v not_o so_o much_o fix_v upon_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o their_o master_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v as_o upon_o the_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o more_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o comforter_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o they_o want_v yet_o those_o perfection_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v qualify_v they_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o design_a office_n that_o zeal_n and_o charity_n which_o may_v animate_v and_o direct_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o master_n all_o these_o advantage_n be_v abundant_o confer_v these_o necessity_n supply_v by_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n then_o they_o receive_v internal_a light_n a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o messiah_n a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o then_o they_o obtain_v ability_n to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o courage_n to_o undertake_v it_o then_o they_o begin_v as_o to_o possess_v a_o assure_a and_o rational_a belief_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o profess_v and_o declare_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o so_o that_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o they_o what_o baptism_n be_v to_o we_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n hence_o these_o be_v the_o advantage_n confer_v upon_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o propagate_a the_o belief_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o confound_v the_o opposition_n of_o his_o adversary_n to_o this_o grand_a design_n the_o aforementioned_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v subservient_fw-fr be_v such_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n the_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v hitherto_o be_v reserve_v shut_v up_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o parabolical_a expression_n confine_v to_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o disciple_n which_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o acts._n but_o from_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n communicate_v to_o all_o without_o obscurity_n or_o reserve_v and_o propagate_v to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v hitherto_o appear_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a no_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v find_v but_o now_o he_o be_v to_o be_v rescue_v from_o that_o imputation_n by_o visible_a and_o undeniable_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n his_o kingdom_n be_v to_o commence_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o become_v glorious_a both_o from_o the_o number_n and_o piety_n of_o his_o follower_n the_o jew_n have_v
without_o control_v dare_v to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n vilify_v his_o person_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n but_o now_o they_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o contestable_a proof_n from_o heaven_n that_o his_o person_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a his_o doctrine_n divine_a and_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n in_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n have_v suffer_v aspersion_n in_o not_o revenge_v the_o suffering_n and_o reward_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o son_n but_o now_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o the_o jew_n convince_v that_o neither_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a nor_o his_o merit_n unrewarded_a the_o devil_n have_v triumph_v in_o his_o suppose_a conquest_n over_o christ_n and_o his_o imagination_n of_o have_v baffle_v the_o design_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o procure_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o his_o arrogant_a pretension_n be_v henceforth_o to_o be_v check_v his_o hope_n to_o be_v defeat_v his_o empire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v all_o these_o advantage_n be_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o these_o our_o lord_n sum_v up_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v inquire_v i._o in_o what_o sense_n all_o these_o effect_n and_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ii_o how_o far_o these_o promise_a effect_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o word_n reprove_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a be_v take_v from_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o signify_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n by_o such_o proof_n and_o testimony_n as_o by_o a_o impartial_a judge_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v valid_a the_o office_n therefore_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v the_o paraclet_n the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o earth_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n to_o produce_v these_o proof_n to_o urge_v and_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v indeed_o abundant_a proof_n before_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o proof_n be_v not_o convictive_a till_o lay_v open_a declare_v and_o propose_v this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o he_o perform_v by_o pour_v extraordinary_a gift_n upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o on_o this_o day_n which_o may_v enable_v they_o with_o power_n and_o eloquence_n with_o courage_n and_o success_n to_o propose_v those_o proof_n and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o reproof_n this_o conviction_n not_o only_o by_o their_o gift_n receive_v and_o labour_n perform_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o by_o all_o their_o miracle_n sermon_n and_o preach_v perform_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o these_o action_n be_v equal_o direct_v to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o in_o virtue_n of_o those_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n all_o their_o gift_n and_o labour_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o his_o power_n and_o derive_v from_o his_o grant_n their_o knowledge_n to_o his_o inspiration_n their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o his_o support_n their_o speak_v to_o his_o impulse_n their_o miracle_n to_o his_o power_n their_o success_n to_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o all_o which_o they_o perform_v aught_o true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o miracle_n action_n and_o prophecy_n of_o their_o lord_n before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o miracle_n and_o labour_n of_o themselves_o after_o it_o be_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o efficacy_n the_o application_n of_o this_o conviction_n be_v to_o proceed_v sole_o from_o the_o ability_n confer_v on_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continue_v his_o office_n of_o advocate_n not_o only_o during_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o those_o gift_n which_o he_o then_o begin_v to_o dispense_v to_o the_o apostle_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o diffuse_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o gift_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v maintain_v the_o faithful_a enliven_v the_o conviction_n continue_v he_o then_o convince_v the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o now_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o their_o successor_n act_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o they_o through_o his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n his_o gift_n indeed_o confer_v on_o they_o be_v far_o more_o eminent_a because_o more_o necessary_a his_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n more_o remarkable_a because_o manifest_v the_o completion_n of_o many_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o promise_n of_o this_o text_n be_v then_o more_o eminent_o fulfil_v and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o i_o come_v next_o in_o order_n to_o consider_v first_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o come_n reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o christ_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 9_o verse_n by_o the_o world_n we_o be_v here_o primary_o to_o understand_v the_o jew_n who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n perform_v by_o christ_n deny_v assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n this_o disbelief_n of_o they_o before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o excuse_v and_o pardon_n and_o st._n pet._n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n v._o 17._o extenuate_v their_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n by_o their_o ignorance_n which_o plea_n will_v have_v be_v but_o trifle_v have_v not_o their_o ignorance_n in_o some_o measure_n be_v excusable_a but_o after_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o stand_v out_o against_o those_o manifold_a conviction_n that_o be_v then_o offer_v can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o inexcusable_a perverseness_n and_o incredulity_n of_o this_o we_o may_v assign_v two_o several_a reason_n first_o that_o although_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n perform_v many_o and_o those_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o these_o affect_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spectator_n of_o they_o for_o while_o alive_a he_o never_o blazon_v abroad_o his_o miracle_n nor_o employ_v his_o disciple_n in_o spread_v the_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o however_o many_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n can_v not_o but_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o his_o divinity_n yet_o the_o universal_a conviction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o courage_n and_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o proclaim_v his_o action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o all_o man_n and_o if_o need_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o other_o no_o less_o extraordinary_a miracle_n second_o the_o chief_a note_n affix_v by_o god_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o prophet_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o prophecy_n thus_o in_o deut._n xviii_o when_o moses_n assure_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o god_n shall_v raise_v they_o up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o himself_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n he_o give_v they_o this_o token_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o the_o true_a and_o any_o false_a messiah_n if_o the_o prediction_n of_o he_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v real_o come_v to_o pass_v then_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o almost_o only_a prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o can_v serve_v as_o sign_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o resurrection_n of_o himself_o after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o that_o generation_n shall_v pass_v away_o the_o first_o be_v happy_o accomplish_v upon_o this_o day_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o mean_n we_o miss_v the_o end_n and_o by_o pursue_v contrary_a method_n render_v ourselves_o miserable_a that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o general_n and_o of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n to_o which_o our_o text_n more_o peculiar_o relate_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o then_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o rational_a be_v and_o as_o such_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v its_o action_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v worse_o than_o insensible_a being_n which_o all_o perform_v the_o several_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o by_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o command_n of_o their_o creator_n whereas_o the_o soul_n in_o contract_a habit_n of_o sin_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n debase_v its_o own_o nature_n rebel_n against_o god_n and_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o its_o creation_n for_o for_o this_o very_a end_n our_o soul_n be_v create_v that_o they_o shall_v act_n as_o spiritual_a being_n and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n insert_v in_o they_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n form_v by_o our_o reason_n at_o least_o maintain_v if_o not_o advance_v our_o nature_n when_o afterward_o through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n these_o rule_n be_v corrupt_v and_o our_o judgement_n blind_v god_n give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n and_o let_v we_o know_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n give_v we_o and_o a_o soul_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n then_o or_o violate_v it_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v our_o nature_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a sort_n of_o being_n for_o as_o sin_n turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n so_o it_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o somewhat_o worse_a than_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v still_o continue_v soul_n but_o that_o do_v but_o augment_v their_o misery_n because_o be_v immortal_a they_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a always_o gnaw_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o degenerous_a action_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o own_o deprave_a nature_n second_o sin_n destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v and_o in_o these_o will_v consist_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o serene_a meditation_n upon_o the_o unparalleled_a perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o a_o ardent_a and_o perpetual_a love_n of_o he_o and_o conscience_n of_o be_v love_v by_o he_o now_o sin_n set_v a_o man_n at_o enmity_n with_o god_n make_v he_o unworthy_a his_o favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o such_o contemplation_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v on_o he_o with_o delight_n who_o we_o account_v our_o enemy_n or_o how_o can_v we_o not_o esteem_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o law_n we_o violate_v and_o who_o precept_n we_o contemn_v the_o conscience_n of_o this_o divine_a anger_n alone_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n than_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v force_v to_o say_v god_n have_v create_v i_o and_o do_v now_o preserve_v i_o but_o think_v i_o unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o esteem_v i_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o heaven_n shall_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a miracle_n be_v bestow_v upon_o wicked_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o relish_v with_o they_o nor_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o last_o sin_n defeat_v the_o future_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o exclude_v it_o from_o its_o intend_a reward_n and_o engage_v it_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o probationer_n for_o another_o be_v a_o be_v of_o itself_o capable_a of_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o act_v here_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o great_a perfection_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o by_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o this_o world_n gain_v admittance_n into_o the_o next_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
brightness_n shall_v the_o moon_n give_v light_a unto_o thou_o but_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v unto_o thou_o a_o everlasting_a light_n and_o thy_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o ix_o 2._o the_o people_n which_o sit_v in_o darkness_n see_v great_a light_n and_o to_o they_o which_o sit_v in_o the_o region_n and_o shadow_n of_o death_n light_n be_v spring_v up_o which_o prophecy_n st._n matthew_n observe_v to_o have_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o iu_o 16._o of_o his_o gospel_n after_o so_o many_o magnificent_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o extraordinary_a light_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o messiah_n we_o can_v but_o raise_v our_o apprehension_n and_o expect_v somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a knowledge_n to_o be_v communicate_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a light_n to_o be_v dispense_v by_o he_o nor_o shall_v we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o expectation_n the_o light_n communicate_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o universal_a in_o the_o extent_n so_o resplendent_a in_o the_o nature_n so_o constant_a in_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o that_o it_o in_o no_o way_n fall_v short_a of_o those_o glorious_a prediction_n which_o go_v before_o concern_v it_o and_o just_o give_v to_o our_o lord_n the_o author_n and_o conveyer_n of_o it_o the_o title_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n this_o will_v appear_v evident_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o i._o the_o doctrine_n or_o ii_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n upon_o both_o which_o account_n he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n i._o then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n by_o remove_v the_o error_n of_o it_o and_o teach_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n which_o may_v point_v out_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n to_o conceive_v the_o better_a the_o happy_a effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o 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corrupt_v that_o their_o worship_n be_v downright_a impiety_n and_o all_o their_o religious_a action_n so_o many_o gross_a superstition_n in_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n all_o notion_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o natural_a law_n be_v entire_o lose_v and_o it_o be_v a_o brutish_a fear_n only_o which_o keep_v up_o any_o sort_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o which_o after_o all_o be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v their_o great_a crime_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o most_o stupid_a idolatry_n in_o the_o more_o polite_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o retain_v civility_n and_o pretend_a to_o letter_n the_o natural_a law_n indeed_o be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o but_o even_o by_o they_o so_o mistake_v and_o corrupt_v that_o they_o allow_v as_o lawful_a the_o practice_n of_o some_o enormous_a vice_n which_o to_o convince_v of_o unlawfulness_n need_v no_o more_o than_o to_o consult_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n as_o fornication_n sodomy_n practise_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o country_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n convince_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o self-murder_n and_o many_o other_o vice_n which_o the_o most_o refine_a of_o their_o philosopher_n defend_v to_o be_v lawful_a as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n their_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o the_o country_n infuse_v into_o they_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o deity_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o as_o patronise_v all_o the_o crime_n they_o can_v commit_v provide_v they_o violate_v not_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n for_o by_o these_o corruption_n no_o notion_n of_o morality_n be_v leave_v among_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a than_o what_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n imprint_v in_o they_o they_o can_v not_o but_o imagine_v that_o such_o action_n be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o their_o chief_a god_n have_v practise_v although_o their_o inconvenience_n to_o the_o public_a have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v forbid_v in_o a_o word_n conceive_v a_o people_n ignorant_a both_o of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o nature_n desirous_a of_o happiness_n but_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o and_o pursue_v method_n direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o grope_v in_o darkness_n without_o the_o least_o ray_n of_o light_n and_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n to_o rescue_v the_o world_n from_o this_o miserable_a darkness_n to_o restore_v light_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n and_o worthy_a the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o undertake_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o most_o happy_o effect_v by_o he_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n john_n xii_o 46._o his_o design_n be_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o coloss._n i._n 13._o a_o design_n first_o begin_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n and_o afterward_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o this_o day_n by_o his_o command_n and_o through_o his_o power_n who_o he_o send_v as_o st._n paul_n describe_v his_o commission_n act_v xxvi_o 18._o to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o the_o ignorant_a and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n himself_o while_o conversant_a on_o earth_n busy_v himself_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o detect_v the_o false_a explication_n of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a obligation_n to_o all_o mankind_n in_o discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o not_o content_v only_o to_o discover_v the_o error_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v common_o object_v to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o they_o can_v easy_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o one_o another_o but_o can_v establish_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o he_o plain_o reveal_v their_o whole_a duty_n to_o they_o teach_v they_o even_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n that_o so_o man_n may_v no_o more_o be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v in_o it_o to_o this_o he_o add_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n annex_v to_o this_o law_n which_o may_v reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o or_o the_o future_a felicity_n of_o man_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o or_o the_o mean_n of_o pardon_n in_o case_n of_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o light_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o corner_n to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o a_o few_o it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v true_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o easiness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o man_n fit_v it_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a communicaon_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v actual_o communicate_v he_o abundant_o provide_v by_o proclaim_v it_o himself_o to_o all_o while_n on_o earth_n by_o establish_v a_o numerous_a order_n of_o disciple_n who_o shall_v propagate_v it_o successive_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n by_o inspire_v holy_a writer_n to_o commit_v it_o plain_o and_o entire_o to_o writing_n by_o sound_v a_o church_n the_o member_n of_o which_o shall_v by_o certain_a solemn_a rite_n or_o sacrament_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o contrive_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o might_n
his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n the_o soldier_n send_v to_o break_v his_o leg_n while_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o they_o may_v hasten_v his_o death_n who_o they_o suppose_v not_o yet_o to_o have_v expire_v find_v he_o already_o dead_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o the_o devout_a woman_n which_o follow_v he_o take_v he_o down_o from_o the_o cross_n lay_v he_o in_o his_o grave_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v then_o dead_a his_o disciple_n who_o if_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v offer_v will_v not_o easy_o believe_v he_o dead_a from_o who_o they_o then_o expect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o at_o his_o first_o appear_v to_o they_o they_o be_v affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n to_o these_o proof_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v add_v to_o evince_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o death_n a_o evidence_n which_o be_v want_v to_o all_o the_o relation_n of_o man_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o allege_v from_o plato_n the_o story_n of_o eris_n lie_v for_o many_o day_n among_o the_o dead_a body_n and_o after_o that_o recover_a life_n again_o and_o pretend_v that_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o they_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o certain_a person_n to_o life_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o relate_v by_o any_o for_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o fact_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o case_n the_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o person_n be_v true_o dead_a nor_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v it_o less_o evident_a that_o christ_n be_v true_o alive_a invest_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o real_a body_n meet_v in_o he_o he_o be_v see_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o which_o prove_v his_o body_n not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o aerial_a apparition_n he_o talk_v and_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o demonstrate_v that_o body_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n he_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n of_o feeling_n command_v they_o to_o handle_v he_o say_v to_o unbelieving_a thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n which_o manifest_v that_o the_o body_n which_o he_o then_o offer_v to_o that_o trial_n be_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o still_o retain_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o spear_n that_o this_o same_o body_n and_o soul_n reunite_v be_v also_o join_v to_o the_o divinity_n as_o before_o his_o passion_n appear_v from_o his_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v after_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o real_a resurrection_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n first_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o faith_n of_o who_o although_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v die_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a of_o these_o the_o pious_a woman_n be_v first_o bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o reward_n of_o their_o maintain_v their_o love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o when_o his_o apostle_n have_v forsake_v he_o or_o that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o garden_n where_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v immediate_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o before_o he_o be_v yet_o depart_v out_o of_o it_o they_o see_v he_o know_v he_o and_o salute_v he_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n be_v advertise_v of_o it_o by_o they_o haste_v to_o see_v their_o master_n and_o receive_v not_o only_o a_o transient_a view_n of_o he_o but_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o appear_v to_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o and_o at_o last_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o friend_n we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o enemy_n which_o in_o all_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n the_o soldier_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o watch_v his_o sepulchre_n plain_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v his_o resurrection_n although_o be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o such_o unusual_a prodigy_n they_o do_v not_o well_o perceive_v it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v not_o suffer_v by_o their_o fear_n to_o stay_v till_o christ_n shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o feel_v the_o earthquake_n which_o remove_v the_o stone_n roll_v to_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o see_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o angel_n like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n and_o come_v into_o the_o city_n show_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v as_o we_o read_v matth._n xxviii_o ii_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n have_v before_o join_v with_o man_n in_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o here_o concur_v in_o witness_v his_o resurrection_n the_o woman_n come_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n present_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o look_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n in_o the_o sepulchre_n find_v there_o two_o angel_n in_o white_a sit_v one_o at_o the_o head_n the_o other_o at_o the_o foot_n where_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v lie_v who_o say_v to_o they_o why_o seek_v you_o the_o dead_a among_o the_o live_n he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v last_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v both_o his_o friend_n and_o enemy_n the_o report_n of_o sense_n ofttimes_o repeat_v to_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o resurrection_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o this_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n comfort_v enable_v and_o encourage_v the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o also_o in_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o concurrent_a miracle_n as_o it_o be_v act_v iu_o 33._o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o open_o affirm_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o then_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o 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indication_n of_o his_o divinity_n appear_v that_o a_o unprejudiced_a heathen_a the_o roman_a centurion_n who_o guard_v his_o cross_n can_v not_o forbear_v to_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o heathen_n a_o divine_a person_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o proof_n and_o miracle_n it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o jew_n retain_v their_o infidelity_n that_o far_o from_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o even_o while_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o remain_v they_o do_v affront_n and_o revile_v he_o accuse_v he_o of_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n even_o while_o they_o see_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o his_o doctrine_n even_o before_o they_o have_v digest_v the_o bread_n wherewith_o he_o have_v miraculous_o feed_v they_o as_o we_o read_v joh._n vi_o what_o then_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o whole_a carriage_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o people_n who_o no_o argument_n can_v persuade_v no_o miracle_n can_v affect_v who_o deserve_v no_o far_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o god_n and_o who_o will_v have_v treat_v the_o visible_a resurrection_n of_o christ_n with_o no_o less_o contempt_n than_o they_o have_v do_v his_o former_a miracle_n it_o be_v at_o first_o sight_n somewhat_o incredible_a indeed_o that_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n can_v possible_o so_o far_o deprave_v his_o reason_n as_o to_o withstand_v such_o powerful_a argument_n and_o deny_v the_o truth_n set_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n and_o some_o have_v not_o fail_v hereupon_o to_o object_n to_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miracle_n since_o have_v he_o do_v it_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v disbelieve_v he_o and_o deny_v assent_n to_o his_o revelation_n but_o alas_o who_o can_v account_v for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n or_o the_o failure_n of_o his_o understanding_n a_o little_a reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o experience_n of_o humane_a life_n will_v convince_v we_o how_o gross_a and_o to_o we_o unaccountable_a error_n many_o man_n commit_v how_o often_o a_o matter_n which_o seem_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o when_o propose_v to_o other_o can_v or_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o to_o recur_v to_o more_o particular_a example_n this_o very_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v stubborn_a incredulous_a and_o rebellious_a amid_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o they_o murmur_v against_o he_o even_o while_o they_o subsist_v by_o his_o miraculous_a ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n and_o punishment_n of_o god_n daily_o visible_a to_o they_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o often_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o be_v they_o the_o former_a age_n only_o which_o have_v commit_v such_o prodigious_a mistake_v even_o in_o our_o own_o age_n we_o have_v no_o less_o eminent_a instance_n of_o unaccountable_a corruption_n of_o understanding_n in_o some_o man_n which_o because_o they_o be_v ordinary_a and_o common_a we_o cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o but_o in_o truth_n have_v the_o ancient_n by_o revelation_n foresee_v they_o they_o will_v have_v no_o less_o admire_v the_o folly_n of_o subsequent_a age_n than_o we_o now_o do_v the_o error_n of_o precedent_a time_n to_o name_v only_o one_o now_o among_o many_o who_o can_v have_v then_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v exist_v a_o large_a society_n of_o man_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o eat_v their_o god_n to_o devour_v his_o body_n ten_o thousand_o time_n and_o yet_o retain_v it_o whole_a to_o divide_v it_o into_o as_o many_o part_n every_o one_o of_o which_o shall_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o infinite_a other_o like_a absurdity_n and_o yet_o this_o we_o know_v the_o papist_n do_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o because_o such_o a_o perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o corruption_n of_o judgement_n can_v be_v well_o conceive_v by_o we_o or_o seem_v incredible_a to_o we_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a mankind_n shall_v be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o gross_a no_o miscarriage_n so_o enormous_a which_o man_n may_v not_o commit_v and_o that_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v see_v and_o handle_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o have_v reject_v so_o many_o antecedent_n proof_n will_v have_v be_v insensible_a of_o this_o also_o but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o who_o such_o a_o favour_n shall_v be_v grant_v it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o 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testify_v it_o to_o the_o world_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n they_o have_v see_v and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o their_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n handle_v his_o body_n clear_o perceive_v that_o a_o rational_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o it_o and_o the_o divinity_n to_o both_o as_o before_o his_o resurrection_n they_o be_v afterward_o enable_v to_o testify_v this_o to_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o to_o do_v it_o successful_o by_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n not_o only_o confer_v upon_o themselves_o but_o upon_o whosoever_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n for_o that_o purpose_n they_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o voluntary_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n by_o undergo_a all_o the_o hardship_n of_o life_n the_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n all_o which_o none_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v do_v without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o so_o convince_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o form_v their_o judgement_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v mistake_v or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o vainglorious_a as_o to_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o suffer_v a_o death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a yet_o be_v we_o not_o in_o this_o case_n permit_v to_o believe_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o by_o the_o various_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o they_o and_o communicate_v by_o they_o by_o which_o god_n himself_o give_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o affirm_v be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o head_n i_o need_v add_v no_o