holiness_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n yet_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o interest_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o obedience_n this_o obviate_v all_o the_o objection_n even_o of_o worldly_a man_n who_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o it_o can_v never_o true_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n a_o thorough_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v banish_v all_o sinful_a temptation_n and_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a and_o irrational_a of_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o prefer_v a_o present_a trifle_n before_o a_o future_a treasure_n and_o voluntary_o quit_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n to_o retain_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o truth_n hold_v in_o quit_v the_o momentany_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o for_o a_o exchange_n of_o future_a glory_n but_o even_o in_o undergo_a the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o our_o saviour_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n for_o when_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o have_v foretell_v that_o bear_v the_o cross_n shall_v be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o decline_v this_o cross_n and_o save_v his_o life_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o his_o faith_n shall_v thereby_o incur_v a_o much_o great_a punishment_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o system_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v institute_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o enlarge_v or_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n improve_v its_o faculty_n and_o procure_v to_o it_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o its_o desire_n and_o the_o liberality_n of_o its_o creator_n whosoever_o therefore_o serious_o intend_v to_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o gospel_n must_v prepare_v himself_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o not_o decline_v death_n whensoever_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o my_o command_n shall_v require_v that_o trial_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v his_o duty_n but_o secure_a and_o promote_v his_o interest_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v base_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o i_o or_o violate_v my_o command_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o avoid_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o much_o great_a loss_n and_o punishment_n than_o that_o which_o they_o so_o cowardly_o fear_v and_o ungenerous_o decline_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o shall_v willing_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o slight_v all_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o preserve_v their_o obedience_n to_o i_o entire_a and_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o gospel_n shall_v be_v certain_o crown_v with_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v attain_v by_o it_o this_o be_v your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o my_o command_n your_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v quit_v that_o particular_a share_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v thereby_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n but_o even_o if_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n be_v â—â—aped_v upon_o one_o single_a man_n or_o can_v be_v all_o obtain_v by_o denial_n of_o my_o religion_n or_o violation_n of_o my_o law_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v prevaricate_v upon_o such_o mean_a consideration_n will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n when_o he_o cast_v up_o his_o account_n that_o he_o have_v gain_v nothing_o to_o evince_v illustrate_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n ii_o that_o this_o interest_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o soul_n render_v miserable_a by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o head_n may_v be_v comprise_v the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o first_o then_o the_o dignity_n and_o precedence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n by_o wife_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n nay_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v ever_o firm_o believe_v this_o as_o a_o opinion_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o least_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o it_o all_o false_a religion_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n propose_v by_o god_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v it_o be_v this_o only_a which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n which_o liken_n we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v this_o whereby_o we_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a and_o wonderful_a perfection_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a whereby_o we_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n grateful_a to_o our_o creator_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will._n and_o therefore_o prov._n xx._n 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v call_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o by_o that_o only_o we_o receive_v the_o divine_a illumination_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n this_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o soul_n beyond_o the_o body_n may_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v from_o many_o other_o consideration_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o three_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n as_o first_o by_o the_o soul_n alone_o we_o receive_v the_o influence_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n some_o divine_a benefit_n indeed_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o body_n as_o creation_n and_o preservation_n but_o those_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o belong_v equal_o to_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o create_a being_n whereas_o the_o favour_n grant_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v peculiar_a to_o it_o and_o to_o infinite_o great_a value_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o knowledge_n desire_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o improvement_n all_o the_o superadded_a happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v entire_o bestow_v on_o it_o alone_o all_o revelation_n be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o happiness_n to_o who_o it_o be_v little_a inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o rescue_v this_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n into_o this_o as_o into_o a_o capacious_a treasure_n be_v all_o the_o divine_a grace_n convey_v grace_n of_o which_o the_o body_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a than_o a_o stock_n or_o
can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o finite_a soul_n it_o have_v its_o bound_n and_o sphere_n of_o activity_n fix_v to_o it_o which_o if_o it_o exceed_v it_o can_v judge_v without_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o illusion_n if_o we_o desire_v to_o extend_v our_o knowledge_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o object_n the_o desire_n be_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o pretence_n be_v foolish_a the_o limitation_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v exclude_v all_o such_o hope_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o alter_v our_o nature_n and_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o condition_n of_o finite_a to_o infinite_a being_n it_o become_v we_o to_o receive_v with_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n those_o perfection_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o not_o to_o repine_v that_o he_o give_v we_o not_o better_o much_o less_o be_v angry_a that_o they_o be_v not_o infinite_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o creature_n shall_v have_v a_o infinite_a understanding_n further_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v manifest_a from_o experience_n the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v detain_v in_o miserable_a ignorance_n even_o of_o plain_a and_o sensible_a matter_n a_o barbarous_a indian_n can_v never_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o by_o their_o frequency_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o admire_v by_o we_o the_o fabric_n of_o a_o watch_n or_o the_o mutual_a communication_n of_o thought_n by_o write_v be_v no_o less_o inconceivable_a to_o he_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v to_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v his_o conclusion_n if_o he_o shall_v peremptory_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o thing_n because_o he_o can_v conceive_v they_o among_o we_o man_n who_o have_v not_o improve_v their_o reason_n by_o thought_n and_o study_n be_v far_o more_o unable_a to_o conceive_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o more_o learned_a man_n than_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o conceive_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o even_o in_o these_o the_o same_o imperfection_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v discover_v for_o however_o they_o may_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o finite_a being_n and_o cause_n of_o visible_a effect_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o suitable_a object_n of_o human_a understanding_n yet_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v their_o ignorance_n in_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o what_o they_o do_v pretend_v to_o know_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n other_o ofttimes_o no_o less_o learned_a will_v deny_v and_o if_o themselves_o now_o fancy_n that_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n yet_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o once_o know_v it_o not_o or_o perhaps_o have_v different_a conception_n of_o it_o and_o then_o that_o very_a improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o man_n shall_v always_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o can_v conceive_v even_o all_o natural_a knowledge_n will_v be_v destroy_v and_o thing_n most_o certain_a will_v be_v deny_v to_o exist_v and_o then_o sure_o we_o can_v but_o allow_v a_o great_a distance_n to_o be_v between_o the_o infinite_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n which_o how_o far_o soever_o improve_v yet_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v finite_a than_o between_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o most_o imperfect_a understanding_n of_o any_o two_o man_n live_v second_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n may_v be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v full_o conceive_v by_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o create_v be_v and_o such_o be_v god_n of_o who_o existence_n although_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a yet_o we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o his_o essence_n we_o conceive_v he_o indeed_o to_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v but_o his_o perfection_n we_o can_v comprehend_v in_o one_o single_a idea_n we_o be_v force_v to_o consider_v they_o apart_o and_o even_o then_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o rather_o by_o remove_v all_o imperfection_n from_o he_o then_o by_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o perfection_n themselves_o and_o after_o all_o many_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o none_o deny_v to_o be_v his_o attribute_n and_o without_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v subsist_v include_v no_o less_o difficulty_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o two_o his_o independent_a existence_n and_o his_o omnipresence_n for_o the_o first_o nothing_o can_v exist_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o external_a cause_n to_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o existence_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o in_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v the_o infinity_n of_o his_o nature_n now_o although_o all_o man_n firm_o believe_v that_o god_n never_o receive_v his_o existence_n from_o any_o external_a cause_n nor_o need_v to_o do_v it_o since_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o independent_a existence_n yet_o can_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o without_o be_v involve_v in_o inextricable_a darkness_n again_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v god_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v who_o grant_v his_o existence_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o conceive_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o place_n without_o conceive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o extension_n of_o part_n although_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v a_o immaterial_a be_v and_o as_o such_o can_v have_v no_o extension_n of_o part_n further_o not_o only_o the_o infinity_n of_o the_o subject_n may_v exceed_v our_o apprehension_n but_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o although_o finite_a may_v confound_v we_o in_o this_o life_n wherein_o we_o be_v so_o much_o enure_v to_o judge_v by_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n that_o few_o or_o none_o can_v form_v a_o distinct_a conception_n of_o a_o immaterial_a be_v all_o allow_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v such_o yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o able_a to_o form_v any_o conception_n of_o a_o immaterial_a be_v and_o even_o those_o who_o can_v yet_o have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o very_a confuse_a idea_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v rather_o in_o a_o negative_a conception_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v not_o material_a than_o in_o any_o positive_a notion_n of_o its_o immateriality_n if_o then_o thing_n which_o be_v on_o all_o side_n allow_v continue_v to_o be_v inconceiveable_a if_o we_o can_v solve_v the_o difficulty_n arise_v from_o many_o attribute_n in_o god_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v in_o he_o without_o deny_v his_o existence_n at_o the_o same_o time_n if_o we_o be_v so_o much_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o any_o immaterial_a be_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v astonish_v or_o scandalize_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n can_v be_v full_o conceive_v by_o we_o so_o then_o since_o humane_a reason_n can_v by_o its_o own_o conception_n alone_o find_v out_o and_o determine_v all_o which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o second_o consideration_n propose_v will_v take_v place_n namely_o that_o in_o judge_v 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 for_o since_o we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n many_o property_n may_v be_v in_o it_o which_o we_o can_v never_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nor_o yet_o when_o discover_v to_o we_o full_o conceive_v they_o but_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v we_o can_v judge_v of_o from_o internal_a argument_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v deny_v to_o we_o we_o can_v form_v any_o argument_n from_o thence_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o respect_v only_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o those_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o external_a revelation_n we_o can_v doubt_v that_o god_n full_o know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a he_o be_v most_o veracious_a that_o as_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o so_o he_o can_v deceive_v we_o if_o then_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v this_o all_o scruple_n ought_v to_o cease_v which_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v be_v indeed_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o since_o god_n can_v affirm_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v false_a it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n against_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n this_o matter_n be_v false_a
therefore_o it_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o must_v have_v therefore_o some_o rule_n whereby_o to_o direct_v our_o assent_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o be_v very_o obvious_a for_o the_o understanding_n necessary_o at_o least_o reasonable_o incline_v to_o that_o part_n which_o carry_v the_o great_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o any_o proposition_n be_v great_a than_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n we_o must_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n embrace_v and_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n exceed_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o may_v safe_o reject_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v the_o evidence_n of_o both_o side_n matter_n of_o revelation_n may_v concern_v either_o finite_a or_o infinite_a nature_n example_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o such_o proposition_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o 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must_v be_v found_v upon_o a_o contradiction_n include_v in_o it_o to_o wit_n if_o the_o revelation_n propose_v any_o thing_n which_o destroy_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o object_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o introduce_v a_o conception_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o it_o such_o will_v be_v to_o affirm_v there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v a_o corporeal_a be_v and_o such_o like_a for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o a_o infinite_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v the_o primary_n cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o other_o being_n to_o suppose_v any_o other_o be_v independent_a from_o he_o or_o himself_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o division_n and_o limitation_n the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o all_o corporeal_a being_n will_v destroy_v the_o notion_n of_o he_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v affirm_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o contrary_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o consist_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o the_o only_a internal_a rule_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o any_o revelation_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o include_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o term_n or_o by_o self-evident_a consequence_n for_o no_o other_o consequence_n can_v be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n since_o the_o consequence_n upon_o which_o a_o contradiction_n be_v to_o be_v found_v must_v be_v of_o equal_a evidence_n with_o a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n which_o be_v always_o self-evident_a if_o we_o apply_v these_o rule_n to_o the_o question_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v it_o for_o god_n be_v confess_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o property_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o require_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v contradictory_n and_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o include_v no_o contradiction_n in_o term_n for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o three_o god_n which_o will_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o not_o one_o god_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v there_o be_v one_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n and_o three_o person_n which_o will_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v one_o person_n and_o not_o one_o person_n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o son_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n these_o be_v the_o only_a imaginable_a contradiction_n in_o term_n and_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o consequential_a contradiction_n chief_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v these_o two_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o each_o person_n be_v god_n then_o there_o be_v three_o god_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o a_o allow_a proposition_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 2._o if_o these_o three_o person_n agree_v in_o a_o three_o viz._n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o must_v agree_v among_o themselves_o and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v but_o one_o person_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o viz._n there_o be_v three_o person_n the_o first_o consequence_n be_v found_v upon_o this_o proposition_n there_o can_v be_v a_o plurality_n of_o person_n without_o a_o plurality_n of_o nature_n the_o second_o upon_o this_o there_o can_v be_v a_o communication_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o identity_n of_o person_n now_o who_o will_v say_v that_o either_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v self-evident_a nay_o that_o they_o carry_v the_o least_o evidence_n with_o they_o since_o nothing_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o can_v judge_v and_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o these_o two_o proposition_n unless_o we_o full_o understand_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v general_o imagine_v indeed_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o finite_a being_n but_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o infinite_a being_n nor_o be_v we_o yet_o sure_a that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o finite_a being_n for_o even_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o small_a resemblance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v several_a faculty_n which_o can_v operate_v independent_o from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o single_o possess_v all_o the_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n consider_v as_o such_o as_o its_o immateriality_n immortality_n and_o such_o like_a so_o in_o the_o deity_n there_o be_v several_a person_n obtain_v distinct_a operation_n but_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o common_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n such_o as_o eternity_n omnipotency_n and_o other_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n that_o the_o difficulty_n upon_o which_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n proceed_v be_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v the_o general_a motive_n of_o credibility_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o that_o christ_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o perform_v many_o miracle_n which_o be_v attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o his_o disciple_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o wrought_v other_o miracle_n in_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o at_o last_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n have_v first_o consign_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o to_o write_v which_o have_v be_v invariable_o hand_v down_o to_o we_o in_o all_o age_n these_o argument_n be_v plain_a obvious_a and_o certain_a whereas_o the_o forementioned_a difficulty_n be_v obscure_a and_o inconceivable_a to_o many_o and_o to_o all_o uncertain_a there_o be_v indeed_o many_o erroneous_a christian_n and_o have_v former_o be_v more_o who_o pretend_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n reveal_v no_o such_o thing_n
mistake_v of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n which_o i_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o solve_n this_o difficulty_n every_o one_o of_o they_o form_v a_o different_a opinion_n yet_o all_o come_v short_a of_o truth_n eliphaz_n who_o speak_v first_o assert_v that_o god_n inflict_v temporal_a misfortune_n on_o no_o man_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o some_o enormous_a sin_n and_o therefore_o urge_v job_n to_o confess_v his_o secret_a sin_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v xxii_o 5._o be_v not_o thy_o wickedness_n great_a and_o thy_o iniquity_n infinite_a and_o so_o on_o where_o he_o affirm_v job_n to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n only_o because_o god_n have_v heap_v extraordinary_a calamity_n upon_o he_o bildad_o maintain_v that_o god_n may_v as_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n afflict_v man_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o antecedent_n sin_n but_o than_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o recompense_v it_o to_o he_o by_o subsequent_a prosperity_n for_o thus_o he_o express_v himself_o viii_o 6_o 7._o if_o thou_o be_v pure_a and_o upright_a sure_o now_o he_o will_v awake_v for_o thou_o and_o make_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n prosperous_a though_o thy_o beginning_n be_v small_a yet_o thy_o latter_a end_n shall_v great_o increase_v zophar_n deliver_v his_o opinion_n throughout_o the_o whole_a xi_o chap._n that_o god_n may_v in_o right_n of_o his_o supreme_a power_n lay_v the_o heavy_a affliction_n upon_o man_n without_o any_o respect_n either_o to_o antecedent_n sin_n or_o subsequent_a recompense_n elihu_n think_v that_o god_n may_v afflict_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n indifferent_o but_o that_o if_o good_a man_n receive_v the_o affliction_n humble_o and_o with_o submission_n and_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o and_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v move_v to_o repent_v through_o it_o god_n will_v remove_v the_o affliction_n and_o restore_v prosperity_n to_o they_o especial_o if_o a_o angel_n intercede_v for_o they_o as_o he_o express_v himself_o at_o large_a in_o the_o xxxiii_o chap._n last_o job_n whatever_o his_o opinion_n may_v be_v while_o his_o calamity_n be_v yet_o fresh_a and_o any_o hope_n remain_v of_o the_o speedy_a removal_n of_o it_o or_o however_o he_o may_v alter_v his_o judgement_n after_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o trouble_n when_o the_o disease_n grow_v inveterate_a and_o no_o hope_n of_o delivery_n yet_o appear_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v think_v that_o god_n intermedled_n not_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o world_n and_o reserve_v neither_o reward_n for_o the_o good_a nor_o punishment_n for_o the_o bad_a which_o opinion_n he_o propose_v chief_o in_o the_o xxi_o chap._n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v alike_o erroneous_a and_o yet_o all_o found_v upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n those_o of_o eliphaz_n bildad_n and_o elihu_n upon_o his_o justice_n those_o of_o zophar_n and_o job_n upon_o his_o power_n the_o error_n of_o the_o three_o first_o plain_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o determine_v matter_n above_o their_o knowledge_n confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o this_o life_n only_o have_v this_o which_o they_o all_o suppose_a be_v indeed_o true_a one_o at_o least_o of_o their_o opinion_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v receive_v otherwise_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v clear_v but_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n exercise_v his_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n only_o may_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a soul_n teach_v they_o that_o another_o world_n be_v a_o far_o more_o convenient_a tribunal_n for_o this_o judicature_n or_o if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n for_o want_n of_o revelation_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a and_o wherewith_o our_o saviour_n afterward_o convince_v the_o jew_n may_v not_o i_o say_v the_o experience_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o god_n do_v not_o ultimate_o bestow_v his_o reward_n and_o consequent_o not_o his_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n they_o have_v receive_v glorious_a promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o god_n promise_n which_o may_v just_o make_v they_o expect_v some_o eminent_a advantage_n beyond_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o just_a expectation_n be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n expose_v to_o injury_n and_o trouble_v with_o frequent_a affliction_n and_o that_o till_o death_n a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o god_n reserve_v the_o consummation_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o another_o life_n as_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o zophar_n that_o god_n may_v bring_v affliction_n on_o man_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a power_n over_o mankind_n that_o overthrow_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o will_v render_v his_o government_n tyrannical_a and_o even_o like_a to_o that_o of_o hell_n which_o sport_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v a_o most_o wise_a be_v and_o can_v do_v such_o a_o vain_a act_n he_o be_v a_o most_o just_a be_v and_o can_v execute_v such_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n he_o never_o afflict_v or_o prosper_v man_n by_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o this_o life_n but_o either_o for_o their_o reward_n their_o punishment_n or_o their_o correction_n as_o for_o the_o prosperity_n or_o affliction_n which_o may_v befall_v man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v respect_v indeed_o none_o of_o all_o those_o end_n nor_o do_v they_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n last_o the_o opinion_n of_o job_n that_o god_n interpofe_v not_o extraordinary_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v confute_v from_o the_o same_o attribute_n and_o consideration_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o god_n allow_v and_o ratify_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v say_v when_o he_o give_v such_o a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o integrity_n to_o he_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v only_o to_o vindicate_v he_o from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o his_o friend_n more_o particular_o eliphas_n and_o elihu_n maintain_v that_o his_o affliction_n have_v befall_v he_o for_o the_o enormity_n of_o his_o antecedent_n sin_n god_n confirm_v not_o his_o speech_n make_v in_o answer_n to_o they_o by_o this_o suffrage_n and_o therefore_o job_n himself_o deplore_v the_o rashness_n of_o his_o opinion_n in_o xlii_o 6._o wherefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a or_o derogatory_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o honour_n among_o men._n only_a job_n assert_v not_o pertinacious_o as_o his_o friend_n do_v their_o opinion_n he_o conclude_v not_o peremptory_o but_o only_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v not_o discover_v any_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o god_n by_o visible_a effect_n in_o this_o life_n a_o opinion_n indeed_o which_o too_o many_o have_v take_v up_o and_o some_o do_v yet_o maintain_v but_o which_o can_v be_v allow_v without_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n also_o for_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o just_a that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n but_o can_v we_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o good_a who_o after_o have_v create_v man_n and_o settle_v he_o in_o the_o world_n take_v no_o far_a care_n of_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o chance_n and_o there_o stop_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v he_o be_v perfect_o just_a who_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o universal_a calamity_n or_o opression_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v but_o often_o happen_v notwithstanding_o the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o his_o government_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o maintain_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n do_v we_o not_o destroy_v his_o government_n when_o we_o confine_v it_o only_o to_o another_o life_n or_o perhaps_o allow_v it_o no_o place_n in_o either_o since_o god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n the_o government_n of_o it_o have_v become_v necessary_a to_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o derive_v at_o any_o time_n any_o extraordinary_a influence_n upon_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o commendable_a than_o for_o a_o temporal_a prince_n to_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v unconcern_v for_o the_o affair_n of_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 world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o in_o the_o beginning_n darkness_n to_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n and_o even_o they_o have_v corrupt_v and_o almost_o effaced_a the_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o they_o by_o false_a gloss_n and_o gross_a interpretation_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o even_o those_o who_o be_v most_o conscientious_a among_o they_o busy_v themselves_o whole_o in_o observe_v such_o trivial_a ceremony_n as_o themselves_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n form_v by_o mistake_a interpretation_n but_o the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o word_n they_o have_v entire_o lose_v those_o reveal_v notion_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o their_o forefather_n immediate_o after_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v so_o far_o 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
limit_n of_o a_o just_a punishment_n and_o the_o excess_n of_o that_o punishment_n be_v a_o real_a injury_n entitle_v the_o other_o to_o a_o fresh_a revenge_n i_o may_v therefore_o insist_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o revenge_n to_o man_n from_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n too_o inconsiderable_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a to_o return_v therefore_o to_o the_o former_a consideration_n since_o the_o justice_n of_o all_o punishment_n consist_v in_o the_o parity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v and_o vehemence_n of_o passion_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v incident_a suffer_v not_o man_n to_o observe_v that_o parity_n in_o execution_n of_o revenge_n and_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n as_o in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o in_o this_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o justice_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o a_o singular_a benefit_n that_o god_n have_v take_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o not_o leave_v the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o our_o discretion_n lest_o it_o shall_v unavoidable_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n either_o in_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o just_a bound_n or_o in_o execute_v it_o for_o other_o reason_n than_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n or_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n when_o he_o cit_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n vengeance_n be_v i_o etc._n etc._n which_o in_o the_o place_n refer_v to_o deut._n xxxii_o 35._o plain_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n for_o there_o god_n have_v denounce_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o punishment_n he_o will_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o case_n of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o tell_v they_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n into_o the_o power_n of_o strange_a nation_n who_o shall_v tyrannize_v over_o they_o and_o mighty_o oppress_v they_o and_o therein_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o those_o punishment_n which_o he_o design_v to_o their_o sin_n not_o that_o thereby_o their_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n shall_v become_v the_o less_o unlawful_a because_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o in_o oppress_v the_o jew_n have_v no_o regard_n but_o only_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o other_o passion_n and_o therefore_o this_o oppression_n so_o far_o exceed_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n god_n in_o the_o 35th_o verse_n aforecited_a threaten_v that_o he_o will_v severe_o revenge_v upon_o they_o and_o according_o in_o xxv_o of_o ezekiel_n 12_o god_n foretell_v the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o edom_n for_o take_v a_o too_o severe_a revenge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n although_o himself_o have_v deliver_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v plague_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o no_o other_o argument_n dissuade_v we_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n if_o a_o moderate_a revenge_n be_v even_o permit_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o difficulty_n of_o observe_v moderation_n in_o it_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v sin_n thereby_o shall_v deter_v we_o from_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v make_v unfit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n for_o that_o they_o know_v not_o certain_o the_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o suppose_a crime_n and_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o it_o and_o although_o they_o be_v secure_v of_o it_o yet_o will_v rather_o consult_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n when_o it_o be_v support_v by_o so_o many_o passion_n as_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o the_o like_a these_o indeed_o to_o mind_n of_o more_o happy_a education_n and_o noble_a thought_n natural_o appear_v odious_a and_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o better_a blood_n and_o great_a mind_n find_v their_o practice_n of_o revenge_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o honour_n to_o which_o they_o fancy_v all_o other_o consideration_n ought_v to_o yield_v entertain_v a_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o this_o honour_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o patient_a endure_v of_o injury_n and_o that_o every_o affront_v unrevenged_a draw_v upon_o they_o the_o imputation_n of_o cowardice_n a_o opinion_n build_v upon_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n and_o valour_n and_o which_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n manifest_v a_o real_a weakness_n in_o it_o for_o wherein_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n to_o be_v place_v but_o in_o such_o perfection_n as_o may_v improve_v his_o faculty_n adorn_v his_o nature_n and_o promote_v his_o happiness_n if_o upon_o these_o principle_n he_o raise_v the_o favourable_a esteem_n of_o other_o man_n his_o honour_n be_v then_o true_o found_v if_o for_o other_o reason_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o perfection_n he_o fanci_v himself_o to_o be_v admire_v he_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o that_o he_o pride_n himself_o in_o the_o admiration_n of_o other_o no_o less_o injudicious_a such_o be_v when_o esteem_n be_v found_v upon_o rashness_n or_o a_o precipitate_a boldness_n upon_o impatience_n of_o bear_v the_o least_o indignity_n and_o prefer_v this_o resolution_n to_o all_o consideration_n if_o this_o be_v a_o real_a honour_n than_o such_o a_o passionate_a determination_n must_v be_v indeed_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n a_o improvement_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a to_o affirm_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o nor_o yet_o can_v any_o argument_n of_o valour_n or_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o such_o a_o conduct_n valour_n indeed_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o mind_n as_o can_v be_v move_v or_o over-turned_n by_o any_o external_a accident_n can_v be_v interrupt_v by_o fear_n and_o passion_n and_o a_o mind_n true_o great_a be_v place_v above_o all_o such_o mean_a resentment_n and_o rather_o scorn_v than_o fear_v the_o attempt_n of_o other_o men._n how_o then_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o make_v good_a this_o character_n who_o a_o injury_n shall_v torment_v and_o disquiet_v who_o thought_n may_v be_v ruffle_v and_o his_o passion_n raise_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o who_o by_o manifest_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v in_o little_a matter_n betray_v the_o consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o want_n of_o real_a worth_n and_o happiness_n which_o can_v be_v so_o far_o impair_v by_o trifle_n and_o petty_a injury_n that_o without_o revenge_n it_o can_v be_v restore_v in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o great_a indication_n of_o a_o abject_a and_o mean_a spirit_n of_o cowardice_n and_o imperfection_n of_o mind_n than_o that_o impatience_n that_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o always_o attend_v revenge_n thus_o found_v upon_o mistake_a honour_n but_o i_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o cause_n i_o handle_v when_o i_o seek_v to_o recommend_v the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v revenge_n by_o a_o argument_n so_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o presume_v my_o speech_n do_v reach_v no_o other_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o revenge_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v forbid_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o since_o his_o religion_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o restore_v right_a notion_n of_o all_o moral_a action_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o true_a honour_n or_o valour_n shall_v promote_v the_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n be_v vain_a indeed_o yet_o not_o so_o criminal_a as_o that_o other_o ordinary_a pretence_n of_o satisfy_a justice_n therein_o when_o man_n prosecute_v their_o revenge_n against_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o justice_n and_o lest_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o those_o be_v wont_a to_o allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o revenge_n who_o revenge_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o malice_n not_o of_o mistake_a honour_n to_o confess_v open_o that_o they_o take_v revenge_n because_o they_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n will_v be_v too_o shameless_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o may_v also_o overthrow_v those_o artifices_fw-la by_o which_o such_o man_n common_o work_v their_o revenge_n for_o which_o they_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o
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 truth_n of_o their_o affirmation_n wrought_v sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o to_o the_o spectator_n do_v as_o full_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v it_o do_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v exert_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n for_o the_o attestation_n of_o a_o lye_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o reality_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o the_o ii_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n express_v in_o those_o word_n have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n which_o be_v various_o interpret_v some_o maintain_v that_o they_o imply_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o grave_a other_o that_o they_o point_v out_o the_o dolorous_a suffering_n by_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o a_o state_n opposite_a to_o that_o humiliation_n a_o three_o sort_n understanding_n by_o they_o a_o destruction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v support_v with_o great_a reason_n nor_o will_v it_o here_o be_v proper_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n which_o of_o they_o rather_o be_v to_o be_v embrace_v they_o be_v all_o rational_a consonant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o significative_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n i_o will_v therefore_o apply_v they_o all_o the_o first_o opinion_n include_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n that_o be_v a_o reunion_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n separate_v by_o death_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o chief_o refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o here_o allege_v by_o the_o apostle_n david_n have_v be_v often_o bring_v
prayer_n which_o make_v this_o whole_a observation_n concern_v the_o veneration_n due_a to_o church_n not_o improper_a in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o prayer_n iii_o i_o pass_v now_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n 〈◊〉_d the_o text_n that_o be_v the_o posture_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o prayer_n which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n nor_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n a_o matter_n so_o indifferent_a as_o deserve_v not_o our_o enquiry_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o some_o that_o all_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v no_o profess_a enemy_n to_o order_n and_o decency_n it_o appear_v far_o otherwise_o for_o since_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o the_o existence_n of_o both_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o continue_v by_o he_o since_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o next_o it_o follow_v that_o both_o aught_o to_o make_v return_v of_o praise_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n this_o the_o soul_n the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o reason_n do_v by_o love_v honour_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o he_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o noble_a operation_n yet_o be_v it_o enable_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o gesture_n imply_v adoration_n submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o with_o the_o body_n be_v to_o make_v no_o return_n of_o gratitude_n for_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n to_o he_o both_o thereâ—â—â—_n be_v alike_o necessary_a the_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n be_v indeed_o more_o acceptable_a because_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o public_a worship_n where_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o only_a visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o internal_a honour_n pay_v by_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o word_n of_o public_a praise_n and_o adoration_n be_v express_v by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o in_o that_o the_o very_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o subjection_n pay_v to_o god_n since_o such_o gesture_n use_v in_o sacred_a place_n and_o to_o a_o invisible_a be_v be_v notorious_o know_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n bodily_a worship_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o such_o as_o may_v express_v the_o great_a submission_n and_o deep_a humility_n the_o most_o intense_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o significative_a humiliation_n of_o the_o body_n that_o posture_n therefore_o which_o express_v the_o most_o humble_a submission_n aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n the_o principal_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n only_o the_o particular_a posture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n because_o the_o expression_n of_o civility_n honour_n and_o subjection_n vary_v in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v any_o one_o gesture_n since_o what_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o worship_n in_o one_o nation_n may_v be_v contrary_a in_o another_o the_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n therefore_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o such_o modes_n vary_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v absolute_o necessary_a essential_a and_o command_v by_o god_n which_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v most_o expressive_a of_o humility_n submission_n and_o subjection_n if_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n of_o respect_n which_o obtain_v in_o any_o nation_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o case_n to_o pretend_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n stand_v be_v not_o only_o indecent_a but_o unlawful_a a_o detain_v from_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o he_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o worship_n when_o a_o more_o exalt_a degree_n be_v possible_a if_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n prostration_n be_v the_o most_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n that_o then_o become_v necessary_a in_o divine_a worship_n if_o neither_o prostration_n nor_o kneel_v be_v in_o use_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o same_o infallible_a rule_n be_v always_o to_o obtain_v that_o whatsoever_o posture_n by_o custom_n institution_n or_o prescription_n be_v most_o significative_a of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o adore_v god_n and_o in_o prayer_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o adoration_n to_o apply_v this_o rule_n to_o our_o own_o practice_n it_o be_v notorious_a and_o undeniable_a that_o in_o the_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n that_o whereof_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n be_v we_o to_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n this_o posture_n therefore_o become_v our_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o we_o adore_v god_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n in_o this_o nation_n therefore_o or_o in_o any_o other_o where_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o submissive_a gesture_n to_o practice_v stand_v in_o public_a prayer_n be_v in_o truth_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o supreme_a honour_n be_v due_a to_o god_n to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v that_o homage_n to_o he_o which_o man_n be_v content_a to_o pay_v to_o earthly_a prince_n as_o if_o either_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o or_o themselves_o be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a to_o condescend_v to_o it_o in_o many_o eastern_a country_n prostration_n have_v be_v in_o use_n and_o there_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o stand_v with_o either_o spread_n forth_o the_o hand_n or_o gentle_o incline_v the_o body_n and_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o breast_n in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o posture_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o significative_a posture_n be_v whole_o vain_a since_o no_o posture_n signify_v any_o respect_n in_o that_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o use_v and_o what_o in_o one_o place_n include_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o reverence_n in_o another_o may_v signify_v none_o at_o all_o among_o the_o jew_n kneel_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o be_v the_o most_o reverential_a gesture_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n psal._n cxli_o 2._o dan._n vi_o 10._o luk._n xxii_o 41._o act_n ix_o 40._o xxi_o 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o also_o among_o the_o grecian_n st._n paul_n therefore_o write_v to_o both_o of_o they_o join_v in_o one_o church_n in_o corinth_n express_v in_o this_o place_n the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o of_o hand_n because_o that_o custom_n do_v prevail_v among_o they_o not_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o posture_n in_o prayer_n who_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o particular_a nation_n among_o who_o the_o most_o submiss_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o civil_a posture_n be_v kneel_v with_o clasp_a hand_n and_o that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v be_v always_o the_o most_o receive_a gesture_n in_o the_o western_a world_n but_o most_o certain_o be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o western_a church_n vid._n tertul._n &_o cypr._n it_o have_v be_v indeed_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v that_o in_o sacrifice_n the_o priest_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o shall_v do_v it_o stand_v in_o compliance_n with_o this_o universal_a custom_n our_o church_n have_v most_o certain_o direct_v that_o the_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n from_o the_o altar_n where_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v celebrate_v shall_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o the_o priest_n in_o a_o stand_a posture_n which_o i_o will_v not_o omit_v to_o observe_v to_o you_o lest_o that_o practice_n shall_v be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o kneel_v in_o time_n of_o prayer_n since_o it_o be_v found_v
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
will_v glad_o be_v esteem_v to_o act_v reasonable_o in_o shake_v off_o this_o encumbrance_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o pretend_v they_o can_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o lay_v it_o on_o they_o whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o seldom_o consider_v the_o argument_n recommend_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n lest_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o also_o shall_v return_v into_o their_o mind_n or_o if_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o yet_o their_o will_n struggle_v against_o their_o understanding_n they_o will_v esteem_v it_o the_o great_a unhappiness_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o if_o obey_v will_v deprive_v they_o of_o all_o their_o darling_n pleasure_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o here_o advance_v i_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o experience_n view_v all_o these_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n and_o see_v if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o in_o all_o your_o knowledge_n who_o make_v any_o conscience_n of_o observe_v moral_a virtue_n of_o be_v chaste_a temperate_a and_o just._n it_o be_v the_o imposition_n and_o enforce_v of_o these_o virtue_n which_o have_v make_v the_o christian_a religion_n grievous_a and_o distasteful_a to_o such_o man_n not_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o these_o pretender_n be_v seldom_o of_o such_o raise_a capacity_n as_o to_o discern_v between_o true_a and_o false_a reason_n with_o great_a accuracy_n than_o other_o man_n or_o to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o argument_n which_o before_o their_o sagacious_a enquiry_n be_v universal_o allow_v they_o wilful_o betray_v their_o judgement_n or_o rather_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o their_o will_n which_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v they_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o ignominy_n of_o grope_v at_o noonday_n and_o not_o discover_v a_o truth_n set_v in_o so_o great_a a_o light_n but_o this_o consideration_n be_v more_o general_a i_o dismis_o it_o only_o remind_v you_o how_o unjust_o a_o objection_n be_v raise_v by_o these_o man_n from_o christ_n not_o public_o appear_v after_o his_o resurrection_n since_o if_o he_o have_v so_o do_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o resurrection_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o now_o it_o be_v far_o not_o only_a will_v the_o public_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o we_o but_o will_v even_o have_v fail_v of_o convince_a at_o least_o convert_v the_o jew_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v spectator_n of_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v continue_v their_o infidelity_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o hundred_o miracle_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v hope_v the_o addition_n of_o one_o miracle_n more_o shall_v create_v a_o belief_n among_o they_o they_o have_v reject_v all_o those_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n which_o our_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o offer_v to_o they_o in_o testimony_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o after_o the_o long_a experience_n of_o such_o a_o strange_a perverseness_n it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o the_o resurrection_n alone_o shall_v effect_v what_o all_o other_o argument_n and_o proof_n join_v together_o can_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v own_o submission_n all_o the_o prediction_n and_o description_n concern_v the_o messiah_n deliver_v in_o it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v by_o the_o concurrence_n and_o completion_n of_o all_o these_o prophecy_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n it_o do_v so_o evident_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v it_o without_o proclaim_v at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o disbelief_n of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o then_o as_o our_o lord_n true_o say_v in_o a_o not_o unlike_a case_n if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o have_v be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a although_o himself_o have_v rose_n from_o the_o grave_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n if_o the_o great_a argument_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n lesser_a proof_n will_v certain_o lose_v their_o force_n however_o because_o it_o may_v with_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v allege_v that_o however_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n in_o his_o person_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o better_a argument_n yet_o that_o miracle_n as_o be_v more_o surprise_v and_o more_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o more_o effectual_a demonstration_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n wrought_v before_o his_o crucifixion_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o will_v have_v be_v produce_v by_o his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o have_v be_v please_v visible_o to_o manifest_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o number_n of_o miracle_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o evangelist_n be_v very_o great_a and_o yet_o st._n john_n assure_v we_o that_o what_o be_v write_v contain_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o action_n of_o christ._n every_o one_o of_o these_o miracle_n give_v as_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v as_o the_o resurrection_n can_v have_v do_v the_o resurrection_n indeed_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a to_o we_o christian_n than_o any_o other_o miracle_n because_o it_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n the_o entrance_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o his_o state_n of_o glory_n but_o to_o unbeliever_n it_o be_v of_o no_o more_o efficacy_n than_o the_o many_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o what_o can_v be_v more_o admirable_a than_o that_o he_o command_v the_o element_n the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o they_o obey_v he_o that_o he_o remove_v infirmity_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n immediate_o and_o by_o a_o single_a command_n what_o great_a proof_n can_v be_v offer_v of_o his_o own_o divinity_n than_o that_o he_o do_v this_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o invoke_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o entreat_v his_o presence_n if_o stupendous_a act_n be_v require_v what_o more_o wonderful_a than_o his_o feed_n whole_a multitude_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n if_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o his_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n can_v convince_v they_o what_o more_o notorious_a than_o the_o raise_n of_o lazarus_n know_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o widow_n son_n of_o naim_n perform_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n attend_v he_o to_o his_o grave_n than_o the_o body_n of_o saint_n depart_v arise_v at_o his_o crucifixion_n enter_v into_o jerusalem_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o if_o in_o all_o his_o miracle_n precedent_a to_o his_o death_n the_o jew_n not_o able_a to_o deny_v the_o fact_n pretend_v they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o diabolick_a power_n a_o pretence_n more_o than_o once_o allege_v in_o their_o own_o talmud_n extant_a at_o this_o day_n and_o publish_v by_o themselves_o the_o same_o pretence_n will_v with_o equal_a reason_n have_v be_v retain_v after_o his_o resurrection_n for_o if_o the_o absolute_a disposal_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v to_o they_o the_o only_o confess_v proof_n of_o a_o true_o divine_a power_n it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o in_o raise_v those_o to_o life_n who_o i_o before_o mention_v although_o by_o other_o argument_n he_o have_v give_v abundant_a demonstration_n that_o he_o act_v not_o by_o any_o commission_n from_o infernal_a spirit_n the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o root_v out_o idolatry_n and_o sin_n whereby_o mankind_n be_v hold_v captive_a to_o the_o devil_n to_o establish_v truth_n and_o piety_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o hell_n his_o miracle_n consist_v chief_o in_o cast_v out_o devil_n from_o the_o body_n of_o unhappy_a person_n who_o they_o have_v possess_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ungrateful_a to_o they_o in_o relieve_v the_o want_n and_o cure_v the_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o opposite_a to_o their_o practice_n and_o inclination_n who_o always_o endeavour_v the_o destruction_n but_o never_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n this_o same_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n he_o communicate_v to_o his_o disciple_n long_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n which_o refute_v the_o idle_a pretence_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o talmud_n that_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v a_o personal_a quality_n obtain_v by_o unfolding_a a_o spell_n place_v of_o old_a by_o solomon_n in_o the_o temple_n all_o these_o proof_n of_o
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
god_n if_o no_o vain_a glory_n or_o desire_v of_o humane_a praise_n be_v intermix_v therewith_o but_o the_o sole_a design_n be_v the_o advancement_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v of_o rashness_n all_o those_o noble_a ancient_a martyr_n who_o without_o any_o force_n confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n and_o thereby_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o torment_v and_o death_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o example_n of_o constancy_n to_o less_o courageous_a christian_n who_o can_v not_o otherwise_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o generous_a example_n do_v more_o effectual_o raise_v the_o courage_n of_o other_o christian_n labour_v under_o persecution_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a reward_n propose_v by_o christ_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v for_o his_o name_n and_o to_o justify_v this_o proceed_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n sy_n paul_n himself_o as_o we_o read_v act_n xxi_o have_v resolve_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o continue_v his_o resolution_n although_o it_o be_v foretell_v to_o he_o by_o agabus_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o himself_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n do_v abide_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v there_o suffer_v a_o grievous_a persecution_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a or_o commendable_a to_o perform_v good_a work_n public_o and_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o men._n many_o other_o such_o case_n may_v be_v find_v i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o penance_n and_o charity_n as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o practice_n of_o public_a penance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o present_a time_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v then_o the_o great_a preserver_n of_o unfeigned_a piety_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o the_o discontinuance_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o want_n and_o coldness_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o time_n they_o very_o well_o know_v former_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o that_o god_n chief_o regard_v inward_a repentance_n the_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o admonition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o anoint_v thy_o head_n and_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o but_o unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o what_o be_v say_v of_o fast_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o act_n and_o indication_n of_o repentance_n yet_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o penance_n require_v the_o institution_n and_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o then_o be_v religion_n and_o piety_n maintain_v in_o its_o full_a vigour_n when_o person_n guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a crime_n however_o eminent_a by_o birth_n or_o station_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n seclude_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o separate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o appear_v in_o sackcloth_n or_o other_o penitential_a dress_n beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o god_n with_o tear_n and_o desire_a reconciliation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o many_o day_n but_o ofttimes_o for_o many_o year_n together_o such_o discipline_n can_v not_o but_o produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o behold_v it_o a_o exceed_a dread_n of_o sin_n and_o caution_n in_o abstain_v from_o such_o scandal_n as_o will_v certain_o draw_v upon_o they_o either_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o undergo_a the_o same_o severity_n the_o sight_n of_o those_o penitent_n be_v more_o instructive_a to_o ordinary_a christian_n than_o all_o the_o most_o elaborate_a invective_n against_o sin_n or_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n represent_v to_o they_o at_o once_o the_o gild_n the_o horror_n the_o shame_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v their_o repentance_n to_o be_v account_v less_o real_a or_o internal_a because_o attend_v with_o such_o outward_a profession_n rather_o these_o give_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n since_o to_o take_v away_o the_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o scandal_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n they_o refuse_v not_o to_o undergo_v the_o long_a and_o strict_a severity_n of_o public_a penance_n and_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o put_v themselves_o to_o open_a shame_n in_o like_a manner_n however_o ordinary_o speak_v charity_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o our_o lord_n have_v large_o warn_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n to_o be_v see_v of_o they_o that_o be_v for_o this_o only_a reason_n that_o we_o may_v be_v see_v and_o praise_v by_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o and_o by_o see_v they_o may_v be_v excite_v either_o to_o glorify_v god_n or_o to_o practise_v the_o like_a charity_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a not_o only_o secure_v the_o reward_n promise_v to_o charity_n but_o also_o become_v of_o excellent_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n due_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n however_o it_o may_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o former_a age_n when_o almost_o all_o christian_n exercise_v charity_n even_o to_o profuseness_n certain_o in_o our_o age_n which_o be_v chief_o deficient_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n in_o any_o to_o restore_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o any_o eminent_a and_o public_a example_n and_o although_o very_o great_a reward_n be_v promise_v to_o secret_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o to_o public_a charity_n exercise_v in_o such_o case_n much_o great_a be_v reserve_v if_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v with_o any_o mixture_n of_o vain_a glory_n or_o ignoble_a design_n because_o such_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o secret_a charity_n in_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o but_z far_a also_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o men._n in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o like_a case_n the_o advantage_n produce_v thereby_o to_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o exciting_a other_o by_o the_o force_n of_o example_n to_o the_o imitation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o good_a work_n although_o that_o be_v very_o great_a as_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o it_o invincible_o form_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n to_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o knowledge_n such_o as_o constitute_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o that_o the_o same_o be_v profess_v by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o profession_n of_o other_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o real_a themselves_o will_v assent_v without_o any_o scruple_n if_o they_o suspect_v their_o reality_n themselves_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n now_o the_o public_a and_o eminent_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n give_v the_o only_a evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o man_n since_o in_o a_o country_n where_o any_o religion_n prevail_v by_o custom_n and_o education_n a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o it_o may_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o either_o and_o not_o to_o contradict_v it_o may_v be_v due_a only_o to_o common_a civility_n but_o whoever_o public_o perform_v good_a work_n give_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o he_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o thereby_o dispose_v other_o to_o the_o same_o belief_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n perform_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o my_o text_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o exemplary_a piety_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o end_n will_v real_o be_v
obtain_v by_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v promote_v by_o the_o praise_n and_o by_o the_o service_n of_o men._n the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v direct_o promote_v by_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n while_o other_o man_n view_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o action_n raise_v their_o thought_n to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o conceive_v somewhat_o yet_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a in_o he_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o if_o that_o imperfect_a light_n which_o may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o so_o glorious_a the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n exceed_v all_o imagination_n that_o if_o such_o eminent_a act_n of_o goodness_n be_v perform_v by_o frail_a man_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o he_o devoid_a of_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n the_o fullness_n of_o all_o goodness_n dwell_v if_o the_o action_n of_o his_o servant_n deserve_v love_n and_o praise_n much_o more_o will_v the_o operation_n of_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n proclaim_v he_o worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o adoration_n but_o this_o manner_n of_o reflect_a honour_n upon_o god_n from_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o instruction_n and_o conversion_n of_o other_o man_n who_o by_o the_o good_a example_n of_o true_a christian_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o effect_v which_o eminent_a example_n have_v no_o less_o force_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n this_o give_v authority_n to_o virtue_n and_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n of_o be_v singular_a it_o relieve_v the_o modesty_n of_o new_a beginner_n and_o encourage_v to_o pursue_v their_o course_n so_o well_o begin_v notwithstanding_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o profane_a men._n to_o tender_v and_o unexperienced_a mind_n there_o be_v no_o great_a obstacle_n of_o goodness_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v singular_a thereby_o the_o natural_a impression_n of_o reason_n may_v incline_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n but_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o swim_v against_o the_o stream_n to_o oppose_v their_o single_a example_n to_o the_o prevailling_a corruption_n of_o a_o sinful_a world_n nor_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o contempt_n of_o wicked_a man_n without_o the_o patronage_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o great_a and_o good_a example_n who_o practice_n they_o may_v plead_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n and_o that_o defence_n which_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n enable_v they_o not_o to_o draw_v from_o reason_n they_o may_v draw_v from_o their_o authority_n although_o not_o only_o weak_a mind_n but_o even_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o understand_a person_n while_o unexperienced_a in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o shock_v the_o power_n of_o a_o general_a example_n if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n they_o yet_o want_v boldness_n to_o execute_v it_o and_o dread_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suspicion_n of_o affectation_n or_o fear_v of_o appear_v singular_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o youth_n especial_o suffer_v by_o ill_a example_n who_o through_o a_o natural_a modesty_n be_v ever_o wont_a to_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o prevail_a fashion_n further_o a_o good_a example_n instruct_v the_o more_o ignorant_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n few_o be_v enable_v at_o least_o few_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o they_o rely_v herein_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v wise_a than_o themselves_o who_o they_o find_v to_o profess_v no_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o act_n as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o they_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o any_o further_a enquiry_n and_o dismiss_v all_o resolution_n of_o goodness_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o be_v find_v by_o they_o that_o wise_a man_n or_o so_o account_v who_o by_o their_o learning_n be_v full_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o find_v out_o the_o cheat_n of_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o such_o have_v after_o a_o diligent_a and_o accurate_a search_n be_v so_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v be_v content_a to_o hazard_v their_o life_n to_o restrain_v their_o pleasure_n to_o deny_v their_o passion_n from_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o if_o great_a and_o illustrious_a person_n who_o have_v opportunity_n of_o improve_n all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o the_o most_o exquisite_a satisfaction_n yet_o moderate_v and_o limit_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o vulgar_a mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a assurance_n than_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o and_o if_o he_o find_v this_o he_o there_o rest_v satisfy_v if_o not_o he_o proceed_v no_o far_o and_o from_o this_o experience_n also_o he_o draw_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o conduct_n even_o after_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o his_o obligation_n in_o all_o doubtful_a action_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n he_o consult_v the_o example_n of_o his_o superior_n and_o pursue_v the_o way_n which_o they_o have_v mark_v out_o to_o he_o follow_v they_o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o true_a light_n nay_o to_o generous_a as_o well_o as_o vulgar_a mind_n example_n be_v a_o effectual_a motive_n of_o virtue_n to_o such_o emulation_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n and_o a_o noble_a disdain_n of_o be_v exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a to_o they_o the_o preference_n of_o any_o other_o be_v a_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o sloth_n and_o when_o other_o have_v go_v before_o with_o reward_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o stay_v behind_o it_o be_v this_o principle_n of_o generosity_n which_o keep_v up_o virtue_n among_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v this_o which_o give_v rise_v and_o increase_v to_o art_n and_o science_n and_o which_o now_o maintain_v valour_n our_o lord_n have_v improve_v the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o direct_v it_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o noble_a end_n propose_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n hold_v out_o the_o crown_n of_o victory_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n he_o have_v in_o this_o precept_n concern_v exemplariness_n give_v to_o we_o a_o yet_o further_o scope_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o generosity_n not_o only_o propose_v reward_n to_o the_o conqueror_n to_o those_o of_o a_o more_o elevate_a virtue_n but_o also_o to_o such_o who_o excite_v by_o their_o illustrious_a example_n shall_v follow_v they_o although_o at_o a_o distance_n make_v they_o thereby_o the_o instrument_n of_o save_v other_o and_o that_o possible_o in_o great_a number_n at_o least_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o of_o we_o so_o inconsiderable_a who_o may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o influence_n and_o authority_n upon_o some_o one_o or_o other_o as_o to_o move_v and_o direct_v he_o by_o his_o example_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o infinite_a happiness_n to_o another_o which_o to_o a_o good_a and_o a_o generous_a mind_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o pursuit_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o may_v make_v he_o exemplary_a that_o so_o he_o may_v promote_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o other_o men._n it_o may_v seem_v indeed_o past_a hope_n that_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n when_o so_o few_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v their_o own_o salvation_n or_o be_v good_a for_o their_o own_o sake_n any_o shall_v attempt_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o men._n yet_o i_o do_v not_o despair_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o such_o generous_a mind_n leave_v in_o the_o world_n who_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a felicity_n to_o themselves_o to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n and_o act_v upon_o this_o persuasion_n study_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a that_o by_o their_o example_n other_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o same_o practice_n and_o thereby_o secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n to_o such_o exemplary_a person_n frequent_a praise_n be_v give_v and_o eminent_a reward_n promise_v more_o particular_o in_o daniel_n xii_o 3._o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o lustre_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n be_v compare_v to_o