the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o revelation_n be_v infallible_a none_o can_v deny_v for_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o one_o who_o infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v except_v to_o these_o revelation_n and_o deny_v assent_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o think_v of_o before_o and_o which_o even_o when_o reveal_v to_o he_o he_o can_v well_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n show_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v or_o stumble_v at_o this_o from_o the_o obvious_a example_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o any_o be_v inferior_a to_o it_o nor_o the_o secret_n or_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o it_o find_v out_o by_o any_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o inferior_a be_v if_o it_o can_v speak_v and_o argue_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o noble_a faculty_n because_o it_o can_v conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o for_o one_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o because_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o than_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v in_o the_o text_n even_n so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unreasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o then_o all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o conception_n cease_v and_o it_o remain_v only_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o allege_a revelation_n be_v true_o divine_a this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n assert_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n declare_v his_o preach_v of_o it_o to_o be_v found_v not_o upon_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o nice_a conclusion_n as_o be_v the_o system_n of_o philosophy_n then_o receive_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o world_n from_o which_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o these_o two_o character_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o gentile_a philosophy_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o secure_a to_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o other_o effect_v both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n further_o these_o matter_n when_o once_o reveal_v and_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n as_o we_o propose_v not_o to_o other_o with_o artificial_a sophistry_n and_o rhetoric_n so_o we_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o pure_a argument_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o logical_a inference_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v ver._n 13._o but_o as_o we_o teach_v they_o with_o that_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o god_n direct_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o effect_v so_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o compare_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o general_a motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o follow_v but_o with_o the_o wisdom_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a now_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o method_n in_o our_o enquiry_n herein_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o 14_o ver._n but_o the_o natural_a man._n he_o who_o judge_v these_o revelation_n only_o according_a to_o his_o preconceive_a notion_n take_v up_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o receive_v not_o from_o they_o who_o weigh_v not_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n reinforcing_a these_o revelation_n he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v truth_n which_o surmount_v the_o reach_n of_o naked_a reason_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v only_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o regard_v not_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o revelation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v recommend_v so_o that_o while_o he_o act_v in_o this_o irrational_a method_n he_o can_v know_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whereas_o he_o who_o understand_v well_o the_o motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o compare_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a ver._n 15._o judge_v all_o thing_n may_v safe_o and_o without_o error_n pronounce_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o do_v so_o he_o be_v not_o just_o to_o be_v overrule_v with_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o consider_v the_o thing_n absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o compare_v with_o its_o motive_n of_o credibility_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man._n since_o plain_a reason_n direct_v that_o if_o the_o motive_n be_v find_v weighty_a than_o the_o difficulty_n he_o shall_v declare_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o not_o be_v startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n as_o concern_v a_o subject_n exceed_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o best_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o revelation_n we_o have_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v he_o but_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ._n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o context_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v form_v these_o two_o consideration_n whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n i._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o revelation_n nor_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o mere_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o ii_o that_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v their_o internal_a probability_n so_o much_o as_o their_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n first_o then_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v scandalize_v at_o they_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o for_o this_o we_o can_v rational_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o full_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o object_n which_o that_o we_o be_v not_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o many_o object_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n appear_v both_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o manifold_a experience_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v finite_a and_o so_o must_v the_o faculty_n of_o it_o also_o be_v one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o understanding_n which_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a
henry_n wharton_z a.m._n one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v in_o lambeth_n chapel_n before_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n dr._n william_n sancroft_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o year_n mdclxxxix_o mdcxc_o by_o the_o learned_a henry_n wharton_n m._n a._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n be_v the_o second_o and_o last_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o â—i_fw-la chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n church_n yard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n p._n 25_o sermon_n iii_o esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o p._n 51_o sermon_n iu._n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o p._n 76_o sermon_n v._o rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v p._n 99_o sermon_n vi_o and_o vii_o 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n p._n 124_o 150_o sermon_n viii_o s._n mark_n viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n p._n 181_o sermon_n ix_o s._n luk._n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 220_o sermon_n x._o s._n john_n viii_o 12._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n p._n 243_o sermon_n xi_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a source_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v p._n 266_o sermon_n xii_o matth._n xi_o 30._o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a p._n 291_o sermon_n xiii_o rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n p._n 318_o sermon_n fourteen_o act_n x._o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o p._n 352_o sermon_n xv_o xvi_o xvii_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v p._n 380_o 411_o 431_o sermon_n xviii_o act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n p._n 466_o sermon_n xix_o mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_n of_o god_n p._n 494_o sermon_n xx._n matth._n v._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n p._n 521_o sermon_n xxi_o luk._n ii_o 14._o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n p._n 567_o the_o first_o sermon_n on_o whit_n sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v be_v the_o final_a confirmation_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o perfect_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n set_v the_o last_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o long_o before_o gather_v a_o select_a number_n of_o faithful_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n but_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o have_v found_v a_o church_n till_o he_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o till_o than_o their_o notion_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o false_a and_o frivolous_a and_o as_o they_o certain_o know_v not_o what_o form_n of_o faith_n to_o profess_v so_o they_o dare_v not_o profess_v it_o open_o their_o religious_a meeting_n be_v yet_o in_o secret_a and_o no_o attempt_n yet_o make_v to_o form_v a_o church_n by_o conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n their_o thought_n be_v not_o so_o much_o fix_v upon_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o their_o master_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v as_o upon_o the_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o more_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o comforter_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o they_o want_v yet_o those_o perfection_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v qualify_v they_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o design_a office_n that_o zeal_n and_o charity_n which_o may_v animate_v and_o direct_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o master_n all_o these_o advantage_n be_v abundant_o confer_v these_o necessity_n supply_v by_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n then_o they_o receive_v internal_a light_n a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o messiah_n a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o then_o they_o obtain_v ability_n to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o courage_n to_o undertake_v it_o then_o they_o begin_v as_o to_o possess_v a_o assure_a and_o rational_a belief_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o profess_v and_o declare_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o so_o that_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o they_o what_o baptism_n be_v to_o we_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n hence_o these_o be_v the_o advantage_n confer_v upon_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o propagate_a the_o belief_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o confound_v the_o opposition_n of_o his_o adversary_n to_o this_o grand_a design_n the_o aforementioned_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v subservient_fw-fr be_v such_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n the_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v hitherto_o be_v reserve_v shut_v up_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o parabolical_a expression_n confine_v to_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o disciple_n which_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o acts._n but_o from_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n communicate_v to_o all_o without_o obscurity_n or_o reserve_v and_o propagate_v to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v hitherto_o appear_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a no_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v find_v but_o now_o he_o be_v to_o be_v rescue_v from_o that_o imputation_n by_o visible_a and_o undeniable_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n his_o kingdom_n be_v to_o commence_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o become_v glorious_a both_o from_o the_o number_n and_o piety_n of_o his_o follower_n the_o jew_n have_v
direct_o affect_v not_o his_o mind_n which_o still_o remain_v untouched_a expose_v indeed_o to_o the_o ordinary_a assault_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o assault_v as_o they_o be_v not_o suspend_v by_o god_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o assist_v by_o he_o which_o assault_v how_o they_o be_v affect_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o come_v next_o to_o inquire_v have_v first_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o although_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v or_o explain_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o our_o own_o experience_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o admit_v such_o doubt_n and_o that_o the_o faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n be_v imperceptible_a to_o we_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o although_o it_o be_v so_o near_o relate_v to_o we_o we_o know_v but_o very_o imperfect_o the_o manner_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o her_o action_n the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o tempt_v we_o two_o way_n properly_z and_o improper_o innumerable_a example_n of_o each_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n the_o latter_a be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o first_o apostate_n and_o rebel_n against_o god_n and_o still_o continue_v his_o opposition_n to_o he_o so_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n and_o head_n of_o all_o which_o oppose_v god_n as_o be_v the_o lust_n the_o passion_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o sublunary_a object_n by_o worldly_a pleasure_n whatsoever_o be_v do_v by_o these_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o do_v after_o his_o example_n and_o under_o his_o banner_n since_o his_o fall_n the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n divide_v between_o god_n and_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v do_v by_o his_o influence_n command_n direction_n and_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o be_v bad_a and_o repugnant_a to_o 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give_v they_o to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o but_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o devil_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o tempt_v man_n by_o act_v immediate_o upon_o their_o soul_n by_o suggest_v wicked_a thought_n unto_o they_o by_o instigate_a they_o to_o wickedness_n and_o disobedience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o temptation_n by_o which_o we_o so_o much_o suffer_v which_o we_o so_o much_o fear_n and_o by_o which_o he_o execute_v his_o malice_n and_o hatred_n upon_o mankind_n there_o be_v but_o two_o possible_a way_n by_o which_o this_o can_v easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v perform_v since_o a_o extraordinary_a derivation_n of_o power_n from_o god_n be_v reject_v the_o first_o be_v by_o move_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o produce_v whatsoever_o thought_n and_o idea_n he_o think_v fit_a by_o move_v their_o animal_n spirit_n which_o in_o man_n have_v so_o near_o a_o connexion_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o such_o motion_n in_o they_o will_v infallible_o and_o unavoidable_o produce_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o devil_n as_o they_o be_v most_o sagacious_a spirit_n and_o of_o long_a experience_n may_v have_v observe_v and_o find_v to_o which_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o and_o such_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v annex_v and_o according_o procure_v those_o motion_n as_o often_o as_o they_o desire_v to_o introduce_v such_o thought_n for_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o all_o immaterial_a being_n have_v a_o natural_a power_n of_o move_a matter_n we_o find_v that_o in_o our_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o low_a of_o all_o such_o being_n that_o move_v our_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o our_o whole_a body_n it_o no_o soon_o form_v a_o idea_n but_o the_o spirit_n attend_v the_o formation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v move_v according_a to_o its_o diversity_n there_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n than_o between_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o other_o immaterial_a be_v so_o that_o the_o devil_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o our_o imagination_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o spirit_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o move_v or_o disorder_v our_o whole_a body_n since_o to_o the_o former_a be_v require_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n which_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v any_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o latter_a be_v require_v a_o power_n transcend_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v settle_v and_o preserve_v which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o violate_a by_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n as_o produce_v a_o bare_a idea_n or_o naked_a conception_n of_o any_o thing_n this_o way_n of_o impress_v thought_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v possible_a but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o all_o immaterial_a being_n can_v communicate_v thought_n and_o make_v impression_n on_o each_o other_o without_o this_o it_o not_o be_v imagine_v how_o a_o society_n of_o angel_n or_o devil_n can_v consist_v and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o each_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o if_o one_o man_n can_v immediate_o impress_v a_o thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o be_v here_o inchain_v in_o a_o body_n in_o which_o state_n no_o approach_n can_v be_v make_v to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n nature_n have_v provide_v another_o way_n for_o man_n to_o communicate_v their_o thought_n which_o when_o it_o shall_v cease_v by_o put_v off_o the_o body_n we_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v that_o privilege_n common_a to_o other_o imaterial_a being_n of_o communicate_v our_o thought_n to_o each_o other_o by_o immediate_a influence_n at_o least_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o angel_n and_o devil_n have_v that_o privilege_n because_o they_o have_v form_v society_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v without_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v impress_v any_o thought_n upon_o each_o other_o that_o be_v upon_o being_n of_o equal_a dignity_n they_o be_v sure_o much_o more_o able_a to_o do_v it_o upon_o those_o of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n and_o capacity_n such_o as_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n both_o these_o way_n be_v possible_a but_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o by_o either_o of_o these_o method_n i_o dare_v not_o determine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v concern_v the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v possible_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o as_o person_n desire_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o article_n of_o christianity_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o christian_n firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v take_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o our_o ability_n to_o resist_v he_o he_o can_v proceed_v indeed_o no_o far_o than_o to_o suggest_v the_o first_o cogitation_n of_o any_o object_n and_o if_o man_n also_o stop_v here_o he_o will_v never_o forfeit_v his_o innocence_n the_o devil_n will_v never_o obtain_v his_o desire_a end_n he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o indeed_o yet_o this_o he_o improve_v to_o great_a advantage_n and_o with_o that_o success_n which_o we_o all_o lament_v he_o know_v the_o constitution_n of_o all_o man_n and_o
mankind_n by_o a_o studious_a communication_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v at_o first_o act_v in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o judea_n not_o in_o a_o desert_n or_o in_o a_o cell_n not_o spend_v in_o a_o solitary_a retirement_n or_o know_v to_o few_o and_o after_o that_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n commit_v to_o write_v whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o that_o light_a which_o first_o arise_v and_o shine_v in_o a_o small_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o universe_n and_o become_v a_o general_a and_o eternal_a standard_n of_o duty_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o this_o light_n shall_v confer_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o which_o our_o lord_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o walk_v not_o in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n for_o if_o the_o light_n which_o christ_n communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n be_v so_o illustrious_a as_o we_o before_o describe_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o or_o imitate_v the_o other_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o darkness_n in_o the_o same_o ignorance_n and_o error_n in_o which_o he_o be_v before_o involve_v he_o have_v thereby_o his_o mistake_v remove_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o duty_n ascertain_v to_o he_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n convey_v to_o he_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n our_o lord_n chief_o intend_v in_o these_o word_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v put_v themselves_o under_o his_o discipline_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o easy_a and_o practical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v of_o more_o use_n to_o we_o light_a and_o darkness_n in_o scripture_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v those_o two_o contrary_a state_n of_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o reveal_v light_n and_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o those_o who_o former_o live_v or_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n hence_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v often_o call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v express_v by_o darkness_n as_o ephes._n v._n 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_n walk_v as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o all_o sin_n be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o rom._n xiii_o 12._o let_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o ephes._n v._n 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o lord_n therefore_o in_o this_o place_n teach_v we_o that_o his_o true_a disciple_n they_o who_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o light_n walk_v in_o the_o right_a way_n cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v direct_v into_o and_o follow_v the_o path_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n many_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o be_v before_o subject_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o ignorance_n occasion_v by_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o know_v they_o not_o to_o be_v sin_n their_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n can_v not_o direct_v the_o will_n aright_o or_o betray_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a choice_n even_o when_o it_o be_v dispose_v aright_o and_o as_o reason_n will_v resolve_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o miserable_a state_n indeed_o when_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o know_v it_o not_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n fit_o describe_v matth._n vi_o 23._o if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n if_o thy_o judgement_n be_v corrupt_v with_o error_n or_o ignorance_n of_o thy_o duty_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n from_o this_o unhappiness_n our_o saviour_n full_o free_v his_o disciple_n by_o teach_v they_o all_o necessary_a truth_n by_o inform_v their_o judgement_n by_o set_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o full_a light_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v use_v any_o ordinary_a diligence_n they_o can_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o further_o these_o work_n of_o darknse_n even_o among_o the_o gentile_n much_o less_o among_o christian_n proceed_v not_o always_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o judgement_n from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n but_o more_o ordinary_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n be_v act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n and_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n while_o act_v yet_o fit_o call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n because_o as_o our_o lord_n tell_v nicodemus_n john_n iii_o 20._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a detestation_n of_o sin_n when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o in_o all_o man_n which_o make_v the_o most_o profligate_v man_n desire_v their_o sin_n may_v be_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o not_o consider_v perhaps_o as_o they_o seldom_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n which_o occasion_n such_o work_n of_o darkness_n christ_n have_v also_o provide_v for_o and_o remove_v by_o propose_v such_o argument_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o can_v fail_v to_o persuade_v by_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n and_o thereby_o influence_v the_o will._n for_o beside_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o interest_n concern_v in_o it_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o right_o understand_v carry_v internal_a and_o powerful_a argument_n of_o persuasion_n with_o it_o further_o this_o sentence_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o to_o the_o discover_v the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o other_o relation_n to_o christ._n for_o as_o he_o that_o follow_v this_o light_n can_v walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n shall_v follow_v this_o light_n it_o be_v former_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o retain_v their_o infidelity_n and_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n because_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o condemnation_n of_o as_o many_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n they_o still_o walk_v in_o darkness_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o by_o christianity_n be_v confer_v to_o they_o they_o practise_v the_o same_o vice_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o infidel_n be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v to_o they_o by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n who_o nevertheless_o call_v themselves_o the_o son_n of_o light_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o of_o such_o st._n john_n have_v pronounce_v 1_o john_n i._n 6._o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o 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that_o this_o day_n be_v account_v sacred_a beyond_o all_o other_o of_o the_o year_n our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o so_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o complete_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n on_o it_o no_o reveal_v religion_n be_v yet_o ever_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o celebrate_v some_o certain_a and_o solemn_a festival_n at_o fix_a time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o public_a solemnisation_n of_o those_o festival_n upon_o which_o the_o most_o illustrious_a act_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v perform_v be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o fact_n to_o deny_v all_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o be_v himself_o then_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o celebrate_v a_o solemn_a festival_n when_o he_o speak_v those_o word_n and_o sure_o unless_o there_o be_v solemn_a time_n and_o place_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n it_o will_v never_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v so_o worship_v nor_o be_v he_o worship_v in_o truth_n when_o man_n pay_v no_o external_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v true_o obtain_v to_o they_o himself_o have_v consecrate_v this_o day_n by_o his_o rise_n from_o the_o grave_a on_o it_o the_o apostle_n have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o this_o sacred_a use_n by_o their_o own_o and_o by_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n have_v before_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o in_o recognition_n of_o their_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o have_v create_v the_o world_n in_o six_o day_n and_o rest_v on_o the_o seven_o and_o that_o seven_o day_n which_o they_o celebrate_v rather_o than_o any_o other_o of_o the_o week_n be_v sanctify_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o that_o day_n as_o it_o be_v deut._n v._n 15._o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o servant_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n bring_v thou_o out_o thence_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretch_a out_o arm_n therefore_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n command_v thou_o to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n as_o the_o jew_n therefore_o date_v their_o seven_o day_n for_o ever_o from_o that_o day_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o the_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n continue_v to_o date_n their_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o day_n upon_o which_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_v a_o redemption_n so_o far_o great_a than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n that_o well_o may_v the_o day_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n give_v way_n to_o the_o day_n celebrate_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o redemption_n this_o change_n therefore_o be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o even_o before_o his_o ascension_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n by_o his_o personal_a direction_n and_o approbation_n for_o all_o the_o religious_a assembly_n we_o find_v of_o they_o both_z before_z and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n that_o so_o as_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o manifest_v their_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o solemnize_n for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n in_o which_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o so_o we_o christian_n shall_v declare_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o also_o manifest_a that_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n by_o sanctify_v for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n upon_o which_o the_o great_a and_o last_o act_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v perform_v which_o be_v therefore_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n i._n 10._o far_o as_o the_o particular_a day_n of_o the_o weekly_a festival_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v determine_v by_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o the_o seven_o day_n so_o the_o far_o great_a of_o their_o annual_a solemnity_n be_v institute_v in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o deliverance_n effect_v in_o the_o first_o month_n of_o the_o year_n this_o god_n do_v institute_v by_o a_o special_a command_n which_o be_v at_o large_a repeat_v to_o you_o in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o this_o day_n and_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o with_o so_o great_a rigour_n that_o he_o declare_v that_o soul_n which_o do_v not_o keep_v this_o annual_a feast_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o israel_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v require_v such_o eminent_a external_a testimony_n
be_v quick_a and_o know_a spirit_n they_o can_v not_o but_o immediate_o perceive_v their_o unhappiness_n and_o make_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o indeed_o can_v not_o but_o make_v they_o lament_v their_o folly_n and_o repent_v also_o if_o a_o violent_a sorrow_n only_o for_o past_a miscarriage_n can_v be_v call_v repentance_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o sorrow_n can_v be_v deny_v since_o in_o this_o consist_v their_o torment_n but_o a_o unsuccessful_a sorrow_n a_o sorrow_n without_o submission_n to_o the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o sorrow_n which_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v and_o which_o therefore_o will_v continue_v for_o ever_o heighten_v by_o the_o great_a aggravation_n as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o unspeakable_a and_o which_o be_v more_o irrecoverable_a loss_n not_o to_o be_v end_v by_o death_n nor_o divert_v by_o a_o stupid_a inconsideration_n but_o place_v in_o a_o know_v active_a always_o think_v and_o 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aganist_n god_n who_o inflict_v that_o unhappiness_n as_o a_o punishment_n upon_o they_o and_o although_o he_o may_v have_v annihilate_v they_o in_o their_o first_o attempt_n yet_o continue_v their_o existence_n to_o they_o and_o therein_o their_o misery_n or_o against_o man_n who_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o attain_v that_o happiness_n which_o they_o lose_v and_o place_v in_o dignity_n above_o they_o who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v themselves_o above_o their_o fellow_n angel_n and_o even_o equal_a to_o god_n himself_o inspire_a with_o these_o wicked_a thought_n they_o employ_v themselves_o continual_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o because_o this_o opposition_n can_v take_v place_n only_o in_o hinder_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n design_v and_o desire_v by_o god_n use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o effect_v it_o the_o disposition_n of_o all_o inanimate_a body_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o material_a world_n god_n have_v determine_v by_o fix_a and_o certain_a law_n of_o motion_n which_o it_o exceed_v their_o power_n to_o reverse_v or_o change_v but_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o not_o determine_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o any_o certain_a action_n admit_v the_o interposition_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a they_o alleviate_v not_o their_o own_o torment_n nor_o gain_v any_o real_a advantage_n hereby_o yet_o ought_v not_o this_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_v of_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o man_n reap_v no_o real_a profit_n by_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o man_n do_v often_o sin_v and_o that_o false_a satisfaction_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o gratify_v their_o lust_n the_o devil_n obtain_v by_o serve_v their_o revenge_n and_o envy_n so_o then_o that_o the_o devil_n shall_v desire_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o same_o unhappiness_n with_o themselves_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o be_v only_o somewhat_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v effect_v their_o desire_n and_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o wi_n to_o satisfy_v this_o difficulty_n many_o have_v entertain_v false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o it_o will_v be_v adviseable_a to_o remove_v before_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o direct_a consideration_n of_o the_o manner_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n tempt_v we_o and_o first_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o refute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o manichee_n or_o valentinian_o who_o give_v to_o the_o devil_n a_o independent_a existence_n from_o god_n and_o uncontrollable_a by_o he_o nay_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n save_v that_o of_o goodness_n allow_v he_o a_o infinite_a power_n whereby_o he_o can_v force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o wicked_a counsel_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o any_o christian_n will_v at_o this_o time_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o absurd_a heresy_n yet_o many_o perhaps_o from_o the_o frequent_a experience_n of_o their_o own_o yield_n to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v so_o far_o corrupt_v in_o judgement_n as_o to_o believe_v they_o irresistible_a or_o at_o least_o plead_v this_o in_o excuse_n of_o their_o impenitence_n to_o such_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o change_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o all_o creature_n and_o among_o they_o devil_n also_o be_v subject_v add_v to_o this_o the_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o resist_v their_o temptation_n which_o will_v have_v be_v vain_a if_o these_o have_v be_v irresistible_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v which_o will_v not_o have_v take_v place_n if_o we_o can_v not_o overcome_v all_o temptation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o daily_o resist_v and_o surmount_v they_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v baffle_v they_o if_o they_o will_v use_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n assist_v with_o that_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o so_o that_o what_o the_o aposte_n say_v of_o some_o man_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 26._o that_o they_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o voluntary_o follow_v his_o suggestion_n which_o also_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n command_v to_o timothy_n in_o the_o precedent_a word_n of_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o second_o error_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o god_n give_v to_o the_o devil_n a_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o tempt_a man_n a_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o even_o modern_a writer_n who_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n obedience_n the_o first_o in_o that_o god_n have_v gracious_o contrive_v this_o impediment_n of_o obedience_n to_o man_n that_o so_o his_o obedience_n may_v become_v the_o more_o meritorious_a and_o the_o latter_a in_o that_o man_n perform_v his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o so_o great_a impediment_n this_o opinion_n although_o receive_v will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o clear_a our_o doubt_n since_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o devil_n exercise_v this_o delegated_a power_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v be_v god_n may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o tempt_v we_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v let_v no_o man_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v say_v that_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o double_a deal_v as_o to_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n tempt_v we_o to_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o to_o allure_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o by_o promise_n by_o threat_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o it_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o evil_a spirit_n employ_v by_o he_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v no_o less_o injustice_n to_o he_o than_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o nay_o too_o blacken_v he_o and_o to_o clear_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o temptation_n for_o if_o the_o devil_n herein_o act_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o god_n they_o act_n
their_o secret_a malice_n assign_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o to_o be_v their_o love_n of_o justice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o of_o their_o country_n and_o such_o be_v the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n that_o these_o pretence_n seldom_o want_v success_n cover_v the_o malice_n and_o rancour_n of_o a_o canker_a soul_n and_o give_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o secure_a opportunity_n of_o revenge_n all_o be_v apt_a to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v revenge_n when_o proceed_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o false_a honour_n which_o be_v before_o mention_v because_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v dissemble_v yet_o in_o truth_n this_o sort_n of_o revenge_n be_v infinite_o less_o criminal_a than_o the_o former_a arise_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n however_o dissemble_v and_o assume_v to_o itself_o more_o specious_a name_n this_o be_v form_v by_o a_o violent_a commotion_n of_o mind_n which_o last_v not_o many_o hour_n but_o that_o by_o a_o harden_a malice_n which_o work_v secret_o for_o many_o year_n together_o this_o be_v common_o effect_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o blood_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v scarce_o time_n to_o recollect_v itself_o or_o command_v the_o unruly_a passion_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a aggravation_n that_o any_o sin_n can_v receive_v this_o may_v sometime_o fall_v even_o upon_o a_o good_a man_n who_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n and_o from_o a_o violent_a indignation_n of_o receive_v unworthy_a injury_n may_v sudden_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o desire_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n but_o of_o the_o other_o a_o good_a man_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o hatred_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v habitual_a sin_n shall_v consist_v with_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o all_o habitual_a sin_n the_o mind_n can_v but_o many_o time_n reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o disease_n and_o be_v as_o often_o convince_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o it_o nourish_v the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o those_o sin_n often_o recur_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a of_o her_o own_o disease_n yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o man_n resolve_v to_o retain_v his_o hatred_n and_o malice_n towards_o other_o and_o in_o this_o resolution_n be_v encourage_v from_o the_o consideration_n that_o these_o sin_n be_v close_o and_o secret_a will_v consist_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o in_o his_o base_a design_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrite_n fix_v and_o determinate_a resolution_n of_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o still_o make_v use_n of_o his_o glorious_a name_n to_o carry_v on_o private_a design_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o scripture_n the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n be_v still_o denounce_v against_o hypocrite_n since_o they_o be_v all_o deliberate_a sin_n such_o as_o oppression_n covetousness_n injustice_n lie_v slander_v perfidiousness_n hatred_n and_o malice_n all_o sin_n of_o the_o most_o enormous_a gild_n and_o heighten_v by_o this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o piety_n religion_n and_o zeal_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o execute_v the_o several_a design_n of_o they_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o pretend_v a_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n as_o if_o they_o will_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o punish_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordinary_o provide_v no_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n reserve_v it_o to_o another_o yet_o oftentimes_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o these_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o punish_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o opposition_n to_o their_o humour_n fancy_n and_o design_n it_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o some_o man_n a_o unpardonable_a crime_n to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a or_o another_o party_n to_o have_v cross_v or_o oppose_v a_o design_n of_o the_o other_o although_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a or_o perhaps_o to_o have_v once_o perform_v their_o duty_n without_o partiality_n and_o corrupt_a favour_n to_o other_o when_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n do_v require_v it_o certain_o if_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n will_v be_v find_v the_o great_a of_o all_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a calamites_n overturning_a the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n great_a and_o numerous_a society_n of_o man_n such_o as_o this_o nation_n be_v can_v easy_o be_v dissolve_v without_o intestine_a division_n and_o such_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v find_v almost_o all_o the_o great_a society_n of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v break_v when_o they_o have_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o those_o continual_o practise_v upon_o each_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o preserve_v the_o religious_a or_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o country_n against_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o each_o prevail_v employ_v their_o interest_n and_o power_n not_o to_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o religion_n or_o law_n but_o to_o the_o ruin_n or_o vexation_n of_o the_o other_o i_o will_v not_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o own_o nation_n or_o bring_v any_o instance_n from_o our_o time_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o engage_v in_o any_o party_n but_o if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o example_n of_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n cover_v under_o such_o specious_a pretence_n thus_o when_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n resolve_v to_o take_v away_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o put_v on_o a_o mighty_a show_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a service_n and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o roman_a governor_n as_o a_o enemy_n unto_o cesar_n although_o themselves_o indeed_o care_v so_o little_a for_o cesar_n that_o they_o have_v at_o that_o very_a time_n form_v the_o design_n of_o a_o general_a rebellion_n against_o he_o as_o appear_v short_o after_o and_o when_o this_o rebellion_n break_v out_o and_o the_o people_n unanimous_o attempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o ancient_a liberty_n the_o most_o bloody_a and_o wicked_a part_n of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o zealot_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a concern_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o punish_v the_o secret_a favourer_n and_o friend_n of_o the_o roman_n murder_v or_o rob_v every_o man_n his_o private_a enemy_n and_o by_o this_o division_n make_v way_n to_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o without_o this_o advantage_n can_v not_o easy_o have_v overcome_v that_o populous_a and_o resolute_a nation_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o a_o resolve_a prosecution_n of_o revenge_n and_o much_o more_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scope_n or_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v produce_v this_o effect_n if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o when_o almost_o every_o man_n plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o command_n which_o oppose_v his_o peculiar_a passion_n when_o little_a beside_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v among_o we_o and_o even_o that_o pretence_n continue_v not_o out_o of_o any_o reverence_n to_o religion_n but_o because_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o secular_a and_o mean_a design_n we_o can_v but_o despair_v of_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n therein_o however_o we_o must_v declare_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n than_o to_o study_v revenge_n to_o continue_v hatred_n and_o animosity_n without_o end_n and_o never_o to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v a_o injury_n such_o a_o conduct_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o however_o cover_v with_o specious_a colour_n of_o wonderful_a zeal_n or_o purity_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o party_n will_v be_v no_o less_o damnable_a in_o a_o christian_a than_o idolatry_n in_o a_o heathen_a last_o if_o neither_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n nor_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n nor_o the_o regard_n of_o public_a security_n concern_v therein_o nor_o the_o direct_a opposition_n of_o christianity_n to_o it_o can_v draw_v man_n from_o the_o love_n of_o revenge_n yet_o at_o
the_o miscarriage_n of_o either_o if_o it_o concern_v matter_n of_o obedience_n to_o himself_o or_o of_o ordinary_a duty_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v no_o less_o fatal_a or_o criminal_a to_o pervert_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o corrupt_v the_o will_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n will_v be_v no_o more_o allow_v than_o to_o plead_v drunkenness_n for_o crime_n commit_v in_o that_o absence_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o history_n a_o more_o enormous_a sin_n to_o be_v find_v than_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o messiah_n by_o they_o none_o so_o severe_o brand_v in_o scripture_n or_o punish_v with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o our_o saviour_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n declare_v that_o those_o his_o persecutor_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o although_o he_o then_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o charity_n intercede_v for_o their_o pardon_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n will_v not_o grant_v it_o much_o less_o continue_v to_o they_o the_o former_a favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o will_v have_v be_v the_o visible_a and_o public_a preach_v of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n far_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v herein_o nor_o be_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n reason_n do_v require_v and_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v pass_v through_o a_o double_a state_n that_o be_v of_o humiliation_n and_o glory_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v undergo_v all_o the_o misery_n ignominy_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v subject_a he_o be_v press_v with_o the_o want_n of_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v afflict_v with_o the_o insult_v provocation_n and_o injury_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v deliver_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v treat_v at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o these_o meritorious_a suffering_n be_v to_o ensue_v a_o state_n of_o glory_n wherein_o christ_n shall_v be_v place_v far_o above_o the_o rank_n and_o the_o power_n of_o mortal_a man_n shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n and_o enter_v upon_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n this_o state_n of_o exaltation_n be_v begin_v in_o his_o resurrection_n perfect_v by_o his_o ascension_n and_o continue_v without_o interruption_n to_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o then_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a honour_n that_o the_o sacred_a body_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n now_o exalt_v to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v again_o subject_v to_o the_o attempt_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n and_o reduce_v to_o his_o former_a mean_a condition_n yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v if_o christ_n have_v appear_v public_o among_o the_o people_n after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o same_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n will_v have_v return_v unless_o he_o have_v please_v by_o a_o miracle_n to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o their_o attempt_n a_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v no_o less_o easy_a to_o his_o almighty_a power_n than_o any_o other_o ordinary_a operation_n yet_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o great_a reason_n and_o the_o impiety_n of_o that_o people_n deserve_v not_o to_o have_v a_o miracle_n confer_v on_o they_o or_o have_v christ_n appear_v open_o among_o they_o even_o although_o he_o can_v have_v be_v secure_v from_o their_o persecution_n it_o must_v either_o have_v be_v in_o his_o former_a meek_a and_o humble_a habit_n and_o as_o such_o they_o will_v have_v despise_v he_o or_o what_o they_o greedy_o expect_v as_o a_o glorious_a prince_n arm_v with_o power_n and_o temporal_a greatness_n and_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o design_n who_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o this_o respect_n only_o be_v the_o public_a appear_v of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n contrary_a to_o his_o design_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o have_v then_o public_o manifest_v himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o have_v remove_v the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v continue_v his_o prophetical_a office_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n for_o therein_o do_v his_o prophetical_a or_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o preach_v of_o repentance_n in_o convert_v of_o sinner_n this_o office_n be_v to_o expire_v with_o his_o life_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n his_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o therewith_o his_o regal_a office_n be_v to_o commence_v upon_o which_o account_n himself_z when_o ready_a to_o expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n say_v it_o be_v finish_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n be_v now_o full_o complete_v not_o to_o be_v personal_o renew_v again_o he_o have_v perform_v all_o that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v determine_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o he_o in_o person_n towards_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o rest_n he_o be_v to_o commit_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n himself_o be_v no_o long_a to_o remain_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n which_o he_o have_v take_v on_o he_o but_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n which_o he_o by_o his_o former_a preach_v and_o death_n have_v found_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n namely_o ii_o that_o even_o if_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v appear_v and_o converse_v public_o it_o will_v yet_o have_v fail_v to_o produce_v a_o universal_a conviction_n and_o remove_v all_o doubt_n this_o be_v undeniable_o manifest_a in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o for_o who_o we_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o of_o all_o age_n subsequent_a to_o that_o time_n for_o allow_v that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v ocular_a witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o all_o other_o person_n both_o of_o that_o and_o all_o succeed_a age_n will_v have_v have_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o what_o we_o now_o have_v that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n all_o other_o even_o in_o that_o case_n will_v have_v equal_o want_v the_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n and_o must_v have_v depend_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o so_o that_o all_o the_o certainty_n which_o any_o can_v have_v of_o matter_n see_v and_o relate_v by_o other_o we_o have_v unless_o we_o imagine_v that_o five_o hundred_o can_v as_o certain_o judge_v of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o so_o many_o million_o and_o even_o if_o so_o many_o 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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 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although_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o our_o lord_n expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o his_o subsequent_a action_n offer_v convince_a argument_n to_o mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o teach_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n thus_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v much_o more_o exalt_v by_o this_o glorious_a triumph_n they_o see_v he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o ample_a power_n which_o they_o so_o long_o wish_v to_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o which_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o reward_v his_o follower_n and_o effect_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o john_n fourteen_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o he_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o intend_v to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o may_v be_v also_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o see_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v accomplish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a motive_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n or_o promise_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o same_o foreknowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o foresee_v the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o can_v as_o easy_o foresee_v the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v exalt_v whosoever_o he_o please_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o his_o power_n can_v not_o be_v question_v and_o his_o will_n therein_o he_o have_v often_o declare_v assure_v they_o joh._n xii_o 32._o when_o i_o be_o lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o herein_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o mankind_n receive_v increase_v and_o strength_n they_o have_v all_o impatient_o wish_v for_o immortality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v still_o exist_v but_o their_o body_n be_v equal_o part_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o both_o yet_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a they_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n he_o affirm_v it_o he_o promise_v it_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a be_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o man_n who_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n all_o this_o do_v seem_v incredible_a till_o they_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v visible_o receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o place_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o like_a immortality_n of_o their_o own_o body_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o while_o they_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o relation_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o forerunner_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o society_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o time_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o since_o what_o he_o foretell_v of_o his_o own_o ascension_n they_o see_v effect_v since_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o follow_v their_o captain_n their_o head_n and_o their_o forerunner_n and_o with_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o place_n of_o their_o desire_a happiness_n far_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n and_o our_o priest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o either_o of_o those_o his_o office_n receive_v increase_v by_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o king_n he_o be_v thereby_o invest_v in_o the_o actual_a dominion_n of_o his_o church_n enable_v to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o her_o wellbeing_a as_o our_o priest_n his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n be_v make_v much_o more_o prevalent_a by_o his_o personal_a presence_n with_o he_o under_o the_o law_n the_o efficacy_n of_o
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