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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 indeed_o if_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o to_o gaze_v upon_o and_o please_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n if_o much_o less_o the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v mere_o to_o promote_v the_o speculation_n and_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n of_o man_n if_o a_o rational_a and_o virtuous_a conduct_n of_o life_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n enforce_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n that_o this_o light_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v find_v shall_v exert_v and_o discover_v itself_o in_o action_n conformable_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pretend_v that_o light_n have_v there_o any_o influence_n where_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v perform_v or_o that_o two_o such_o contrary_n
can_v consist_v together_o let_v we_o rather_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n who_o have_v send_v this_o glorious_a light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o then_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o this_o marvellous_a light_n have_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o former_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o all_o necessary_a truth_n let_v we_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o and_o improve_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o light_n by_o invariable_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v it_o become_v to_o we_o what_o our_o lord_n promise_v in_o the_o text_n the_o light_n of_o life_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o febr._n 1689_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o peter_n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o lazy_a profession_n that_o the_o acquisition_n of_o salvation_n be_v no_o easy_a undertake_n our_o lord_n have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v we_o by_o those_o many_o precept_n of_o watch_v and_o constant_a preparation_n to_o receive_v he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v we_o to_o judgement_n by_o those_o many_o parable_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o design_n by_o those_o frequent_a prediction_n of_o persecution_n hatred_n and_o tribulation_n which_o shall_v attend_v his_o faithful_a disciple_n but_o in_o no_o place_n be_v we_o press_v to_o vigilance_n and_o diligence_n by_o a_o more_o cogent_a argument_n than_o in_o these_o word_n which_o reach_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n both_o those_o who_o earnest_o desire_v and_o pursue_v salvation_n and_o those_o who_o either_o not_o desire_v it_o or_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o retain_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v manifest_o destructive_a of_o it_o to_o increase_v the_o diligence_n of_o the_o former_a they_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o without_o extreme_a difficulty_n be_v scarce_o save_v and_o to_o confound_v the_o vain_a hope_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o force_v they_o to_o change_v their_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n if_o they_o will_v with_o any_o appearance_n of_o success_n continue_v their_o desire_n of_o happiness_n they_o be_v assure_v that_o even_o the_o righteous_a be_v but_o hardly_o save_v and_o then_o certain_o no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n can_v be_v leave_v for_o they_o to_o enforce_v this_o argument_n upon_o each_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v be_v also_o of_o my_o discourse_n i._o then_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o salvation_n even_o to_o the_o righteous_a with_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v many_o of_o they_o peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n when_o st._n peter_n write_v and_o affect_v not_o we_o other_o be_v peculiar_a to_o we_o and_o concern_v not_o they_o and_o many_o common_a to_o both_o i_o begin_v with_o thâ—_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o will_v also_o show_v the_o occasion_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o text_n and_o context_n 1._o of_o the_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n the_o principal_a intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n be_v the_o persecution_n to_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n he_o have_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o patient_a endure_v of_o this_o persecution_n both_o in_o this_o and_o in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n by_o the_o prediction_n of_o it_o by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n by_o the_o certainty_n of_o revenge_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o god_n upon_o their_o persecutor_n call_v it_o a_o fiery_a trial_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o 16_o verse_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v raise_v against_o they_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n subjoin_v in_o the_o 17_o verse_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o time_n now_o draw_v near_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v but_o our_o lord_n have_v also_o foretell_v in_o the_o xiii_o chap._n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o the_o xxi_o of_o st._n luke_n that_o this_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v precede_v by_o a_o fierce_a persecution_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o shall_v be_v hate_v by_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n shall_v be_v betray_v by_o their_o near_a relation_n through_o a_o blind_a zeal_n drive_v from_o one_o city_n to_o another_o deliver_v up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v a_o affliction_n so_o great_a as_o never_o be_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n no_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v as_o himself_o say_v matth._n xxiv_o 21._o insomuch_o as_o many_o shall_v be_v offend_v and_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o if_o god_n do_v not_o in_o mercy_n shorten_v those_o day_n a_o universal_a defection_n may_v possible_o ensue_v this_o be_v that_o judgement_n then_o which_o st._n peter_n say_v shall_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n shall_v cause_v that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v shall_v shock_v their_o faith_n and_o almost_o extinguish_v their_o hope_n or_o if_o both_o faith_n and_o hope_n continue_v shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o prefer_v the_o ease_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n to_o they_o both_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o distrust_v the_o providence_n and_o sometime_o even_o to_o disbelieve_v the_o be_v of_o god_n when_o they_o see_v wickedness_n triumphant_a in_o the_o world_n injustice_n unpunished_a and_o innocence_n oppress_v without_o any_o extraordinary_a interposition_n or_o apparent_a regard_n of_o god_n this_o argument_n have_v make_v all_o the_o atheist_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o signal_o visible_a as_o in_o those_o dreadful_a time_n we_o can_v wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o in_o take_v that_o profession_n on_o they_o they_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v and_o be_v indeed_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o receive_v the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n when_o upon_o their_o first_o entrance_n instead_o of_o present_a advantage_n they_o be_v encounter_v with_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n which_o a_o subtle_a and_o powerful_a enemy_n can_v bring_v upon_o they_o such_o discouragement_n can_v not_o but_o deter_v from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n many_o of_o these_o new_a convert_v who_o by_o their_o education_n and_o preconceive_a opinion_n be_v ill_o prepare_v to_o withstand_v such_o fierce_a assault_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o expectation_n of_o temporal_a reward_n and_o a_o powerful_a messiah_n who_o far_o from_o the_o subject_v they_o to_o their_o enemy_n shall_v put_v the_o whole_a world_n under_o their_o command_n and_o the_o gentile_n have_v be_v wont_a free_o to_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o sense_n and_o pleasure_n to_o bring_v off_o the_o one_o from_o these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o other_o from_o this_o ease_n and_o luxury_n to_o follow_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n not_o only_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o suffering_n to_o exchange_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o earthly_a happiness_n for_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o our_o lord_n foretell_v and_o daily_a experience_n do_v then_o confirm_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o belief_n in_o he_o must_v certain_o have_v be_v such_o a_o difficulty_n as_o can_v be_v surmount_v but_o by_o few_o if_o we_o shall_v even_o remove_v those_o disadvantage_n of_o education_n and_o custom_n and_o suppose_v a_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o salvation_n and_o a_o hearty_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v it_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o secure_v against_o the_o force_n of_o such_o violent_a temptation_n as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o every_o man_n not_o a_o ordinary_a soul_n that_o can_v surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o without_o astonishment_n await_v the_o execution_n when_o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o mere_a opinion_n of_o a_o invisible_a interest_n can_v prevent_v it_o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n of_o a_o far_o high_a nature_n than_o what_o the_o world_n general_o account_v courage_n which_o be_v common_o no_o more_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o passion_n and_o be_v still_o maintain_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o success_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o some_o visible_a interest_n when_o therefore_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n retain_v their_o faith_n with_o the_o universal_a hatred_n of_o all_o man_n with_o the_o probable_a loss_n of_o their_o fortune_n and_o even_o of_o their_o
just_o to_o be_v account_v laudable_a for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a line_n and_o main_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o direct_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o by_o all_o the_o world_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a to_o be_v laudable_a and_o divine_a such_o as_o be_v justice_n sobriety_n devotion_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v not_o among_o christian_n alone_o that_o such_o action_n be_v esteem_v praiseworthy_a all_o party_n of_o sober_a man_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o those_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o common_a sentiment_n in_o the_o veneration_n and_o praise_n of_o all_o such_o virtue_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o even_o when_o the_o heathen_n deride_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o cross_n they_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o person_n who_o profess_v it_o they_o also_o be_v convince_v that_o all_o those_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o mankind_n only_o in_o this_o they_o disagree_v that_o whereas_o they_o account_v the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o undertake_n possible_a only_o to_o more_o exalt_a mind_n christ_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n although_o even_o this_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v not_o but_o raise_v their_o thought_n to_o a_o extreme_a veneration_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n who_o form_v these_o law_n and_o even_o force_v from_o they_o a_o confession_n of_o that_o praise_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o institution_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n fit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a example_n to_o other_o he_o distinguish_v his_o religion_n from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v observe_v they_o must_v distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o natural_o infer_v in_o the_o twenty_o verse_n except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v the_o exact_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o legal_a institution_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n of_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o other_o ceremony_n which_o abstract_v from_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o jew_n kill_v their_o sacrifice_v beast_n wash_v their_o body_n often_o or_o circumcise_n themselves_o be_v no_o motive_n of_o holiness_n or_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o discern_v nothing_o laudable_a in_o all_o this_o and_o be_v rather_o prompt_v to_o pity_v the_o slavery_n than_o to_o imitate_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o service_n whereas_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o christianity_n impose_v be_v amiable_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n ever_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o commendation_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o spectator_n thus_o our_o lord_n fit_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v fail_v of_o its_o design_a end_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o its_o right_a use_n and_o therein_o have_v lead_v the_o way_n by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o confine_v not_o himself_o to_o a_o desert_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o converse_v in_o their_o city_n and_o more_o frequent_v meeting_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o constant_a piety_n goodness_n and_o charity_n which_o attend_v all_o his_o action_n be_v instruct_v by_o they_o and_o draw_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o he_o indulge_v his_o conversation_n to_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v they_o first_o to_o a_o love_n of_o his_o person_n and_o then_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o his_o virtue_n he_o disdain_v not_o the_o company_n of_o any_o who_o may_v receive_v advantage_n from_o his_o doctrine_n or_o example_n and_o that_o he_o may_v fit_v his_o life_n for_o a_o universal_a pattern_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n he_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o extraordinary_a austerity_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o amid_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o strict_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n allow_v to_o himself_o the_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o world_n he_o refuse_v not_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o those_o who_o invite_v he_o to_o splendid_a entertainment_n as_o with_o levi_n and_o zacheus_n nor_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o marriage-feast_n at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v hunger_n and_o cold_a contempt_n and_o the_o vile_a injury_n to_o undergo_v long_o watch_v in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o so_o it_o behove_v he_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o to_o perform_v all_o righteousness_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a exemplar_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n not_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o method_n of_o life_n lest_o thereby_o his_o example_n shall_v become_v deficient_a to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v engage_v in_o another_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o more_o ordinary_a action_n and_o variety_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o in_o all_o case_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o approve_v and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v concern_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o example_n both_o the_o observation_n therefore_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v equal_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a engage_v he_o to_o be_v exemplar_n in_o his_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o thus_o first_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n will_v become_v a_o light_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o each_o other_o our_o lord_n describe_v both_o in_o this_o place_n very_o lively_a you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 13._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n will_v remain_v in_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o in_o the_o numerous_a society_n which_o i_o shall_v found_v and_o call_v by_o my_o name_n piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a shall_v be_v maintain_v yet_o not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o society_n alone_o but_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v receive_v instruction_n from_o it_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 14._o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o i_o have_v place_v my_o church_n as_o a_o glorious_a light_n to_o dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o remove_v this_o ignorance_n that_o so_o all_o who_o do_v but_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o least_o inclination_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n may_v there_o discover_v the_o light_n and_o repair_v to_o it_o and_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o take_v effect_n while_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o light_n shall_v remain_v while_o the_o church_n shall_v continue_v glorious_a and_o unspotted_a while_o the_o member_n of_o it_o shall_v all_o or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o perform_v their_o duty_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o light_n place_v in_o a_o room_n can_v be_v hide_v if_o indeed_o those_o virtue_n which_o i_o command_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o who_o profess_v my_o name_n if_o justice_n chastity_n beneficence_n and_o other_o mark_n of_o goodness_n be_v indeed_o so_o eminent_o exercise_v by_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n of_o man_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o darkness_n will_v approach_v to_o this_o light_n or_o if_o through_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n they_o still_o continue_v afar_o off_o however_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v that_o they_o see_v the_o light_n and_o must_v admire_v both_o it_o and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o mean_a christian_n may_v make_v himself_o true_o exemplary_a by_o perform_v his_o duty_n conscientious_o in_o the_o station_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o although_o his_o understanding_n and_o ability_n have_v not_o fit_v he_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o single_o consider_v if_o he_o well_o discharge_v his_o single_a station_n although_o never_o so_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n he_o contribute_v to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n of_o make_v his_o church_n a_o
uncontrolled_a tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v withdraw_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cause_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o to_o become_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o all_o nation_n except_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v often_o seduce_v to_o idolatry_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o have_v new_o instigate_v they_o to_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o messiah_n all_o these_o enormous_a crime_n this_o continue_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o particular_o the_o last_o and_o great_a the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v from_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n a_o severe_a punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v judgement_n in_o the_o text_n because_o a_o sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n this_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v above_o in_o the_o xii_o 31._o now_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o world_n now_o shall_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v cast_v out_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v destroy_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n free_a man_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o withdraw_v the_o world_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o devil_n this_o to_o those_o proud_a spirit_n be_v the_o sharp_a punishment_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o carry_v on_o and_o complete_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n derive_v down_o and_o continue_v to_o the_o church_n from_o his_o bless_a influence_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v ability_n and_o courage_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n to_o ruin_v the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n from_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o blessing_n the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o defend_v from_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a assault_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n the_o governor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o preach_v the_o truth_n and_o discharge_v their_o office_n successful_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o support_v against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n so_o eminent_o do_v god_n upon_o this_o day_n exercise_v judgement_n upon_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o thenceforward_o his_o kingdom_n continual_o decrease_v his_o oracle_n be_v silence_v his_o altar_n abandon_v his_o worship_n relinquish_v his_o disciple_n diminish_v until_o a_o glorious_a church_n be_v found_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o by_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n her_o vow_n in_o baptism_n profess_v enmity_n unto_o he_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o most_o faithful_a advocate_n at_o his_o first_o mission_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o his_o adversary_n whether_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o jew_n his_o persecutor_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n do_v that_o bless_a spirit_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o remain_v with_o the_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o advocate_n till_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n still_o continue_v to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o be_v high_o requisite_a the_o devil_n still_o assault_v the_o church_n by_o open_a force_n or_o secret_a temptation_n and_o to_o these_o the_o holy_a spirit_n oppose_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n still_o profess_v unbelief_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o to_o these_o he_o oppose_v the_o same_o argument_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v before_o manifest_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o his_o mission_n all_o these_o remain_v yet_o in_o their_o full_a force_n last_o even_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v many_o to_o be_v find_v against_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v still_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o discredit_v by_o their_o sin_n and_o blaspheme_v by_o their_o life_n crucify_a afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n in_o that_o no_o less_o guilty_a than_o all_o those_o enemy_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o first_o mission_n be_v to_o convince_v for_o do_v the_o jew_n disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o undeniable_a confirmation_n add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n these_o man_n by_o their_o action_n proclaim_v their_o unbelief_n even_o after_o the_o reception_n of_o this_o confirmation_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o manifest_v the_o unerring_a justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o all_o these_o man_n live_v insensible_a of_o either_o slight_v his_o reward_n and_o defy_v his_o punishment_n do_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a death_n do_v god_n exert_v his_o power_n in_o so_o many_o miracle_n do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n descend_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o devil_n these_o man_n by_o perseverance_n in_o sin_n endeavour_v to_o re-establish_a it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v effectual_o restore_v it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n just_o therefore_o may_v this_o eternal_a advocate_n implead_v these_o man_n before_o the_o last_o tribunal_n i_o have_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n even_o to_o these_o sinner_n i_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v convince_v i_o have_v nourish_v this_o knowledge_n by_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o their_o edification_n i_o have_v endeavour_v the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o the_o constant_a exhortation_n of_o those_o my_o officer_n which_o i_o have_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v assist_v it_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o all_o necessary_a grace_n as_o often_o as_o desire_v yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o have_v live_v as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o of_o it_o much_o less_o as_o if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o all_o my_o grace_n and_o solicitation_n of_o they_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o render_v their_o sin_n the_o more_o heinous_a in_o that_o they_o have_v wilful_o disobey_v my_o command_n slight_v my_o direction_n contemn_v my_o exhortation_n and_o stifle_v my_o motion_n all_o false_a persuasion_n which_o may_v betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n i_o have_v long_o since_o correct_v if_o they_o imagine_v the_o disbelief_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o neglect_v of_o my_o doctrine_n to_o be_v no_o heinous_a crime_n i_o have_v long_o since_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o fancy_v god_n not_o to_o be_v a_o unerring_a and_o infallible_a judge_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o have_v long_o ago_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o righteousness_n if_o they_o pretend_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v irresistible_a i_o have_v long_o since_o judge_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n take_v away_o his_o kingdom_n and_o limit_v his_o power_n these_o than_o be_v the_o most_o criminal_a enemy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v by_o i_o convince_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n refuse_v to_o perform_v they_o who_o serve_v under_o his_o banner_n and_o kind_o entreat_v by_o he_o desert_v his_o service_n and_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o and_o their_o own_o enemy_n from_o who_o tyranny_n i_o have_v before_o free_v they_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o at_o that_o dreadful_a day_n shall_v we_o allege_v want_n of_o conviction_n that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v by_o the_o wonder_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n effectual_o confute_v that_o pretence_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v not_o god_n to_o have_v be_v in_o earnest_n when_o he_o allure_v we_o with_o reward_n or_o threaten_v we_o with_o punishment_n that_o plea_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n make_v upon_o this_o day_n or_o shall_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o with_o want_n of_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o overcome_v
all_o temptation_n that_o excuse_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o receive_v not_o now_o indeed_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v once_o endue_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o those_o contribute_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v equal_o obtain_v without_o they_o and_o lose_v with_o they_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a all_o that_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o be_v yet_o continue_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o diffuse_v his_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n excite_v they_o by_o inward_a motion_n confirm_v they_o by_o his_o assistance_n perfect_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n which_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v that_o he_o still_o plentiful_o bestow_v on_o we_o for_o want_v of_o some_o external_a assurance_n he_o have_v institute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n more_o particular_o the_o eucharist_n as_o visible_a pledge_n of_o his_o distribution_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o faithful_a believer_n herein_o bestow_v no_o less_o a_o benefit_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o do_v when_o he_o former_o descend_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n attend_v with_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o cure_n of_o disease_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o although_o any_o one_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n although_o he_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v mountain_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o miscarry_v and_o become_v a_o castaway_n but_o to_o he_o that_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n worthy_o to_o he_o that_o bewail_v his_o former_a sin_n and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v they_o to_o he_o that_o enter_v a_o new_a into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n to_o he_o that_o herein_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o christ_n his_o head_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o unfeigned_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o miss_v his_o desire_a end_n the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n because_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v it_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o son_n have_v seal_v it_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confirm_v it_o as_o at_o first_o by_o his_o descent_n upon_o this_o day_n so_o now_o also_o by_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o diffuse_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n to_o these_o three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o second_o sermon_n on_o trinity-sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 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 the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n in_o honour_n of_o which_o this_o day_n have_v for_o some_o age_n be_v institute_v and_o celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o alone_a among_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o carry_v a_o undeniable_a difficulty_n along_o with_o it_o and_o have_v be_v always_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o oppose_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n other_o doctrine_n such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a may_v appear_v incredible_a but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o when_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n be_v add_v to_o they_o must_v by_o all_o man_n right_o judge_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a but_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n be_v even_o contradictory_n and_o therefore_o impossible_a that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o primary_n notion_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o allow_v principle_n of_o reason_n even_o many_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v act_v by_o a_o divine_a mission_n yet_o stumble_v at_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v it_o have_v take_v up_o unwarrantable_a opinion_n plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o arrian_n of_o old_a and_o socinian_o in_o late_a day_n that_o we_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o delusion_n and_o even_o overcome_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o these_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n and_o modesty_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a business_n of_o this_o day_n for_o although_o '_o it_o become_v we_o not_o too_o narrow_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n and_o rash_o determine_v matter_n the_o cognizance_n of_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reveal_v this_o mystery_n to_o mankind_n and_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n it_o now_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n debar_v we_o not_o from_o a_o scrupulous_a search_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o place_v no_o merit_n in_o a_o blind_a belief_n of_o her_o proposition_n it_o be_v accept_v indeed_o by_o god_n as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o merit_n i_o mean_v merit_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n to_o believe_v his_o promise_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n after_o death_n as_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n that_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n of_o give_v he_o a_o better_a inheritance_n in_o another_o land_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n although_o neither_o we_o nor_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o those_o promise_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o possession_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n neither_o require_v nor_o accept_v a_o irrational_a belief_n in_o man_n but_o as_o he_o at_o first_o endue_v he_o with_o reasonable_a faculty_n so_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n so_o much_o diminish_v as_o by_o affix_v to_o he_o revelation_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o include_v contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o such_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v as_o plain_o as_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v permit_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o the_o context_n of_o it_o which_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v and_o therein_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o accompany_v i_o by_o look_v upon_o the_o place_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o first_o eight_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n declare_v the_o nature_n and_o simplicity_n of_o his_o preach_a and_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o recommend_v by_o pompous_a and_o affect_a ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n that_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o sillogism_n and_o nice_a speculation_n as_o do_v that_o of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o be_v esteem_v the_o only_o know_v man_n of_o the_o age_n that_o the_o matter_n declare_v by_o he_o be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o when_o find_v out_o be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v applaud_v by_o the_o world_n as_o 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the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o 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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
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 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scripture_n be_v faid_fw-we to_o be_v the_o footstool_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a just_a and_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n ii_o and_o that_o he_o real_o do_v ascend_v thither_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o ascension_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v feel_v and_o handle_v that_o with_o which_o they_o have_v converse_v for_o forty_o day_n together_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o material_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n again_o and_o have_v perform_v all_o manner_n of_o vital_a action_n that_o very_a body_n they_o see_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o jesus_n who_o have_v 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vouchsafe_v to_o they_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o conduct_n indeed_o be_v different_a but_o the_o reason_n not_o unlike_a in_o both_o case_n both_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v thenceforth_o to_o pass_v into_o necessary_a article_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o principal_a support_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o mankind_n both_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v place_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n by_o the_o attestation_n of_o many_o and_o credible_a witness_n to_o effect_v this_o at_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o any_o witness_n shall_v be_v present_a since_o the_o action_n of_o life_n visible_o and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o perform_v by_o he_o after_o his_o know_a crucifixion_n and_o burial_n abundant_o and_o even_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o some_o few_o day_n before_o he_o be_v true_o dead_a their_o sense_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o be_v now_o true_o alive_a whence_o they_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o they_o have_v actual_o see_v his_o resurrection_n whereas_o in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o ascension_n he_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v see_v by_o they_o in_o this_o life_n no_o mortal_a be_v thenceforward_o to_o see_v his_o state_n of_o glory_n or_o testify_v his_o station_n in_o heaven_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o that_o action_n which_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o testify_v and_o preach_v to_o other_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n be_v add_v to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o bless_a spirit_n far_o from_o repine_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o ascension_n exalt_v to_o a_o superior_a degree_n of_o glory_n descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o bear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o his_o arrival_n there_o as_o at_o his_o nativity_n they_o have_v do_v to_o proclaim_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o deity_n upon_o earth_n for_o it_o follow_v act_v i._o 10._o behold_v two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n which_o also_o say_v you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o apparition_n of_o angel_n a_o empty_a pageant_n or_o a_o unnecessary_a addition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n ascension_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o attendance_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n by_o their_o testimony_n concern_v his_o ascension_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o see_v he_o receive_v upon_o the_o cloud_n they_o look_v up_o and_o follow_v he_o with_o their_o eye_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sight_n can_v reach_v but_o that_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o low_a region_n and_o not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n their_o sense_n can_v not_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o lord_n be_v carry_v thither_o to_o evidence_n therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o remain_v that_o god_n by_o these_o ministerial_a spirit_n shall_v declare_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n these_o angel_n be_v wont_a to_o minister_v before_o and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v know_v to_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o they_o testify_v that_o christ_n have_v ascend_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v descend_v and_o thereby_o perfect_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n who_o sight_n can_v not_o reach_v so_o far_o far_o these_o bless_a spirit_n not_o only_o bring_v evidence_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o real_a ascension_n of_o their_o master_n into_o heaven_n but_o also_o give_v they_o comfort_n and_o alleviate_v their_o sorrow_n conceive_v for_o his_o departure_n by_o add_v those_o word_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o you_o have_v see_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n elisha_n have_v see_v his_o master_n elijah_n carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n yet_o know_v not_o certain_o how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v dispose_v of_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v he_o again_o he_o entertain_v the_o sight_n with_o grief_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o it_o rend_v his_o clothes_n nor_o have_v the_o disciple_n be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o anxiety_n without_o the_o present_a consolation_n of_o these_o angel_n when_o their_o lord_n have_v before_o his_o death_n declare_v to_o they_o his_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o the_o father_n john_n xvi_o they_o can_v not_o dissemble_v their_o grief_n as_o himself_o observe_v verse_n 6._o because_o i_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n unto_o you_o sorrow_n have_v fill_v your_o heart_n and_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n still_o retain_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o they_o have_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v not_o at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n which_o hope_n be_v total_o defeat_v by_o his_o departure_n into_o heaven_n both_o these_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o the_o angel_n happy_o do_v remove_v in_o these_o word_n they_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o take_v from_o they_o but_o themselves_o shall_v see_v he_o return_v in_o the_o last_o of_o day_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imagine_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v abolish_v they_o