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the_o promise_v of_o god_n of_o give_v he_o a_o better_a inheritance_n in_o another_o land_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n although_o neither_o we_o nor_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o those_o promise_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o possession_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n neither_o require_v nor_o accept_v a_o irrational_a belief_n in_o man_n but_o as_o he_o at_o first_o endue_v he_o with_o reasonable_a faculty_n so_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n so_o much_o diminish_v as_o by_o affix_v to_o he_o revelation_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o include_v contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o such_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v as_o plain_o as_o the_o obscurity_n 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conviction_n will_v be_v no_o less_o unuseful_a and_o unsuccessful_a than_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v either_o if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o reason_n which_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n or_o the_o force_n of_o those_o objection_n to_o which_o both_o method_n be_v liable_a the_o true_a cause_n which_o render_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n unsuccessful_a be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o men._n it_o find_v no_o welcome_a reception_n in_o world_n because_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n the_o of_o it_o it_o abridge_v the_o sensuality_n the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v not_o obey_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v forgo_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n a_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o lest_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o restrain_v his_o admire_a enjoyment_n it_o forbid_v revenge_n envy_n and_o malice_n and_o therefore_o mind_n possess_v with_o these_o vice_n can_v bear_v it_o these_o be_v the_o impediment_n which_o defeat_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o plead_v more_o strong_o and_o persuade_v more_o effectual_o than_o the_o argument_n which_o recommend_v that_o excellent_a religion_n few_o or_o none_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o perceive_v not_o the_o just_a motive_n of_o its_o credibility_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o reasonable_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o then_o compare_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n forbid_v by_o it_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o they_o willing_o over_o see_v and_o reject_v the_o latter_a that_o they_o may_v not_o forego_v the_o former_a and_o while_o man_n act_v thus_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n no_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n will_v be_v able_a to_o reform_v they_o if_o any_o such_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n in_o confirmation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o this_o conviction_n be_v already_o sufficient_o perform_v by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n so_o that_o in_o both_o case_n reason_n direct_v they_o to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o in_o one_o case_n the_o direction_n of_o reason_n be_v reject_v it_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v that_o in_o another_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n a_o resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o reason_n shall_v direct_v and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o violate_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v great_a or_o less_o since_o the_o man_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o obey_v it_o any_o far_a than_o it_o shall_v agree_v with_o his_o own_o lusts._n for_o miracle_n affect_v the_o understanding_n only_o they_o reform_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man._n they_o induce_v he_o indeed_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o from_o who_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v direction_n but_o remove_v not_o those_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o oppose_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o divine_a direction_n the_o same_o irregular_a desire_n continue_v the_o same_o affection_n possess_v his_o soul_n and_o will_v infallible_o render_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o duty_n unsuccessful_a until_o a_o firm_a resolution_n be_v form_v by_o he_o of_o perform_v whatsoever_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n of_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o reason_n shall_v direct_v of_o assent_v to_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v recommend_v and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v once_o form_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n settle_v for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o religion_n will_v obtain_v equal_a success_n with_o any_o extraordinary_a method_n whatsoever_o since_o even_o in_o that_o 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any_o impression_n on_o they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o god_n wrought_v one_o or_o ten_o thousand_o miracle_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n since_o one_o alone_a might_n convince_v they_o and_o all_o together_o can_v do_v no_o more_o as_o a_o blind_a man_n receive_v no_o more_o advantage_n from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o from_o a_o single_a star_n our_o lord_n indeed_o say_v in_o matth._n xi_o 21._o that_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o bethsaida_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o this_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v say_v rather_o to_o exaggerate_v the_o impenitence_n and_o perverseness_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o to_o declare_v what_o will_v have_v be_v the_o certain_a event_n if_o those_o miracle_n have_v real_o be_v perform_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n beside_o the_o case_n be_v infinite_o different_a between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o tyrian_n the_o former_a have_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o want_v that_o advantage_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n whence_o they_o also_o descend_v have_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n have_v be_v deface_v by_o long_a disuse_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v even_o necessary_a to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o restore_v the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o have_v they_o see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n far_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o common_a objection_n to_o which_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o convey_v religion_n long_o since_o settle_v without_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a method_n 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to_o distinguish_v true_a from_o imaginary_a apparition_n the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n from_o illusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o if_o such_o rule_n can_v be_v form_v man_n can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v reveal_v since_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n put_v not_o off_o their_o vice_n with_o the_o body_n and_o may_v still_o retain_v such_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v exercise_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o corporeal_a organ_n such_o as_o envy_n malice_n lie_v and_o fraud_n or_o if_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v the_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n attend_v such_o apparition_n will_v infallible_o hinder_v all_o clear_a perception_n either_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o apparition_n or_o of_o the_o matter_n reveal_v in_o it_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o here_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prejudice_n common_a to_o many_o christian_n who_o imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o have_v see_v with_o
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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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
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 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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 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therefore_o it_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o must_v have_v therefore_o some_o rule_n whereby_o to_o direct_v our_o assent_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o be_v very_o obvious_a for_o the_o understanding_n necessary_o at_o least_o reasonable_o incline_v to_o that_o part_n which_o carry_v the_o great_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o any_o proposition_n be_v great_a than_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n we_o must_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n embrace_v and_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o falsity_n exceed_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o may_v safe_o reject_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v the_o evidence_n of_o both_o side_n matter_n of_o revelation_n may_v concern_v either_o finite_a or_o infinite_a nature_n example_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o such_o proposition_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o 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nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v general_o imagine_v indeed_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o finite_a being_n but_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o infinite_a being_n nor_o be_v we_o yet_o sure_a that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o finite_a being_n for_o even_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o small_a resemblance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v several_a faculty_n which_o can_v operate_v independent_o from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o single_o possess_v all_o the_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n consider_v as_o such_o as_o its_o immateriality_n immortality_n and_o such_o like_a so_o in_o the_o deity_n there_o be_v several_a person_n obtain_v distinct_a operation_n but_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o common_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n such_o as_o eternity_n omnipotency_n and_o other_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n that_o the_o difficulty_n upon_o which_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n proceed_v be_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o be_v the_o general_a motive_n of_o credibility_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o that_o christ_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o perform_v many_o miracle_n which_o be_v attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o his_o disciple_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o wrought_v other_o miracle_n in_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o at_o last_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n have_v first_o consign_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o to_o write_v which_o have_v be_v invariable_o hand_v down_o to_o we_o in_o all_o age_n these_o argument_n be_v plain_a obvious_a and_o certain_a whereas_o the_o forementioned_a difficulty_n be_v obscure_a and_o inconceivable_a to_o many_o and_o to_o all_o uncertain_a there_o be_v indeed_o many_o erroneous_a christian_n and_o have_v former_o be_v more_o who_o pretend_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n reveal_v no_o such_o thing_n
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o mean_n we_o miss_v the_o end_n and_o by_o pursue_v contrary_a method_n render_v ourselves_o miserable_a that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o general_n and_o of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n to_o which_o our_o text_n more_o peculiar_o relate_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o then_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o rational_a be_v and_o as_o such_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v its_o action_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v worse_o than_o insensible_a being_n which_o all_o perform_v the_o several_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o by_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o command_n of_o their_o creator_n whereas_o the_o soul_n in_o contract_a habit_n of_o sin_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n debase_v its_o own_o nature_n rebel_n against_o god_n and_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o its_o creation_n for_o for_o this_o very_a end_n our_o soul_n be_v create_v that_o they_o shall_v act_n as_o spiritual_a being_n and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n insert_v in_o they_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n form_v by_o our_o reason_n at_o least_o maintain_v if_o not_o advance_v our_o nature_n when_o afterward_o through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n these_o rule_n be_v corrupt_v and_o our_o judgement_n blind_v god_n give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n and_o let_v we_o know_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n give_v we_o and_o a_o soul_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n then_o or_o violate_v it_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v our_o nature_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a sort_n of_o being_n for_o as_o sin_n turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n so_o it_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o somewhat_o worse_a than_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v still_o continue_v soul_n but_o that_o do_v but_o augment_v their_o misery_n because_o be_v immortal_a they_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a always_o gnaw_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o degenerous_a action_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o own_o deprave_a nature_n second_o sin_n destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v and_o in_o these_o will_v consist_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o serene_a meditation_n upon_o the_o unparalleled_a perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o a_o ardent_a and_o perpetual_a love_n of_o he_o and_o conscience_n of_o be_v love_v by_o he_o now_o sin_n set_v a_o man_n at_o enmity_n with_o god_n make_v he_o unworthy_a his_o favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o such_o contemplation_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v on_o he_o with_o delight_n who_o we_o account_v our_o enemy_n or_o how_o can_v we_o not_o esteem_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o law_n we_o violate_v and_o who_o precept_n we_o contemn_v the_o conscience_n of_o this_o divine_a anger_n alone_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n than_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v force_v to_o say_v god_n have_v create_v i_o and_o do_v now_o preserve_v i_o but_o think_v i_o unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o esteem_v i_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o heaven_n shall_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a miracle_n be_v bestow_v upon_o wicked_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o relish_v with_o they_o nor_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o last_o sin_n defeat_v the_o future_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o exclude_v it_o from_o its_o intend_a reward_n and_o engage_v it_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o probationer_n for_o another_o be_v a_o be_v of_o itself_o capable_a of_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o act_v here_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o great_a perfection_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o by_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o this_o world_n gain_v admittance_n into_o the_o next_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
that_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n so_o difficult_a which_o they_o will_v not_o practice_v no_o pleasure_n so_o grateful_a which_o they_o will_v not_o renounce_v if_o god_n will_v satisfy_v their_o doubt_n raise_v their_o attention_n and_o awaken_v their_o thought_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a admonition_n or_o operation_n such_o as_o the_o work_n of_o a_o miracle_n or_o send_v one_o from_o the_o grave_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o another_o state_n from_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o man_n shall_v make_v such_o pretence_n for_o their_o irreligion_n be_v no_o wonder_n sin_n appear_v odious_a and_o ugly_a to_o all_o even_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o ever_o want_v some_o cloak_n to_o hide_v its_o deformity_n or_o that_o their_o curiosity_n shall_v prompt_v they_o to_o such_o unreasonable_a fancy_n be_v not_o strange_a the_o desire_n of_o man_n be_v wanton_a and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o body_n alone_o that_o have_v irregular_a lust_n attend_v it_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o easy_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o pretence_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v plain_o mark_v out_o the_o way_n to_o we_o in_o this_o excellent_a parable_n wherein_o the_o example_n of_o a_o rich_a voluptuous_a man_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o either_o disbelieving_a or_o at_o least_o put_v far_o from_o he_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o life_n and_o therefore_o busy_v himself_o whole_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v a_o poor_a despise_a and_o afflict_a man_n who_o in_o prospect_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n patient_o endure_v the_o affliction_n of_o this_o then_o the_o event_n of_o this_o different_a conduct_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o the_o one_o translate_v to_o the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v either_o to_o a_o eminent_a station_n in_o heaven_n as_o some_o expound_v it_o or_o to_o a_o condition_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n as_o other_o the_o other_o condemn_v to_o a_o state_n of_o torment_n to_o a_o punishment_n so_o rigorous_a that_o therein_o even_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a refreshment_n will_v appear_v to_o he_o the_o great_a happiness_n and_o that_o although_o receive_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o one_o who_o he_o have_v former_o so_o much_o contemn_v desire_v only_o that_o lazarus_n may_v be_v send_v to_o dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o cool_v his_o tongue_n he_o now_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o different_a state_n after_o life_n which_o he_o have_v before_o either_o disbelieved_a or_o not_o consider_v the_o reward_n of_o good_a man_n he_o find_v in_o lazarus_n who_o he_o see_v afar_o off_o in_o abraham_n bosom_n the_o punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n he_o experience_v in_o himself_o and_o to_o complete_a his_o misery_n be_v assure_v from_o abraham_n that_o the_o state_n of_o each_o be_v whole_o unalterable_a a_o unpassable_a gulf_n be_v fix_v between_o they_o in_o this_o miserable_a condition_n he_o can_v but_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o unhappiness_n his_o incessant_a pain_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o lay_v aside_o those_o thought_n and_o than_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o recall_v to_o mind_n and_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o he_o remember_v that_o all_o which_o now_o befall_v he_o have_v be_v indeed_o foretell_v unto_o he_o but_o that_o himself_o have_v not_o while_o alive_a enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o as_o not_o be_v favour_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a admonition_n which_o may_v strike_v his_o thought_n and_o fix_v they_o to_o a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o his_o duty_n the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o misery_n make_v he_o desirous_a that_o none_o dear_a unto_o he_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o calamity_n and_o then_o judge_v that_o what_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o unhappiness_n may_v also_o become_v their_o ruin_n the_o disbelief_n or_o inconsideration_n of_o a_o future_a state_n he_o desire_v to_o prevent_v it_o beg_v of_o abraham_n to_o send_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o his_o five_o brethren_n to_o testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n but_o in_o return_n to_o this_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o his_o desire_n be_v unreasonable_a since_o god_n have_v provide_v a_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o their_o instruction_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ver._n 29._o and_o that_o even_o although_o grant_v it_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a for_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 the_o parable_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o nothing_o be_v express_o reveal_v concern_v the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v admire_v how_o abraham_n can_v remit_v the_o brethren_n of_o dives_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n when_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v nothing_o express_v concern_v it_o to_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v at_o that_o time_n universal_o entertain_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o draw_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o inspire_a man_n by_o interpretation_n general_o receive_v among_o they_o their_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n send_v the_o people_n for_o instruction_n and_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v without_o scruple_n the_o explication_n of_o their_o law_n resolve_v all_o the_o promise_n and_o threat_n of_o god_n into_o this_o sense_n so_o that_o those_o to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v indeed_o deduce_v by_o just_a inference_n we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v from_o that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n wherewith_o he_o convince_v the_o sadducee_n and_o on_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o hebrew_n so_o large_o insist_v after_o he_o the_o not_o perform_v of_o any_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o the_o patriarch_n in_o this_o life_n by_o god_n after_o the_o bestow_n of_o very_o ample_a and_o magnificent_a promise_n of_o reward_n upon_o they_o whence_o it_o infallible_o follow_v that_o since_o god_n be_v true_a and_o can_v not_o be_v false_a to_o his_o promise_n he_o reserve_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o to_o another_o life_n but_o we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o to_o justify_v this_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n since_o his_o design_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n or_o certainty_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n after_o death_n as_o to_o confute_v the_o pretence_n of_o those_o sinner_n who_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o sin_n allege_v the_o want_n of_o extraordinary_a conviction_n for_o since_o god_n have_v prepare_v ordinary_a mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o those_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o their_o design_a end_n in_o vain_a be_v any_o extraordinary_a mean_n desire_v since_o if_o the_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n whether_o relate_v to_o this_o or_o another_o life_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o all_o the_o argument_n whereon_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o revelation_n be_v at_o first_o establish_v can_v not_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n can_v not_o induce_v they_o to_o the_o belief_n or_o desire_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o those_o threat_n if_o this_o ordinary_a method_n of_o conviction_n prove_v ineffectual_a neither_o will_v the_o extraordinary_a attestation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n by_o constant_a miracle_n or_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o by_o the_o apparition_n of_o decease_a man_n who_o have_v experience_v they_o have_v any_o better_a success_n in_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o our_o lord_n design_n in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v show_v i._o that_o the_o desire_n of_o extraordinary_a conviction_n be_v unreasonable_a ii_o that_o such_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o conviction_n will_v be_v unuseful_a and_o unsuccessful_a as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v the_o property_n not_o of_o god_n alone_o but_o of_o all_o rational_a agent_n also_o not_o to_o act_n in_o vain_a but_o always_o for_o some_o cause_n and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o some_o design_n when_o therefore_o god_n have_v ordain_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a to_o practice_v extraordinary_a method_n since_o this_o can_v tend_v to_o no_o end_n every_o reasonable_a end_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n do_v supply_v the_o end_n
by_o his_o enemy_n into_o extreme_a danger_n of_o death_n which_o he_o common_o express_v by_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a word_n as_o psal._n xviii_o 4._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o and_o verse_n 5._o the_o sorrow_n of_o hell_n compass_v i_o about_o and_o psal._n cxvi_o 3._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n get_v hold_v upon_o i_o yet_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n amid_o all_o these_o calamity_n he_o rest_v assure_v of_o deliverance_n and_o express_v his_o confidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n my_o flesh_n shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n receive_v and_o on_o all_o hand_n grant_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o david_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o his_o action_n suffering_n and_o deliverance_n prefigure_v the_o office_n the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o and_o particular_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o this_o passage_n be_v much_o more_o evident_o and_o literal_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n than_o in_o david_n he_o indeed_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o enemy_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n yet_o die_v he_o do_v and_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v leave_v in_o hell_n that_o be_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o in_o the_o place_n of_o depart_a soul_n and_o his_o body_n do_v see_v corruption_n have_v be_v bury_v many_o hundred_o year_n but_o as_o for_o christ_n he_o die_v indeed_o yet_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n neither_o do_v his_o body_n see_v corruption_n his_o soul_n be_v present_o reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o even_o during_o the_o separation_n not_o leave_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v join_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v his_o body_n corrupt_v but_o raise_v up_o and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o less_o than_o forty_o hour_n in_o which_o time_n the_o body_n of_o decease_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o the_o second_o interpretation_n christ_n be_v raise_v from_o a_o painful_a death_n to_o a_o opposite_a state_n to_o a_o condition_n of_o glory_n happiness_n power_n and_o immortality_n the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n so_o lively_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n of_o the_o last_o week_n we_o can_v forget_v and_o over_o all_o these_o he_o eminent_o triumph_v in_o his_o resurrection_n upon_o this_o day_n he_o be_v then_o make_v subject_n to_o death_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o set_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o death_n for_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o rom._n vi_o 9_o he_o then_o bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man._n he_o now_o dispense_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n grant_v to_o men._n he_o be_v then_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n appear_v as_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o malefactor_n he_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n raise_v above_o the_o earth_n seat_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n iii_o 22._o the_o word_n explain_v in_o their_o three_o sense_n infer_v the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n effect_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v express_v hebr._n ii_o 14._o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v this_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o life_n contribute_v he_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n he_o confute_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o seduce_v world_n he_o found_v a_o church_n wherein_o open_a enmity_n shall_v be_v profess_v to_o the_o devil_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o death_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o all_o this_o dispensation_n he_o glorious_o finish_v in_o his_o resurrection_n therein_o he_o literal_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a baffle_v the_o opposition_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v vain_o imagine_v that_o by_o procure_v the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n to_o be_v give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o redeemer_n his_o design_n and_o attempt_v promote_v that_o very_a end_n which_o he_o so_o much_o dread_v he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o christ_n shall_v both_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o to_o perfect_v our_o salvation_n that_o he_o be_v for_o a_o while_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o iii_o this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o christ_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n the_o apostle_n found_v the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o the_o determination_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o here_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a just_a or_o convenient_a as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n ix_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n to_o mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o convenient_a in_o this_o sense_n than_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a or_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n because_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n the_o divine_a be_v unite_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v have_v appear_v surprise_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o little_a affection_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o his_o own_o nature_n wherein_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a to_o continue_v in_o hell_n in_o the_o common_a state_n of_o mortality_n or_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o divinity_n shall_v suffer_v that_o nature_n to_o be_v corrupt_v or_o lie_v neglect_v among_o the_o dead_a to_o which_o itself_o continue_v to_o be_v unite_v even_o in_o the_o grave_a this_o we_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v believe_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v oppose_v this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o very_a resurrection_n will_v convince_v their_o error_n for_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n again_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o work_n of_o omnipotence_n that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n alone_o yet_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o jew_n john_n ii_o 19_o destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n as_o the_o evangelist_n subjoin_v and_o again_o john_n x._o 18._o no_o man_n take_v my_o life_n from_o i_o but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o myself_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o our_o lord_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o glorify_v he_o will_v never_o have_v claim_v this_o power_n have_v it_o not_o be_v inherent_a in_o himself_o he_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o power_n reunite_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o body_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o exclusion_n to_o the_o other_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n who_o all_o concur_v therein_o for_o power_n be_v a_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n continue_v undivided_a in_o the_o person_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o the_o father_n be_v say_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n since_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a person_n in_o that_o bless_a trinity_n
by_o who_o power_n the_o soul_n of_o christ_n be_v rejoin_v to_o the_o body_n 2._o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o founder_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a not_o convenient_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a and_o chief_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o revelation_n so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n thereof_o to_o this_o therefore_o he_o at_o all_o time_n refer_v as_o to_o the_o last_o and_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o mission_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sign_n which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o authority_n that_o as_o ionas_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o this_o he_o have_v fix_v the_o expectation_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o his_o hearer_n and_o by_o this_o he_o be_v to_o set_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n have_v he_o leave_v his_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a after_o all_o these_o assurance_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v insult_v over_o his_o disciple_n with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o christian_n do_v over_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n who_o promise_v to_o rise_v again_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n little_a imagine_v that_o his_o name_n or_o religion_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n although_o now_o after_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n expire_v the_o impostor_n still_o lie_v in_o hell_n have_v christ_n not_o rise_v again_o the_o apostle_n confess_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 14._o their_o preach_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o vain_a but_o when_o so_o illustrious_a a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a authority_n have_v intervene_v when_o heaven_n itself_o have_v declare_v it_o so_o eminent_o to_o deny_v assent_n will_v be_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o jew_n in_o the_o most_o violent_a execution_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o malice_n engage_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v himself_o it_o have_v be_v no_o less_o easy_a for_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o have_v ascend_v from_o the_o grave_a but_o first_o the_o design_n of_o his_o suffering_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o since_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o restore_v himself_o to_o life_n to_o labour_v under_o any_o doubt_n have_v he_o descend_v from_o the_o cross_n before_o he_o die_v he_o can_v not_o have_v atone_v for_o the_o gild_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v he_o descend_v immediate_o after_o his_o death_n it_o will_v have_v be_v pretend_v that_o he_o have_v not_o die_v yet_o even_o this_o they_o will_v have_v confess_v to_o be_v miraculous_a but_o perhaps_o refer_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v his_o former_a miracle_n not_o to_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o to_o magical_a operation_n whereas_o this_o pretence_n do_v whole_o vanish_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n since_o no_o magic_a or_o diabolick_a power_n remain_v after_o death_n in_o short_a so_o great_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o his_o resurrection_n so_o undeniable_a the_o fact_n and_o so_o important_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o sermon_n employ_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a argument_n of_o conviction_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v mathias_n to_o the_o apostleship_n describe_v his_o office_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o witness_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n god_n have_v more_o than_o once_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n declare_v he_o by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o constant_a miracle_n to_o be_v his_o son_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o this_o inferior_a to_o that_o proceed_v from_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o be_v in_o many_o place_n say_v to_o have_v then_o adopt_v christ_n for_o his_o son_n because_o he_o then_o eminent_o declare_v to_o he_o be_v so_o as_o act_v xiii_o 33._o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o psalm_n ii_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o rom._n i._n 4._o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v from_o the_o incarnation_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n chief_o in_o his_o resurrection_n 3._o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v assure_v chief_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o when_o he_o therefore_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o a_o incorruptible_a state_n of_o glory_n they_o then_o raise_v their_o hope_n and_o conceive_v full_a assurance_n of_o immortality_n till_o then_o mankind_n have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o by_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v convince_v that_o either_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o immortality_n or_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o confer_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v perceive_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o dissolution_n of_o death_n the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o then_o consider_v their_o own_o relation_n to_o christ_n may_v hope_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v by_o his_o resurrection_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o have_v often_o promise_v that_o his_o faithful_a follower_n shall_v be_v coheir_n with_o he_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n entitle_v the_o whole_a mass_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o same_o favour_n only_o it_o be_v require_v and_o that_o just_o if_o that_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n we_o must_v also_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o death_n for_o so_o the_o promise_n run_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o crucify_v our_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v if_o we_o as_o full_o forsake_v all_o vicious_a habit_n as_o he_o who_o die_v be_v bereave_v of_o vital_a action_n if_o far_a we_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o that_o as_o he_o die_v but_o once_o but_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o we_o henceforward_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o righteousness_n than_o we_o may_v reasonable_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o he_o the_o forerunner_n in_o our_o resurrection_n which_o we_o have_v so_o near_o express_v in_o our_o death_n we_o be_v then_o true_o member_n of_o himself_o the_o head_n be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o suffering_n we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o gracious_a acceptation_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v while_o we_o inviolable_o continue_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o other_o indeed_o be_v before_o he_o raise_v from_o dead_a to_o life_n as_o those_o raise_v by_o elijah_n elishah_n and_o by_o christ_n before_o and_o at_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o these_o be_v all_o to_o die_v again_o and_o so_o thereby_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o immortality_n to_o mankind_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o who_o in_o behalf_n of_o mankind_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o immortality_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v for_o we_o and_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o unless_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o imitate_v the_o imperfect_a resurrection_n of_o those_o mortal_a man_n
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of_o his_o understanding_n a_o little_a reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o experience_n of_o humane_a life_n will_v convince_v we_o how_o gross_a and_o to_o we_o unaccountable_a error_n many_o man_n commit_v how_o often_o a_o matter_n which_o seem_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o when_o propose_v to_o other_o can_v or_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o to_o recur_v to_o more_o particular_a example_n this_o very_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v stubborn_a incredulous_a and_o rebellious_a amid_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o they_o murmur_v against_o he_o even_o while_o they_o subsist_v by_o his_o miraculous_a ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n and_o punishment_n of_o god_n daily_o visible_a to_o they_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o often_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o be_v they_o the_o former_a age_n only_o which_o have_v commit_v such_o 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papist_n do_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o because_o such_o a_o perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o corruption_n of_o judgement_n can_v be_v well_o conceive_v by_o we_o or_o seem_v incredible_a to_o we_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a mankind_n shall_v be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o gross_a no_o miscarriage_n so_o enormous_a which_o man_n may_v not_o commit_v and_o that_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v see_v and_o handle_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o have_v reject_v so_o many_o antecedent_n proof_n will_v have_v be_v insensible_a of_o this_o also_o but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o who_o such_o a_o favour_n shall_v be_v grant_v it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o 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testify_v it_o to_o the_o world_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n they_o have_v see_v and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o their_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n handle_v his_o body_n clear_o perceive_v that_o a_o rational_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o it_o and_o the_o divinity_n to_o both_o as_o before_o his_o resurrection_n they_o be_v afterward_o enable_v to_o testify_v this_o to_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o to_o do_v it_o successful_o by_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n not_o only_o confer_v upon_o themselves_o but_o upon_o whosoever_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n for_o that_o purpose_n they_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o voluntary_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n by_o undergo_a all_o the_o hardship_n of_o life_n the_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n all_o which_o none_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v do_v without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o so_o convince_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o form_v their_o judgement_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v mistake_v or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o vainglorious_a as_o to_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o suffer_v a_o death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a yet_o be_v we_o not_o in_o this_o case_n permit_v to_o believe_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o by_o the_o various_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o they_o and_o communicate_v by_o they_o by_o which_o god_n himself_o give_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o affirm_v be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o head_n i_o need_v add_v no_o
more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 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_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v 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found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a