by_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v indeed_o engage_v in_o it_o for_o it_o affect_v those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o betray_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o sin_n desire_v and_o fear_n and_o will_v man_n consider_v can_v not_o but_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o all_o other_o object_n which_o move_v those_o passion_n since_o the_o reward_n propose_v be_v more_o desirable_a the_o punishment_n denounce_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o lord_n his_o forerunner_n john_n baptiâ—…t_n and_o his_o apostle_n employ_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o time_n now_o come_v when_o he_o will_v no_o long_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o will_v evident_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o even_o exemplify_v it_o in_o the_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o do_v short_o after_o the_o axe_n be_v now_o lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o foâ—…th_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n draw_v multitude_n of_o man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o the_o more_o devout_a jew_n but_o also_o soldier_n and_o publican_n who_o confess_v their_o sin_n be_v then_o baptise_a manifest_v by_o that_o ancient_o receive_v emblem_n of_o purity_n and_o innocence_n their_o resolution_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o even_o after_o a_o full_a conviction_n form_v of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n think_v fit_a to_o propose_v this_o very_a argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o have_v be_v long_o train_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_a endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o all_o which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o in_o that_o mission_n which_o he_o then_o enjoin_v they_o yet_o to_o these_o fear_n he_o oppose_v as_o the_o great_a remedy_n this_o consideration_n only_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o other_o motive_n of_o interest_n all_o other_o object_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n concern_v the_o body_n only_o and_o terminate_v there_o but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v desire_v the_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v equal_o concern_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o common_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o both_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o the_o reward_v you_o may_v slight_v perhaps_o as_o not_o desire_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o what_o you_o now_o enjoy_v but_o the_o fear_v you_o can_v surmount_v that_o will_v still_o affect_v you_o for_o if_o you_o so_o much_o value_v the_o present_a ease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o part_n of_o you_o you_o can_v but_o be_v affright_v at_o the_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n if_o this_o consideration_n have_v not_o that_o effect_n upon_o we_o which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v because_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o denounce_v destruction_n far_o from_o be_v certain_a in_o we_o be_v elude_v by_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v without_o repentance_n we_o all_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n prescribe_v rule_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n command_v repentance_n upon_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o these_o rule_n give_v sentence_n of_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o impenitence_n we_o all_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v violate_v those_o rule_n we_o apply_v not_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n for_o do_v not_o man_n real_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o those_o hope_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o future_a punishment_n and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o demerit_n shall_v not_o immediate_o apply_v itself_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n these_o false_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o double_a head_n either_o that_o of_o presumption_n or_o that_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o man_n through_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n fancy_n god_n will_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o general_a sentence_n and_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v this_o and_o another_o and_o a_o three_o sin_n to_o they_o or_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o sin_n secure_o and_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o stupidity_n never_o willing_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o punishment_n upon_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o still_o put_v they_o off_o and_o continue_v to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v however_o save_v they_o though_o theyk_fw-mi now_o not_o why_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o common_a among_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o both_o i_o shall_v oppose_v some_o general_a consideration_n show_v it_o impossible_a that_o goâ—…_n shall_v not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v universal_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o repent_v and_o yet_o shall_v not_o perish_v the_o necessity_n of_o destruction_n consequent_a upon_o unrepentance_n be_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o it_o nay_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v particular_a care_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v herein_o by_o affix_v vehement_a asseveration_n to_o his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n as_o in_o ezech._n xvii_o 19_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n as_o i_o live_v sure_o my_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v despise_v and_o my_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v break_v even_o it_o will_v i_o recompense_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o in_o the_o xxii_o chapter_n have_v denounce_v to_o sinner_n the_o extremity_n of_o his_o anger_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 14._o can_v thy_o heart_n endure_v or_o can_v thy_o hand_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o thou_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o promise_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o without_o repentance_n of_o past_a sin_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n must_v either_o pretend_v to_o new_a light_n and_o new_a revelalation_n new_a term_n of_o covenant_n or_o disbelieve_v those_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a one_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v disbelieve_v they_o for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v that_o of_o many_o christian_n who_o do_v firm_o indeed_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o that_o sacred_a write_n and_o yet_o continue_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n without_o employ_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o only_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o believe_v they_o we_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o and_o when_o we_o do_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o vain_a hope_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o reveal_v truth_n for_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v deceive_v with_o the_o idle_a pretence_n of_o inward_a light_n or_o unaccountable_a revelation_n of_o arbitrary_a election_n for_o secret_a reason_n and_o absolute_a reprobation_n for_o unknown_a cause_n which_o delusion_n when_o once_o entertain_v will_v render_v all_o repentance_n useless_a we_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o old_a form_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n pretend_v to_o no_o revelation_n unknown_a to_o former_a age_n to_o know_v more_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o what_o our_o lord_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o saint_n have_v go_v before_o we_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n yet_o we_o hear_v those_o holy_a scripture_n daily_o read_v to_o we_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v by_o precept_n we_o be_v allure_v by_o promise_n we_o be_v terrify_v by_o threat_n
conception_n dark_a and_o unaccountable_a above_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n fit_v only_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n and_o after_o all_o no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o volatile_a fancy_n so_o little_o adapt_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o indeed_o intend_v for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o conceal_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n and_o impart_v only_o to_o confident_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n relate_v to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o even_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o ceremony_n and_o legal_a observation_n impose_v on_o they_o they_o know_v in_o general_a that_o many_o of_o they_o typify_v the_o come_n of_o a_o future_a messiah_n who_o shall_v institute_v a_o more_o excellent_a religion_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o signal_n benefit_n to_o their_o nation_n but_o alas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o infinite_o unsatisfactory_a to_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a yet_o still_o continue_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o any_o certain_a guide_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o learned_a jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_n these_o employ_v their_o labour_n in_o find_v out_o the_o hide_a meaning_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o those_o ceremonial_a institution_n but_o so_o unsuccessful_o that_o they_o plain_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o their_o divine_a lawgiver_n and_o by_o turn_v all_o his_o ritual_a precept_n into_o allegory_n and_o obscure_a mystery_n defeat_v their_o institution_n and_o corrupt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n with_o false_a notion_n and_o interpretation_n and_o no_o wonder_n indeed_o for_o the_o veil_n be_v not_o yet_o take_v from_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v remove_v but_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n disperse_v the_o dark_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n he_o alone_o have_v make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o easy_a to_o all_o and_o thereby_o make_v the_o ignorance_n of_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v inexcusable_a herein_o complete_n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n xxxi_o 33_o 34._o after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o in_o propose_v this_o plain_a and_o easy_a religion_n god_n intend_v to_o supercede_v all_o labour_n of_o mankind_n and_o imprint_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o even_o violent_o upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n propose_v the_o truth_n clear_o to_o we_o enforce_v it_o with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n fit_v it_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o afford_v we_o easy_a mean_n of_o obtain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o after_o such_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o free_a entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n whether_o we_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v we_o mere_a brute_n and_o machine_n not_o capable_a of_o entertain_v any_o religion_n and_o unfit_a to_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o age_n not_o to_o cast_v holy_a thing_n before_o dog_n nor_o pearl_n before_o swine_n to_o create_v a_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o person_n insensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o mankind_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o and_o who_o make_v no_o advancement_n towards_o their_o reception_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v choose_v to_o propose_v those_o eternal_a truth_n in_o such_o a_o method_n as_o that_o a_o perfect_a acquisition_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v exercise_v the_o diligence_n and_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n we_o must_v bring_v mind_n free_v from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n use_v due_a attention_n search_v the_o scripture_n weigh_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o persuade_v their_o divinity_n and_o be_v once_o convince_v of_o that_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n use_v all_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v abundant_o provide_v for_o our_o instruction_n we_o must_v not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n but_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n reflect_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n a_o subject_a than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian._n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o only_o enforce_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o they_o be_v our_o great_a perfection_n and_o will_v be_v our_o utmost_a happiness_n although_o attend_v with_o no_o reward_n every_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n will_v augment_v the_o force_n of_o our_o obligation_n and_o bring_v some_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n have_v add_v to_o those_o imperfect_a discovery_n make_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o those_o foederal_n rite_n the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o these_o benefit_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a more_o perfect_o to_o comprehend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o these_o advantage_n natural_o flow_v from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o our_o faith_n however_o the_o apostle_n in_o give_v this_o precept_n more_o immediate_o respect_v the_o conviction_n of_o those_o person_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o christian_n as_o of_o evil_a doer_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o live_v godly_o holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o this_o present_a world_n man_n decry_v it_o as_o lead_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o forbid_v any_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o false_a god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a object_n of_o adoration_n at_o that_o time_n and_o change_v all_o pompous_a external_a ceremony_n into_o a_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a worship_n they_o traduce_v it_o as_o irrational_a and_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n because_o not_o propose_v with_o the_o usual_a ostentation_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n and_o require_v man_n to_o deny_v their_o lust_n conquer_v their_o desire_n and_o sorfake_v their_o most_o darling_a passion_n last_o they_o reject_v it_o as_o impious_a and_o execrable_a as_o a_o unheâ—…rd_n of_o superstition_n and_o a_o fond_a credulity_n because_o they_o know_v not_o those_o argument_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v nor_o consider_v the_o demonstrative_a proof_n which_o recommend_v it_o to_o convince_v the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o these_o man_n the_o apostle_n require_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o so_o whereas_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n lead_v to_o immorality_n nor_o their_o practice_n favour_v it_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o speculative_a science_n mere_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n and_o not_o correct_v our_o error_n but_o as_o a_o operative_a knowledge_n which_o may_v visible_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man._n the_o divinity_n
of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a to_o find_a piety_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o appropriate_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o only_o again_o christianity_n direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o natural_a end_n the_o supreme_a good_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v but_o too_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v plain_o confess_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o all_o the_o refine_a morality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o direct_v rather_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n whereas_o the_o christian_a faith_n direct_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o good_a deed_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o 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of_o a_o alwise_a be_v but_o chief_o in_o place_v the_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o unbridled_a lust_n and_o indulge_v a_o brutish_a appetite_n in_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o add_v to_o these_o a_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v draw_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o a_o alwise_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o never_o suffer_v any_o false_a religion_n to_o obtain_v which_o do_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o most_o evident_a mark_n of_o its_o falseness_n and_o consequent_o into_o which_o none_o can_v enter_v but_o by_o betray_v their_o reason_n and_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n hereby_o the_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n and_o involuntary_a error_n be_v take_v from_o all_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o one_o only_a god_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o the_o mean_a idiot_n may_v judge_v of_o sensible_a thing_n by_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n may_v just_o be_v account_v wilful_a and_o inexcusable_a thus_o all_o erroneous_a religion_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o falseness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o christianity_n recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o some_o reveal_v religion_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o miserable_o subject_v to_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lusts._n but_o as_o none_o more_o excellent_a religion_n than_o this_o can_v be_v propose_v so_o none_o can_v be_v found_v upon_o better_a proof_n for_o since_o all_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v at_o some_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a place_n however_o it_o may_v to_o they_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o contestable_a miracle_n yet_o the_o report_n of_o it_o can_v be_v convey_v to_o person_n distant_a in_o place_n and_o time_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v not_o demonstrative_a and_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n but_o moral_a and_o exclude_v all_o just_a doubt_n no_o general_a and_o universal_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v christianity_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o other_o manner_n and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a although_o these_o it_o possess_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o eminent_a manner_n which_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n brief_o to_o show_v miracle_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o god_n and_o to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o a_o finite_a be_v that_o wonderful_a and_o unaccountable_a action_n may_v be_v and_o often_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n or_o concurrence_n of_o evil_a spirit_n must_v be_v confess_v but_o these_o fail_v not_o to_o carry_v some_o evidence_n of_o deceit_n and_o imposture_n along_o with_o they_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o judicious_a and_o attentive_a person_n from_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o real_a work_n of_o omnipotence_n now_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v exert_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o slight_a and_o trivial_a occasion_n much_o less_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o lie_n or_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n appear_v invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o that_o his_o revelation_n neither_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n we_o must_v own_v his_o divine_a commission_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o revelation_n which_o in_o that_o case_n will_v true_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o moses_n who_o miracle_n be_v unexceptionable_a and_o his_o revelation_n in_o no_o respect_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o yet_o to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o no_o precedent_n one_o be_v yet_o make_v this_o also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n his_o revelation_n far_o from_o oppose_v
we_o consider_v with_o how_o great_a zeal_n and_o vehemency_n both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n oppose_v it_o and_o undertake_v the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o design_n with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o fervour_n and_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a whereby_o they_o may_v either_o discover_v any_o imposture_n in_o it_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n assist_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o learned_a adversary_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v its_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n last_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o now_o possess_v under_o their_o name_n and_o be_v convey_v uncorrupted_a through_o all_o age_n appear_v not_o 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evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o dispatch_v in_o the_o forego_n sermon_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n namely_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o this_o not_o the_o constant_a resolution_n of_o profess_v the_o faith_n at_o all_o time_n without_o fear_n or_o cowardice_n be_v the_o primary_n intent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a precept_n in_o my_o text_n appear_v in_o that_o the_o apostle_n will_v we_o to_o do_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n have_v not_o so_o exact_o render_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n or_o in_o confutation_n of_o the_o calumny_n and_o objection_n bring_v against_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o complete_a knowledge_n be_v absolute_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o god_n require_v of_o no_o man_n any_o thing_n beyond_o his_o natural_a strength_n or_o capacity_n or_o which_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n nor_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o we_o know_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n overrun_v with_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n have_v insensible_o fall_v into_o a_o deplorable_a ignorance_n these_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n condemn_v as_o want_v all_o mean_n of_o better_a instruction_n but_o rather_o applaud_v their_o constancy_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o delivery_n we_o know_v also_o how_o great_a a_o society_n of_o christian_n labour_n under_o miserable_a ignorance_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o its_o gross_a erroâ—…s_n by_o the_o artifice_n and_o contrivance_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o deny_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o the_o seripture_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o implieit_n faith_n these_o also_o we_o will_v not_o in_o charity_n condemn_v to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v last_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a how_o many_o member_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n either_o through_o want_n of_o leisute_n or_o natural_a imbecility_n of_o understanding_n through_o default_n of_o education_n or_o other_o accidental_a defect_n unforeseen_a and_o unprovided_a for_o be_v but_o mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o we_o who_o want_v neither_o mean_n of_o instruction_n nor_o capacity_n of_o receive_v they_o no_o excuse_n be_v leave_v if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v they_o to_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o obtain_v a_o rational_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n from_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a men._n christianity_n indeed_o iâ—…_n not_o in_o our_o age_n oppose_v with_o that_o open_a and_o barefaced_a confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o it_o be_v force_v to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n the_o unite_a force_n of_o a_o victorious_a and_o learned_a empire_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o secret_a impugner_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n who_o if_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n they_o he_o restrain_v from_o profess_v their_o secret_a atheism_n and_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o stick_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o especial_o christianity_n because_o most_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n in_o defence_n of_o which_o only_o they_o maintain_v their_o impious_a opinion_n it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o these_o man_n that_o christianity_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o so_o the_o licentious_a practice_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n may_v not_o be_v abbridge_v to_o they_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n embitter_v all_o their_o pleasure_n for_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o say_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v have_v no_o enemy_n but_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v life_n who_o either_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n however_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o ancient_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o who_o many_o sincere_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n which_o common_o end_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereas_o these_o dispute_n only_o for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v thence_o transport_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n cast_v the_o word_n of_o convicton_n behind_o they_o and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o such_o man_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o as_o opportunity_n be_v minister_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v those_o among_o we_o who_o open_o and_o with_o great_a excess_n of_o apparent_a zeal_n seek_v to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o superstition_n they_o oppose_v not_o direct_o indeed_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o corrupt_v it_o with_o error_n and_o false_a opinion_n rend_v in_o sunder_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o promote_a and_o persuade_v a_o schifmatical_a departure_n from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
if_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o we_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o to_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n yet_o we_o know_v a_o church_n that_o have_v whole_o evacuate_v the_o apostle_n precépt_v by_o inhibit_v to_o private_a christian_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o set_v up_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o aught_o blind_o to_o submit_v that_o use_v her_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o disable_v private_a christian_n from_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o have_v make_v christianity_n irrational_a by_o add_v to_o it_o absurd_a and_o contradictive_a doctrine_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n what_o reason_n for_o a_o blind_a submission_n to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a judge_n which_o defeat_v all_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o apparent_a i_o omit_v they_o and_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o application_n that_o 2._o we_o ought_v to_o adorn_v this_o most_o rational_a and_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o a_o correspondent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n draw_v this_o inference_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v and_o follow_v my_o text_n but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o indeed_o most_o natural_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perverseness_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o what_o a_o degree_n of_o folly_n and_o impiety_n must_v it_o be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o contradict_v the_o evidence_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o false_a the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o sure_o with_o much_o more_o force_n will_v the_o argument_n fall_v upon_o immoral_a christian_n for_o the_o heathen_a sage_n dissemble_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o direct_v not_o their_o action_n by_o they_o whereas_o these_o public_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a consideration_n that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v deliberate_o violate_v those_o law_n upon_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n to_o depend_v do_v we_o real_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o go_v on_o without_o remorse_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n its_o law_n and_o precept_n be_v we_o persuade_v that_o infinite_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o and_o yet_o prefer_v the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o do_v we_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o please_a sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o however_o we_o may_v pretend_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o all_o these_o article_n yet_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o after_o all_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v believer_n in_o christ_n can_v faith_n save_v we_o no_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n if_o a_o sober_a heathen_a shall_v come_v among_o we_o and_o compare_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o all_o moral_a virtue_n command_v by_o the_o one_o in_o the_o hige_a degree_n and_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o impiety_n intemperance_n lust_n and_o all_o enormous_a vice_n open_o and_o greedy_o practise_v by_o the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o please_a fable_n wherewith_o christian_n sometime_o entertain_v themselves_o a_o ancient_a father_n who_o live_v in_o the_o decline_a time_n of_o christianity_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o heathen_n in_o his_o age_n form_v dishonourable_a thought_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o his_o disciple_n quomodo_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la magister_fw-la cujus_fw-la tam_fw-la malos_fw-la videmus_fw-la discipulos_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v a_o good_a lawgiver_n that_o have_v no_o better_a follower_n how_o can_v his_o law_n be_v excellent_a that_o do_v not_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o their_o professor_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o deplore_v this_o scandal_n in_o nobis_fw-la christus_fw-la opprobrium_fw-la patitur_fw-la thus_o we_o defame_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n dishonour_v our_o saviour_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o our_o life_n let_v we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o they_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o this_o be_v unanswerable_o to_o refute_v our_o argument_n by_o our_o practice_n and_o add_v to_o our_o own_o condemnation_n let_v we_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o profess_v a_o entire_a belief_n of_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 2d_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n the_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o the_o various_a method_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o faculty_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a and_o different_a than_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v employ_v to_o render_v we_o happy_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n induce_v we_o by_o all_o those_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o in_o other_o moral_a action_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o we_o he_o have_v engage_v our_o understanding_n by_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n a_o reasonable_a and_o holy_a religion_n attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v assure_v our_o will_n by_o present_v such_o object_n to_o it_o as_o employ_v every_o single_a passion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n can_v move_v we_o he_o have_v allure_v we_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o fear_n of_o misery_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deter_v we_o from_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n by_o affix_v to_o it_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a punishment_n if_o hope_n can_v excite_v we_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o more_o than_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o love_n can_v affect_v we_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a benefit_n last_o if_o reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o favour_n and_o benefit_n can_v together_o engage_v we_o he_o have_v unite_v all_o in_o one_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o any_o one_o of_o these_o method_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v they_o all_o that_o so_o that_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o most_o delight_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o the_o impemtence_n of_o mankind_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o may_v not_o only_o become_v irrational_a but_o even_o monstrous_a it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v propose_v a_o reasonable_a religion_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o
we_o be_v warn_v by_o example_n to_o repentance_n and_o still_o continue_v unmoved_a we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o lord_n call_v to_o repentance_n the_o exhortation_n of_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n who_o message_n be_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v we_o read_v the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v in_o this_o world_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o yet_o reflect_v not_o that_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o government_n that_o the_o duty_n be_v not_o remit_v but_o make_v more_o severe_a and_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v punish_v we_o but_o that_o his_o power_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o conduct_n give_v to_o man_n be_v no_o more_o change_v than_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o it_o be_v somewhat_o surprizng_v indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o confess_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o not_o attend_v to_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v possible_a to_o form_v a_o habit_n of_o act_v constant_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clear_a and_o no_o less_o constant_a conviction_n of_o mind_n for_o can_v we_o hear_v with_o what_o detestation_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o pharaoh_n heart_n and_o what_o a_o sudden_a destruction_n follow_v and_o not_o reflect_v that_o in_o continue_v deaf_a to_o so_o many_o admonition_n of_o repentance_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n and_o that_o in_o one_o respect_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o know_v not_o at_o first_o that_o that_o god_n who_o command_v he_o to_o let_v the_o captive_a jew_n depart_v be_v the_o true_a god_n until_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o many_o miracle_n whereas_o we_o be_v convince_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o he_o who_o impose_v this_o duty_n on_o we_o or_o can_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o god_n exercise_v upon_o the_o jew_n for_o sudden_a and_o rash_a resolution_n take_v up_o in_o heat_n and_o as_o soon_o repent_v of_o such_o as_o their_o frequent_a rebellion_n against_o moses_n their_o refuse_v to_o march_v to_o the_o promise_a land_n after_o have_v râ—…ceived_v a_o false_a account_n from_o the_o timorous_a spy_n and_o many_o such_o other_o occasion_n do_v we_o remember_v all_o this_o and_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v passby_a unregarded_a our_o deliberate_a and_o obstinate_a rebellion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o continuation_n of_o every_o habit_n of_o sin_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o example_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v receive_v instruction_n be_v terrify_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o suffering_n from_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v remit_v his_o justice_n herein_o and_o will_v oversee_v those_o sin_n in_o we_o which_o he_o so_o eminent_o revenge_v in_o elder_a time_n his_o attribute_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o his_o justice_n his_o holiness_n and_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o favour_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a be_v piety_n and_o obedience_n although_o he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o ancient_a time_n to_o demonstrate_v his_o justice_n by_o more_o visible_a example_n than_o in_o after_o age_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o any_o general_a revelation_n partly_o to_o attest_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o revelation_n and_o partly_o to_o deter_v man_n by_o such_o severe_a example_n from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o sin_n who_o ought_v thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o if_o god_n exercise_v not_o the_o same_o severity_n towards_o they_o in_o this_o life_n he_o reserve_v it_o for_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o inexorable_a to_o some_o sinner_n and_o unaccountable_o indulgent_a to_o other_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o gild_n to_o be_v far_o convince_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o salvation_n without_o repentance_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n death_n and_o passion_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n bear_v our_o infirmity_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o become_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o they_o sure_o if_o ever_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n whether_o of_o punishment_n or_o repentance_n he_o will_v have_v remit_v his_o method_n of_o justice_n to_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o not_o require_v he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o shame_n and_o bitterness_n of_o the_o cross._n yet_o such_o be_v the_o divine_a hatred_n of_o sin_n that_o although_o earnest_o and_o passionate_o entreat_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n in_o the_o garden_n to_o remit_v his_o decree_n therein_o and_o receive_v mankind_n to_o mercy_n without_o require_v so_o severe_a a_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v not_o condescend_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o will_v give_v pardon_n to_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o that_o that_o ever_o bless_a person_n who_o have_v take_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n which_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v undergo_v and_o expiate_v it_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n can_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v never_o have_v put_v such_o a_o hard_a condition_n upon_o his_o own_o son_n as_o that_o either_o the_o world_n who_o redemption_n he_o have_v undertake_v must_v be_v for_o ever_o lose_v or_o himself_o must_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o exchange_n for_o it_o when_o therefore_o a_o life_n of_o such_o inestimable_a value_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n to_o sinful_a man_n how_o terrible_a must_v that_o anger_n have_v be_v how_o vehement_a his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n that_o continue_v yet_o fix_v and_o constant_a only_o now_o he_o may_v remit_v to_o man_n the_o full_a and_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o his_o attribute_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n which_o without_o that_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o will_v not_o do_v lest_o man_n shall_v conclude_v that_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o or_o wink_v at_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o pardon_v so_o easy_o or_o that_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o so_o deep_a a_o gild_n since_o man_n with_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n without_o any_o compensation_n for_o it_o whereas_o now_o man_n can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o mean_n of_o pardon_n offer_v by_o god_n without_o conceive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n god_n indeed_o require_v ne_fw-la the_o life_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n in_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o in_o strict_a justice_n will_v seem_v agreeable_a but_o he_o require_v the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o son_n more_o valuable_a than_o the_o life_n of_o all_o sinful_a man_n put_v together_o he_o receive_v to_o mercy_n the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n but_o condemn_v to_o punishment_n that_o divine_a person_n who_o take_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o all_o upon_o he_o and_o even_o after_o so_o much_o do_v and_o suffer_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n god_n distribute_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n indifferent_o to_o all_o who_o lie_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o hereby_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v not_o actual_o pardon_v nor_o man_n immediate_o acquit_v of_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o but_o only_o make_v capable_a of_o pardon_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o pardon_n in_o god_n make_v possible_a without_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o justice_n this_o pardon_n he_o distribute_v to_o man_n upon_o those_o condition_n which_o himself_o have_v please_v to_o appoint_v and_o those_o such_o which_o far_o declare_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n a_o confession_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o forsake_v of_o it_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o like_a detestation_n of_o sin_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n can_v man_n claim_v any_o benefit_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v be_v include_v in_o that_o comprehensive_a form_n of_o speech_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v acknowledge_v the_o gild_n of_o your_o former_a sin_n conceive_v a_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o form_v a_o hatred_n of_o they_o renounce_v any_o far_a exercise_n of_o they_o testify_v your_o resolution_n