they_o when_o you_o have_v lift_v up_o the_o son_n of_o man_n then_o shall_v you_o know_v that_o i_o be_o he._n and_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n mitigate_v and_o excuse_v the_o present_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o last_o and_o great_a act_n of_o christ_n particular_o his_o resurrection_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o pour_v forth_o of_o these_o gift_n none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o will_n and_o penetration_n of_o judgement_n to_o conceive_v right_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o mystery_n this_o be_v afterward_o plentiful_o pour_v down_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o confer_v on_o they_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o ignorance_n be_v plain_o insinuate_v by_o all_o those_o text_n wherein_o christ_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o john_n xv._n 26._o but_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v indeed_o all_o along_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a when_o add_v to_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o advantage_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o inform_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a consider_v as_o private_a person_n if_o they_o have_v remove_v all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o use_v due_a attention_n and_o reason_n but_o the_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o necessary_a be_v not_o yet_o confer_v on_o they_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v st._n john_n vii_o 39_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o of_o that_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n office_n and_o design_n which_o so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o context_n as_o we_o before_o explain_v it_o which_o disable_v they_o from_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v mark_v vi_o 52._o by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n his_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o this_o say_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o neither_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v luc._n xviii_o 34._o which_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o the_o woman_n relate_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o seem_v to_o they_o as_o idle_a tale_n and_o incredible_a fable_n luc._n xxiv_o 11._o and_o the_o indignation_n of_o which_o draw_v from_o christ_n that_o sharp_a exprobration_n o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n mattâ—…_n viii_o 26._o that_o this_o ignorance_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o surprise_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o thought_n prejudicial_a to_o christianity_n itself_o appear_v from_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v to_o it_o but_o will_v more_o full_o be_v manifest_v in_o consider_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o permission_n of_o this_o ignorance_n till_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n i._o that_o it_o will_v be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o use_v any_o extraordinary_a method_n in_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o perfect_o inform_v their_o understanding_n until_o such_o information_n not_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o instruction_n shall_v become_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ii_o that_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o plenary_a information_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n natural_o follow_v from_o that_o know_a truth_n and_o receive_v principle_n that_o god_n never_o work_v miracle_n without_o necessity_n nor_o recur_v to_o extraordinary_a cause_n while_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a will_v suffice_v however_o full_o to_o evince_v this_o matter_n and_o clear_v all_o remain_a doubt_n i_o will_v consider_v all_o the_o possible_a method_n of_o perfect_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v and_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n can_v not_o use_v any_o one_o of_o they_o without_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n these_o extraordinary_a method_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o god_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n may_v have_v overrule_v their_o understanding_n and_o without_o expect_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o will_n violent_o imprint_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o it_o or_o even_o force_v the_o will_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o although_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n than_o a_o proceed_n of_o this_o kind_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o religion_n by_o violate_v those_o privilege_n of_o reason_v and_o free_a will_n which_o he_o at_o first_o confer_v on_o they_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o make_v mankind_n happy_a by_o destroy_v their_o nature_n second_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o abundant_o convince_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o infallibility_n may_v have_v plain_o and_o open_o reveal_v to_o they_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o future_a action_n to_o be_v yet_o perform_v and_o require_v their_o immediate_a assent_n to_o they_o without_o take_v care_n to_o satisfy_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o revelation_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o all_o precedent_a revelation_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o this_o also_o be_v irrational_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o unworthy_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o may_v just_o have_v be_v esteem_v unsatisfactory_a by_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n so_o be_v they_o no_o less_o that_o all_o the_o precedent_a revelation_n be_v deliver_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o deserve_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o his_o can_v do_v so_o that_o if_o the_o least_o repugnance_n between_o the_o doctrine_n or_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n can_v have_v be_v difcover_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o oblige_v to_o assent_v unto_o they_o nay_o to_o a_o full_a and_o unexceptionable_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o no_o repugnance_n between_o they_o and_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v discover_v but_o also_o that_o a_o entire_a conformity_n shall_v appear_v since_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v by_o god_n design_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o those_o two_o character_n of_o extraordinary_a miracle_n and_o perfect_a agreement_n of_o life_n action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o precedent_a prediction_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v evident_o distinguish_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o proof_n and_o indeed_o such_o a_o arbitrary_a command_n of_o a_o blind_a assent_n to_o any_o revelation_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n without_o a_o previous_a examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v use_v by_o christ_n himself_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o heathen_n for_o such_o a_o resignation_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v to_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o a_o authority_n found_v upon_o argument_n of_o great_a credibility_n than_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o case_n but_o such_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o miracle_n for_o all_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o reason_n include_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a many_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o credibility_n i_o mean_v not_o hereby_o that_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o can_v have_v a_o great_a certainty_n than_o
to_o be_v found_v by_o the_o messiah_n or_o expect_v from_o he_o which_o so_o long_o cloud_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o entertain_v true_a notion_n of_o that_o mystery_n although_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a and_o orthodox_n church_n we_o suck_v in_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n even_o from_o our_o infancy_n yet_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v no_o less_o violent_a and_o betray_v we_o to_o no_o less_o fatal_a mistake_n these_z not_o only_o defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o also_o direct_o introduce_v the_o foul_a and_o most_o pernicious_a error_n by_o prompt_v we_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v be_v most_o adapt_v and_o favourable_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o ordinary_a emanation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n if_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v not_o want_v but_o upon_o defect_n of_o those_o or_o any_o other_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o not_o produce_v this_o happy_a effect_n but_o also_o depart_v from_o we_o ii_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n confer_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o at_o least_o not_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a for_o it_o for_o this_o benefit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o bring_v down_o with_o it_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n which_o continue_v till_o this_o day_n by_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o however_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o at_o his_o ascension_n to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o by_o send_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n who_o may_v actuate_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o paraclet_n teach_v exhort_v comfort_n and_o intercede_v for_o every_o single_a member_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v erect_v their_o fear_n dispel_v and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v put_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o the_o church_n invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v it_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o place_n it_o beyond_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n or_o fury_n of_o tyrant_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n partake_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n we_o share_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o experience_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o infallible_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o find_v a_o church_n of_o which_o to_o be_v member_n we_o esteem_v our_o great_a happiness_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n be_v comfort_v in_o affliction_n and_o uphold_v in_o danger_n this_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n promise_v ver_fw-la 16._o shall_v abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n indeed_o and_o abundance_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o apostle_n but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o necessity_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o present_a portion_n which_o be_v already_o confer_v on_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o daily_a improvement_n in_o piety_n to_o augment_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n least_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o degenerate_a behaviour_n we_o forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o they_o both_o last_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o diffusive_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o mission_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o particular_a presence_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o this_o not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o presence_n which_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v as_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o derive_v down_o upon_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o the_o first_o descent_n of_o it_o procure_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v not_o only_o commemorate_v but_o act_n anew_o and_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n by_o receive_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o then_o as_o several_a previous_a disposition_n be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n with_o no_o less_o diligence_n and_o caution_n that_o as_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o constant_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v without_o any_o fluctuation_n believe_v the_o certain_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o that_o however_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v real_o present_a in_o the_o element_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o as_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o their_o will_n to_o his_o influence_n and_o direction_n so_o we_o shall_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o steady_a resolution_n of_o perform_v his_o command_n and_o that_o as_o they_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a mission_n of_o a_o comforter_n meet_v all_o together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o house_n so_o we_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o mighty_a benefit_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o perfect_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o if_o any_o of_o these_o due_a qualification_n be_v want_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o obtain_v any_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n or_o commemorate_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 16_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o give_v to_o we_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_o divine_a religion_n but_o also_o set_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o universal_a righteousness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n therein_o exceed_v all_o other_o lawgiver_n
of_o heathen_a philosopher_n tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o foment_n their_o pride_n and_o create_v in_o they_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n they_o refer_v it_o not_o to_o god_n nor_o employ_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o abate_v not_o their_o passion_n reform_v not_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o visible_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n save_v in_o make_v they_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a the_o constant_a character_n of_o those_o philosopher_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n will_n that_o we_o express_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n nor_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n either_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o understanding_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o expect_v either_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o we_o perpetual_o maintain_v a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o command_v of_o our_o almighty_a lawgiver_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o submission_n that_o we_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a threat_n or_o terror_n nor_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o supine_n negligence_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n but_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n which_o natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a 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 i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o that_o by_o this_o term_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o our_o faith_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o frequent_a acceptation_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o religion_n as_o it_o carry_v eminent_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n on_o many_o other_o account_n so_o chief_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o it_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n i._o if_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n propose_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o exact_o rational_a and_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o consideration_n but_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o no_o more_o than_o two_o as_o i._o christianity_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o secure_v his_o honour_n among_o man_n the_o brimary_n end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v intend_v cither_o to_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n and_o thanks_o which_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o right_a of_o creation_n redemption_n and_o other_o benefit_n require_v or_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n supply_v our_o necessity_n or_o confer_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o these_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o may_v best_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n our_o soul_n alone_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o religion_n can_v alone_o entertain_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o corporeal_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o otherwise_o holy_a or_o to_o be_v account_v of_o than_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o show_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o declare_v its_o thought_n and_o motion_n when_o vehement_a and_o intense_a by_o external_a indication_n all_o other_o voluntary_a external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o inward_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n serve_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o relate_v no_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n if_o we_o real_o employ_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n love_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v his_o justice_n these_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o discover_v themselves_o in_o outward_a act_n and_o gesture_n and_o can_v be_v suppress_v these_o external_a action_n declare_v to_o other_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o tend_v to_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v his_o glory_n but_o deserve_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v regard_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o inward_a piety_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o external_a show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o make_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o any_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o represent_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n by_o corporeal_a symbol_n rather_o than_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a service_n instead_o of_o a_o near_a conformity_n to_o himself_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n such_o a_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v true_a but_o neither_o agrceable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nor_o answer_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n god_n may_v accept_v it_o or_o even_o command_v it_o for_o a_o time_n in_o compassion_n to_o the_o blindness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n not_o capable_a under_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a religion_n but_o can_v never_o intend_v to_o continue_v it_o any_o long_o than_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a and_o open_a revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o the_o heathen_n deserve_v not_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v among_o who_o religious_a worship_n consist_v whole_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o action_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o wash_n and_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n in_o observation_n of_o time_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n which_o although_o they_o serve_v to_o typefie_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o with_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a religion_n yet_o do_v not_o direct_o signify_v any_o inward_a act_n of_o reverence_n piety_n or_o devotion_n nor_o be_v necessary_o accompany_v by_o they_o the_o perpetual_a offering_n of_o carnal_a sacrifice_n alone_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o worship_n since_o therein_o the_o sacrificer_n desire_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v the_o life_n of_o beast_n instead_o of_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n the_o devote_v their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o respect_v no_o ceremonial_a observance_n impose_v on_o we_o nor_o indeed_o any_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n save_v only_o those_o foederal_n rite_n i_o mean_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o
of_o the_o messiah_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o mighty_a expectation_n of_o a_o external_a pomp_n and_o secular_a greatness_n wherewith_o their_o messiah_n shall_v enter_v upon_o his_o office_n and_o which_o he_o shall_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n they_o think_v not_o of_o spiritual_a blessing_n reformation_n of_o manner_n removal_n of_o error_n proposal_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o rational_a religion_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a happiness_n in_o another_o life_n but_o mighty_a army_n and_o continual_a triumph_n wide_a conquest_n and_o inesâ—…imable_a spoil_n they_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n by_o the_o victorious_a arm_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a success_n at_o last_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n these_o fond_a conceit_n be_v now_o entertain_v by_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n and_o tenacious_o maintain_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o along_o believe_v indeed_o their_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o great_a messiah_n but_o withal_o even_o to_o his_o ascension_n continue_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o glorious_a office_n not_o all_o the_o premonition_n of_o his_o future_a suffering_n not_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o present_a poverty_n and_o disgrace_n or_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o burial_n can_v remove_v this_o inveterate_a error_n from_o their_o mind_n or_o create_v in_o they_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o office_n but_o after_o all_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n they_o ask_v he_o by_o common_a consent_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n will_v thou_o now_o commence_v that_o glorious_a reign_n which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v the_o want_n of_o this_o external_a pomp_n and_o appearance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a humility_n total_o hinder_v his_o brethren_n that_o be_v his_o kindred_n from_o believe_v on_o he_o as_o be_v express_v st._n john_n vii_o 5._o and_o can_v not_o divert_v the_o apostle_n who_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n from_o nourish_v vain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a greatness_n in_o this_o world_n insomuch_o as_o immediate_o after_o christ_n have_v foretell_v they_o in_o the_o x._o of_o st._n mark_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v betray_v deliver_v to_o the_o gentile_n buffet_v scourge_v and_o crucify_a the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n not_o discourage_v by_o all_o these_o calamity_n which_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o entrance_n into_o a_o great_a temporal_a glory_n request_v of_o he_o that_o one_o may_v fit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o emmaus_n far_o from_o consider_v the_o past_a suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o precedent_a admonition_n of_o it_o which_o may_v just_o have_v refute_v and_o defeat_v their_o foolish_a expectation_n begin_v to_o suspect_v this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n since_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v the_o hope_v for_o external_a redemption_n to_o the_o jew_n we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n but_o those_o hope_n be_v vanish_v and_o he_o yet_o continue_v in_o his_o grave_n since_o then_o the_o apostle_n continue_v to_o retain_v these_o prejudices_fw-la &_o preconceive_a error_n and_o be_v thereby_o hinder_v from_o conceive_v the_o spirituality_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v right_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n until_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v remove_v and_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n introduce_v till_o then_o they_o can_v not_o but_o gross_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o those_o many_o revelation_n which_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n this_n not_o only_o disable_v they_o from_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o also_o hinder_v they_o while_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n from_o receive_v any_o more_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o john_n xvi_o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n i_o have_v yet_o great_a mystery_n to_o reveal_v to_o you_o and_o which_o will_v seem_v more_o astonish_n to_o you_o but_o the_o indisposition_n of_o your_o understanding_n at_o present_a cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n will_v defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o these_o therefore_o i_o leave_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o i_o shall_v send_v unto_o you_o who_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a operation_n assist_v your_o understanding_n will_v prepare_v it_o for_o a_o ready_a reception_n of_o all_o those_o truth_n a_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o they_o may_v be_v that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n the_o mystery_n of_o which_o create_v in_o they_o the_o great_a perplexity_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v perform_v i_o mean_v his_o crucifixion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n before_o they_o see_v these_o thing_n effect_v they_o can_v not_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o they_o have_v represent_v to_o themselves_o as_o a_o triumphant_a messiah_n and_o earthly_a king_n shall_v undergo_v they_o and_o therefore_o all_o our_o saviour_n premonition_n concern_v they_o be_v no_o less_o dark_a and_o obscure_a than_o surprise_v to_o they_o but_o afterward_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o they_o awaken_v their_o attention_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v more_o serious_o upon_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o then_o plain_o perceive_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o every_o prediction_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v the_o event_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o view_v the_o circumstance_n of_o all_o these_o action_n can_v not_o but_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v all_o manifest_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v consequent_o to_o be_v necessary_o perform_v by_o he_o not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v the_o far_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a miracle_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v produce_v a_o great_a effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n than_o any_o precedent_a action_n and_o how_o the_o subsequent_a performance_n of_o action_n and_o mystery_n foretell_v by_o christ_n contribute_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o mystery_n themselves_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o especial_o from_o those_o two_o passage_n which_o i_o before_o produce_v john_n ii_o 22._o when_o therefore_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n remember_v that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o again_o john_n xii_o 16._o these_o thing_n understand_v not_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o but_o when_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v then_o remember_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n â—…ere_v write_v of_o he_o nay_o so_o much_o do_v christ_n himself_o attribute_v to_o the_o cogency_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n that_o to_o the_o jew_n desire_v a_o convictive_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n he_o assign_v no_o other_o than_o that_o as_o ionas_n be_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o a_o space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o however_o his_o other_o miracle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n to_o unprejudiced_a person_n yet_o in_o some_o place_n he_o seem_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o suspension_n of_o assent_n till_o they_o shall_v see_v this_o grand_a and_o final_a miracle_n perform_v thus_o in_o the_o word_n precede_v my_o text_n assure_v his_o apostle_n that_o though_o he_o depart_v for_o a_o while_n he_o shall_v live_v again_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o at_o that_o day_n the_o day_n of_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o and_o john_n viii_o 28._o dispute_v with_o the_o incredulous_a jew_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v their_o obstinate_a stupidity_n he_o say_v unto_o
whether_o divine_a or_o humane_a who_o never_o can_v equal_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o law_n by_o the_o spotless_a sanctity_n of_o their_o life_n even_o moses_n who_o have_v this_o testimony_n from_o god_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n do_v not_o always_o preserve_v inviolate_a that_o entire_a reliance_n on_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o he_o so_o earnest_o and_o so_o often_o recommend_v to_o his_o people_n but_o offend_v at_o the_o water_n of_o strife_n and_o be_v provoke_v to_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n as_o for_o other_o lawgiver_n who_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v either_o none_o or_o feign_a they_o be_v little_a solicitous_a to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o law_n by_o their_o example_n thereby_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o intend_v they_o rather_o for_o politic_a than_o religious_a end_n not_o so_o much_o to_o promote_v virtue_n as_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v exact_o perform_v in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o founder_n who_o give_v we_o not_o only_o a_o rule_n but_o a_o example_n of_o perfect_a piety_n in_o he_o all_o noble_a and_o divine_a virtue_n eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v rather_o attract_v our_o imitation_n than_o dazzle_v our_o contemplation_n just_o do_v he_o say_v of_o himself_o john_n ix_o 5._o that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n direct_v all_o person_n the_o way_n to_o happiness_n by_o his_o illustrious_a example_n and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n practise_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o in_o other_o person_n be_v single_o admire_v insomuch_o as_o we_o may_v just_o apply_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o other_o what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o in_o respect_n of_o humility_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o joh._n xiii_o 15._o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o his_o disciple_n to_o admire_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o example_n he_o require_v far_a of_o we_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v that_o we_o express_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o by_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o incomparable_a virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o propose_v they_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o we_o manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o follower_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o conduct_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v divide_v my_o discourse_n into_o three_o head_n i._o i_o will_v show_v that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o god_n intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a example_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o action_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o iii_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o argument_n induce_v we_o to_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o this_o example_n i._o that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o our_o action_n this_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v and_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n practise_v and_o consequent_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o his_o example_n which_o however_o indirect_a be_v yet_o a_o most_o evident_a argument_n but_o also_o from_o many_o other_o direct_a argument_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v name_v some_o few_o 1._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a sequel_n and_o design_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n one_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v those_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o history_n of_o it_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v chief_o observe_v four_o kind_n of_o matter_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_n of_o inspire_a person_n his_o miracle_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o ancient_a precede_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o action_n of_o these_o the_o two_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o two_o latter_a direct_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n to_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o abundant_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n he_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n into_o which_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v matter_n of_o the_o last_o sort_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v take_v no_o less_o care_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o these_o than_o with_o his_o doctrine_n the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o propose_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o imitation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o although_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o truth_n be_v affirm_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n these_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o her_o care_n and_o give_v for_o her_o direction_n it_o manifest_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o each_o evangelist_n apart_o to_o deliver_v a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o yet_o all_o conspire_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o give_v a_o full_a relation_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o direct_v those_o sacred_a penman_n and_o who_o infallible_a wisdom_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a think_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christian_n it_o become_v we_o as_o to_o adore_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o to_o take_v care_n least_o by_o neglect_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n so_o studious_o and_o full_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o defeat_v his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v perform_v that_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n in_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n john_n xiii_o tell_v they_o ver_fw-la 15._o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o by_o that_o ceremony_n he_o design_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o teach_v they_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o retain_v high_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o merit_n much_o less_o pride_n and_o ambition_n when_o they_o have_v see_v he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n condescend_v to_o execute_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o they_o who_o be_v his_o domestic_a servant_n and_o indeed_o the_o action_n can_v be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o end_n it_o have_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o the_o completion_n of_o any_o ancient_a prophecy_n serve_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a or_o admirable_a in_o it_o but_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n and_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v propose_v for_o our_o imitation_n than_o that_o many_o of_o his_o action_n aim_v at_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a virtue_n by_o the_o
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
happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n or_o interest_n much_o less_o betray_v it_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o shameful_a cowardice_n both_o these_o end_n be_v defeat_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n entire_o destroy_v hereby_o man_n renounce_v all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n disow_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o nor_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o this_o execrable_a crime_n of_o apostasy_n consist_v only_o in_o deny_v all_o christianity_n and_o whole_o renounce_v our_o saviour_n to_o yield_v up_o the_o least_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v divine_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o least_o error_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a to_o forsake_v a_o communion_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a to_o embrace_v one_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a be_v no_o less_o true_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o will_v undoubted_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n that_o we_o wilful_o recede_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o affront_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o prefer_v a_o lie_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n and_o direct_v our_o conduct_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o betray_v the_o most_o inconsiderable_a truth_n to_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o we_o have_v invert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o subject_v our_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n a_o indignity_n unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v which_o prostitute_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o nature_n rank_n he_o among_o brute_n beast_n and_o from_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o visible_a creature_n degrade_n he_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o when_o eternity_n and_o a_o interest_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v promote_v on_o earth_n by_o such_o apostasy_n lay_v at_o stake_n when_o immortality_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v destroy_v by_o it_o nay_o when_o the_o utmost_a displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o it_o eternal_a torment_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o prefer_v a_o few_o trifle_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v a_o height_n of_o folly_n which_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o example_n of_o this_o life_n can_v equal_v a_o impiety_n which_o neither_o the_o art_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v exceed_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
suffer_v our_o reason_n to_o take_v place_n if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v not_o our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o embolden_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o when_o discover_v we_o can_v but_o repent_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n and_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o truth_n clear_o and_o full_o manifest_v thus_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v he_o be_v abundant_o convince_v that_o the_o dismission_n of_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n he_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dreadful_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n by_o recur_v to_o he_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o he_o desire_v the_o plague_n to_o be_v remove_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perverse_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o make_v a_o example_n of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v yet_o a_o near_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o the_o psalmist_n in_o these_o word_n particular_o reflect_v on_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n they_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o choose_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v by_o the_o most_o amaze_a temporal_a benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v confer_v on_o any_o feed_v with_o a_o constant_a miracle_n lead_v by_o a_o prophet_n and_o confirm_v by_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o here_o be_v sufficient_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n yet_o we_o find_v frequent_a defection_n in_o they_o contempt_n of_o his_o precept_n vilify_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o disbelief_n of_o his_o promife_n which_o enforce_v god_n in_o indignation_n to_o say_v of_o they_o how_o long_o will_v this_o people_n provoke_v i_o and_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v ever_o they_o believe_v on_o i_o for_o all_o the_o sign_n which_o i_o have_v show_v among_o they_o i_o will_v smite_v they_o with_o the_o pestilence_n and_o disinherit_v they_o etc._n etc._n numb_a fourteen_o 11_o 12._o so_o then_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n and_o impulse_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n a_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a enormity_n against_o which_o god_n express_v the_o great_a indignation_n and_o on_o which_o he_o inflict_v the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n this_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o willing_o confess_v we_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o pharaoh_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v indignation_n and_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o he_o when_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v his_o history_n we_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v after_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o rebel_n against_o god_n slight_a his_o favour_n and_o endeavour_v to_o stone_n his_o prophet_n and_o their_o own_o deliverer_n we_o condemn_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonable_a conduct_n of_o both_o and_o be_v prone_a to_o conclude_v with_o ourselves_o have_v we_o then_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o pharaoh_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v imitate_v his_o obstinacy_n or_o their_o perverseness_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o better_a in_o such_o circumstance_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o behaviour_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o omission_n of_o it_o to_o be_v in_o no_o less_o a_o degree_n a_o harden_v of_o the_o heart_n than_o be_v the_o crime_n either_o of_o pharaoh_n or_o of_o the_o jew_n for_o our_o conviction_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v that_o of_o pharaoh_n our_o obligation_n great_a than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v without_o doubt_n full_o satisfy_v that_o our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o lay_v his_o command_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o require_v our_o obedience_n we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o although_o he_o have_v reserve_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n for_o sinner_n yet_o that_o this_o be_v dispense_v upon_o no_o othercondition_n than_o that_o of_o repentance_n without_o the_o practice_n therefore_o of_o this_o no_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v or_o be_v preserve_v and_o then_o may_v not_o he_o just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n and_o defy_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n by_o forsake_v bewail_a and_o amend_v his_o former_a disobedience_n who_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o to_o owe_v to_o his_o liberality_n both_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o continue_v to_o profess_v enmity_n to_o he_o by_o retain_v his_o sinful_a habit_n who_o believe_v all_o his_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a power_n wisdom_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o neither_o dread_v his_o anger_n nor_o reveres_fw-la his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o that_o if_o man_n consider_v but_o the_o natural_a obligation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o disobey_v he_o or_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n by_o unrepentance_n without_o either_o the_o constant_a accusation_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o a_o studious_a stifle_a of_o they_o by_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o then_o who_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n without_o conclude_v impenitent_a christian_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o unparalleled_a obstinacy_n when_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o universal_a decay_n of_o piety_n want_v their_o effect_n and_o fail_v in_o promote_a among_o man_n obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o maker_n god_n contrive_v such_o a_o method_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o inexcusable_a ingratitude_n do_v not_o oppose_v can_v not_o miscarry_v he_o invite_v they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n proclaim_v pardon_n to_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n propose_v infinite_a reward_n to_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o settle_v a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o may_v renew_v these_o promise_n and_o promote_v repentance_n by_o constant_a exhortation_n after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o corroborate_v or_o add_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o message_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n send_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o theapostle_n sermon_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v pre-required_n to_o it_o the_o main_a design_n of_o that_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o procure_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o adoration_n of_o himself_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o devotion_n to_o his_o will._n none_o of_o which_o can_v take_v place_n until_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v first_o renounce_v and_o change_v into_o a_o steady_a resolution_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a precept_n if_o then_o neither_o the_o offer_v of_o pardon_n can_v persuade_v we_o nor_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o if_o the_o frequent_a exhortation_n of_o faithful_a monitor_n can_v move_v we_o nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o engage_v we_o if_o these_o argument_n contrive_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n become_v fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o obduration_n great_a than_o any_o other_o because_o oppose_v reason_n strong_a than_o any_o other_o if_o to_o slight_a and_o overlook_a all_o these_o obligation_n be_v so_o enormous_a a_o obduration_n much_o more_o criminal_a will_v it_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o glorious_a