the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o revelation_n be_v infallible_a none_o can_v deny_v for_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o one_o who_o infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v except_v to_o these_o revelation_n and_o deny_v assent_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o think_v of_o before_o and_o which_o even_o when_o reveal_v to_o he_o he_o can_v well_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n show_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v or_o stumble_v at_o this_o from_o the_o obvious_a example_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o any_o be_v inferior_a to_o it_o nor_o the_o secret_n or_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o it_o find_v out_o by_o any_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o inferior_a be_v if_o it_o can_v speak_v and_o argue_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o noble_a faculty_n because_o it_o can_v conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o for_o one_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o because_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o than_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v in_o the_o text_n even_n so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unreasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o then_o all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o conception_n cease_v and_o it_o remain_v only_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o allege_a revelation_n be_v true_o divine_a this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n assert_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n declare_v his_o preach_v of_o it_o to_o be_v found_v not_o upon_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o nice_a conclusion_n as_o be_v the_o system_n of_o philosophy_n then_o receive_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o world_n from_o which_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o these_o two_o character_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o gentile_a philosophy_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o secure_a to_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o other_o effect_v both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n further_o these_o matter_n when_o once_o reveal_v and_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n as_o we_o propose_v not_o to_o other_o with_o artificial_a sophistry_n and_o rhetoric_n so_o we_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o pure_a argument_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o logical_a inference_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v ver._n 13._o but_o as_o we_o teach_v they_o with_o that_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o god_n direct_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o effect_v so_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o compare_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o general_a motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o follow_v but_o with_o the_o wisdom_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a now_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o method_n in_o our_o enquiry_n herein_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o 14_o ver._n but_o the_o natural_a man._n he_o who_o judge_v these_o revelation_n only_o according_a to_o his_o preconceive_a notion_n take_v up_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o receive_v not_o from_o they_o who_o weigh_v not_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n reinforcing_a these_o revelation_n he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v truth_n which_o surmount_v the_o reach_n of_o naked_a reason_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v only_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o regard_v not_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o revelation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v recommend_v so_o that_o while_o he_o act_v in_o this_o irrational_a method_n he_o can_v know_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whereas_o he_o who_o understand_v well_o the_o motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o compare_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a ver._n 15._o judge_v all_o thing_n may_v safe_o and_o without_o error_n pronounce_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o do_v so_o he_o be_v not_o just_o to_o be_v overrule_v with_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o consider_v the_o thing_n absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o compare_v with_o its_o motive_n of_o credibility_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man._n since_o plain_a reason_n direct_v that_o if_o the_o motive_n be_v find_v weighty_a than_o the_o difficulty_n he_o shall_v declare_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o not_o be_v startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n as_o concern_v a_o subject_n exceed_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o best_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o revelation_n we_o have_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v he_o but_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ._n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o context_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v form_v these_o two_o consideration_n whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n i._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o revelation_n nor_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o mere_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o ii_o that_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v their_o internal_a probability_n so_o much_o as_o their_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n first_o then_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v scandalize_v at_o they_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o for_o this_o we_o can_v rational_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o full_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o object_n which_o that_o we_o be_v not_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o many_o object_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n appear_v both_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o manifold_a experience_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v finite_a and_o so_o must_v the_o faculty_n of_o it_o also_o be_v one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o understanding_n which_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a
eternal_a happiness_n and_o true_a christian_a obedience_n which_o no_o change_n of_o fortune_n can_v dissolve_v no_o unforeseen_a calamity_n can_v overthrow_v therein_o the_o undertaker_n be_v only_o to_o answer_v for_o his_o diligence_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n require_v to_o complete_a his_o success_n but_o what_o be_v entire_o in_o his_o power_n if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v rest_v secure_a of_o the_o reward_n the_o nature_n the_o extent_n the_o duration_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v full_o make_v know_v unto_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o any_o long_o be_v distract_v with_o anxious_a thought_n about_o it_o and_o so_o have_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o as_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n give_v rest_n unto_o his_o soul_n weary_v before_o with_o a_o fruitless_a and_o uncertain_a search_n of_o happiness_n the_o last_o argument_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v take_v from_o the_o external_a assistance_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v and_o do_v still_o continue_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n in_o impose_v his_o yoke_n upon_o mankind_n know_v very_o well_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o opposition_n of_o his_o precept_n to_o their_o ordinary_a passion_n the_o tenderness_n and_o clemency_n which_o become_v the_o saviour_n redeemer_n and_o mediator_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o freewill_n alone_a but_o assist_v their_o obedience_n with_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o those_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n which_o render_v the_o imposition_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o he_o lay_v upon_o they_o easie_n and_o pleasant_a to_o they_o to_o convey_v this_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o it_o he_o have_v found_v a_o church_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v and_o public_o declare_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o those_o rite_n which_o himself_o have_v institute_v he_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o as_o such_o communicate_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o we_o who_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o if_o any_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o body_n whereof_o himself_o be_v the_o head_n they_o cease_v to_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o he_o receive_v none_o of_o those_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o body_n at_o least_o they_o can_v receive_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n appoint_v to_o convey_v they_o and_o if_o any_o pretend_v new_a light_n and_o new_a way_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v therefore_o what_o may_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o set_v up_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a light_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n to_o compensate_a the_o neglect_n of_o temperance_n and_o meekness_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v off_o the_o ordinary_a communication_n between_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o that_o channel_n find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o practise_v those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o our_o lord_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o annul_v the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o alleviate_v but_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n to_o claim_v the_o benefit_n and_o refuse_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o mankind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o vain_a persuasion_n and_o arrogant_a pretence_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o therein_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v he_o have_v settle_v the_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o change_v if_o we_o slight_v the_o assistance_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o mean_n we_o be_v incapable_a let_v we_o right_o esteem_v and_o implore_v this_o assistance_n to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v receive_v it_o that_o be_v a_o constant_a communion_n with_o his_o body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o her_o holy_a office_n and_o sacrament_n so_o shall_v we_o experience_v that_o his_o command_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o render_v pleasant_a by_o their_o reward_n but_o be_v also_o make_v easie_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o find_v assurance_n of_o what_o he_o promise_v rest_v to_o our_o weary_a soul_n the_o thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n and_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o many_o argument_n at_o last_o conclude_v his_o argument_n with_o these_o word_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o to_o act_v in_o a_o contrary_a manner_n be_v to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o invade_v what_o he_o claim_v peculiarly_a to_o himself_o and_o sure_o no_o less_o a_o argument_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o violate_v the_o majesty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n can_v deter_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o passion_n in_o man_n and_o can_v plead_v for_o itself_o with_o more_o plausible_a argument_n than_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o as_o that_o nature_n direct_v all_o creature_n to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o repel_v the_o assault_n of_o enemy_n that_o for_o this_o purpose_n all_o animal_n be_v endue_v with_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o courage_n that_o to_o pass_v by_o one_o enemy_n unrevenged_a expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o insult_v of_o enemy_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o friend_n and_o to_o renew_v wrong_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o baseness_n and_o cowardice_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o timorous_a soul_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o the_o affront_v and_o wrong_n of_o another_o man_n and_o that_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n to_o punish_v the_o malice_n of_o a_o offender_n by_o procure_v loss_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o part_n of_o distributive_a justice_n of_o which_o every_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n that_o so_o as_o the_o smart_n of_o revenge_n inflict_v may_v punish_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o aggressor_n the_o pleasure_n of_o inflict_a revenge_n may_v make_v some_o amends_o for_o the_o undeserved_a suffering_n of_o the_o injure_a party_n such_o argument_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o revenge_n and_o such_o do_v once_o introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o revenge_n be_v not_o only_o a_o matter_n allow_v but_o even_o a_o virtue_n the_o duty_n of_o every_o noble_a and_o courageous_a mind_n consonant_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o every_o private_a man._n thus_o the_o great_a master_n of_o morality_n among_o the_o heathen_n among_o who_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o that_o revenge_n be_v sweet_a than_o life_n itself_o that_o moderation_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o create_v but_o none_o in_o revenge_a injury_n that_o not_o to_o revenge_v a_o wrong_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o fear_n and_o sloth_n of_o a_o unmanly_a and_o degenerous_a mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v teach_v throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n to_o bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v we_o to_o recompense_v to_o no_o man_n evil_a for_o evil_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n which_o concern_v my_o present_a design_n not_o to_o avenge_v ourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o any_o sin_n of_o injustice_n commit_v against_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n either_o by_o
before_o mention_v that_o be_v unless_o we_o rise_v from_o sin_n to_o die_v again_o last_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o incomparable_a humility_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n manifest_v in_o his_o suffering_n render_v it_o not_o possible_a not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n he_o die_v not_o for_o his_o own_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o and_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o his_o own_o gild_n draw_v not_o that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o relieve_v the_o cause_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n and_o not_o suffer_v his_o persecutor_n any_o long_o to_o triumph_v in_o their_o wickedness_n further_o by_o his_o exact_a obedience_n by_o his_o inimitable_a patience_n in_o suffer_v the_o pain_n and_o his_o admirable_a humility_n in_o undergo_a the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v raise_v up_o that_o as_o he_o have_v humble_v himself_o in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o a_o no_o less_o illustrious_a glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o suffering_n and_o humility_n of_o christ_n be_v frequent_o assign_v as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o his_o exaltation_n it_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v of_o he_o psal._n cx_o 7._o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o brook_n in_o the_o way_n therefore_o shall_v he_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n and_o after_o his_o passion_n and_o ascension_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o by_o st._n paul_n philip._n ii_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o deash_n of_o the_o cross._n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o the_o first_o step_n of_o his_o exaltation_n be_v his_o resurrection_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o relate_v to_o both_o those_o part_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n which_o have_v undergo_v that_o meritorious_a humiliation_n not_o only_o his_o soul_n have_v suffer_v agony_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n have_v resign_v itself_o entire_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o submit_v quiet_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o bitter_a sentence_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o as_o the_o representative_a of_o sinful_a man_n have_v endure_v the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n a_o violent_a separation_n from_o the_o body_n with_o invincible_a patience_n and_o charity_n but_o also_o his_o body_n have_v partake_v in_o his_o agony_n have_v sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n have_v endure_v scourge_n and_o buffet_n crucifixion_n and_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o spear_n both_o soul_n and_o body_n therefore_o be_v to_o share_v in_o the_o reward_n of_o all_o these_o suffering_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n his_o body_n be_v to_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n capable_a of_o resurrection_n be_v to_o be_v reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o both_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o join_v since_o by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o be_v become_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o new_a and_o eternal_a covenant_n thus_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o inference_n proper_a to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n if_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v found_v our_o hope_n be_v raise_v that_o by_o which_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v complete_v the_o author_n of_o it_o crown_v and_o advance_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o look_v for_o the_o same_o resurrection_n it_o become_v we_o to_o celebrate_v this_o festival_n dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o with_o a_o suitable_a religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o account_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a institution_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o church_n that_o this_o day_n be_v account_v sacred_a beyond_o all_o other_o of_o the_o year_n our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o so_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o complete_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n on_o it_o no_o reveal_v religion_n be_v yet_o ever_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o celebrate_v some_o certain_a and_o solemn_a festival_n at_o fix_a time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o public_a solemnisation_n of_o those_o festival_n upon_o which_o the_o most_o illustrious_a act_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v perform_v be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o fact_n to_o deny_v all_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o be_v himself_o then_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o celebrate_v a_o solemn_a festival_n when_o he_o speak_v those_o word_n and_o sure_o unless_o there_o be_v solemn_a time_n and_o place_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n it_o will_v never_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v so_o worship_v nor_o be_v he_o worship_v in_o truth_n when_o man_n pay_v no_o external_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v true_o obtain_v to_o they_o himself_o have_v consecrate_v this_o day_n by_o his_o rise_n from_o the_o grave_a on_o it_o the_o apostle_n have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o this_o sacred_a use_n by_o their_o own_o and_o by_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n have_v before_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o in_o recognition_n of_o their_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o have_v create_v the_o world_n in_o six_o day_n and_o rest_v on_o the_o seven_o and_o that_o seven_o day_n which_o they_o celebrate_v rather_o than_o any_o other_o of_o the_o week_n be_v sanctify_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o that_o day_n as_o it_o be_v deut._n v._n 15._o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o servant_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n bring_v thou_o out_o thence_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretch_a out_o arm_n therefore_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n command_v thou_o to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n as_o the_o jew_n therefore_o date_v their_o seven_o day_n for_o ever_o from_o that_o day_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o the_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n continue_v to_o date_n their_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o day_n upon_o which_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_v a_o redemption_n so_o far_o great_a than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n that_o well_o may_v the_o day_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n give_v way_n to_o the_o day_n celebrate_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o redemption_n this_o change_n therefore_o be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o even_o before_o his_o ascension_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n by_o his_o personal_a direction_n and_o approbation_n for_o all_o the_o religious_a assembly_n we_o find_v of_o they_o both_z before_z and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n that_o so_o as_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o manifest_v their_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o solemnize_n for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n in_o which_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o so_o we_o christian_n shall_v declare_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o also_o manifest_a that_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n by_o sanctify_v for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n upon_o which_o the_o great_a and_o last_o act_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v perform_v which_o be_v therefore_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n i._n 10._o far_o as_o the_o particular_a day_n of_o the_o weekly_a festival_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v determine_v by_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o the_o seven_o day_n so_o the_o far_o great_a of_o their_o annual_a solemnity_n be_v institute_v in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o deliverance_n effect_v in_o the_o first_o month_n of_o the_o year_n this_o god_n do_v institute_v by_o a_o special_a command_n which_o be_v at_o large_a repeat_v to_o you_o in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o this_o day_n and_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o with_o so_o great_a rigour_n that_o he_o declare_v that_o soul_n which_o do_v not_o keep_v this_o annual_a feast_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o israel_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v require_v such_o eminent_a external_a testimony_n
henry_n wharton_z a.m._n one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v in_o lambeth_n chapel_n before_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n dr._n william_n sancroft_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o year_n mdclxxxix_o mdcxc_o by_o the_o learned_a henry_n wharton_n m._n a._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n be_v the_o second_o and_o last_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o â—i_fw-la chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n church_n yard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n p._n 25_o sermon_n iii_o esther_n v._o 13._o yet_o all_o this_o avail_v i_o nothing_o p._n 51_o sermon_n iu._n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o p._n 76_o sermon_n v._o rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v p._n 99_o sermon_n vi_o and_o vii_o 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n p._n 124_o 150_o sermon_n viii_o s._n mark_n viii_o 36._o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n p._n 181_o sermon_n ix_o s._n luk._n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 220_o sermon_n x._o s._n john_n viii_o 12._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n p._n 243_o sermon_n xi_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a source_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v p._n 266_o sermon_n xii_o matth._n xi_o 30._o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a p._n 291_o sermon_n xiii_o rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n p._n 318_o sermon_n fourteen_o act_n x._o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o p._n 352_o sermon_n xv_o xvi_o xvii_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v p._n 380_o 411_o 431_o sermon_n xviii_o act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n p._n 466_o sermon_n xix_o mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_n of_o god_n p._n 494_o sermon_n xx._n matth._n v._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n p._n 521_o sermon_n xxi_o luk._n ii_o 14._o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n p._n 567_o the_o first_o sermon_n on_o whit_n sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n john_n xvi_o 8._o and_o when_o he_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v be_v the_o final_a confirmation_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o perfect_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n set_v the_o last_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o long_o before_o gather_v a_o select_a number_n of_o faithful_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n but_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o have_v found_v a_o church_n till_o he_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o till_o than_o their_o notion_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o false_a and_o frivolous_a and_o as_o they_o certain_o know_v not_o what_o form_n of_o faith_n to_o profess_v so_o they_o dare_v not_o profess_v it_o open_o their_o religious_a meeting_n be_v yet_o in_o secret_a and_o no_o attempt_n yet_o make_v to_o form_v a_o church_n by_o conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n their_o thought_n be_v not_o so_o much_o fix_v upon_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o their_o master_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v as_o upon_o the_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o more_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o comforter_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o they_o want_v yet_o those_o perfection_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v qualify_v they_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o design_a office_n that_o zeal_n and_o charity_n which_o may_v animate_v and_o direct_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o master_n all_o these_o advantage_n be_v abundant_o confer_v these_o necessity_n supply_v by_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n then_o they_o receive_v internal_a light_n a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o messiah_n a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o then_o they_o obtain_v ability_n to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o courage_n to_o undertake_v it_o then_o they_o begin_v as_o to_o possess_v a_o assure_a and_o rational_a belief_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o profess_v and_o declare_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o so_o that_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o they_o what_o baptism_n be_v to_o we_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n hence_o these_o be_v the_o advantage_n confer_v upon_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o propagate_a the_o belief_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o confound_v the_o opposition_n of_o his_o adversary_n to_o this_o grand_a design_n the_o aforementioned_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v subservient_fw-fr be_v such_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n the_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v hitherto_o be_v reserve_v shut_v up_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o parabolical_a expression_n confine_v to_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o disciple_n which_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o acts._n but_o from_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n communicate_v to_o all_o without_o obscurity_n or_o reserve_v and_o propagate_v to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v hitherto_o appear_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a no_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v find_v but_o now_o he_o be_v to_o be_v rescue_v from_o that_o imputation_n by_o visible_a and_o undeniable_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n his_o kingdom_n be_v to_o commence_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o become_v glorious_a both_o from_o the_o number_n and_o piety_n of_o his_o follower_n the_o jew_n have_v
without_o control_v dare_v to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n vilify_v his_o person_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n but_o now_o they_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o contestable_a proof_n from_o heaven_n that_o his_o person_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a his_o doctrine_n divine_a and_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n in_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n have_v suffer_v aspersion_n in_o not_o revenge_v the_o suffering_n and_o reward_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o son_n but_o now_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o the_o jew_n convince_v that_o neither_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a nor_o his_o merit_n unrewarded_a the_o devil_n have_v triumph_v in_o his_o suppose_a conquest_n over_o christ_n and_o his_o imagination_n of_o have_v baffle_v the_o design_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o procure_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o his_o arrogant_a pretension_n be_v henceforth_o to_o be_v check_v his_o hope_n to_o be_v defeat_v his_o empire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v all_o these_o advantage_n be_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o these_o our_o lord_n sum_v up_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v inquire_v i._o in_o what_o sense_n all_o these_o effect_n and_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ii_o how_o far_o these_o promise_a effect_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o word_n reprove_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a be_v take_v from_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o signify_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n by_o such_o proof_n and_o testimony_n as_o by_o a_o impartial_a judge_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v valid_a the_o office_n therefore_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v the_o paraclet_n the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o earth_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n to_o produce_v these_o proof_n to_o urge_v and_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v indeed_o abundant_a proof_n before_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o proof_n be_v not_o convictive_a till_o lay_v open_a declare_v and_o propose_v this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o he_o perform_v by_o pour_v extraordinary_a gift_n upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o on_o this_o day_n which_o may_v enable_v they_o with_o power_n and_o eloquence_n with_o courage_n and_o success_n to_o propose_v those_o proof_n and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o reproof_n this_o conviction_n not_o only_o by_o their_o gift_n receive_v and_o labour_n perform_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o by_o all_o their_o miracle_n sermon_n and_o preach_v perform_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o these_o action_n be_v equal_o direct_v to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o in_o virtue_n of_o those_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n all_o their_o gift_n and_o labour_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o his_o power_n and_o derive_v from_o his_o grant_n their_o knowledge_n to_o his_o inspiration_n their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o his_o support_n their_o speak_v to_o his_o impulse_n their_o miracle_n to_o his_o power_n their_o success_n to_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o all_o which_o they_o perform_v aught_o true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o miracle_n action_n and_o prophecy_n of_o their_o lord_n before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o miracle_n and_o labour_n of_o themselves_o after_o it_o be_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o efficacy_n the_o application_n of_o this_o conviction_n be_v to_o proceed_v sole_o from_o the_o ability_n confer_v on_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continue_v his_o office_n of_o advocate_n not_o only_o during_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o those_o gift_n which_o he_o then_o begin_v to_o dispense_v to_o the_o apostle_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o diffuse_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o gift_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v maintain_v the_o faithful_a enliven_v the_o conviction_n continue_v he_o then_o convince_v the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o now_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o their_o successor_n act_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o they_o through_o his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n his_o gift_n indeed_o confer_v on_o they_o be_v far_o more_o eminent_a because_o more_o necessary_a his_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n more_o remarkable_a because_o manifest_v the_o completion_n of_o many_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o promise_n of_o this_o text_n be_v then_o more_o eminent_o fulfil_v and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o i_o come_v next_o in_o order_n to_o consider_v first_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o come_n reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o christ_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 9_o verse_n by_o the_o world_n we_o be_v here_o primary_o to_o understand_v the_o jew_n who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n perform_v by_o christ_n deny_v assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n this_o disbelief_n of_o they_o before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o excuse_v and_o pardon_n and_o st._n pet._n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n v._o 17._o extenuate_v their_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n by_o their_o ignorance_n which_o plea_n will_v have_v be_v but_o trifle_v have_v not_o their_o ignorance_n in_o some_o measure_n be_v excusable_a but_o after_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o stand_v out_o against_o those_o manifold_a conviction_n that_o be_v then_o offer_v can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o inexcusable_a perverseness_n and_o incredulity_n of_o this_o we_o may_v assign_v two_o several_a reason_n first_o that_o although_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n perform_v many_o and_o those_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o these_o affect_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spectator_n of_o they_o for_o while_o alive_a he_o never_o blazon_v abroad_o his_o miracle_n nor_o employ_v his_o disciple_n in_o spread_v the_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o however_o many_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n can_v not_o but_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o his_o divinity_n yet_o the_o universal_a conviction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o courage_n and_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o proclaim_v his_o action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o all_o man_n and_o if_o need_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o other_o no_o less_o extraordinary_a miracle_n second_o the_o chief_a note_n affix_v by_o god_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o prophet_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o prophecy_n thus_o in_o deut._n xviii_o when_o moses_n assure_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o god_n shall_v raise_v they_o up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o himself_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n he_o give_v they_o this_o token_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o the_o true_a and_o any_o false_a messiah_n if_o the_o prediction_n of_o he_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v real_o come_v to_o pass_v then_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o almost_o only_a prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o can_v serve_v as_o sign_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o resurrection_n of_o himself_o after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o that_o generation_n shall_v pass_v away_o the_o first_o be_v happy_o accomplish_v upon_o this_o day_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n
saviour_n give_v we_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o himself_o who_o in_o that_o life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a world_n use_v none_o of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o much_o admire_v and_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o deny_v to_o himself_o even_o the_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o put_v his_o body_n to_o great_a hardship_n than_o the_o very_a beast_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n as_o for_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dread_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o can_v attend_v the_o body_n he_o willing_o undergo_v they_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n chief_o indeed_o to_o appease_v the_o divine_a anger_n and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n with_o how_o great_a readiness_n and_o patience_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o when_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o then_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n can_v persuade_v we_o if_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n can_v move_v we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n so_o plain_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v destroy_v by_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n these_o law_n be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o when_o comply_v with_o fail_v not_o to_o obtain_v their_o end_n no_o wonder_v then_o if_o when_o we_o neglect_v these_o mean_n we_o miss_v the_o end_n and_o by_o pursue_v contrary_a method_n render_v ourselves_o miserable_a that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o general_n and_o of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n to_o which_o our_o text_n more_o peculiar_o relate_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o then_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o rational_a be_v and_o as_o such_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v its_o action_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v worse_o than_o insensible_a being_n which_o all_o perform_v the_o several_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o by_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o command_n of_o their_o creator_n whereas_o the_o soul_n in_o contract_a habit_n of_o sin_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n debase_v its_o own_o nature_n rebel_n against_o god_n and_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o its_o creation_n for_o for_o this_o very_a end_n our_o soul_n be_v create_v that_o they_o shall_v act_n as_o spiritual_a being_n and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n insert_v in_o they_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n form_v by_o our_o reason_n at_o least_o maintain_v if_o not_o advance_v our_o nature_n when_o afterward_o through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n these_o rule_n be_v corrupt_v and_o our_o judgement_n blind_v god_n give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n and_o let_v we_o know_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n give_v we_o and_o a_o soul_n assign_v to_o we_o to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n then_o or_o violate_v it_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v our_o nature_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a sort_n of_o being_n for_o as_o sin_n turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n so_o it_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o somewhat_o worse_a than_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v still_o continue_v soul_n but_o that_o do_v but_o augment_v their_o misery_n because_o be_v immortal_a they_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a always_o gnaw_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o degenerous_a action_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o own_o deprave_a nature_n second_o sin_n destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v and_o in_o these_o will_v consist_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o serene_a meditation_n upon_o the_o unparalleled_a perfection_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o a_o ardent_a and_o perpetual_a love_n of_o he_o and_o conscience_n of_o be_v love_v by_o he_o now_o sin_n set_v a_o man_n at_o enmity_n with_o god_n make_v he_o unworthy_a his_o favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o such_o contemplation_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v on_o he_o with_o delight_n who_o we_o account_v our_o enemy_n or_o how_o can_v we_o not_o esteem_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o law_n we_o violate_v and_o who_o precept_n we_o contemn_v the_o conscience_n of_o this_o divine_a anger_n alone_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n than_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v force_v to_o say_v god_n have_v create_v i_o and_o do_v now_o preserve_v i_o but_o think_v i_o unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o esteem_v i_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a he_o give_v i_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o they_o be_v to_o my_o destruction_n and_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v worthy_a of_o all_o love_n and_o dread_a but_o he_o deny_v to_o i_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v not_o indeed_o annihilate_v i_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o reserve_v great_a punishment_n for_o i_o he_o put_v i_o here_o into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n on_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v fit_v myself_o to_o be_v his_o attendant_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o he_o have_v exclude_v i_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o destine_v i_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o devil_n such_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v render_v the_o soul_n true_o miserable_a and_o not_o only_o unhappy_a but_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n for_o a_o soul_n corrupt_v with_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o be_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o be_v delight_n of_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o heaven_n shall_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a miracle_n be_v bestow_v upon_o wicked_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o relish_v with_o they_o nor_o be_v grateful_a to_o they_o last_o sin_n defeat_v the_o future_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o exclude_v it_o from_o its_o intend_a reward_n and_o engage_v it_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o probationer_n for_o another_o be_v a_o be_v of_o itself_o capable_a of_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o act_v here_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o great_a perfection_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o by_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o this_o world_n gain_v admittance_n into_o the_o next_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o it_o now_o view_v dark_o and_o imperfect_o shall_v then_o see_v face_n to_o face_n this_o will_v give_v the_o last_o perfection_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v advance_v but_o sin_n deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o thereby_o permit_v it_o not_o to_o obtain_v its_o end_n a_o loss_n much_o great_a than_o thought_n can_v imagine_v or_o tongue_n express_v but_o still_o great_a when_o consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o bare_a loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n where_o such_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v as_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n desirous_a of_o annihilation_n and_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o
upon_o his_o constant_a guard_n lest_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v surprise_v and_o sure_o a_o surprise_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v avoid_v where_o so_o many_o passage_n must_v be_v guard_v when_o the_o enemy_n may_v enter_v in_o by_o the_o sense_n or_o imagination_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o external_a object_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o internal_a thought_n and_o all_o these_o as_o numerous_a and_o various_a as_o be_v the_o object_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v or_o about_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v scarce_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v we_o not_o discover_v some_o passion_n predominant_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o may_v he_o be_v allow_v to_o indulge_v he_o will_v confident_o undertake_v for_o the_o good_a behaviour_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o liberty_n christianity_n deny_v to_o he_o enjoin_v he_o a_o universal_a conquest_n of_o all_o his_o passion_n a_o general_a performance_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n upon_o pain_n of_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o all_o and_o this_o be_v true_o so_o great_a a_o difficulty_n that_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v any_o far_a reason_n why_o the_o best_a christian_n of_o all_o age_n be_v but_o hardly_o save_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o two_o 1._o the_o want_n of_o a_o universal_a example_n and_o 2._o the_o want_n of_o miracle_n by_o these_o the_o ancient_a christian_n convert_v the_o heathen_a world_n and_o through_o want_n of_o these_o we_o be_v almost_o return_v to_o heathenism_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n of_o virtue_n to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n when_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o retain_v the_o character_n they_o have_v undertake_v without_o a_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o piety_n when_o to_o be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a be_v to_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n when_o vice_n be_v a_o singularity_n and_o dissent_n from_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o denomination_n whereas_o in_o latter_a age_n the_o whole_a have_v be_v invert_v the_o character_n universal_o retain_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o a_o pious_a christian_a must_v dissent_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o virtue_n be_v become_v a_o singularity_n inasmuch_o as_o what_o can_v be_v sufficienty_n lament_v many_o ingenuous_a mind_n have_v be_v betray_v to_o sin_n to_o which_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o incline_v lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v uncivil_a and_o morose_a and_o when_o unlawful_a custom_n can_v acquire_v the_o esteem_n of_o civility_n among_o christian_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v a_o extreme_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o example_n in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v more_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n such_o as_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christendom_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o man_n do_v of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o country_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o severe_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n trifle_n with_o it_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o hope_v for_o impunity_n in_o a_o multitude_n to_o fall_v into_o impiety_n when_o no_o shame_n restrain_v they_o when_o a_o prevail_a example_n lead_v they_o as_o for_o man_n of_o more_o raise_v understanding_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o even_o those_o escape_n not_o this_o universal_a contagion_n they_o fear_v to_o be_v account_v singular_a be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v and_o perhaps_o at_o last_o to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n this_o difficulty_n receive_v yet_o far_o aggravation_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o gild_n that_o ourselves_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n be_v pure_o extraneous_a for_o which_o those_o christian_n be_v not_o accountable_a they_o bring_v not_o their_o persecution_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o sin_n commit_v before_o conversion_n can_v not_o afterward_o be_v just_o impute_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n whereas_o this_o disadvantage_n we_o now_o complain_v of_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v contribute_v somewhat_o and_o beside_o the_o internal_a gild_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v have_v upon_o that_o account_n increase_v our_o sin_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o exemplariness_n of_o our_o future_a conduct_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n and_o retrieve_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o former_a time_n for_o that_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v but_o to_o compensate_a the_o injury_n which_o we_o have_v do_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o our_o sinful_a deportment_n the_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o present_a age_n which_o i_o mention_v the_o want_n of_o miracle_n can_v indeed_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o nor_o yet_o be_v retrieve_v by_o we_o yet_o a_o sensible_a disadvantage_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v when_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o former_a time_n who_o faith_n and_o zeal_n be_v constant_o awaken_v keep_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o the_o frequent_a sight_n of_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o expect_v and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v but_o i_o wave_v the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o difficulty_n because_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n yet_o this_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o it_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o it_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o have_v so_o contrive_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n that_o both_o of_o they_o have_v very_o near_o equal_a assistance_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o so_o he_o may_v without_o derogation_n to_o his_o justice_n perform_v what_o our_o lord_n promise_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o housholder_n in_o the_o xx._n of_o st._n matthew_n reward_v those_o who_o he_o have_v call_v in_o the_o eleven_o hour_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o he_o have_v hire_v in_o the_o morning_n who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n which_o the_o father_n general_o expound_v of_o this_o very_a case_n for_o now_o those_o who_o he_o call_v first_o who_o undergo_v such_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o fierce_a persecution_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v just_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v equal_o reward_v with_o they_o who_o endure_v none_o of_o those_o calamity_n the_o church_n indeed_o in_o latter_a age_n have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quiet_n have_v not_o maintain_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o expense_n of_o her_o blood_n so_o neither_o do_v she_o enjoy_v those_o miracle_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o which_o they_o be_v bless_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o eminent_a example_n the_o miracle_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a the_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a who_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o god_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n the_o same_o gift_n and_o miracle_n be_v continue_v till_o peace_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o advantage_n we_o want_v which_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o security_n we_o have_v which_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o if_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o comparison_n we_o want_v also_o that_o glorious_a example_n of_o universal_a piety_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o their_o day_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o enter_v not_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n with_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o habit_n of_o vice_n with_o which_o they_o do_v they_o feel_v not_o the_o mischief_n of_o a_o ill_a example_n prevail_v among_o christian_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n thus_o god_n have_v most_o wise_o in_o all_o age_n make_v
more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a