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argument_n from_o thence_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o respect_v only_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o those_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o external_a revelation_n we_o can_v doubt_v that_o god_n full_o know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a he_o be_v most_o veracious_a that_o as_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o so_o he_o can_v deceive_v we_o if_o then_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v this_o all_o scruple_n ought_v to_o cease_v which_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v be_v indeed_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o since_o god_n can_v affirm_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v false_a it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n against_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n this_o matter_n be_v false_a
mistake_v of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n which_o i_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o solve_n this_o difficulty_n every_o one_o of_o they_o form_v a_o different_a opinion_n yet_o all_o come_v short_a of_o truth_n eliphaz_n who_o speak_v first_o assert_v that_o god_n inflict_v temporal_a misfortune_n on_o no_o man_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o some_o enormous_a sin_n and_o therefore_o urge_v job_n to_o confess_v his_o secret_a sin_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v xxii_o 5._o be_v not_o thy_o wickedness_n great_a and_o thy_o iniquity_n infinite_a and_o so_o on_o where_o he_o affirm_v job_n to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n only_o because_o god_n have_v heap_v extraordinary_a calamity_n upon_o he_o bildad_o maintain_v that_o god_n may_v as_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n afflict_v man_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o antecedent_n sin_n but_o than_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o recompense_v it_o to_o he_o by_o subsequent_a prosperity_n for_o thus_o he_o express_v himself_o viii_o 6_o 7._o if_o thou_o be_v pure_a and_o upright_a sure_o now_o he_o will_v awake_v for_o thou_o and_o make_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n prosperous_a though_o thy_o beginning_n be_v small_a yet_o thy_o latter_a end_n shall_v great_o increase_v zophar_n deliver_v his_o opinion_n throughout_o the_o whole_a xi_o chap._n that_o god_n may_v in_o right_n of_o his_o supreme_a power_n lay_v the_o heavy_a affliction_n upon_o man_n without_o any_o respect_n either_o to_o antecedent_n sin_n or_o subsequent_a recompense_n elihu_n think_v that_o god_n may_v afflict_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n indifferent_o but_o that_o if_o good_a man_n receive_v the_o affliction_n humble_o and_o with_o submission_n and_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o and_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v move_v to_o repent_v through_o it_o god_n will_v remove_v the_o affliction_n and_o restore_v prosperity_n to_o they_o especial_o if_o a_o angel_n intercede_v for_o they_o as_o he_o express_v himself_o at_o large_a in_o the_o xxxiii_o chap._n last_o job_n whatever_o his_o opinion_n may_v be_v while_o his_o calamity_n be_v yet_o fresh_a and_o any_o hope_n remain_v of_o the_o speedy_a removal_n of_o it_o or_o however_o he_o may_v alter_v his_o judgement_n after_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o trouble_n when_o the_o disease_n grow_v inveterate_a and_o no_o hope_n of_o delivery_n yet_o appear_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v think_v that_o god_n intermedled_n not_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o world_n and_o reserve_v neither_o reward_n for_o the_o good_a nor_o punishment_n for_o the_o bad_a which_o opinion_n he_o propose_v chief_o in_o the_o xxi_o chap._n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v alike_o erroneous_a and_o yet_o all_o found_v upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n those_o of_o eliphaz_n bildad_n and_o elihu_n upon_o his_o justice_n those_o of_o zophar_n and_o job_n upon_o his_o power_n the_o error_n of_o the_o three_o first_o plain_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o determine_v matter_n above_o their_o knowledge_n confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o this_o life_n only_o have_v this_o which_o they_o all_o suppose_a be_v indeed_o true_a one_o at_o least_o of_o their_o opinion_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v receive_v otherwise_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v clear_v but_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n exercise_v his_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n only_o may_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a soul_n teach_v they_o that_o another_o world_n be_v a_o far_o more_o convenient_a tribunal_n for_o this_o judicature_n or_o if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n for_o want_n of_o revelation_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a and_o wherewith_o our_o saviour_n afterward_o convince_v the_o jew_n may_v not_o i_o say_v the_o experience_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o god_n do_v not_o ultimate_o bestow_v his_o reward_n and_o consequent_o not_o his_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n they_o have_v receive_v glorious_a promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o god_n promise_n which_o may_v just_o make_v they_o expect_v some_o eminent_a advantage_n beyond_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o just_a expectation_n be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n expose_v to_o injury_n and_o trouble_v with_o frequent_a affliction_n and_o that_o till_o death_n a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o god_n reserve_v the_o consummation_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o another_o life_n as_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o zophar_n that_o god_n may_v bring_v affliction_n on_o man_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a power_n over_o mankind_n that_o overthrow_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o will_v render_v his_o government_n tyrannical_a and_o even_o like_a to_o that_o of_o hell_n which_o sport_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v a_o most_o wise_a be_v and_o can_v do_v such_o a_o vain_a act_n he_o be_v a_o most_o just_a be_v and_o can_v execute_v such_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n he_o never_o afflict_v or_o prosper_v man_n by_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o this_o life_n but_o either_o for_o their_o reward_n their_o punishment_n or_o their_o correction_n as_o for_o the_o prosperity_n or_o affliction_n which_o may_v befall_v man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v respect_v indeed_o none_o of_o all_o those_o end_n nor_o do_v they_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n last_o the_o opinion_n of_o job_n that_o god_n interpofe_v not_o extraordinary_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v confute_v from_o the_o same_o attribute_n and_o consideration_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o god_n allow_v and_o ratify_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v say_v when_o he_o give_v such_o a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o integrity_n to_o he_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v only_o to_o vindicate_v he_o from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o his_o friend_n more_o particular_o eliphas_n and_o elihu_n maintain_v that_o his_o affliction_n have_v befall_v he_o for_o the_o enormity_n of_o his_o antecedent_n sin_n god_n confirm_v not_o his_o speech_n make_v in_o answer_n to_o they_o by_o this_o suffrage_n and_o therefore_o job_n himself_o deplore_v the_o rashness_n of_o his_o opinion_n in_o xlii_o 6._o wherefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a or_o derogatory_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o honour_n among_o men._n only_a job_n assert_v not_o pertinacious_o as_o his_o friend_n do_v their_o opinion_n he_o conclude_v not_o peremptory_o but_o only_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v not_o discover_v any_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o god_n by_o visible_a effect_n in_o this_o life_n a_o opinion_n indeed_o which_o too_o many_o have_v take_v up_o and_o some_o do_v yet_o maintain_v but_o which_o can_v be_v allow_v without_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n also_o for_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o just_a that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n but_o can_v we_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o good_a who_o after_o have_v create_v man_n and_o settle_v he_o in_o the_o world_n take_v no_o far_a care_n of_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o chance_n and_o there_o stop_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v he_o be_v perfect_o just_a who_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o universal_a calamity_n or_o opression_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v but_o often_o happen_v notwithstanding_o the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o his_o government_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o maintain_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n do_v we_o not_o destroy_v his_o government_n when_o we_o confine_v it_o only_o to_o another_o life_n or_o perhaps_o allow_v it_o no_o place_n in_o either_o since_o god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n the_o government_n of_o it_o have_v become_v necessary_a to_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o derive_v at_o any_o time_n any_o extraordinary_a influence_n upon_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o commendable_a than_o for_o a_o temporal_a prince_n to_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v unconcern_v for_o the_o affair_n of_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
his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n the_o soldier_n send_v to_o break_v his_o leg_n while_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o they_o may_v hasten_v his_o death_n who_o they_o suppose_v not_o yet_o to_o have_v expire_v find_v he_o already_o dead_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o the_o devout_a woman_n which_o follow_v he_o take_v he_o down_o from_o the_o cross_n lay_v he_o in_o his_o grave_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v then_o dead_a his_o disciple_n who_o if_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v offer_v will_v not_o easy_o believe_v he_o dead_a from_o who_o they_o then_o expect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o at_o his_o first_o appear_v to_o they_o they_o be_v affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n to_o these_o proof_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v add_v to_o evince_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o death_n a_o evidence_n which_o be_v want_v to_o all_o the_o relation_n of_o man_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o allege_v from_o plato_n the_o story_n of_o eris_n lie_v for_o many_o day_n among_o the_o dead_a body_n and_o after_o that_o recover_a life_n again_o and_o pretend_v that_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o they_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o certain_a person_n to_o life_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o relate_v by_o any_o for_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o fact_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o case_n the_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o person_n be_v true_o dead_a nor_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v it_o less_o evident_a that_o christ_n be_v true_o alive_a invest_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o real_a body_n meet_v in_o he_o he_o be_v see_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o which_o prove_v his_o body_n not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o aerial_a apparition_n he_o talk_v and_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o demonstrate_v that_o body_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n he_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n of_o feeling_n command_v they_o to_o handle_v he_o say_v to_o unbelieving_a thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n which_o manifest_v that_o the_o body_n which_o he_o then_o offer_v to_o that_o trial_n be_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o still_o retain_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o spear_n that_o this_o same_o body_n and_o soul_n reunite_v be_v also_o join_v to_o the_o divinity_n as_o before_o his_o passion_n appear_v from_o his_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v after_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o real_a resurrection_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n first_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o faith_n of_o who_o although_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v die_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a of_o these_o the_o pious_a woman_n be_v first_o bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o reward_n of_o their_o maintain_v their_o love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o when_o his_o apostle_n have_v forsake_v he_o or_o that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o garden_n where_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v immediate_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o before_o he_o be_v yet_o depart_v out_o of_o it_o they_o see_v he_o know_v he_o and_o salute_v he_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n be_v advertise_v of_o it_o by_o they_o haste_v to_o see_v their_o master_n and_o receive_v not_o only_o a_o transient_a view_n of_o he_o but_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o appear_v to_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o and_o at_o last_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o friend_n we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o enemy_n which_o in_o all_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n the_o soldier_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o watch_v his_o sepulchre_n plain_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v his_o resurrection_n although_o be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o such_o unusual_a prodigy_n they_o do_v not_o well_o perceive_v it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v not_o suffer_v by_o their_o fear_n to_o stay_v till_o christ_n shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o feel_v the_o earthquake_n which_o remove_v the_o stone_n roll_v to_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o see_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o angel_n like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n and_o come_v into_o the_o city_n show_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v as_o we_o read_v matth._n xxviii_o ii_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n have_v before_o join_v with_o man_n in_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o here_o concur_v in_o witness_v his_o resurrection_n the_o woman_n come_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n present_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o look_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n in_o the_o sepulchre_n find_v there_o two_o angel_n in_o white_a sit_v one_o at_o the_o head_n the_o other_o at_o the_o foot_n where_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v lie_v who_o say_v to_o they_o why_o seek_v you_o the_o dead_a among_o the_o live_n he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v last_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v both_o his_o friend_n and_o enemy_n the_o report_n of_o sense_n ofttimes_o repeat_v to_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o resurrection_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o this_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n comfort_v enable_v and_o encourage_v the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o also_o in_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o concurrent_a miracle_n as_o it_o be_v act_v iu_o 33._o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o open_o affirm_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o then_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o affirmation_n wrought_v sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o to_o the_o spectator_n do_v as_o full_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v it_o do_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v exert_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n for_o the_o attestation_n of_o a_o lye_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o reality_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o the_o ii_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n express_v in_o those_o word_n have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n which_o be_v various_o interpret_v some_o maintain_v that_o they_o imply_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o grave_a other_o that_o they_o point_v out_o the_o dolorous_a suffering_n by_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o a_o state_n opposite_a to_o that_o humiliation_n a_o three_o sort_n understanding_n by_o they_o a_o destruction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v support_v with_o great_a reason_n nor_o will_v it_o here_o be_v proper_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n which_o of_o they_o rather_o be_v to_o be_v embrace_v they_o be_v all_o rational_a consonant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o significative_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n i_o will_v therefore_o apply_v they_o all_o the_o first_o opinion_n include_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n that_o be_v a_o reunion_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n separate_v by_o death_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o chief_o refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o here_o allege_v by_o the_o apostle_n david_n have_v be_v often_o bring_v
efficacy_n of_o it_o with_o a_o unjust_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v introduce_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a and_o benign_a man_n that_o so_o his_o justice_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a clemency_n may_v demonstrate_v the_o force_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o a_o good_a man_n receive_v those_o kind_o who_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n the_o greatness_n of_o who_o bounty_n exceed_v our_o comprehension_n it_o have_v be_v enough_o as_o i_o before_o say_v to_o have_v propose_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a judge_n but_o to_o represent_v a_o cruel_a impious_a inhuman_a judge_n unmerciful_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o easy_a to_o supplicant_n instruct_v we_o that_o even_o a_o wicked_a nature_n may_v be_v by_o prayer_n incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v to_o do_v more_o lively_a to_o express_v the_o force_n foe_fw-mi prayer_n when_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o carry_v we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o severe_a judge_n cruel_a by_o nature_n but_o mollify_v by_o prayer_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n the_o father_n most_o good_a kind_a gentle_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o forgive_a sin_n bear_v with_o insuperable_a patience_n the_o daily_a affront_v of_o man_n the_o honour_n pay_v to_o his_o adversary_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o contumely_n therein_o offer_v to_o his_o own_o son_n what_o success_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hope_v to_o our_o prayer_n make_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v present_v with_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o necessary_a preparation_n the_o unjust_a judge_n although_o he_o fear_v not_o god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o widow_n for_o her_o importunity_n what_o fear_n can_v not_o do_v prayer_n obtain_v neither_o threat_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n can_v incline_v the_o man_n to_o justice_n yet_o the_o cry_n and_o supplication_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n soften_v his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o tractable_a if_o she_o can_v obtain_v so_o much_o from_o a_o rough_a ill-natured_a man_n how_o much_o great_a kindness_n goodness_n and_o love_n may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o god_n who_o always_o desire_v to_o show_v mercy_n but_o never_o to_o exercise_v severity_n who_o very_a threat_n and_o punishment_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o direct_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobedience_n let_v we_o once_o more_o review_v the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o unjust_a judge_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o men._n if_o he_o who_o never_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v any_o good_a change_v on_o the_o sudden_a by_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o poor_a supplicant_n and_o be_v move_v to_o compassion_n much_o more_o will_v the_o importunate_a prayer_n of_o man_n be_v prevalent_a with_o he_o who_o nature_n include_v a_o infinity_n of_o goodness_n and_o who_o dispense_v the_o emanation_n of_o that_o goodness_n in_o vast_a and_o constant_a benefit_n even_o without_o entreaty_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n riches_n life_n and_o health_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o only_a for_o his_o immense_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n but_o if_o he_o so_o favour_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v those_o who_o ask_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a that_o the_o benefit_n proceed_v from_o he_o what_o will_v he_o not_o bestow_v on_o those_o who_o spend_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o last_o reason_n of_o doubt_v in_o prayer_n be_v the_o conscience_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o supplicant_n which_o conscience_n be_v either_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a unworthiness_n of_o man_n or_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o these_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a the_o former_a fall_n in_o with_o that_o doubt_n which_o i_o last_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o remove_v and_o to_o persuade_v the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o that_o removal_n have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o day_n discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a the_o place_n of_o it_o to_o be_v regard_v the_o posture_n not_o to_o be_v neglect_v the_o condition_n indispensable_a and_o the_o success_n certain_a the_o eighteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o may_n 4._o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 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 the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v so_o undeniable_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n so_o firm_a a_o assurance_n of_o those_o hope_n which_o we_o conceive_v of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n deserve_v at_o this_o season_n more_o than_o a_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o that_o which_o chief_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a continue_v his_o expectation_n of_o enjoy_v hereafter_o a_o better_a state_n and_o after_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o his_o saviour_n here_o on_o earth_n wrought_v for_o his_o sake_n complete_v his_o joy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n therefore_o all_o the_o time_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o joy_n during_o that_o whole_a season_n in_o the_o public_a office_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v no_o less_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o time_n than_o to_o those_o of_o more_o ancient_a age_n so_o our_o gratitude_n and_o rejoice_v in_o memory_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o intense_a it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o those_o ancient_a christian_n live_v near_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n have_v more_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v than_o we_o now_o have_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n always_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v now_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o uncertain_a interest_n as_o they_o be_v then_o when_o the_o experience_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n render_v it_o most_o certain_a or_o that_o however_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n who_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v no_o less_o just_a cause_n of_o joy_n than_o admiration_n yet_o that_o other_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n can_v not_o but_o be_v less_o concern_v at_o the_o relation_n by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fruitful_a in_o invent_v argument_n oppose_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n some_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o other_o even_o to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o after_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v not_o in_o public_a converse_v not_o in_o solemn_a place_n and_o among_o the_o multitude_n as_o before_o but_o only_o show_v himself_o to_o some_o few_o disciple_n of_o his_o own_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v off_o this_o objection_n and_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o conduct_n of_o christ_n relate_v in_o the_o text_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o and_o show_v 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 to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v divide_v my_o design_a discourse_n into_o these_o three_o part_n i._o that_o to_o have_v show_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o whole_a unbelieve_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o create_v a_o universal_a conviction_n iii_o that_o god_n have_v notwithstanding_o offer_v to_o mankind_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o reasonable_a conviction_n first_o then_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o honour_n
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and_o most_o signal_o the_o great_a of_o they_o that_o of_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a do_v natural_o dispose_v to_o humility_n accustom_v the_o mind_n to_o consider_v and_o compassionate_v the_o want_n and_o infirmity_n of_o inferior_a person_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o pride_n or_o a_o overvalue_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n be_v in_o some_o man_n the_o cause_n of_o uncharitableness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n betray_v they_o to_o imagine_v it_o beneath_o their_o quality_n to_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n the_o necessity_n of_o distress_a person_n and_o to_o be_v aggrieve_v for_o they_o which_o sort_n of_o pride_n can_v consist_v with_o real_a charity_n and_o where_o this_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o former_a can_v have_v no_o place_n at_o least_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o hypocrisy_n may_v consist_v with_o all_o those_o mistake_a indication_n of_o holiness_n i_o before_o mention_v but_o with_o good_a work_n with_o mercy_n justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v consist_v for_o that_o whosoever_o perform_v these_o do_v real_o perform_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o do_v that_o be_v satisfy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o profess_v however_o although_o ordinary_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o to_o direct_v the_o performance_n of_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v not_o escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v always_o unlawful_a to_o direct_v they_o in_o that_o manner_n for_o this_o end_n alone_o to_o obtain_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o perform_v they_o public_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o other_o not_o to_o obtain_v their_o praise_n but_o to_o promote_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v also_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o serviceable_a to_o his_o church_n this_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n which_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o cause_v their_o light_n so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v god_n if_o this_o design_n do_v at_o last_o terminate_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v so_o intend_v it_o be_v not_o only_o warrantable_a but_o recommendable_a by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v certain_o reward_v by_o he_o only_o great_a caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o and_o a_o scrupulous_a care_n to_o be_v observe_v lest_o any_o thing_n of_o vain_a glory_n any_o sinister_a end_n shall_v intervene_v and_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o in_o case_n of_o exceed_a moment_n such_o be_v when_o any_o age_n or_o large_a society_n of_o man_n be_v especial_o deficient_a in_o any_o duty_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o noble_a undertake_n for_o any_o private_a person_n to_o give_v the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a lustre_n to_o their_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n that_o so_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o their_o eminen_n example_n therein_o they_o may_v retrieve_v the_o public_a practice_n of_o it_o and_o whensoever_o any_o great_a and_o common_a good_a although_o of_o another_o nature_n may_v be_v attain_v or_o promote_v thereby_o such_o be_v the_o case_n more_o particular_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n general_o devoid_a not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o noble_a act_n of_o charity_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n and_o sense_n to_o those_o who_o before_o want_v they_o shall_v be_v perform_v public_o that_o themselves_o shall_v decline_v no_o opportunity_n of_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o deep_a impression_n of_o it_o upon_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o this_o cause_n also_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o relate_v at_o large_a and_o to_o glory_n in_o the_o many_o affliction_n hazard_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o have_v undergo_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o amplify_a of_o his_o labour_n and_o patience_n tend_v to_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o the_o corinthian_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o consequent_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n this_o design_n also_o justify_v the_o bravery_n of_o those_o ancient_a christian_n who_o voluntary_o and_o unsought_a for_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o persecutor_n when_o they_o observe_v a_o general_a cowardice_n and_o frequent_a example_n of_o apostasy_n among_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v apprehend_v and_o bring_v before_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n that_o so_o by_o their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n they_o may_v excite_v other_o to_o persist_v resolute_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o simple_o to_o throw_v themselves_o into_o danger_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v unlawful_a our_o lord_n in_o matth._n x._o 23._o have_v command_v his_o disciple_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n to_o fly_v into_o another_o and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v forbid_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o such_o rash_a undertake_n yet_o whensoever_o so_o great_a a_o good_a may_v be_v attain_v thereby_o as_o to_o raise_v the_o deject_a courage_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o to_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o heathen_n boast_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o many_o weak_a christian_n it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o engage_v in_o voluntary_a martyrdom_n but_o high_o meritorious_a and_o reward_v as_o such_o by_o
obtain_v by_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v promote_v by_o the_o praise_n and_o by_o the_o service_n of_o men._n the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v direct_o promote_v by_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n while_o other_o man_n view_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o action_n raise_v their_o thought_n to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o conceive_v somewhat_o yet_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a in_o he_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o if_o that_o imperfect_a light_n which_o may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o so_o glorious_a the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n exceed_v all_o imagination_n that_o if_o such_o eminent_a act_n of_o goodness_n be_v perform_v by_o frail_a man_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o he_o devoid_a of_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n the_o fullness_n of_o all_o goodness_n dwell_v if_o the_o action_n of_o his_o servant_n deserve_v love_n and_o praise_n much_o more_o will_v the_o operation_n of_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n proclaim_v he_o worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o adoration_n but_o this_o manner_n of_o reflect_a honour_n upon_o god_n from_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o instruction_n and_o conversion_n of_o other_o man_n who_o by_o the_o good_a example_n of_o true_a christian_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o effect_v which_o eminent_a example_n have_v no_o less_o force_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n this_o give_v authority_n to_o virtue_n and_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n of_o be_v singular_a it_o relieve_v the_o modesty_n of_o new_a beginner_n and_o encourage_v to_o pursue_v their_o course_n so_o well_o begin_v notwithstanding_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o profane_a men._n to_o tender_v and_o unexperienced_a mind_n there_o be_v no_o great_a obstacle_n of_o goodness_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v singular_a thereby_o the_o natural_a impression_n of_o reason_n may_v incline_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n but_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o swim_v against_o the_o stream_n to_o oppose_v their_o single_a example_n to_o the_o prevailling_a corruption_n of_o a_o sinful_a world_n nor_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o contempt_n of_o wicked_a man_n without_o the_o patronage_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o great_a and_o good_a example_n who_o practice_n they_o may_v plead_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n and_o that_o defence_n which_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n enable_v they_o not_o to_o draw_v from_o reason_n they_o may_v draw_v from_o their_o authority_n although_o not_o only_o weak_a mind_n but_o even_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o understand_a person_n while_o unexperienced_a in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o shock_v the_o power_n of_o a_o general_a example_n if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n they_o yet_o want_v boldness_n to_o execute_v it_o and_o dread_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suspicion_n of_o affectation_n or_o fear_v of_o appear_v singular_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o youth_n especial_o suffer_v by_o ill_a example_n who_o through_o a_o natural_a modesty_n be_v ever_o wont_a to_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o prevail_a fashion_n further_o a_o good_a example_n instruct_v the_o more_o ignorant_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n few_o be_v enable_v at_o least_o few_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o they_o rely_v herein_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v wise_a than_o themselves_o who_o they_o find_v to_o profess_v no_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o act_n as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o they_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o any_o further_a enquiry_n and_o dismiss_v all_o resolution_n of_o goodness_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o be_v find_v by_o they_o that_o wise_a man_n or_o so_o account_v who_o by_o their_o learning_n be_v full_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o find_v out_o the_o cheat_n of_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o such_o have_v after_o a_o diligent_a and_o accurate_a search_n be_v so_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v be_v content_a to_o hazard_v their_o life_n to_o restrain_v their_o pleasure_n to_o deny_v their_o passion_n from_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o if_o great_a and_o illustrious_a person_n who_o have_v opportunity_n of_o improve_n all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o the_o most_o exquisite_a satisfaction_n yet_o moderate_v and_o limit_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o vulgar_a mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a assurance_n than_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o and_o if_o he_o find_v this_o he_o there_o rest_v satisfy_v if_o not_o he_o proceed_v no_o far_o and_o from_o this_o experience_n also_o he_o draw_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o conduct_n even_o after_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o his_o obligation_n in_o all_o doubtful_a action_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n he_o consult_v the_o example_n of_o his_o superior_n and_o pursue_v the_o way_n which_o they_o have_v mark_v out_o to_o he_o follow_v they_o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o true_a light_n nay_o to_o generous_a as_o well_o as_o vulgar_a mind_n example_n be_v a_o effectual_a motive_n of_o virtue_n to_o such_o emulation_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n and_o a_o noble_a disdain_n of_o be_v exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a to_o they_o the_o preference_n of_o any_o other_o be_v a_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o sloth_n and_o when_o other_o have_v go_v before_o with_o reward_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o stay_v behind_o it_o be_v this_o principle_n of_o generosity_n which_o keep_v up_o virtue_n among_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v this_o which_o give_v rise_v and_o increase_v to_o art_n and_o science_n and_o which_o now_o maintain_v valour_n our_o lord_n have_v improve_v the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o direct_v it_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o noble_a end_n propose_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n hold_v out_o the_o crown_n of_o victory_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n he_o have_v in_o this_o precept_n concern_v exemplariness_n give_v to_o we_o a_o yet_o further_o scope_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o generosity_n not_o only_o propose_v reward_n to_o the_o conqueror_n to_o those_o of_o a_o more_o elevate_a virtue_n but_o also_o to_o such_o who_o excite_v by_o their_o illustrious_a example_n shall_v follow_v they_o although_o at_o a_o distance_n make_v they_o thereby_o the_o instrument_n of_o save_v other_o and_o that_o possible_o in_o great_a number_n at_o least_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o of_o we_o so_o inconsiderable_a who_o may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o influence_n and_o authority_n upon_o some_o one_o or_o other_o as_o to_o move_v and_o direct_v he_o by_o his_o example_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o infinite_a happiness_n to_o another_o which_o to_o a_o good_a and_o a_o generous_a mind_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o pursuit_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o may_v make_v he_o exemplary_a that_o so_o he_o may_v promote_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o other_o men._n it_o may_v seem_v indeed_o past_a hope_n that_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n when_o so_o few_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v their_o own_o salvation_n or_o be_v good_a for_o their_o own_o sake_n any_o shall_v attempt_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o men._n yet_o i_o do_v not_o despair_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o such_o generous_a mind_n leave_v in_o the_o world_n who_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a felicity_n to_o themselves_o to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n and_o act_v upon_o this_o persuasion_n study_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a that_o by_o their_o example_n other_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o same_o practice_n and_o thereby_o secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n to_o such_o exemplary_a person_n frequent_a praise_n be_v give_v and_o eminent_a reward_n promise_v more_o particular_o in_o daniel_n xii_o 3._o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o lustre_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n be_v compare_v to_o