the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o example_n of_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n to_o the_o fix_a star_n which_o however_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o be_v seat_v in_o heaven_n and_o communicate_v to_o the_o earth_n a_o light_n never_o to_o be_v extinguish_v and_o that_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o these_o luminous_a body_n the_o great_a light_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o they_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n while_o alive_a be_v so_o many_o shine_a and_o burn_a light_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n will_v derive_v exceed_v influence_n to_o succeed_a age_n so_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v continue_v those_o excellent_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v those_o noble_a testimony_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o give_v tend_v no_o less_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o christian_n than_o to_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o beneficial_a to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n it_o be_v because_o we_o either_o take_v no_o care_n to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o or_o suffer_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v undeniable_a indeed_o that_o in_o this_o present_a age_n and_o among_o we_o especial_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v almost_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o present_a example_n of_o equal_a lustre_n be_v very_o rare_a or_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o those_o holy_a person_n cease_v not_o to_o retain_v their_o glorious_a seat_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n as_o the_o fix_a star_n always_o maintain_v their_o station_n and_o preserve_v their_o light_n although_o at_o any_o time_n not_o see_v by_o we_o to_o this_o glorious_a station_n in_o heaven_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o advance_v all_o those_o who_o by_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o the_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o to_o profit_v the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o other_o in_o particular_a may_v the_o hope_n of_o this_o glorious_a reward_n excite_v every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o may_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n accept_v and_o crown_v your_o endeavour_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v on_o decemb._n 25_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 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 man_n what_o the_o patriarch_n see_v afar_o off_o and_o desire_v what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v and_o just_a man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n do_v assure_o expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v wrought_v thereby_o do_v this_o day_n receive_v its_o final_a accomplishment_n by_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o commemoration_n of_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o present_a solemnity_n nor_o can_v we_o more_o fit_o commemorate_v it_o than_o by_o this_o admirable_a hymn_n which_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n upon_o this_o occasion_n sing_v before_o we_o and_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n since_o retain_v in_o she_o most_o sacred_a office_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n this_o hymn_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o have_v be_v employ_v by_o they_o to_o express_v and_o celebrate_v the_o most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o they_o for_o we_o find_v acclamation_n very_o like_a to_o it_o in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o particular_o upon_o the_o triumphant_a entry_n of_o christ_n into_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n be_v persuade_v that_o their_o long-looked_n for_o messiah_n be_v now_o come_v and_o all_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v attend_v his_o come_v cry_v out_o peace_n in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o high_a but_o sure_o upon_o no_o occasion_n be_v it_o ever_o so_o just_o use_v as_o by_o the_o angel_n upon_o this_o day_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a glory_n do_v so_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n do_v commence_v for_o from_o the_o angel_n we_o receive_v this_o hymn_n and_o be_v teach_v to_o sing_v it_o by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o verse_n precede_v the_o text_n and_o sudden_o there_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n praise_v god_n and_o say_n etc._n etc._n one_o angel_n declare_v to_o the_o shepherd_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n the_o birth_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o whole_a choir_n of_o angel_n the_o host_n of_o heaven_n join_v to_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n and_o celebrate_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v that_o day_n derive_v down_o upon_o all_o mankind_n themselves_o receive_v not_o like_a benefit_n to_o man_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o return_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o lay_v down_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o first_o then_o the_o angel_n be_v move_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n among_o man_n which_o they_o foresee_v will_v be_v consequent_a to_o this_o incarnation_n their_o office_n be_v to_o attend_v continual_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v praise_n without_o intermission_n to_o he_o so_o that_o every_o new_a increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n inflame_v their_o zeal_n in_o this_o holy_a office_n the_o primary_n reason_n indeed_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o praise_n which_o they_o continual_o yield_v to_o god_n be_v eternal_a be_v draw_v from_o his_o immutable_a attribute_n of_o supreme_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o majesty_n yet_o every_o illustrious_a manifestation_n of_o any_o of_o these_o glorious_a attribute_n by_o external_a effect_n become_v also_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o praise_n thus_o in_o in_o revel_n iv._o 8._o we_o find_v the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n in_o that_o hymn_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n celebrate_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o attribute_n as_o rev._n xv._n 3._o great_a and_o marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o xix_o 7._o let_v we_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v and_o give_v honour_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v nay_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o compare_v the_o several_a form_n of_o doxology_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n the_o angel_n since_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a have_v in_o a_o manner_n change_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o doxology_n and_o confine_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o book_n while_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v still_o suppose_v to_o be_v seal_v up_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n not_o yet_o to_o be_v full_o disclose_v all_o their_o doxology_n insist_v upon_o the_o general_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o after_o the_o full_a declaration_n and_o completion_n of_o those_o glorious_a event_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o be_v there_o describe_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hymn_n be_v alter_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o celebrate_n the_o victory_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v so_o eminent_a and_o admirable_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n so_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o divine_a glory_n that_o since_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v become_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o holy_a spirit_n who_o hereby_o best_a of_o all_o discern_v and_o be_v enable_v to_o celebrate_v that_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o before_o admire_v in_o god_n far_o the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o christ_n as_o rejoice_v at_o the_o
sharpen_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o unhappy_a influence_n which_o their_o action_n have_v to_o dispose_v othen_fw-ge man_n to_o sin_n the_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o require_v it_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v thus_o clear_v i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o head_n to_o consider_v the_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v whereby_o to_o raise_v this_o example_n that_o be_v by_o good_a work_n 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 none_o but_o these_o will_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n or_o who_o judge_n right_o and_o none_o but_o these_o will_v avail_v such_o as_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o make_v little_a use_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o become_v a_o light_n and_o a_o glorious_a example_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v eminent_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v 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her_o follower_n a_o unclean_a or_o a_o injust_a a_o intemperate_a or_o a_o profane_a person_n when_o their_o piety_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o the_o constant_a frequent_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n when_o their_o charity_n appear_v so_o conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o own_o member_n but_o now_o even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a in_o clothe_v the_o naked_a in_o redeem_v captive_n in_o communicate_v to_o all_o when_o a_o heathen_a governor_n and_o he_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o age_n employ_v by_o his_o emperor_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o christian_n make_v this_o report_n to_o he_o that_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o injure_v no_o man_n defraud_v none_o abstain_v from_o murder_n lust_n and_o perjury_n give_v frequent_a demonstration_n of_o admirable_a charity_n and_o meet_v once_o every_o week_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n bind_v themselves_o by_o religious_a tie_n and_o sacrament_n to_o do_v all_o this_o when_o a_o learned_a adversary_n after_o a_o full_a search_n can_v make_v no_o other_o report_n than_o this_o what_o remain_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v indeed_o among_o they_o so_o wise_o christianity_n contrive_v to_o draw_v in_o unbelieving_a but_o unprejudiced_a spectator_n by_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o example_n the_o force_n of_o which_o none_o can_v withstand_v while_o its_o great_a adversary_n dare_v not_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o primitive_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o not_o the_o duty_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o interest_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o mankind_n our_o lord_n propose_v not_o to_o form_v this_o example_n by_o extreme_a austerity_n and_o maceration_n by_o paradox_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n by_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n which_o may_v easy_o raise_v the_o amazement_n but_o not_o the_o reverence_n of_o other_o men._n judicious_a man_n will_v esteem_v they_o folly_n if_o propose_v as_o matter_n of_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o even_o ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v astonish_v at_o they_o yet_o can_v they_o never_o discover_v any_o real_a worth_n in_o they_o or_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o gross_a conception_n instead_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n direct_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v those_o excellent_a end_n which_o he_o intend_v thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o her_o latter_a saint_n have_v chief_o respect_v extravagant_a austerity_n and_o the_o report_n of_o foolish_a miracle_n and_o some_o other_o have_v make_v the_o indication_n or_o sign_n of_o saint-ship_n to_o be_v unaccountable_a rapture_n or_o internal_a pretend_a consolation_n or_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a external_a effect_n or_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o unbeliever_n or_o if_o discover_v will_v not_o affect_v they_o with_o they_o no_o example_n but_o of_o such_o action_n as_o be_v universal_o allow_v to_o be_v excellent_a namely_o of_o good_a work_n will_v be_v of_o any_o power_n and_o therefore_o our_o most_o wise_a saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o continue_v all_o other_o mean_v of_o continue_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n which_o our_o lord_n propose_v will_v be_v find_v whole_o ineffectual_a and_o as_o to_o those_o without_o so_o also_o to_o those_o within_o the_o church_n but_o need_v the_o direction_n of_o example_n no_o other_o will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n the_o benefit_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o consist_v in_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o such_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o admire_v or_o respect_n or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a which_o action_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o require_v good_a work_n the_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v happy_o effect_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n promote_v their_o salvation_n secure_v the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o give_v the_o example_n increase_v but_o if_o the_o action_n be_v of_o any_o other_o nature_n they_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o indifferent_a not_o worthy_a imitation_n and_o without_o any_o promise_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n propose_v the_o end_n towards_o which_o these_o exemplary_a good_a work_n shall_v be_v direct_v which_o be_v that_o other_o may_v see_v they_o and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o see_v they_o may_v glorify_v god_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v betray_v into_o pride_n or_o arrogance_n through_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n they_o be_v command_v to_o refer_v all_o not_o to_o their_o own_o but_o to_o the_o divine_a glory_n lest_o they_o shall_v swell_v with_o the_o conceit_n of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n of_o give_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n by_o their_o own_o conduct_n they_o be_v teach_v that_o all_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v to_o promote_v their_o own_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o advance_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n while_o good_a work_n be_v indeed_o direct_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n of_o pride_n shall_v intervene_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o peevish_a and_o morose_a man_n will_v detract_v from_o they_o as_o do_v for_o sinister_a end_n and_o vain_a glory_n our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o this_o a_o remedy_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o precede_v this_o exhortation_n to_o a_o good_a example_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o distasteful_a than_o ostentation_n in_o religion_n or_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v this_o raise_v the_o indignation_n of_o our_o lord_n against_o the_o pharisee_n and_o still_o excit_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o judicious_a man_n when_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v form_v on_o purpose_n to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n when_o their_o praise_n and_o applause_n be_v thereby_o court_v and_o studious_o contrive_v but_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v exemplary_a in_o good_a work_n as_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o contrive_v the_o ordinary_a performance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o man_n so_o there_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v whether_o he_o who_o perform_v
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 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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
commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a a_o proposition_n which_o may_v perhaps_o appear_v incredible_a to_o any_o one_o who_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o obedience_n require_v and_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n be_v limit_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o that_o it_o extend_v not_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n alone_o but_o include_v the_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o enjoin_v man_n to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o quit_v his_o dear_a affection_n to_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o occasion_n even_o life_n itself_o that_o therefore_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v which_o find_v it_o and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o continual_a war_n against_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n these_o reason_n may_v possible_o affright_v mankind_n from_o take_v such_o a_o severe_a profession_n on_o they_o do_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o good_a man_n and_o the_o infallible_a asseveration_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o yoke_n far_o from_o be_v insupportable_a be_v light_n and_o easy_a i_o may_v evidence_n this_o by_o many_o reason_n but_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n confine_v myself_o to_o three_o 1._o the_o agreeableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n 2._o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n 3._o the_o external_a assistance_n afford_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n for_o what_o do_v christianity_n enjoin_v which_o reason_n do_v not_o confirm_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n what_o do_v it_o require_v which_o do_v not_o adorn_v perfect_a and_o exalt_v his_o nature_n the_o sum_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o conserve_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v his_o authority_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o other_o reason_n to_o exercise_v a_o constant_a temperance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o pleasure_n a_o universal_a charity_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o fellow-member_n to_o be_v just_a and_o true_a to_o oppress_v none_o to_o defraud_v none_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o be_v the_o great_a line_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n to_o these_o indeed_o must_v be_v add_v to_o complete_a a_o christian_n faith_n in_o christ_n reliance_n on_o his_o merit_n communion_n with_o he_o in_o those_o external_a sacrament_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v to_o declare_v the_o mutual_a union_n between_o himself_o and_o we_o whereby_o we_o visible_o join_v ourselves_o to_o he_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o command_n declare_v confirm_v and_o reiterate_v our_o resolution_n of_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o follow_v his_o direction_n yet_o can_v these_o latter_a scarce_o be_v account_v any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n since_o simple_o consider_v they_o include_v no_o difficulty_n no_o restraint_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o will_v not_o even_o by_o the_o most_o sensual_a person_n be_v account_v any_o yoke_n or_o burden_n but_o as_o they_o be_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n by_o every_o christian_n to_o observe_v those_o primary_n duty_n which_o we_o before_o mention_v these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o create_v be_v he_o owe_v obedience_n to_o god_n as_o possess_v the_o use_n of_o freewill_n and_o reason_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o direct_v his_o action_n according_a to_o those_o rule_n which_o reason_n prescribe_v to_o he_o from_o the_o light_n of_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v easy_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o exercise_v all_o those_o virtue_n we_o before_o mention_v that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o reason_n which_o ought_v to_o guide_v he_o and_o over_o turn_v that_o order_n and_o decorum_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o body_n the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o mind_n force_v he_o to_o confess_v his_o dependence_n upon_o some_o great_a be_v convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o world_n to_o follow_v blind_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o own_o will_n but_o to_o conform_v himself_o to_o those_o rule_n of_o government_n which_o the_o common_a author_n of_o all_o creature_n have_v establish_v among_o they_o if_o when_o he_o undertake_v any_o action_n or_o form_v any_o resolution_n he_o consult_v his_o reason_n it_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o this_o be_v decent_a that_o unfit_a for_o he_o this_o become_v that_o dishonour_v his_o nature_n nay_o whether_o he_o take_v council_n from_o reason_n or_o not_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o suggest_v to_o he_o in_o every_o action_n what_o be_v good_a just_a and_o honourable_a what_o impious_a injust_a and_o disgraceful_a to_o he_o now_o all_o these_o natural_a suggestion_n of_o reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o make_v up_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ._n the_o action_n and_o rule_n of_o conduct_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o the_o only_a difference_n lie_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o every_o action_n be_v to_o proceed_v for_o whereas_o nature_n direct_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v perform_v because_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n that_o omit_v because_o repugnant_a to_o it_o christianity_n require_v that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v do_v the_o other_o forbear_v chief_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n and_o in_o gratitude_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o redemption_n however_o the_o act_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o do_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o whatsoever_o oppose_v his_o will_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o denial_n of_o dependence_n on_o he_o that_o the_o appetite_n passion_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o more_o noble_a faculty_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o constitute_v a_o man_n and_o distinguish_v his_o conduct_n from_o that_o of_o beast_n that_o to_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o these_o lust_n to_o gratify_v any_o of_o they_o without_o the_o assent_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o violate_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n that_o to_o be_v just_a true_a and_o charitable_a be_v what_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n require_v to_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o conform_v himself_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o it_o that_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v any_o other_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o he_o be_v unworthy_a to_o continue_v his_o station_n among_o man_n all_o this_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man._n these_o draw_v not_o their_o original_a from_o any_o reveal_v religion_n but_o be_v only_o enforce_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o by_o some_o patron_n of_o atheism_n though_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v believe_v that_o themselves_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o that_o all_o these_o notion_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o precedent_a impression_n of_o some_o reveal_v or_o supposed_o reveal_v religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o age_n and_o nation_n all_o order_n of_o man_n have_v agree_v in_o these_o common_a notion_n which_o can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o 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weight_n of_o glory_n facility_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a notion_n and_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n which_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v bear_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o hazard_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o eminent_a advantage_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o proportionable_a industry_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n when_o therefore_o the_o great_a happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o freewill_n as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n the_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o easy_a burden_n when_o it_o procure_v to_o we_o such_o a_o infinite_a reward_n and_o not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n from_o christ_n impose_v so_o strict_a and_o universal_a holiness_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v also_o a_o 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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