that_o prospect_n above_o which_o be_v the_o last_o bind_v of_o the_o very_a eye_n of_o our_o body_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v the_o last_o object_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o if_o that_o life_n that_o honour_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o your_o heart_n shall_v be_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o your_o pain_n and_o study_n if_o by_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n you_o shall_v aspire_v towards_o they_o you_o can_v come_v short_a of_o they_o this_o way_n you_o shall_v find_v as_o near_o and_o as_o sure_a a_o passage_n to_o heaven_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o earthly_a business_n and_o worldly_a employment_n conscientious_o and_o pious_o righteous_o and_o merciful_o manage_v as_o any_o other_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o expect_v from_o the_o great_a retirement_n of_o a_o solitary_a devotion_n i_o speak_v this_o on_o good_a authority_n for_o thus_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o dispense_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o gospel_n eternal_a glory_n be_v as_o much_o at_o least_o as_o much_o insure_v to_o the_o just_a and_o charitable_a virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o a_o active_a life_n and_o of_o a_o public_a station_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o any_o other_o part_n of_o all_o contemplative_a or_o practical_a religion_n whatever_o imagination_n some_o man_n may_v have_v concern_v the_o true_a way_n and_o gate_n that_o lead_v to_o celestial_a happiness_n which_o man_n have_v be_v always_o too_o ready_a to_o open_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o opinion_n too_o quick_a in_o shut_v it_o upon_o all_o other_o too_o many_o usurp_a a_o authority_n of_o brandish_v the_o terror_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o of_o scatter_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o mercy_n when_o and_o where_o they_o please_v which_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o ever_o commit_v to_o their_o distribution_n yet_o whatever_o claim_v such_o man_n may_v make_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n some_o pretend_v to_o they_o only_o by_o the_o free_a grace_n without_o regard_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n some_o only_a by_o rely_v on_o single_a faith_n and_o vilify_a of_o charity_n some_o by_o great_a scruple_n in_o little_a thing_n and_o far_o less_o care_n of_o great_a thing_n some_o by_o censure_v of_o other_o man_n life_n and_o put_v as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v under_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n by_o be_v more_o against_o other_o man_n religion_n than_o for_o their_o own_o yet_o undoubted_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o way_n these_o be_v all_o mistake_v unrighteous_a unmerciful_a way_n the_o only_a true_a way_n to_o heaven_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v trace_v out_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v often_o point_n at_o though_o it_o be_v narrow_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a not_o a_o cross_a way_n though_o it_o be_v straight_o yet_o it_o be_v passable_a and_o have_v a_o gate_n always_o open_a and_o what_o be_v this_o way_n what_o this_o gate_n 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life_n and_o honour_v immortal_a yes_o there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o it_o be_v that_o you_o see_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o other_o reward_n it_o be_v righteousness_n itself_o he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n find_v life_n righteousness_n and_o honour_n which_o now_o if_o you_o please_v may_v be_v thus_o brief_o paraphrase_a he_o that_o live_v righteous_o and_o merciful_o towards_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v practice_v these_o virtue_n humble_o and_o constant_o if_o he_o shall_v perform_v they_o so_o as_o not_o at_o all_o to_o rely_v on_o their_o merit_n for_o salvation_n if_o still_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o want_n and_o believe_v the_o efficacy_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n more_o precious_a righteousness_n he_o shall_v then_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n and_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n that_o be_v promise_v indeed_o to_o our_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n but_o be_v purchase_v only_o by_o our_o 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and_o they_o be_v all_o along_o in_o scripture_n represent_v under_o the_o same_o or_o very_o like_a expression_n righteousness_n and_o mercy_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n in_o one_o sense_n they_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o the_o only_a possible_a mean_n and_o instrument_n to_o secure_v and_o preserve_v the_o one_o of_o these_o be_v civil_a government_n the_o only_a way_n to_o teach_v and_o maintain_v the_o other_o be_v religion_n what_o now_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o all_o this_o certain_o that_o as_o these_o two_o most_o admirable_a thing_n have_v themselves_o so_o long_o so_o well_o agree_v in_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o growth_n and_o increase_v as_o they_o be_v both_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o preserve_v they_o both_o be_v both_o most_o near_o unite_v in_o interest_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o mutual_a affection_n and_o assistance_n certain_o when_o god_n himself_o choose_v his_o first_o lawgiver_n and_o his_o first_o highpriest_n out_o of_o the_o same_o family_n when_o he_o appoint_v moses_n and_o aaron_n two_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o house_n to_o be_v his_o principal_a minister_n of_o justice_n and_o piety_n it_o be_v not_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o choice_n but_o there_o be_v even_o then_o some_o mystical_a intention_n and_o that_o be_v even_o then_o a_o happy_a presage_n that_o between_o the_o true_a righteousness_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o shall_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n be_v nourish_v a_o perpetual_a league_n and_o alliance_n offensive_a and_o defensive_a that_o as_o god_n himself_o express_v it_o aaron_n may_v be_v to_o moses_n instead_o of_o a_o mouth_n moses_n to_o aaron_n instead_o of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o not_o still_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o same_o entire_a union_n between_o both_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o as_o there_o be_v then_o among_o god_n own_o people_n have_v they_o not_o both_o the_o same_o strength_n and_o danger_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o fear_n the_o same_o friend_n and_o enemy_n the_o same_o friend_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o same_o enemy_n in_o earth_n and_o hell_n the_o common_a adversary_n of_o both_o may_v begin_v against_o religion_n as_o god_n know_v in_o most_o of_o our_o memory_n they_o do_v but_o do_v not_o then_o and_o will_v not_o always_o the_o ruin_n of_o righteousness_n sudden_o follow_v the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o seditious_a practice_n tumult_n and_o confusion_n among_o we_o the_o false_a cause_n of_o god_n have_v be_v first_o pretend_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o god_n first_o strike_v at_o and_o next_o to_o that_o immediate_o a_o false_a justice_n have_v be_v make_v a_o colour_n to_o supplant_v the_o true_a justice_n the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o attempt_v first_o to_o be_v remove_v that_o they_o may_v come_v at_o the_o state_n the_o more_o easy_o can_v there_o be_v then_o a_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o unite_v we_o all_o in_o prevent_v the_o like_a mischief_n than_o our_o common_a danger_n can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a guide_n to_o admonish_v we_o all_o how_o to_o prevent_v they_o than_o our_o common_a experience_n i_o profess_v i_o speak_v this_o not_o only_o as_o a_o necessary_a caution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o well_o in_o just_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o be_v past_a for_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o thank_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n on_o all_o side_n when_o they_o upbraid_v we_o as_o they_o often_o do_v that_o we_o be_v a_o mere_a state-religion_n because_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v always_o ever_o since_o its_o reformation_n inseparable_a from_o that_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o we_o free_o grant_v and_o must_v always_o assert_v as_o that_o by_o which_o we_o shall_v stand_v or_o fall_v nay_o by_o which_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v always_o stand_v so_o we_o must_v declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o next_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a use_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n next_o these_o the_o great_a establishment_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o our_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o confess_v we_o be_v a_o state-religion_n our_o church_n be_v reform_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o state_n and_o above_o all_o its_o enemy_n it_o best_o provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o state_n wherefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o frustrate_v all_o our_o enemy_n hope_n against_o our_o church_n and_o state_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o solid_a answer_n to_o all_o their_o little_a objection_n let_v we_o all_o unanimous_o persevere_v in_o our_o several_a station_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o obey_v to_o strengthen_v and_o defend_v one_o of_o the_o most_o moderate_a the_o wise_a the_o most_o pious_a frame_n of_o religion_n that_o ever_o christian_n enjoy_v since_o the_o primitive_a age_n one_o of_o the_o best_a the_o free_a the_o most_o happy_a constitution_n of_o civil_a government_n that_o ever_o mankind_n enjoy_v since_o the_o creation_n may_v we_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o whoever_o will_v subvert_v the_o state_n they_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n to_o religion_n whoever_o will_v destroy_v religion_n they_o be_v equal_o enemy_n to_o the_o state_n to_o both_o let_v we_o be_v subject_n xiii_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o the_o more_o for_o conscience_n sake_n because_o so_o very_o little_a or_o no_o wrath_n so_o much_o of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o both_o may_v therefore_o justice_n and_o piety_n mercy_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o that_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n may_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n always_o kiss_v each_o other_o among_o we_o may_v the_o counsel_n a_o person_n that_o advance_v and_o protect_v both_o in_o the_o nation_n be_v inviolable_o unite_v in_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n may_v they_o for_o ever_o prosper_v with_o lif_n and_o honor._n amen_o finis_fw-la eccles._n seven_o 16._o s._n james_n two_o 13._o s._n james_n two_o 13._o psal._n cvi_fw-la 45._o s._n mat._n ix_o 13._o s._n luke_n vi_fw-la 36._o ps._n cxlv_o 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n s._n mat._n seven_o 7._o i_o king_n iii._o rom._n twelve_o 21_o psalm_n xxxvii_o 25._o rom._n xiii_o
moor_n mayor_n martis_n xxxi_o o._n die_v januarii_n 1681._o annoque_fw-la regni_fw-la regis_fw-la caroli_n secundi_fw-la angliae_fw-la etc._n etc._n xxxiv_o this_o court_n do_v desire_n dr._n sprat_n to_o print_v his_o sermon_n preach_v on_o sunday_n morning_n last_o in_o the_o guild-hall-chappel_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n of_o this_o city_n wagstaffe_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o the_o 29_o of_o january_n 1681_o 2_o by_o thomas_n sprat_n d.d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a london_n print_v by_o m._n c._n for_o joanna_n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1682._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n moor_n k_o t._n lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a the_o alderman_n his_o brethren_n my_o lord_n though_o the_o favour_n of_o your_o command_n be_v a_o abundant_a excuse_n for_o my_o print_n this_o very_a plain_a sermon_n yet_o i_o doubt_v i_o need_v some_o apology_n for_o preach_v it_o in_o such_o a_o auditory_a as_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n that_o day_n to_o serve_v i_o fear_v it_o may_v seem_v a_o presumption_n for_o i_o to_o discourse_v on_o this_o subject_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o reverend_a judge_n of_o the_o land_n the_o learned_a sergeant_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o your_o great_a and_o honourable_a city_n a_o assembly_n of_o man_n from_o who_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n such_o as_o i_o may_v better_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n i_o can_v only_o say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n so_o it_o be_v my_o endeavour_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o argument_n mere_o as_o a_o divine_a i_o design_v not_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o these_o virtue_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a prudence_n which_o such_o a_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o want_v but_o rather_o to_o confirm_v you_o in_o they_o by_o the_o obligation_n and_o promise_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o my_o profession_n it_o be_v therefore_o enough_o for_o i_o in_o that_o place_n on_o that_o text_n to_o perform_v the_o part_n not_o so_o much_o of_o a_o teacher_n as_o of_o a_o remembrancer_n and_o i_o have_v attain_v my_o end_n if_o i_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a praise_n and_o reward_n that_o the_o scripture_n bestow_v on_o these_o two_o excellent_a grace_n whereof_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o be_v so_o much_o more_o able_a to_o give_v rule_n and_o what_o be_v much_o better_a example_n to_o the_o world_n my_o lord_n i_o be_o your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n tho._n sprat_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n proverb_n xxi_o 21._o he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n find_v life_n righteousness_n and_o honour_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o most_o eminent_a virtue_n recommend_v to_o we_o one_o the_o most_o useful_a the_o other_o the_o most_o amiable_a of_o all_o that_o we_o can_v acquire_v towards_o our_o be_v or_o well_o be_v in_o this_o life_n or_o the_o next_o righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o all_o natural_a virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o christian_a grace_n mercy_n the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o christian_a grace_n these_o two_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n not_o in_o the_o severe_a stile_n of_o a_o strict_a command_n nor_o in_o the_o rigid_a term_n of_o a_o legal_a precept_n though_o if_o god_n have_v only_o thus_o require_v they_o of_o we_o they_o have_v deserve_v our_o most_o dutiful_a obedience_n consider_v the_o high_a prerogative_n the_o almighty_a lawgiver_n have_v over_o we_o but_o here_o they_o be_v set_v off_o to_o we_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o gentle_a allure_a and_o delightful_a form_n of_o a_o promise_n that_o which_o be_v our_o necessary_a duty_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o free_a ample_a immense_a reward_n the_o duty_n be_v double_a the_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n the_o follow_v after_o mercy_n the_o reward_n be_v treble_a life_n righteousness_n and_o honour_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n gracious_a deal_n with_o man_n his_o promise_n always_o go_v beyond_o our_o performance_n his_o reward_n both_o in_o weight_n and_o number_n by_o far_o exceed_v our_o duty_n of_o these_o study_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n we_o shall_v all_o be_v follower_n as_o we_o be_v man_n we_o all_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v follower_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n what_o then_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a work_n for_o we_o all_o in_o this_o our_o solemn_a meeting_n either_o as_o man_n or_o as_o christian_n than_o to_o reason_n with_o ourselves_o concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o duty_n to_o excite_v our_o affection_n towards_o they_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o reward_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v please_v that_o i_o examine_v first_o what_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o propose_v to_o our_o zealous_a prosecution_n second_o what_o be_v the_o way_n the_o best_a way_n of_o follow_v after_o they_o three_o let_v we_o encourage_v one_o another_o in_o their_o attainment_n by_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o recompense_n which_o be_v here_o assure_v to_o we_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n itself_o my_o text_n you_o see_v consist_v of_o a_o twofold_a duty_n and_o a_o threefold_a reward_n the_o duty_n come_v first_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o both_o its_o part_n righteousness_n and_o mercy_n both_o which_o solomon_n the_o wise_a king_n have_v here_o most_o wise_o put_v together_o and_o in_o their_o right_a order_n for_o wherever_o they_o both_o be_v righteousness_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o mercy_n mercy_n be_v the_o ornament_n of_o righteousness_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v complete_a without_o the_o other_o whatever_o be_v not_o just_a can_v never_o be_v merciful_a whatever_o be_v mere_o strict_o just_a without_o any_o compassion_n it_o be_v to_o a_o proverb_n high_o injurious_a it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o 16._o the_o word_n righteousness_n have_v several_a different_a signification_n in_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o old_a it_o sometime_o pass_v for_o all_o manner_n of_o goodness_n frequent_o for_o the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o new_a it_o common_o signify_v the_o same_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v often_o raise_v to_o a_o high_a meaning_n to_o express_v the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o attend_v it_o i_o believe_v my_o text_n be_v most_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o righteousness_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v integrity_n of_o action_n and_o honesty_n of_o conversation_n in_o all_o our_o public_a and_o private_a relation_n in_o this_o world_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v chief_o handle_v it_o though_o indeed_o the_o other_o more_o divine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v exclude_v in_o our_o present_a meditation_n for_o to_o all_o i_o shall_v say_v on_o this_o argument_n it_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o without_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o consecrate_v all_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v he_o can_v deserve_v by_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o account_n either_o honour_n or_o righteousness_n or_o life_n itself_o but_o first_o i_o begin_v with_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o usual_a sense_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o common_a justice_n and_o moral_a honesty_n and_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n in_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o virtue_n it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o modest_a undertake_n for_o i_o to_o make_v a_o large_a discourse_n before_o this_o venerable_a assembly_n where_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v but_o to_o regulate_v and_o steer_v the_o whole_a nation_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o only_o for_o our_o clear_a proceed_v something_o must_v be_v say_v concern_v it_o i_o humble_o conceive_v a_o thing_n or_o person_n may_v be_v call_v right_a or_o righteous_a or_o just_a either_o by_o reason_n it_o be_v so_o original_o and_o independent_o in_o its_o own_o be_v or_o because_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o some_o certain_a rule_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v by_o comparison_n to_o who_o perfection_n the_o moral_a straitness_n or_o crookedness_n of_o all_o inferior_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v judge_v now_o nothing_o can_v be_v absolute_o righteous_a and_o primitive_o just_a but_o only_o god_n
certain_o never_o till_o the_o anabaptistical_n madness_n and_o enthusiastical_a frenzy_n of_o these_o last_o age_n do_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n presume_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o own_o to_o declare_v themselves_o absolve_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n within_o they_o from_o the_o eternal_a bond_n of_o reason_n right_o and_o justice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o indispensable_o oblige_v not_o only_o as_o we_o be_v man_n but_o much_o more_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o manifest_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o all_o for_o these_o usurpation_n be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o the_o very_a same_o man_n who_o most_o of_o all_o man_n that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n have_v invade_v the_o right_n of_o public_a government_n and_o private_a virtue_n the_o romanist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o enthusiast_n on_o the_o other_o the_o very_a same_o man_n have_v make_v the_o great_a invasion_n on_o religion_n itself_o the_o one_o on_o its_o purity_n the_o other_o on_o its_o unity_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pope_n hildebrand_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o assume_v a_o dominion_n and_o supremacy_n over_o all_o temporal_a law_n do_v not_o they_o first_o exalt_v themselves_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n above_o the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n and_o their_o successor_n of_o whatever_o name_n or_o sect_n who_o first_o false_o boast_v that_o their_o inward_a sanctity_n and_o inspiration_n do_v set_v they_o above_o the_o low_a rudiment_n and_o beggarly_a element_n of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o miscall_v the_o obligation_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n do_v the_o same_o man_n rest_v satisfy_v there_o do_v they_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n profess_v that_o all_o sober_a piety_n and_o decent_a worship_n and_o intelligible_a religion_n be_v as_o gross_a and_o carnal_a and_o antichristian_a and_o as_o grievous_a to_o their_o spirit_n as_o they_o have_v pronounce_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o moral_a virtue_n to_o be_v but_o god_n be_v praise_v neither_o of_o these_o abominable_a example_n be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n or_o antiquity_n to_o make_v a_o precedent_n against_o the_o constant_a universal_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a uncorrupt_a christian_a as_o well_o as_o jewish_a institution_n still_o therefore_o the_o same_o observation_n hold_v good_a that_o justice_n and_o piety_n righteousness_n and_o religion_n come_v into_o the_o world_n together_o in_o their_o beginning_n they_o be_v bring_v forth_o as_o twin_n the_o most_o belove_a child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o most_o likely_a offspring_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o they_o be_v contemporary_n at_o first_o so_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o educate_v together_o both_o cherish_v alike_o by_o god_n himself_o both_o observe_v alike_o by_o all_o wise_a holy_a and_o good_a man_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o mutual_a agreement_n between_o justice_n and_o piety_n be_v inseparable_a the_o perpetual_a union_n of_o righteousness_n and_o religion_n be_v most_o necessary_a the_o principle_n on_o which_o they_o both_o subsist_v the_o end_n which_o they_o will_v both_o produce_v be_v the_o same_o or_o subordinate_a one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a reason_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o true_a righteousness_n so_o they_o be_v of_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n the_o end_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o be_v of_o righteousness_n religion_n indeed_o do_v carry_v the_o bless_a work_n much_o far_o undertake_v to_o finish_v it_o in_o another_o life_n but_o righteousness_n begin_v it_o in_o this_o life_n and_o perform_v its_o part_n so_o well_o that_o without_o it_o religion_n itself_o can_v have_v little_a or_o no_o real_a influence_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o disciple_n be_v not_o mankind_n a_o society_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o righteousness_n contribute_v to_o make_v it_o a_o society_n as_o religion_n do_v to_o make_v it_o a_o church_n be_v it_o not_o righteousness_n that_o first_o make_v man_n begin_v to_o confide_v in_o one_o another_o to_o commit_v their_o private_a safety_n and_o profit_n to_o each_o other_o fidelity_n that_o therefore_o be_v the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o first_o people_v the_o world_n that_o first_o draw_v and_o entice_v man_n into_o house_n and_o city_n and_o then_o secure_v they_o there_o and_o so_o divide_a mankind_n from_o beast_n in_o condition_n as_o well_o as_o habitation_n certain_o it_o be_v righteousness_n as_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o first_o make_v man_n to_o be_v man_n and_o so_o prepare_v and_o then_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o reveal_v religion_n and_o at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v christian_n and_o saint_n if_o righteousness_n have_v not_o temper_v and_o soften_v and_o reconcile_v humane_a nature_n within_o itself_o no_o creature_n have_v be_v more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a than_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n none_o will_v have_v have_v more_o vehement_a passion_n to_o desire_v mischief_n none_o more_o cunning_a to_o contrive_v it_o none_o a_o great_a power_n to_o effect_v it_o if_o we_o take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n we_o leave_v nothing_o there_o of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n after_o which_o he_o be_v create_v take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o a_o private_a family_n and_o it_o soon_o turn_v into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o a_o state_n and_o that_o only_a become_v a_o more_o regular_a more_o politic_a more_o combine_v and_o therefore_o a_o more_o pernicious_a society_n of_o mighty_a robber_n take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n will_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o the_o complete_a work_n of_o god_n hand_n but_o a_o chaos_n still_o or_o a_o rude_a forest_n or_o wilderness_n or_o something_o worse_a for_o to_o be_v inhabit_v only_o by_o rapine_n and_o violence_n be_v worse_a than_o to_o be_v only_o a_o innocent_a unfrequented_a desert_n thus_o whatever_o increase_n of_o civil_a art_n whatever_o flourish_v of_o populous_a nation_n whatever_o intercourse_n between_o people_n and_o people_n have_v be_v practise_v to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n convenience_n and_o ornament_n of_o humane_a life_n they_o be_v all_o at_o first_o found_v on_o righteousness_n from_o that_o be_v derive_v to_o we_o all_o our_o temporal_a blessing_n without_o that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o eternal_a blessing_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a righteousness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a humanity_n no_o civility_n no_o kindness_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n no_o true_a religion_n for_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o some_o true_a humanity_n wherever_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n come_v it_o either_o find_v some_o civility_n or_o make_v it_o what_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o follow_v glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o righteousness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a will_n where_o there_o be_v no_o good_a will_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n or_o no_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o man_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o my_o text_n righteousness_n a_o virtue_n so_o beneficial_a so_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n so_o high_o value_v of_o god_n himself_o this_o deal_v with_o man_n as_o man_n upon_o the_o square_a upon_o even_a term_n just_o expect_v a_o like_a return_n of_o good_a office_n the_o next_o be_v mercy_n but_o that_o have_v more_o of_o superiority_n and_o majesty_n in_o it_o that_o take_v man_n on_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o the_o great_a generosity_n when_o they_o be_v either_o miserable_a by_o distress_n or_o obnoxious_a by_o injury_n relieve_v the_o one_o pardon_v the_o other_o whatever_o therefore_o i_o have_v say_v or_o can_v be_v say_v in_o praise_n of_o righteousness_n still_o the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o praise_n and_o practice_n aught_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o mercy_n great_a indeed_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o both_o these_o together_o all_o below_o righteousness_n be_v sin_n nothing_o be_v above_o mercy_n so_o that_o both_o together_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a compass_n of_o man_n duty_n to_o one_o another_o from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a part_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v all_o contain_v in_o two_o word_n honesty_n and_o charity_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n in_o my_o text._n thus_o they_o be_v best_a together_o but_o if_o consider_v asunder_o or_o compare_v than_o mercy_n
god_n condescend_v to_o meet_v our_o infirmity_n that_o his_o grace_n do_v often_o prevent_v our_o diligence_n never_o fail_v it_o never_o come_v short_a of_o it_o let_v we_o but_o knock_v 7._o and_o the_o gate_n of_o divine_a mercy_n shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o let_v we_o but_o seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v let_v we_o but_o ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v let_v we_o but_o follow_v after_o and_o we_o shall_v overtake_v nay_o far_o yet_o god_n will_v not_o only_o give_v we_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o ask_v and_o seek_v and_o follow_v after_o but_o he_o often_o superadds_a the_o recompense_n of_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n oftentimes_o accompany_v and_o set_v off_o his_o grace_n not_o only_o with_o their_o own_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o advantage_n but_o accumulate_v more_o heap_n upon_o they_o many_o other_o remote_a blessing_n of_o which_o most_o bounteous_a method_n of_o god_n dispensation_n to_o mankind_n solomon_n the_o wise_a author_n of_o this_o sentence_n in_o my_o text_n of_o all_o man_n live_v in_o his_o time_n have_v the_o great_a experience_n for_o when_o god_n entire_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o will_n which_o he_o will_v choose_v either_o wisdom_n or_o wealth_n or_o power_n or_o victory_n and_o he_o have_v make_v the_o best_a choice_n in_o prefer_v wisdom_n god_n do_v not_o only_o plentiful_o bestow_v that_o upon_o he_o but_o over_o and_o above_o cast_v in_o all_o the_o other_o good_a thing_n which_o in_o comparison_n to_o wisdom_n he_o himself_o have_v reject_v iii._o god_n say_v to_o he_o because_o thou_o have_v ask_v for_o thyself_o this_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o ask_v for_o thyself_o long_a life_n neither_o haste_n ask_v riches_n for_o thyself_o nor_o have_v ask_v the_o life_n of_o thy_o enemy_n but_o have_v ask_v for_o thyself_o understand_v to_o discern_v judgement_n behold_v i_o have_v do_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n lo_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o understand_a heart_n so_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o thou_o before_o thou_o neither_o after_o thou_o shall_v any_o arise_v like_a unto_o thou_o and_o i_o have_v also_o say_v god_n give_v thou_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o ask_v both_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n to_o keep_v my_o statute_n and_o my_o commandment_n than_o i_o will_v also_o lengthen_v thy_o day_n so_o that_o solomon_n or_o all_o man_n be_v the_o fit_a man_n to_o continue_v his_o own_o observation_n of_o god_n infinite_a goodness_n in_o this_o kind_n upon_o sacred_a record_n to_o all_o generation_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v prove_v to_o he_o concern_v wisdom_n and_o understanding_n so_o he_o pronounce_v here_o of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n without_o which_o the_o high_a understanding_n be_v craft_n not_o prudence_n the_o great_a seem_a wisdom_n be_v subtlety_n and_o artifice_n not_o wisdom_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n he_o affirm_v in_o my_o text_n not_o only_o that_o he_o who_o follow_v after_o they_o shall_v find_v righteousness_n and_o mercy_n themselves_o though_o that_o be_v much_o much_o more_o than_o any_o other_o study_n can_v boast_v of_o that_o all_o our_o search_n shall_v never_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o here_o that_o be_v suppose_v as_o out_o of_o all_o question_n much_o more_o be_v say_v not_o only_o that_o he_o who_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v find_v but_o find_v what_o not_o only_a righteousness_n and_o mercy_n but_o moreover_o life_n righteousness_n and_o honor._n you_o shall_v not_o only_o possess_v these_o virtue_n if_o you_o sincere_o pursue_v they_o but_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v so_o sure_o that_o you_o may_v be_v say_v already_o to_o enjoy_v the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o that_o pursuit_n which_o be_v life_n righteousness_n and_o honor._n that_o be_v my_o three_o and_o last_o particular_a the_o reward_n ensue_v the_o right_n follow_v after_o these_o duty_n which_o you_o see_v be_v far_o more_o than_o equal_a to_o the_o duty_n themselves_o but_o what_o if_o these_o virtue_n have_v come_v single_a and_o alone_o without_o any_o such_o bless_a train_n of_o promise_n or_o bright_a attendance_n of_o reward_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v be_v affect_v towards_o they_o even_o then_o out_o of_o all_o controversy_n we_o ought_v still_o to_o have_v follow_v after_o they_o most_o earnest_o to_o have_v embrace_v they_o most_o willing_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n for_o their_o own_o true_a worth_n and_o unvaluable_a beauty_n nor_o need_v we_o to_o fetch_v argument_n from_o the_o christian_a principle_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o this_o thus_o much_o even_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n have_v teach_v we_o they_o scarce_o think_v any_o philosophy_n worthy_a of_o a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o love_v justice_n and_o bounty_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n for_o themselves_o for_o their_o inward_a benefit_n and_o invisible_a excellence_n and_o if_o the_o very_a heathen_n can_v have_v such_o just_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n under_o their_o obscure_a and_o imperfect_a light_n what_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o christian_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o far_o exceed_v they_o what_o reproach_n if_o we_o shall_v scarce_o equal_v they_o what_o heinous_a scandal_n if_o we_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o they_o in_o our_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o shall_v think_v virtue_n of_o itself_o to_o be_v less_o praiseworthy_a than_o they_o do_v or_o less_o its_o own_o reward_n yet_o since_o our_o most_o gracious_a master_n our_o most_o indulgent_a father_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o add_v so_o much_o to_o these_o self-sufficient_a duty_n we_o may_v thankful_o accept_v of_o those_o promise_n we_o may_v lawful_o look_v to_o that_o recompense_n of_o reward_n that_o recompense_n which_o we_o can_v not_o deserve_v and_o we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o double_v our_o industry_n which_o be_v so_o double_o so_o manifold_o requite_v most_o diligent_o to_o follow_v 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by_o some_o hide_a purpose_n of_o divine_a providence_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a the_o prerogative_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n but_o though_o this_o may_v at_o first_o seem_v a_o paradox_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n common_a to_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o as_o they_o have_v great_a and_o just_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a recompense_n so_o they_o be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o some_o very_a considerable_a temporal_a good_a and_o advantage_n and_o it_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a insupportable_a misery_n of_o all_o vice_n that_o as_o its_o prospect_n into_o another_o world_n be_v most_o dismal_a so_o its_o condition_n in_o this_o be_v ever_o some_o way_n or_o other_o very_a uncomfortable_a whatever_o flatter_v and_o deceitful_a shape_n sin_n may_v put_v on_o yet_o it_o can_v never_o so_o dissemble_v all_o its_o defect_n so_o hide_v all_o its_o deformity_n but_o still_o when_o we_o come_v to_o ourselves_o when_o the_o
charm_n be_v over_o we_o may_v see_v and_o must_v confess_v that_o all_o wickedness_n be_v follow_v close_o by_o some_o very_a great_a notorious_a temporal_a punishment_n and_o disadvantage_n some_o bring_v loss_n of_o credit_n contempt_n infamy_n hatred_n as_o dishonesty_n cruelty_n corruption_n oppression_n inordinate_a ambition_n which_o very_o common_o fail_v of_o that_o vain_a honour_n it_o undue_o grasp_v at_o and_o lose_v that_o quiet_a life_n of_o which_o before_o it_o be_v calm_o possess_v some_o bring_v loss_n of_o health_n decay_n of_o bodily_a strength_n and_o pleasure_n which_o they_o only_o seem_v to_o consult_v as_o luxury_n and_o riot_n bring_v sickness_n and_o disease_n they_o make_v man_n most_o unfit_a for_o death_n and_o yet_o most_o hasten_v it_o some_o bring_v loss_n of_o earthly_a riches_n as_o prodigality_n and_o intemperance_n which_o poverty_n pursue_v as_o a_o arm_a man_n so_o that_o man_n often_o lose_v their_o hope_n of_o another_o world_n not_o so_o much_o as_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o even_o by_o throw_v away_o their_o share_n in_o this_o world_n too_o nay_o covetousness_n do_v the_o same_o by_o a_o greediness_n of_o get_v more_o it_o deprive_v itself_o of_o the_o true_a end_n of_o get_v it_o lose_v the_o use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o it_o have_v get_v thus_o every_o vice_n have_v its_o dark_a shadow_n some_o evil_a genius_n haunt_v it_o in_o this_o world_n its_o satisfaction_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a its_o calamity_n most_o certain_a most_o durable_a whilst_o on_o the_o other_o side_n every_o virtue_n have_v its_o good_a angle_n be_v surround_v with_o some_o visible_a lustre_n some_o worldly_a advantage_n some_o bring_v health_n some_o wealth_n some_o power_n some_o fame_n some_o contentment_n a_o good_a at_o least_o equal_a to_o any_o of_o the_o other_o but_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n unite_v bring_v they_o all_o together_o you_o see_v they_o free_o offer_v to_o your_o possession_n they_o 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evil_a with_o good_a what_o then_o in_o all_o humane_a probability_n may_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o such_o inoffensive_a justice_n such_o charm_a such_o diffusive_a benignity_n and_o compassion_n what_o but_o the_o justice_n nay_o more_o the_o thanks_o the_o good_a will_n and_o good_a office_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v right_v by_o your_o justice_n what_o but_o the_o prayer_n the_o heart_n the_o life_n if_o need_v be_v of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v preserve_v by_o your_o mercy_n or_o forgive_v by_o your_o pity_n all_o this_o from_o without_o beside_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n and_o testimony_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o serene_a conscience_n within_o which_o only_o be_v able_a to_o make_v life_n sweet_a honour_v not_o a_o burden_n nay_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v undeserved_a disgrace_n a_o comfort_n and_o death_n itself_o happy_a and_o certain_o all_o this_o be_v life_n and_o honour_n this_o be_v praise_n and_o glory_n if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a life_n above_o 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yet_o it_o be_v not_o greatness_n alone_o but_o mercy_n join_v with_o greatness_n and_o strengthen_v with_o righteousness_n that_o can_v make_v they_o so_o yet_o because_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v by_o the_o secret_a disposal_n of_o the_o alwise_a governor_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n may_v sometime_o fail_v of_o a_o temporal_a reward_n because_o that_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o yet_o david_n profess_v never_o to_o have_v see_v from_o his_o youth_n to_o his_o old_a age_n 25._o that_o the_o righteous_a man_n may_v be_v forsake_v and_o his_o seed_n beg_v their_o bread_n or_o want_v a_o easy_a subsistence_n of_o life_n nay_o because_o the_o merciful_a man_n may_v come_v short_a of_o his_o just_a recompense_n of_o honour_n here_o below_o therefore_o there_o be_v still_o behind_o a_o sufficient_a reserve_n a_o unmeasurable_a compensation_n in_o the_o other_o more_o heavenly_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n life_n and_o honour_n which_o as_o sure_a as_o god_n 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very_o many_o precept_n of_o true_a humility_n but_o no_o level_a principle_n in_o they_o no_o more_o than_o you_o have_v distinction_n of_o dignity_n different_a advantage_n of_o life_n degree_n of_o honour_n do_v very_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o great_a purity_n strictness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o doubt_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freeness_n and_o largeness_n and_o generosity_n of_o christianity_n god_n suffer_v mankind_n to_o be_v provoke_v and_o excite_v to_o virtue_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o argument_n by_o secular_a as_o well_o as_o by_o spiritual_a promise_n by_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o by_o eternal_a hope_n he_o allow_v you_o all_o the_o sober_a pursuit_n of_o the_o moderate_a delight_n and_o plenty_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v his_o gift_n if_o you_o obtain_v they_o he_o be_v no_o doubt_n well_o please_v with_o your_o earnest_a endeavour_n after_o excellency_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o wise_a counsel_n or_o useful_a 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