they_o may_v indeed_o beg_v a_o alm_n but_o must_v not_o think_v to_o â—â—and_v upon_o their_o teâ—ms_n but_o second_o not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o show_v exclude_v a_o man_n from_o all_o plea_n of_o merit_n but_o also_o that_o further_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o and_o all_o his_o service_n from_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o command_v of_o god_n equal_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o same_o the_o know_a voice_n of_o that_o law_n be_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o and_o thâ—n_o for_o the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o service_n it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n mark_n 12.30_o which_o one_o comprehensive_a injunction_n grasp_a in_o it_o all_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o by_o consequence_n bring_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o man_n within_o the_o compass_n and_o verge_n of_o duty_n have_v leave_v no_o vacancy_n or_o possibility_n for_o merit_n to_o take_v place_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v actual_o do_v more_o than_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v than_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a even_o for_o common_a sense_n to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n more_o senseless_a and_o contradictious_a and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o condition_n require_v to_o render_v a_o action_n meritorious_a and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v real_o add_v to_o and_o better_a the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o it_o be_v to_o merit_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o all_o merit_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o consist_v proper_o in_o a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o benefit_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o benefit_n first_o do_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n require_v that_o where_o a_o considerable_a advantage_n have_v be_v receive_v something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v return_v for_o that_o otherwise_o if_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o receive_v hand_n and_o never_o upon_o the_o restore_a that_o part_n will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o monstrous_a dead_a weight_n upon_o the_o other_o and_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o mankind_n will_v by_o a_o enormous_a disparity_n lean_v whole_o on_o one_o side_n but_o to_o bring_v the_o forementioned_a condition_n of_o merit_n home_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o thereby_o to_o show_v how_o far_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v from_o man_n aâ—â—_n man_n of_o give_v to_o god_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o man_n be_v and_o by_o consequence_n how_o the_o case_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v must_v stand_v on_o god_n part_n and_o how_o on_o man_n and_o here_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z place_n god_n offer_v himself_o to_o our_o consideration_n as_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a infinite_o happy_a and_o self-sufficient_a depend_v upon_o no_o supply_n or_o revenue_n from_o abroad_o but_o as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o retreat_v whole_o into_o himself_o and_o there_o live_v for_o ever_o upon_o the_o inexhaustible_a stock_n of_o his_o own_o essential_a fullness_n and_o as_o a_o fountain_n owe_v not_o its_o stream_n to_o any_o poor_a adventitious_a infusion_n from_o without_o but_o to_o the_o internal_a unfailing_a plenty_n of_o its_o own_o spring_n so_o this_o mighty_a all-comprehending_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n needs_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o to_o contemplate_v upon_o that_o which_o he_o actual_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v possess_v of_o from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o beatitude_n can_v no_o more_o admit_v of_o any_o addition_n to_o it_o than_o we_o can_v add_v degree_n to_o infinity_o new_a measure_n to_o immensity_n and_o further_a improvement_n to_o a_o boundless_a absolute_a vnimproveable_a perfection_n for_o such_o a_o be_v be_v the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o party_n who_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o nevertheless_o to_o carry_v the_o case_n a_o little_a further_o suppose_v for_o the_o present_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o felicity_n be_v capable_a of_o some_o further_a addition_n and_o increase_n let_v we_o in_o the_o 2._o place_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o other_o party_n concern_v and_o consider_v whether_o man_n be_v a_o be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o make_v this_o addition_n man_n i_o say_v that_o poor_a slight_a inconsiderable_a nothing_o or_o at_o best_a a_o pitiful_a something_o behold_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o element_n as_o well_o as_o compound_v of_o they_o and_o live_v as_o a_o eleemosinary_a upon_o a_o perpetual_a contribution_n from_o all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n this_o creature_n clothe_v he_o another_o feed_v he_o a_o three_o cure_v he_o when_o sick_a and_o a_o four_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v he_o when_o well_o in_o a_o word_n he_o subsist_v by_o the_o joint_a alm_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o stand_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v able_a either_o to_o help_v or_o hurt_v he_o and_o be_v this_o now_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o oblige_v hiâ—_n maker_n to_o indent_v and_o drive_v bargain_n with_o the_o almighty_a those_o i_o be_o sure_a who_o in_o their_o several_a age_n have_v be_v repute_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o themselves_o too_o use_v to_o speak_v at_o much_o another_o rate_n concern_v both_o my_o goodness_n say_v david_n extend_v not_o to_o theeâ—_n ps._n 16.2_o and_o again_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a say_v elihu_n to_o job_n what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o do_v he_o receive_v at_o thy_o hand_n job_n 35.7_o so_o that_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o make_v that_o challenge_n without_o expect_v ever_o to_o see_v it_o answer_v in_o rom._n 11.35_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o for_o let_v man_n but_o first_o prove_v the_o debt_n and_o the_o almighty_a will_v be_v sure_a to_o pay_v it_o but_o most_o full_o of_o all_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o determine_v this_o point_n in_o that_o remarkable_a conclusion_n of_o the_o forecited_a parable_n in_o luk._n 17.10_o where_o he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n after_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o as_o god_n upon_o no_o account_n whatsoever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o all_o the_o better_a for_o and_o a_o clear_a text_n certain_o and_o more_o direct_a and_o home_n against_o all_o pretence_n of_o merit_n neither_o law_n nor_o gospel_n can_v afford_v nevertheless_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o some_o have_v find_v out_o such_o a_o exposition_n of_o it_o as_o if_o admit_v render_v it_o â—f_o no_o force_n at_o all_o against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o first_o they_o absolute_o cashier_v and_o literal_a express_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o introduce_v a_o figure_n call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o to_o diminish_v or_o degrade_v a_o thing_n express_v it_o in_o term_n represent_v it_o much_o less_o than_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v small_a than_o a_o atom_n less_o than_o nothing_o and_o the_o like_a such_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o but_o import_v only_o that_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a according_o when_o christ_n bid_v his_o disciple_n after_o their_o best_a and_o most_o exact_a performance_n acknowledge_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n we_o be_v not_o say_v these_o expositor_n to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o real_o they_o be_v so_o but_o that_o christ_n only_o read_v theâ—_n 〈◊〉_d lecture_n of_o humility_n and_o self-abasement_n towards_o god_n in_o speak_v but_o mean_o and_o low_o of_o their_o own_o piety_n how_o different_o soever_o it_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o strâ—â—â—_n estimate_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o by_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v our_o saviour_n be_v only_o teach_v those_o about_o he_o how_o to_o paâ—â—_n compliment_n upon_o almighty_a god_n their_o profess_v of_o themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v tell_v he_o they_o be_v his_o humble_a servant_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o word_n if_o they_o have_v any_o meaning_n at_o all_o the_o fashionable_a custom_n of_o gentile_n lie_v will_n much_o better_a account_n for_o than_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v
be_v tell_v be_v who_o shall_v reckon_v his_o year_n for_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v very_o age_v though_o yet_o we_o know_v no_o more_o of_o his_o age_n but_o that_o he_o prophesy_v about_o forty_o year_n whereas_o some_o other_o have_v prophesy_v much_o long_o and_o particular_o hosea_n who_o prophesy_v about_o fourscore_o as_o for_o the_o other_o expression_n of_o his_o see_v his_o seed_n and_o prolong_v his_o day_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v must_v signify_v that_o he_o shall_v see_v many_o of_o he_o convert_v in_o egypt_n where_o he_o shall_v live_v for_o a_o long_a time_n though_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o convert_v nor_o of_o any_o such_o prolong_v his_o day_n there_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a tradition_n of_o antiquity_n that_o he_o die_v a_o untimely_a disastrous_a death_n be_v knock_v on_o the_o head_n in_o egypt_n by_o his_o wicked_a countryman_n with_o a_o fuller_n club._n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o his_o divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o mighty_a that_o we_o be_v inform_v be_v fullfil_v in_o this_o that_o nebuzaradan_n captain_n of_o the_o chaldean_a host_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o jeremy_n 40.5_o give_v he_o a_o reward_n and_o some_o victual_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o small_a supply_n or_o modicum_n of_o meat_n and_o money_n for_o his_o present_a support_n and_o so_o send_v he_o away_o a_o worthy_a glorious_a divide_v of_o the_o spoil_n indeed_o and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o the_o poor_a may_v be_v say_v to_o divide_v the_o spoil_n when_o they_o take_v their_o share_n of_o what_o be_v give_v they_o at_o rich-man_n door_n so_o then_o we_o have_v here_o a_o interpretation_n but_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v must_v shift_v for_o itself_o but_o whether_o thus_o to_o drag_v and_o hale_v word_n both_o from_o sense_n and_o context_n and_o then_o to_o squeeze_v whatsoever_o meaning_n we_o please_v out_o of_o they_o be_v not_o as_o i_o may_v speak_v with_o some_o change_n of_o the_o prophet_n phrase_n to_o draw_v lie_n with_o cord_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o nonsense_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n let_v any_o sober_a and_o impartial_a hearer_n or_o reader_n be_v judge_n for_o whatsoever_o title_n the_o itch_n of_o novelty_n and_o socinianism_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o dignify_v such_o immortal_a incomparable_a incomprehensible_a interpreter_n with_o yet_o if_o these_o interpretation_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n the_o say_a prophecy_n which_o all_o before_o grotius_n more_o and_o the_o aforesaid_a rabbi_n saadias_n unanimous_o fix_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o sole_a person_n of_o the_o messiah_n may_v have_v be_v actual_o fullfil_v and_o consequent_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o say_a prophecy_n strict_o account_v for_o though_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n have_v never_o be_v born_n which_o be_v so_o will_v any_o one_o have_v thought_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la christianae_n &_o the_o satisfactione_n christi_fw-la can_v be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o such_o interpretation_n as_o these_o no_o age_n certain_o ever_o produce_v a_o mighty_a man_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n than_o grotius_n nor_o more_o happy_o furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o arm_n both_o offensive_a and_o defensive_a for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v he_o not_o in_o his_o annotation_n too_o frequent_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o they_o the_o wrong_a way_n well_o therefore_o take_v it_o for_o manifest_v and_o that_o upon_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o rational_a and_o unforced_a interpretation_n that_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o this_o messiah_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o great_a mediator_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n very_a god_n and_o very_a man_n in_o who_o every_o tittle_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v most_o exact_o verify_v and_o to_o who_o it_o do_v most_o peculiarly_a and_o incommunicable_o agree_v we_o shall_v proceed_v now_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text_n in_o which_o we_o have_v these_o three_o thing_n considerable_a first_o the_o suffer_v itself_o he_o be_v strike_v second_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o suffering_n which_o be_v penal_a and_o expiatory_a he_o be_v strike_v for_o transgression_n and_o three_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o suffering_n which_o be_v god_n propriety_n in_o and_o relation_n to_o the_o person_n for_o who_o christ_n be_v strike_v employ_v in_o this_o word_n my_o people_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o strike_v of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o for_o the_o suffering_n itself_o he_o be_v strike_v the_o very_a word_n import_v violence_n and_o invasion_n from_o without_o it_o be_v not_o a_o suffering_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o mere_a internal_a weakness_n of_o nature_n which_o carry_v the_o seed_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o dissolution_n in_o its_o own_o bowel_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n wither_v and_o decay_n and_o at_o length_n die_v like_o a_o lamp_n that_o for_o want_v of_o oil_n can_v burn_v no_o long_o but_o like_o a_o torch_n in_o its_o full_a flame_n beat_v and_o ruffle_v and_o at_o length_n blow_v out_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o northwind_n so_o be_v christ_n deal_v with_o in_o the_o very_a prime_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o year_n be_v by_o main_a force_n tear_v and_o strike_v out_o of_o the_o world_n blow_v do_v the_o work_n of_o time_n and_o stripe_n and_o spear_n be_v instead_o of_o age_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o his_o afflict_a life_n now_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o suffer_v will_v be_v make_v out_o to_o we_o upon_o these_o three_o account_n first_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o intenseness_n and_o sharpness_n of_o it_o and_o three_o of_o the_o person_n inflict_v it_o first_o as_o for_o the_o latitude_n or_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o blow_v reach_v every_o part_n of_o his_o humanity_n carry_v the_o grief_n all_o over_o till_o by_o a_o universal_a diffusion_n of_o itself_o it_o enter_v according_a to_o the_o psalmist_n expression_n like_o water_n into_o his_o bowel_n or_o like_o oil_n into_o his_o bone_n it_o spread_v itself_o into_o every_o part_n of_o his_o body_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v another_o soul_n nothing_o be_v free_a from_o suffer_v that_o can_v suffer_v suffer_v seem_v to_o be_v his_o portion_n his_o inheritance_n nay_o his_o very_a property_n even_o the_o religion_n that_o he_o come_v to_o propagate_v and_o establish_v be_v a_o suffer_a religion_n and_o by_o the_o severe_a method_n of_o establishment_n he_o give_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o he_o who_o will_v recount_v every_o part_n of_o christ_n that_o suffer_v must_v read_v a_o lecture_n of_o anatomy_n from_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o trace_n of_o pain_n and_o suffering_n they_o make_v long_a furrow_n upon_o his_o back_n say_v the_o psalmist_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v tear_n and_o plough_v up_o his_o innocent_a body_n in_o his_o person_n we_o may_v have_v see_v grief_n in_o its_o height_n and_o supremacy_n grief_n triumphant_a crown_v and_o array_v in_o purple_a grief_n reign_v and_o do_v the_o utmost_a that_o it_o be_v able_a it_o be_v a_o subject_a too_o well_o know_v and_o too_o frequent_o discourse_v of_o to_o make_v description_n of_o the_o thorn_n the_o spear_n and_o the_o nail_n that_o act_v their_o several_a part_n in_o this_o tragedy_n and_o that_o so_o that_o the_o very_a narrative_a of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n can_v but_o beget_v another_o in_o every_o pious_a hearer_n of_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v say_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o bodily_a suffering_n we_o still_o know_v that_o nature_n have_v provide_v a_o support_n able_a to_o mate_n and_o stand_v up_o against_o all_o these_o for_o the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o a_o resolve_a mind_n will_v bear_v a_o man_n above_o his_o infirmity_n as_o the_o breath_n bear_v up_o the_o body_n from_o sink_v but_o when_o the_o supporter_n itself_o fail_v when_o the_o primum_fw-la vivens_fw-la and_o the_o ultimum_fw-la moriens_fw-la have_v have_v a_o mortal_a blow_n and_o the_o iron_n enter_v into_o the_o very_a soul_n then_o baffle_v nature_n must_v surrender_v and_o quit_v the_o combat_n unless_o second_v and_o hold_v up_o by_o something_o great_a and_o mighty_a than_o itself_o and_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n condition_n there_o be_v a_o sword_n which_o reach_v his_o very_a spirit_n and_o pierce_v his_o soul_n till_o it_o bleed_v through_o his_o body_n for_o they_o be_v the_o struggle_v and_o agony_n of_o the_o
pharisee_n do_v for_o not_o be_v as_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o sinner_n and_o so_o vouch_v himself_o meritorious_a forsooth_o for_o be_v a_o degree_n or_o two_o short_a of_o scandalous_a moreover_o among_o man_n it_o will_v pass_v for_o a_o obligation_n between_o neighbour_n that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v not_o rob_v or_o murder_v the_o other_o and_o a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o preferment_n before_o king_n and_o governor_n not_o to_o have_v deserve_v the_o gibbet_n and_o the_o halter_n which_o be_v a_o poor_a plea_n indeed_o when_o to_o have_v deserve_v they_o prove_v oftentimes_o a_o better_a in_o short_a upon_o these_o term_n he_o who_o be_v not_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o villain_n must_v commence_v present_o a_o person_n of_o a_o peculiar_a worth_n and_o bare_a indemnity_n will_v be_v too_o low_a a_o privilege_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o not_o be_v a_o clamorous_a overgrow_a malefactor_n but_o now_o that_o all_o that_o any_o man_n alive_a be_v capable_a of_o do_v be_v but_o a_o indispensable_a homage_n to_o god_n and_o not_o a_o free_a oblation_n and_o that_o also_o such_o a_o homage_n as_o make_v his_o obligation_n to_o what_o he_o do_v much_o early_a than_o his_o do_v of_o it_o will_v appear_v both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o god_n positive_a command_n of_o each_o of_o which_o a_o word_n or_o two_o and_o first_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o nature_n proclaim_v with_o a_o loud_a and_o more_o intelligible_a voice_n than_o that_o he_o who_o give_v a_o be_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o support_v it_o have_v a_o indefeasible_a claim_n to_o whatsoever_o the_o say_v be_v so_o give_v and_o support_v by_o he_o either_o be_v or_o have_v or_o can_v possible_o do_v but_o this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o i_o must_v be_v more_o particular_a upon_o and_o thereby_o lie_v a_o foundation_n for_o what_o i_o shall_v argue_v à _fw-la fortiore_fw-la concern_v god_n himself_o from_o what_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v among_o men._n now_o the_o right_n which_o one_o man_n have_v to_o the_o action_n of_o another_o be_v general_o derive_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o great_a original_n production_n or_o possession_n the_o first_o of_o which_o give_v a_o parent_n right_a over_o the_o action_n of_o his_o child_n and_o the_o other_o give_v a_o master_n a_o title_n to_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v do_v by_o his_o servant_n which_o two_o be_v certain_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o undoubted_a right_n that_o take_v place_n in_o the_o world_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v eminent_o and_o transcendent_o in_o god_n as_o he_o stand_v relate_v to_o man_n and_o first_o for_o production_n by_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o entire_a communication_n of_o be_v god_n do_v not_o only_o produce_v but_o create_v man._n he_o give_v he_o a_o existence_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o while_o he_o be_v yet_o but_o a_o mere_a idea_n or_o possibility_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o eternal_a maker_n that_o one_o expression_n of_o the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v he_o who_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o be_v both_o a_o full_a account_n and_o a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o our_o person_n and_o his_o incontestable_a claim_n to_o all_o our_o service_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o utmost_a measure_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o but_o as_o he_o first_o draw_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o nonexistence_n so_o he_o ever_o since_o keep_v we_o from_o relapse_v into_o it_o his_o power_n bring_v we_o forth_o and_o his_o providence_n maintain_v we_o and_o thus_o have_v this_o poor_a impotent_a creature_n be_v perpetual_o hang_v upon_o the_o bounty_n of_o his_o great_a creator_n and_o by_o a_o daily_a preservation_n of_o his_o precarious_a being_n stand_v oblige_v to_o he_o under_o the_o grow_v renew_v title_n of_o a_o continualâ—_n creation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v yeâ—_n second_o another_o title_n whereby_o one_o person_n obtain_v a_o right_a to_o all_o that_o another_o can_v do_v and_o that_o be_v possession_n a_o title_n every_o whit_n as_o transcendent_o in_o god_n as_o the_o former_a as_o be_v found_v in_o and_o result_v from_o his_o forementioned_a prerogative_n of_o a_o creator_n nothing_o be_v more_o unquestionable_a than_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o as_o the_o psalmist_n declare_v psalm_n 24.1_o v_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a proprietor_n and_o grand_a landlord_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o moreover_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o so_o they_o be_v make_v for_o he_o also_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o say_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n prov._n 16.4_o he_o be_v the_o original_a efficient_a by_o which_o and_o the_o great_a and_o last_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v for_o by_o he_o they_o begin_v and_o in_o he_o they_o terminate_v after_o which_o two_o essential_a relation_n bear_v by_o god_n to_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o oblige_a man_n to_o god_n on_o the_o other_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a either_o in_o the_o be_v or_o action_n of_o the_o latter_a which_o can_v be_v call_v perfect_o his_o own_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o entire_o due_a to_o god_n and_o that_o by_o a_o complication_n of_o the_o most_o bind_a and_o indispensable_a title_n and_o if_o so_o how_o and_o where_o can_v there_o be_v any_o room_n for_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o merit_v the_o civil_a law_n tell_v we_o that_o servant_n have_v not_o proper_o a_o ius_n a_o right_a or_o title_n to_o any_o thing_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o can_v implead_v or_o bring_v a_o action_n against_o their_o lord_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o every_o such_o servant_n as_o the_o law_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o only_o his_o master_n vassal_n but_o also_o part_n of_o his_o possession_n and_o this_o right_a our_o saviour_n himself_o own_v and_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o a_o elegant_a parable_n couch_v under_o it_o as_o strong_a a_o argument_n luke_n 17.7_o 8_o 9_o which_o of_o you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o field_n go_v and_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o say_v unto_o he_o make_v ready_a wherewith_o i_o may_v sup_v and_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o till_o i_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o afterward_o thou_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v do_v he_o thank_v that_o servant_n because_o he_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v he_o i_o trow_v not_o where_o we_o see_v upon_o what_o term_n of_o right_a even_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a servant_n stand_v with_o his_o master_n who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v toil_v all_o day_n in_o his_o master_n business_n dress_v and_o manure_v his_o ground_n and_o water_v they_o with_o the_o drop_n of_o his_o brow_n come_v home_o at_o length_n hungry_a and_o tire_v where_o if_o he_o can_v find_v no_o reward_n for_o his_o hard_a service_n yet_o one_o will_v think_v that_o he_o may_v at_o least_o expect_v a_o discharge_n from_o any_o further_a work_n and_o receive_v the_o present_a refreshment_n of_o his_o natural_a food_n yet_o even_o then_o his_o master_n renew_v his_o employment_n delay_v his_o repast_n and_o command_v he_o to_o serve_v and_o attend_v he_o at_o his_o table_n and_o with_o weary_a limb_n and_o a_o empty_a stomach_n to_o expect_v a_o dismission_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o all_o this_o without_o so_o much_o as_o any_o thanks_o for_o his_o pain_n in_o which_o neither_o be_v the_o master_n unjust_a nor_o the_o servant_n injure_v for_o he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o his_o condition_n oblige_v he_o to_o he_o do_v but_o his_o duty_n and_o duty_n certain_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v meritorious_a thus_o i_o say_v stand_v the_o case_n among_o man_n according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o respective_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o so_o must_v not_o the_o same_o obligation_n as_o it_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o man_n rise_z as_o much_o high_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n find_v a_o obligation_n incomparable_o great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o bare_a servant_n possible_o can_n and_o therefore_o since_o man_n stand_v bind_v to_o god_n under_o both_o these_o title_n to_o wit_n of_o production_n and_o possession_n how_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a paradox_n than_o for_o such_o a_o contemptible_a forlorn_a piece_n of_o live_v dirt_n to_o claim_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o merit_n from_o he_o who_o be_v both_o his_o master_n and_o his_o maker_n too_o no_o the_o very_o best_a of_o man_n upon_o the_o very_o best_a of_o their_o service_n have_v no_o other_o plea_n before_o god_n but_o prayer_n
not_o positive_o promise_v to_o reward_v our_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o promise_v though_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o goodness_n induce_v he_o to_o make_v yet_o his_o essential_a truth_n sâ—andâ—_n oblige_v 〈◊〉_d see_v perform_v for_o though_o some_o have_v venture_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v god_n under_o no_o obligation_n to_o inflict_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n how_o peremptory_o soever_o threaten_v by_o he_o upon_o man_n die_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a or_o rather_o shameless_a as_o to_o affirm_v it_o free_a for_o god_n to_o perform_v or_o not_o perform_v his_o promise_n the_o obligation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o absolute_a and_o unalterable_a i_o do_v here_o further_o affirm_v that_o upon_o the_o true_a and_o most_o â—â—sured_a principle_n of_o practical_a reason_n there_o be_v as_o strong_a and_o as_o enforce_v a_o motive_n from_o the_o immutable_a truth_n of_o god_n promise_n to_o raise_v man_n to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o heroic_a act_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o if_o every_o such_o single_a act_n can_v by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a worth_a merit_n a_o glorious_a eternity_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o real_a truth_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o excite_v endeavour_v and_o set_v obedience_n on_o work_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o work_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n and_o can_v we_o have_v a_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o than_o that_o truth_n itself_o which_o can_v break_v its_o word_n have_v promise_v it_o for_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o may_v with_o reverence_n speak_v have_v pawn_v his_o word_n his_o name_n and_o his_o honour_n to_o reward_v the_o steadfast_a final_o persevere_v obedience_n of_o every_o one_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n notwithstand_v its_o legal_a imperfection_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v alâ—_n the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o blush_v at_o thâ—â—â—_n worthless_a emptiness_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o poorness_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o most_o complete_a action_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o think_v as_o mean_o of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o they_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v yet_o still_o let_v we_o build_v both_o our_o practice_n and_o our_o comfort_n upon_o this_o one_o conclusion_n as_o upon_o a_o rock_n that_o â—_o though_o after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v still_o unprofitable_a servant_n yet_o because_o we_o have_v do_v all_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o gracious_a master_n to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o christchurch_n in_o oxford_n before_o the_o university_n octob._n 29._o 1693._o luke_n xi_o 35_o take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n as_o light_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o useful_a creature_n that_o ever_o issue_v from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o little_o weaken_v by_o the_o fall_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n no_o doubt_n the_o light_n within_o we_o will_v appear_v as_o much_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o light_n without_o we_o as_o the_o spiritual_a intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o light_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o and_o that_o without_o enter_v into_o those_o various_a notion_n of_o it_o which_o some_o have_v amuse_v the_o world_n with_o it_o be_v in_o short_a that_o which_o philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n about_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o first_o origin_n of_o knowledge_n do_v so_o much_o magnify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la that_o great_a source_n and_o principle_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o both_o of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o better_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o must_v according_a to_o a_o common_a but_o necessary_a distinction_n and_o elsewhere_o make_v use_n of_o by_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o recâ—â—_n ratio_fw-la may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n first_o for_o those_o maxim_n or_o general_a truth_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o reason_n and_o form_v thereby_o into_o certain_a proposition_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o man_n govern_v both_o their_o discourse_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n that_o come_v before_o they_o or_o second_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o thaâ—_n faculty_n or_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o form_v these_o maxim_n or_o proposition_n and_o afterward_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v here_o for_o proposition_n themselves_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o increase_n or_o decrease_v improvement_n or_o diminution_n but_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o both_o that_o 〈◊〉_d of_o become_v strong_a or_o weak_a accord_v as_o man_n shall_v use_v or_o abuse_v cultivate_v or_o neglect_v they_o upon_o which_o account_n this_o recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la can_v be_v nothing_o â—lse_o but_o that_o intellectual_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o be_v â—â—â—urally_o endow_v with_o to_o which_o faculty_n as_o there_o belong_v two_o grand_a and_o principal_a office_n to_o 〈◊〉_d one_o to_o inform_v or_o direct_v and_o the_o â—ther_n to_o command_v or_o oblige_v so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d faculty_n sustain_v a_o different_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—r_o denomination_n according_a to_o each_o of_o â—hem_n for_o as_o it_o serve_v to_o inform_v the_o soul_n â—â—y_n discover_v thing_n to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o as_o it_o oblige_v the_o soul_n to_o do_v this_o or_o forbear_v that_o which_o it_o do_v as_o it_o be_v actuate_v or_o inform_v with_o those_o forementioned_a general_a truth_n or_o maxim_n so_o it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o two_o office_n though_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faculty_n be_v very_o different_a for_o the_o former_a of_o they_o to_o wit_n iâ—â—_n enlighten_v or_o inform_v quality_n extend_v much_o further_a than_o itâ—â—_n obligingâ—_n virtue_n do_v even_o to_o all_o thing_n knowable_a by_o the_o mind_n of_o manâ—_n but_o the_o latter_a only_o to_o such_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d be_v matter_n of_o practice_n and_o so_o fall_v undeâ—_n a_o moral_a consideration_n beside_o that_o this_o oblige_a quality_n must_v needs_o also_o preâ—suppose_v the_o enlighten_v quality_n as_o essentiâ—ally_o go_v before_o it_o for_o as_o no_o law_n 〈◊〉_d bind_v till_o it_o be_v notify_v or_o promulge_v so_o neither_o can_v this_o faculty_n of_o the_o soâ—â—_n oblige_v a_o man_n till_o it_o have_v first_o inform_v 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n according_a â—o_o the_o essential_a order_n 〈◊〉_d thing_n precede_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n anâ—_n consequently_n in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o how_o much_o soever_o some_o have_v think_v fit_a 〈◊〉_d confound_v they_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v this_o which_o the_o text_n here_o principal_o intend_v by_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nevertheless_o since_o the_o word_n conscience_n take_v in_o both_o and_o signify_v as_o well_o a_o light_n to_o inform_v as_o it_o import_v and_o carrieâ—_n with_o 〈◊〉_d also_o a_o law_n to_o oblige_v we_o i_o shall_v indifferent_o express_v this_o light_n by_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o it_o in_o all_o the_o follow_a particulars_n but_o still_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o respect_n 〈◊〉_d its_o inform_v rather_o than_o to_o its_o oblige_a office_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o former_a of_o these_o only_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o not_o the_o latter_a for_o though_o conscience_n be_v both_o a_o light_n and_o as_o it_o command'_v under_o god_n a_o law_n too_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o light_n it_o be_v not_o formal_o ah_o law_n â—â—or_n if_o it_o be_v than_o whatsoever_o it_o disâ—â—vered_v to_o we_o it_o will_v also_o oblige_v we_o 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o since_o it_o both_o may_v use_v do_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o indifferent_a â—â—ture_n oâ—_n many_o thing_n and_o action_n â—â—thout_v oblige_v we_o either_o to_o the_o practise_n or_o forbearance_n of_o they_o which_o one_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o enlighten_v and_o the_o oblige_a
do_v and_o always_o condemn_v himself_o for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n a_o man_n shut_v his_o eye_n and_o stop_v his_o ear_n against_o all_o that_o his_o reason_n will_v tell_v he_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o practice_n which_o long_a custom_n and_o frequency_n have_v endear_v to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o become_v studious_o and_o affect_o ignorant_a of_o the_o illness_n of_o the_o course_n he_o take_v that_o he_o may_v the_o moâ—â—_n sensible_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o when_o a_o inveterate_a imperious_a custom_n have_v so_o overrule_v all_o a_o man_n faculty_n as_o neither_o to_o suffer_v his_o eye_n to_o see_v nor_o his_o ear_n to_o hear_v nor_o his_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o what_o he_o do_v that_o be_v when_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o knowledge_n be_v forbid_v to_o do_v their_o office_n ignorance_n and_o obscurity_n must_v needs_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n for_o when_o the_o window_n be_v stop_v up_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o whole_a room_n be_v dark_a the_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o habitual_a frequency_n of_o sin_v do_v as_o it_o be_v bar_n and_o bolt_n up_o the_o conscience_n against_o the_o sharp_a reproof_n and_o the_o most_o convince_v instruction_n so_o that_o when_o god_n by_o the_o thunder_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o minister_n have_v be_v ring_v hell_n and_o vengeance_n into_o the_o ear_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n perhaps_o like_o felix_n he_o may_v tremble_v a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a and_o seem_v to_o yield_v and_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o overpower_v evidence_n of_o the_o conviction_n but_o after_o a_o while_n custom_n overcome_v conscience_n the_o man_n go_v his_o way_n and_o though_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o he_o actual_o do_v what_o he_o use_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o because_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o his_o intellect_n he_o judge_n the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o such_o a_o sinful_a course_n a_o overbalance_n to_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o nature_n have_v place_v all_o humane_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o essential_a dependence_n upon_o the_o judgement_n that_o no_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o vile_a wicked_a and_o inexcusable_a but_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v he_o judge_n it_o pro_fw-la hìc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la absolute_o better_o for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o a_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n must_v conscience_n needs_o be_v under_o while_o it_o make_v a_o man_n judge_v that_o real_o best_a for_o he_o which_o direct_o tend_v to_o and_o general_o end_v in_o his_o utter_a ruin_n and_o damnation_n custom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o second_o nature_n and_o if_o by_o the_o first_o we_o be_v already_o so_o bad_a by_o the_o second_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v much_o worse_o three_o every_o corrupt_a passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v certain_o pervert_v the_o judge_a and_o obscure_a and_o darken_v the_o discern_a power_n of_o conscience_n the_o affection_n which_o the_o greek_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o latin_n affectus_fw-la animi_fw-la be_v of_o much_o the_o same_o use_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o member_n be_v of_o to_o the_o body_n serve_v as_o the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o most_o of_o its_o action_n and_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o certain_a preternatural_a motion_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n peculiar_a to_o each_o passion_n or_o affection_n and_o as_o for_o the_o seat_n or_o fountain_n of_o they_o philosopher_n both_o place_n they_o in_o and_o derive_v they_o from_o the_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o mere_a speculation_n the_o passion_n or_o affection_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o the_o mighty_a flight_n and_o sallying_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o object_n as_o come_v before_o it_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o such_o vehemence_n that_o the_o stoic_n reckon_v they_o in_o their_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n as_o so_o many_o irregularity_n and_o deviation_n from_o right_a reason_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n incident_a to_o a_o wise_a or_o good_a man._n but_o though_o better_a philosophy_n have_v long_o since_o explode_v this_o opinion_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a have_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v angry_a and_o yet_o not_o sin_n eph._n 4.26_o and_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v neither_o a_o paradox_n nor_o a_o contradiction_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o and_o consequent_o that_o in_o every_o passion_n or_o affection_n there_o be_v something_o pure_o natural_a which_o may_v both_o be_v distinguish_v and_o divide_v too_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a and_o irregular_a yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o passion_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v extreme_o prone_a and_o apt_a to_o pass_v into_o excess_n and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v so_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o mind_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n from_o make_v a_o true_a clear_a and_o exact_a judgement_n of_o thing_n than_o the_o passion_n thus_o wrought_v up_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o ferment_n or_o agitation_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o judge_a faculty_n steady_a in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o view_v a_o thing_n distinct_o and_o perfect_o through_o a_o perspective_n glass_n hold_v by_o a_o shake_n paralytic_a hand_n when_o the_o affection_n be_v once_o engage_v the_o judgement_n be_v always_o partial_a and_o concern_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a bent_n or_o bias_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v possess_v and_o gain_v over_o and_o as_o it_o be_v fee_v and_o retain_v in_o their_o cause_n and_o thereby_o make_v utter_o unable_a to_o carry_v such_o a_o equal_a regard_n to_o the_o object_n as_o to_o consider_v truth_n naked_o and_o strip_v of_o all_o foreign_a respect_n and_o as_o such_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rigid_a inflexible_a rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o judge_n by_o especial_o where_o duty_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o for_o a_o man_n will_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o judge_n right_o and_o true_a when_o by_o such_o a_o judgement_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o condemn_v himself_o but_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o such_o high_a and_o practical_a importance_n i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o particular_a about_o it_o and_o show_v several_o in_o several_a corrupt_a and_o vicious_a affection_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o conscience_n right_o inform_v and_o fit_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o in_o all_o the_o arduous_a perplex_v case_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n while_o he_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o of_o they_o this_o i_o know_v man_n general_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o believe_v or_o to_o think_v that_o the_o flaw_n or_o failure_n of_o their_o moral_n can_v at_o all_o affect_v their_o intellectual_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o credible_a but_o undeniable_a now_o the_o vicious_a affection_n which_o i_o shall_v single_a and_o cull_v out_o of_o those_o vast_a number_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o great_a storehouse_n of_o the_o devil_n abound_v with_o as_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a which_o thus_o darken_n and_o debauch_v the_o conscience_n shall_v be_v these_o three_o first_o sensuality_n second_o covetousness_n three_o ambition_n of_o each_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v particular_o and_o first_o for_o sensuality_n or_o a_o vehement_a delight_n in_o and_o pursuit_n of_o bodily_a pleasure_n we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o body_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o poet_n of_o a_o ill_a neighbour_n nemo_fw-la tam_fw-la propè_fw-la tam_fw-la proculque_fw-la none_o so_o near_o join_v in_o point_n of_o vicinity_n and_o yet_o so_o wide_o distant_a in_o point_n of_o interest_n and_o inclination_n the_o ancient_a philosopher_n general_o hold_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a immaterial_a substance_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o several_a failure_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o which_o they_o be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o but_o from_o its_o immersion_n into_o and_o intimate_a conjunction_n with_o matter_n call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o according_o all_o their_o complaint_n and_o accusation_n be_v still_o level_v at_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o they_o find_v amiss_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o either_o irregular_a or_o defective_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v all_o charge_v upon_o the_o body_n as_o
its_o great_a clog_n and_o impediment_n as_o the_o skilfule_a artist_n in_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o sorry_a work_n of_o it_o shall_v he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o tool_n no_o way_n fit_a for_o his_o purpose_n but_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a or_o corporeal_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o rather_o in_o both_o certain_z it_o be_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v more_o rise_v and_o grow_v upon_o the_o fall_n of_o each_o other_o than_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v like_o a_o kind_n of_o balance_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o one_o mount_v up_o the_o other_o still_o sink_v down_o and_o the_o high_a estate_n of_o the_o body_n seldom_o or_o never_o fail_v to_o be_v the_o low_a decline_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o great_a contrariety_n and_o discord_n between_o they_o the_o apostle_n describe_v as_o well_o as_o word_n can_v do_v galat._n 5.7_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a like_o two_o mighty_a prince_n who_o territory_n join_v they_o be_v always_o encroach_a and_o warring_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o as_o it_o most_o common_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o worse_o cause_o have_v the_o best_a success_n so_o when_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n come_v to_o a_o battle_n it_o be_v seldom_o but_o the_o flesh_n come_v off_o victorious_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o great_a apostle_n who_o so_o constant_o exercise_v himself_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n do_v as_o constant_o and_o severe_o exercise_v himself_o to_o keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v have_v any_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a method_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o bodily_a pleasure_n dull_v and_o weaken_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n even_o upon_o a_o natural_a account_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o a_o spiritual_a now_o the_o pleasure_n which_o chief_o affect_v or_o rather_o bewitch_v the_o body_n and_o by_o so_o do_v become_v the_o very_a pest_n and_o poison_n of_o the_o noble_a and_o intellectual_a part_n of_o man_n be_v those_o false_a and_o fallacious_a pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n of_o each_o of_o which_o several_o and_o first_o for_o lust._n nothing_o do_v or_o can_v darken_v the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n more_o nay_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a efficacy_n this_o way_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n may_v just_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o very_a power_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v that_o which_o as_o naturalist_n observe_v strike_v at_o the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o brain_n something_o of_o that_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n mention_v in_o the_o 13_o the_o of_o st._n jude_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o very_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n of_o this_o vice_n nor_o do_v only_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o it_o demonstrate_v as_o much_o for_o have_v not_o samson_n think_v we_o a_o intolerable_a darkness_n and_o confusion_n upon_o his_o understanding_n while_o he_o run_v rove_a after_o every_o strumpet_n in_o that_o brutish_a manner_n that_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o his_o dalilah_n first_o put_v out_o and_o so_o of_o a_o judge_n of_o israel_n render_v himself_o real_o a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o when_o the_o two_o angel_n as_o we_o read_v in_o 19_o gen._n strike_v those_o monster_n the_o man_n of_o sodom_n with_o blindness_n have_v not_o their_o own_o detestable_a lust_n first_o strike_v they_o with_o a_o great_a or_o can_v herod_n have_v ever_o think_v himself_o oblige_v by_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o have_v murder_v the_o baptist_n have_v not_o his_o lust_n and_o his_o herodias_n imprison_v and_o murder_v his_o conscience_n first_o for_o sure_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o but_o teach_v he_o that_o no_o oath_n or_o vow_n whatsoever_o can_v warrant_v the_o great_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n but_o it_o seem_v his_o besotted_a conscience_n have_v break_v through_o the_o seven_o commandment_n the_o six_o stand_v too_o near_o it_o to_o be_v safe_a long_o and_o therefore_o his_o two_o great_a casuist_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o herodias_n the_o worse_a devil_n of_o the_o two_o have_v allow_v he_o to_o lie_v and_o wallow_v in_o adultery_n so_o long_o easy_o persuade_v he_o that_o the_o same_o salvo_n may_v be_v find_v out_o for_o murder_n also_o so_o that_o it_o be_v his_o lust_n obstinate_o continue_v in_o which_o thus_o darken_v and_o delude_v his_o conscience_n and_o the_o same_o will_n no_o doubt_n darken_v and_o delude_v and_o in_o the_o end_n extinguish_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n breathe_v who_o shall_v surrender_v himself_o up_o to_o it_o the_o light_n within_o he_o shall_v grow_v every_o day_n less_o and_o less_o and_o at_o length_n total_o and_o final_o go_v out_o and_o that_o in_o a_o stink_n too_o so_o hard_a or_o rather_o utter_o unfeasible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o be_v zealous_a votary_n of_o the_o blind_a god_n without_o lose_v their_o eye_n in_o his_o service_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o their_o nose_n do_v not_o follow_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v what_o a_o paradox_n it_o be_v in_o moral_n for_o any_o one_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o his_o lust_n to_o think_v to_o have_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o second_o place_n hold_v equal_o in_o that_o other_o branch_n of_o sensuality_n intemperance_n whereupon_o we_o find_v they_o both_o join_v together_o by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 4.11_o whoredom_n say_v he_o and_o wine_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a writ_n a_o man_n judge_v and_o discern_v ability_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o will_v preserve_v these_o faculty_n especial_o as_o to_o their_o discernment_n of_o spiritual_a object_n quick_a and_o vigorous_a must_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v the_o upper_a region_n of_o his_o soul_n clear_a and_o serene_a which_o the_o fume_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v luxurious_o take_v in_o will_v never_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v we_o know_v the_o method_n which_o this_o high_a and_o exact_a pattern_n of_o spiritual_a prudence_n st._n paul_n take_v to_o keep_v the_o great_a sentinel_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o conscience_n always_o vigilant_a and_o circumspect_a it_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o severe_a temperance_n heighten_v with_o frequent_a watch_n and_o fast_n as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 11.27_o in_o watch_n often_o in_o fast_n often_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o discipline_n which_o keep_v his_o sense_n exercise_v to_o a_o sure_a and_o exquisite_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o lamp_n within_o he_o shine_v always_o with_o a_o bright_a and_o a_o triumphant_a flame_n but_o gluttony_n and_o all_o excess_n either_o in_o eat_v or_o drink_v strange_o cloud_n and_o dull_v the_o intellectual_a power_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o conscience_n shall_v bear_v up_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v drink_v down_o a_o epicure_n practice_n natural_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o a_o epicure_n principle_n that_o be_v to_o a_o equal_a looseness_n and_o dissolution_n in_o both_o and_o he_o who_o make_v his_o belly_n his_o business_n will_v quick_o come_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n of_o as_o large_a a_o swallow_n as_o his_o throat_n of_o which_o there_o want_v not_o several_a scandalous_a and_o deplorable_a instance_n load_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v fit_a for_o none_o but_o a_o beast_n of_o burden_n to_o bear_v and_o he_o be_v much_o the_o great_a beast_n of_o the_o two_o who_o carry_v his_o burden_n in_o his_o belly_n than_o he_o who_o carry_v it_o upon_o his_o back_n on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o abstinence_n it_o strenghen_v the_o memory_n clear_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sharpen_v the_o judgement_n and_o in_o a_o word_n give_v reason_n its_o full_a scope_n of_o act_v and_o when_o reason_n have_v that_o it_o be_v always_o a_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a handmaid_n to_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n look_v no_o further_o than_o mere_a nature_n as_o many_o do_v not_o let_v no_o man_n expect_v to_o keep_v his_o gluttony_n and_o his_o part_n his_o drunkenness_n and_o his_o wit_n his_o revel_v and_o his_o judgement_n
draught_n of_o their_o duty_n when_o yet_o it_o require_v of_o they_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o obedience_n than_o nature_n have_v before_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o most_o rational_a to_o suppose_v the_o latter_a declaration_n of_o a_o legislator_n mind_n to_o be_v still_o the_o full_a and_o more_o authentic_a and_o therefore_o if_o other_o duty_n have_v be_v incumbent_n upon_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n beside_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o omission_n of_o those_o duty_n while_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o direction_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o obedience_n and_o have_v so_o mâ—â—â—_n reason_n so_o to_o do_v which_o yet_o sure_o must_v have_v render_v the_o whole_a mosaic_a dispensation_n by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o choose_a people_n for_o 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and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o i_o say_v be_v there_o any_o high_a degree_n of_o obedience_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o yield_v to_o his_o maker_n than_o this_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v some_o artist_n i_o must_v confess_v who_o can_v draw_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o any_o thing_n who_o answer_n that_o these_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o absolute_o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v but_o of_o all_o that_o he_o can_v be_v engage_v to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n as_o propose_v under_o such_o a_o oeconomy_n namely_o as_o enforce_v with_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n so_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o the_o utmost_a of_o such_o a_o obedience_n as_o law_n second_v with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o curse_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o argument_n bear_v upon_o a_o supposition_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n proceed_v only_o upon_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v most_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o six_o of_o her_o article_n but_o second_o i_o add_v further_o that_o the_o oblige_a power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v neither_o found_v in_o nor_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n spring_v from_o the_o relation_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o a_o creator_n and_o governor_n to_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o entire_a dependence_n of_o mankind_n upon_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o owe_v he_o the_o utmost_a service_n that_o their_o nature_n render_v they_o capable_a of_o do_v he_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v capable_a of_o serve_v he_o at_o a_o â—igher_a rate_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o temporal_a reward_n or_o punishment_n can_v raise_v it_o to_o since_o oftentimes_o the_o bare_a love_n of_o virtue_n itself_o will_v carry_v a_o man_n further_o than_o these_o can_v but_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o eternal_a reward_n can_v do_v so_o which_o yet_o add_v nothing_o to_o our_o natural_a power_n of_o obey_v though_o they_o draw_v they_o forth_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o obedience_n and_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v sink_v his_o law_n below_o these_o power_n by_o leave_a some_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o service_n to_o himself_o absolute_o within_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o man_n which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a by_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o when_o yet_o our_o saviour_n himself_o promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o one_o upon_o supposal_n of_o his_o performance_n of_o this_o law_n luke_n 10.28_o this_o certain_o be_v very_o strange_a divinity_n but_o after_o all_o some_o may_v possible_o reply_v do_v not_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v we_o that_o perfection_n and_o height_n of_o charity_n which_o the_o law_n never_o do_v in_o command_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brother_n 1_o joh._n 3.16_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o precept_n by_o no_o mean_n absolute_a and_o universal_a but_o always_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o these_o two_o condition_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o second_o that_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n indispensable_o require_v this_o of_o we_o upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o either_o of_o which_o i_o affirm_v it_o be_v as_o real_o a_o duty_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v from_o that_o very_a time_n that_o the_o apostle_n write_v these_o word_n the_o very_a common_a voice_n of_o reason_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n dictate_v and_o enjoin_v no_o less_o as_o sound_v itself_o upon_o these_o two_o self-evident_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n viz._n that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o creature_n ought_v when_o necessity_n call_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o and_o second_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o prefer_v the_o eternal_a good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o brother_n before_o the_o high_a temporal_a good_a of_o ourselves_o which_o manifest_o show_v that_o this_o high_a instance_n of_o charity_n as_o extraordinary_a as_o it_o appear_v do_v not_o at_o length_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n by_o any_o evangelicâ—â—_n sanction_n but_o be_v so_o ever_o since_o there_o be_v such_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n whether_o they_o actual_o know_v so_o much_o or_o no_o will_v have_v sin_v against_o this_o duty_n of_o charity_n shall_v they_o have_v refuse_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n or_o prevent_v the_o destruction_n of_o their_o brother_n be_v immortal_a soul_n be_v call_v thereto_o by_o quit_v this_o temporal_a life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o either_o and_o consequently_n that_o this_o be_v no_o such_o new_a precept_n to_o be_v reckon_v by_o anno_fw-la domini_fw-la but_o as_o old_a as_o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o right_a reason_n discourse_v and_o act_v upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o that_o noble_a principle_n and_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o general_n discourse_n to_o the_o particular_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n i_o affirm_v that_o christ_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n here_o set_v himself_o against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o law_n either_o faulty_a or_o imperfect_a and_o upon_o those_o account_n need_v either_o correction_n or_o addition_n but_o only_o oppose_v the_o corrupt_a comment_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n upon_o the_o law_n as_o real_o contradiction_n to_o it_o rather_o than_o exposition_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o these_o follow_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o word_n in_o this_o sermon_n mention_v and_o oppose_v by_o christ_n be_v manifest_o for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o but_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o for_o instance_n whosoever_o shall_v kill_v shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o again_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o council_n they_o all_o refer_v to_o the_o pharisee_n way_n of_o express_v themselves_o which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v their_o doctrine_n and_o word_n which_o he_o be_v now_o dispute_v against_o and_o not_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o language_n of_o second_o that_o expression_n that_o be_v be_v say_v those_o by_o those_o of_o old_a time_n be_v not_o utter_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o by_o way_n of_o
prosopopoeia_fw-la in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o custom_n it_o be_v to_o preface_n and_o authorize_v their_o lecture_n and_o gloss_n to_o the_o people_n with_o the_o pompous_a plea_n of_o antiquity_n and_o tradition_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v bespeak_v they_o thus_o you_o have_v be_v accustom_v indeed_o to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n tell_v you_o that_o this_o and_o this_o be_v say_v by_o those_o of_o old_a time_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretence_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o case_n be_v much_o otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o true_a account_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n be_v thus_o and_o thus._n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o natural_a purport_n and_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n throughout_o this_o chapter_n three_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o 43._o v_o of_o the_o same_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v you_o shall_v love_v your_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v your_o enemy_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n that_o moses_n command_v the_o clean_a contrary_a to_o the_o latter_a clause_n exod._n 23.4_o if_o thou_o see_v thy_o enemy_n ox_n go_v astray_o thou_o shall_v sure_o bring_v it_o back_o to_o he_o again_o and_o if_o thou_o see_v the_o ass_n of_o he_o who_o hate_v thou_o lie_v under_o his_o burden_n thou_o shall_v sure_o help_v he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o law_n then_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o man_n duty_n to_o relieve_v his_o enemy_n ox_n or_o his_o ass_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n allow_v he_o to_o hate_n or_o malign_v his_o person_n this_o certain_o be_v unaccountable_a and_o incredible_a four_o if_o christ_n oppose_v his_o precept_n to_o those_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n than_o god_n speak_v by_o christ_n must_v contradict_v himself_o as_o speak_v by_o moses_n for_o whatsoever_o moses_n speak_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o by_o no_o mean_n consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a holiness_n and_o veracity_n five_o and_o last_o christ_n in_o all_o this_o discourse_n never_o call_v any_o one_o of_o the_o doctrine_n oppose_v by_o he_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o the_o law_n but_o only_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o show_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_a be_v the_o person_n with_o who_o he_o manage_v this_o whole_a contest_v let_v this_o therefore_o rest_v with_o we_o as_o a_o firm_a conclusion_n that_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v at_o perfect_a agreement_n whatever_o the_o controversy_n be_v between_o he_o and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o so_o from_o the_o scheme_n anâ—_n context_n of_o the_o word_n i_o pass_v to_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v 〈◊〉_d they_o which_o be_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n the_o discussion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v cast_v under_o these_o three_o general_a head_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o be_v not_o that_o love_n which_o we_o be_v here_o command_v to_o show_v our_o enemy_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v three_o i_o shall_v produce_v argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o be_v not_o that_o love_n which_o we_o must_v show_v our_o enemy_n this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o exclude_v several_a thing_n which_o will_v fain_o wear_v this_o name_n 1._o as_o first_o to_o treat_v a_o enemy_n with_o a_o fair_a deportment_n and_o amicable_a language_n be_v not_o the_o love_n here_o enjoin_v by_o christ._n love_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o scorn_v to_o dwell_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o heart_n the_o tongue_n be_v a_o thing_n make_v for_o word_n but_o what_o reality_n be_v there_o in_o a_o voice_n what_o substance_n in_o a_o sound_n and_o word_n be_v no_o more_o the_o kindness_n of_o the_o heart_n never_o kill_v but_o that_o of_o the_o tongue_n often_o do_v and_o in_o a_o ill_a sense_n of_o soft_a answer_n may_v sometime_o break_v the_o bone_n he_o who_o speak_v i_o well_o prove_v himself_o a_o rhetorician_n or_o a_o courtier_n but_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o friend_n be_v ever_o the_o hungry_a feed_v or_o the_o naked_a clothe_v with_o good_a look_n or_o fair_a speechâ—â—_n these_o be_v but_o thin_a garment_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o cold_a and_o but_o a_o slender_a repast_n to_o conjure_v down_o the_o rage_n of_o a_o crave_v appetite_n my_o enemy_n perhaps_o be_v ready_a to_o starve_v or_o perish_v through_o poverty_n and_o i_o tell_v he_o i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a to_o see_v he_o and_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o serve_v he_o but_o still_o my_o hand_n be_v close_a and_o my_o purse_n shut_v i_o neither_o bring_v he_o to_o my_o table_n nor_o lodge_v he_o under_o my_o roof_n he_o ask_v for_o bread_n and_o i_o give_v he_o a_o compliment_n a_o thing_n indeed_o not_o so_o hard_a as_o a_o stone_n but_o altogether_o as_o dry_v i_o treat_v he_o with_o art_n and_o outside_n and_o last_o at_o part_v with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o dearness_n i_o shake_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n but_o put_v nothing_o into_o it_o in_o a_o word_n i_o play_v with_o his_o distress_n and_o dally_v with_o that_o which_o i_o will_v not_o be_v dally_v with_o want_n and_o misery_n and_o a_o clamorous_a necessity_n for_o will_n fair_a word_n and_o a_o courtly_a behaviour_n pay_v debt_n and_o discharge_v score_n if_o they_o can_v there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o in_o debt_n as_o they_o be_v can_v a_o man_n look_v and_o speak_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o creditor_n hand_n sure_o then_o if_o my_o word_n can_v do_v this_o for_o myself_o neither_o can_v they_o do_v it_o for_o my_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o this_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o love_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v but_o a_o scene_n and_o a_o mere_a mockery_n for_o the_o receive_n that_o can_v make_v my_o enemy_n at_o all_o the_o rich_a the_o give_v of_o which_o make_v i_o not_o one_o penny_n the_o poor_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o to_o amuse_v man_n with_o empty_a caress_n and_o to_o feast_v they_o with_o word_n and_o air_n look_v and_o leg_n nay_o and_o it_o have_v this_o peculiar_a privilege_n above_o all_o other_o fashion_n that_o it_o never_o alter_v but_o certain_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o quench_v his_o thirst_n with_o look_v upon_o a_o golden_a cup_n nor_o make_v a_o meal_n with_o the_o outside_n of_o a_o lordly_a dish_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v here_o fair_a speech_n and_o look_n be_v not_o only_o very_o insignificant_a as_o to_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o love_n but_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o instrument_n of_o hatred_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a mischief_n few_o man_n be_v to_o be_v ruin_v till_o they_o be_v make_v confident_a of_o the_o contrary_a and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v by_o threat_n and_o roughness_n and_o own_v the_o mischief_n that_o a_o man_n design_n but_o the_o pitfall_n must_v be_v cover_v to_o invite_v the_o man_n to_o venture_v over_o it_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v sweeten_v with_o profession_n of_o love_n friendly_a look_n and_o embrace_n for_o it_o be_v oil_n that_o whet_v the_o razor_n and_o the_o smooth_a edge_n be_v still_o the_o sharp_a they_o be_v the_o complacency_n of_o a_o enemy_n that_o kill_v the_o close_a hug_v that_o stifle_v and_o love_n must_v be_v pretend_v before_o malice_n can_v be_v effectual_o practise_v in_o a_o word_n he_o must_v get_v into_o his_o heart_n with_o fair_a speech_n and_o promise_n before_o he_o can_v come_v at_o it_o with_o his_o dagger_n for_o sure_o no_o man_n fish_n with_o a_o bare_a hook_n or_o think_v that_o the_o net_n itself_o can_v be_v any_o enticement_n to_o the_o bird._n but_o now_o if_o these_o outward_a show_n of_o fairness_n be_v short_a of_o the_o love_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o enemy_n what_o can_v we_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o arrive_v so_o far_o as_o these_o and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v friend_n disdain_v and_o distance_n sour_a look_n and_o sharp_a word_n be_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o friendship_n that_o some_o nature_n can_v manifest_v i_o confess_v where_o real_a kindness_n be_v do_v these_o circumstantial_a garniture_n of_o love_n as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o rough_a friend_n than_o a_o fawn_a enemy_n but_o those_o who_o neither_o do_v good_a turn_v nor_o give_v good_a look_n nor_o speak_v good_a word_n have_v a_o love_n strange_o subtle_a and_o metaphysical_a for_o other_o poor_a mortal_n of_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n be_v force_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o
enhance_v its_o gild_n as_o it_o will_v look_v like_o a_o very_a strange_a and_o odd_a commendation_n of_o a_o tree_n to_o apologise_v for_o the_o sourness_n of_o its_o fruit_n by_o plead_v that_o all_o its_o goodness_n lie_v in_o the_o root_n but_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o shortness_n of_o its_o reach_n that_o it_o seldom_o suggest_v argument_n à _fw-la priore_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o by_o a_o low_a and_o humble_a gradation_n creep_v from_o the_o effect_n up_o to_o the_o cause_n because_o these_o first_o strike_v and_o alarm_n the_o sense_n and_o therefore_o st._n james_n speak_v as_o good_a philosophy_n as_o divinity_n when_o he_o say_v jam._n 2.18_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n every_o action_n be_v the_o most_o lively_a pourtraicture_n and_o impartial_a expression_n of_o its_o efficient_a principle_n as_o the_o complexion_n be_v the_o best_a comment_n upon_o the_o constitution_n for_o in_o natural_a production_n â—here_o be_v no_o hypocrisy_n only_o we_o must_v observe_v here_o that_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n bear_v a_o very_a different_a relation_n to_o their_o respective_a principle_n as_o it_o be_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o argumentation_n so_o it_o be_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n for_o though_o from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n of_o false_a principle_n or_o premise_n may_v emerge_n a_o true_a conclusion_n yet_o from_o true_a premise_n can_v ensue_v a_o false_a so_o though_o a_o evil_a heart_n may_v frame_v itself_o to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o action_n in_o its_o kind_n or_o nature_n good_a yet_o a_o renew_a sanctify_a principle_n can_v of_o its_o self_n design_n action_n real_o vicious_a the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o the_o former_a in_o such_o a_o case_n act_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o no_o man_n by_o dissemble_a affect_n to_o appear_v worse_o than_o he_o be_v but_o better_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o single_a action_n but_o of_o a_o conversation_n or_o course_n of_o act_v for_o a_o pious_a man_n may_v do_v a_o evil_a action_n upon_o temptation_n or_o surprise_n but_o not_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o stand_a principle_n and_o resolution_n but_o when_o a_o man_n sin_n be_v his_o business_n and_o the_o form_a purpose_n of_o his_o life_n and_o his_o piety_n shrink_v only_o into_o mean_v and_o intention_n when_o he_o tell_v i_o his_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v in_o my_o pocket_n he_o upbraid_v my_o reason_n and_o outface_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a discourse_n with_o a_o impudence_n equal_a to_o the_o absurdity_n this_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v that_o he_o who_o place_v his_o christianity_n only_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o religion_n in_o his_o mean_v have_v fair_o secure_v himself_o against_o a_o discovery_n in_o case_n he_o shall_v have_v none_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o find_v his_o portion_n with_o those_o who_o indeed_o have_v none_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v those_o who_o be_v thus_o intentional_o pious_a do_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a and_o untoward_a sense_n verify_v that_o philosophical_a maxim_n that_o what_o they_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o be_v chief_a and_o first_o in_o their_o intention_n be_v always_o last_v if_o at_o all_o in_o the_o execution_n three_o the_o three_o and_o last_o false_a ground_n that_o i_o shall_v mention_v upon_o which_o some_o man_n build_v to_o their_o confusion_n be_v party_n and_o singularity_n if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v as_o some_o say_v the_o property_n of_o a_o roman_n catholic_n then_o i_o be_o sure_a popery_n may_v be_v find_v where_o the_o name_n of_o papist_n be_v adhor_v for_o what_o account_n can_v some_o give_v of_o their_o religion_n or_o of_o that_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o but_o that_o they_o have_v whole_o resign_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o front_n and_o boldness_n to_o usurp_v the_o title_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n of_o such_o a_o name_n nay_o of_o such_o a_o sneak_a look_n be_v to_o some_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o characteristic_a mark_n of_o christianity_n see_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o build_v upon_o before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christ_n act_v 26.5_o i_o be_v say_v he_o after_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o sect_n upon_o which_o st._n paul_n then_o embark_v his_o salvation_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o fraternity_n or_o sect_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o origination_n of_o their_o name_n pharisee_n it_o be_v derive_v from_o parasch_n separavit_fw-la discrevit_fw-la whence_o in_o greek_a they_o be_v call_v puritan_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d separati_fw-la so_o that_o the_o word_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n before_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a be_v a_o rigid_a separatist_n but_o singularity_n be_v not_o sincerity_n though_o too_o often_o and_o mischievous_o mistake_v for_o it_o and_o as_o a_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o sand_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v ruin_v by_o storm_n so_o a_o house_n build_v out_o of_o the_o road_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o invasion_n of_o robber_n and_o want_v both_o the_o convenience_n and_o assistance_n of_o society_n christ_n be_v not_o therefore_o call_v the_o corner_n stone_n in_o the_o spiritual_a building_n as_o if_o he_o intend_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o corner_n or_o be_v drive_v into_o they_o there_o be_v a_o by-path_n as_o well_o as_o a_o broad-way_n to_o destruction_n and_o it_o both_o argue_v the_o nature_n and_o portend_v the_o doom_n of_o chaff_n upon_o agitation_n to_o separate_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o wheat_n but_o to_o such_o as_o venture_v their_o eternal_a interest_n upon_o such_o a_o bottom_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v these_o two_o word_n first_o that_o admit_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o party_n which_o they_o adhere_v to_o may_v be_v true_o pious_a yet_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o party_n can_v sanctify_v its_o proselyte_n a_o church_n may_v be_v proper_o call_v holy_a when_o yet_o that_o holiness_n do_v not_o diffuse_v itself_o to_o each_o particular_a member_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o the_o whole_a may_v receive_v denomination_n from_o a_o quality_n inherent_a only_o in_o some_o of_o its_o part_n company_n may_v occasion_v but_o it_o can_v transfuse_v holiness_n no_o man_n righteousness_n but_o christ_n alone_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o another_o to_o rate_v a_o man_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o companion_n be_v a_o rule_n frequent_a indeed_o but_o not_o infallible_a judas_n be_v as_o much_o a_o wretch_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o among_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a argument_n for_o a_o man_n to_o derive_v his_o saintship_n from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o society_n he_o belong_v to_o and_o to_o conclude_v himself_o no_o weed_n only_o because_o he_o grow_v among_o the_o corn._n second_o such_o a_o adhesion_n to_o a_o party_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n and_o tangle_n of_o the_o rank_a of_o all_o ill_a quality_n spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n natural_a almost_o to_o all_o men._n first_o a_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o any_o perfection_n but_o especial_o religious_a second_o a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n or_o contradiction_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o way_n now_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o gratify_v by_o a_o man_n list_a himself_n of_o a_o party_n in_o religion_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o be_v more_o real_o proud_a of_o the_o affect_a sordidness_n of_o a_o pretend_a mortification_n than_o other_o be_v of_o the_o great_a affluence_n and_o splendour_n of_o life_n and_o that_o many_o who_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n persecution_n do_v yet_o suffer_v it_o with_o a_o high_a and_o more_o please_a relish_n of_o pride_n than_o other_o can_v inflict_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a zeal_n rise_v from_o a_o hearty_a concernment_n for_o religion_n but_o a_o ill_a restless_a cross_a humour_n which_o be_v imp_v with_o smart_n and_o quicken_v with_o opposition_n the_o godly_a party_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o adjunct_n for_o he_o who_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v humble_a and_o peaceable_a and_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o be_v of_o a_o party_n according_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n let_v such_o pretender_n therefore_o suspect_v the_o sandiness_n and_o hollowness_n of_o their_o foundation_n and_o know_v that_o such_o imitator_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n build_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o into_o which_o
and_o utter_o abhor_v and_o fly_v from_o those_o practice_n which_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n condemn_v as_o evident_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a but_o the_o tenderness_n we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o make_v man_n scruple_n at_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o divine_a worship_n at_o the_o use_n of_o some_o solemn_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o make_v they_o not_o stick_v at_o all_o at_o sacrilege_n which_o st._n paul_n equal_v to_o idolatry_n nor_o at_o rebellion_n which_o the_o prophet_n make_v as_o bad_a as_o withcraft_n nor_o at_o the_o murder_n of_o their_o king_n and_o the_o rob_v and_o undo_v their_o fellow_n subject_n villainy_n which_o not_o only_o christianity_n proscribe_v but_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n rise_v up_o against_o and_o by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n condemn_v and_o do_v not_o those_o who_o plead_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n among_o we_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n nay_o do_v they_o not_o do_v they_o in_o the_o very_a strength_n of_o this_o plea_n in_o a_o word_n be_v the_o particular_n allege_v true_a or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o not_o then_o let_v shame_n and_o confusion_n and_o a_o just_a judgement_n from_o god_n light_n upon_o those_o who_o make_v such_o charge_n where_o they_o be_v not_o due_a but_o if_o all_o which_o have_v be_v allege_v be_v true_a then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n let_v not_o those_o pass_n for_o weak_a and_o much_o less_o for_o â—ender_a conscience_n which_o can_v digest_v such_o horrid_a clamorous_a impiety_n nor_o let_v they_o abuse_v the_o world_n nor_o disturb_v the_o church_n by_o a_o false_a cry_n of_o superstition_n and_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o she_o thereupon_o especial_o if_o they_o will_v but_o calm_o and_o serious_o consider_v who_o end_n by_o all_o this_o they_o certain_o serve_v who_o work_n they_o do_v and_o who_o wage_n they_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o dread_v in_o fine_a the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v ground_v upon_o some_o ignorance_n for_o the_o present_a excusable_a and_o since_o none_o among_o we_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n daily_o hold_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o common_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n can_v be_v excusable_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v the_o plea_n of_o such_o weakness_n can_v have_v no_o place_n among_o we_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v allowable_o continue_v in_o and_o least_o of_o all_o can_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o control_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n either_o in_o the_o make_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n but_o ought_v whole_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o well_o for_o its_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v boundless_a and_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v no_o way_n discoverable_a and_o withal_o that_o it_o subject_n the_o sovereign_a power_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o and_o govern_v by_o it_o as_o also_o for_o the_o partiality_n and_o cruelty_n of_o its_o pleader_n who_o deny_v that_o to_o other_o which_o they_o claim_v to_o themselves_o together_o with_o their_o hypocrisy_n in_o stop_v at_o molehill_n and_o leap_v over_o mountain_n in_o practise_v thing_n notorious_o unjust_a while_o they_o stick_v at_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o at_o the_o most_o but_o doubtful_a from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o how_o much_o soever_o such_o pretender_n may_v beguile_v factious_a and_o unstable_a mind_n deceive_v other_o and_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o may_v mock_v the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v who_o search_n the_o heart_n and_o look_n through_o the_o pretence_n and_o will_v reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v his_o profession_n to_o which_o god_n be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n christianity_n mysterious_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o make_v it_o so_o prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n april_n 29._o 1694._o 1_o cor._n ii_o 7_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n the_o two_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o signalise_v his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n by_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n the_o first_o of_o they_o declare_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o by_o christ_n himself_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o day_n the_o appearance_n of_o light_n do_v not_o present_o and_o total_o drive_v away_o all_o darkness_n but_o that_o some_o degree_n remain_v and_o mingle_v with_o it_o so_o neither_o have_v this_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n quite_o clear_v off_o the_o obscurity_n of_o many_o great_a thing_n reveal_v in_o it_o but_o that_o as_o god_n have_v hereby_o vouchsafe_v we_o light_a enough_o to_o inform_v and_o guide_v our_o faith_n so_o he_o have_v leave_v darkness_n enough_o to_o exercise_v it_o too_o upon_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n here_o design_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o all_o other_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o recommend_v it_o to_o our_o esteem_n by_o these_o two_o qualification_n and_o property_n eminent_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o which_o namely_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o grand_a instance_n and_o product_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n we_o shall_v find_v aristotle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o his_o ethic_n and_o the_o seven_o chapter_n define_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o valuable_a where_o though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o aristotle_n carry_v his_o notion_n no_o high_o nor_o far_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n point_v chief_o at_o thing_n reveal_v and_o supernatural_a yet_o i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o the_o term_n make_v use_v of_o by_o that_o great_a philosopher_n in_o the_o definition_n or_o rather_o description_n of_o wisdom_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o do_v with_o full_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o account_n here_o give_v of_o this_o divine_a wisdom_n by_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o wisdom_n respect_v speculation_n or_o relate_v to_o practice_n the_o thing_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n about_o which_o the_o say_a wisdom_n be_v employ_v be_v certain_o the_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a that_o can_v be_v upon_o both_o account_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o may_v rational_o enough_o conclude_v that_o the_o wisdom_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v principal_o of_o a_o practical_a import_n as_o denote_v to_o we_o god_n admirable_a and_o steady_a bring_v about_o his_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n by_o mean_n most_o suitable_a and_o proper_a to_o they_o and_o particular_o his_o accomplish_v his_o grand_a design_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v they_o and_o yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o blindness_n and_o baseness_n of_o man_n mind_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o along_o to_o we_o as_o bad_a as_o any_o that_o this_o very_a wisdom_n have_v not_o fail_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o vote_v themselves_o the_o only_a wit_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o great_a sot_n may_v easy_o do_v have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o ridicule_n and_o reproach_n it_o as_o downright_a foolishness_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o foolishness_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o apostle_n may_v outweigh_v the_o scoff_n be_v of_o a_o buffoon_n as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o men._n for_o the_o very_o wise_a of_o man_n do_v not_o always_o compass_v what_o they_o
his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n and_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o unless_o this_o be_v evince_v the_o whole_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n must_v totter_v and_o fall_v as_o be_v a_o cheat_n and_o a_o imposture_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o undertake_v to_o clear_v this_o great_a important_a truth_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o true_a seed_n of_o david_n and_o rightful_a king_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o pedigree_n be_v draw_v down_o by_o two_o of_o the_o evangelist_n by_o st._n matth._n in_o his_o 1_o sy_n chapter_n and_o by_o st._n luke_n in_o his_o 3_o d._n from_o whence_o our_o adversary_n oppose_v we_o with_o these_o two_o great_a difficulty_n first_o that_o these_o two_o evangelist_n disagree_v in_o deduce_v of_o his_o pedigree_n second_o that_o suppose_v they_o be_v prove_v to_o agree_v yet_o both_o of_o their_o pedigree_n terminate_v in_o joseph_n and_o therefore_o belong_v not_o to_o jesus_n who_o be_v not_o indeed_o the_o son_n of_o joseph_n but_o of_o mary_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v two_o opinion_n first_o that_o both_o in_o st._n matth._n and_o st._n luke_n only_a the_o pedigree_n of_o joseph_n be_v recount_v in_o the_o first_o his_o natural_a in_o the_o other_o his_o legal_a for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o a_o man_n die_v without_o issue_n his_o brother_n shall_v marry_v he_o widow_n and_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o he_o eli_n hereupon_o die_v without_o any_o child_n jacob_n take_v his_o wife_n and_o of_o she_o beget_v joseph_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v natural_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n as_o st._n matth._n deduce_v it_o and_o legal_o or_o reputed_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n as_o st._n luke_n and_o then_o to_o make_v jacob_n and_o eli_n brother_n who_o be_v there_o set_v down_o in_o different_a line_n it_o be_v say_v that_o matthan_n of_o the_o line_n of_o solomon_n and_o melchi_n of_o the_o line_n of_o nathan_n successive_o marry_v the_o same_o woman_n estha_n by_o name_n of_o who_o matthan_n beget_v jacob_n and_o melchi_n beget_v eli_n whereupon_o jacob_n and_o eli_n be_v brother_n by_o the_o mother_n though_o of_o different_a father_n eli_n die_v without_o issue_n jacob_n be_v oblige_v by_o law_n to_o marry_v his_o relict_n and_o so_o to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o his_o brother_n eli._n now_o all_o this_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o ancient_a story_n of_o one_o julius_n africanus_n record_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o first_o book_n and_o seven_o chapter_n and_o of_o late_a faustus_n socinus_n who_o have_v deny_v christ_n divine_a nature_n be_v resolve_v to_o cut_v he_o short_a both_o root_n and_o branch_n and_o to_o deny_v his_o humane_a too_o at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o most_o considerable_a circumstance_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o i_o say_v catch_v at_o this_o forlorn_a story_n and_o ascribe_v much_o to_o it_o in_o that_o book_n of_o his_o call_v his_o lectiones_fw-la sacrae_fw-la and_o though_o general_o a_o profess_a despiser_n of_o antiquity_n yet_o when_o he_o think_v it_o may_v make_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o purpose_n he_o can_v catch_v at_o every_o fabulous_a scrap_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o vouch_v this_o as_o authentic_a even_o for_o its_o antiquity_n from_o which_o opinion_n it_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v only_o the_o repute_a son_n of_o david_n that_o be_v to_o say_v because_o his_o mother_n be_v marry_v to_o one_o who_o be_v real_o of_o david_n line_n and_o this_o the_o whole_a sect_n of_o socinus_n affirm_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v and_o make_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o david_n and_o according_o allow_v he_o so_o to_o be_v upon_o no_o other_o or_o near_a account_n but_o of_o the_o author_n and_o assertor_n of_o this_o opinion_n we_o may_v well_o demand_v that_o admit_v christ_n may_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o david_n in_o the_o large_a and_o loose_a way_n of_o that_o denomination_n yet_o how_o can_v he_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o david_n nay_o and_o what_o be_v yet_o more_o full_a and_o express_a be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n as_o it_o be_v in_o rom._n 1.3_o and_o further_o to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o loin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o act_n 2.30_o i_o say_v with_o what_o propriety_n or_o accord_n with_o the_o common_a use_n of_o speak_v can_v one_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v another_o man_n seed_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o loin_n when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o relation_n to_o he_o in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o his_o mother_n only_o marry_v with_o a_o person_n who_o stand_v so_o relate_v to_o that_o other_o i_o believe_v the_o jew_n will_v desire_v no_o great_a a_o concession_n from_o we_o than_o this_o whereby_o to_o conclude_v and_o argue_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n not_o to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a messiah_n let_v we_o therefore_o leave_v this_o opinion_n to_o itself_o as_o destructive_a to_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o christianity_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o socinian_o and_o so_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o opinion_n which_o be_v that_o both_o joseph_n and_o mary_n come_v from_o david_n by_o true_a and_o real_a descent_n and_o that_o as_o ioseph_n genealogy_n and_o pedigree_n be_v set_v down_o in_o that_o line_n which_o st._n matth._n give_v a_o account_n of_o so_o the_o virgin_n mary_n lineage_n be_v recite_v in_o that_o which_o be_v record_v by_o st._n luke_n which_o opinion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v by_o divine_n of_o the_o great_a note_n and_o best_a answer_v those_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o other_o be_v beset_v with_o so_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v full_o to_o clear_v and_o set_v it_o down_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n i._o first_o the_o first_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o two_o evangelist_n in_o their_o respective_a deduction_n of_o our_o saviour_n pedigree_n be_v very_o different_a for_o st._n matthew_n intend_v only_o to_o set_v down_o his_o political_a or_o royal_a pedigree_n by_o which_o he_o have_v right_o to_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o st._n luke_n show_v his_o natural_a descent_n through_o the_o several_a succession_n of_o those_o from_o who_o he_o take_v flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o beside_o that_o natural_a reason_n take_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v have_v two_o several_a father_n as_o st._n matth._n and_o st._n luke_n seem_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o import_v we_o have_v these_o far_a argument_n for_o the_o say_a assertion_n as_o first_o that_o st._n matth._n begin_v his_o reckon_n only_o from_o abraham_n to_o who_o the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v make_v gen._n 17.6_o but_o st._n luke_n run_v his_o line_n up_o to_o adam_n the_o first_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o fair_o show_v that_o one_o deduce_v only_o his_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n the_o other_o the_o natural_a descent_n of_o his_o humanity_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o st._n matthew_n use_v the_o word_n beget_v only_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n be_v further_a clear_a from_o this_o that_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o he_o who_o have_v no_o child_n even_o to_o jeconiah_n of_o who_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o jeremiah_n 22.33_o that_o god_n write_v he_o childless_a whereupon_o be_v depose_v by_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n zedekiah_n his_o uncle_n be_v make_v king_n and_o afterward_o upon_o the_o removal_n of_o he_o also_o for_o his_o rebellion_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o of_o the_o line_n of_o solomon_n sulatheil_n be_v next_o of_o kin_n be_v declare_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o salathiel_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v by_o jeconiah_n in_o st._n matthew_n not_o because_o he_o be_v natural_o his_o son_n but_o legal_o and_o political_o so_o as_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o crown_n for_o though_o in_o 1_o chron._n 3._o 17._o there_o be_v mention_n of_o assir_n and_o of_o salathiel_n as_o it_o be_v of_o two_o son_n of_o jeconiah_n that_o yet_o in_o truth_n assir_n there_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o a_o person_n nor_o of_o any_o son_n of_o jeconiah_n but_o be_v only_o a_o appellative_a of_o jeconiah_n himself_o signify_v one_o under_o captivity_n or_o in_o bond_n as_o jeconiah_n then_o be_v in_o babylon_n when_o salathiel_n be_v declare_v king_n and_o that_o salathiel_n be_v not_o there_o set_v down_o as_o his_o son_n in_o a_o natural_a
for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v still_o make_v christ_n a_o deceiver_n they_o must_v introduce_v upon_o mankind_n new_a principle_n of_o act_v cancel_v and_o overturn_v the_o old_a acknowledge_v method_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o word_n either_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o man_n or_o that_o he_o be_v influence_v by_o end_n and_o inclination_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n one_o of_o which_o must_v unavoidable_o follow_v but_o neither_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v where_o sense_n or_o reason_n be_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o first_o propose_v to_o be_v discourse_v of_o from_o these_o word_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o in_o which_o that_o man_n may_v not_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n by_o think_v the_o jew_n the_o only_a person_n concern_v in_o these_o word_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o gild_n here_o charge_v upon_o they_o can_v affect_v none_o else_o we_o must_v know_v that_o although_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o natural_a cognation_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o jew_n the_o text_n call_v they_o by_o that_o appropriate_a character_n his_o own_o and_o according_o speak_v of_o his_o come_n to_o they_o as_o such_o yet_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v as_o real_o his_o own_o as_o any_o of_o the_o race_n of_o abraham_n can_v be_v if_o those_o may_v be_v call_v his_o own_o who_o he_o have_v so_o dear_o buy_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o have_v christ_n come_v to_o we_o as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v and_o according_o he_o actual_o have_v and_o every_o day_n do_v come_v to_o we_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n indeed_o but_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n but_o with_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o saviour_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o come_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n in_o his_o sacrament_n and_o in_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o those_o exhibit_v to_o we_o with_o as_o much_o reality_n and_o effect_n as_o if_o with_o our_o very_a eye_n we_o behold_v the_o person_n of_o our_o benefactor_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o we_o be_v altogether_o as_o capable_a of_o his_o come_v to_o we_o as_o his_o kindred_n and_o contemporary_n the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v so_o be_v we_o likewise_o as_o capable_a of_o not_o receive_v he_o as_o those_o wretch_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n flatter_v himself_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o jew_n in_o much_o the_o like_a case_n do_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o old_a prophet_n boast_v forsooth_o that_o have_v they_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o father_n they_o will_v have_v have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o holy_a messenger_n of_o god_n matth._n 23.30_o let_v no_o vicious_a person_n i_o say_v though_o never_o so_o note_v and_o profess_v a_o christian_a conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o have_v he_o live_v when_o and_o where_o our_o saviour_n do_v nothing_o can_v have_v induce_v he_o to_o use_v he_o as_o those_o miscreant_n have_v do_v for_o though_o i_o know_v that_o such_o man_n as_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v do_v with_o great_a confidence_n aver_v all_o this_o and_o think_v themselves_o in_o very_o good_a earnest_n while_o they_o do_v so_o yet_o as_o in_o general_a he_o who_o think_v he_o can_v deceive_v himself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o know_v himself_o so_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n every_o hypocrite_n or_o wicked_a liver_n profess_v christianity_n while_o he_o think_v and_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v real_o impose_v upon_o himself_o by_o a_o false_a persuasion_n and_o will_v though_o he_o may_v not_o know_v so_o much_o have_v bear_v the_o very_a same_o malignity_n towards_o our_o saviour_n which_o those_o jew_n be_v record_v to_o have_v do_v and_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n will_v have_v infallible_o treat_v he_o with_o the_o same_o barbarity_n for_o why_o do_v the_o jew_n themselves_o use_v he_o so_o why_o because_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v to_o they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o defeat_v their_o expectation_n of_o a_o worldly_a messiah_n who_o shall_v have_v answer_v their_o sensual_a desire_n with_o the_o plenty_n and_o glory_n of_o such_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n as_o they_o have_v whole_o set_v their_o gross_a heart_n and_o soul_n upon_o according_o let_v we_o now_o but_o shift_n the_o scene_n and_o suppose_v christ_n in_o person_n preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n among_o we_o and_o withal_o as_o much_o hate_a and_o run_v down_o for_o a_o impostor_n by_o the_o whole_a national_a power_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o it_o then_o fare_v with_o he_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v see_v all_o such_o vicious_a person_n find_v themselves_o 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the_o utter_a inconsistency_n of_o both_o with_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n be_v much_o more_o excusable_a before_o god_n than_o any_o christian_n can_v be_v who_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n both_o of_o his_o person_n and_o his_o gospel_n do_v yet_o reverse_v and_o contradict_v that_o in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n which_o they_o avow_v in_o their_o creed_n and_o solemn_a declaration_n for_o he_o who_o prefer_v a_o base_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n before_o christ_n spit_v in_o his_o face_n as_o much_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o he_o who_o debauch_n his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o prostitute_n it_o to_o the_o vile_a and_o low_a service_n of_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n crucify_v his_o saviour_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o as_o open_v a_o shame_n as_o ever_o pontius_n pilate_n the_o high_a priest_n or_o those_o mercenary_a tool_n the_o very_a soldier_n themselves_o do_v they_o do_v not_o indeed_o pierce_v his_o side_n but_o what_o be_v worse_o they_o strike_v a_o 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of_o his_o mercy_n make_v they_o ripe_a for_o the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o his_o justice._n after_o which_o proceed_v of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o such_o sinner_n shall_v it_o not_o one_o will_v think_v be_v both_o the_o interest_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o stout_a and_o most_o dare_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n forthwith_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o their_o redeemer_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n and_o as_o hard_o a_o lesson_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o their_o neck_n rather_o than_o with_o the_o jew_n to_o draw_v his_o blood_n upon_o their_o head_n especial_o since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v and_o will_v assure_o be_v their_o case_n for_o the_o method_n of_o grace_n be_v fix_v and_o the_o measure_n state_v and_o as_o little_a allowance_n of_o mercy_n will_v
body_n and_o a_o leaden_a soul_n against_o all_o the_o apprension_n of_o ordinary_a sorrow_n so_o that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o some_o pain_n to_o awaken_v such_o a_o one_o and_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v alive_a but_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v a_o understanding_n too_o quick_a to_o let_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v intelligible_a escape_n it_o take_v in_o the_o dolorous_a afflict_a object_n in_o its_o full_a dimension_n he_o see_v the_o utmost_a evil_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o stroke_n which_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n inflict_v on_o he_o and_o what_o his_o eye_n see_v his_o heart_n proportionable_o feel_v for_o sure_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v inconceiveable_o afflict_v in_o the_o actual_a endurance_n which_o be_v so_o dreadful_a in_o their_o very_a approach_n that_o the_o horror_n of_o they_o put_v the_o man_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n the_o man_n make_v strong_a for_o that_o very_a purpose_n to_o start_v back_o and_o decline_v the_o blow_n can_v the_o avoidance_n of_o it_o have_v stand_v with_o the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o me._n which_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o cowardice_n but_o of_o humane_a nature_n nature_n which_o by_o its_o first_o and_o most_o essential_a principle_n will_v have_v save_v itself_o may_v it_o have_v consist_v with_o the_o save_v of_o the_o world_n three_o the_o three_o thing_n set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o suffering_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o it_o which_o be_v god_n himself_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o passion_n be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o agent_n and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o omnipotence_n can_v do_v omnipotence_n employ_v or_o rather_o inflame_v by_o justice_n in_o who_o quarrel_n it_o be_v then_o engage_v we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o divine_a stroke_n by_o the_o proportion_n of_o those_o blow_n which_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o great_a and_o most_o exasperate_v mortal_a the_o 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creature_n his_o anger_n can_v fall_v upon_o we_o in_o no_o great_a proportion_n than_o what_o can_v pass_v through_o the_o narrow_a capacity_n of_o a_o create_v be_v for_o be_v the_o fountain_n never_o so_o full_a yet_o if_o it_o communicate_v itself_o by_o a_o little_a pipe_n the_o stream_n can_v be_v but_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o equal_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o conveyance_n god_n can_v no_o more_o give_v his_o power_n than_o his_o glory_n to_o another_o there_o be_v no_o mortal_a arm_n can_v draw_v his_o bow_n god_n can_v thunder_v or_o lighten_v by_o proxy_n he_o alone_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o none_o can_v reach_v the_o conscience_n but_o he_o who_o make_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o discharge_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n upon_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n then_o charge_v upon_o our_o saviour_n he_o take_v the_o sword_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n enter_v the_o list_n and_o deal_v with_o he_o immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o then_o we_o find_v the_o difference_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n by_o the_o difference_n of_o his_o behaviour_n while_o he_o be_v buffet_v scourge_v and_o nail_v to_o the_o cross_n we_o hear_v nothing_o from_o he_o but_o like_o a_o lamb_n before_o the_o shearer_n he_o be_v dumb_a not_o because_o he_o can_v not_o but_o because_o he_o scorn_v to_o roar_v under_o the_o impression_n of_o a_o finite_a anger_n but_o when_o god_n reach_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o dart_v his_o immediate_a rebuke_n into_o his_o very_a soul_n and_o spirit_n as_o he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n than_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o silence_n upon_o such_o a_o loss_n will_v have_v be_v but_o stupidity_n and_o patience_n a_o absurdity_n for_o when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o he_o that_o darkness_n which_o then_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a emblem_n of_o that_o black_a cloud_n of_o despair_n which_o have_v overcast_v his_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v the_o utmost_a weight_n of_o those_o heavy_a stroke_n inflict_v by_o the_o almighty_a himself_o upon_o our_o saviour_n all_o the_o representation_n and_o little_a draught_n of_o they_o make_v by_o word_n and_o fancy_n be_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o keen_a impression_n of_o sense_n but_o yet_o that_o which_o give_v we_o the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o they_o sure_o be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a mind_n under_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n when_o god_n shall_v turn_v the_o worm_n of_o conscience_n into_o a_o scorpion_n and_o smite_v it_o with_o the_o secret_a invisible_a sting_n of_o his_o wrath_n such_o as_o shall_v fester_v and_o rage_v inward_o gnaw_v and_o rake_v the_o very_a entrail_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o burden_n and_o anguish_n of_o this_o have_v be_v sometime_o so_o insupportable_a that_o some_o have_v profess_v themselves_o to_o envy_v the_o condition_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o damn_a spirit_n as_o think_v the_o endurance_n of_o those_o flame_n more_o tolerable_a than_o the_o expectation_n and_o according_o have_v do_v violence_n to_o their_o own_o life_n and_o so_o flee_v to_o hell_n as_o to_o a_o sanctuary_n and_o choose_v damnation_n as_o a_o release_n far_o be_v such_o person_n god_n know_v from_o better_v their_o condition_n by_o complete_n that_o which_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o foreta_v of_o it_o yet_o however_o it_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o unspeakable_a wretchedness_n of_o a_o guilty_a soul_n labour_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o way_n let_v the_o bold_a the_o hardy_a and_o the_o secure_a sinner_n know_v that_o god_n be_v able_a without_o ever_o touch_v he_o either_o in_o his_o estate_n his_o health_n his_o reputation_n or_o any_o other_o outward_a enjoyment_n dear_a to_o he_o but_o mere_o by_o let_v a_o few_o drop_n of_o his_o wrath_n fall_v upon_o his_o guilty_a conscience_n so_o to_o scald_v and_o gall_v he_o with_o the_o lively_a sense_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v a_o continual_a terror_n to_o himself_o carry_v about_o he_o a_o hell_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n which_o shall_v echo_n to_o he_o such_o peal_n of_o vengeance_n every_o hour_n that_o all_o the_o wine_n and_o music_n all_o the_o honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o minister_v the_o least_o ease_n to_o his_o heartsick_a and_o despond_v soul_n now_o in_o these_o torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n we_o have_v some_o little_a image_n of_o the_o pain_n then_o suffer_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o greatness_n of_o both_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a and_o immediate_a inflicter_n of_o such_o stroke_n and_o then_o sure_o the_o suffering_n must_v needs_o be_v grievous_a when_o infinite_a justice_n pass_v sentence_n and_o infinite_a power_n do_v execution_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o general_a thing_n propose_v from_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o suffer_v itself_o express_v in_o these_o word_n he_o be_v strike_v and_o that_o by_o consider_v the_o latitude_n the_o intenseness_n and_o also_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o all_o of_o they_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o its_o unparalleled_a greatness_n 2._o the_o second_o general_a thing_n propose_v be_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o this_o suffering_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v penal_a and_o expiatory_a he_o be_v strike_v for_o transgression_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v penal_a there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o any_o clear_a unbiased_a understanding_n than_o the_o natural_a genuine_a and_o unconstrained_a use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o what_o other_o sense_n can_v there_o be_v of_o a_o man_n be_v strike_v or_o
prey_n from_o the_o mighty_a and_o a_o captive_n from_o the_o strong_a and_o though_o he_o be_v in_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o death_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o devour_v corruption_n the_o common_a lot_n of_o mortality_n seize_v not_o on_o he_o worm_n and_o putrefaction_n dare_v not_o approach_v he_o his_o body_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a as_o sweet_a under_o ground_n as_o above_o it_o and_o in_o death_n itself_o retain_v one_o of_o the_o high_a privilege_n of_o the_o live_n 3._o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a thing_n propose_v namely_o the_o ground_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v its_o absolute_a necessity_n express_v in_o these_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n possible_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a par_n &_o aequum_fw-la that_o christ_n shall_v not_o always_o be_v detain_v under_o death_n because_o 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be_v lay_v by_o socinianism_n whereupon_o their_o old_a popery_n get_v a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o more_o rigorous_a imposition_n than_o before_o the_o government_n prefer_v a_o less_o pure_a and_o perfect_a christianity_n before_o the_o most_o refine_a turcism_n this_o be_v the_o method_n take_v there_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v not_o have_v the_o like_a issue_n here_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a among_o you_o when_o a_o certain_a mahometan_a christian_n no_o new_a thing_n of_o late_a notorious_a for_o his_o blasphemous_a denial_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o his_o insufferable_a virulence_n against_o the_o whole_a christian_a priesthood_n think_v to_o have_v find_v shelter_n among_o you_o the_o parliament_n to_o their_o immortal_a honour_n present_o send_v he_o pack_v and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o faggot_n soon_o make_v the_o kingdom_n too_o hot_a for_o he_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n doubtless_o how_o far_o we_o be_v from_o need_v those_o savage_a execution_n use_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n where_o authority_n animate_v with_o due_a zeal_n will_v attempt_v that_o worthy_a work_n by_o other_o more_o humane_a but_o not_o less_o effectual_a mean_n nothing_o certain_o but_o power_n as_o the_o world_n now_o go_v can_v keep_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o now_o my_o lord_n may_v that_o god_n by_o who_o prince_n and_o prelate_n governor_n and_o church_n stand_v long_o preserve_v your_o grace_n and_o that_o excellent_a church_n which_o you_o be_v so_o eminent_a a_o pillar_n of_o and_o ornament_n to_o and_o which_o by_o her_o incomparable_a courage_n and_o faithfulness_n late_o show_v in_o preserve_v that_o great_a depositum_fw-la the_o holy_a religion_n commit_v to_o her_o trust_n have_v get_v herself_o a_o name_n which_o will_v never_o die_v and_o such_o a_o solid_a well-founded_n reputation_n as_o no_o bend_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n no_o trim_v or_o trick_v it_o ever_o can_v or_o can_v give_v so_o ample_a and_o so_o considerable_a a_o body_n for_o it_o be_v lead_v only_o that_o bend_v to_o almost_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o noble_a metal_n can_v do_v and_o the_o noble_a sort_n of_o mind_n will_v not_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o trespass_n too_o far_o upon_o your_o grace_n time_n and_o business_n and_o therefore_o humble_o implore_v your_o grace_n blessing_n i_o lay_v these_o poor_a paper_n at_o your_o foot_n infinite_o unworthy_a i_o confess_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n and_o the_o perusal_n of_o so_o judicious_a a_o eye_n but_o yet_o at_o present_a the_o best_a pledge_n i_o can_v give_v your_o grace_n of_o those_o sincere_a respect_n and_o service_n which_o your_o grace_n ought_v always_o to_o claim_v and_o shall_v never_o fail_v to_o receive_v from_o my_o lord_n your_o grace_n ever_o faithful_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n robert_n south_n westminster_n april_n 30._o 1698._o the_o content_n of_o the_o sermon_n sermon_n i._n job_n xxii_o 2_o former_a part_n can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n p._n 3_o sermon_n two_o luk._n xi_o 35_o take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n p._n 35_o sermon_n iii_o matth._n v._o 44_o former_a part_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n p._n iii_o sermon_n iu._n matth._n vii_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand._n and_o the_o rain_v descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o p._n 165_o sermon_n v._o 1_o cor._n viii_o 12_o but_o when_o you_o sin_n so_o against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n you_o sin_n against_o christ._n p._n 211_o sermon_n vi_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 7_o former_a part_n but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n p._n 259_o sermon_n vii_o revel_v xxii_o 16_o latter_a part_n i_o be_o the_o root_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o david_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o morningstar_n p._n 315_o sermon_n viii_o john_n i._n 11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o p._n 361_o sermon_n ix_o isaiah_n liii_o 8_o latter_a part_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o strike_v p._n 415_o sermon_n x._o act_n ii_o 24_o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o p._n 463_o sermon_n xi_o 1_o cor._n xii_o 4_o now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n p._n 503_o sermon_n xii_o psalm_n cxliv_o 10_o former_a part_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v salvation_n unto_o king_n p._n 553_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a error_n of_o the_o press_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v correct_v page_n 27._o l._n 23._o r._n eleemosynary_a p._n 25._o l._n 23._o r._n suitable_a p._n 36._o l._n 22._o for_o do_v r._n de_fw-fr p._n 46._o l._n 14._o for_o of_o r._n and_o p._n 61._o l._n 4._o r._n unconceivable_o p._n 79._o l._n 15._o r._n ethiopian_n p._n 87._o l._n 1._o r._n skillfull_a p._n 89._o l._n 19_o for_o himself_o r._n him_n p._n 92._o l._n 19_o r._n instance_n p._n 122._o l._n 25._o for_o be_v r._n be_v p._n 138._o l._n 2._o r._n artificial_o p._n 139._o l._n 25._o for_o ever_o r._n even_o p._n 150._o l._n 24._o deal_n the_o first_o and_n p._n 153._o l._n 9_o r._n head_n p._n 155._o l._n 12._o for_o who_o r._n who_o p._n 247._o l._n 16._o for_o last_o r._n late_a p._n 264._o l._n 23._o r._n influence_n p._n 283._o l._n 5._o r._n egyptian_n p._n 315._o l._n 10._o r._n epiphany_n p._n 351._o l._n 9_o r._n appearance_n p._n 451._o l._n 16._o for_o word_n r._n work_v p._n 456._o l._n last_o r._n renounce_v p._n 542._o l._n 1._o for_o rule_n r._n of_o rule_n p._n 578._o l._n 9_o deal_n from_o p._n 596._o l._n 13._o r._n concern_v book_n late_o print_v for_o thomas_n bennet_n at_o the_o half-moon_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n twenty_o four_o sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n be_v the_o first_o and_o second_o volume_n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n stradling_n dean_n of_o chichester_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n by_o james_n harrington_n esq._n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n meggot_n dean_n of_o winchester_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n or_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o human_a duty_n establish_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697_o found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq._n by_o francis_n gastrell_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ-church_n oxon._n some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v that_o controversy_n the_o second_o edition_n together_o with_o a_o defence_n of_o they_o against_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n a_o discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v assert_v and_o explain_v against_o negligence_n and_o profaneness_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o geo._n burghope_n rector_n of_o little_a gaddesden_n in_o hertfordshire_n a_o conference_n between_o a_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o a_o socinian_n in_o four_o dialogue_n wherein_o the_o late_a distinction_n of_o a_o real_a and_o a_o nominal_a trinitarian_n be_v consider_v by_o h._n de_fw-fr luzancy_n b._n d._n vic._n of_o dovercourt_n and_o harwich_n the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n state_v and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o man_n merit_v of_o god_n assert_v in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o 22._o of_o job_n and_o the_o 2_o d_o verse_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n on_o decem._n 5_o the_o 1697._o job_n xxii_o 2_o can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n certain_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v upon_o what_o term_n and_o â—_z he_o be_v to_o transact_v with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o by_o know_v upon_o what_o term_n he_o must_v obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o he_o will_v know_v also_o upon_o what_o ground_n he_o be_v to_o hope_v for_o and_o expect_v it_o here_o and_o so_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v both_o his_o action_n and_o expectation_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o lest_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v chance_v to_o
fail_v of_o the_o prize_n he_o run_v for_o by_o mistake_v the_o way_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o st._n paul_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v express_v a_o thing_n tell_v we_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o only_o as_o such_o nay_o he_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o gift_n in_o the_o very_a same_o verse_n in_o which_o he_o affirm_v death_n to_o be_v as_o due_a to_o a_o sinner_n as_o wage_n be_v to_o a_o work_n man_n roman_n 6.23_o than_o which_o word_n nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o full_a and_o conclusive_a that_o salvation_n proceed_v whole_o upon_o free-gift_n though_o damnation_n upon_o strict_a desert_n nevertheless_o such_o be_v the_o extreme_a folly_n or_o rather_o sottishness_n of_o manâ—_n corrupt_a nature_n that_o this_o do_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mean_n satisfy_v he_o for_o though_o indeed_o he_o will_v fain_o be_v happy_a yet_o fain_o will_v he_o also_o thank_v none_o for_o it_o but_o himself_o and_o though_o he_o find_v that_o not_o only_o his_o duty_n but_o his_o necessity_n bring_v he_o every_o day_n upon_o his_o knee_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o very_a bread_n he_o eat_v yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o spiritual_n thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n he_o appear_v and_o act_n not_o as_o a_o suppliant_a but_o as_o a_o merchant_n not_o as_o one_o who_o come_v to_o be_v relieve_v but_o to_o traffic_n for_o something_o he_o will_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o something_o he_o will_v give_v he_o and_o nothing_o will_v content_v this_o insolent_a yet_o impotent_a creature_n unless_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o buy_v the_o very_a thing_n he_o beg_v such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o baseness_n of_o some_o spirit_n that_o where_o they_o receive_v a_o benefit_n too_o big_a for_o they_o to_o requite_v they_o will_v even_o deny_v the_o kindness_n and_o disow_v the_o obligation_n now_o this_o great_a self-delusion_n so_o prevalent_a upon_o most_o mind_n be_v the_o thing_n here_o encounter_v in_o the_o text._n the_o word_n of_o which_o by_o a_o usual_a way_n of_o speech_n under_o a_o interrogation_n couch_v a_o positive_a assertion_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o true_a proper_a and_o strict_a sense_n of_o merit_n noâ—_n do_v this_o interrogative_n way_n of_o expression_n import_v only_o a_o bare_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o in_o itself_o impossible_a but_o also_o a_o manifest_a undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o say_a impossibility_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v profitable_a to_o god_n for_o god_n to_o receive_v any_o advantage_n by_o man_n righteousness_n or_o to_o gain_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o make_v his_o way_n perfect_a and_o consequent_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n â—â—an_z for_o a_o man_n to_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v so_o irrational_a a_o conceit_n or_o to_o affirm_v so_o gross_a a_o paradox_n and_o that_o no_o other_o thing_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n but_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n will_v appear_v from_o a_o true_a state_n and_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n which_o we_o may_v not_o improper_o define_v a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o good_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o some_o good_a do_v together_o with_o a_o equivalence_n or_o parity_n of_o worth_n between_o the_o good_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o the_o good_a do_v so_o that_o although_o according_a to_o the_o common_a division_n of_o justice_n into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a that_o which_o be_v call_v commutative_a be_v employ_v only_o about_o the_o strict_a value_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o a_o arithmetical_a proportion_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n and_o the_o other_o species_n of_o justice_n call_v distributive_a as_o consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n admit_v of_o some_o latitude_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o truth_n even_o this_o distribution_n itself_o must_v so_o far_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o commutation_n that_o the_o good_a to_o be_v dispense_v by_o way_n of_o reward_n aught_o in_o justice_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o work_n or_o action_n which_o it_o be_v design_v as_o a_o compensation_n of_o so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o sink_v below_o it_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o full_a value_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o upon_o a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o true_a philosophy_n merit_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o instance_n or_o exemplification_n of_o that_o note_a saying_n or_o maxim_n that_o one_o benefaction_n or_o good_a turn_n require_v another_o and_o import_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o man_n claim_n or_o title_n to_o receive_v as_o much_o good_a from_o another_o as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o thus_o much_o therefore_o be_v premise_v as_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o drift_n or_o design_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o need_v any_o further_a exposition_n we_o shall_v observe_v and_o draw_v from_o they_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o something_o suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o they_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o second_o something_o express_v namely_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v utter_o false_a and_o absurd_a and_o that_o it_o iâ—_n impossible_a for_o man_n to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o three_o something_o infer_v from_o both_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v the_o very_a source_n or_o foundation_n of_o two_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o four_o and_o last_o something_o object_v against_o the_o particular_n discourse_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v â—o_o answer_v and_o remove_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o the_o thing_n suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o place_n too_o high_a a_o value_n both_o upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o performance_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o universal_a experience_n which_o prove_v it_o no_o less_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o bear_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o love_n we_o know_v be_v found_v in_o and_o result_v from_o a_o proportionable_a esteem_n of_o the_o object_n love_v so_o that_o look_v in_o what_o degree_n any_o man_n love_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o must_v esteem_v himself_o too_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o set_v his_o own_o price_n upon_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o do_v whether_o the_o world_n will_v come_v up_o to_o it_o or_o no_o as_o it_o seldom_o do_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n peter_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o mat._n nineteeen_o 27_o master_n say_v he_o we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o what_o shall_v we_o have_v therefore_o in_o which_o word_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o his_o lord_n and_o to_o expect_v no_o more_o of_o he_o as_o he_o think_v but_o strict_o a_o pennyworth_n for_o his_o penny_n and_o all_o this_o from_o a_o conceit_n that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o aâ—_n so_o exceed_o meritorious_a that_o it_o must_v even_o nonplus_n his_o master_n bouâ—â—y_n to_o quit_v score_n with_o he_o by_o a_o just_a requital_n nay_o so_o far_o have_v the_o same_o proud_a ferment_n get_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n that_o neither_o can_v their_o own_o low_a condition_n nor_o the_o constant_a sâ—rmons_n of_o that_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o humility_n who_o they_o daily_o converse_v with_o nor_o last_o the_o corrective_n of_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n total_o clear_a and_o cure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o principle_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o nature_n work_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o consider_v also_o â—he_v