we_o may_v do_v it_o those_o first_o and_o chief_a disciple_n have_v enable_v we_o by_o give_v we_o large_a account_n of_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n himself_o tell_v we_o john_n xv._n 8._o if_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o ver._n 10._o explain_v their_o bear_v much_o fruit_n by_o imitate_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n if_o you_o keep_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n even_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n so_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o religious_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o bless_a jesus_n live_v on_o earth_n he_o pursue_v the_o true_a end_n of_o happiness_n and_o cultivate_v those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o office_n what_o honour_n then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n of_o action_n it_o be_v the_o high_a ambition_n of_o the_o more_o generous_a among_o the_o heathen_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o their_o ancient_a hero_n and_o be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o ardent_o desire_v to_o resemble_v our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n their_o ambition_n be_v misplace_v and_o therefore_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o unhappiness_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v too_o great_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o pious_a soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o same_o duty_n wherein_o the_o bless_a jesus_n spend_v his_o life_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o devotion_n to_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n this_o consideration_n will_v dispel_v all_o weariness_n will_v add_v vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o all_o temporal_a evil_n which_o may_v attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n this_o will_v support_v we_o under_o all_o outward_a calamity_n alleviate_v our_o sorrow_n and_o calm_v our_o tempest_n to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n endure_v the_o same_o affliction_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n if_o he_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o fury_n of_o devil_n shall_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o same_o enemy_n if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o john_n xv._n 18._o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o same_o fortune_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n no_o sure_o only_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o they_o be_v on_o he_o that_o be_v not_o through_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n so_o shall_v we_o imitate_v he_o as_o well_o in_o the_o most_o happy_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o affliction_n as_o in_o the_o affliction_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o last_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n will_v be_v our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n if_o only_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v be_v give_v to_o we_o we_o may_v have_v be_v daily_o distract_v with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v the_o meaning_n extent_n and_o application_n of_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o error_n and_o craft_n of_o man_n and_o render_v useless_a by_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n whereas_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v away_o all_o these_o scruple_n and_o place_v every_o precept_n in_o its_o full_a light_n if_o we_o true_o imitate_v his_o example_n we_o be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v in_o all_o thing_n do_v our_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o perform_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o once_o obtain_v that_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n may_v we_o have_v by_o follow_v his_o example_n than_o by_o respect_v his_o precept_n only_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n after_o so_o many_o rule_n and_o precept_n give_v to_o his_o convert_v still_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o but_o then_o no_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ._n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ._n r_o cor._n xi_o 1._o by_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o gainsay_n of_o foolish_a man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o profound_a knowledge_n or_o deep_a speculation_n if_o they_o deride_v our_o christian_a virtue_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o duty_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o mortification_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o in_o practise_v they_o we_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n let_v they_o please_v themselves_o with_o their_o mirth_n and_o false_a supposal_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o pattern_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o place_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o precept_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n have_v at_o least_o recommend_v they_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o can_v assert_v they_o by_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o result_n from_o it_o let_v we_o by_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o follow_v this_o most_o excellent_a example_n fullfil_v the_o obligation_n and_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v on_o earth_n make_v like_o unto_o he_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n so_o we_o may_v hereafter_o in_o heaven_n be_v make_v yet_o more_o like_a unto_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o immortality_n the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v october_n 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n have_v so_o contrive_v that_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v equal_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o excellency_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o it_o propose_v in_o its_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o beget_v and_o establish_v due_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o admirable_a congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n his_o goodness_n be_v conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o those_o infinite_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o liberal_a distribution_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o which_o more_o direct_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n in_o adapt_a that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o thereby_o render_v it_o no_o less_o easy_a than_o advantageous_a and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a among_o the_o heathen_n many_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n have_v employ_v their_o wit_n in_o refine_n the_o superstition_n of_o their_o country_n and_o assign_v reason_n for_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o obtain_v among_o they_o but_o their_o notion_n be_v abstruse_a and_o mystical_a their_o
conception_n dark_a and_o unaccountable_a above_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n fit_v only_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n and_o after_o all_o no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o volatile_a fancy_n so_o little_o adapt_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o indeed_o intend_v for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o conceal_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n and_o impart_v only_o to_o confident_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n relate_v to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o even_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o ceremony_n and_o legal_a observation_n impose_v on_o they_o they_o know_v in_o general_a that_o many_o of_o they_o typify_v the_o come_n of_o a_o future_a messiah_n who_o shall_v institute_v a_o more_o excellent_a religion_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o signal_n benefit_n to_o their_o nation_n but_o alas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o infinite_o unsatisfactory_a to_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a yet_o still_o continue_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o any_o certain_a guide_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o learned_a jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_n these_o employ_v their_o labour_n in_o find_v out_o the_o hide_a meaning_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o those_o ceremonial_a institution_n but_o so_o unsuccessful_o that_o they_o plain_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o their_o divine_a lawgiver_n and_o by_o turn_v all_o his_o ritual_a precept_n into_o allegory_n and_o obscure_a mystery_n defeat_v their_o institution_n and_o corrupt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n with_o false_a notion_n and_o interpretation_n and_o no_o wonder_n indeed_o for_o the_o veil_n be_v not_o yet_o take_v from_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v remove_v but_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n disperse_v the_o dark_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n he_o alone_o have_v make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o easy_a to_o all_o and_o thereby_o make_v the_o ignorance_n of_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v inexcusable_a herein_o complete_n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n xxxi_o 33_o 34._o after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o in_o propose_v this_o plain_a and_o easy_a religion_n god_n intend_v to_o supercede_v all_o labour_n of_o mankind_n and_o imprint_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o even_o violent_o upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n propose_v the_o truth_n clear_o to_o we_o enforce_v it_o with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n fit_v it_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o afford_v we_o easy_a mean_n of_o obtain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o after_o such_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o free_a entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n whether_o we_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v we_o mere_a brute_n and_o machine_n not_o capable_a of_o entertain_v any_o religion_n and_o unfit_a to_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o age_n not_o to_o cast_v holy_a thing_n before_o dog_n nor_o pearl_n before_o swine_n to_o create_v a_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o person_n insensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o mankind_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o and_o who_o make_v no_o advancement_n towards_o their_o reception_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v choose_v to_o propose_v those_o eternal_a truth_n in_o such_o a_o method_n as_o that_o a_o perfect_a acquisition_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v exercise_v the_o diligence_n and_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n we_o must_v bring_v mind_n free_v from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n use_v due_a attention_n search_v the_o scripture_n weigh_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o persuade_v their_o divinity_n and_o be_v once_o convince_v of_o that_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n use_v all_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v abundant_o provide_v for_o our_o instruction_n we_o must_v not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n but_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n reflect_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n a_o subject_a than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian._n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o only_o enforce_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o they_o be_v our_o great_a perfection_n and_o will_v be_v our_o utmost_a happiness_n although_o attend_v with_o no_o reward_n every_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n will_v augment_v the_o force_n of_o our_o obligation_n and_o bring_v some_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n have_v add_v to_o those_o imperfect_a discovery_n make_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o those_o foederal_n rite_n the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o these_o benefit_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a more_o perfect_o to_o comprehend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o these_o advantage_n natural_o flow_v from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o our_o faith_n however_o the_o apostle_n in_o give_v this_o precept_n more_o immediate_o respect_v the_o conviction_n of_o those_o person_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o christian_n as_o of_o evil_a doer_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o only_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o live_v godly_o holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o this_o present_a world_n man_n decry_v it_o as_o lead_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o forbid_v any_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o false_a god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a object_n of_o adoration_n at_o that_o time_n and_o change_v all_o pompous_a external_a ceremony_n into_o a_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a worship_n they_o traduce_v it_o as_o irrational_a and_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n because_o not_o propose_v with_o the_o usual_a ostentation_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n and_o require_v man_n to_o deny_v their_o lust_n conquer_v their_o desire_n and_o sorfake_v their_o most_o darling_a passion_n last_o they_o reject_v it_o as_o impious_a and_o execrable_a as_o a_o unheâ—…rd_n of_o superstition_n and_o a_o fond_a credulity_n because_o they_o know_v not_o those_o argument_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v nor_o consider_v the_o demonstrative_a proof_n which_o recommend_v it_o to_o convince_v the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o these_o man_n the_o apostle_n require_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o so_o whereas_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n lead_v to_o immorality_n nor_o their_o practice_n favour_v it_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o speculative_a science_n mere_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n and_o not_o correct_v our_o error_n but_o as_o a_o operative_a knowledge_n which_o may_v visible_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man._n the_o divinity_n
we_o consider_v with_o how_o great_a zeal_n and_o vehemency_n both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n oppose_v it_o and_o undertake_v the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o design_n with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o fervour_n and_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a whereby_o they_o may_v either_o discover_v any_o imposture_n in_o it_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n assist_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o learned_a adversary_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v its_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n last_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o now_o possess_v under_o their_o name_n and_o be_v convey_v uncorrupted_a through_o all_o age_n appear_v not_o 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they_o maintain_v their_o impious_a opinion_n it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o these_o man_n that_o christianity_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o so_o the_o licentious_a practice_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n may_v not_o be_v abbridge_v to_o they_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n embitter_v all_o their_o pleasure_n for_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o say_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v have_v no_o enemy_n but_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v life_n who_o either_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n however_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o ancient_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o who_o many_o sincere_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n which_o common_o end_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereas_o these_o dispute_n only_o for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o 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from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
of_o it_o to_o all_o person_n without_o distinction_n the_o most_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o ignorant_a be_v no_o less_o apparent_a for_o however_o these_o philosopher_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o their_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a they_o profess_v indeed_o a_o science_n of_o divine_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o include_v only_o unuseful_a and_o ofttimes_o absurd_a notion_n which_o be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o those_o as_o numerous_a as_o the_o whimsy_n of_o ambitious_a man_n and_o all_o deride_v by_o a_o powerful_a and_o learned_a sect_n which_o deny_v any_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o religion_n yet_o be_v it_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o conjecture_n than_o certainty_n which_o therefore_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n nor_o afford_v any_o other_o hope_n 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as_o be_v hereby_o become_v the_o portion_n of_o repute_a fool_n as_o well_o as_o the_o science_n of_o those_o who_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o condemn_v the_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o superciliousness_n of_o such_o man_n who_o either_o than_o do_v endeavour_v to_o engross_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n or_o now_o do_v true_a belief_n and_o salvation_n to_o themselves_o only_o religion_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n not_o of_o any_o sect_n or_o denomination_n of_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a party_n who_o by_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o they_o nothing_o therefore_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o declare_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o befit_v the_o holiness_n and_o beneficence_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o the_o generous_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o equal_o admit_v all_o man_n and_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o distinction_n in_o person_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o their_o more_fw-mi or_o less_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o it_o impose_v no_o necessary_a duty_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o what_o be_v command_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o observe_v no_o other_o sacrament_n or_o ceremony_n than_o what_o be_v easy_a and_o significant_a few_o and_o instructive_a and_o if_o this_o must_v be_v account_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n have_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n degenerate_v dislike_a divine_a truth_n because_o rational_a plain_a and_o obvious_a it_o have_v 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involve_v in_o the_o most_o perplex_a and_o intricate_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v to_o propose_v and_o deliver_v it_o in_o a_o enthusiastic_a stile_n in_o wild_a and_o undigested_a conception_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o confider_v our_o obligation_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o objection_n and_o the_o scandal_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o open_o to_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n for_o however_o it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n we_o still_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v be_v neither_o scandalize_v at_o the_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n nor_o delude_v by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o which_o two_o head_n i_o will_v brief_o speak_v to_o first_o then_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n 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still_o leave_v our_o will_n in_o its_o full_a liberty_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v place_n either_o for_o reward_n of_o belief_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o contrary_n not_o that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n incredible_a or_o extraordinary_a not_o that_o we_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o be_v more_o credulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n or_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n reject_v as_o foolish_a or_o monstrous_a our_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n than_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o rational_a as_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o attribute_n of_o veracity_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o strange_a expression_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n certain_a credible_a and_o meritorious_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v foolish_a incredible_a and_o impossible_a that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o christian_a confidence_n and_o that_o god_n therefore_o choose_v this_o way_n that_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v retaliate_v to_o man_n the_o impudence_n of_o idolatry_n in_o which_o they_o have_v voluntary_o engage_v themselves_o by_o the_o impudence_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o they_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o just_o may_v christianity_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n and_o bless_v be_v that_o holy_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o which_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o assâ—…nt_v to_o although_o no_o reward_n attend_v the_o assent_n in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o
to_o the_o action_n and_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n god_n neither_o promise_v nor_o exercise_v any_o such_o constant_a visible_a justice_n which_o may_v distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a and_o sensible_o teach_v man_n the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o the_o more_o spiritual_a religion_n of_o christ_n and_o more_o abstract_a from_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n any_o such_o discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o external_n circumstance_n of_o prosperity_n shall_v take_v place_n that_o god_n shall_v constant_o awaken_v the_o negligence_n of_o slothful_a christian_n by_o severe_a and_o visible_a judgement_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o approve_v their_o conduct_n yet_o be_v this_o error_n almost_o as_o frequent_v among_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v former_o among_o the_o jew_n while_o man_n enjoy_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n secure_o and_o find_v themselves_o at_o ease_n they_o fond_o imagine_v that_o heaven_n also_o have_v declare_v itself_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n towards_o their_o vicious_a course_n lest_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o shall_v abridge_v their_o present_a happiness_n they_o be_v tell_v indeed_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n but_o conceive_v no_o great_a pleasure_n than_o what_o they_o now_o enjoy_v nor_o fear_v any_o great_a punishment_n than_o the_o deprivation_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n because_o they_o find_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o continue_v to_o they_o they_o â—…magine_v themselves_o secure_a and_o think_v that_o they_o either_o have_v escape_v the_o divine_a punishment_n or_o not_o deserve_v it_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o conclusion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o god_n public_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n take_v separately_z say_v to_o increase_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v a_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a life_n undergo_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n of_o man_n most_o dread_v as_o poverty_n hunger_n pain_n and_o a_o violent_a death_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n continue_v to_o be_v the_o most_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o example_n his_o apostle_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o profess_v a_o extraordinary_a love_n suffer_v all_o the_o sensible_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v yet_o the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n now_o exalt_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o temporal_a affliction_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n any_o indication_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o contrary_a of_o his_o favour_n so_o then_o in_o vain_a do_v man_n reject_v or_o defer_v repentance_n because_o they_o see_v not_o the_o constant_a execution_n of_o his_o displeasure_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n for_o how_o shall_v that_o displeasure_n exert_v itself_o not_o in_o poverty_n affliction_n or_o in_o temporal_a calamity_n for_o these_o we_o find_v in_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o dear_a servant_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o the_o disfavour_n of_o god_n yet_o from_o these_o character_n alone_o man_n will_v take_v his_o measure_n who_o fond_o imagine_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o such_o disaster_n and_o know_v no_o great_a misery_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o they_o while_o he_o consult_v his_o sense_n alone_o but_o god_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v he_o know_v what_o will_v be_v real_a happiness_n and_o misery_n to_o man_n and_o therein_o place_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o his_o reward_n be_v not_o adapt_v to_o the_o sensual_a imagination_n of_o man_n so_o neither_o be_v his_o punishment_n to_o their_o fear_n and_o passion_n what_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a punishment_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o certain_o be_v so_o small_a a_o punishment_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o compensate_a the_o guilt_n of_o have_v offend_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n to_o revenge_v therefore_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n whole_o in_o this_o life_n can_v not_o but_o come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o demerit_n of_o their_o action_n and_o after_o all_o will_v but_o little_o contribute_v to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a justice_n of_o god_n or_o excite_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n since_o what_o god_n will_v in_o that_o case_n inflict_v will_v be_v far_o different_a from_o what_o man_n esteem_v the_o great_a misery_n which_o render_v the_o constant_a execution_n of_o divine_a justice_n in_o this_o life_n unpracticable_a other_o consideration_n make_v it_o unreasonable_a and_o first_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o time_n wherein_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n during_o which_o time_n neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n of_o his_o action_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v distribute_v but_o both_o reserve_v till_o that_o probation_n shall_v expire_v and_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o man_n be_v know_v this_o time_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o life_n on_o earth_n in_o which_o man_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n have_v propose_v to_o he_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n the_o reward_n of_o that_o obedience_n and_o all_o other_o motive_n to_o his_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n allure_v he_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n tempt_v he_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n fit_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o sense_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o any_o other_o interest_n than_o that_o of_o this_o life_n his_o will_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n be_v still_o reserve_v entire_a to_o he_o life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o he_o as_o it_o be_v by_o moses_n before_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v which_o he_o please_v still_o remember_v that_o upon_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o life_n depend_v the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o his_o future_a state_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n god_n ordinary_o affright_v he_o not_o into_o his_o duty_n by_o a_o certain_a execution_n of_o punishment_n consequent_a in_o this_o life_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o his_o sin_n neither_o do_v he_o draw_v he_o to_o obedience_n by_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o reward_n for_o that_o will_v destroy_v all_o the_o merit_n of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n since_o the_o action_n of_o man_n will_v then_o proceed_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o sense_n not_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o believe_v this_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o or_o do_v that_o because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o i_o say_v that_o ordinary_o god_n do_v not_o dispose_v man_n to_o obedience_n by_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o justice_n execute_v in_o this_o life_n although_o often_o in_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n he_o do_v extraordinary_o in_o this_o life_n reward_v the_o eminent_a good_a action_n of_o his_o obedient_a servant_n and_o punish_v the_o more_o notorious_a sin_n of_o wicked_a men._n this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o man_n to_o who_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a light_n of_o revelation_n he_o do_v sometime_o indulge_v these_o extraordinary_a admonition_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o any_o rule_n by_o we_o we_o may_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o prosperity_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o not_o inflict_v of_o exemplary_a revenge_n a_o sign_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o rather_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o a_o trial_n of_o obedience_n during_o which_o he_o patient_o await_v our_o resolution_n all_o this_o our_o lord_n manifest_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n which_o the_o housholder_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n but_o till_o then_o be_v mix_v secure_o among_o the_o corn_n plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n make_v no_o discrimination_n between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o suffer_v both_o alike_o to_o live_v secure_a without_o any_o denunciation_n of_o his_o judgement_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n which_o himself_o explain_v to_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n shall_v be_v sever_v from_o each_o other_o this_o proceed_n indeed_o do_v shock_n the_o common_a understanding_n of_o man_n but_o that_o arise_v from_o
wonderful_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a action_n be_v require_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wrought_v they_o if_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v deficient_a in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n it_o have_v be_v irrational_a as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v admit_v his_o revelation_n although_o confirm_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n imaginable_a since_o they_o must_v have_v own_v thereby_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v as_o be_v confirm_v to_o they_o by_o a_o equal_a authority_n of_o miracle_n but_o not_o only_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v this_o truth_n the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n evident_o manifest_v it_o the_o first_o while_o yet_o on_o earth_n constant_o assert_v his_o divine_a mission_n and_o quality_n of_o messiah_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v testify_v of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o death_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o perform_v indeed_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o ever_o have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o in_o dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o common_o wave_v that_o argument_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o know_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o great_a of_o his_o miracle_n his_o resurrection_n be_v a_o less_o valid_a proof_n and_o inferior_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o he_o often_o think_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o propose_v as_o a_o necessary_a motive_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o a_o motive_n as_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o disow_v and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thus_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o vth._n of_o st._n john_n verse_n 39_o 46_o 47._o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n no_o other_o method_n do_v he_o make_v use_n of_o to_o convince_v his_o disciple_n walk_v to_o emmaus_n that_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o have_v befall_v his_o person_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o messiah_n all_o those_o glorious_a miracle_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n prove_v unsuccessful_a and_o can_v not_o secure_v their_o faith_n from_o a_o shameful_a fluctuation_n until_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o that_o it_o thus_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n if_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o a_o full_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v convince_v the_o remain_a jew_n who_o be_v less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v choose_v by_o christ_n and_o use_v as_o the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o train_v up_o in_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o preacher_n who_o may_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o master_n as_o to_o be_v witness_n and_o spectactor_n of_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o may_v afterward_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o convince_v mankind_n that_o they_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o former_a can_v not_o be_v the_o end_n or_o intention_n of_o their_o accompany_v christ_n through_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office_n appear_v plain_o from_o their_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n obtain_v his_o chief_a aim_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o select_v certain_a person_n for_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n this_o end_n therefore_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v of_o witness_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o reasonableness_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o every_o private_a man._n for_o we_o no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n himself_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n or_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a command_n over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o men._n they_o may_v indeed_o much_o more_o just_o have_v claim_v such_o a_o privilege_n than_o any_o ever_o since_o their_o time_n as_o be_v personal_o infallible_a and_o endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o they_o never_o endeavour_v to_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o hearer_n before_o they_o have_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v their_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v in_o a_o more_o rational_a method_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o master_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n with_o argument_n who_o attention_n they_o have_v before_o excite_v by_o miracle_n these_o argument_n when_o direct_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v chief_o take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o prophecy_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v plain_o soretold_v and_o describe_v the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o action_n themselves_o be_v witness_n thus_o we_o find_v st._n peter_n in_o his_o sermon_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o day_n to_o have_v use_v no_o other_o method_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o have_v urge_v the_o illustrious_a miracle_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n new_o confer_v on_o they_o as_o the_o conformity_n of_o that_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n his_o sermon_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o st._n stephen_n in_o the_o vii_o chap._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o xiii_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n when_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n philip_n convince_v the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v a_o jewish_a proselyte_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n act_n viii_o and_o act_v xviii_o apollo_n be_v say_v to_o have_v mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n st._n paul_n plead_v before_o king_n agrippa_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o stand_v there_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n act_n xxvi_o 6._o and_o ver_fw-la 27._o appeal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ask_v agrippa_n whether_o he_o believe_v not_o they_o insinuate_v that_o if_o he_o true_o believe_v the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v their_o genuine_a sense_n he_o can_v not_o but_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n be_v employ_v in_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v xxviii_o 23._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o testify_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n his_o action_n miracle_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o may_v then_o by_o every_o private_a man_n be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o
to_o be_v found_v by_o the_o messiah_n or_o expect_v from_o he_o which_o so_o long_o cloud_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o entertain_v true_a notion_n of_o that_o mystery_n although_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a and_o orthodox_n church_n we_o suck_v in_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n even_o from_o our_o infancy_n yet_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v no_o less_o violent_a and_o betray_v we_o to_o no_o less_o fatal_a mistake_n these_z not_o only_o defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o also_o direct_o introduce_v the_o foul_a and_o most_o pernicious_a error_n by_o prompt_v we_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v be_v most_o adapt_v and_o favourable_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o ordinary_a emanation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n if_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v not_o want_v but_o upon_o defect_n of_o those_o or_o any_o other_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o not_o produce_v this_o happy_a effect_n but_o also_o depart_v from_o we_o ii_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n confer_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o at_o least_o not_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a for_o it_o for_o this_o benefit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o bring_v down_o with_o it_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n which_o continue_v till_o this_o day_n by_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o however_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o at_o his_o ascension_n to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o by_o send_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n who_o may_v actuate_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o paraclet_n teach_v exhort_v comfort_n and_o intercede_v for_o every_o single_a member_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v erect_v their_o fear_n dispel_v and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v put_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o the_o church_n invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v it_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o place_n it_o beyond_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n or_o fury_n of_o tyrant_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n partake_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n we_o share_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o experience_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o infallible_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o find_v a_o church_n of_o which_o to_o be_v member_n we_o esteem_v our_o great_a happiness_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n be_v comfort_v in_o affliction_n and_o uphold_v in_o danger_n this_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n promise_v ver_fw-la 16._o shall_v abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n indeed_o and_o abundance_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o apostle_n but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o necessity_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o present_a portion_n which_o be_v already_o confer_v on_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o daily_a improvement_n in_o piety_n to_o augment_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n least_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o degenerate_a behaviour_n we_o forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o they_o both_o last_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o diffusive_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o mission_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o particular_a presence_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o this_o not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o presence_n which_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v as_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o derive_v down_o upon_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o the_o first_o descent_n of_o it_o procure_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v not_o only_o commemorate_v but_o act_n anew_o and_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n by_o receive_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o then_o as_o several_a previous_a disposition_n be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n with_o no_o less_o diligence_n and_o caution_n that_o as_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o constant_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v without_o any_o fluctuation_n believe_v the_o certain_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o that_o however_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v real_o present_a in_o the_o element_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o as_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o their_o will_n to_o his_o influence_n and_o direction_n so_o we_o shall_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o steady_a resolution_n of_o perform_v his_o command_n and_o that_o as_o they_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a mission_n of_o a_o comforter_n meet_v all_o together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o house_n so_o we_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o mighty_a benefit_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o perfect_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o if_o any_o of_o these_o due_a qualification_n be_v want_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o obtain_v any_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n or_o commemorate_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 16_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o give_v to_o we_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_o divine_a religion_n but_o also_o set_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o universal_a righteousness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n therein_o exceed_v all_o other_o lawgiver_n
whether_o divine_a or_o humane_a who_o never_o can_v equal_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o law_n by_o the_o spotless_a sanctity_n of_o their_o life_n even_o moses_n who_o have_v this_o testimony_n from_o god_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n do_v not_o always_o preserve_v inviolate_a that_o entire_a reliance_n on_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o he_o so_o earnest_o and_o so_o often_o recommend_v to_o his_o people_n but_o offend_v at_o the_o water_n of_o strife_n and_o be_v provoke_v to_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n as_o for_o other_o lawgiver_n who_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v either_o none_o or_o feign_a they_o be_v little_a solicitous_a to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o law_n by_o their_o example_n thereby_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o intend_v they_o rather_o for_o politic_a than_o religious_a end_n not_o so_o much_o to_o promote_v virtue_n as_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v exact_o perform_v in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o founder_n who_o give_v we_o not_o only_o a_o rule_n but_o a_o example_n of_o perfect_a piety_n in_o he_o all_o noble_a and_o divine_a virtue_n eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v rather_o attract_v our_o imitation_n than_o dazzle_v our_o contemplation_n just_o do_v he_o say_v of_o himself_o john_n ix_o 5._o that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n direct_v all_o person_n the_o way_n to_o happiness_n by_o his_o illustrious_a example_n and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n practise_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o in_o other_o person_n be_v single_o admire_v insomuch_o as_o we_o may_v just_o apply_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o other_o what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o in_o respect_n of_o humility_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o joh._n xiii_o 15._o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o his_o disciple_n to_o admire_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o example_n he_o require_v far_a of_o we_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v that_o we_o express_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o by_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o incomparable_a virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o propose_v they_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o we_o manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o follower_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o conduct_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v divide_v my_o discourse_n into_o three_o head_n i._o i_o will_v show_v that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o god_n intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a example_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o action_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o iii_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o argument_n induce_v we_o to_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o this_o example_n i._o that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o our_o action_n this_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v and_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n practise_v and_o consequent_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o his_o example_n which_o however_o indirect_a be_v yet_o a_o most_o evident_a argument_n but_o also_o from_o many_o other_o direct_a argument_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v name_v some_o few_o 1._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a sequel_n and_o design_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n one_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v those_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o history_n of_o it_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v chief_o observe_v four_o kind_n of_o matter_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_n of_o inspire_a person_n his_o miracle_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o ancient_a precede_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o action_n of_o these_o the_o two_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o two_o latter_a direct_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n to_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o abundant_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n he_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n into_o which_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v matter_n of_o the_o last_o sort_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v take_v no_o less_o care_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o these_o than_o with_o his_o doctrine_n the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o propose_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o imitation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o although_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o truth_n be_v affirm_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n these_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o her_o care_n and_o give_v for_o her_o direction_n it_o manifest_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o each_o evangelist_n apart_o to_o deliver_v a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o yet_o all_o conspire_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o give_v a_o full_a relation_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o direct_v those_o sacred_a penman_n and_o who_o infallible_a wisdom_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a think_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christian_n it_o become_v we_o as_o to_o adore_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o to_o take_v care_n least_o by_o neglect_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n so_o studious_o and_o full_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o defeat_v his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v perform_v that_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n in_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n john_n xiii_o tell_v they_o ver_fw-la 15._o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o by_o that_o ceremony_n he_o design_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o teach_v they_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o retain_v high_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o merit_n much_o less_o pride_n and_o ambition_n when_o they_o have_v see_v he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n condescend_v to_o execute_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o they_o who_o be_v his_o domestic_a servant_n and_o indeed_o the_o action_n can_v be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o end_n it_o have_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o the_o completion_n of_o any_o ancient_a prophecy_n serve_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a or_o admirable_a in_o it_o but_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n and_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v propose_v for_o our_o imitation_n than_o that_o many_o of_o his_o action_n aim_v at_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a virtue_n by_o the_o
of_o mankind_n adapt_v it_o to_o our_o imitation_n and_o perform_v no_o action_n if_o we_o except_o those_o which_o plain_o refer_v either_o to_o his_o prophetic_a sacerdotal_a or_o kingly_a office_n which_o may_v not_o equal_o be_v perform_v by_o all_o order_n and_o condition_n of_o men._n so_o admirable_a be_v his_o conduct_n so_o wise_o accommodate_v to_o effectuate_v its_o design_n that_o be_v to_o serve_v for_o a_o universal_a example_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n a_o design_n in_o which_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v equal_o visible_a as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o consideration_n i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o first_o to_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o object_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o christian_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o allure_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o sure_a method_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a observation_n confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o man_n be_v lead_v more_o powerful_o by_o example_n than_o precept_n man_n be_v ordinary_o induce_v to_o imitate_v the_o action_n of_o those_o person_n for_o who_o they_o retain_v a_o mighty_a awe_n and_o reverence_n they_o imagine_v somewhat_o extraordinary_a to_o be_v in_o they_o all_o and_o believe_v the_o only_a method_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o greatness_n be_v to_o practice_v the_o same_o action_n if_o this_o natural_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n be_v direct_v in_o the_o right_a channel_n nothing_o tend_v more_o effectual_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n among_o man_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o bad_a example_n of_o great_a and_o powerful_a person_n have_v debauch_v whole_a nation_n and_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o religion_n constant_o flourish_v or_o decay_v among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n and_o example_n of_o their_o prince_n bad_a prince_n draw_v the_o whole_a nation_n into_o apostasy_n with_o they_o and_o good_a one_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o their_o subject_n ahab_n example_n introduce_v among_o the_o ten_o tribe_n so_o universal_a a_o idolatry_n that_o he_o leave_v but_o seven_o thousand_o man_n in_o israel_n who_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n and_o the_o piety_n of_o king_n josiah_n wrought_v such_o a_o general_a reformation_n in_o his_o people_n that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o judge_v israel_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o passover_n hold_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o improve_v this_o inclination_n therefore_o of_o mankind_n to_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o his_o glory_n god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o the_o example_n of_o his_o only_a son_n which_o carry_v great_a inducement_n along_o with_o it_o than_o that_o of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n for_o if_o majesty_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o power_n be_v the_o chief_a motive_n of_o imitation_n our_o exemplar_n be_v no_o less_o than_o god_n incarnate_a and_o what_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o perfection_n must_v it_o need_v be_v for_o mankind_n to_o imitate_v the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o creator_n if_o kindness_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o extraordinary_a benefit_n can_v incite_v we_o to_o imitation_n our_o saviour_n have_v engage_v we_o by_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o most_o amaze_a act_n of_o endear_n love_n and_o in_o what_o better_a manner_n can_v we_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o our_o redeemer_n than_o by_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n if_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_v the_o same_o happiness_n can_v move_v we_o our_o saviour_n have_v propose_v a_o reward_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n a_o mansion_n in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o glory_n with_o himself_o to_o all_o who_o labour_n to_o attain_v it_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n all_o these_o consideration_n can_v fail_v to_o make_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n infinite_o more_o efficacious_a than_o that_o of_o any_o mortal_a creature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o same_o experience_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o mankind_n be_v teach_v more_o effectual_o by_o example_n than_o by_o precept_n the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n have_v but_o dark_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n they_o can_v easy_o discern_v what_o action_n be_v in_o themselves_o perfective_a of_o humane_a nature_n and_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o distinct_o perceive_v the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n revelation_n indeed_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v to_o supply_v this_o defect_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n but_o neither_o will_v this_o give_v they_o distinct_a notion_n of_o their_o duty_n unless_o they_o see_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o apply_v by_o some_o illustrious_a example_n precept_n may_v be_v obscure_a difficult_a and_o ambiguous_a but_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o they_o in_o some_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a person_n give_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a interpretation_n of_o they_o and_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a precept_n only_o affect_v the_o understanding_n example_n strike_v the_o sense_n and_o thereby_o in_o most_o man_n make_v far_o deep_a impression_n than_o the_o former_a although_o enforce_v with_o a_o thousand_o reason_n hence_o the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v ever_o draw_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n from_o the_o example_n of_o some_o illustrious_a person_n who_o be_v common_o repute_v and_o allow_v to_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o religion_n and_o esteem_v all_o their_o action_n good_a or_o bad_a not_o as_o they_o agree_v to_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o reason_n or_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n but_o as_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o pattern_n who_o imitation_n they_o have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v the_o heathen_a philosopher_n make_v glorious_a description_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o moral_a virtue_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o the_o world_n by_o their_o write_n and_o discourse_n while_o they_o continue_v to_o represent_v their_o god_n as_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a vice_n and_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n man_n choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v the_o vicious_a example_n of_o their_o suppose_a god_n who_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n patronise_v their_o crime_n by_o their_o example_n and_o hope_v for_o impunity_n from_o their_o precedent_n how_o wise_o therefore_o have_v god_n give_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o most_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n which_o may_v secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o by_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o utmost_a pattern_n of_o perfection_n allure_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n be_v sensible_o teach_v their_o duty_n and_o direct_v in_o it_o by_o this_o thâ—…_n wise_a be_v enable_v to_o understand_v and_o interpret_v the_o divine_a precept_n in_o their_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o tend_v to_o direct_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v purity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o diffuse_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n into_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o studious_a care_n of_o imitate_v the_o action_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n will_v above_o all_o other_o remedy_n have_v obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o superstition_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n which_o than_o begin_v to_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n when_o man_n recede_v from_o this_o best_a and_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o out_o of_o a_o fond_a veneration_n for_o repute_a saint_n take_v more_o care_n to_o imitate_v their_o example_n than_o that_o of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n this_o debase_v the_o doctrine_n and_o corrupt_v the_o devotion_n of_o christian_n betray_v they_o into_o gross_a superstition_n especial_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o many_o person_n obtain_v the_o repute_n of_o saint_n who_o be_v remarkable_a for_o nothing_o else_o than_o exorbitant_a austerity_n antic_a devotion_n and_o irrational_a practice_n when_o the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o relation_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n be_v lock_v up_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o nothing_o communicate_v to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n but_o legendary_a story_n of_o repute_a saint_n to_o these_o abuse_v our_o divine_a lawgiver_n have_v assign_v a_o easy_a and_o natural_a remedy_n in_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o author_n and_o follower_n of_o these_o corruption_n it_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o some_o to_o quit_v this_o example_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o
not_o full_o to_o know_v it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o happiness_n if_o we_o both_o know_v and_o do_v it_o second_o the_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n example_n be_v most_o wise_o propose_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n for_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o christianity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_o speculative_a but_o a_o practical_a religion_n man_n will_v have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v take_v up_o with_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v by_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imagine_v the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a have_v not_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o own_o example_n confute_v that_o opinion_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o most_o exalt_a knowledge_n be_v not_o sufficient_a without_o a_o correspondent_a virtue_n if_o we_o view_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n in_o which_o christ_n publish_v his_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o have_v be_v more_o necessary_a to_o his_o design_n than_o this_o method_n all_o mankind_n at_o that_o time_n seem_v to_o conspire_v in_o this_o common_a error_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o reveal_v religion_n draw_v no_o obligation_n of_o practice_n with_o they_o the_o heathen_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v any_o the_o jew_n possess_v true_o a_o divine_a religion_n yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v the_o end_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o false_a opinion_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o think_v nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o to_o know_v the_o prerogative_n of_o their_o nation_n even_o the_o pharisee_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o pretend_v to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o perfect_a holiness_n labour_v indeed_o to_o know_v the_o precept_n and_o punctilio_n of_o the_o law_n but_o believe_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o a_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o it_o fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o will_v be_v abundant_o supply_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n so_o prone_a be_v mankind_n to_o this_o fatal_a error_n which_o flatter_v their_o ease_n and_o indulge_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n this_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o unanswerable_o confute_v by_o his_o own_o practice_n give_v we_o thereby_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o religion_n be_v design_v no_o less_o to_o reform_v the_o will_n than_o instruct_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o how_o necessary_a this_o conduct_n be_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o prevail_a error_n of_o those_o time_n but_o also_o from_o the_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o our_o age_n there_o be_v not_o want_v unreasonable_a man_n who_o pretend_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o bind_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o a_o error_n than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n which_o since_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o mosaic_a must_v necessary_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n this_o make_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o all_o his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o in_o urge_v this_o his_o famous_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n consist_v of_o three_o whole_a chapter_n be_v almost_o entire_o take_v up_o last_o that_o no_o argument_n may_v be_v want_v to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o he_o have_v recommend_v it_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o prescribe_v no_o duty_n to_o we_o which_o he_o practise_v not_o invariable_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o as_o his_o religion_n include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n so_o himself_n exercise_v it_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o perfect_a manner_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o ii_o that_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o imitation_n all_o other_o man_n be_v never_o able_a to_o live_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o perform_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a righteousness_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n but_o to_o represent_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o to_o you_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o illustrious_a branch_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n first_o then_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n to_o who_o as_o partake_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n he_o owe_v the_o same_o subjection_n that_o we_o do_v his_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v remarkable_a he_o often_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o disciple_n and_o retire_v into_o solitary_a place_n that_o he_o may_v calm_o enjoy_v the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o prayer_n unto_o he_o sometime_o depart_v late_o in_o the_o evening_n alone_o into_o a_o mountain_n to_o pray_v matth._n fourteen_o 23._o john_n vi_o 16._o other_o time_n rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o withdraw_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o office_n mark_v i._n 35._o and_o more_o than_o once_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o dedicate_v sometime_o daily_o to_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o the_o closet_n where_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o our_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n he_o ofttimes_o deny_v to_o his_o body_n its_o natural_a rest_n and_o sleep_n to_o enjoy_v his_o father_n in_o private_a contemplation_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o petition_n to_o he_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o set_v apart_o some_o of_o our_o vacant_a hour_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o piety_n our_o subjection_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n sure_o be_v not_o less_o and_o our_o want_n infinite_o great_a the_o subject_n of_o his_o prayer_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o intercede_v for_o other_o whereas_o we_o beside_o all_o this_o have_v many_o sin_n to_o bewail_v and_o to_o implore_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o then_o as_o for_o the_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o tend_v most_o direct_o to_o increase_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o procure_v to_o he_o due_a adoration_n among_o man_n our_o saviour_n manifest_v by_o his_o constant_a performance_n of_o they_o how_o dear_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o he_o he_o frequent_v all_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a festival_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o that_o whether_o of_o divine_a as_o the_o passover_n or_o humane_a institution_n as_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n omit_v no_o ocsion_n whereby_o he_o may_v advance_v the_o divine_a honour_n by_o join_v in_o all_o the_o usual_a solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n even_o in_o his_o private_a state_n before_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n however_o silent_a the_o sacred_a history_n be_v as_o to_o his_o other_o action_n yet_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o use_v to_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n for_o so_o st._n luke_n relate_v chap._n iu._n 16._o where_o describe_v his_o entrance_n upon_o his_o ministerial_a office_n he_o tell_v we_o and_o he_o come_v to_o nazareth_n where_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o as_o his_o custom_n be_v he_o go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n what_o can_v be_v now_o want_v to_o render_v this_o example_n of_o piety_n most_o complete_a and_o worthy_a our_o imitation_n he_o frequent_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v private_a devotion_n to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o intermit_v not_o the_o pious_a exercise_n of_o the_o closet_n lest_o we_o shall_v rest_v content_a with_o have_v join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o proceed_v no_o far_o if_o we_o view_v the_o other_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v eminent_o unite_v in_o this_o illustrious_a example_n with_o what_o profound_a humility_n do_v he_o profess_v himself_o to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o perform_v his_o father_n will_v how_o constant_o do_v he_o ascribe_v the_o
glory_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o miracle_n to_o his_o almighty_a power_n with_o what_o admirable_a resignation_n do_v he_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o disposal_n he_o deprecate_v indeed_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o the_o terrible_a torment_n of_o a_o ignominious_a crucifixion_n yet_o all_o with_o entire_a submission_n to_o his_o father_n pleasure_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n than_o which_o none_o more_o lively_a represent_v our_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o god_n or_o tend_v more_o direct_o to_o secure_v real_a happiness_n to_o we_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v hereby_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n his_o creature_n and_o his_o vassal_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n and_o receive_v the_o severe_a dispensation_n of_o his_o hand_n with_o reverence_n hereby_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o wisdom_n who_o best_o know_v what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o his_o providence_n whereby_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o this_o disposition_n will_v alleviate_v all_o the_o affliction_n and_o allay_v all_o the_o tempest_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o place_v we_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o assault_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o by_o render_v our_o will_n conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sit_v we_o for_o the_o eternal_a fruition_n of_o he_o this_o bless_a temper_n our_o saviour_n possess_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n this_o exalt_a he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o will_v infallible_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o same_o glory_n if_o his_o most_o excellent_a example_n can_v invite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n second_o the_o life_n and_o conduct_n of_o christ_n be_v exemplar_n in_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o true_a piety_n for_o this_o be_v found_v in_o a_o just_a conception_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o it_o can_v subsist_v without_o a_o earnest_n concern_v for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n among_o man_n can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o love_v our_o creator_n and_o yet_o patient_o endure_v to_o hear_v his_o name_n blaspheme_v and_o his_o attribute_n perhaps_o also_o his_o existence_n call_v in_o question_n can_v we_o true_o reverence_v his_o adorable_a name_n and_o yet_o secure_o see_v it_o vilify_v by_o profane_a person_n without_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o testify_v our_o displeasure_n at_o such_o bare-faceed_a impiety_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o least_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o nor_o can_v we_o just_o deny_v that_o to_o god_n which_o we_o afford_v to_o the_o mean_a friend_n whofe_o injure_v name_n we_o be_v wont_n to_o vindicate_v and_o not_o hear_v they_o revile_v without_o impatience_n our_o saviour_n have_v set_v we_o a_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n in_o this_o kind_n with_o what_o indignation_n do_v he_o receive_v the_o proposal_n of_o the_o devil_n disadvantageous_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o father_n he_o content_v himself_o bare_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v how_o much_o the_o very_a propose_v of_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o but_o in_o no_o occasion_n do_v his_o zeal_n more_o signal_o appear_v than_o in_o drive_v the_o money-changer_n buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n a_o action_n very_o remarkable_a if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o which_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v perform_v by_o he_o at_o two_o several_a time_n for_o st._n john_n chap._n ii_o relate_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n and_o the_o other_o three_o evangelist_n as_o perform_v immediate_o before_o his_o passion_n therein_o he_o have_v to_o encounter_v with_o a_o numerous_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o can_v plead_v prescription_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o long_a permission_n for_o their_o traffic_n in_o the_o temple_n person_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v move_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n when_o interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n a_o powerful_a garrison_n be_v at_o hand_n in_o the_o tower_n of_o antonias_n to_o repress_v all_o sedition_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o himself_o a_o single_a person_n arm_v with_o no_o apparent_a authority_n nor_o any_o other_o weapon_n than_o a_o simple_a whip_n yet_o all_o these_o difficulty_n the_o bless_a jesus_n overlook_v that_o he_o may_v vindicate_v the_o injure_a honour_n of_o his_o father_n disdain_v that_o his_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o house_n of_o merchandise_n and_o that_o the_o temple_n build_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n this_o holy_a transport_v of_o zeal_n draw_v even_o his_o disciple_n into_o admiration_n who_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o till_o they_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v write_v the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o joh._n ii_o 17._o this_o vigorous_a zeal_n obtain_v ever_o in_o the_o church_n while_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v visible_o decay_v in_o our_o age_n we_o be_v certain_a thaâ—…_n piety_n and_o true_a devotion_n have_v decay_v with_o it_o among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n nothing_o be_v esteem_v so_o dear_a as_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n this_o they_o fear_v not_o to_o vindicate_v with_o their_o dear_a life_n and_o think_v the_o expense_n of_o their_o blood_n a_o just_a tribute_n to_o it_o they_o content_v not_o themselves_o to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o belief_n in_o god_n when_o urge_v to_o it_o but_o voluntary_o and_o unprovoke_v perform_v it_o when_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v adjudge_v and_o punish_v as_o a_o capital_a crime_n by_o their_o persecutor_n they_o throng_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o heathen_a judge_n and_o open_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o rack_n and_o gibbet_n and_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n attend_v the_o profession_n this_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o high_a evidence_n of_o a_o most_o fervent_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o voluntary_a profession_n and_o thereby_o the_o expose_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v their_o duty_n i_o will_v not_o exhort_v you_o to_o the_o like_a zeal_n which_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o practicable_a in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n but_o certain_o this_o abundant_o condemn_v the_o lukewarmness_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o their_o creator_n defame_v by_o profane_a discourse_n when_o the_o vindication_n of_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o no_o more_o than_o a_o gentle_a reproof_n or_o some_o small_a testimony_n of_o displeasure_n thus_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o excellent_a example_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o life_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o his_o temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chaftity_n be_v remarkable_a neither_o give_v way_n to_o luxurious_a pleasure_n nor_o aim_v at_o great_a austerity_n the_o pharifee_n indeed_o his_o profess_a enemy_n tax_v he_o as_o a_o glutton_n and_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o this_o calumny_n proceed_v as_o well_o from_o their_o inveterate_a rancour_n and_o malice_n as_o from_o a_o fond_a opinion_n that_o the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o free_a deportment_n and_o oblige_a conversation_n to_o they_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o temperance_n consist_v in_o austere_a maceration_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o utter_a renunciation_n of_o all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n not_o a_o sober_a in_o and_o rational_a use_n of_o they_o hence_o they_o imagine_v john_n the_o baptist_n only_o who_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v to_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o accuse_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v without_o any_o unusual_a abstinence_n and_o maceration_n of_o looseness_n and_o
intemperance_n but_o as_o christ_n true_o reply_v to_o they_o herein_o also_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o gratify_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n by_o conform_v his_o practice_n to_o they_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n in_o their_o genuine_a purity_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o rectify_v the_o mistake_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o also_o render_v his_o example_n convenient_a to_o the_o imitation_n of_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n how_o far_o himself_o be_v above_o the_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n how_o little_o he_o indulge_v the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n or_o seek_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o passion_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o generous_a contentment_n under_o the_o severe_a adversity_n be_v the_o most_o genuine_a character_n of_o christianity_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v most_o just_a in_o itself_o so_o also_o most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o riches_n and_o honour_n add_v nothing_o to_o our_o real_a happiness_n that_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o the_o affliction_n which_o may_v accompany_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n mankind_n be_v most_o averse_a to_o these_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o depress_v his_o outward_a dignity_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o improve_v his_o inward_a worth_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o riches_n and_o worldly_a honour_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o conduce_v to_o true_a felicity_n the_o heathen_n have_v all_o along_o adore_v these_o more_o than_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o by_o describe_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o uninterrupted_a fruition_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n have_v introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n among_o the_o vulgar_a that_o unhappiness_n consist_v in_o the_o want_n of_o the_o same_o pleasure_n even_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o same_o error_n they_o measure_v their_o well_o be_v and_o even_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n be_v induce_v thereto_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o open_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n to_o wean_v mankind_n therefore_o of_o this_o fond_a opinion_n and_o induce_v man_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o lord_n shall_v by_o his_o example_n as_o well_o as_o precept_n promote_v a_o just_a contempt_n of_o all_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n and_o reduce_v man_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o he_o have_v abundant_o do_v by_o give_v to_o we_o a_o incomparable_a example_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n voluntary_a poverty_n and_o contentment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n his_o descent_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v humane_a flesh_n upon_o he_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o astonish_a condescension_n that_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n philip._n ii_o 6_o 7._o that_o be_v that_o be_v from_o all_o age_n no_o less_o than_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o eternal_a trinity_n and_o equal_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o his_o father_n he_o make_v no_o pompous_a ostentation_n of_o that_o equality_n nor_o affect_v to_o preserve_v his_o majesty_n inviolate_a and_o undiminish_a but_o condescend_v to_o divest_v himself_o in_o appearance_n of_o that_o divine_a character_n and_o assume_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o infirmity_n of_o one_o of_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o mortal_a man_n see_v a_o degree_n of_o humility_n of_o which_o none_o but_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v capable_a which_o exceed_v even_o our_o apprehension_n as_o well_o as_o imitation_n which_o may_v be_v admire_v but_o never_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross._n he_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v forsake_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o assume_v the_o mean_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n but_o to_o carry_v his_o condescension_n to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n he_o place_v himself_o in_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o man_n bear_v the_o great_a affliction_n incident_a to_o mankind_n undergo_v poverty_n nakedness_n and_o contempt_n and_o at_o last_o submit_v to_o a_o violent_a death_n even_o the_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n of_o the_o cross._n if_o he_o have_v think_v a_o external_a show_n of_o greatness_n any_o way_n conducive_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o have_v intend_v to_o procure_v to_o himself_o those_o pleasure_n which_o man_n so_o greedy_o seek_v after_o he_o may_v have_v engross_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o royal_a magnificence_n exceed_v even_o the_o carnal_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v entire_o at_o his_o devotion_n and_o whole_a legion_n of_o angel_n ready_a to_o minister_v to_o he_o but_o he_o wave_v all_o these_o advantage_n spend_v his_o private_a year_n in_o a_o laborious_a and_o mechanic_n life_n and_o when_o he_o enter_v on_o his_o public_a office_n increase_v both_o his_o labour_n and_o his_o poverty_n he_o willing_o want_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n and_o even_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o nature_n for_o as_o himself_o tell_v the_o fox_n bave_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v â—…ests_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n thus_o he_o give_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n generous_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o renunciation_n of_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o shall_v we_o imagine_v ourselves_o not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o himself_o have_v prevent_v any_o such_o mistake_n by_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o will_v come_v after_o he_o or_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o matth._n xvi_o 24._o and_o if_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n john_n xiii_o 14._o and_o sure_o most_o reasonable_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o undergo_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o mankind_n shall_v we_o presume_v to_o expect_v a_o undisturbed_a course_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o murmur_v at_o any_o affliction_n which_o befall_v we_o if_o he_o forsake_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o redeem_v we_o shall_v not_o we_o willing_o quit_v all_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o obey_v he_o if_o he_o think_v it_o not_o incongruous_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o perform_v such_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n shall_v the_o great_a of_o man_n think_v it_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o dignity_n to_o be_v humble_a with_o their_o god_n and_o gentle_a with_o their_o fellow_n creature_n sure_o if_o the_o divine_a precept_n can_v engage_v we_o to_o humility_n the_o divine_a example_n shall_v shame_v we_o to_o it_o last_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o duty_n to_o other_o man_n his_o justice_n meekness_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v most_o exemplary_a his_o justice_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o pay_v to_o every_o man_n fear_n to_o who_o fear_n be_v due_a honour_n to_o who_o honour_n in_o injure_v no_o man_n nor_o just_o offend_v any_o one_o that_o even_o pilate_n who_o interest_n it_o then_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a after_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o violent_a accusation_n of_o his_o numerous_a and_o potent_a enemy_n be_v by_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o innocence_n force_v thrice_o to_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o luk._n xxiii_o 14_o 22._o confirm_v also_o his_o own_o sentence_n with_o the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o herod_n a_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a tyrant_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v send_v but_o be_v full_o clear_v by_o he_o ver._n 15._o so_o far_o
of_o heathen_a philosopher_n tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o foment_n their_o pride_n and_o create_v in_o they_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n they_o refer_v it_o not_o to_o god_n nor_o employ_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o abate_v not_o their_o passion_n reform_v not_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o visible_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n save_v in_o make_v they_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a the_o constant_a character_n of_o those_o philosopher_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n will_n that_o we_o express_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n nor_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n either_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o understanding_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o expect_v either_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o we_o perpetual_o maintain_v a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o command_v of_o our_o almighty_a lawgiver_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o submission_n that_o we_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a threat_n or_o terror_n nor_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o supine_n negligence_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n but_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n which_o natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o that_o by_o this_o term_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o our_o faith_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o frequent_a acceptation_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o religion_n as_o it_o carry_v eminent_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n on_o many_o other_o account_n so_o chief_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o it_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n i._o if_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n propose_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o exact_o rational_a and_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o consideration_n but_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o no_o more_o than_o two_o as_o i._o christianity_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o secure_v his_o honour_n among_o man_n the_o brimary_n end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v intend_v cither_o to_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n and_o thanks_o which_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o right_a of_o creation_n redemption_n and_o other_o benefit_n require_v or_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n supply_v our_o necessity_n or_o confer_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o these_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o may_v best_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n our_o soul_n alone_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o religion_n can_v alone_o entertain_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o corporeal_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o otherwise_o holy_a or_o to_o be_v account_v of_o than_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o show_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o declare_v its_o thought_n and_o motion_n when_o vehement_a and_o intense_a by_o external_a indication_n all_o other_o voluntary_a external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o inward_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n serve_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o relate_v no_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n if_o we_o real_o employ_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n love_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v his_o justice_n these_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o discover_v themselves_o in_o outward_a act_n and_o gesture_n and_o can_v be_v suppress_v these_o external_a action_n declare_v to_o other_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o tend_v to_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v his_o glory_n but_o deserve_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v regard_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o inward_a piety_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o external_a show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o make_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o any_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o represent_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n by_o corporeal_a symbol_n rather_o than_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a service_n instead_o of_o a_o near_a conformity_n to_o himself_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n such_o a_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v true_a but_o neither_o agrceable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nor_o answer_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n god_n may_v accept_v it_o or_o even_o command_v it_o for_o a_o time_n in_o compassion_n to_o the_o blindness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n not_o capable_a under_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a religion_n but_o can_v never_o intend_v to_o continue_v it_o any_o long_o than_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a and_o open_a revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o the_o heathen_n deserve_v not_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v among_o who_o religious_a worship_n consist_v whole_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o action_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o wash_n and_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n in_o observation_n of_o time_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n which_o although_o they_o serve_v to_o typefie_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o with_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a religion_n yet_o do_v not_o direct_o signify_v any_o inward_a act_n of_o reverence_n piety_n or_o devotion_n nor_o be_v necessary_o accompany_v by_o they_o the_o perpetual_a offering_n of_o carnal_a sacrifice_n alone_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o worship_n since_o therein_o the_o sacrificer_n desire_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v the_o life_n of_o beast_n instead_o of_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n the_o devote_v their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o respect_v no_o ceremonial_a observance_n impose_v on_o we_o nor_o indeed_o any_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n save_v only_o those_o foederal_n rite_n i_o mean_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o
most_o holy_a reform_a religion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n by_o decry_v it_o as_o heretical_a and_o damnable_a to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o these_o man_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a than_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o study_n of_o christianity_n to_o inquire_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o search_v the_o design_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o his_o ignorance_n may_v not_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o the_o attempt_v of_o design_v man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o betray_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o error_n and_o superstition_n to_o this_o pursuance_n and_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n our_o church_n encourage_v and_o earnest_o entreat_v we_o she_o take_v no_o refuge_n in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o communicant_o nor_o discourage_v they_o from_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o know_v that_o this_o examination_n will_v end_v in_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o impartial_a study_n of_o they_o will_v infallible_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v concern_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o so_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o objection_n and_o escape_v the_o assault_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o seduceus_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o enrour_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o which_o proper_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o capable_a of_o reward_n a_o assent_n to_o christianity_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o ignorant_a person_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o enjoy_v those_o opportunity_n which_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o assent_n such_o as_o be_v education_n in_o a_o christian_a country_n or_o under_o christian_a parent_n or_o master_n whereby_o through_o custom_n or_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o person_n they_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v lead_v thereby_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n but_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v a_o act_n deserve_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o even_o comparable_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o moral_a virtue_n before_o all_o which_o a_o true_a divine_a faith_n be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o eminent_o prefer_v in_o scripture_n for_o since_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n i_o mean_v a_o inclination_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o country_n parent_n or_o master_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o religion_n receive_v by_o they_o may_v and_o do_v equal_o dispose_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o error_n as_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o thing_n whole_o indifferent_a and_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o a_o wilful_a negligence_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n when_o mean_n and_o ability_n be_v not_o want_v to_o we_o be_v extreme_o vicious_a but_o no_o otherwise_o laudable_a than_o in_o the_o happy_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o opportunity_n it_o may_v possible_o minister_v of_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n indeed_o christianity_n be_v so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o upon_o any_o ground_n whatsoever_o even_o by_o the_o most_o ignorant_a person_n without_o a_o precedent_a habit_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o excellent_a and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n testify_v a_o profound_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o the_o person_n assent_v may_v not_o unfit_o be_v think_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o christianity_n propose_v such_o rule_n as_o restrain_v the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n teach_v a_o strict_a sobriety_n and_o abstinence_n from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n forbid_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o command_a man_n to_o deny_v to_o themselves_o what_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v a_o extreme_a happiness_n the_o unlimited_a fruition_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o even_o upon_o occasion_n to_o forforsake_v the_o convenience_n of_o life_n itself_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n than_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n none_o can_v assent_v to_o a_o religion_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o first_o overcome_v his_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o all_o these_o aught_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o a_o disposition_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o in_o they_o who_o want_v mean_n of_o attain_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n be_v reward_v by_o god_n as_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a act_n of_o faith_n who_o condescend_v to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n and_o require_v of_o none_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v to_o he_o supply_v by_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v want_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a faith_n that_o it_o may_v consist_v without_o it_o and_o be_v join_v with_o error_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o faith_n which_o have_v all_o those_o glorious_a and_o particular_a pro_fw-la rise_v of_o reward_n 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come_v among_o we_o and_o compare_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o all_o moral_a virtue_n command_v by_o the_o one_o in_o the_o hige_a degree_n and_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o impiety_n intemperance_n lust_n and_o all_o enormous_a vice_n open_o and_o greedy_o practise_v by_o the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o please_a fable_n wherewith_o christian_n sometime_o entertain_v themselves_o a_o ancient_a father_n who_o live_v in_o the_o decline_a time_n of_o christianity_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o heathen_n in_o his_o age_n form_v dishonourable_a thought_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o his_o disciple_n quomodo_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la magister_fw-la cujus_fw-la tam_fw-la malos_fw-la videmus_fw-la discipulos_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v a_o good_a lawgiver_n that_o have_v no_o better_a follower_n how_o can_v his_o law_n be_v excellent_a that_o do_v not_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o their_o professor_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o deplore_v this_o scandal_n in_o nobis_fw-la christus_fw-la opprobrium_fw-la patitur_fw-la thus_o we_o defame_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n dishonour_v our_o saviour_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o our_o life_n let_v we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o they_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o this_o be_v unanswerable_o to_o refute_v our_o argument_n by_o our_o practice_n and_o add_v to_o our_o own_o condemnation_n let_v we_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o profess_v a_o entire_a belief_n of_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 2d_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n the_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o the_o various_a method_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o faculty_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a and_o different_a than_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v employ_v to_o render_v we_o happy_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n induce_v we_o by_o all_o those_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o in_o other_o moral_a action_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o we_o he_o have_v engage_v our_o understanding_n by_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n a_o reasonable_a and_o holy_a religion_n attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v assure_v our_o will_n by_o present_v such_o object_n to_o it_o as_o employ_v every_o single_a passion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n can_v move_v we_o he_o have_v allure_v we_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o fear_n of_o misery_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deter_v we_o from_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n by_o affix_v to_o it_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a punishment_n if_o hope_n can_v excite_v we_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o more_o than_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o love_n can_v affect_v we_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a benefit_n last_o if_o reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o favour_n and_o benefit_n can_v together_o engage_v we_o he_o have_v unite_v all_o in_o one_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o any_o one_o of_o these_o method_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v they_o all_o that_o so_o that_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o most_o delight_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o the_o impemtence_n of_o mankind_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o may_v not_o only_o become_v irrational_a but_o even_o monstrous_a it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v propose_v a_o reasonable_a religion_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o
be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o dissent_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o man_n perhaps_o profess_v christianity_n may_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v impossible_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v no_o care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v be_v often_o seduce_v by_o they_o if_o not_o to_o a_o desertion_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o to_o a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n a_o stumling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n and_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o tempt_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o withdraw_v our_o obedience_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v he_o as_o often_o as_o man_n prefer_v their_o worldly_a interest_n to_o the_o least_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o often_o as_o by_o too_o anxious_a a_o diligence_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n they_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o another_o they_o give_v just_a reason_n to_o other_o to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o error_n of_o place_v all_o their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o dis-believing_a the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n do_v the_o jew_n often_o unreasonable_o and_o importunate_o require_v a_o sign_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o induce_v to_o distrust_v providence_n and_o murmur_v against_o the_o divine_a goodness_n as_o often_o as_o god_n deferr_v to_o rescue_v we_o from_o imminent_a danger_n and_o calamity_n and_o immediate_o engage_v not_o his_o miraculous_a power_n in_o our_o assistance_n do_v not_o man_n call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n because_o god_n refuse_v to_o violate_v the_o establish_a law_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sometime_o permit_v the_o good_a to_o pass_v unrewarded_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o christian_a religion_n foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n because_o propose_v by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n and_o have_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v deplore_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n while_o man_n puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o ordinary_a pastor_n scorn_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o rude_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n despise_v christianity_n because_o plain_a and_o simple_a easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o betray_v by_o a_o like_a pre_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a thing_n how_o many_o christian_n be_v at_o this_o day_n displease_v with_o a_o sober_a and_o rational_a form_n of_o worship_n either_o because_o it_o be_v not_o fraught_v with_o pompous_a and_o unuseful_a ceremony_n or_o because_o it_o be_v devoid_a of_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o unintelligible_a impertinency_n so_o that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v no_o less_o concern_v in_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n than_o be_v former_o either_o jew_n or_o greek_n to_o conclude_v if_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n and_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v notwithstanding_o liable_a to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o opposition_n of_o her_o enemy_n nor_o draw_v into_o like_a mistake_v with_o they_o either_o by_o passion_n or_o inadvertency_n let_v we_o give_v most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o send_v his_o son_n as_o at_o this_o time_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n let_v we_o adore_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v contrive_v such_o excellent_a method_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o revelation_n may_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n be_v transmit_v to_o all_o age_n improve_n the_o happiness_n of_o our_o knowledge_n by_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o in_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v here_o with_o comfort_n hold_v fast_o and_o hereafter_o with_o glory_n obtain_v the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o sermon_n preach_v january_n 20_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n hebr._n ix_o 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n i_o intend_v not_o from_o these_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o mortality_n of_o mankind_n or_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o that_o fatal_a doom_n the_o experience_n of_o almost_o six_o thousand_o year_n may_v abundant_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v particular_o exempt_v from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o mankind_n that_o decay_n which_o we_o find_v in_o our_o body_n and_o those_o frequent_a infirmity_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o entertain_v any_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a privilege_n the_o necessity_n of_o end_v this_o life_n be_v so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v trifle_v to_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o however_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o necessity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o which_o may_v just_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n wherein_o be_v express_v the_o divine_a determination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mortality_n and_o future_a judgement_n of_o man_n and_o the_o order_n of_o they_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v once_o die_v and_o that_o after_o death_n they_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o action_n now_o however_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o however_o a_o curious_a desire_n of_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o may_v be_v rash_a and_o fruitless_a yet_o in_o these_o which_o so_o immediate_o and_o universal_o concern_v mankind_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o religion_n no_o enquiry_n can_v be_v unnecessary_a or_o unuseful_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o satisfactory_a such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v discover_v by_o we_o but_o even_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o nothing_o tend_v more_o effectual_o to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decree_n than_o a_o entire_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o respect_v we_o how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o grand_a decree_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a decreâ—…_n of_o death_n to_o all_o men._n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v ii_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v after_o death_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n first_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nothing_o can_v appear_v more_o just_a than_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o impose_v a_o necessity_n of_o die_v upon_o all_o men._n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n may_v just_o dispose_v of_o or_o dispense_v either_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o man_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n without_o expect_v a_o perpetual_a and_o invariable_a conservation_n of_o that_o existence_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v mortal_a and_o then_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o permit_v
all_o imaginable_a perfection_n only_o in_o this_o mankind_n have_v miserable_o err_v in_o form_v wrong_a notion_n of_o perfection_n and_o attribute_v that_o to_o god_n which_o however_o they_o admire_v in_o themselves_o or_o other_o will_v indeed_o not_o only_o debase_v but_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n such_o be_v believe_v a_o unlimited_a and_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o be_v a_o real_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n and_o then_o ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o brutish_a error_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n and_o idolater_n or_o imagine_v a_o perfect_a indolence_n and_o unconcernedness_n for_o external_a matter_n to_o be_v none_o of_o his_o least_o perfection_n the_o mistake_n of_o the_o ancient_a epicurean_o and_o modern_a deist_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o arbitrary_a government_n without_o respect_n to_o justice_n the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n as_o many_o wicked_a herctick_n of_o old_a contend_v such_o false_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v entire_o destructive_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o although_o simple_a reason_n may_v easy_o and_o certain_o discover_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n yet_o in_o compassion_n to_o the_o ignorance_n and_o failure_n of_o mankind_n it_o please_v god_n to_o confirm_v secure_a and_o advance_v this_o knowledge_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n the_o apostle_n enumerate_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a of_o these_o attribute_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n which_o i_o will_v in_o order_n consider_v god_n therefore_o be_v our_o king_n this_o impliâ—…th_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n either_o by_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o right_n of_o redemption_n by_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n he_o have_v a_o double_a title_n to_o dominion_n over_o we_o both_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o create_v we_o form_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o we_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o dependent_n of_o his_o power_n this_o be_v the_o most_o absolute_a degree_n of_o vassalage_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v among_o man_n propriety_n be_v claim_v and_o preserve_v upon_o many_o title_n and_o common_a reason_n will_v arraign_v we_o of_o injustice_n if_o we_o shall_v deny_v that_o subjection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o yet_o be_v the_o high_a of_o these_o title_n inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o creation_n and_o subordinate_a to_o it_o just_o therefore_o may_v god_n expect_v that_o as_o often_o as_o we_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o be_v we_o shall_v adore_v the_o hand_n that_o give_v it_o and_o in_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o it_o say_v thou_o o_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o my_o be_v thou_o form_v i_o out_o of_o nothing_o i_o be_o thy_o creature_n and_o thy_o vassal_n i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v whole_o thou_o and_o resign_v myself_o entire_o to_o thy_o disposal_n such_o a_o act_n of_o adoration_n will_v have_v be_v due_a although_o god_n have_v whole_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o disposal_n when_o once_o create_v and_o not_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o may_v even_o in_o that_o case_n be_v deserve_o account_v the_o worst_a of_o wretch_n if_o we_o either_o omit_v or_o deny_v to_o pay_v it_o but_o then_o far_o from_o abandon_v we_o to_o the_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o will_n and_o give_v up_o the_o world_n to_o the_o fortuitous_a motion_n of_o unruly_a matter_n he_o continue_v to_o exercise_v a_o constant_a government_n of_o the_o creation_n he_o have_v fix_v law_n and_o bound_n and_o a_o particular_a sphere_n of_o action_n to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o even_o inanimate_a being_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o observe_v they_o without_o variation_n as_o be_v excellent_o and_o at_o length_n describe_v in_o the_o 104th_o psalm_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o never_o shall_v move_v at_o any_o time_n thou_o cover_v it_o with_o the_o deep_a like_v as_o with_o a_o garment_n the_o water_n stand_v in_o the_o hill_n at_o thy_o rebuke_n they_o flee_v at_o the_o voice_n of_o thy_o thunder_n they_o be_v afraid_a he_o appoint_v the_o moon_n for_o certain_a season_n and_o the_o sun_n know_v his_o go_v down_o even_o brute_n beast_n attend_v his_o disposal_n and_o rely_v upon_o his_o providence_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o psalm_n these_o wait_v all_o upon_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n when_o thou_o give_v it_o they_o they_o gather_v it_o and_o when_o thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o good_a when_o thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n they_o be_v trouble_v and_o so_o on_o thus_o all_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n conspire_v in_o acknowledge_v the_o supreme_a dominion_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n do_v homage_n to_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v the_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o be_v excuse_v from_o this_o universal_a duty_n we_o may_v rather_o conclude_v that_o reason_n demand_v and_o god_n expect_v a_o more_o particular_a obedience_n and_o adoration_n from_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n only_a god_n frame_v the_o rest_n of_o create_a being_n and_o endue_v they_o with_o noble_a faculty_n whereby_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o as_o for_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o intellectual_a create_v world_n i_o mean_v angel_n they_o immediate_o attend_v the_o service_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o employ_v in_o it_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o psalm_n who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_v fire_n and_o then_o with_o what_o justice_n can_v a_o man_n plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n god_n give_v we_o a_o be_v and_o send_v we_o into_o the_o world_n to_o perform_v certain_a condition_n such_o as_o be_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n submission_n to_o his_o government_n and_o adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n if_o then_o we_o own_o life_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o benefit_n sure_o we_o can_v without_o extreme_a injustice_n refuse_v to_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o shall_v man_n alone_o of_o all_o the_o creation_n become_v a_o rebel_n to_o god_n his_o king_n reject_v his_o government_n and_o violate_v his_o law_n and_o defeat_v the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v create_v by_o neglect_v it_o or_o perhaps_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o possess_v justice_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n in_o the_o high_a perfection_n will_v for_o ever_o omit_v to_o vindicate_v his_o government_n by_o a_o severe_a punishment_n of_o such_o unnatural_a malefactor_n and_o if_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n and_o the_o man_n of_o ninive_n will_v rise_v up_o against_o the_o jew_n and_o condemn_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n all_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n heaven_n and_o earth_n beast_n and_o bird_n will_v unanswerable_o condemn_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n who_o have_v refuse_v to_o pay_v that_o tribute_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o common_a governor_n which_o they_o do_v thus_o god_n be_v our_o king_n by_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o such_o deserve_v adoration_n from_o we_o although_o he_o have_v entail_v no_o reward_n upon_o it_o nor_o oblige_v we_o with_o any_o particular_a benefit_n but_o then_o to_o we_o who_o own_v ourselves_o christian_n who_o be_v redeem_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n he_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n our_o king_n and_o governor_n we_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o government_n and_o list_v ourselves_o under_o his_o banner_n at_o our_o baptism_n and_o continue_v to_o profess_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o in_o every_o act_n of_o our_o christian_a worship_n we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n as_o well_o as_o our_o highpriest_n that_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a right_o to_o govern_v we_o acquire_v by_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o our_o voluntary_a submission_n to_o he_o in_o virtue_n of_o this_o right_n therefore_o he_o just_o demand_v a_o entire_a renunciation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o resignation_n to_o his_o disposal_n to_o adore_v his_o goodness_n and_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n to_o own_v he_o to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o testify_v the_o sincerity_n of_o that_o acknowledgement_n by_o a_o exact_a obedience_n god_n be_v former_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n a_o king_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o especial_a and_o particular_a obedience_n of_o
for_o it_o by_o such_o a_o precedent_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n do_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n while_o this_o excellent_a discipline_n prevail_v a_o universal_a piety_n can_v not_o but_o be_v produce_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n when_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o now_o chief_o hinder_v the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n do_v then_o promote_v it_o i_o mean_v a_o general_a example_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o shame_n it_o be_v then_o no_o more_o than_o fashionable_a to_o put_v on_o at_o least_o the_o pretence_n of_o repentance_n in_o this_o holy_a season_n and_o then_o to_o indulge_v to_o the_o body_n its_o wont_a pleasure_n and_o gaiety_n be_v no_o less_o absurd_a than_o to_o rejoice_v at_o a_o funeral_n when_o all_o compose_v themselves_o with_o a_o seem_a gravity_n again_o to_o confess_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n when_o all_o join_v in_o the_o same_o confession_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o shame_n whereas_o now_o the_o example_n of_o impenitence_n prevail_v and_o to_o put_v on_o a_o more_o severe_a deportment_n to_o restrain_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o life_n will_v be_v account_v and_o deride_v as_o a_o singularity_n now_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n be_v invert_v and_o through_o disuse_n of_o confession_n whether_o public_a or_o private_a shame_n be_v affix_v not_o to_o the_o commission_n but_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o any_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o the_o former_a excellent_a discipline_n can_v be_v retreive_v the_o same_o shame_n which_o now_o divert_v we_o from_o confession_n will_v then_o deter_v we_o from_o commission_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v indeed_o that_o a_o discipline_n so_o far_o surpass_v the_o degenerate_a spirit_n of_o latter_a time_n will_v ever_o be_v restore_v yet_o this_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o remind_n you_o of_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v for_o what_o end_n this_o holy_a season_n be_v at_o first_o institute_v and_o may_v be_v move_v by_o this_o noble_a example_n to_o make_v at_o least_o some_o use_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o institution_n if_o not_o to_o confess_v your_o sin_n in_o public_a yet_o at_o least_o to_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a if_o not_o to_o put_v yourselves_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o conceive_v inward_o both_o a_o shame_n and_o hatred_n of_o your_o sin_n to_o examine_v your_o conscience_n strict_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o all_o corruption_n to_o remove_v all_o vicious_a habit_n to_o reconcile_v yourselves_o to_o god_n by_o a_o earnest_a repentance_n of_o past_a sin_n and_o a_o well_o ground_a beginning_n of_o future_a obedience_n to_o this_o end_n the_o church_n since_o she_o can_v do_v no_o more_o be_v wont_a during_o this_o solemnity_n to_o inculcate_v by_o frequent_a exhortation_n the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v choose_v this_o text._n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v these_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o pernicious_a error_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o not_o execution_n of_o exemplary_a vengeance_n upon_o they_o in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v no_o great_a sinner_n and_o that_o signal_n calamity_n be_v a_o indication_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a impiety_n whereas_o those_o who_o escape_v any_o such_o calamity_n may_v presume_v themselves_o to_o be_v innocent_a and_o thereupon_o defer_v or_o whole_o omit_v repentance_n thus_o pilate_n have_v late_o slay_v several_a galitean_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o act_n of_o sacrifice_v and_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n have_v slay_v eighteen_o man_n by_o a_o sudden_a fall_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o second_o and_o four_o verse_n the_o jew_n present_o conclude_v that_o this_o calamity_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a direction_n of_o god_n be_v precede_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a guilt_n of_o the_o sufferer_n and_o not_o find_v such_o calamity_n to_o fall_v upon_o themselves_o thence_o raise_v a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o those_o unhappy_a man_n and_o more_o belove_v by_o god_n to_o correct_v this_o false_a persuasion_n our_o lord_n assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o vain_a delusion_n to_o think_v that_o those_o galilean_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n or_o that_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o tower_n fall_v be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o that_o themselves_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o either_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v in_o which_o word_n he_o i._o insinuate_v the_o error_n of_o their_o persuasion_n that_o the_o not_o execution_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o innocence_n of_o man_n and_o little_a necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o ii_o pronounce_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o destruction_n without_o repentance_n at_o this_o time_n i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o former_a only_o and_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o defer_v repentance_n for_o this_o cause_n that_o god_n do_v not_o revenge_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n a_o reason_n which_o have_v more_o hinder_v the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v long_o since_o a_o complaint_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o the_o sinner_n go_v on_o secure_o because_o he_o see_v not_o vengeance_n to_o be_v speedy_o execute_v and_o because_o he_o feel_v it_o not_o in_o this_o life_n believe_v there_o be_v none_o prepare_v for_o he_o in_o the_o other_o he_o have_v whole_o busy_v himself_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o take_v his_o measure_n form_v his_o judgement_n from_o the_o perception_n of_o it_o believe_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o that_o do_v not_o ascertain_v to_o he_o or_o if_o he_o do_v believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n to_o good_a and_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n upon_o bad_a man_n consequent_a to_o it_o yet_o through_o a_o corrupt_a judgement_n can_v conceive_v himself_o capable_a of_o any_o great_a happiness_n than_o worldly_a prosperity_n nor_o of_o any_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n than_o poverty_n and_o secular_a distress_n so_o that_o if_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o consonant_a to_o these_o conception_n he_o can_v conceive_v wherein_o they_o shall_v consist_v and_o while_o he_o may_v be_v secure_v of_o the_o continuance_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n he_o have_v gain_v his_o end_n and_o rest_v secure_a as_o to_o what_o may_v befall_v he_o hereafter_o he_o can_v believethat_o god_n can_v be_v angry_a with_o he_o to_o who_o he_o permit_v the_o uninterrupted_a enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n which_o while_o he_o possess_v he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o god_n if_o such_o visible_a punishment_n do_v attend_v his_o sin_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n even_o fear_v will_v force_v he_o to_o be_v pious_a but_o the_o want_n of_o such_o terrible_a example_n continual_o to_o awaken_v he_o betray_v he_o to_o a_o false_a belief_n either_o of_o the_o remissness_n and_o negligence_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o own_o innocence_n not_o deserve_v any_o such_o punishment_n and_o in_o both_o case_n draw_v he_o into_o a_o false_a opinion_n that_o repentance_n be_v not_o necessary_a but_o what_o a_o miserable_a corruption_n must_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n have_v suffer_v which_o can_v be_v cheat_v into_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o himself_o be_v capable_a of_o none_o but_o sensible_a reward_n or_o punishment_n that_o man_n shall_v carry_v about_o he_o a_o immaterial_a soul_n and_o yet_o not_o conceive_v any_o spiritual_a benefit_n or_o misery_n either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o value_v any_o perfection_n or_o improvement_n but_o what_o the_o body_n may_v receive_v yet_o this_o delusion_n be_v too_o frequent_a in_o mankind_n even_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o believe_v there_o be_v within_o they_o a_o spiritual_a and_o a_o immortal_a be_v which_o actuate_v their_o body_n which_o give_v they_o their_o thought_n by_o which_o alone_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o happy_a or_o miserable_a they_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o happiness_n or_o misery_n peculiar_a to_o the_o soul_n alone_o they_o confess_v the_o soul_n must_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o continue_v wilful_o ignorant_a that_o it_o can_v continue_v in_o a_o neutral_a state_n but_o must_v be_v the_o subject_a either_o of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n so_o true_a be_v that_o observation_n of_o the_o psalmist_n xlix_o ult_n man_n be_v in_o honour_n have_v no_o understanding_n but_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v while_o he_o abound_v in_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o act_v
hope_n by_o mortify_v and_o change_v our_o former_a vicious_a course_n of_o life_n into_o a_o new_a and_o heavenly_a life_n or_o by_o conceive_v firm_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v our_o own_o resurrection_n by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n the_o former_a manner_n indeed_o be_v pure_o allegorical_a but_o a_o allegory_n as_o well_o most_o natural_a in_o its_o self_n as_o most_o familiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o treat_v of_o it_o often_o and_o large_o and_o inculcate_n it_o in_o almost_o all_o his_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v my_o text_n he_o tell_v the_o colossian_n col._n ii_o 12_o 20._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o and_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n galat._n ii_o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ._n philip._n iii_o 10._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 10._o alwayâ—…_n bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o iii_o and_o ivth_o chapter_n of_o 1_o pet._n and_o rom._n vi_o this_o conformity_n between_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o in_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o be_v at_o large_a explain_v we_o be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n these_o allegorical_a conclusion_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o fancy_n but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o so_o admirable_o contrive_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o our_o instruction_n than_o his_o precept_n and_o can_v not_o but_o have_v exceed_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n who_o thought_n be_v then_o and_o aught_o now_o to_o be_v chief_o employ_v about_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n they_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o both_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o jewish_a doctor_n employ_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o in_o allegorical_a explication_n of_o natural_a or_o divine_a truth_n and_o be_v more_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n consist_v in_o type_n shadow_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o lest_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o these_o allegorical_a inference_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a penman_n the_o present_a allegory_n draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v most_o excellent_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o more_o full_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o his_o lose_a condition_n free_v he_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devil_n reform_v his_o life_n and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o god_n have_v design_v for_o he_o in_o another_o life_n to_o this_o end_n a_o total_a desertion_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v before_o engage_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v whole_o impossible_a that_o a_o vicious_a soul_n shall_v receive_v that_o reward_n as_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o grant_v the_o reward_n on_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v his_o follower_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v relinquish_v all_o those_o temporal_a enjoyment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n place_v the_o whole_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o life_n in_o these_o unlawful_a enjoyment_n whoever_o renounce_v the_o use_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o promise_n at_o their_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o a_o new_a life_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o be_v excellent_o represent_v in_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v refer_v wherein_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v whole_o immerge_v in_o the_o water_n so_o that_o the_o immersion_n represent_v his_o resolution_n of_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v by_o death_n take_v from_o the_o world_n and_o then_o his_o emersion_n present_o follow_v signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n revive_v and_o appear_v after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o to_o mortify_v one_o single_a lust_n or_o to_o give_v up_o this_o or_o that_o sinful_a affection_n in_o exchange_n for_o eternal_a reward_n and_o retain_v the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o soul_n be_v full_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n till_o the_o resurrection_n he_o satisfy_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v endure_v scourge_n reproach_n and_o buffet_n he_o descend_v not_o from_o the_o cross_n after_o he_o have_v endure_v most_o bitter_a torment_n till_o he_o have_v complete_v his_o suffering_n by_o death_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v till_o it_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o then_o we_o be_v real_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n we_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o god_n permit_v to_o we_o we_o must_v absolute_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n suppose_v a_o full_a conviction_n that_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o place_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o his_o great_a concern_v here_o be_v only_o to_o improve_v his_o short_a term_n of_o life_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o durable_a happiness_n hereafter_o from_o this_o persuasion_n it_o will_v easy_o follow_v that_o different_a interest_n from_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pursue_v in_o this_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o herein_o a_o christian_a true_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o best_o of_o all_o manifest_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n by_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n willing_o that_o his_o design_n be_v far_o from_o sound_v a_o empire_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o he_o submit_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o true_o crucify_a with_o he_o until_o we_o as_o absolute_o forsake_v all_o desire_n and_o inclinaons_n to_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n as_o if_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n itself_o that_o we_o retain_v not_o the_o least_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o our_o former_a vicious_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o a_o total_a relinquish_a of_o they_o even_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o recall_v and_o re-establish_a they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o view_v the_o dreadful_a horror_n and_o anxiety_n under_o which_o our_o saviour_n labour_v while_o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o the_o cross_n if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o melancholy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n his_o ignominious_a condition_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n while_o he_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o grave_a we_o may_v perceive_v the_o desperate_a and_o deplorable_a state_n of_o man_n while_o yet_o detain_v in_o sin_n labour_v under_o the_o just_a displeasure_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n
and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o what_o more_o consistent_a than_o for_o soldier_n to_o follow_v their_o captain_n he_o be_v their_o forerunner_n and_o what_o more_o usual_a than_o for_o traveller_n to_o follow_v their_o leader_n a_o forerunner_n who_o be_v for_o we_o enter_v hebr._n vi_o 20._o that_o be_v to_o take_v possession_n in_o our_o name_n and_o for_o our_o behalf_n agreeable_o to_o what_o himself_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n that_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n only_o to_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o they_o and_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o how_o bless_v and_o desirable_a then_o shall_v the_o state_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v after_o the_o resurrection_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v companion_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o even_o share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o present_a happiness_n a_o happiness_n which_o however_o inconceivable_a in_o this_o life_n be_v excellent_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o latter_a word_n of_o my_o text_n where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o sit_v to_o denote_v the_o permanence_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o show_v the_o power_n majesty_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o he_o be_v invest_v such_o be_v the_o glorious_a consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o such_o will_v be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o we_o also_o if_o we_o diligent_o observe_v the_o apostle_n precept_n which_o he_o infer_v from_o our_o rise_n with_o christ_n that_o we_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o châ—…ist_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n settle_v not_o his_o abode_n upon_o earth_n he_o stay_v no_o long_o than_o to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v even_o while_o he_o remain_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v far_o more_o reserve_v than_o before_o his_o resurrection_n abstain_v from_o a_o public_a and_o ordinary_a conversation_n and_o resume_v not_o the_o common_a office_n of_o mortal_a life_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v but_o only_o to_o convince_v his_o follower_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o resurrection_n not_o but_o that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v continue_v all_o these_o action_n until_o his_o ascension_n with_o the_o same_o innocency_n and_o freedom_n from_o sin_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o his_o whole_a life_n but_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o teach_v we_o thereby_o that_o after_o our_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a resurrection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o employ_v our_o care_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o live_v here_o 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of_o singular_a instance_n of_o providence_n in_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a and_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a and_o relate_v not_o only_o particular_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o also_o from_o the_o frequency_n of_o they_o form_v and_o deliver_v general_a rule_n that_o wickedness_n never_o escape_v unpunished_a or_o innocence_n unrewarded_a in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o act_n cheerful_o and_o submissive_o in_o that_o station_n on_o in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o the_o supreme_a author_n of_o life_n have_v place_v he_o to_o receive_v not_o only_o without_o murmur_v but_o also_o with_o reverence_n all_o dispensation_n proceed_v from_o he_o he_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v he_o if_o sincere_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o he_o nor_o suffer_v his_o innocence_n to_o pass_v unregarded_a which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o rely_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o necessary_a one_o of_o 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lively_a and_o vigorous_a to_o a_o christian_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n who_o disow_v the_o place_n of_o his_o hope_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n it_o seem_v not_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o labour_n under_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n since_o these_o affect_v not_o his_o grand_a concern_v hinder_v not_o his_o real_a happiness_n and_o many_o time_n tend_v high_o to_o promote_v it_o in_o take_v that_o profession_n on_o he_o he_o renounce_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gratify_v his_o lust_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n profess_v himself_o a_o citizen_n of_o another_o country_n and_o list_v himself_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o these_o resolution_n proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n to_o attain_v his_o end_n be_v not_o amaze_v at_o any_o terror_n or_o disaster_n which_o may_v meet_v he_o in_o the_o way_n decline_v they_o indeed_o as_o far_o as_o prudence_n will_v permit_v but_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n to_o avoid_v they_o a_o natural_a consequence_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v root_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o the_o real_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o another_o life_n that_o cross_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n hinder_v not_o the_o acquifition_n of_o this_o supreme_a good_a and_o ofttimes_o promote_v it_o if_o public_a calamity_n invade_v the_o church_n if_o private_a misery_n affect_v himself_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v neither_o scandalize_v at_o the_o one_o nor_o despair_n through_o the_o other_o he_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v happy_a if_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n without_o his_o own_o fault_n his_o affliction_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o he_o may_v correct_v his_o wander_a thought_n and_o fix_v his_o hope_n upon_o god_n alone_o but_o that_o in_o no_o case_n it_o tend_v to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o chief_a and_o ultimate_a end_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o another_o life_n the_o exceed_a happiness_n of_o that_o fruition_n so_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o petty_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o life_n that_o no_o affliction_n no_o calamity_n so_o grievous_a can_v happen_v to_o any_o one_o which_o will_v not_o seem_v light_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o bless_a hope_n man_n may_v lessen_v our_o enjoyment_n here_o below_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n or_o envy_n of_o man_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o augment_v and_o improve_v they_o above_o for_o so_o the_o father_n do_v general_o expound_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n follow_v the_o text_n in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v many_o and_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n prepare_v for_o you_o to_o be_v distribute_v according_a to_o your_o great_a or_o less_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o only_a ambition_n worthy_a of_o a_o christian_a to_o aim_v at_o a_o eminent_a station_n in_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o preference_n will_v be_v no_o injury_n to_o another_o nor_o diminish_v another_o happiness_n contrary_a to_o the_o proceed_n of_o this_o world_n where_o the_o greatness_n or_o estate_n of_o one_o man_n can_v be_v raise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o upon_o the_o ruin_n or_o decay_n of_o another_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v indeed_o nor_o be_v it_o expect_v by_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v free_v himself_o absolute_o from_o all_o concern_n for_o thing_n here_o below_o such_o impassibility_n will_v be_v one_o of_o our_o chief_a perfection_n when_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v raise_v above_o this_o corruptible_a condition_n and_o become_v spiritualise_v but_o to_o aim_v at_o it_o in_o this_o life_n may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o impossible_a design_n but_o certain_o not_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v here_o citizen_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o such_o bind_v to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o general_a member_n of_o a_o civil_a society_n and_o as_o such_o oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o our_o country_n member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o as_o such_o command_v to_o labour_n for_o the_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n last_o in_o our_o own_o private_a capacity_n god_n design_v at_o least_o some_o sort_n of_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n for_o man_n when_o he_o place_v he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o we_o may_v lawful_o pursue_v and_o improve_v as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n sobriety_n and_o religion_n will_v permit_v to_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o require_v by_o god_n that_o in_o most_o case_n it_o may_v become_v a_o crime_n but_o the_o exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n require_v we_o not_o to_o be_v anxious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o any_o contingency_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o transport_v with_o passion_n arise_v from_o either_o the_o sense_n or_o the_o prospect_n of_o unhappy_a accident_n in_o this_o world_n as_o may_v embroil_v our_o mind_n disturb_v our_o thought_n and_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o more_o noble_a and_o divine_a duty_n much_o less_o to_o conclude_v ourselves_o unhappy_a to_o despond_v and_o murmur_v to_o repine_v at_o the_o public_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o distract_v the_o soul_n with_o melancholy_a thought_n of_o private_a misfortune_n such_o a_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n will_v be_v most_o unworthy_a a_o rational_a man_n much_o moâ—…e_o a_o know_v christian_a who_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o
be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o render_v himself_o true_o happy_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n and_o amid_o all_o the_o disaster_n of_o fortune_n the_o injury_n of_o man_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n to_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o high_a call_n and_o attain_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o labour_n but_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o warn_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v that_o common_a error_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v so_o prone_a of_o conclude_v from_o private_a misfortune_n or_o public_a â—…alamities_n that_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o and_o withdraw_v his_o protection_n and_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o despair_n and_o misery_n man_n be_v so_o much_o enure_v to_o pass_v judgement_n from_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v apt_a false_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n have_v disow_v they_o and_o withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n as_o often_o as_o he_o interpose_v not_o his_o power_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o injury_n and_o oppression_n from_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n thus_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o news_n of_o their_o lord_n intention_n to_o leave_v the_o earth_n and_o return_v to_o heaven_n can_v hardly_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o bodily_a preâ—…ence_n from_o they_o he_o will_v continuâ—…_n his_o care_n of_o they_o or_o favour_n to_o they_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o grief_n and_o despair_n give_v up_o themselves_o for_o lose_v and_o begin_v to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o love_n and_o reality_n of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o great_a a_o affliction_n to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o their_o belove_a master_n that_o no_o christian_a since_o those_o day_n can_v pretend_v to_o have_v endure_v such_o a_o loss_n but_o in_o a_o christian_a assure_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o another_o life_n know_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n and_o the_o method_n direct_v by_o christ_n to_o attain_v it_o it_o be_v inexcusable_a to_o form_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o disfavour_n of_o god_n from_o temporal_a affliction_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n it_o can_v but_o happen_v that_o misfortune_n will_v attend_v the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o whole_a society_n be_v involve_v in_o general_a calamity_n but_o then_o none_o will_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o the_o fix_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v violate_v to_o satisfy_v these_o particular_a case_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concern_v than_o the_o relief_n of_o particular_a irregularity_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v both_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v settle_v such_o law_n of_o government_n in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v themselves_o true_o happy_a none_o become_v true_o miserable_a but_o through_o their_o own_o default_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o god_n do_v often_o even_o in_o this_o world_n interpose_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n or_o faithful_a servant_n but_o the_o motive_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n herein_o may_v be_v so_o various_a and_o different_a that_o no_o certain_a argument_n of_o favour_n or_o disfavour_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o he_o may_v bring_v misfortune_n upon_o pious_a man_n to_o correct_v they_o to_o restrain_v their_o passion_n or_o afford_v they_o opportunity_n of_o improve_n particular_a virtue_n and_o duty_n he_o may_v confer_v temporal_a felilicity_n on_o wicked_a man_n to_o oblige_v they_o by_o benefit_n to_o repentance_n or_o to_o serve_v and_o promote_v some_o wonderful_a end_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n which_o they_o little_o think_v of_o and_o contribute_v to_o it_o without_o their_o knowledge_n he_o may_v punish_v the_o good_a in_o this_o life_n for_o their_o sin_n of_o omission_n passion_n or_o inadvertency_n that_o so_o he_o may_v reward_v they_o in_o the_o next_o for_o their_o more_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n he_o may_v reward_v bad_a man_n in_o this_o life_n for_o those_o few_o good_a action_n which_o they_o do_v that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n when_o he_o shall_v punish_v they_o in_o another_o world_n for_o their_o habitual_a wickedness_n and_o disobedience_n he_o may_v continue_v their_o present_a condition_n whether_o of_o riches_n or_o poverty_n to_o either_o because_o he_o who_o know_v the_o constitution_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n foresee_v that_o the_o one_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v his_o innocenâ—…e_n and_o the_o other_o grow_v much_o worse_o in_o a_o different_a state_n of_o life_n he_o may_v punish_v with_o general_a calamity_n the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o public_a society_n which_o can_v be_v punish_v as_o such_o in_o another_o life_n and_o than_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o any_o good_a man_n who_o share_n in_o the_o society_n shall_v require_v to_o be_v exempt_v by_o so_o many_o private_a miracle_n from_o the_o universal_a calamity_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v receive_v indeed_o many_o and_o greatpromise_n of_o particular_a favour_n and_o assistance_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o this_o divine_a favour_n shall_v exert_v itself_o in_o bestow_v of_o temporal_a prosperity_n affliction_n and_o persecution_n may_v be_v sometime_o far_o more_o convenient_a to_o the_o church_n to_o restore_v her_o decay_a diâ—…cipline_n to_o revive_v her_o languish_a zeal_n to_o awaken_v the_o negligent_a to_o separate_v the_o false_a to_o reform_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o the_o church_n have_v indeed_o experience_v in_o all_o age_n manifest_a interposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o favour_n of_o she_o she_o have_v be_v often_o free_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o her_o persecutor_n the_o design_n of_o apostate_n and_o infection_n of_o heretic_n king_n have_v be_v she_o nurse_v father_n and_o queen_n her_o nurse_n mother_n she_o have_v surmount_v the_o opposition_n of_o all_o her_o enemy_n and_o through_o a_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o many_o age_n enjoy_v both_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n reduce_v at_o the_o crucifixion_n and_o departure_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o that_o miserable_a condition_n which_o we_o before_o represent_v be_v comfort_v and_o reanimated_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o the_o approach_a feast_n of_o pentecost_n heaven_n then_o declare_v for_o they_o by_o confer_v extraordinary_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n on_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o confirm_v their_o preach_a with_o no_o less_o wonderful_a miracle_n which_o remove_v their_o anxiety_n convince_v they_o that_o the_o love_n of_o their_o master_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v both_o continue_a and_o increase_v to_o they_o and_o enable_v they_o to_o subdue_v the_o victorious_a roman_a empire_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v the_o arm_n of_o god_n to_o be_v shorten_v to_o we_o we_o of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v more_o than_o once_o even_o in_o this_o age_n deliver_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n from_o danger_n of_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o fanaticism_n on_o the_o other_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o be_v not_o to_o raise_v confident_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o prosperity_n to_o his_o church_n he_o have_v promise_v indeed_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o the_o faith_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o destroy_v nor_o a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n want_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o have_v no_o where_o engage_v that_o she_o shall_v always_o enjoy_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o outward_a peace_n external_n grandeur_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o land_n of_o rest_n in_o a_o upper_a chamber_n as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o stately_a temple_n after_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n our_o lord_n bid_v we_o not_o be_v trouble_v nor_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o overmuch_o anxiety_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o design_a reward_n but_o then_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o require_v as_o a_o