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
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 of_o a_o future_a state_n than_o what_o be_v found_v only_o on_o faint_a wish_n and_o uncertain_a desire_n such_o as_o will_v never_o induce_v they_o to_o forego_v their_o life_n or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o temporal_a happiness_n rather_o than_o renounce_v it_o or_o give_v they_o entire_a assurance_n of_o any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n if_o to_o pretend_v that_o revelation_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o unuseful_a to_o they_o be_v frivolous_a and_o irrational_a in_o these_o heathen_a philosopher_n much_o more_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o arraign_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o its_o simplicity_n which_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n not_o appropriate_v it_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o philosopher_n only_o by_o propose_v abstruse_a contemplation_n and_o nice_a subtlety_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o unlearned_a person_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o christianity_n be_v by_o they_o account_v folly_n 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 indeed_o be_v a_o common_a mistake_n to_o despise_v all_o doctrine_n recommend_v with_o these_o excellent_a quality_n and_o because_o lie_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a multitude_n and_o to_o pronounce_v they_o foolish_a as_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n in_o the_o text_n account_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v foolishness_n because_o of_o its_o simplicity_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o prejudice_n as_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o most_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v a_o mistake_v however_o to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o humanenature_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o affect_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n but_o also_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o disdain_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o simple_a and_o easy_a religion_n either_o add_v abstruse_a and_o sometime_o incredible_a article_n to_o it_o or_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o artificial_a science_n 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 if_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n continue_v not_o only_o in_o ignorance_n of_o it_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o appear_v to_o some_o incredible_a and_o the_o manner_n propose_v it_o ridiculous_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o scandalize_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v either_o less_o plain_a or_o less_o certain_a we_o all_o know_v mankind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o experience_n the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o prone_a all_o man_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o than_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n oppose_v and_o restrain_v these_o unruly_a passion_n we_o shall_v cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o its_o rejection_n and_o contradiction_n god_n have_v indeed_o set_v his_o reveal_v truth_n in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n but_o 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
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
worthy_o be_v execute_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n much_o lef_n can_v the_o righteous_a receiâ—…_n the_o recompense_n of_o their_o just_a deed_n therein_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a life_n worthy_a either_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o man_n be_v it_o riches_n or_o prosperity_n sensual_a delight_n and_o temporal_a convenience_n alas_o that_o god_n shall_v confer_v no_o more_o noble_a reward_n on_o his_o servant_n and_o follower_n that_o for_o such_o trifle_n only_o we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o after_o our_o labour_n and_o study_n to_o procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o virtue_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v attain_v no_o other_o reward_n than_o what_o even_o brute_n beast_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o ease_n of_o our_o body_n or_o if_o any_o voluptuous_a person_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o degenerous_a as_o to_o place_v his_o utmost_a felicity_n in_o these_o carnal_a enjoyment_n he_o will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o his_o design_a satisfaction_n although_o heap_v with_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o constant_a thought_n of_o his_o approach_a end_n which_o may_v be_v defer_v but_o can_v be_v remove_v will_v embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n create_v a_o continual_a disquiet_n and_o torment_v he_o with_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o then_o what_o a_o inconsiderable_a happiness_n be_v that_o which_o a_o ague_n or_o a_o fever_n a_o mistake_n or_o a_o casualty_n may_v destroy_v so_o foolish_a be_v it_o for_o a_o pious_a man_n to_o expect_v or_o desire_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v be_v as_o well_o impossible_a as_o unreasonable_a to_o exercise_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o please_a act_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o state_n if_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n be_v entail_v on_o just_a man_n only_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n under_o affliction_n no_o occasion_n for_o charity_n and_o contentment_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v destroy_v what_o great_a demonstration_n of_o religion_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o will_v then_o become_v not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o even_o unlawful_a be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o renunciation_n of_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o relinquish_a the_o assign_a reward_n by_o god_n what_o more_o certain_a manifestation_n of_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o at_o least_o to_o forego_v all_o worldly_a possession_n when_o call_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v then_o no_o less_o foolish_a than_o impracticable_a when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v no_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o dispense_v no_o reward_n after_o death_n it_o will_v then_o in_o wisdom_n concern_v every_o man_n to_o continue_v his_o life_n and_o possession_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n and_o overlook_a all_o interest_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o charity_n to_o miserable_a person_n will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o to_o the_o good_a who_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o calamity_n it_o will_v be_v unuseful_a and_o to_o show_v it_o to_o the_o bad_a in_o who_o misery_n be_v a_o punishment_n will_v be_v to_o reverse_v and_o overthrow_v the_o sentence_n of_o god_n nay_o to_o proceed_v yet_o far_o no_o virtue_n or_o vice_n obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o god_n will_v then_o take_v place_n for_o no_o virtue_n be_v acceptable_a no_o obedience_n deserve_v any_o reward_n from_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n struggle_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n or_o its_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n as_o it_o include_v somewhat_o of_o difficulty_n in_o it_o somewhat_o which_o evidence_v a_o mature_a choice_n of_o right_a reason_n prevail_v over_o the_o opposition_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n whereas_o if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n nothing_o will_v be_v leave_v wherein_o freewill_n may_v interpose_v all_o will_v indifferent_o strive_v to_o be_v good_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v wicked_a than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v pious_a when_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n shall_v draw_v the_o same_o way_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v our_o carnal_a desire_n will_v be_v to_o yield_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n what_o wonder_n will_v it_o be_v if_o man_n than_o serve_v god_n when_o it_o be_v even_o their_o temporal_a interest_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n when_o their_o own_o sense_n permit_v they_o not_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o so_o that_o while_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n remain_v while_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n continue_v while_o a_o real_a difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v maintain_v and_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o laudable_a exercise_n of_o freewill_n we_o can_v judge_v it_o possible_a or_o expedient_a that_o the_o final_a sentence_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o which_o be_v that_o punishment_n can_v be_v inflict_v on_o wicked_a man_n in_o this_o life_n without_o make_v good_a man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n miâ—…erable_a it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o constant_a miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o good_a man_n which_o may_v rescue_v they_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o pestilence_n sword_n or_o famine_n or_o if_o so_o great_a a_o discrimination_n can_v be_v allow_v good_a man_n will_v necessary_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o suffering_n by_o their_o compassion_n by_o the_o loss_n and_o torment_n of_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n who_o be_v torment_v for_o their_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n will_v interrupt_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o pious_a and_o compassionate_a man_n by_o their_o shriek_n and_o clamour_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v what_o a_o scence_z of_o horror_n theearth_n will_v then_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o execute_v his_o vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n what_o a_o face_n of_o cruelty_n and_o desolation_n will_v then_o appear_v it_o will_v then_o bear_v so_o true_a a_o resemblance_n of_o hell_n that_o good_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v annihilate_v than_o to_o be_v present_a in_o it_o so_o that_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o good_a man_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a be_v defer_v to_o another_o life_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v at_o last_o abundant_o satisfy_v you_o both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o form_v both_o the_o decree_v mention_v in_o my_o text_n of_o appoint_v all_o man_n once_o to_o die_n and_o in_o exercise_v a_o final_a judgement_n not_o till_o after_o death_n we_o may_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o we_o be_v long_o since_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o but_o if_o we_o descend_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o examine_v they_o thorough_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o our_o conviction_n we_o be_v enure_v to_o sensual_a thing_n and_o sensual_a proof_n and_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v all_o that_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o another_o life_n because_o the_o experience_n of_o sense_n do_v not_o confirm_v it_o we_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o he_o interpose_v not_o in_o our_o behalf_n in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o wicked_a escape_n his_o knowledge_n when_o they_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o a_o seem_a neglect_n of_o the_o righteous_a in_o this_o life_n betray_v we_o into_o a_o false_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v equal_o forget_v in_o the_o next_o or_o if_o we_o can_v find_v in_o our_o soul_n any_o trace_n of_o such_o incredulity_n and_o suspicion_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o action_n will_v discover_v they_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o yet_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o far_o from_o we_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o can_v escape_v that_o fatal_a sentence_n and_o yet_o live_v as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o we_o despair_v of_o prolong_v our_o life_n
we_o be_v warn_v by_o example_n to_o repentance_n and_o still_o continue_v unmoved_a we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o lord_n call_v to_o repentance_n the_o exhortation_n of_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n who_o message_n be_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v we_o read_v the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v in_o this_o world_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o yet_o reflect_v not_o that_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o government_n that_o the_o duty_n be_v not_o remit_v but_o make_v more_o severe_a and_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v punish_v we_o but_o that_o his_o power_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o conduct_n give_v to_o man_n be_v no_o more_o change_v than_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o it_o be_v somewhat_o surprizng_v indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o confess_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o not_o attend_v to_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v possible_a to_o form_v a_o habit_n of_o act_v constant_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clear_a and_o no_o less_o constant_a conviction_n of_o mind_n for_o can_v we_o hear_v with_o what_o detestation_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o pharaoh_n heart_n and_o what_o a_o sudden_a destruction_n follow_v and_o not_o reflect_v that_o in_o continue_v deaf_a to_o so_o many_o admonition_n of_o repentance_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n and_o that_o in_o one_o respect_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o know_v not_o at_o first_o that_o that_o god_n who_o command_v he_o to_o let_v the_o captive_a jew_n depart_v be_v the_o true_a god_n until_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o many_o miracle_n whereas_o we_o be_v convince_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o he_o who_o impose_v this_o duty_n on_o we_o or_o can_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o god_n exercise_v upon_o the_o jew_n for_o sudden_a and_o rash_a resolution_n take_v up_o in_o heat_n and_o as_o soon_o repent_v of_o such_o as_o their_o frequent_a rebellion_n against_o moses_n their_o refuse_v to_o march_v to_o the_o promise_a land_n after_o have_v râ—…ceived_v a_o false_a account_n from_o the_o timorous_a spy_n and_o many_o such_o other_o occasion_n do_v we_o remember_v all_o this_o and_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v passby_a unregarded_a our_o deliberate_a and_o obstinate_a rebellion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o continuation_n of_o every_o habit_n of_o sin_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o example_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v receive_v instruction_n be_v terrify_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o suffering_n from_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v remit_v his_o justice_n herein_o and_o will_v oversee_v those_o sin_n in_o we_o which_o he_o so_o eminent_o revenge_v in_o elder_a time_n his_o attribute_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o his_o justice_n his_o holiness_n and_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o favour_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a be_v piety_n and_o obedience_n although_o he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o ancient_a time_n to_o demonstrate_v his_o justice_n by_o more_o visible_a example_n than_o in_o after_o age_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o any_o general_a revelation_n partly_o to_o attest_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o revelation_n and_o partly_o to_o deter_v man_n by_o such_o severe_a example_n from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o sin_n who_o ought_v thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o if_o god_n exercise_v not_o the_o same_o severity_n towards_o they_o in_o this_o life_n he_o reserve_v it_o for_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o inexorable_a to_o some_o sinner_n and_o unaccountable_o indulgent_a to_o other_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o gild_n to_o be_v far_o convince_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o salvation_n without_o repentance_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n death_n and_o passion_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n bear_v our_o infirmity_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o become_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o they_o sure_o if_o ever_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n whether_o of_o punishment_n or_o repentance_n he_o will_v have_v remit_v his_o method_n of_o justice_n to_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o not_o require_v he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o shame_n and_o bitterness_n of_o the_o cross._n yet_o such_o be_v the_o divine_a hatred_n of_o sin_n that_o although_o earnest_o and_o passionate_o entreat_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n in_o the_o garden_n to_o remit_v his_o decree_n therein_o and_o receive_v mankind_n to_o mercy_n without_o require_v so_o severe_a a_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v not_o condescend_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o will_v give_v pardon_n to_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o that_o that_o ever_o bless_a person_n who_o have_v take_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n which_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v undergo_v and_o expiate_v it_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n can_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v never_o have_v put_v such_o a_o hard_a condition_n upon_o his_o own_o son_n as_o that_o either_o the_o world_n who_o redemption_n he_o have_v undertake_v must_v be_v for_o ever_o lose_v or_o himself_o must_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o exchange_n for_o it_o when_o therefore_o a_o life_n of_o such_o inestimable_a value_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n to_o sinful_a man_n how_o terrible_a must_v that_o anger_n have_v be_v how_o vehement_a his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n that_o continue_v yet_o fix_v and_o constant_a only_o now_o he_o may_v remit_v to_o man_n the_o full_a and_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o his_o attribute_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n which_o without_o that_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o will_v not_o do_v lest_o man_n shall_v conclude_v that_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o or_o wink_v at_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o pardon_v so_o easy_o or_o that_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o so_o deep_a a_o gild_n since_o man_n with_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n without_o any_o compensation_n for_o it_o whereas_o now_o man_n can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o mean_n of_o pardon_n offer_v by_o god_n without_o conceive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n god_n indeed_o require_v ne_fw-la the_o life_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n in_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o in_o strict_a justice_n will_v seem_v agreeable_a but_o he_o require_v the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o son_n more_o valuable_a than_o the_o life_n of_o all_o sinful_a man_n put_v together_o he_o receive_v to_o mercy_n the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n but_o condemn_v to_o punishment_n that_o divine_a person_n who_o take_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o all_o upon_o he_o and_o even_o after_o so_o much_o do_v and_o suffer_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n god_n distribute_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n indifferent_o to_o all_o who_o lie_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o hereby_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v not_o actual_o pardon_v nor_o man_n immediate_o acquit_v of_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o but_o only_o make_v capable_a of_o pardon_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o pardon_n in_o god_n make_v possible_a without_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o justice_n this_o pardon_n he_o distribute_v to_o man_n upon_o those_o condition_n which_o himself_o have_v please_v to_o appoint_v and_o those_o such_o which_o far_o declare_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n a_o confession_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o forsake_v of_o it_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o like_a detestation_n of_o sin_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n can_v man_n claim_v any_o benefit_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v be_v include_v in_o that_o comprehensive_a form_n of_o speech_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v acknowledge_v the_o gild_n of_o your_o former_a sin_n conceive_v a_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o form_v a_o hatred_n of_o they_o renounce_v any_o far_a exercise_n of_o they_o testify_v your_o resolution_n
â—…elicity_n god_n may_v bestow_v or_o deny_v to_o any_o one_o for_o the_o fake_n of_o another_o without_o any_o â—…minution_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o impartiality_n which_o require_v no_o more_o than_o that_o â—…f_a â—…e_n punish_v man_n for_o neglect_v to_o oâ—…tain_v his_o supreme_a happiness_n he_o shall_v â—…ut_v it_o into_o his_o power_n to_o obtain_v it_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v do_v either_o with_o or_o without_o â—…nporal_a benefit_n or_o calamity_n which_o â—…ly_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o that_o suâ—…_n end_n and_o be_v pure_o accidental_a to_o 〈◊〉_d god_n may_v dispose_v they_o in_o this_o world_n either_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o encouragement_n or_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o punishment_n or_o correction_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o while_o they_o impose_v not_o on_o any_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v well_o or_o ill_a nor_o render_v any_o man_n true_o happy_a or_o miserable_a they_o may_v not_o be_v always_o reward_n or_o punishment_n and_o so_o do_v not_o necessary_o attend_v the_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n of_o men._n upon_o these_o unalterable_a principle_n the_o divine_a justice_n do_v proceed_v and_o although_o we_o can_v deny_v any_o of_o these_o without_o deny_v god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v just_a and_o impartial_a yet_o man_n have_v still_o continue_v to_o frame_v different_a notion_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o act_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v so_o please_v a_o delusion_n to_o fancy_v themselves_o dear_a to_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o for_o unaccountable_a reason_n that_o no_o wonder_n many_o have_v be_v always_o tempt_v to_o entertain_v such_o a_o charm_a error_n which_o flatter_v their_o ambition_n gratify_v their_o self-love_n set_v they_o above_o the_o ordinary_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o even_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o pursue_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n purity_n and_o obedience_n this_o seduce_v the_o jew_n to_o grow_v secure_a and_o confident_a and_o to_o find_v their_o title_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n not_o in_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o his_o command_n but_o in_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o father_n abraham_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o imagine_v themselves_o so_o dear_a to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v certain_o confer_v happiness_n upon_o they_o without_o any_o further_a consideration_n this_o prejudice_n have_v also_o corrupt_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n especial_o in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o place_n their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n not_o upon_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o upon_o secret_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o predestination_n which_o may_v set_v they_o above_o the_o rank_n of_o their_o fellow-servant_n and_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o obligation_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o sober_a christian_n of_o a_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o salvation_n by_o its_o proper_a mean_n observation_n of_o the_o divine_a precept_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o god_n hence_o also_o the_o fond_a pretension_n of_o man_n have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o all_o of_o such_o a_o order_n shall_v be_v save_v or_o that_o whosoever_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o confraternity_n or_o congregation_n shall_v not_o be_v damn_v and_o then_o the_o natural_a consequence_n will_v be_v to_o change_v the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o salvation_n and_o either_o to_o reject_v all_o care_n of_o it_o or_o place_v that_o care_n upon_o trifle_v and_o fond_a observation_n thus_o man_n have_v forsake_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o hew_v cistern_n to_o themselves_o cistern_n which_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n not_o consider_v that_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v vain_a and_o foolish_a but_o above_o all_o that_o god_n will_v be_v in_o a_o most_o gross_a manner_n unjust_a and_o a_o partial_a respecter_n of_o person_n against_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o text._n i_o need_v not_o now_o confute_v the_o erroneous_a pretension_n of_o these_o delude_a christian_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o clear_v the_o divine_a impartiality_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o his_o conduct_n to_o they_o can_v god_n interpose_v by_o miracle_n so_o often_o in_o their_o behalf_n feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o destroy_v whole_a nation_n to_o make_v room_n for_o they_o and_o not_o be_v partial_a can_v he_o choose_v they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n who_o far_o from_o excel_v other_o man_n in_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n continue_v always_o to_o be_v a_o stifnecked_a and_o stubborn_a generation_n a_o generation_n that_o set_v not_o their_o heart_n aright_o can_v he_o profess_v all_o this_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v to_o they_o as_o he_o often_o do_v not_o for_o their_o own_o righteousness_n but_o for_o personal_a respect_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n and_o their_o descent_n from_o he_o can_v god_n perform_v all_o these_o apparent_a sign_n of_o partiality_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v partial_a yes_o sure_o justice_n and_o impartiality_n be_v eternal_a attribute_n in_o god_n which_o begin_v not_o with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o be_v essential_a property_n in_o he_o and_o inseparable_a from_o his_o nature_n which_o however_o st._n peter_n discover_v not_o till_o now_o as_o be_v blind_v with_o preconceive_a prejudices_fw-la take_v up_o in_o his_o education_n among_o the_o jew_n a_o little_a reflection_n will_v clear_o show_v it_o unto_o we_o first_o then_o this_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n consist_v not_o in_o bestow_v on_o they_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o only_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o we_o before_o show_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o even_o those_o he_o dispense_v to_o they_o not_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o forefather_n but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o own_o obedience_n who_o he_o require_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o careful_a observation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o extraordinary_a precept_n not_o incumbent_n upon_o other_o man_n nor_o enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n when_o these_o condition_n be_v neglect_v or_o violate_v he_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o no_o less_o extraordinary_a than_o his_o benefit_n and_o severe_o revenge_v in_o they_o what_o he_o oversee_v in_o other_o he_o admit_v they_o indeed_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o particular_a covenant_n nor_o in_o consequence_n of_o any_o private_a promise_n the_o hope_n of_o this_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o mankind_n and_o not_o to_o be_v obtain_v but_o upon_o condition_n common_a to_o all_o in_o that_o no_o respect_n be_v have_v to_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n they_o be_v therein_o judge_v by_o such_o universal_a rule_n as_o admit_v no_o exception_n and_o then_o even_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o they_o but_o equal_o lay_v open_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n who_o if_o they_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o confirm_v their_o engagement_n by_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n be_v no_o less_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o abraham_n than_o be_v his_o immediate_a descendants_n last_o these_o temporal_a benefit_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v as_o a_o reward_n to_o extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o piety_n in_o abraham_n and_o entail_v with_o condition_n of_o the_o same_o obedience_n to_o his_o posterity_n as_o well_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o continue_v his_o obedience_n by_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o whole_a posterity_n depend_v on_o it_o as_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o same_o practice_n by_o the_o visible_a example_n of_o his_o reward_n thus_o the_o divine_a justice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o jew_n alone_o be_v unexceptionable_a but_o than_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v boâ—…h_o jew_n and_o christian_n as_o partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o never_o know_v either_o the_o promise_n or_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n only_o be_v he_o not_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n also_o be_v not_o his_o attribute_n always_o unalterable_a and_o the_o influence_n of_o they_o equal_o derive_v down_o to_o all_o his_o creature_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_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
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
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
tend_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o a_o due_a command_n of_o our_o will._n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o dishonour_v by_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o by_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n by_o deny_v his_o existence_n or_o debase_v his_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o misguide_a reason_n than_o by_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o his_o know_a precept_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will._n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o not_o only_o contribute_v exceed_o but_o in_o person_n have_v mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n and_o secure_a to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o iii_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v afford_v to_o we_o many_o and_o great_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o more_o full_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v every_o new_a discovery_n will_v give_v we_o fresh_a occasion_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n eminent_o conspire_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n it_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o lose_a condition_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v expiate_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o mediate_v his_o pardon_n and_o hereby_o will_v increase_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n will_v enhance_v the_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n teach_v we_o to_o adore_v love_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o saviour_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o belief_n to_o his_o revelation_n as_o to_o our_o prophet_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n once_o make_v and_o intercession_n for_o we_o always_o continue_v by_o he_o as_o of_o our_o high_a priest_n to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o precept_n as_o to_o our_o king_n can_v we_o view_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n both_o to_o secure_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o give_v pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n and_o not_o be_v wind_v up_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n can_v we_o consider_v the_o most_o wise_a method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v this_o wonderful_a design_n to_o perfection_n and_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o through_o all_o age_n can_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n without_o fill_v our_o understanding_n with_o awful_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o our_o will_n with_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o and_o enlarge_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o receive_v his_o influence_n or_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o worthy_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o carry_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o a_o gratitude_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o without_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o design_n and_o excellency_n sure_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a which_o so_o earnest_o press_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v commend_v those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o above_o all_o other_o person_n yet_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o induce_v we_o by_o manifold_a argument_n to_o our_o duty_n yet_o these_o also_o have_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o man_n more_o perfective_a of_o his_o nature_n or_o conduce_v to_o enstate_v he_o in_o the_o great_a happiness_n than_o to_o comprehend_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o entertain_v noble_a conception_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n and_o exalt_a knowledge_n raise_v his_o affection_n to_o a_o vehement_a love_n of_o he_o by_o this_o we_o anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o begin_v to_o possess_v they_o even_o before_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o they_o for_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o fruition_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o study_n of_o these_o sacred_a matter_n be_v esteem_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o pious_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a method_n of_o attain_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n upon_o earth_n even_o under_o the_o old_a law_n when_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o make_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_a observation_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n wherein_o such_o inimitable_a strain_n of_o piety_n devotion_n and_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n appear_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n every_o where_o ascribe_v his_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assiduous_a study_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n i_o will_v thank_v thou_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a heart_n when_o i_o shall_v have_v learn_v the_o judgement_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o i_o remember_v thy_o everlasting_a judgement_n o_o lord_n and_o receive_v comfort_n lord_n what_o love_n have_v i_o unto_o thy_o law_n all_o the_o day_n long_o be_v my_o study_n in_o it_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o throâ—…_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counselor_n see_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o soul_n big_a with_o devotion_n and_o fill_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n manifest_v under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n but_o alas_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v this_o if_o compare_v to_o that_o great_a light_n which_o christianity_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n what_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n may_v not_o we_o now_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a goodness_n not_o under_o a_o veil_n and_o shadow_n but_o in_o its_o full_a dimension_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v true_o sensible_a of_o this_o who_o place_v their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n in_o this_o holy_a study_n choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o bibles_n and_o brand_v those_o who_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o persecutor_n although_o in_o exchange_n for_o their_o dear_a blood_n with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la or_o traitor_n and_o in_o the_o last_o age_n our_o forefather_n give_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o resolution_n when_o great_a number_n of_o they_o venture_v their_o life_n to_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o rather_o than_o forego_v that_o benefit_n choose_v to_o forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o persecution_n of_o a_o church_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o those_o divine_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_o
if_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o we_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o to_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n yet_o we_o know_v a_o church_n that_o have_v whole_o evacuate_v the_o apostle_n precépt_v by_o inhibit_v to_o private_a christian_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o set_v up_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o aught_o blind_o to_o submit_v that_o use_v her_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o disable_v private_a christian_n from_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o have_v make_v christianity_n irrational_a by_o add_v to_o it_o absurd_a and_o contradictive_a doctrine_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n what_o reason_n for_o a_o blind_a submission_n to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a judge_n which_o defeat_v all_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o apparent_a i_o omit_v they_o and_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o application_n that_o 2._o we_o ought_v to_o adorn_v this_o most_o rational_a and_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o a_o correspondent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n draw_v this_o inference_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v and_o follow_v my_o text_n but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o indeed_o most_o natural_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perverseness_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o what_o a_o degree_n of_o folly_n and_o impiety_n must_v it_o be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o contradict_v the_o evidence_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o false_a the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o sure_o with_o much_o more_o force_n will_v the_o argument_n fall_v upon_o immoral_a christian_n for_o the_o heathen_a sage_n dissemble_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o direct_v not_o their_o action_n by_o they_o whereas_o these_o public_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a consideration_n that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v deliberate_o violate_v those_o law_n upon_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n to_o depend_v do_v we_o real_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o go_v on_o without_o remorse_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n its_o law_n and_o precept_n be_v we_o persuade_v that_o infinite_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o and_o yet_o prefer_v the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o do_v we_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o please_a sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o however_o we_o may_v pretend_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o all_o these_o article_n yet_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o after_o all_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v believer_n in_o christ_n can_v faith_n save_v we_o no_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n if_o a_o sober_a heathen_a shall_v 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
any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n we_o have_v be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n to_o embrace_v and_o practise_v it_o to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o by_o obey_v they_o we_o may_v have_v procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n many_o duty_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o relation_n which_o we_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o will_v not_o have_v cease_v to_o oblige_v we_o although_o no_o revelation_n have_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o or_o if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reinforce_v these_o duty_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v entail_v any_o reward_n on_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o as_o be_v part_n of_o our_o duty_n antecedent_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n if_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o more_o than_o be_v natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n even_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o laborious_a duty_n he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v it_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n as_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v it_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o mankind_n to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o to_o these_o he_o have_v add_v threat_n and_o punishment_n he_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v abundant_o secure_v mankind_n from_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o command_n since_o none_o but_o the_o most_o stupid_a and_o brutal_a person_n will_v for_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o few_o not_o only_o irrational_a but_o trifle_a vanity_n incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a be_v and_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o vengeance_n or_o if_o to_o action_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n action_n have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o they_o beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o difficulty_n he_o have_v adjoin_v a_o promise_n of_o infinite_a reward_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v omit_v they_o without_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o folly_n when_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o may_v procure_v so_o vast_a a_o reward_n the_o sole_a hope_n of_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o force_v our_o inclination_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n but_o when_o to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o preservation_n he_o have_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o adapt_v those_o revelation_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n when_o he_o have_v urge_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o reveal_v truth_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o punishment_n on_o the_o other_o and_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proceed_v to_o heap_v new_a favour_n on_o we_o entreat_v we_o as_o a_o friend_n bear_v with_o we_o as_o a_o father_n and_o by_o prodigy_n of_o mercy_n lead_v we_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o must_v profess_v ourselves_o astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o so_o stupendous_a a_o goodness_n and_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o unable_a to_o celebrate_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o may_v have_v satisfy_v both_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o require_v of_o we_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n without_o any_o reward_n or_o proportion_v his_o reward_n to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o service_n or_o propose_v both_o reward_n and_o duty_n without_o add_v continue_a act_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n yet_o contribute_v all_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v no_o less_o infinite_a than_o his_o nature_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o who_o when_o it_o be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o appeal_v even_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n as_o he_o do_v sometime_o in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a o_o house_n of_o israel_n choose_v rather_o to_o conquer_v we_o by_o kindness_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o goodness_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o understand_v that_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n xix_o 17._o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o one_o that_o be_v god_n as_o his_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o exercise_v act_n of_o beneficence_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o goodness_n as_o psalm_n lxxiii_o 1._o true_o god_n be_v good_a unto_o israel_n even_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o again_o psalm_n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o his_o goodness_n be_v apt_o express_v by_o the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o former_a attribute_n indeed_o represent_v god_n to_o mankind_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o incit_v brave_a and_o generous_a soul_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v a_o near_a similitude_n and_o conformity_n to_o their_o creator_n the_o imitation_n of_o who_o be_v their_o ùtmost_a perfection_n but_o the_o latter_a chief_o create_v in_o we_o that_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o efficacious_a principle_n of_o all_o religious_a action_n by_o represent_v to_o we_o his_o infinite_a affection_n to_o mankind_n his_o benefactive_a nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n which_o even_o although_o we_o forget_v our_o duty_n and_o neglect_v our_o interest_n can_v but_o excite_v a_o lively_a senfe_fw-mi of_o gratitude_n in_o we_o and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o beneficence_n and_o indulgence_n of_o god_n be_v design_v in_o the_o text_n by_o the_o term_n goodness_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a whereby_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o inflict_v the_o deserve_a punishment_n upon_o sinner_n but_o withhold_v his_o anger_n and_o patient_o await_v their_o repentance_n whereby_o he_o do_v not_o present_o revenge_v the_o injury_n and_o affront_v do_v to_o his_o law_n and_o person_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o compassionate_v our_o nature_n and_o at_o all_o time_n reserve_v mercy_n for_o penitent_a sinner_n a_o attribute_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v render_v god_n more_o amiable_a and_o dear_a unto_o we_o or_o more_o effectual_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v not_o the_o perverseness_n of_o mankind_n no_o less_o infinite_a than_o his_o goodness_n yet_o do_v many_o in_o that_o age_n and_o as_o i_o fear_v more_o in_o our_o time_n make_v a_o contrary_a use_n of_o this_o goodness_n by_o thence_o take_v encouragement_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o see_v not_o vengeance_n to_o be_v speedy_o execute_v and_o experience_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o from_o these_o attribute_n infer_v a_o contrary_a conclusion_n to_o what_o they_o have_v form_v namely_o that_o this_o aught_o rather_o to_o dispose_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n by_o enforce_v all_o other_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n of_o gratitude_n which_o be_v violate_v in_o a_o most_o enormous_a manner_n by_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o a_o contrary_a intent_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n in_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v and_o improve_v the_o apostle_n argument_n by_o consider_v it_o as_o well_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o influence_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o all_o our_o action_n in_o general_a as_o in_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n in_o particular_a in_o discourse_v of_o the_o first_o head_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o proposition_n i._o that_o gratitude_n or_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n
god_n in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o choose_v israel_n and_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o make_v myself_o know_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n when_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o they_o say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o forth_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n into_o a_o land_n that_o i_o have_v espy_v for_o they_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o land_n then_o i_o say_v unto_o they_o cast_v you_o away_o every_o man_n the_o abomination_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o defile_v not_o yourselves_o with_o the_o idol_n of_o egypt_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n to_o say_v no_o more_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n under_o which_o god_n be_v constant_o worship_v from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o name_n import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o constancy_n in_o effect_v his_o promise_n the_o completion_n of_o which_o shall_v necessary_o as_o often_o return_v into_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o most_o holy_a name_n be_v take_v into_o their_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o at_o that_o moment_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v complete_v god_n make_v himself_o know_v unto_o the_o jew_n by_o this_o name_n jehovah_n say_v unto_o moses_n exod._n vi_o 3._o and_o i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o el_n shaddai_n or_o god_n almighty_a but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v not_o i_o know_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o be_v know_v indeed_o unto_o your_o forefather_n by_o my_o attribute_n of_o greatness_n and_o omnipotence_n whereby_o they_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v that_o i_o be_v able_a in_o due_a time_n to_o confer_v upon_o they_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o but_o my_o attribute_n of_o veracity_n and_o immutability_n be_v not_o sensible_o make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o the_o completion_n of_o those_o promise_n these_o now_o you_o see_v perform_v and_o consequent_o be_v convince_v that_o i_o be_o a_o god_n true_a to_o my_o promise_n and_o invariable_a to_o my_o resolution_n by_o this_o name_n or_o under_o this_o notion_n will_v i_o be_v henceforward_o worship_v by_o you_o the_o exceed_a care_n which_o god_n take_v to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o these_o benefit_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v manifest_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o preserve_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o himself_o among_o they_o to_o this_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n in_o some_o mea_fw-la sure_o tend_v but_o especial_o the_o grand_a festival_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v institute_v for_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n annual_a repetition_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o benefit_n be_v enjoin_v and_o parent_n command_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o their_o child_n on_o the_o severe_a penalty_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n which_o be_v in_o more_o frequent_a use_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v employ_v in_o repeat_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o urge_v the_o duty_n of_o gratitude_n arise_v from_o they_o and_o as_o if_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o that_o people_n consist_v in_o retain_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o favour_n moses_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o require_v nothing_o else_o of_o they_o who_o after_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o law_n and_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o they_o subjoin_v only_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o keep_v thy_o soul_n diligent_o lest_o thou_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o thy_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o lest_o they_o depart_v from_o thy_o heart_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o teach_v they_o thy_o son_n and_o thy_o son_n son_n deut._n iu._n 9_o he_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o if_o this_o grateful_a remembrance_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o it_o will_v draw_v along_o with_o it_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o therefore_o as_o our_o savioâ—…r_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o love_n o_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n so_o he_o comprise_v all_o in_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n afterward_o when_o the_o deplorable_a idolatry_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o which_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o captivity_n have_v almost_o effaced_a the_o memory_n of_o their_o miraculous_a deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o by_o a_o new_a prodigy_n of_o mercy_n god_n have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o captivity_n and_o replace_v they_o in_o their_o ancient_a possession_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o almost_o forget_a benefit_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o memory_n of_o which_o be_v grow_v faint_a among_o they_o but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a restitution_n the_o remembrance_n of_o which_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v suppose_v to_o produce_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n in_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o bespeak_v they_o jerem._n xvi_o 14_o 15._o therefore_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o it_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north_n and_o from_o all_o the_o land_n whither_o he_o have_v drive_v they_o and_o i_o will_v bring_v they_o again_o into_o their_o land_n that_o i_o give_v unto_o their_o father_n the_o same_o word_n he_o repeat_v in_o the_o xxiii_o seven_o and_o 8_o verse_n so_o studious_o do_v god_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o happiness_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o by_o heap_v new_a benefit_n upon_o they_o and_o inculcate_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o in_o all_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n under_o the_o gospel_n also_o god_n continue_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o author_n of_o some_o signal_n benefit_n as_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o we_o obtain_v redemption_n from_o our_o sin_n and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a egypt_n the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o every_o act_n of_o our_o christian_a worship_n the_o memory_n of_o this_o benefit_n be_v present_v to_o we_o while_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o father_n which_o can_v be_v without_o recall_v to_o mind_v his_o infinite_a mercy_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v design_v by_o he_o and_o effect_v by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n all_o the_o sacrament_n and_o external_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o benefit_n than_o do_v the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o commemorate_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n particular_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v institute_v to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o preserve_v a_o lively_a memory_n of_o that_o great_a and_o final_a act_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o continue_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o stripesby_n which_o we_o be_v heal_v and_o of_o that_o blood_n by_o which_o we_o be_v cleanse_v if_o by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n fail_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n for_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v that_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o deplorable_a disuse_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o which_o creep_v into_o latter_a age_n and_o be_v continue_v in_o our_o time_n that_o universal_a decay_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o lament_v can_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n as_o to_o this_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o with_o that_o of_o our_o redemption_n sensible_o decay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o that_o venerable_a mystery_n begin_v to_o be_v discontinue_v which_o be_v institute_v on_o purpose_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o a_o lively_a representation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n man_n perhaps_o may_v retain_v a_o historical_a remembrance_n of_o
reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o will_v natural_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o liberality_n without_o these_o man_n will_v esteem_v his_o worship_n both_o unprofitable_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o think_v themselves_o little_o concern_v in_o the_o adoration_n ofhim_n from_o who_o they_o neither_o receive_v nor_o expect_v any_o good_n the_o benefit_n indeed_o of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n if_o man_n will_v due_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o introduce_v and_o secure_v the_o constant_a worship_n of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o little_o consider_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o inanimate_a being_n and_o require_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n as_o who_o alone_o can_v render_v worship_n and_o honour_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o conserve_v a_o grateful_a esteem_n of_o their_o benesactor_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n which_o chief_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o make_v our_o address_n to_o he_o so_o it_o be_v the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o the_o supply_n of_o those_o want_v which_o move_v we_o to_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o it_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n will_v be_v lose_v among_o man_n and_o religion_n vanish_v into_o unaccountable_a superstition_n if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o worship_v god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o suppose_a benefit_n insomuch_o as_o the_o heathen_n enjoy_v no_o peculiar_a benefit_n of_o god_n worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n those_o man_n who_o they_o fancy_v when_o alive_a to_o have_v be_v their_o great_a benefactor_n they_o do_v equal_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o conservation_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o act_v xvii_o 28._o acknowledge_v that_o in_o god_n they_o do_v live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v but_o the_o want_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n confer_v on_o they_o occasion_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o true_a notion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n not_o necessary_o indeed_o for_o than_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inexcusable_a but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n than_o mature_a judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o being_n more_o affect_v with_o the_o visible_a benefit_n of_o mortal_a man_n than_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o god_n which_o however_o infinite_o surpass_v the_o other_o yet_o be_v not_o perceive_v by_o sense_n they_o forget_v their_o creator_n and_o imagine_v beneficence_n to_o be_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o deity_n rank_v among_o the_o god_n their_o sellow_a creature_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n these_o they_o worship_v with_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n which_o however_o be_v in_o they_o direct_v to_o false_a object_n tend_v to_o their_o condemnation_n yet_o may_v just_o make_v we_o ashamed_a who_o incite_v by_o infinite_a benefit_n and_o allure_v by_o subsequent_a reward_n render_v not_o those_o duty_n of_o gratitude_n to_o a_o object_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n worthy_a of_o adoration_n which_o they_o return_v to_o mortal_a man_n for_o petty_a inconsiderable_a favour_n they_o be_v content_a even_o to_o debase_v their_o nature_n and_o stoop_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o fellow_n creature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v in_o return_v thanks_o for_o slight_a and_o temporal_a obligation_n and_o we_o can_v scarce_o be_v induce_v by_o infinite_a benefit_n to_o pay_v that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n to_o our_o creator_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o on_o many_o other_o account_v also_o for_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o our_o gratitude_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n that_o it_o can_v be_v excessive_a or_o degenerate_a into_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n while_o pay_v to_o the_o true_a god_n who_o deserve_v the_o most_o profound_a subjection_n and_o high_a adoration_n from_o we_o even_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o benefit_n for_o which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o the_o utmost_a transport_n of_o gratitude_n that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o awaken_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o wonderful_a act_n of_o bounty_n and_o lay_v new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o lest_o we_o shall_v forget_v the_o old_a that_o he_o shall_v condescend_v to_o conquer_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o mankind_n by_o heap_v new_a benefit_n upon_o we_o and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o true_a knowledge_n by_o strike_v our_o sense_n with_o amaze_a act_n of_o mercy_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a revelation_n make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o extraordinary_a argument_n of_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o that_o people_n unto_o who_o those_o revelation_n be_v make_v which_o may_v raise_v their_o apprehension_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o consider_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o gratitude_n to_o pay_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n thus_o god_n have_v new_o create_v adam_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o creature_n and_o seat_v he_o in_o paradise_n when_o he_o make_v know_v to_o he_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n he_o have_v assure_v abraham_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o continue_a train_n of_o stupendous_a blessing_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o or_o require_v he_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n in_o his_o circumcision_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n upon_o mount_n sina_n be_v the_o most_o express_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o deliver_v until_o god_n have_v abundant_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o bear_v unto_o they_o by_o work_a sign_n and_o miracle_n in_o their_o behalf_n in_o egypt_n bring_v they_o out_o thence_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n drown_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o miraculousty_a nourish_a themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n such_o amaze_a prodigy_n of_o particular_a kindness_n can_v not_o but_o unite_v they_o to_o god_n their_o benefactor_n in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o amid_o all_o their_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n force_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v adore_v who_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n although_o their_o ignorance_n and_o proneness_n to_o superstition_n often_o betray_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a his_o nature_n and_o displease_v to_o he_o insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o when_o they_o commit_v that_o foul_a apostasy_n relate_v in_o the_o xxxii_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o worship_v god_n under_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o melt_a calf_n they_o still_o forget_v not_o that_o benefit_n but_o direct_v their_o worship_n to_o he_o chief_o upon_o that_o account_n say_v these_o be_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n ver._n 4._o and_o when_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o same_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v retain_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o who_o in_o his_o triennial_n preach_v precede_a his_o crucifixion_n and_o final_a completion_n of_o his_o office_n upon_o earth_n go_v about_o do_v good_a heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v demoniac_n and_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n and_o sense_n to_o unhappy_a person_n who_o before_o want_v they_o these_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v likewise_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o perform_v they_o but_o since_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o his_o person_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o far_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n not_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o miracle_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o attestation_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n intention_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n feem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o and_o excite_v their_o
greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n confer_v on_o he_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o regard_v he_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n rom._n v._n 8._o for_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v scarce_o will_v any_o other_o confer_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n upon_o any_o one_o however_o punctual_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o juftice_n and_o deficient_a in_o none_o of_o those_o office_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o he_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o one_o who_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n do_v more_o than_o be_v in_o common_a justice_n require_v some_o man_n induce_v by_o a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n will_v not_o fear_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o incomparable_a greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o while_o we_o far_o from_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n much_o less_o from_o do_v more_o than_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o we_o have_v by_o our_o sin_n provoke_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o proclaim_v ourselves_o enemy_n to_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o die_v for_o we_o if_o we_o apply_v this_o argument_n to_o our_o own_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o divine_a benefit_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o very_o cogent_a for_o if_o for_o a_o good_a although_o not_o for_o a_o just_a man_n some_o will_v out_o of_o gratitude_n even_o dare_v to_o die_v what_o ought_v not_o we_o to_o do_v for_o god_n who_o by_o his_o superabundant_a goodness_n have_v so_o far_o exceed_v what_o he_o owe_v to_o we_o in_o justice_n that_o the_o latter_a hold_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o former_a in_o strict_a propriety_n of_o speech_n he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o we_o since_o our_o creation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o although_o when_o once_o create_v he_o can_v without_o injustice_n necessitate_v we_o to_o be_v miserable_a or_o lie_v great_a evil_n upon_o we_o without_o respect_n to_o our_o demerit_n than_o what_o may_v be_v countervail_v by_o the_o happiness_n necessary_o flow_v from_o our_o existence_n yet_o be_v this_o owe_v rather_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n than_o to_o any_o right_n acquire_v by_o we_o but_o then_o the_o undeserved_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o we_o be_v great_a than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v and_o hold_v no_o proportion_n with_o any_o thing_n save_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o be_v no_o less_o than_o redemption_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o what_o can_v we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o to_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o in_o his_o sight_n be_v dust_n and_o ash_n not_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o miserable_o debase_v by_o sinsul_n habit_n not_o our_o righteousness_n or_o piety_n which_o be_v infinite_o inferior_a to_o our_o demerit_n and_o although_o most_o perfect_a yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o our_o duty_n not_o the_o ability_n of_o magnify_v the_o persection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o celebrate_v his_o majesty_n for_o that_o be_v infinite_a already_o and_o can_v receive_v no_o addition_n from_o our_o imperfect_a praise_n the_o angel_n be_v much_o more_o fit_v by_o the_o exâ—…lency_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o persorm_v that_o office_n as_o haâ—…ing_v more_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o â—…eing_v able_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o spirituality_n to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o he_o without_o intermission_n yet_o obtain_v not_o they_o the_o same_o favour_n with_o mankind_n nor_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n for_o they_o after_o apostasy_n he_o receive_v not_o to_o mercy_n but_o the_o angel_n which_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o leave_v their_o own_o habitation_n he_o have_v reserve_v in_o everlasting_a chain_n under_o darkness_n unto_o the_o judement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n judas_n vi._n it_o be_v man_n alone_o who_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o darling_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o to_o have_v try_v how_o far_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o oblige_v his_o creature_n by_o undeserved_a benefit_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o this_o consideration_n can_v but_o strike_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n that_o in_o dispense_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n he_o weigh_v not_o our_o merit_n but_o choose_v to_o make_v know_v his_o power_n in_o our_o weakness_n a_o consideration_n which_o may_v just_o find_v matter_n of_o astonishmeâ—…t_n for_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o work_v up_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o gratitude_n constrain_v we_o to_o obedience_n wise_o therefore_o do_v moses_n so_o much_o inculcate_v it_o in_o the_o ix_o of_o deuteronomy_n where_o aggraâ—…ating_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o wonderful_a and_o numerous_a benefit_n he_o charge_v they_o to_o remember_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v undeserved_a speak_v not_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o canaanite_n from_o before_o thou_o say_v for_o my_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n have_v bring_v i_o to_o possess_v this_o land_n not_o for_o thy_o righteousness_n or_o for_o the_o uprightness_n of_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o go_v to_o possess_v their_o land_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o nation_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n do_v drive_v they_o out_o from_o before_o thou_o and_o that_o he_o may_v perform_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o thy_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o the_o divine_a benefit_n ought_v to_o appear_v infinite_a unto_o we_o and_o create_v a_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o thankfulness_n bâ—…cause_n they_o be_v undeserved_a by_o we_o last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o no_o argument_n so_o effectual_a can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o this_o of_o gratitude_n the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v no_o otherwise_o move_v than_o by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o have_v not_o so_o far_o improuâ—…d_v their_o reason_n as_o to_o conceive_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o sensible_a object_n these_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o visible_a and_o most_o remarkable_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n by_o these_o as_o man_n be_v chief_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n so_o they_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v he_o worship_n and_o adoration_n to_o this_o purpose_n no_o action_n of_o god_n be_v so_o adapt_v as_o those_o which_o declare_v his_o beneficence_n and_o liberality_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o other_o action_n indeed_o may_v equal_o manifest_v his_o nature_n if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o but_o these_o few_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o meditation_n man_n seldom_o consider_v god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o relation_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o want_v some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o excite_v their_o attâ—…ntion_n and_o entertain_v their_o consideration_n these_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n make_v the_o deep_a impression_n on_o our_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o continue_v long_a in_o our_o mâ—…mories_n so_o that_o if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o be_v once_o effaced_a we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v all_o other_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n to_o have_v be_v long_o before_o forget_v and_o according_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o express_v the_o final_a apostasy_n of_o man_n from_o religion_n by_o their_o forget_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n thus_o judge_n ii_o after_o it_o have_v be_v say_v verse_n 7._o that_o the_o people_n serve_v god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o do_v for_o israel_n it_o be_v subjoin_v verse_n 10._o that_o when_o all_o that_o generation_n be_v dead_a there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o
and_o withal_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o method_n whereby_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o escape_v the_o other_o but_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o yet_o with_o this_o belief_n and_o confession_n shall_v continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n or_o if_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a that_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n shall_v consist_v together_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o by_o his_o action_n he_o proclaim_v his_o unbelief_n to_o the_o world_n who_o neglect_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o repentance_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o deferr_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o god_n to_o our_o repentance_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o hebr._n iii_o 13._o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n which_o may_v either_o import_n the_o term_n of_o our_o natural_a life_n for_o that_o repentance_n will_v take_v no_o place_n after_o death_n agreeable_o to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n john_n ix_o 4._o the_o night_n come_v wherein_o no_o man_n can_v work_v so_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n and_o no_o more_o of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a to_o we_o than_o that_o moment_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v it_o ought_v to_o commence_v from_o this_o very_a moment_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v most_o natural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o hebrew_n repent_v to_o day_n that_o be_v immediate_o while_o god_n continue_v his_o offer_n of_o mercy_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o await_v our_o repentance_n till_o we_o please_v nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v wilful_o slight_v this_o term_n of_o repentance_n fix_v by_o god_n to_o every_o man_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v as_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n when_o that_o conviction_n be_v once_o thorough_o form_v when_o man_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v their_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o they_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o conformity_n consist_v in_o practise_v all_o the_o divine_a precept_n of_o holiness_n justice_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o all_o habitual_a sin_n be_v a_o open_a opposition_n to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v asâ—…ured_v that_o god_n have_v proclaim_v his_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a and_o denounce_v his_o wrath_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n then_o be_v life_n and_o death_n true_o set_v before_o they_o then_o be_v it_o commit_v to_o their_o choice_n which_o they_o will_v prefer_v a_o easy_a choice_a one_o will_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o deplorable_a experience_n of_o so_o many_o obstinate_a sinner_n teach_v we_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o choose_v the_o worse_o even_o under_o conviction_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o miserable_a perverseness_n we_o find_v indeed_o the_o temptation_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v very_o violent_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o bewitch_a nature_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o master_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a desire_n of_o true_a happiness_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o do_v not_o a_o unhappy_a mistake_n misguide_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o render_v all_o the_o present_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n ineffectual_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v false_a notion_n from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n that_o the_o term_v prefix_v by_o god_n to_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o yet_o expire_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v their_o repentance_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o it_o take_v out_o their_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v we_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a place_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o it_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o some_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v do_v provoke_v verse_n 16._o that_o be_v after_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o command_n or_o rely_v on_o his_o pomise_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o go_v up_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o relate_v in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o number_n to_o which_o this_o psalm_n particular_o relate_v they_o immediate_o indeed_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o resolve_v forthwith_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o design_n but_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o they_o have_v slip_v their_o time_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o to_o give_v they_o success_n it_o be_v frivolous_a therefore_o to_o plead_v the_o hope_n of_o continual_a offer_n of_o pardon_n for_o defer_v of_o repentance_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o if_o they_o exact_o know_v the_o time_n beyond_o which_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v not_o await_v they_o will_v immediate_o begin_v to_o form_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n such_o resolution_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o indeed_o unless_o a_o monstrous_a stupidity_n intervene_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o then_o the_o term_n be_v manifest_a and_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o be_v the_o moment_n from_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o obedience_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o irrational_a now_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n be_v found_v either_o in_o the_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o nature_n prone_a to_o yield_v to_o powerful_a temptation_n the_o latter_a suppose_v a_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o piety_n and_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o resolve_v unrepentance_n for_o then_o every_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o of_o resolution_n the_o former_a cause_n vanish_v when_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n be_v remove_v by_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o god_n wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o after_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o can_v pretend_v a_o ignorance_n of_o our_o duty_n much_o less_o those_o who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n so_o excellent_o constitute_v we_o have_v the_o scripture_n open_v to_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o incite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o weekly_a exhortation_n and_o disow_v all_o little_a art_n so_o usual_a in_o other_o church_n of_o procure_v salvation_n without_o a_o strict_a and_o real_a obedience_n there_o remain_v then_o to_o we_o only_o the_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n whereby_o to_o excuse_v our_o sin_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o suppose_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o which_o course_n we_o may_v be_v overtake_v with_o temptation_n and_o be_v unaware_o insuare_v by_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o sin_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v cloud_v with_o a_o passion_n and_o by_o violent_a impression_n from_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a object_n have_v scarce_o the_o liberty_n of_o direct_v her_o thought_n aright_o but_o if_o when_o this_o tempest_n be_v allay_v this_o cloud_n remove_v when_o the_o mind_n regain_v its_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o its_o condition_n it_o entertain_v any_o complacency_n with_o the_o sin_n perform_v or_o be_v willing_a to_o permit_v a_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v no_o long_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o of_o deliberate_a and_o resolve_a choice_n much_o more_o when_o any_o man_n resolve_v whole_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o his_o unrepentance_n although_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n that_o no_o pardon_n be_v promise_v to_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o give_v it_o and_o then_o even_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n it_o be_v
our_o constant_a duty_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o to_o prevent_v they_o and_o if_o possible_a at_o last_o whole_o to_o remove_v they_o otherwise_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n for_o they_o betray_v we_o into_o a_o neglect_n or_o perhaps_o a_o voluntary_a admission_n of_o they_o they_o lose_v their_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n and_o become_v sin_n of_o presumption_n sin_n of_o a_o much_o deep_a contagion_n to_o cure_v therefore_o and_o prevent_v even_o thofe_a sin_n which_o alone_o can_v take_v place_n in_o a_o true_a and_o real_a christian_a we_o must_v endeavour_v by_o a_o assiduous_a diligence_n and_o circumspect_a carriage_n to_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n for_o this_o end_n the_o observation_n of_o lent_n be_v wise_o institute_v by_o the_o church_n wherein_o by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vigilance_n over_o our_o action_n by_o frequent_a meditation_n prayer_n and_o other_o pious_a exercise_n and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o bodily_a austerity_n and_o mortification_n also_o we_o may_v seek_v remedy_n to_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o begin_v to_o form_v habit_n of_o holiness_n and_o sobriety_n which_o shall_v not_o expire_v with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o holy_a season_n but_o be_v continue_v and_o improve_v through_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o even_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n if_o then_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o repentance_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v upon_o the_o first_o conviction_n and_o that_o to_o defer_v it_o after_o that_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a obduration_n let_v we_o from_o this_o moment_n resolve_v to_o do_v it_o let_v we_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vigilance_n and_o attention_n in_o this_o holy_a season_n and_o so_o by_o make_v these_o pious_a resolution_n become_v habit_n continue_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o to_o our_o life_n end_v so_o shall_v we_o not_o fail_v of_o that_o infinite_a reward_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o consequent_a of_o it_o unfeigned_a obedience_n to_o which_o reward_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o ten_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 16_o 1689_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luke_n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v it_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o most_o prudent_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o set_v a_o part_n solemn_a time_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o more_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n found_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o though_o he_o commit_v no_o sin_n whereof_o to_o repent_v yet_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o office_n prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o execution_n by_o it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a abstinence_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n although_o the_o remissness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o latter_a time_n have_v almost_o defeat_v the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v that_o man_n who_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o contrive_v reason_n of_o their_o delay_n be_v loath_a to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o a_o unwelcome_a duty_n may_v be_v oblige_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o fellow_n christian_n and_o by_o the_o admonition_n of_o their_o guide_n to_o enter_v upon_o it_o at_o this_o time_n to_o apply_v themselves_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n to_o search_v their_o conscience_n inquire_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n discover_v their_o disease_n and_o seek_v the_o remedy_n of_o they_o by_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n acknowledge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o beg_v pardon_n of_o god_n who_o be_v offend_v by_o they_o removing_z they_o from_o the_o soul_n introduce_v contrary_a habit_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n tame_v the_o unruly_a pafsion_n of_o the_o body_n by_o a_o serious_a attention_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n to_o his_o precept_n to_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o threat_n to_o the_o deformity_n and_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o sin_n by_o inure_v the_o mind_n to_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n both_o of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v and_o the_o argument_n enforce_v it_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o check_v and_o over-rule_v the_o violent_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n to_o depress_v they_o by_o abstinence_n and_o fast_v in_o a_o word_n to_o subdue_v the_o body_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n we_o be_v indeed_o always_o oblige_v to_o watch_v over_o our_o action_n to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o discover_v they_o and_o to_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o fix_v some_o certain_a time_n wherein_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v exact_o search_v the_o imperfection_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o to_o be_v discover_v a_o strict_a course_n of_o piety_n to_o be_v undergo_v whereby_o it_o may_v make_v deep_a impression_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v root_n in_o it_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v most_o wifely_a determine_v and_o not_o leave_v her_o son_n to_o their_o own_o direction_n who_o may_v possible_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o either_o it_o be_v prevent_v by_o death_n or_o sin_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v remove_v and_o such_o be_v the_o excellent_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o in_o former_a age_n so_o solemn_a and_o devout_a their_o observation_n of_o lent_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o abstain_v from_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o meat_n for_o that_o even_o when_o right_o use_v be_v but_o â—…ubservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a design_n but_o in_o the_o form_n a_o exercise_n of_o a_o strict_a repentance_n of_o a_o more_o careful_a obedience_n and_o more_o constant_a devotion_n that_o it_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v great_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v in_o secret_a all_o theâ—…e_a act_n of_o mortification_n for_o so_o i_o call_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o destroy_v sin_n in_o man_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o mortification_n but_o do_v it_o in_o public_a in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o many_o external_a act_n of_o life_n those_o who_o have_v commit_v more_o heinous_a sin_n voluntary_o undergo_v a_o public_a penance_n fequestre_v themselves_o from_o the_o â—…ank_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v themselves_o in_o a_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v for_o the_o penitent_n there_o public_o confess_v their_o sin_n implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o they_o not_o only_o those_o but_o all_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o any_o flagrant_a crime_n still_o apply_v themselves_o during_o all_o that_o holy_a season_n to_o a_o extraordinary_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n deny_v themselves_o many_o of_o the_o ordinary_a and_o innocent_a pleasure_n of_o life_n that_o they_o may_v without_o interruption_n attend_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n to_o the_o mortify_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o improve_n of_o their_o good_a resolution_n into_o habit_n of_o piety_n i_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o macerate_v themselves_o with_o haircloth_n or_o whip_n or_o unreasonable_a fast_n those_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o latter_a and_o more_o ignorant_a age_n but_o they_o afflict_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o continual_a thought_n of_o have_v offend_v god_n by_o their_o sin_n they_o endeavour_v to_o form_n a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n by_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o it_o upon_o themselves_o in_o a_o public_a confession_n they_o daily_o implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o ardent_a expression_n and_o real_a sign_n of_o repentance_n which_o pious_a soul_n can_v invent_v they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o that_o mercy_n by_o raise_v and_o fix_v steady_a notion_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n by_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o vigilant_a struggle_v with_o all_o sinful_a motion_n and_o even_o root_a they_o out_o by_o maceration_n if_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v prevail_v that_o so_o they_o may_v present_v themselves_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a to_o their_o lord_n at_o the_o ensue_a solemnity_n of_o easter_n when_o whosoever_o do_v not_o communicate_v and_o have_v not_o prepare_v himself_o
this_o prejudice_n that_o man_n form_v rule_n from_o like_a case_n of_o this_o world_n fond_o imagine_v that_o man_n have_v escape_v all_o possibility_n of_o punishment_n when_o they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o body_n as_o the_o tyrant_n say_v of_o his_o adversary_n who_o have_v kill_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v escape_v his_o hand_n in_o that_o case_n man_n see_v not_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o and_o then_o those_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o consult_v the_o report_n of_o sense_n alone_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o little_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v perish_v that_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n since_o by_o that_o alone_a it_o be_v that_o man_n even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sensible_a of_o either_o that_o after_o death_n it_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n subject_a to_o his_o dominion_n and_o responsible_a for_o all_o its_o action_n do_v in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o probation_n allow_v to_o it_o all_o this_o be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o parable_n follow_v in_o this_o chapter_n which_o our_o lord_n purposely_o deliver_v in_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o text._n there_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o possessor_n of_o a_o vineyard_n wherein_o be_v a_o unfruitful_a vine_n the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o dresser_n of_o that_o vineyard_n who_o perceive_v the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o vine_n present_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o cumber_v the_o ground_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v root_v up_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o vineyard_n the_o owner_n of_o the_o vineyard_n on_o the_o contrary_n command_v it_o shall_v be_v let_v alone_o for_o some_o while_n long_o that_o it_o may_v full_o appear_v if_o perhaps_o it_o will_v ever_o bear_v fruit_n during_o which_o he_o will_v the_o dresser_n of_o his_o vineyard_n to_o dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o to_o promote_v the_o fertility_n of_o it_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a and_o if_o after_o all_o it_o continue_v unfruitful_a then_o give_v sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v cut_v down_o during_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n god_n execute_v not_o his_o final_a sentence_n upon_o man_n he_o do_v not_o immediate_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o tormenter_n upon_o the_o first_o act_n of_o disobedience_n for_o then_o alas_o who_o can_v be_v save_v but_o with_o a_o admirable_a patience_n await_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o life_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n leave_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promote_v it_o by_o the_o solicitation_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o admonition_n of_o his_o pastor_n by_o all_o imaginable_a method_n which_o may_v incline_v the_o will_n of_o man_n without_o put_v any_o force_n upon_o it_o if_o then_o in_o this_o life_n we_o find_v not_o the_o just_a recompense_n of_o our_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o pass_v unregarded_a by_o he_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n or_o that_o we_o continue_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o his_o most_o prudent_a government_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o violate_v the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o it_o by_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v this_o world_n to_o be_v the_o stage_n of_o action_n for_o mankind_n and_o the_o next_o to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n yet_o may_v not_o this_o forbearance_n of_o god_n encourage_v man_n to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2._o be_v to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n our_o lord_n throughout_o all_o his_o gospel_n warn_v man_n concern_v the_o suddenness_n and_o unexpected_a time_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n in_o prevention_n of_o this_o fatal_a error_n what_o his_o second_o come_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o his_o last_o come_n in_o judgement_n will_v be_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o death_n be_v to_o we_o which_o if_o it_o find_v we_o unprepared_a all_o the_o misery_n which_o christ_n denounce_v shall_v befall_v they_o will_v fall_v on_o we_o nor_o if_o life_n be_v assure_v to_o we_o can_v we_o at_o all_o time_n form_v such_o a_o true_a repentance_n as_o will_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o transient_a sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n but_o in_o a_o total_a change_n of_o all_o the_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will._n nor_o last_o be_v there_o any_o pardon_n promise_v to_o presumptuous_a sin_n deliberate_o commit_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o pardon_n offer_v to_o all_o true_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n and_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o large_o in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o these_o word_n in_o my_o next_o discourse_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 23d_o 16889_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luk._n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n i_o describe_v to_o you_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a season_n to_o improve_v which_o i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o repentance_n from_o these_o word_n and_o therein_o observe_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o pernicious_a mistake_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o divine_a justice_n not_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v thereby_o warrant_v they_o and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a execution_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o little_a necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o opposition_n to_o which_o i_o show_v you_o that_o however_o the_o jewish_a revelation_n may_v give_v some_o countenance_n to_o such_o a_o opinion_n yet_o that_o they_o have_v therein_o mistake_v their_o law_n that_o under_o christianity_n there_o be_v yet_o much_o less_o pretence_n to_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o present_a order_n of_o the_o world_n settle_v by_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o last_o that_o however_o god_n do_v ordinary_o bear_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o defer_v the_o punishment_n of_o they_o to_o another_o world_n yet_o that_o this_o give_v no_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n after_o have_v remove_v these_o obstacle_n of_o repentance_n i_o proceed_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v take_v from_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v the_o certainty_n of_o destruction_n without_o repentance_n pronounce_v by_o our_o lord_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v perish_v and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o by_o repentance_n if_o true_a sincere_a and_o right_o apply_v destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v these_o two_o then_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n and_o first_o i_o will_v improve_v the_o argument_n of_o repentance_n draw_v from_o the_o inevitable_a consequence_n of_o destruction_n attend_v the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o consequence_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o argument_n when_o once_o a_o full_a conviction_n be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o most_o affect_v mankind_n their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v indeed_o more_o noble_a to_o pay_v our_o just_a obedience_n to_o god_n rather_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n than_o that_o of_o interest_n rather_o out_o of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o the_o many_o benefit_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o entire_a subjection_n due_a to_o that_o almighty_a be_v than_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n but_o such_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o corrupt_v be_v his_o will_n and_o so_o much_o darken_v his_o understanding_n that_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v ever_o find_v insufficient_a god_n therefore_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n have_v be_v please_v to_o employ_v that_o more_o sensible_a argument_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n by_o propofe_v reward_n to_o his_o obedient_a servant_n and_o denounce_v punishment_n to_o obstinate_a sinner_n a_o argument_n which_o can_v fail_v if_o man_n