be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o so_o illustrious_a a_o manner_n as_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o his_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o comforter_n not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n both_o jew_n and_o stranger_n upon_o they_o and_o tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n than_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o prediction_n indeed_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v fulfil_v fifty_o day_n before_o but_o become_v not_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n till_o now_o as_o be_v not_o till_o now_o public_o attest_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o report_n of_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v indeed_o rumour_v in_o jerusalem_n which_o put_v the_o sanhedrim_n upon_o that_o shameful_a device_n of_o corrupt_v the_o soldier_n who_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n but_o the_o certain_a and_o public_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v till_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v and_o enbolden_v to_o proclaim_v and_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o those_o gift_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n after_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o the_o authentic_a attestation_n of_o they_o no_o excuse_n remain_v to_o the_o jew_n whereby_o to_o extenuate_v their_o unbelief_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o moses_n they_o be_v now_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o heinous_a sin_n before_o commit_v by_o they_o in_o the_o rejection_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o person_n the_o horror_n of_o which_o sin_n may_v induce_v they_o the_o more_o ready_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o his_o merit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o it_o otherwise_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o most_o severe_a execution_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n for_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n as_o moses_n have_v assure_v they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n deut._n xviii_o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o this_o sentence_n and_o therein_o the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n execute_v and_o fulfil_v in_o the_o destruction_n and_o entire_a desolation_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o alive_a act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v far_o enable_v invincible_o to_o plead_v his_o cause_n against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o however_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o do_v more_o especial_o convince_v of_o sin_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o have_v be_v guilty_a either_o of_o reject_v the_o preach_a or_o contrive_v the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o it_o contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o manifest_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o either_o in_o that_o or_o in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v shall_v reject_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n when_o propose_v to_o they_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o all_o creature_n under_o heaven_n and_o confirm_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o which_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o convictive_a so_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o the_o most_o extreme_a perverseness_n and_o if_o reject_v the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v hereby_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o they_o and_o convince_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n also_o if_o right_o judge_v that_o in_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o have_v sin_v against_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o nothing_o remain_v to_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o fiery_a judgement_n to_o be_v most_o just_o inflict_v on_o they_o the_o second_o point_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o righteousness_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v assign_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o you_o see_v i_o no_o more_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cloud_v when_o he_o permit_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o be_v deliver_v up_o and_o crucify_v by_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o rescue_v he_o not_o from_o the_o insult_v of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n from_o heaven_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o deity_n seem_v then_o to_o be_v eclipse_v and_o suffer_v diminution_n when_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n and_o affront_v of_o unreasonable_a men._n man_n natural_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v even_o in_o this_o world_n declare_v in_o behalf_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n either_o by_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o its_o enemy_n or_o take_v a_o severe_a revenge_n upon_o the_o oppressor_n of_o it_o and_o even_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n can_v but_o expect_v and_o be_v allow_v so_o to_o do_v that_o if_o no_o discrimination_n be_v make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o at_o least_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o next_o when_o innocence_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o reward_n which_o shall_v be_v enhance_v by_o patience_n in_o suffering_n and_o violence_n chastise_v with_o punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o sharp_a if_o reserve_v entire_a to_o another_o world_n if_o no_o part_n of_o they_o be_v inflict_v in_o this_o this_o a_o faithful_a christian_a expect_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n assure_v they_o see_v it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_n 2_o thess._n i._o 6._o and_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n heb._n vi._n 10._o if_o then_o this_o justice_n may_v be_v secure_o hope_v for_o from_o god_n by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o more_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o person_n be_v of_o infinite_a dignity_n his_o suffering_n fraught_v with_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n and_o his_o persecutor_n guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v therefore_o vindicate_v herein_o that_o sin_n may_v no_o long_o triumph_n and_o innocence_n pass_v unregarded_a god_n exalt_v his_o son_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n seat_v he_o in_o the_o heaven_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o worship_n the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o direction_n and_o assistance_n the_o apostle_n open_o testify_v the_o ascension_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o by_o which_o all_o may_v be_v convince_v what_o place_n and_o power_n christ_n now_o obtain_v in_o heaven_n who_o can_v shower_v down_o such_o glorious_a gift_n and_o privilege_n upon_o his_o follower_n on_o earth_n these_o be_v so_o many_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v defeat_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o alive_a set_v above_o their_o reach_n and_o insult_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o invest_v with_o supreme_a majesty_n and_o dominion_n able_a to_o protect_v his_o church_n and_o punish_v his_o enemy_n that_o his_o former_a suffering_n have_v not_o be_v then_o more_o calamitous_a than_o his_o present_a state_n be_v now_o glorious_a that_o if_o god_n have_v for_o a_o time_n withdraw_v in_o appearance_n his_o favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o have_v now_o in_o recompense_n exalt_v it_o to_o a_o eternal_a throne_n in_o heaven_n the_o last_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o judgement_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n ver._n 11._o because_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v judge_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n even_o of_o natural_a religion_n that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o of_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a being_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v now_o for_o many_o age_n exercise_v a_o
least_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v have_v take_v from_o they_o that_o common_a pretence_n before_o mention_v of_o zeal_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o justice_n lest_o if_o revenge_n shall_v not_o be_v inflict_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o therefore_o god_n have_v full_o provide_v for_o who_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o fall_v so_o far_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o justice_n as_o to_o permit_v any_o sin_n to_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o he_o neither_o expiate_v by_o repentance_n nor_o attend_v with_o punishment_n and_o have_v moreover_o oblige_v himself_o by_o promise_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n offer_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o that_o as_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v do_v although_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o luk._n xviii_o 25._o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o his_o punishment_n shall_v always_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o unjust_a aggressor_n in_o this_o life_n nor_o have_v he_o promise_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o place_n in_o deuteronomy_n refer_v to_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o to_o i_o belong_v vengeance_n or_o recompense_n in_o time_n or_o to_o be_v execute_v in_o due_a time_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o his_o punishment_n shall_v always_o immediate_o follow_v the_o commission_n of_o every_o crime_n or_o injury_n unless_o we_o desire_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n dispeople_v and_o become_v a_o theatre_n of_o dreadful_a tragedy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o have_v ordinary_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o more_o disquiet_v injury_n of_o unjust_a man_n by_o the_o commission_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o revenge_v they_o in_o his_o stead_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o entrust_v office_n we_o be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o single_o to_o deserve_v a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o providence_n in_o behalf_n of_o we_o if_o we_o desire_v this_o revenge_n shall_v be_v extend_v yet_o far_o and_o shall_v punish_v in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o our_o sake_n even_o the_o gild_n of_o injury_n offer_v to_o we_o we_o manifest_v a_o inhuman_a disposition_n of_o mind_n delight_v in_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o men._n god_n have_v promise_v indeed_o as_o a_o benefit_n to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n that_o he_o will_v revenge_v the_o injury_n offer_v to_o they_o but_o if_o this_o revenge_n be_v take_v in_o this_o life_n the_o benefit_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n arise_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o enemy_n but_o either_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o temporal_a peace_n secure_v thereby_o or_o in_o the_o persuasion_n which_o good_a man_n may_v thence_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n if_o the_o revenge_n be_v take_v in_o another_o life_n the_o benefit_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o latter_a for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n now_o in_o heaven_n who_o be_v injure_v by_o bad_a man_n when_o alive_a to_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a because_o they_o be_v once_o their_o enemy_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o enhance_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o such_o unworthy_a consideration_n complacency_n in_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o revenge_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v find_v no_o place_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o may_v find_v no_o place_n on_o barth_n may_v this_o discourse_n conduce_v the_o fourteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o easter-day_n 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n xi_o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o how_o glorious_a the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v which_o we_o this_o day_n commemorate_v how_o undeniable_a at_o that_o time_n how_o powerful_a a_o assurance_n of_o all_o his_o precedent_n promise_v and_o revelation_n what_o effect_v it_o have_v both_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o his_o crucifier_n how_o effectual_o it_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o divinity_n both_o of_o his_o mission_n and_o his_o person_n as_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o their_o action_n immediate_o subsequent_a to_o it_o do_v demonstrate_v so_o this_o declaration_n make_v by_o they_o in_o the_o text_n do_v evince_v they_o who_o before_o have_v flee_v upon_o his_o apprehension_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o hope_n at_o his_o crucifixion_n have_v either_o deny_v or_o forsake_v he_o who_o begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o give_v up_o all_o for_o lose_v resume_v their_o courage_n and_o their_o faith_n at_o the_o news_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o now_o see_v that_o salvation_n wrought_v which_o before_o they_o have_v even_o cease_v to_o hope_n for_o the_o most_o incredulous_a of_o they_o can_v now_o say_v to_o he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n nor_o do_v they_o henceforward_o admit_v any_o doubt_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n of_o which_o they_o have_v herein_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n they_o fear_v not_o to_o profess_v their_o belief_n in_o he_o open_o to_o arraign_v the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a a_o innocent_a person_n and_o he_o no_o other_o than_o their_o own_o messiah_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n to_o denounce_v to_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o destruction_n without_o belief_n in_o he_o not_o only_o to_o testify_v his_o resurrection_n in_o that_o great_a concourse_n of_o the_o jew_n meet_v together_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o also_o to_o declare_v it_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v rise_v again_o as_o in_o these_o word_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o which_o present_v we_o with_o i._o the_o affirmation_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o ii_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n iii_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a etc._n etc._n 1._o the_o word_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n a_o truth_n both_o well_o know_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v then_o relate_v it_o and_o attest_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n verse_n 3._o so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v only_o hear_v it_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o proof_n both_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o amplify_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o mystery_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o which_o this_o day_n be_v sacred_a in_o relate_v then_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o holy_a penman_n have_v be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o manifest_v that_o he_o be_v real_o dead_a after_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o as_o true_o alive_a again_o after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o this_o be_v know_v to_o his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o disciple_n and_o attest_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o the_o point_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_o prove_v and_o none_o remain_v liable_a to_o the_o least_o exception_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v require_v that_o assurance_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o his_o have_v be_v real_o dead_a a_o article_n which_o be_v full_o express_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o common_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n wherein_o we_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o bury_v and_o to_o have_v descend_v into_o hell_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v true_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n the_o place_n be_v therein_o assign_v wherein_o each_o be_v contain_v from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o burial_n to_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n his_o body_n remain_v in_o the_o grave_a his_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o other_o separate_a soul_n in_o hell_n whether_o we_o understand_v thereby_o either_o the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o depart_a soul_n or_o the_o place_n of_o damn_a soul_n i_o will_v not_o now_o engage_v in_o that_o controversy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o either_o opinion_n place_v his_o soul_n in_o that_o interval_n of_o time_n among_o other_o soul_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o christ_n be_v thus_o true_o separate_v appear_v from_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o
more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a
scripture_n be_v faid_fw-we to_o be_v the_o footstool_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a just_a and_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n ii_o and_o that_o he_o real_o do_v ascend_v thither_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o ascension_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v feel_v and_o handle_v that_o with_o which_o they_o have_v converse_v for_o forty_o day_n together_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o material_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n again_o and_o have_v perform_v all_o manner_n of_o vital_a action_n that_o very_a body_n they_o see_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o jesus_n who_o have_v rose_n again_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o who_o have_v lead_v they_o out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v visible_a and_o present_a to_o they_o till_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o his_o ascension_n as_o he_o be_v yet_o speak_v with_o they_o be_v part_v from_o they_o and_o carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n as_o we_o read_v luk._n xxiv_o which_o refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o christ_n ascend_v in_o spirit_n only_o have_v first_o put_v off_o and_o return_v to_o the_o several_a element_n that_o body_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o again_o that_o body_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v local_o present_a with_o they_o upon_o earth_n they_o see_v soon_o after_o to_o be_v real_o remove_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v into_o heaven_n for_o as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n when_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o bless_a they_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o testify_v his_o real_a and_o corporeal_a presence_n with_o they_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o next_o moment_n even_o while_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o part_v from_o they_o and_o while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n which_o prove_v his_o ascension_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o local_a translation_n from_o the_o part_n here_o below_o to_o those_o above_o and_o that_o at_o that_o moment_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_o humane_a body_n whatever_o glorious_a change_n it_o undergo_v after_o its_o reception_n into_o heaven_n the_o seat_n of_o immortality_n and_o spiritual_a being_n other_o circumstance_n deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o this_o ascension_n and_o first_o our_o lord_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v please_v to_o call_v together_o many_o if_o not_o all_o his_o disciple_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o a_o favour_n which_o be_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o conduct_n indeed_o be_v different_a but_o the_o reason_n not_o unlike_a in_o both_o case_n both_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v thenceforth_o to_o pass_v into_o necessary_a article_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o principal_a support_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o mankind_n both_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v place_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n by_o the_o attestation_n of_o many_o and_o credible_a witness_n to_o effect_v this_o at_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o any_o witness_n shall_v be_v present_a since_o the_o action_n of_o life_n visible_o and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o perform_v by_o he_o after_o his_o know_a crucifixion_n and_o burial_n abundant_o and_o even_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o some_o few_o day_n before_o he_o be_v true_o dead_a their_o sense_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o be_v now_o true_o alive_a whence_o they_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o they_o have_v actual_o see_v his_o resurrection_n whereas_o in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o ascension_n he_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v see_v by_o they_o in_o this_o life_n no_o mortal_a be_v thenceforward_o to_o see_v his_o state_n of_o glory_n or_o testify_v his_o station_n in_o heaven_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o that_o action_n which_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o testify_v and_o preach_v to_o other_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n be_v add_v to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o bless_a spirit_n far_o from_o repine_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o ascension_n exalt_v to_o a_o superior_a degree_n of_o glory_n descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o bear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o his_o arrival_n there_o as_o at_o his_o nativity_n they_o have_v do_v to_o proclaim_v the_o descent_n of_o the_o deity_n upon_o earth_n for_o it_o follow_v act_v i._o 10._o behold_v two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n which_o also_o say_v you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o apparition_n of_o angel_n a_o empty_a pageant_n or_o a_o unnecessary_a addition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n ascension_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o attendance_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n by_o their_o testimony_n concern_v his_o ascension_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o see_v he_o receive_v upon_o the_o cloud_n they_o look_v up_o and_o follow_v he_o with_o their_o eye_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sight_n can_v reach_v but_o that_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o low_a region_n and_o not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n their_o sense_n can_v not_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o lord_n be_v carry_v thither_o to_o evidence_n therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o remain_v that_o god_n by_o these_o ministerial_a spirit_n shall_v declare_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n these_o angel_n be_v wont_a to_o minister_v before_o and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v know_v to_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o they_o testify_v that_o christ_n have_v ascend_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v descend_v and_o thereby_o perfect_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n who_o sight_n can_v not_o reach_v so_o far_o far_o these_o bless_a spirit_n not_o only_o bring_v evidence_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o real_a ascension_n of_o their_o master_n into_o heaven_n but_o also_o give_v they_o comfort_n and_o alleviate_v their_o sorrow_n conceive_v for_o his_o departure_n by_o add_v those_o word_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o you_o have_v see_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n elisha_n have_v see_v his_o master_n elijah_n carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n yet_o know_v not_o certain_o how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v dispose_v of_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v he_o again_o he_o entertain_v the_o sight_n with_o grief_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o it_o rend_v his_o clothes_n nor_o have_v the_o disciple_n be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o anxiety_n without_o the_o present_a consolation_n of_o these_o angel_n when_o their_o lord_n have_v before_o his_o death_n declare_v to_o they_o his_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o the_o father_n john_n xvi_o they_o can_v not_o dissemble_v their_o grief_n as_o himself_o observe_v verse_n 6._o because_o i_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n unto_o you_o sorrow_n have_v fill_v your_o heart_n and_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n still_o retain_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o he_o they_o have_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v not_o at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n which_o hope_n be_v total_o defeat_v by_o his_o departure_n into_o heaven_n both_o these_o occasion_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o the_o angel_n happy_o do_v remove_v in_o these_o word_n they_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o take_v from_o they_o but_o themselves_o shall_v see_v he_o return_v in_o the_o last_o of_o day_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imagine_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v abolish_v they_o
the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v unknown_a to_o man_n act_v by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o man_n acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v they_o by_o sign_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o revelation_n be_v infallible_a none_o can_v deny_v for_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o one_o who_o infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v except_v to_o these_o revelation_n and_o deny_v assent_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o think_v of_o before_o and_o which_o even_o when_o reveal_v to_o he_o he_o can_v well_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n show_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v or_o stumble_v at_o this_o from_o the_o obvious_a example_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o any_o be_v inferior_a to_o it_o nor_o the_o secret_n or_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o it_o find_v out_o by_o any_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o inferior_a be_v if_o it_o can_v speak_v and_o argue_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o noble_a faculty_n because_o it_o can_v conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o for_o one_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a thought_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o because_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o than_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v in_o the_o text_n even_n so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unreasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o then_o all_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o conception_n cease_v and_o it_o remain_v only_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o allege_a revelation_n be_v true_o divine_a this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n assert_n in_o the_o 12_o verse_n declare_v his_o preach_v of_o it_o to_o be_v found_v not_o upon_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o nice_a conclusion_n as_o be_v the_o system_n of_o philosophy_n then_o receive_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o world_n from_o which_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o these_o two_o character_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o gentile_a philosophy_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o secure_a to_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o other_o effect_v both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n further_o these_o matter_n when_o once_o reveal_v and_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n as_o we_o propose_v not_o to_o other_o with_o artificial_a sophistry_n and_o rhetoric_n so_o we_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o pure_a argument_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o logical_a inference_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v ver._n 13._o but_o as_o we_o teach_v they_o with_o that_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o god_n direct_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o effect_v so_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o compare_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o general_a motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o follow_v but_o with_o the_o wisdom_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a now_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o method_n in_o our_o enquiry_n herein_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o 14_o ver._n but_o the_o natural_a man._n he_o who_o judge_v these_o revelation_n only_o according_a to_o his_o preconceive_a notion_n take_v up_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o receive_v not_o from_o they_o who_o weigh_v not_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n reinforcing_a these_o revelation_n he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v truth_n which_o surmount_v the_o reach_n of_o naked_a reason_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v only_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o regard_v not_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o revelation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v recommend_v so_o that_o while_o he_o act_v in_o this_o irrational_a method_n he_o can_v know_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whereas_o he_o who_o understand_v well_o the_o motive_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o compare_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a ver._n 15._o judge_v all_o thing_n may_v safe_o and_o without_o error_n pronounce_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o do_v so_o he_o be_v not_o just_o to_o be_v overrule_v with_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o consider_v the_o thing_n absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o compare_v with_o its_o motive_n of_o credibility_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man._n since_o plain_a reason_n direct_v that_o if_o the_o motive_n be_v find_v weighty_a than_o the_o difficulty_n he_o shall_v declare_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o not_o be_v startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n as_o concern_v a_o subject_n exceed_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o best_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o revelation_n we_o have_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v he_o but_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ._n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o context_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v form_v these_o two_o consideration_n whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n i._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o revelation_n nor_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o mere_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o ii_o that_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v their_o internal_a probability_n so_o much_o as_o their_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n first_o then_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v scandalize_v at_o they_o because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o for_o this_o we_o can_v rational_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o full_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o object_n which_o that_o we_o be_v not_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o many_o object_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n appear_v both_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o manifold_a experience_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v finite_a and_o so_o must_v the_o faculty_n of_o it_o also_o be_v one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o understanding_n which_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a
we_o seek_v for_o true_a happiness_n somewhere_o else_o if_o the_o former_a can_v be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o some_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n and_o when_o find_v out_o to_o apply_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o here_o perhaps_o humane_a reason_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v may_v continue_v to_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o after_o a_o tedious_a disquisition_n be_v unable_a to_o discover_v either_o the_o end_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o god_n have_v therefore_o in_o compassion_n to_o our_o infirmity_n mark_v out_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supreme_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o therein_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n hereafter_o which_o hope_n shall_v then_o be_v turn_v into_o possession_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n by_o these_o we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o happiness_n which_o shall_v fill_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v co-extended_n with_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o but_o never_o weary_v we_o which_o shall_v affect_v all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o no_o cross_n and_o disaster_n which_o will_v never_o expire_v but_o be_v renew_v every_o moment_n which_o no_o adversity_n of_o fortune_n nor_o infirmity_n of_o body_n which_o neither_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v from_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o yourselves_o to_o obtain_v this_o bless_a state_n i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v be_v no_o small_a motive_n to_o you_o you_o all_o desire_n happiness_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o full_o convince_v what_o be_v the_o only_a true_a happiness_n it_o can_v but_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o exert_v all_o its_o faculty_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o after_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o end_n of_o man_n there_o need_v no_o exhortation_n to_o pursue_v it_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o natural_a than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o hunger_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a appetite_n the_o misfortune_n be_v that_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n and_o unruly_a passion_n represent_v and_o amplify_a to_o we_o the_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o secular_a delight_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a these_o passion_n shall_v arise_v we_o permit_v these_o false_a judgement_n to_o be_v form_v we_o be_v please_v at_o first_o with_o the_o delusion_n although_o conscious_a of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o become_v so_o far_o stupefy_v that_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o until_o at_o last_o a_o terrible_a affliction_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n awaken_v the_o soul_n and_o revive_v its_o better_a notion_n what_o those_o dreadful_a remembrancer_n may_v then_o do_v reason_n may_v now_o much_o more_o easy_o and_o more_o certain_o effect_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n to_o consider_v their_o vanity_n and_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n when_o this_o conviction_n be_v thorough_o form_v we_o shall_v be_v even_o necessitate_v to_o look_v upward_o and_o fix_v our_o hope_n in_o heaven_n and_o then_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o labour_n direct_v thither_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o god_n promote_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o crown_v with_o success_n success_n which_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n here_o and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n hereafter_o to_o this_o joy_n may_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 23d_o of_o june_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n job_n xxxvii_o 23_o 24._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o he_o be_v excellent_a in_o power_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v man_n do_v therefore_o fear_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o represent_v he_o to_o man_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o adoration_n the_o latter_a persuade_v man_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o adore_v he_o without_o the_o latter_a no_o obligation_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o accurate_a delivery_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o give_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o teach_v with_o certainty_n the_o method_n of_o his_o external_a action_n the_o former_a be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o admit_v no_o variation_n the_o latter_a may_v receive_v improvement_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n and_o lie_v great_a obligation_n on_o he_o under_o one_o dispensation_n than_o under_o another_o so_o much_o of_o both_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o may_v direct_v man_n aright_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o they_o employ_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o convince_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o both_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o mistake_v will_v equal_o defeat_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o mistake_n of_o the_o first_o nature_n lead_v man_n into_o idolatry_n of_o the_o second_o into_o negligence_n and_o impiety_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a indeed_o to_o mistake_v concern_v the_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o weak_a understanding_n i_o mean_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o serve_v to_o beget_v notion_n of_o religion_n in_o men._n all_o man_n whether_o true_a believer_n or_o idolater_n agree_v in_o this_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v whether_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n omnipresence_n and_o such_o like_a be_v necessary_a perfection_n without_o which_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v subsist_v yet_o mankind_n have_v most_o miserable_o mistake_v in_o this_o plain_a and_o easy_a matter_n have_v deify_v creature_n which_o have_v none_o of_o all_o these_o perfection_n have_v quit_v sometime_o even_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o ofttimes_o corrupt_v it_o and_o these_o mistake_v reveal_v religion_n do_v rectify_v and_o restore_v to_o man_n what_o they_o have_v wilful_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a action_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o mistake_v derive_v his_o knowledge_n from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o form_v such_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o external_a conduct_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o may_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o it_o but_o this_o persuasion_n will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o conviction_n and_o this_o direction_n of_o that_o certainty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o reveal_v religion_n and_o even_o in_o revelation_n admit_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o his_o intend_a benefit_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o revelation_n so_o that_o however_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o worship_v god_n continue_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o reveal_v religion_n they_o be_v both_o improve_v and_o enhance_v and_o also_o secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o how_o great_a that_o danger_n be_v the_o scripture_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n that_o whole_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n and_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v discover_v for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v yet_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o till_o after_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n all_o of_o they_o both_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v eminent_a for_o wisdom_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o one_o of_o they_o approve_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a
his_o kingdom_n thus_o far_o reason_n will_v direct_v we_o but_o then_o revelation_n give_v we_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o immediate_a protection_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o be_v tell_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v of_o god_n with_o faith_n exclude_v doubt_n he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o argument_n include_v a_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o administer_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n satisfy_v his_o justice_n and_o declare_v his_o goodness_n thus_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o thus_o we_o can_v conceive_v his_o nature_n without_o adore_v it_o can_v consider_v his_o judgement_n and_o justice_n without_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n and_o obey_v his_o command_n thus_o be_v we_o on_o every_o side_n surround_v with_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n improve_v the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o argument_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o four_o of_o august_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 3._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v among_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o mankind_n none_o be_v more_o fatal_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o ordinary_a than_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o merit_n it_o be_v a_o deplorable_a misfortune_n indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n so_o near_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o who_o pretend_v to_o fathom_n heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o discover_v the_o property_n of_o invisible_a being_n and_o extend_v his_o knowledge_n both_o to_o precedent_n and_o future_a time_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o his_o own_o condition_n and_o entertain_v erroneous_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v merit_n not_o to_o comprehend_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v no_o wonder_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o essence_n surpass_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o finite_a understanding_n not_o to_o conceive_v accurate_o the_o property_n of_o immaterial_a being_n whether_o angel_n or_o separate_a soul_n may_v be_v excusable_a immateriality_n may_v easy_o confound_v a_o apprehension_n enure_v only_o to_o sensible_a object_n but_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o dignity_n the_o capacity_n of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v just_o admire_v if_o the_o frequency_n of_o such_o mistake_v do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o admiration_n of_o they_o if_o they_o extend_v no_o far_a than_o speculation_n they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v pardon_v and_o befit_v the_o consideration_n of_o philosopher_n only_o and_o think_v man_n but_o when_o they_o reach_v to_o almost_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o soul_n introduce_v false_a principle_n of_o practice_n which_o at_o last_o become_v fatal_a to_o the_o real_a interest_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v concern_v all_o man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o acquire_v more_o just_a conception_n to_o this_o purpose_n reason_n invite_v we_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o ourselves_o to_o contract_v our_o thought_n and_o not_o carry_v they_o beyond_o our_o merit_n to_o form_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o our_o perfection_n and_o not_o in_o a_o overween_a confidence_n of_o they_o enlarge_v our_o pretension_n beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v direct_v indeed_o more_o particular_o to_o those_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n whether_o of_o knowledge_n miracle_n or_o other_o grace_n despise_v their_o fellow_n christian_n who_o be_v less_o gift_v become_v proud_a and_o arrogant_a invade_v the_o office_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o violate_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o deliver_v in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o equal_o oppose_v all_o other_o error_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o merit_n recommend_v by_o a_o peculiar_a preface_n of_o divine_a authority_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o direct_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o although_o all_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o particular_a exorbitance_n and_o propose_v in_o such_o a_o general_a precept_n as_o will_v obviate_v all_o the_o aforemention_v mistake_v and_o inconvenience_n not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v i_o shall_v consider_v it_o then_o as_o such_o a_o general_a precept_n and_o show_v i._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o ii_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o i._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o fond_a and_o exorbitant_a pretension_n of_o man_n with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o nature_n man_n be_v apt_a falâ—ly_o to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a sort_n of_o be_v than_o he_o real_o be_v he_o please_v himself_o with_o vast_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o dignity_n and_o upon_o confidence_n of_o they_o raise_v his_o pretension_n to_o matter_n beyond_o his_o capacity_n at_o least_o beyond_o his_o merit_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o the_o misfortune_n of_o mankind_n from_o hence_o be_v derive_v the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v our_o present_a and_o future_a misery_n the_o wicked_a angel_n have_v lead_v the_o way_n who_o be_v no_o soon_o create_v but_o reflect_v on_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o dignity_n of_o their_o order_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o understanding_n become_v proud_a and_o insolent_a rebel_v against_o god_n and_o attempt_v a_o independency_n on_o the_o crown_n of_o heaven_n man_n soon_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o reflect_v on_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v then_o entire_a and_o vigorous_a exalt_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o present_a condition_n which_o be_v then_o free_a from_o care_n and_o cross_n entertain_v a_o foolish_a ambition_n of_o improve_n his_o nature_n to_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a even_o of_o make_v himself_o like_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o be_v false_o persuade_v by_o the_o serpent_n that_o the_o way_n to_o compass_n his_o design_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o fall_v from_o his_o former_a happiness_n and_o entail_v misery_n upon_o all_o his_o posterity_n who_o happiness_n be_v from_o thence_o abate_v their_o faculty_n enervate_v and_o their_o perfection_n lessen_v yet_o can_v not_o the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o their_o first_o parent_n nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o much_o great_a imperfection_n divert_v succeed_a mankind_n from_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o mistake_v they_o lose_v the_o dignity_n but_o retain_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o forefather_n keep_v up_o their_o pretension_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o overgreat_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o impiety_n of_o atheist_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v whole_o independent_a from_o god_n and_o deny_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o existence_n from_o he_o to_o omit_v the_o profaneness_n of_o ancient_a epicurean_o and_o many_o modern_a deist_n who_o disown_n his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_v absolute_o from_o his_o dominion_n even_o those_o who_o own_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o still_o continue_v extravagant_a pretence_n to_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v design_v for_o they_o we_o common_o imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o that_o all_o other_o being_n heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o animal_n be_v create_v mere_o for_o our_o service_n hence_o we_o form_v a_o lofty_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o excellence_n and_o look_v down_o upon_o other_o creature_n with_o disdain_n we_o grow_v angry_a if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v not_o continual_o conspire_v to_o advance_v our_o interest_n we_o think_v ourselves_o injure_v if_o the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o violate_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o concern_v we_o project_n extraordinary_a scheme_n
miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v yet_o present_a to_o confess_v he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n while_o his_o body_n be_v yet_o visible_a to_o acknowledge_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a when_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n proclaim_v no_o less_o all_o this_o will_v have_v be_v so_o slight_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n so_o little_o deserve_v any_o commendation_n or_o reward_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o even_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v to_o avoid_v but_o when_o the_o object_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o yet_o discover_v by_o reason_n when_o the_o eye_n do_v not_o see_v what_o the_o affection_n still_o embrace_v when_o the_o soul_n cease_v not_o to_o hope_v upon_o probable_a and_o just_a motive_n what_o it_o never_o receive_v by_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o noble_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n worthy_a of_o a_o spiritual_a be_v and_o worthy_a of_o a_o divine_a reward_n and_o such_o a_o reward_n have_v our_o lord_n annex_v to_o it_o pronounce_v joh._n xx._n 29._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v this_o blessedness_n christ_n by_o his_o ascension_n have_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o without_o that_o have_v want_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n to_o acquire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n further_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therein_o his_o exaltation_n to_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o glory_n be_v in_o justice_n due_a to_o his_o precedent_n meritorious_a suffering_n which_o be_v therefore_o assign_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o exaltation_n by_o st._n paul_n phil._n ii_o he_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o etc._n etc._n the_o humility_n manifest_v by_o he_o in_o his_o incarnation_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o passion_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o example_n of_o former_a time_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o descend_v from_o his_o seat_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o in_o this_o nature_n he_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o the_o ordinary_a satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o but_o live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n and_o all_o this_o for_o his_o own_o creature_n who_o far_o from_o deserve_v such_o a_o favour_n from_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o from_o their_o creation_n will_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o and_o continue_v their_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a humiliation_n that_o none_o other_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v have_v effect_v and_o therefore_o be_v in_o justice_n to_o be_v crown_v with_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v receive_v namely_o that_o that_o body_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o depress_v shall_v be_v raise_v above_o all_o creature_n shall_v be_v place_v above_o angel_n and_o archangel_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n shall_v for_o ever_o remain_v unite_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therewith_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o principal_a seat_n and_o throne_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n last_o to_o name_v no_o more_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o so_o he_o may_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n perform_v all_o which_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n have_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n or_o he_o have_v denounce_v of_o himself_o it_o be_v long_o since_o typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o propitiation_n which_o represent_v the_o final_a atonement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v command_v by_o god_n that_o the_o high_a priest_n shall_v enter_v but_o once_o every_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n that_o be_v upon_o that_o day_n when_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n he_o pass_v through_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o part_n of_o it_o into_o that_o place_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n represent_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n this_o visible_a world_n from_o which_o opinion_n join_v with_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n of_o that_o day_n it_o appear_v as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n argue_v ix_o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v by_o a_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a tabernacle_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v slay_v shall_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n here_o below_o and_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n the_o throne_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n shall_v there_o present_v his_o blood_n blood_n of_o that_o inestimable_a value_n as_o need_v not_o be_v shed_v and_o present_v every_o year_n but_o as_o he_o once_o appear_v in_o the_o low_a world_n to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o so_o once_o for_o all_o he_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n not_o to_o appear_v again_o until_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n with_o majesty_n and_o great_a glory_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a the_o same_o be_v fortolde_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n lxviii_o 18._o and_o from_o thence_o urge_v by_o st._n paul_n ephes._n iu._n 8._o thou_o have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a into_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o original_a word_n thou_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a thou_o have_v receive_v gift_n for_o men._n a_o prophecy_n which_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v neither_o be_v apply_v to_o moses_n nor_o to_o joshua_n nor_o to_o david_n himself_o nor_o to_o any_o illustrious_a conqueror_n of_o that_o nation_n who_o never_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o to_o christ_n alone_o who_o real_o and_o bodily_a ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o subdue_v sin_n death_n hell_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o ascension_n visible_o triumph_v over_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o captive_n when_o that_o body_n which_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o itself_o have_v destroy_v sin_n be_v in_o reward_n of_o that_o meritorious_a suffer_v advance_v into_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v continual_o present_a with_o god_n when_o that_o body_n which_o have_v be_v subject_v to_o death_n and_o afterward_o be_v raise_v from_o it_o receive_v now_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o its_o immortality_n be_v raise_v into_o heaven_n where_o be_v no_o place_n of_o corruption_n leave_v when_o the_o captain_n of_o man_n salvation_n visible_o ascend_v unto_o the_o eternal_a place_n of_o happiness_n have_v first_o promise_v to_o draw_v all_o his_o faithful_a follower_n after_o he_o and_o from_o whence_o he_o dispense_v the_o precious_a and_o glorious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n if_o these_o prophecy_n and_o type_n foretell_v and_o prefigure_v the_o ascension_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v seem_v obscure_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o glorious_a kingdom_n this_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o lord_n office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n permit_v he_o not_o to_o receive_v on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n there_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mean_a reward_n to_o his_o humility_n patience_n and_o suffering_n precede_v his_o resurrection_n to_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v dignify_v with_o a_o reward_n common_a ofttimes_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n the_o greatness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o design_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v contemn_v by_o he_o and_o that_o divinity_n which_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v cloud_v or_o depress_v but_o to_o shine_v forth_o in_o its_o full_a lustre_n can_v find_v no_o fit_a habitation_n upon_o earth_n which_o in_o
add_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o see_v he_o go_v that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o our_o lord_n describe_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n matth._n xiii_o 26._o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o inquire_v into_o what_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v translate_v yet_o not_o unfit_a to_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ascend_v into_o those_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o most_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o ephes._n iu._n 10._o he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v far_o above_o all_o heaven_n and_o hebr._n vii_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o heb._n ix_o 12._o pass_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n even_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o same_o state_n of_o glory_n with_o god_n the_o father_n his_o body_n be_v translate_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v the_o place_n whether_o in_o the_o three_o in_o the_o four_o or_o above_o the_o heaven_n be_v rash_a and_o unwarrantable_a but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o immediate_a residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n whatsoever_o region_n be_v most_o holy_a whatsoever_o place_n be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o those_o celestial_a orb_n thither_o christ_n ascend_v and_o there_o now_o reign_v in_o glory_n iii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o and_o great_a the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a benefit_n derive_v from_o it_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o a_o benefit_n which_o be_v indeed_o more_o sensible_a in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n when_o it_o communicate_v to_o many_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n but_o be_v at_o this_o day_n no_o less_o advantageous_a since_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o church_n be_v still_o maintain_v the_o faithful_a be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o unfaithful_a be_v convert_v thus_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o last_a benefit_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n procure_v to_o they_o those_o grace_n which_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v the_o ascension_n of_o elijah_n make_v one_o elisha_n leave_v a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o one_o disciple_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o no_o other_o but_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o universal_a benefit_n produce_v bless_a effect_n which_o shall_v extend_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o all_o age_n a_o second_o benefit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o from_o thence_o receive_v firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o have_v proclaim_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o own_o disciple_n in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unexpected_a to_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o resolution_n herein_o and_o when_o they_o faw_fw-we effect_v what_o he_o have_v before_o foretell_v they_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n thus_o although_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o our_o lord_n expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o his_o subsequent_a action_n offer_v convince_a argument_n to_o mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o teach_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n thus_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v much_o more_o exalt_v by_o this_o glorious_a triumph_n they_o see_v he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o ample_a power_n which_o they_o so_o long_o wish_v to_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o which_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o reward_v his_o follower_n and_o effect_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o john_n fourteen_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o he_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o intend_v to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o may_v be_v also_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o see_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v accomplish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a motive_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n or_o promise_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o same_o foreknowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o foresee_v the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o can_v as_o easy_o foresee_v the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v exalt_v whosoever_o he_o please_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o his_o power_n can_v not_o be_v question_v and_o his_o will_n therein_o he_o have_v often_o declare_v assure_v they_o joh._n xii_o 32._o when_o i_o be_o lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o herein_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o mankind_n receive_v increase_v and_o strength_n they_o have_v all_o impatient_o wish_v for_o immortality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v still_o exist_v but_o their_o body_n be_v equal_o part_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o both_o yet_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a they_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n he_o affirm_v it_o he_o promise_v it_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a be_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o man_n who_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n all_o this_o do_v seem_v incredible_a till_o they_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v visible_o receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o place_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o like_a immortality_n of_o their_o own_o body_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o while_o they_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o relation_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o forerunner_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o society_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o time_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o since_o what_o he_o foretell_v of_o his_o own_o ascension_n they_o see_v effect_v since_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o follow_v their_o captain_n their_o head_n and_o their_o forerunner_n and_o with_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o place_n of_o their_o desire_a happiness_n far_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n and_o our_o priest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o either_o of_o those_o his_o office_n receive_v increase_v by_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o king_n he_o be_v thereby_o invest_v in_o the_o actual_a dominion_n of_o his_o church_n enable_v to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o her_o wellbeing_a as_o our_o priest_n his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n be_v make_v much_o more_o prevalent_a by_o his_o personal_a presence_n with_o he_o under_o the_o law_n the_o efficacy_n of_o
the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o example_n of_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n to_o the_o fix_a star_n which_o however_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o be_v seat_v in_o heaven_n and_o communicate_v to_o the_o earth_n a_o light_n never_o to_o be_v extinguish_v and_o that_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o these_o luminous_a body_n the_o great_a light_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o they_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n while_o alive_a be_v so_o many_o shine_a and_o burn_a light_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n will_v derive_v exceed_v influence_n to_o succeed_a age_n so_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v continue_v those_o excellent_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v those_o noble_a testimony_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o give_v tend_v no_o less_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o christian_n than_o to_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o beneficial_a to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n it_o be_v because_o we_o either_o take_v no_o care_n to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o or_o suffer_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v undeniable_a indeed_o that_o in_o this_o present_a age_n and_o among_o we_o especial_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v almost_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o present_a example_n of_o equal_a lustre_n be_v very_o rare_a or_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o those_o holy_a person_n cease_v not_o to_o retain_v their_o glorious_a seat_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n as_o the_o fix_a star_n always_o maintain_v their_o station_n and_o preserve_v their_o light_n although_o at_o any_o time_n not_o see_v by_o we_o to_o this_o glorious_a station_n in_o heaven_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o advance_v all_o those_o who_o by_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o the_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o to_o profit_v the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o other_o in_o particular_a may_v the_o hope_n of_o this_o glorious_a reward_n excite_v every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o may_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n accept_v and_o crown_v your_o endeavour_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o sermon_n preach_v on_o decemb._n 25_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luk._n ii_o 14._o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o man_n what_o the_o patriarch_n see_v afar_o off_o and_o desire_v what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v and_o just_a man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n do_v assure_o expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v wrought_v thereby_o do_v this_o day_n receive_v its_o final_a accomplishment_n by_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o commemoration_n of_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o present_a solemnity_n nor_o can_v we_o more_o fit_o commemorate_v it_o than_o by_o this_o admirable_a hymn_n which_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n upon_o this_o occasion_n sing_v before_o we_o and_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n since_o retain_v in_o she_o most_o sacred_a office_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n this_o hymn_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o have_v be_v employ_v by_o they_o to_o express_v and_o celebrate_v the_o most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o they_o for_o we_o find_v acclamation_n very_o like_a to_o it_o in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o particular_o upon_o the_o triumphant_a entry_n of_o christ_n into_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n be_v persuade_v that_o their_o long-looked_n for_o messiah_n be_v now_o come_v and_o all_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v attend_v his_o come_v cry_v out_o peace_n in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o high_a but_o sure_o upon_o no_o occasion_n be_v it_o ever_o so_o just_o use_v as_o by_o the_o angel_n upon_o this_o day_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a glory_n do_v so_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n do_v commence_v for_o from_o the_o angel_n we_o receive_v this_o hymn_n and_o be_v teach_v to_o sing_v it_o by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o verse_n precede_v the_o text_n and_o sudden_o there_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n praise_v god_n and_o say_n etc._n etc._n one_o angel_n declare_v to_o the_o shepherd_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n the_o birth_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o whole_a choir_n of_o angel_n the_o host_n of_o heaven_n join_v to_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n and_o celebrate_v those_o benefit_n which_o be_v that_o day_n derive_v down_o upon_o all_o mankind_n themselves_o receive_v not_o like_a benefit_n to_o man_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o return_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o lay_v down_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o first_o then_o the_o angel_n be_v move_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n among_o man_n which_o they_o foresee_v will_v be_v consequent_a to_o this_o incarnation_n their_o office_n be_v to_o attend_v continual_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v praise_n without_o intermission_n to_o he_o so_o that_o every_o new_a increase_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n inflame_v their_o zeal_n in_o this_o holy_a office_n the_o primary_n reason_n indeed_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o praise_n which_o they_o continual_o yield_v to_o god_n be_v eternal_a be_v draw_v from_o his_o immutable_a attribute_n of_o supreme_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o majesty_n yet_o every_o illustrious_a manifestation_n of_o any_o of_o these_o glorious_a attribute_n by_o external_a effect_n become_v also_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o praise_n thus_o in_o in_o revel_n iv._o 8._o we_o find_v the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n in_o that_o hymn_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n celebrate_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o attribute_n as_o rev._n xv._n 3._o great_a and_o marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o xix_o 7._o let_v we_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v and_o give_v honour_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v nay_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o compare_v the_o several_a form_n of_o doxology_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n the_o angel_n since_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a have_v in_o a_o manner_n change_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o doxology_n and_o confine_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o book_n while_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v still_o suppose_v to_o be_v seal_v up_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n not_o yet_o to_o be_v full_o disclose_v all_o their_o doxology_n insist_v upon_o the_o general_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o after_o the_o full_a declaration_n and_o completion_n of_o those_o glorious_a event_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o be_v there_o describe_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hymn_n be_v alter_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o celebrate_n the_o victory_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v so_o eminent_a and_o admirable_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n so_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o divine_a glory_n that_o since_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v become_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o holy_a spirit_n who_o hereby_o best_a of_o all_o discern_v and_o be_v enable_v to_o celebrate_v that_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o before_o admire_v in_o god_n far_o the_o angel_n celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o christ_n as_o rejoice_v at_o the_o
salvation_n of_o man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v procure_v thereby_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v incline_v by_o their_o own_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o wish_v well_o to_o their_o fellow-creature_n to_o be_v concern_v at_o their_o welfare_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v if_o not_o with_o equal_a yet_o with_o like_a reason_n who_o possess_v soul_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o alike_o immortal_a by_o these_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o number_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n former_o diminish_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o lucifer_n and_o his_o associate_n be_v to_o be_v repair_v all_o which_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v unconcern_v in_o the_o felicity_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o although_o the_o divine_a dispoposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n of_o it_o but_o when_o by_o the_o order_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n as_o we_o read_v hebr._n i._n 14._o there_o be_v abundant_a reason_n for_o this_o their_o exultation_n since_o without_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n their_o labour_n have_v be_v whole_o vain_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n not_o capable_a of_o relief_n but_o after_o they_o see_v this_o at_o once_o make_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a in_o a_o rapture_n of_o joy_n they_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o hymn_n of_o praise_n for_o if_o there_o be_v joy_n among_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o be_v save_v how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n be_v redeem_v and_o make_v capable_a of_o salvation_n even_o the_o angel_n themselves_o although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o mankind_n receive_v signal_n benefit_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o their_o happiness_n consist_v in_o contemplate_v and_o praise_v the_o nature_n the_o attribute_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n their_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v finite_a as_o be_v their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o every_o addition_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o increase_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o great_a benefit_n which_o in_o their_o state_n they_o can_v receive_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n i._n 12._o that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o that_o before_o this_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n xxiv_o 36._o but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n but_o my_o father_n only_o when_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o thereby_o begin_v to_o complete_a the_o wonderful_a mystery_n of_o man_n salvation_n then_o clear_o appear_v to_o these_o bless_a spirit_n what_o be_v before_o obscure_a to_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n in_o all_o precede_a age_n the_o mysterious_a secret_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o signification_n of_o prophecy_n which_o go_v before_o the_o purport_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o other_o rational_a being_n this_o new_a knowledge_n administer_v to_o they_o fresh_a reason_n of_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o increase_v their_o happiness_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o angel_n move_v by_o great_a reason_n to_o join_v in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n but_o why_o they_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o audible_o so_o as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o shepherd_n as_o st._n luke_n relate_v we_o be_v still_o to_o inquire_v that_o angel_n which_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o this_o office_n have_v new_o finish_v his_o message_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o happiness_n which_o will_v thence_o ensue_v to_o all_o mankind_n when_o immediate_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n be_v present_a with_o he_o and_o sing_v this_o hymn_n this_o without_o doubt_n be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o hear_v it_o and_o other_o who_o shall_v know_v by_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o benefit_n to_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o birth_n be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n on_o who_o the_o angel_n so_o attend_v we_o find_v not_o that_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o prophet_n be_v usher_v in_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n as_o on_o mount_n sina_n to_o moses_n on_o mount_n horeb_n to_o elias_n but_o it_o be_v still_o attend_v with_o some_o other_o visible_a sign_n as_o in_o both_o those_o place_n by_o extraordinary_a commotion_n in_o the_o air_n which_o also_o represent_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o old_a law_n and_o in_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o which_o god_n descend_v upon_o earth_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o we_o find_v it_o foretell_v by_o one_o angel_n proclaim_v by_o another_o and_o celebrate_a 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n this_o declare_v his_o majesty_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n if_o not_o of_o his_o person_n yet_o at_o least_o of_o his_o mission_n now_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o angel_n praise_v god_n upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o will_v show_v that_o all_o those_o reason_n which_o may_v induce_v the_o angel_n to_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o hymn_n of_o praise_n be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o more_o persuasive_a to_o they_o if_o the_o angel_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o divine_a glory_n wrought_v hereby_o and_o be_v not_o we_o oblige_v to_o magnify_v the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a emanation_n of_o they_o both_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o rational_a soul_n if_o the_o angel_n so_o far_o rejoice_v in_o the_o benefit_n and_o salvation_n of_o other_o how_o much_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v thankful_a who_o reap_v the_o advantage_n upon_o who_o the_o benefit_n be_v bestow_v if_o the_o angel_n be_v glad_a to_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n accomplish_v much_o more_o sure_o shall_v men_n esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v who_o enjoy_v it_o so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n if_o the_o angel_n have_v reason_n man_n have_v much_o more_o to_o celebrate_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n with_o this_o hymn_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n i_o will_v consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o hymn_n single_o and_o first_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o desire_n of_o what_o have_v not_o as_o a_o approbation_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v towards_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n the_o addition_n of_o in_o the_o high_a signify_v either_o in_o heaven_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o what_o follow_v peace_n on_o earth_n be_v a_o completion_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n sing_v o_o heaven_n and_o rejoice_v o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v redeem_v jacob_n etc._n etc._n or_o more_o natural_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o higheâ—â—â—â—gree_n in_o which_o sense_n this_o phrase_n be_v â—ost_o frequent_o understand_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o psal._n xciii_o 4._o where_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o septuagint_n the_o lord_n be_v mighty_a in_o the_o high_a that_o be_v mighty_a above_o all_o and_o sure_o with_o great_a reason_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o give_v the_o high_a glory_n to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o eternal_a attribute_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o any_o other_o effect_n whatsoever_o and_o from_o whence_o he_o receive_v the_o great_a glory_n which_o be_v ever_o pay_v by_o mankind_n to_o god_n to_o pursue_v this_o in_o particular_a consideration_n the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n do_v never_o appear_v so_o eminent_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o this_o mystery_n true_o do_v st._n john_n say_v 1_o joh._n iu_o 9_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v
the_o propagation_n of_o it_o afterward_o for_o several_a age_n the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n seldom_o want_v their_o effect_n in_o private_a christian_n and_o even_o wrought_v so_o far_o in_o public_a society_n profess_v christianity_n that_o for_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o christian_n never_o war_v against_o other_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n nor_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o whole_o expire_v in_o these_o degenerate_a time_n witness_v that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o still_o frequent_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o who_o it_o be_v charitable_o be_v to_o suppose_a that_o none_o presume_v to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n without_o a_o entire_a resolution_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o maintain_v peace_n with_o all_o men._n the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o angel_n doxology_n be_v goodwill_n towards_o man_n which_o express_v much_o more_o than_o reconciliation_n of_o god_n to_o man_n imply_v no_o less_o than_o his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a which_o god_n do_v of_o his_o son_n when_o he_o say_v of_o he_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o the_o assumption_n of_o the_o humane_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o far_o propitiate_v god_n in_o regard_n to_o man_n that_o he_o not_o only_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o but_o also_o admit_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n make_v they_o capable_a of_o even_o preternatural_a happiness_n even_o of_o enjoy_v himself_o in_o heaven_n insomuch_o that_o he_o who_o have_v once_o through_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n repent_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o and_o resolve_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o do_v now_o adopt_v they_o for_o the_o darling_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o as_o the_o original_a word_n in_o the_o text_n imply_v even_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o vouchsafe_v to_o honour_n they_o by_o join_v it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o son_n and_o therein_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o degree_n even_o above_o that_o of_o angel_n not_o only_o admit_v they_o to_o that_o pardon_n of_o past_a sin_n which_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o angel_n but_o also_o send_v the_o prince_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o who_o afterward_o ascend_v with_o it_o into_o heaven_n shall_v thereby_o consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o his_o body_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o glory_n and_o sure_o no_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n or_o of_o his_o delight_n in_o mankind_n can_v be_v desire_v than_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o society_n of_o himself_o in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o delight_n which_o he_o testify_v to_o take_v in_o his_o belove_a son_n the_o utmost_a reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o he_o advance_v his_o human_a nature_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heaven_n for_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v place_v there_o from_o all_o age_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n admit_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v imitate_v his_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o glory_n the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n wherewith_o the_o human_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o invest_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o a_o earnest_a that_o we_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o same_o honour_n for_o christ_n our_o forerunner_n be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o we_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o leave_v without_o other_o visible_a pledge_n of_o the_o same_o hope_n more_o particular_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v lively_o represent_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o it_o the_o bread_n declare_v his_o body_n the_o wine_n his_o blood_n the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n the_o mortality_n of_o his_o body_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v redemption_n for_o mankind_n the_o distribution_n of_o both_o to_o every_o communicant_a manifest_v that_o they_o be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o receive_v his_o figurative_a body_n be_v assure_v of_o obtain_v in_o due_a time_n the_o same_o happiness_n with_o his_o true_a body_n now_o in_o heaven_n by_o these_o figure_n of_o his_o true_a body_n we_o open_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o incarnation_n that_o he_o real_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o in_o appearance_n as_o be_v the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n for_o that_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o represent_v which_o be_v not_o real_a we_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o that_o adoration_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v this_o religious_a action_n we_o profess_v our_o belief_n that_o he_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o that_o in_o time_n all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n be_v fullfil_v in_o that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o come_v as_o the_o intention_n and_o the_o office_n of_o this_o festival_n direct_v last_o we_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n if_o we_o do_v all_o this_o with_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o charity_n so_o shall_v we_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n to_o renew_v their_o hymn_n to_o sing_v glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v honour_v by_o this_o devotion_n and_o thankfulness_n of_o his_o servant_n peace_n on_o earth_n wherein_o man_n be_v hereby_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o goodwill_n towards_o man_n who_o be_v hereby_o admit_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v hereafter_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_n finis_fw-la
obtain_v by_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v promote_v by_o the_o praise_n and_o by_o the_o service_n of_o men._n the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v direct_o promote_v by_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n while_o other_o man_n view_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o action_n raise_v their_o thought_n to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o conceive_v somewhat_o yet_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a in_o he_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o if_o that_o imperfect_a light_n which_o may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o so_o glorious_a the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n exceed_v all_o imagination_n that_o if_o such_o eminent_a act_n of_o goodness_n be_v perform_v by_o frail_a man_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o he_o devoid_a of_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n the_o fullness_n of_o all_o goodness_n dwell_v if_o the_o action_n of_o his_o servant_n deserve_v love_n and_o praise_n much_o more_o will_v the_o operation_n of_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n proclaim_v he_o worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o adoration_n but_o this_o manner_n of_o reflect_a honour_n upon_o god_n from_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o instruction_n and_o conversion_n of_o other_o man_n who_o by_o the_o good_a example_n of_o true_a christian_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o effect_v which_o eminent_a example_n have_v no_o less_o force_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n this_o give_v authority_n to_o virtue_n and_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n of_o be_v singular_a it_o relieve_v the_o modesty_n of_o new_a beginner_n and_o encourage_v to_o pursue_v their_o course_n so_o well_o begin_v notwithstanding_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o profane_a men._n to_o tender_v and_o unexperienced_a mind_n there_o be_v no_o great_a obstacle_n of_o goodness_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v singular_a thereby_o the_o natural_a impression_n of_o reason_n may_v incline_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n but_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o swim_v against_o the_o stream_n to_o oppose_v their_o single_a example_n to_o the_o prevailling_a corruption_n of_o a_o sinful_a world_n nor_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o contempt_n of_o wicked_a man_n without_o the_o patronage_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o great_a and_o good_a example_n who_o practice_n they_o may_v plead_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n and_o that_o defence_n which_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n enable_v they_o not_o to_o draw_v from_o reason_n they_o may_v draw_v from_o their_o authority_n although_o not_o only_o weak_a mind_n but_o even_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o understand_a person_n while_o unexperienced_a in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o shock_v the_o power_n of_o a_o general_a example_n if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n they_o yet_o want_v boldness_n to_o execute_v it_o and_o dread_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suspicion_n of_o affectation_n or_o fear_v of_o appear_v singular_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o youth_n especial_o suffer_v by_o ill_a example_n who_o through_o a_o natural_a modesty_n be_v ever_o wont_a to_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o prevail_a fashion_n further_o a_o good_a example_n instruct_v the_o more_o ignorant_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n few_o be_v enable_v at_o least_o few_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o they_o rely_v herein_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v wise_a than_o themselves_o who_o they_o find_v to_o profess_v no_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o act_n as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o they_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o any_o further_a enquiry_n and_o dismiss_v all_o resolution_n of_o goodness_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o be_v find_v by_o they_o that_o wise_a man_n or_o so_o account_v who_o by_o their_o learning_n be_v full_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o find_v out_o the_o cheat_n of_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o such_o have_v after_o a_o diligent_a and_o accurate_a search_n be_v so_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v be_v content_a to_o hazard_v their_o life_n to_o restrain_v their_o pleasure_n to_o deny_v their_o passion_n from_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o if_o great_a and_o illustrious_a person_n who_o have_v opportunity_n of_o improve_n all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o the_o most_o exquisite_a satisfaction_n yet_o moderate_v and_o limit_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o vulgar_a mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a assurance_n than_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o and_o if_o he_o find_v this_o he_o there_o rest_v satisfy_v if_o not_o he_o proceed_v no_o far_o and_o from_o this_o experience_n also_o he_o draw_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o conduct_n even_o after_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o his_o obligation_n in_o all_o doubtful_a action_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n he_o consult_v the_o example_n of_o his_o superior_n and_o pursue_v the_o way_n which_o they_o have_v mark_v out_o to_o he_o follow_v they_o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o true_a light_n nay_o to_o generous_a as_o well_o as_o vulgar_a mind_n example_n be_v a_o effectual_a motive_n of_o virtue_n to_o such_o emulation_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n and_o a_o noble_a disdain_n of_o be_v exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a to_o they_o the_o preference_n of_o any_o other_o be_v a_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o sloth_n and_o when_o other_o have_v go_v before_o with_o reward_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o stay_v behind_o it_o be_v this_o principle_n of_o generosity_n which_o keep_v up_o virtue_n among_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v this_o which_o give_v rise_v and_o increase_v to_o art_n and_o science_n and_o which_o now_o maintain_v valour_n our_o lord_n have_v improve_v the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o direct_v it_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o noble_a end_n propose_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n hold_v out_o the_o crown_n of_o victory_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n he_o have_v in_o this_o precept_n concern_v exemplariness_n give_v to_o we_o a_o yet_o further_o scope_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o generosity_n not_o only_o propose_v reward_n to_o the_o conqueror_n to_o those_o of_o a_o more_o elevate_a virtue_n but_o also_o to_o such_o who_o excite_v by_o their_o illustrious_a example_n shall_v follow_v they_o although_o at_o a_o distance_n make_v they_o thereby_o the_o instrument_n of_o save_v other_o and_o that_o possible_o in_o great_a number_n at_o least_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o of_o we_o so_o inconsiderable_a who_o may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o influence_n and_o authority_n upon_o some_o one_o or_o other_o as_o to_o move_v and_o direct_v he_o by_o his_o example_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o infinite_a happiness_n to_o another_o which_o to_o a_o good_a and_o a_o generous_a mind_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o pursuit_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o may_v make_v he_o exemplary_a that_o so_o he_o may_v promote_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o other_o men._n it_o may_v seem_v indeed_o past_a hope_n that_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n when_o so_o few_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v their_o own_o salvation_n or_o be_v good_a for_o their_o own_o sake_n any_o shall_v attempt_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o men._n yet_o i_o do_v not_o despair_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o such_o generous_a mind_n leave_v in_o the_o world_n who_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a felicity_n to_o themselves_o to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n and_o act_v upon_o this_o persuasion_n study_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a that_o by_o their_o example_n other_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o same_o practice_n and_o thereby_o secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n to_o such_o exemplary_a person_n frequent_a praise_n be_v give_v and_o eminent_a reward_n promise_v more_o particular_o in_o daniel_n xii_o 3._o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o lustre_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n be_v compare_v to_o