our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o manner_n of_o temptation_n in_o each_o case_n be_v not_o different_a be_v in_o each_o case_n effect_v by_o inward_a suggestion_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n visible_o appear_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n to_o have_v propose_v his_o allure_a temptation_n without_o any_o disguise_n will_v more_o have_v prejudice_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o than_o all_o the_o specious_a argument_n wherewith_o he_o recommend_v they_o can_v have_v enforce_v they_o he_o tempt_v christ_n by_o insinuate_v secret_o into_o his_o mind_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o that_o since_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n he_o have_v better_o satisfy_v his_o hunger_n by_o turn_v the_o stone_n into_o bread_n than_o endure_v it_o any_o long_o in_o await_v the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o to_o leap_v off_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o be_v carry_v safe_a in_o the_o air_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o raise_v his_o glory_n and_o fame_n among_o man_n and_o that_o if_o he_o will_v employ_v that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o gain_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o lord_n and_o thus_o he_o continue_v to_o tempt_v we_o with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o excellent_a wisdom_n know_v that_o all_o those_o suggestion_n proceed_v from_o that_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v those_o evil_a motion_n which_o we_o then_o find_v within_o ourselves_o to_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o since_o these_o suggestion_n be_v usual_o specious_a argument_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o be_v find_v in_o sin_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o this_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o understanding_n which_o as_o they_o imagine_v raise_v they_o beyond_o the_o trifle_a superstition_n of_o religious_a fool_n who_o be_v content_a to_o forfeit_v the_o chief_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v they_o know_v not_o who_o and_o suffer_v they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n whereby_o they_o alone_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o reconcile_v all_o these_o sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v to_o their_o pretence_n of_o future_a happiness_n when_o indeed_o pious_a man_n know_v no_o less_o than_o they_o what_o be_v the_o specious_a argument_n recommend_v sinful_a pleasure_n and_o by_o what_o method_n they_o may_v be_v best_a enhance_v but_o they_o will_v not_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o such_o consideration_n and_o if_o suggest_v to_o they_o present_o do_v remove_v they_o not_o only_o because_o by_o attention_n to_o they_o they_o be_v endanger_v to_o be_v allure_v or_o betray_v to_o consent_v to_o they_o but_o also_o because_o voluntary_o to_o continue_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o dwell_v upon_o they_o be_v a_o sin_n since_o this_o include_v a_o connivance_n of_o the_o will_n not_o restrain_v the_o imagination_n from_o such_o impure_a idea_n and_o be_v common_o attend_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o complacency_n which_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o put_v the_o please_a sin_n in_o practice_n so_o then_o the_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o elude_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o decline_v his_o suggestion_n immediate_o to_o remove_v even_o the_o first_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o divert_v the_o soul_n to_o some_o lawful_a object_n but_o because_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o strong_o excite_v by_o some_o violent_a object_n or_o impression_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v even_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o suppress_v it_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n as_o we_o see_v in_o violent_a passion_n which_o can_v no_o more_o be_v allay_v by_o one_o act_n of_o dissent_n in_o the_o will_n than_o a_o tempestuous_a sea_n be_v calm_v in_o one_o minute_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o provide_v remedy_n against_o such_o adventure_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a be_v that_o prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n v._o 29._o 30._o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o otherwise_o indifferent_a object_n thou_o find_v thyself_o often_o betray_v to_o a_o unlawful_a use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o any_o other_o sin_n deprive_v thyself_o even_o of_o that_o lawful_a pleasure_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o expose_v thy_o soul_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o total_a destruction_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_a not_o only_o that_o apparent_a but_o even_o all_o real_a satisfaction_n if_o by_o any_o please_a object_n of_o sight_n thou_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v tempt_v to_o unlawful_a desire_n by_o a_o prudent_a caution_n debar_v thyself_o even_o of_o those_o otherwise_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o that_o noble_a faculty_n if_o grateful_a object_n of_o touch_n do_v often_o excite_v such_o vehement_a passion_n in_o thou_o as_o can_v be_v satisfy_v without_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o thence_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n without_o lust_a after_o she_o suffer_v not_o thy_o eye_n to_o gaze_v upon_o she_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o engage_v in_o company_n without_o be_v tempt_v to_o drunkenness_n deny_v thyself_o so_o dangerous_a a_o satisfaction_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n a_o most_o divine_a counsel_n and_o excellent_o fit_v to_o defeat_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o propensity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n to_o sin_n every_o man_n may_v discover_v in_o himself_o a_o proneness_n to_o some_o particular_a sin_n beyond_o other_o of_o which_o evil_a spirit_n make_v their_o advantage_n and_o most_o frequent_o assault_v man_n by_o incite_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o here_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v chief_o careful_a and_o rather_o than_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o it_o dread_v even_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o suspect_v even_o his_o lawful_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o object_n to_o which_o the_o sin_n relate_v and_o if_o all_o this_o circumspection_n prevent_v not_o the_o return_n of_o his_o unlawful_a passion_n as_o oft_o as_o the_o object_n be_v renew_v to_o renounce_v even_o all_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o at_o least_o until_o those_o passion_n can_v be_v so_o far_o allay_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v again_o entertain_v the_o object_n without_o any_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o most_o frequent_a case_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o that_o be_v when_o the_o idea_n produce_v by_o the_o object_n or_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o it_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o a_o single_a dissent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o caution_n be_v either_o by_o our_o own_o negligence_n or_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o our_o adversary_n or_o both_o actual_o produce_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n chief_o appear_v the_o devil_n be_v vigilant_a and_o unwearied_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o design_n attack_n we_o on_o all_o side_n successive_o if_o he_o be_v repulse_v at_o one_o post_n he_o assault_v we_o at_o another_o and_o never_o give_v over_o till_o he_o gain_v entrance_n here_o be_v the_o chief_a conflict_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_n spirit_n excit_v his_o imagination_n when_o his_o passion_n be_v raise_v by_o this_o conception_n when_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n grow_v impetuous_a oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o reason_n and_o require_v blind_o to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o this_o to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v the_o devil_n opportunity_n to_o assault_v we_o and_o success_n in_o it_o this_o proceed_v no_o far_a than_o the_o bare_a satisfaction_n of_o sense_n it_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n look_v not_o up_o to_o heaven_n nor_o discern_v any_o future_a hope_n therein_o common_a with_o beast_n who_o pursue_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o present_a object_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o futurity_n this_o continual_o incit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v the_o object_n which_o be_v set_v before_o he_o without_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v allow_v or_o forbid_v
the_o miscarriage_n of_o either_o if_o it_o concern_v matter_n of_o obedience_n to_o himself_o or_o of_o ordinary_a duty_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v no_o less_o fatal_a or_o criminal_a to_o pervert_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o corrupt_v the_o will_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n will_v be_v no_o more_o allow_v than_o to_o plead_v drunkenness_n for_o crime_n commit_v in_o that_o absence_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o history_n a_o more_o enormous_a sin_n to_o be_v find_v than_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o messiah_n by_o they_o none_o so_o severe_o brand_v in_o scripture_n or_o punish_v with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o our_o saviour_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n declare_v that_o those_o his_o persecutor_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o although_o he_o then_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o charity_n intercede_v for_o their_o pardon_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n will_v not_o grant_v it_o much_o less_o continue_v to_o they_o the_o former_a favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o will_v have_v be_v the_o visible_a and_o public_a preach_v of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n far_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v herein_o nor_o be_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n reason_n do_v require_v and_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v pass_v through_o a_o double_a state_n that_o be_v of_o humiliation_n and_o glory_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v undergo_v all_o the_o misery_n ignominy_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v subject_a he_o be_v press_v with_o the_o want_n of_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v afflict_v with_o the_o insult_v provocation_n and_o injury_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v deliver_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v treat_v at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o these_o meritorious_a suffering_n be_v to_o ensue_v a_o state_n of_o glory_n wherein_o christ_n shall_v be_v place_v far_o above_o the_o rank_n and_o the_o power_n of_o mortal_a man_n shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n and_o enter_v upon_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n this_o state_n of_o exaltation_n be_v begin_v in_o his_o resurrection_n perfect_v by_o his_o ascension_n and_o continue_v without_o interruption_n to_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o then_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a honour_n that_o the_o sacred_a body_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n now_o exalt_v to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v again_o subject_v to_o the_o attempt_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n and_o reduce_v to_o his_o former_a mean_a condition_n yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v if_o christ_n have_v appear_v public_o among_o the_o people_n after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o same_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n will_v have_v return_v unless_o he_o have_v please_v by_o a_o miracle_n to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o their_o attempt_n a_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v no_o less_o easy_a to_o his_o almighty_a power_n than_o any_o other_o ordinary_a operation_n yet_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o great_a reason_n and_o the_o impiety_n of_o that_o people_n deserve_v not_o to_o have_v a_o miracle_n confer_v on_o they_o or_o have_v christ_n appear_v open_o among_o they_o even_o although_o he_o can_v have_v be_v secure_v from_o their_o persecution_n it_o must_v either_o have_v be_v in_o his_o former_a meek_a and_o humble_a habit_n and_o as_o such_o they_o will_v have_v despise_v he_o or_o what_o they_o greedy_o expect_v as_o a_o glorious_a prince_n arm_v with_o power_n and_o temporal_a greatness_n and_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o design_n who_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o this_o respect_n only_o be_v the_o public_a appear_v of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n contrary_a to_o his_o design_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o have_v then_o public_o manifest_v himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o have_v remove_v the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v continue_v his_o prophetical_a office_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n for_o therein_o do_v his_o prophetical_a or_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o preach_v of_o repentance_n in_o convert_v of_o sinner_n this_o office_n be_v to_o expire_v with_o his_o life_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n his_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o therewith_o his_o regal_a office_n be_v to_o commence_v upon_o which_o account_n himself_z when_o ready_a to_o expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n say_v it_o be_v finish_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n be_v now_o full_o complete_v not_o to_o be_v personal_o renew_v again_o he_o have_v perform_v all_o that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v determine_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o he_o in_o person_n towards_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o rest_n he_o be_v to_o commit_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n himself_o be_v no_o long_a to_o remain_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n which_o he_o have_v take_v on_o he_o but_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n which_o he_o by_o his_o former_a preach_v and_o death_n have_v found_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n namely_o ii_o that_o even_o if_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v appear_v and_o converse_v public_o it_o will_v yet_o have_v fail_v to_o produce_v a_o universal_a conviction_n and_o remove_v all_o doubt_n this_o be_v undeniable_o manifest_a in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o for_o who_o we_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o of_o all_o age_n subsequent_a to_o that_o time_n for_o allow_v that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v ocular_a witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o all_o other_o person_n both_o of_o that_o and_o all_o succeed_a age_n will_v have_v have_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o what_o we_o now_o have_v that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n all_o other_o even_o in_o that_o case_n will_v have_v equal_o want_v the_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n and_o must_v have_v depend_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o so_o that_o all_o the_o certainty_n which_o any_o can_v have_v of_o matter_n see_v and_o relate_v by_o other_o we_o have_v unless_o we_o imagine_v that_o five_o hundred_o can_v as_o certain_o judge_v of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o so_o many_o million_o and_o even_o if_o so_o many_o million_o have_v see_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v expect_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v several_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n and_o so_o testify_v it_o to_o we_o we_o must_v still_o have_v rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o historian_n and_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o ocular_a witness_n be_v then_o confine_v to_o five_o hundred_o we_o who_o be_v not_o bless_v with_o that_o sight_n have_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o it_o as_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n then_o live_v have_v see_v it_o whatever_o force_n therefore_o the_o objection_n may_v have_v in_o that_o age_n it_o have_v none_o in_o we_o we_o have_v sufficient_a argument_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o equal_a and_o even_o superior_a to_o those_o upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o ourselves_o do_v not_o see_v and_o if_o we_o reject_v these_o argument_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o even_a demonstration_n will_v move_v we_o if_o it_o can_v be_v have_v for_o whatever_o man_n may_v pretend_v in_o excuse_n of_o their_o infidelity_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o upon_o reasonable_a although_o '_o but_o probable_a motive_n will_v not_o even_o yield_v to_o demonstration_n if_o the_o truth_n propose_v oppose_v his_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o doubt_n which_o unreasonable_a man_n produce_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o unbelief_n it_o will_v be_v too_o gross_a and_o shameless_a to_o assign_v the_o true_a cause_n and_o allege_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o check_v their_o vice_n restrain_v their_o lust_n forbid_v the_o gratification_n of_o many_o belove_a passion_n they_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
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
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be_v the_o prudent_a direction_n of_o mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o end_n propose_v we_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n when_o mankind_n have_v commit_v that_o foul_a apostasy_n in_o their_o forefather_n adam_n when_o succeed_a generation_n be_v find_v no_o less_o rebellious_a the_o law_n of_o god_n violate_v and_o his_o exhortation_n slight_v what_o seem_v hope_n of_o salvation_n can_v remain_v to_o man_n to_o have_v pardon_v all_o these_o sin_n simple_o and_o without_o any_o condition_n be_v indeed_o possible_a to_o god_n but_o neither_o consistent_a with_o his_o honour_n nor_o his_o justice_n he_o be_v lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o as_o such_o can_v not_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n upon_o they_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v they_o and_o then_o his_o veracity_n oblige_v he_o to_o do_v it_o again_o 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after_o many_o age_n be_v this_o day_n make_v manifest_a and_o therewith_o the_o supreme_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n last_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v never_o receive_v a_o more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o that_o in_o effect_v all_o those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v long_o before_o foretell_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o christ._n these_o circumstance_n have_v be_v so_o often_o repeat_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o much_o inquire_v after_o by_o they_o as_o near_o concern_v they_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o they_o so_o earnest_o expect_v by_o they_o that_o the_o completion_n of_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n become_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o ever_o be_v exhibit_v as_o first_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n a_o circumstance_n which_o shall_v effectual_o declare_v both_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o shall_v produce_v it_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v confer_v upon_o any_o other_o member_n of_o mankind_n and_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o other_o than_o the_o author_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o nature_n who_o at_o first_o form_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o ever_o after_o direct_v they_o as_o himself_o please_v that_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v indeed_o a_o virgin_n can_v not_o ordinary_o appear_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o this_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o that_o the_o prophecy_n take_v place_n in_o jesus_n god_n provide_v abundant_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o as_o the_o apparition_z and_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n the_o miracle_n afterward_o ensue_v to_o the_o affirmation_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o testimony_n of_o joseph_n account_v by_o all_o a_o good_a and_o a_o just_a man_n and_o he_o assure_v so_o by_o a_o message_n from_o heaven_n as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n it_o be_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n to_o effect_v this_o the_o divine_a power_n direct_v the_o mind_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n to_o command_v a_o universal_a tax_n at_o that_o very_a time_n a_o thing_n before_o not_o know_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o so_o the_o mother_n of_o christ_n go_v from_o nazareth_n where_o she_o dwell_v to_o bethlehem_n the_o place_n whither_o the_o descendant_n of_o david_n resort_v to_o be_v tax_v may_v be_v deliver_v of_o her_o son_n in_o the_o place_n long_o since_o foretell_v as_o for_o the_o time_n jacob_n move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prophesy_v that_o when_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v fail_v from_o judah_n then_o shall_v shiloh_n or_o messiah_n come_v and_o at_o this_o time_n the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v that_o herod_n have_v obtain_v the_o kingdom_n who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n obtain_v that_o government_n daniel_n have_v 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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 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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 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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
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