to_o the_o action_n and_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n god_n neither_o promise_v nor_o exercise_v any_o such_o constant_a visible_a justice_n which_o may_v distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a and_o sensible_o teach_v man_n the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o the_o more_o spiritual_a religion_n of_o christ_n and_o more_o abstract_a from_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n any_o such_o discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o external_n circumstance_n of_o prosperity_n shall_v take_v place_n that_o god_n shall_v constant_o awaken_v the_o negligence_n of_o slothful_a christian_n by_o severe_a and_o visible_a judgement_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o approve_v their_o conduct_n yet_o be_v this_o error_n almost_o as_o frequent_v among_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v former_o among_o the_o jew_n while_o man_n enjoy_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n secure_o and_o find_v themselves_o at_o ease_n they_o fond_o imagine_v that_o heaven_n also_o have_v declare_v itself_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n towards_o their_o vicious_a course_n lest_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o shall_v abridge_v their_o present_a happiness_n they_o be_v tell_v indeed_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n but_o conceive_v no_o great_a pleasure_n than_o what_o they_o now_o enjoy_v nor_o fear_v any_o great_a punishment_n than_o the_o deprivation_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n because_o they_o find_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o continue_v to_o they_o they_o â—…magine_v themselves_o secure_a and_o think_v that_o they_o either_o have_v escape_v the_o divine_a punishment_n or_o not_o deserve_v it_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o conclusion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o god_n public_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n take_v separately_z say_v to_o increase_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v a_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a life_n undergo_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n of_o man_n most_o dread_v as_o poverty_n hunger_n pain_n and_o a_o violent_a death_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n continue_v to_o be_v the_o most_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o example_n his_o apostle_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o profess_v a_o extraordinary_a love_n suffer_v all_o the_o sensible_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v yet_o the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n now_o exalt_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o temporal_a affliction_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n any_o indication_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o contrary_a of_o his_o favour_n so_o then_o in_o vain_a do_v man_n reject_v or_o defer_v repentance_n because_o they_o see_v not_o the_o constant_a execution_n of_o his_o displeasure_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n for_o how_o shall_v that_o displeasure_n exert_v itself_o not_o in_o poverty_n affliction_n or_o in_o temporal_a calamity_n for_o these_o we_o find_v in_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o dear_a servant_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o the_o disfavour_n of_o god_n yet_o from_o these_o character_n alone_o man_n will_v take_v his_o measure_n who_o fond_o imagine_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o such_o disaster_n and_o know_v no_o great_a misery_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o they_o while_o he_o consult_v his_o sense_n alone_o but_o god_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v he_o know_v what_o will_v be_v real_a happiness_n and_o misery_n to_o man_n and_o therein_o place_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o his_o reward_n be_v not_o adapt_v to_o the_o sensual_a imagination_n of_o man_n so_o neither_o be_v his_o punishment_n to_o their_o fear_n and_o passion_n what_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a punishment_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o certain_o be_v so_o small_a a_o punishment_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o compensate_a the_o guilt_n of_o have_v offend_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n to_o revenge_v therefore_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n whole_o in_o this_o life_n can_v not_o but_o come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o demerit_n of_o their_o action_n and_o after_o all_o will_v but_o little_o contribute_v to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a justice_n of_o god_n or_o excite_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n since_o what_o god_n will_v in_o that_o case_n inflict_v will_v be_v far_o different_a from_o what_o man_n esteem_v the_o great_a misery_n which_o render_v the_o constant_a execution_n of_o divine_a justice_n in_o this_o life_n unpracticable_a other_o consideration_n make_v it_o unreasonable_a and_o first_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o time_n wherein_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n during_o which_o time_n neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n of_o his_o action_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v distribute_v but_o both_o reserve_v till_o that_o probation_n shall_v expire_v and_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o man_n be_v know_v this_o time_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o life_n on_o earth_n in_o which_o man_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n have_v propose_v to_o he_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n the_o reward_n of_o that_o obedience_n and_o all_o other_o motive_n to_o his_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n allure_v he_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n tempt_v he_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n fit_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o sense_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o any_o other_o interest_n than_o that_o of_o this_o life_n his_o will_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n be_v still_o reserve_v entire_a to_o he_o life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o he_o as_o it_o be_v by_o moses_n before_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v which_o he_o please_v still_o remember_v that_o upon_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o life_n depend_v the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o his_o future_a state_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n god_n ordinary_o affright_v he_o not_o into_o his_o duty_n by_o a_o certain_a execution_n of_o punishment_n consequent_a in_o this_o life_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o his_o sin_n neither_o do_v he_o draw_v he_o to_o obedience_n by_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o reward_n for_o that_o will_v destroy_v all_o the_o merit_n of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n since_o the_o action_n of_o man_n will_v then_o proceed_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o sense_n not_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o believe_v this_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o or_o do_v that_o because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o i_o say_v that_o ordinary_o god_n do_v not_o dispose_v man_n to_o obedience_n by_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o justice_n execute_v in_o this_o life_n although_o often_o in_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n he_o do_v extraordinary_o in_o this_o life_n reward_v the_o eminent_a good_a action_n of_o his_o obedient_a servant_n and_o punish_v the_o more_o notorious_a sin_n of_o wicked_a men._n this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o man_n to_o who_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a light_n of_o revelation_n he_o do_v sometime_o indulge_v these_o extraordinary_a admonition_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o any_o rule_n by_o we_o we_o may_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o prosperity_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o not_o inflict_v of_o exemplary_a revenge_n a_o sign_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o rather_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o a_o trial_n of_o obedience_n during_o which_o he_o patient_o await_v our_o resolution_n all_o this_o our_o lord_n manifest_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n which_o the_o housholder_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n but_o till_o then_o be_v mix_v secure_o among_o the_o corn_n plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n make_v no_o discrimination_n between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o suffer_v both_o alike_o to_o live_v secure_a without_o any_o denunciation_n of_o his_o judgement_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n which_o himself_o explain_v to_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n shall_v be_v sever_v from_o each_o other_o this_o proceed_n indeed_o do_v shock_n the_o common_a understanding_n of_o man_n but_o that_o arise_v from_o
and_o not_o break_v loose_a from_o the_o chain_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o state_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n be_v indeed_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o high_a confusion_n without_o any_o consolation_n or_o apparent_a possibility_n of_o recovery_n yet_o much_o great_a be_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o unrepentant_a sinner_n who_o suffer_v all_o this_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o until_o he_o be_v regenerate_v see_v no_o approach_a delivery_n from_o all_o these_o calamity_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o church_n be_v rescue_v by_o his_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o from_o all_o these_o misery_n be_v unhappy_a man_n deliver_v by_o his_o regeneration_n our_o lord_n by_o his_o resurrection_n vindicate_v his_o honour_n from_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v argue_v against_o his_o divinity_n from_o the_o seem_a imperfection_n of_o his_o suffering_n overthrow_v the_o design_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o the_o ignominy_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o disgrace_n and_o despair_n which_o it_o have_v by_o his_o death_n incur_v such_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n resurrection_n and_o no_o less_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o rise_v with_o christ_n from_o sin_n unto_o a_o new_a life_n which_o remove_v that_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n introduce_v into_o our_o nature_n by_o sin_n restore_v it_o to_o that_o primitive_a glory_n which_o it_o obtain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n rescue_v we_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n repair_v the_o honour_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o render_v we_o infinite_o happy_a by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o argument_n which_o enhance_v the_o glory_n os_fw-la christ_n resurrection_n that_o god_n by_o interpose_v in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n in_o his_o behalf_n evident_o manifest_v how_o dear_a he_o be_v unto_o he_o who_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n in_o a_o state_n of_o disgrace_n nor_o suffer_v to_o see_v corruption_n this_o raise_v he_o beyond_o the_o degree_n of_o all_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a man_n and_o place_v he_o in_o such_o a_o height_n of_o glory_n as_o can_v be_v resemble_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o regeneration_n of_o a_o christian_a wherein_o god_n interpose_v by_o his_o power_n not_o so_o visible_o indeed_o but_o no_o less_o miraculous_o convert_v assist_v and_o confirm_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n without_o which_o this_o admirable_a change_n can_v be_v effect_v a_o change_n which_o however_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n declare_v the_o power_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o produce_v habit_n of_o the_o most_o exalt_a virtue_n in_o a_o soul_n before_o overwhelm_v with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n for_o resurrection_n denote_v not_o only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o calamity_n of_o death_n and_o corruption_n but_o also_o a_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o renew_v a_o active_a course_n of_o life_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o bare_o content_a to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n but_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o triumphant_o into_o heaven_n and_o there_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n employ_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o mediate_v continual_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n if_o then_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o vital_a action_n proper_a to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a virtue_n and_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o new_a society_n with_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v far_o a_o bare_a recovery_n of_o life_n deserve_v not_o the_o title_n of_o a_o resurrection_n for_o then_o the_o intermediate_v death_n will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n at_o least_o it_o reach_v not_o the_o illustrious_a example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n who_o after_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a state_n than_o before_o his_o death_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n sin_n only_o except_v after_o his_o resurrection_n exempt_v from_o they_o all-before_a his_o passion_n subject_a to_o change_v and_o decay_n after_o his_o resurrection_n instate_v in_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a possession_n of_o glory_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n amplify_v this_o very_a matter_n rom._n vi_o 9_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o his_o life_n precede_v and_o follow_v his_o resurrection_n be_v infinite_o different_a that_o contemptible_a and_o mean_a this_o glorious_a and_o terrible_a that_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n this_o exalt_a above_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n converse_v not_o open_o among_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o from_o that_o time_n a_o new_a and_o different_a state_n of_o life_n be_v to_o commence_v never_o any_o more_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o relinquish_v whence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o express_v it_o near_o in_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o improve_v our_o obedience_n far_o than_o be_v exact_v of_o we_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o no_o more_o than_o temporary_a reward_n be_v promise_v at_o least_o that_o after_o our_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a life_n after_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n we_o walk_v invariable_o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o to_o relapse_n into_o our_o former_a state_n which_o we_o relinquish_v bydy_v with_o christ_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o partake_v in_o his_o resurrection_n by_o a_o similitude_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v otherwise_o secure_v to_o we_o a_o near_a imitation_n of_o he_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n in_o the_o next_o of_o this_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n without_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n man_n will_v have_v be_v prone_a to_o disbelieve_v they_o it_o seem_v a_o matter_n incredible_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o god_n shall_v after_o many_o age_n recollect_v the_o scatter_a part_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o reunite_a they_o into_o their_o former_a frame_n once_o more_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o live_a soul_n this_o to_o some_o seem_v impossible_a to_o other_o improbable_a but_o both_o be_v refute_v by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n which_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n always_o urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v and_o be_v employ_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o chief_a argument_n against_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o 1_o epist._n xv._n chapter_n god_n have_v promise_v as_o well_o to_o raise_v up_o mankind_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o the_o certain_a completion_n of_o this_o latter_a promise_n secure_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a benefit_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o how_o all_o precede_a promise_n be_v infallible_o perform_v and_o thus_o in_o some_o sense_n all_o mankind_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n inasmuch_o as_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 20._o that_o as_o the_o whole_a mass_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n so_o all_o mankind_n receive_v a_o earnest_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v their_o resurrection_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n but_o then_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o proper_a manner_n all_o faithful_a christian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ._n there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n a_o terrible_a as_o well_o as_o a_o desirable_a resurrection_n to_o rise_v therefore_o with_o christ_n be_v the_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o that_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o epist._n i._n 4._o be_v to_o rise_v to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o good_a and_o pious_a christian_n the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o they_o to_o such_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n
privilege_n of_o nature_n and_o derogate_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n but_o forbid_v man_n to_o be_v transport_v by_o passion_n against_o their_o adversary_n and_o not_o to_o seek_v revenge_n for_o revenge_n sake_n that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o forbid_v to_o repair_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o injury_n or_o prevent_v the_o like_a injustice_n to_o himself_o or_o other_o for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o return_v the_o injury_n and_o gratify_v his_o anger_n in_o create_v a_o like_a inconvenience_n to_o his_o adversary_n or_o maintain_v a_o inward_a hatred_n to_o he_o and_o herein_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n most_o eminent_o discover_v itself_o for_o to_o preserve_v the_o common_a right_n of_o justice_n be_v no_o extraordinary_a matter_n for_o a_o reveal_v religion_n to_o perform_v this_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o temporal_a interest_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o civil_a society_n may_v effect_v but_o to_o conquer_v those_o violent_a passion_n of_o hatred_n anger_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n to_o retain_v a_o quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a mind_n amid_o provoke_a injury_n and_o affront_v to_o entertain_v the_o insult_n of_o a_o enemy_n rather_o with_o pity_n than_o resentment_n and_o manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o by_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o forgive_v they_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n and_o most_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o soul_n fill_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a thing_n which_o have_v a_o entire_a command_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o do_v in_o earnest_n pursue_v the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a religion_n these_o chief_o render_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n admirable_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o will_v make_v we_o the_o not_o unworthy_a disciple_n of_o so_o great_a a_o master_n last_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v correspondent_a to_o all_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o be_v most_o intense_a and_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n indeed_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o darling_n virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n which_o he_o studious_o cultivate_v above_o all_o other_o to_o promote_v which_o all_o his_o design_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n tend_v and_o his_o example_n most_o direct_o lead_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n be_v almost_o so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n even_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v primary_o wrought_v to_o testify_v his_o divine_a power_n bear_v eminent_a character_n of_o this_o love_a kindness_n be_v employ_v in_o heal_v the_o disease_n and_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o man_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o even_o his_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v mark_n vii_o 37._o he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o he_o make_v both_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v but_o the_o high_a testimony_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v his_o inestimable_a love_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n his_o descent_n from_o heaven_n ignominious_a life_n upon_o earth_n and_o at_o last_o most_o painful_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o rescue_v his_o own_o creature_n who_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o 1_o john_n iii_o 16._o and_o great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n a_o love_n so_o stupendous_a that_o it_o no_o less_o confound_v the_o apprehension_n than_o exceed_v the_o imitation_n of_o finite_a men._n to_o this_o the_o high_a expression_n of_o our_o charity_n be_v but_o faint_a attempt_n and_o imperfect_a shadow_n a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o capacity_n and_o therefore_o not_o require_v but_o whatsoever_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o can_v be_v but_o a_o mean_a return_n to_o so_o vast_a a_o obligation_n st._n john_n therefore_o make_v this_o easy_a and_o natural_a inference_n from_o it_o belove_v if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o john_n iu._n 11._o if_o our_o creator_n love_v we_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o worthy_a his_o love_n but_o have_v many_o way_n offend_v and_o deserve_v his_o extreme_a displeasure_n if_o he_o love_v we_o to_o so_o wonderful_a a_o degree_n sure_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v our_o fellow_n creature_n who_o have_v in_o they_o no_o less_o excellent_a perfection_n than_o ourselves_o with_o all_o possible_a affection_n which_o however_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n be_v yet_o infinite_o beneath_o the_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o especial_o since_o our_o saviour_n chief_o impose_v this_o condition_n on_o we_o in_o return_n of_o his_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o that_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o example_n john_n xiii_o 34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o very_a life_n of_o christianity_n without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o this_o in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n christian_n be_v eminent_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o devote_v all_o their_o possession_n to_o the_o office_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a a_o excess_n of_o charity_n which_o however_o no_o long_a practicable_a than_o while_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n continue_v to_o be_v small_a and_o be_v therefore_o lay_v aside_o when_o the_o church_n become_v numerous_a as_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o convenient_a nor_o even_o possible_a yet_o clear_o show_v what_o be_v the_o primitive_a genius_n of_o christianity_n how_o exact_o they_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n and_o with_o what_o fervour_n of_o charity_n they_o be_v endue_v a_o fervour_n which_o expire_v not_o with_o the_o disuse_n of_o that_o apostolic_a custom_n of_o share_v their_o possession_n in_o common_a but_o continue_v to_o exert_v itself_o for_o some_o age_n after_o in_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o real_a charity_n insomuch_o that_o the_o heathen_n use_v to_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n see_v how_o these_o galilean_n love_v one_o another_o if_o then_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v accuse_v of_o have_v disobey_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n forsake_v his_o example_n and_o entire_o lose_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v retreive_v that_o admirable_a charity_n which_o be_v by_o he_o so_o mighty_o enjoin_v practise_v and_o bequeath_v to_o his_o disciple_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o some_o of_o the_o great_a line_n and_o stroke_n of_o it_o and_o show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o most_o excellent_a which_o can_v possible_o be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o urge_v the_o imitation_n of_o it_o in_o some_o few_o word_n first_o then_o the_o imitation_n of_o this_o divine_a example_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a consider_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o disciple_n which_o include_v not_o only_o a_o obligation_n of_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o follow_v his_o example_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o divine_a precept_n be_v proper_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o believer_n but_o of_o a_o disciple_n to_o imitate_v the_o action_n and_o conduct_v of_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o the_o patriarch_n and_o jew_n may_v well_o be_v call_v believer_n in_o god_n but_o not_o the_o disciple_n of_o god_n precept_n only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a example_n be_v not_o propose_v as_o a_o rule_n unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v also_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n call_v his_o disciple_n because_o they_o be_v the_o constant_a witness_n and_o attendant_n of_o his_o life_n who_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v his_o companion_n as_o well_o in_o moral_a as_o natural_a action_n although_o this_o title_n be_v not_o so_o far_o appropriate_v to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o we_o if_o we_o take_v the_o same_o care_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o they_o do_v we_o may_v follow_v it_o though_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o may_v pursue_v it_o though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o and_o that_o
we_o may_v do_v it_o those_o first_o and_o chief_a disciple_n have_v enable_v we_o by_o give_v we_o large_a account_n of_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n himself_o tell_v we_o john_n xv._n 8._o if_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o ver._n 10._o explain_v their_o bear_v much_o fruit_n by_o imitate_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n if_o you_o keep_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n even_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n so_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o religious_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o bless_a jesus_n live_v on_o earth_n he_o pursue_v the_o true_a end_n of_o happiness_n and_o cultivate_v those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o office_n what_o honour_n then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n of_o action_n it_o be_v the_o high_a ambition_n of_o the_o more_o generous_a among_o the_o heathen_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o their_o ancient_a hero_n and_o be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o ardent_o desire_v to_o resemble_v our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n their_o ambition_n be_v misplace_v and_o therefore_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o unhappiness_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v too_o great_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o pious_a soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o same_o duty_n wherein_o the_o bless_a jesus_n spend_v his_o life_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o devotion_n to_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n this_o consideration_n will_v dispel_v all_o weariness_n will_v add_v vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o all_o temporal_a evil_n which_o may_v attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n this_o will_v support_v we_o under_o all_o outward_a calamity_n alleviate_v our_o sorrow_n and_o calm_v our_o tempest_n to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n endure_v the_o same_o affliction_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n if_o he_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o fury_n of_o devil_n shall_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o same_o enemy_n if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o john_n xv._n 18._o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o same_o fortune_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n no_o sure_o only_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o they_o be_v on_o he_o that_o be_v not_o through_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n so_o shall_v we_o imitate_v he_o as_o well_o in_o the_o most_o happy_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o affliction_n as_o in_o the_o affliction_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o last_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n will_v be_v our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n if_o only_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v be_v give_v to_o we_o we_o may_v have_v be_v daily_o distract_v with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v the_o meaning_n extent_n and_o application_n of_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o error_n and_o craft_n of_o man_n and_o render_v useless_a by_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n whereas_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v away_o all_o these_o scruple_n and_o place_v every_o precept_n in_o its_o full_a light_n if_o we_o true_o imitate_v his_o example_n we_o be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v in_o all_o thing_n do_v our_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o perform_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o once_o obtain_v that_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n may_v we_o have_v by_o follow_v his_o example_n than_o by_o respect_v his_o precept_n only_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n after_o so_o many_o rule_n and_o precept_n give_v to_o his_o convert_v still_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o but_o then_o no_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ._n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ._n r_o cor._n xi_o 1._o by_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o gainsay_n of_o foolish_a man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o profound_a knowledge_n or_o deep_a speculation_n if_o they_o deride_v our_o christian_a virtue_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o duty_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o mortification_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o in_o practise_v they_o we_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n let_v they_o please_v themselves_o with_o their_o mirth_n and_o false_a supposal_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o pattern_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o place_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o precept_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n have_v at_o least_o recommend_v they_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o can_v assert_v they_o by_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o result_n from_o it_o let_v we_o by_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o follow_v this_o most_o excellent_a example_n fullfil_v the_o obligation_n and_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v on_o earth_n make_v like_o unto_o he_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n so_o we_o may_v hereafter_o in_o heaven_n be_v make_v yet_o more_o like_a unto_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o immortality_n the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v october_n 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n have_v so_o contrive_v that_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v equal_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o excellency_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o it_o propose_v in_o its_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o beget_v and_o establish_v due_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o admirable_a congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n his_o goodness_n be_v conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o those_o infinite_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o liberal_a distribution_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o which_o more_o direct_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n in_o adapt_a that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o thereby_o render_v it_o no_o less_o easy_a than_o advantageous_a and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a among_o the_o heathen_n many_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n have_v employ_v their_o wit_n in_o refine_n the_o superstition_n of_o their_o country_n and_o assign_v reason_n for_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o obtain_v among_o they_o but_o their_o notion_n be_v abstruse_a and_o mystical_a their_o
any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n we_o have_v be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n to_o embrace_v and_o practise_v it_o to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o by_o obey_v they_o we_o may_v have_v procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n many_o duty_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o relation_n which_o we_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o will_v not_o have_v cease_v to_o oblige_v we_o although_o no_o revelation_n have_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o or_o if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reinforce_v these_o duty_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v entail_v any_o reward_n on_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o as_o be_v part_n of_o our_o duty_n antecedent_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n if_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o more_o than_o be_v natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n even_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o laborious_a duty_n he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v it_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n as_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v it_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o mankind_n to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o to_o these_o he_o have_v add_v threat_n and_o punishment_n he_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v abundant_o secure_v mankind_n from_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o command_n since_o none_o but_o the_o most_o stupid_a and_o brutal_a person_n will_v for_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o few_o not_o only_o irrational_a but_o trifle_a vanity_n incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a be_v and_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o vengeance_n or_o if_o to_o action_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n action_n have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o they_o beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o difficulty_n he_o have_v adjoin_v a_o promise_n of_o infinite_a reward_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v omit_v they_o without_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o folly_n when_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o may_v procure_v so_o vast_a a_o reward_n the_o sole_a hope_n of_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o force_v our_o inclination_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n but_o when_o to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o preservation_n he_o have_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o adapt_v those_o revelation_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n when_o he_o have_v urge_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o reveal_v truth_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o punishment_n on_o the_o other_o and_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proceed_v to_o heap_v new_a favour_n on_o we_o entreat_v we_o as_o a_o friend_n bear_v with_o we_o as_o a_o father_n and_o by_o prodigy_n of_o mercy_n lead_v we_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o must_v profess_v ourselves_o astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o so_o stupendous_a a_o goodness_n and_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o unable_a to_o celebrate_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o may_v have_v satisfy_v both_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o require_v of_o we_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n without_o any_o reward_n or_o proportion_v his_o reward_n to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o service_n or_o propose_v both_o reward_n and_o duty_n without_o add_v continue_a act_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n yet_o contribute_v all_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v no_o less_o infinite_a than_o his_o nature_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o who_o when_o it_o be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o appeal_v even_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n as_o he_o do_v sometime_o in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a o_o house_n of_o israel_n choose_v rather_o to_o conquer_v we_o by_o kindness_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o goodness_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o understand_v that_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n xix_o 17._o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o one_o that_o be_v god_n as_o his_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o exercise_v act_n of_o beneficence_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o goodness_n as_o psalm_n lxxiii_o 1._o true_o god_n be_v good_a unto_o israel_n even_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o again_o psalm_n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o his_o goodness_n be_v apt_o express_v by_o the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o former_a attribute_n indeed_o represent_v god_n to_o mankind_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o incit_v brave_a and_o generous_a soul_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v a_o near_a similitude_n and_o conformity_n to_o their_o creator_n the_o imitation_n of_o who_o be_v their_o ùtmost_a perfection_n but_o the_o latter_a chief_o create_v in_o we_o that_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o efficacious_a principle_n of_o all_o religious_a action_n by_o represent_v to_o we_o his_o infinite_a affection_n to_o mankind_n his_o benefactive_a nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n which_o even_o although_o we_o forget_v our_o duty_n and_o neglect_v our_o interest_n can_v but_o excite_v a_o lively_a senfe_fw-mi of_o gratitude_n in_o we_o and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o beneficence_n and_o indulgence_n of_o god_n be_v design_v in_o the_o text_n by_o the_o term_n goodness_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a whereby_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o inflict_v the_o deserve_a punishment_n upon_o sinner_n but_o withhold_v his_o anger_n and_o patient_o await_v their_o repentance_n whereby_o he_o do_v not_o present_o revenge_v the_o injury_n and_o affront_v do_v to_o his_o law_n and_o person_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o compassionate_v our_o nature_n and_o at_o all_o time_n reserve_v mercy_n for_o penitent_a sinner_n a_o attribute_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v render_v god_n more_o amiable_a and_o dear_a unto_o we_o or_o more_o effectual_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v not_o the_o perverseness_n of_o mankind_n no_o less_o infinite_a than_o his_o goodness_n yet_o do_v many_o in_o that_o age_n and_o as_o i_o fear_v more_o in_o our_o time_n make_v a_o contrary_a use_n of_o this_o goodness_n by_o thence_o take_v encouragement_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o see_v not_o vengeance_n to_o be_v speedy_o execute_v and_o experience_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o from_o these_o attribute_n infer_v a_o contrary_a conclusion_n to_o what_o they_o have_v form_v namely_o that_o this_o aught_o rather_o to_o dispose_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n by_o enforce_v all_o other_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n of_o gratitude_n which_o be_v violate_v in_o a_o most_o enormous_a manner_n by_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o a_o contrary_a intent_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n in_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v and_o improve_v the_o apostle_n argument_n by_o consider_v it_o as_o well_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o influence_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o all_o our_o action_n in_o general_a as_o in_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n in_o particular_a in_o discourse_v of_o the_o first_o head_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o proposition_n i._o that_o gratitude_n or_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n
be_v increase_v how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v god_n only_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o reveal_v religion_n which_o we_o profess_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v he_o also_o as_o the_o common_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o office_n nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o impartial_a execution_n of_o justice_n which_o can_v consist_v if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v distribute_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n if_o the_o reward_v propose_v to_o the_o diligent_a observer_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o the_o neglecter_n of_o they_o in_o vain_a then_o will_v good_a man_n employ_v so_o much_o industry_n zeal_n and_o caution_n in_o vain_a shall_v they_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n deny_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o more_o arduous_a duty_n of_o christianity_n if_o by_o all_o this_o they_o gain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o negligent_a sinner_n may_v secure_v to_o themselves_o and_o yet_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o a_o deprave_a will_n can_v desire_v nor_o can_v we_o account_v for_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v require_v such_o difficult_a duty_n of_o his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n and_o yet_o allow_v the_o same_o reward_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o they_o our_o lord_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n indeed_o those_o great_a pretender_n to_o holiness_n that_o the_o sinner_n and_o publican_n go_v into_o heaven_n before_o they_o and_o in_o another_o place_n say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n but_o then_o those_o sinner_n do_v repent_v which_o the_o pharisee_n refuse_v to_o do_v and_o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o heaven_n be_v there_o no_o other_o than_o prayer_n and_o tear_n without_o those_o the_o supreme_a judge_n will_v continue_v inexorable_a to_o they_o who_o have_v promise_v indeed_o to_o lay_v open_a heaven_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n will_v admit_v they_o into_o it_o otherwise_o what_o abraham_n say_v to_o god_n gen._n xviii_o 25._o when_o he_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v involve_v the_o just_a inhabitant_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o univeâ—…sal_a destruction_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o bring_v upon_o those_o city_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a the_o same_o we_o may_v just_o apply_v if_o god_n communicate_v the_o reward_n of_o just_a man_n such_o as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o hope_v of_o future_a happiness_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o sar_n be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v any_o such_o uneven_a conduct_n in_o god_n who_o from_o the_o in_o variable_a distribution_n of_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a of_o punishment_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n raise_v the_o proof_n of_o his_o own_o justice_n ezek._n xviii_o 25_o 26_o 27._o hear_v now_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a when_o a_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v die_v again_o when_o the_o wicked_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v save_v his_o soul_n alive_a therefore_o i_o will_v judge_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o head_n that_o i_o have_v little_a time_n leave_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o usefulness_n of_o repentance_n in_o that_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a sincere_a and_o right_o apply_v it_o avert_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n not_o through_o any_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o its_o own_o but_o through_o the_o gracious_a acceptance_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v pardon_n upon_o true_a repentance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v therefore_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o repentance_n be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v do_v nothing_o without_o most_o evident_a reason_n god_n therefore_o whensoever_o he_o take_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o caâ—…th_v it_o to_o judgement_n judge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o present_a disposition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o man_n have_v former_o live_v up_o to_o his_o command_n but_o do_v afterward_o apostatise_v from_o they_o and_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o die_v in_o that_o corrupt_a habit_n of_o mind_n he_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o former_o neglect_v his_o duty_n but_o before_o his_o death_n have_v change_v all_o the_o habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n into_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o love_n of_o piety_n and_o die_v in_o they_o god_n will_v reward_v he_o according_a to_o that_o prefent_a dispofition_n such_o a_o repentance_n then_o which_o god_n will_v accept_v must_v be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o mind_n not_o a_o slight_a sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n nor_o even_o a_o bitter_a sorrow_n for_o they_o if_o found_v only_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o punishment_n attend_v they_o it_o proceed_v not_o to_o change_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o with_o such_o a_o sorrow_n a_o love_n of_o sin_n may_v well_o consist_v nor_o even_o if_o this_o sorrow_n shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o duty_n for_o many_o day_n together_o and_o often_o break_v out_o into_o ardent_a ejaculation_n of_o devotion_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o avail_n unless_o the_o will_v be_v firm_o settle_v in_o resolution_n of_o continue_v the_o work_n so_o well_o begin_v and_o take_v off_o from_o all_o complacency_n in_o sin_n as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v sound_n or_o healthful_a although_o it_o have_v now_o and_o then_o some_o interval_n of_o health_n unless_o the_o whole_a crasis_n of_o it_o be_v strong_a and_o uncorrupted_a that_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o himself_o herein_o let_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o the_o great_a temptation_n which_o he_o know_v can_v affect_v he_o let_v he_o imagine_v himself_o secure_a from_o be_v discover_v in_o this_o world_n and_o not_o be_v immediate_o snatch_v away_o to_o judgement_n then_o let_v he_o impartial_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o those_o circumstance_n he_o shall_v prefer_v his_o duty_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o resolution_n therein_o he_o may_v then_o hope_v well_o of_o his_o own_o condition_n but_o because_o man_n in_o such_o examination_n will_v be_v partial_a to_o themselves_o let_v he_o take_v a_o view_n of_o his_o late_a action_n in_o which_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o sin_n commit_v deliberate_o after_o consideration_n in_o cool_a blood_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_a then_o let_v he_o assure_o conclude_v that_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v deprave_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o must_v be_v change_v by_o repentance_n before_o god_n will_v extend_v any_o mercy_n to_o he_o and_o that_o without_o such_o repentance_n he_o be_v for_o ever_o lose_v for_o in_o every_o such_o deliberate_a sin_n man_n real_o choose_v damnation_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o precedent_a deliberation_n of_o it_o his_o conscience_n set_v before_o he_o life_n and_o death_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o command_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o obedience_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n affix_v to_o it_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o his_o will_v be_v overrule_v by_o the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o vice_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n man_n do_v therein_o make_v a_o absolute_a choice_n of_o damnation_n for_o himself_o and_o do_v as_o true_o renounce_v obedience_n to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o make_v a_o open_a and_o formal_a abjuration_n of_o it_o a_o mind_n therefore_o so_o corrupt_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v say_v to_o be_v well_o dispose_v or_o
be_v above_o so_o fit_a ourselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o representative_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o be_v not_o unworthy_a after_o death_n to_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o society_n of_o his_o natural_a and_o now_o glorious_a body_n in_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o he_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o fourteen_o sermon_n preach_v may_n four_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n joh._n fourteen_o 1._o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o return_n to_o his_o father_n endeavour_v by_o many_o preparatory_a discourse_n to_o confirm_v the_o mind_n and_o dispel_v the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o begin_v to_o despond_v at_o the_o news_n of_o his_o approach_a departure_n this_o to_o they_o not_o yet_o full_o understand_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v seem_v a_o total_a dereliction_n of_o they_o and_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o world_n they_o have_v forsake_v all_o the_o present_a convenience_n of_o life_n when_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o have_v all_o along_o share_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o hardship_n that_o their_o master_n be_v content_a to_o endure_v on_o earth_n in_o hope_n of_o partake_n at_o last_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o temporal_a kingdom_n which_o they_o fond_o imagine_v he_o will_v found_v on_o earth_n with_o these_o hope_n they_o support_v themselves_o under_o all_o their_o calamity_n and_o busy_v themselves_o in_o propose_v imaginary_a method_n of_o enjoy_v what_o they_o so_o long_o and_o so_o earnest_o expect_v we_o find_v they_o dispute_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a officer_n or_o the_o principal_a favourite_n in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o shall_v sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o his_o left_a and_o now_o that_o after_o their_o lord_n have_v enter_v into_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o triumphal_a manner_n their_o hope_n be_v enhance_v and_o expectation_n grow_v high_a as_o believe_v the_o completion_n of_o they_o to_o be_v at_o hand_n and_o that_o this_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v immediate_o commence_v when_o on_o a_o sudden_a all_o their_o hope_n be_v dash_v and_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n overthrow_v by_o a_o free_a and_o open_a declaration_n of_o their_o lord_n concern_v his_o suffering_n and_o ignominous_a death_n which_o now_o draw_v near_o and_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o what_o confusion_n and_o anxiety_n must_v we_o then_o conceive_v they_o to_o have_v be_v when_o not_o only_o their_o hope_n and_o therein_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n the_o fruit_n and_o reward_n of_o so_o many_o labour_n so_o much_o hardship_n undertake_v and_o endure_v in_o prospect_n of_o their_o preferment_n in_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o their_o master_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n overthrow_v and_o cancel_v when_o not_o only_a themselves_o be_v to_o be_v disperse_v as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n expose_v to_o the_o derision_n insult_v and_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o as_o our_o lord_n foretell_v shall_v even_o force_v they_o to_o deny_v their_o master_n and_o thereby_o renounce_v all_o title_n to_o any_o share_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v alone_o without_o any_o head_n to_o direct_v comfort_n and_o protect_v they_o when_o not_o only_o all_o these_o calamity_n be_v to_o come_v upon_o themselves_o but_o also_o their_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o utmost_a indignity_n and_o at_o last_o crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n what_o distraction_n must_v they_o then_o have_v suffer_v when_o so_o many_o contrary_a passion_n love_n of_o their_o master_n and_o fear_v of_o their_o own_o misery_n deprivation_n of_o past_a hope_n and_o despair_v of_o future_a happiness_n wrought_v together_o in_o their_o mind_n they_o retain_v still_o indeed_o some_o faint_a hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a who_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o satisfy_v all_o their_o expectation_n but_o alas_o even_o these_o remain_a hope_n be_v dissipate_v by_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v they_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o immediate_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v unto_o the_o father_n in_o this_o disconsolate_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n seek_v to_o cheer_v up_o the_o spirit_n and_o remove_v the_o despair_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o suffer_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v and_o that_o thus_o it_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v by_o give_v they_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o shall_v both_o comfort_n instruct_v and_o guide_v they_o by_o assure_v they_o this_o comforter_n can_v not_o be_v send_v until_o himself_o first_o return_v to_o the_o father_n and_o by_o his_o intercession_n shall_v obtain_v the_o mission_n of_o he_o that_o although_o his_o bodily_a presence_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o that_o he_o will_v ever_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o government_n and_o bless_a spirit_n by_o intercede_v for_o they_o continual_o with_o the_o father_n by_o promote_a their_o request_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n by_o pour_v down_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n on_o they_o and_o watch_v over_o they_o with_o a_o constant_a eye_n of_o providence_n but_o above_o all_o in_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o they_o in_o heaven_n to_o receive_v they_o after_o death_n and_o the_o final_a completion_n of_o their_o labour_n upon_o earth_n upon_o all_o these_o account_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o be_v trouble_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o his_o departure_n and_o the_o temporal_a calamity_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v ensue_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o a_o argument_n of_o consolation_n say_v to_o they_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o cannoâ—…_n deny_v that_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o safety_n also_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o resign_v up_o your_o will_n to_o his_o difposal_n and_o upon_o firm_a assurance_n that_o he_o both_o know_v and_o will_v what_o be_v best_a for_o you_o rest_v content_v in_o all_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o life_n if_o you_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o your_o religion_n in_o which_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o you_o have_v yet_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o rely_v upon_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n and_o distress_n as_o have_v often_o experience_v his_o peculiar_a kindness_n to_o your_o church_n and_o nation_n in_o many_o and_o wonderful_a instance_n which_o be_v therefore_o at_o first_o record_v that_o you_o may_v from_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n interpose_v in_o your_o behalf_n in_o all_o calamity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lxxviii_o psalm_n he_o give_v israel_n a_o law_n which_o he_o command_v our_o forefather_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o they_o come_v up_o they_o may_v show_v their_o child_n the_o same_o that_o they_o may_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o forget_v the_o work_n of_o god_n if_o for_o these_o reason_n you_o be_v content_a to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o relief_n in_o your_o affliction_n for_o much_o great_a reason_n you_o ought_v to_o confide_v and_o rely_v upon_o my_o promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o you_o and_o constant_a care_n of_o you_o even_o after_o i_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o you_o inasmuch_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v from_o i_o more_o manifest_a assurance_n of_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o you_o than_o ever_o be_v indulge_v to_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o patriarch_n or_o the_o jew_n my_o ability_n to_o do_v all_o this_o you_o can_v doubt_v as_o know_v who_o i_o be_o and_o what_o place_n i_o bear_v in_o heaven_n or_o if_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v this_o mere_o for_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o my_o person_n yet_o believe_v i_o for_o the_o very_a work_n sake_n ver._n 11._o be_v convince_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n as_o i_o have_v wrought_v for_o your_o satisfaction_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o i_o promise_v to_o you_o and_o then_o for_o my_o willingness_n to_o do_v it_o you_o have_v