certain_o never_o till_o the_o anabaptistical_n madness_n and_o enthusiastical_a frenzy_n of_o these_o last_o age_n do_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n presume_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o own_o to_o declare_v themselves_o absolve_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n within_o they_o from_o the_o eternal_a bond_n of_o reason_n right_o and_o justice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o indispensable_o oblige_v not_o only_o as_o we_o be_v man_n but_o much_o more_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o manifest_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o all_o for_o these_o usurpation_n be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o the_o very_a same_o man_n who_o most_o of_o all_o man_n that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n have_v invade_v the_o right_n of_o public_a government_n and_o private_a virtue_n the_o romanist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o enthusiast_n on_o the_o other_o the_o very_a same_o man_n have_v make_v the_o great_a invasion_n on_o religion_n itself_o the_o one_o on_o its_o purity_n the_o other_o on_o its_o unity_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pope_n hildebrand_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o assume_v a_o dominion_n and_o supremacy_n over_o all_o temporal_a law_n do_v not_o they_o first_o exalt_v themselves_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n above_o the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n and_o their_o successor_n of_o whatever_o name_n or_o sect_n who_o first_o false_o boast_v that_o their_o inward_a sanctity_n and_o inspiration_n do_v set_v they_o above_o the_o low_a rudiment_n and_o beggarly_a element_n of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o miscall_v the_o obligation_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n do_v the_o same_o man_n rest_v satisfy_v there_o do_v they_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n profess_v that_o all_o sober_a piety_n and_o decent_a worship_n and_o intelligible_a religion_n be_v as_o gross_a and_o carnal_a and_o antichristian_a and_o as_o grievous_a to_o their_o spirit_n as_o they_o have_v pronounce_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o moral_a virtue_n to_o be_v but_o god_n be_v praise_v neither_o of_o these_o abominable_a example_n be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n or_o antiquity_n to_o make_v a_o precedent_n against_o the_o constant_a universal_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a uncorrupt_a christian_a as_o well_o as_o jewish_a institution_n still_o therefore_o the_o same_o observation_n hold_v good_a that_o justice_n and_o piety_n righteousness_n and_o religion_n come_v into_o the_o world_n together_o in_o their_o beginning_n they_o be_v bring_v forth_o as_o twin_n the_o most_o belove_a child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o most_o likely_a offspring_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o they_o be_v contemporary_n at_o first_o so_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o educate_v together_o both_o cherish_v alike_o by_o god_n himself_o both_o observe_v alike_o by_o all_o wise_a holy_a and_o good_a man_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o mutual_a agreement_n between_o justice_n and_o piety_n be_v inseparable_a the_o perpetual_a union_n of_o righteousness_n and_o religion_n be_v most_o necessary_a the_o principle_n on_o which_o they_o both_o subsist_v the_o end_n which_o they_o will_v both_o produce_v be_v the_o same_o or_o subordinate_a one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a reason_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o true_a righteousness_n so_o they_o be_v of_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n the_o end_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o be_v of_o righteousness_n religion_n indeed_o do_v carry_v the_o bless_a work_n much_o far_o undertake_v to_o finish_v it_o in_o another_o life_n but_o righteousness_n begin_v it_o in_o this_o life_n and_o perform_v its_o part_n so_o well_o that_o without_o it_o religion_n itself_o can_v have_v little_a or_o no_o real_a influence_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o disciple_n be_v not_o mankind_n a_o society_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o righteousness_n contribute_v to_o make_v it_o a_o society_n as_o religion_n do_v to_o make_v it_o a_o church_n be_v it_o not_o righteousness_n that_o first_o make_v man_n begin_v to_o confide_v in_o one_o another_o to_o commit_v their_o private_a safety_n and_o profit_n to_o each_o other_o fidelity_n that_o therefore_o be_v the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o first_o people_v the_o world_n that_o first_o draw_v and_o entice_v man_n into_o house_n and_o city_n and_o then_o secure_v they_o there_o and_o so_o divide_a mankind_n from_o beast_n in_o condition_n as_o well_o as_o habitation_n certain_o it_o be_v righteousness_n as_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o first_o make_v man_n to_o be_v man_n and_o so_o prepare_v and_o then_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o reveal_v religion_n and_o at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v christian_n and_o saint_n if_o righteousness_n have_v not_o temper_v and_o soften_v and_o reconcile_v humane_a nature_n within_o itself_o no_o creature_n have_v be_v more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a than_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n none_o will_v have_v have_v more_o vehement_a passion_n to_o desire_v mischief_n none_o more_o cunning_a to_o contrive_v it_o none_o a_o great_a power_n to_o effect_v it_o if_o we_o take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n we_o leave_v nothing_o there_o of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n after_o which_o he_o be_v create_v take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o a_o private_a family_n and_o it_o soon_o turn_v into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o a_o state_n and_o that_o only_a become_v a_o more_o regular_a more_o politic_a more_o combine_v and_o therefore_o a_o more_o pernicious_a society_n of_o mighty_a robber_n take_v righteousness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n will_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o the_o complete_a work_n of_o god_n hand_n but_o a_o chaos_n still_o or_o a_o rude_a forest_n or_o wilderness_n or_o something_o worse_a for_o to_o be_v inhabit_v only_o by_o rapine_n and_o violence_n be_v worse_a than_o to_o be_v only_o a_o innocent_a unfrequented_a desert_n thus_o whatever_o increase_n of_o civil_a art_n whatever_o flourish_v of_o populous_a nation_n whatever_o intercourse_n between_o people_n and_o people_n have_v be_v practise_v to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n convenience_n and_o ornament_n of_o humane_a life_n they_o be_v all_o at_o first_o found_v on_o righteousness_n from_o that_o be_v derive_v to_o we_o all_o our_o temporal_a blessing_n without_o that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o eternal_a blessing_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a righteousness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a humanity_n no_o civility_n no_o kindness_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n no_o true_a religion_n for_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o some_o true_a humanity_n wherever_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n come_v it_o either_o find_v some_o civility_n or_o make_v it_o what_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o follow_v glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o righteousness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a will_n where_o there_o be_v no_o good_a will_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n or_o no_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o man_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o my_o text_n righteousness_n a_o virtue_n so_o beneficial_a so_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n so_o high_o value_v of_o god_n himself_o this_o deal_v with_o man_n as_o man_n upon_o the_o square_a upon_o even_a term_n just_o expect_v a_o like_a return_n of_o good_a office_n the_o next_o be_v mercy_n but_o that_o have_v more_o of_o superiority_n and_o majesty_n in_o it_o that_o take_v man_n on_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o the_o great_a generosity_n when_o they_o be_v either_o miserable_a by_o distress_n or_o obnoxious_a by_o injury_n relieve_v the_o one_o pardon_v the_o other_o whatever_o therefore_o i_o have_v say_v or_o can_v be_v say_v in_o praise_n of_o righteousness_n still_o the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o praise_n and_o practice_n aught_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o mercy_n great_a indeed_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o both_o these_o together_o all_o below_o righteousness_n be_v sin_n nothing_o be_v above_o mercy_n so_o that_o both_o together_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a compass_n of_o man_n duty_n to_o one_o another_o from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a part_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v all_o contain_v in_o two_o word_n honesty_n and_o charity_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n in_o my_o text._n thus_o they_o be_v best_a together_o but_o if_o consider_v asunder_o or_o compare_v than_o mercy_n
that_o prospect_n above_o which_o be_v the_o last_o bind_v of_o the_o very_a eye_n of_o our_o body_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v the_o last_o object_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o if_o that_o life_n that_o honour_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o your_o heart_n shall_v be_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o your_o pain_n and_o study_n if_o by_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n you_o shall_v aspire_v towards_o they_o you_o can_v come_v short_a of_o they_o this_o way_n you_o shall_v find_v as_o near_o and_o as_o sure_a a_o passage_n to_o heaven_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o earthly_a business_n and_o worldly_a employment_n conscientious_o and_o pious_o righteous_o and_o merciful_o manage_v as_o any_o other_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o expect_v from_o the_o great_a retirement_n of_o a_o solitary_a devotion_n i_o speak_v this_o on_o good_a authority_n for_o thus_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o dispense_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o gospel_n eternal_a glory_n be_v as_o much_o at_o least_o as_o much_o insure_v to_o the_o just_a and_o charitable_a virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o a_o active_a life_n and_o of_o a_o public_a station_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o any_o other_o part_n of_o all_o contemplative_a or_o practical_a religion_n whatever_o imagination_n some_o man_n may_v have_v concern_v the_o true_a way_n and_o gate_n that_o lead_v to_o celestial_a happiness_n which_o man_n have_v be_v always_o too_o ready_a to_o open_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o opinion_n too_o quick_a in_o shut_v it_o upon_o all_o other_o too_o many_o usurp_a a_o authority_n of_o brandish_v the_o terror_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o of_o scatter_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o mercy_n when_o and_o where_o they_o please_v which_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o ever_o commit_v to_o their_o distribution_n yet_o whatever_o claim_v such_o man_n may_v make_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n some_o pretend_v to_o they_o only_o by_o the_o free_a grace_n without_o regard_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n some_o only_a by_o rely_v on_o single_a faith_n and_o vilify_a of_o charity_n some_o by_o great_a scruple_n in_o little_a thing_n and_o far_o less_o care_n of_o great_a thing_n some_o by_o censure_v of_o other_o man_n life_n and_o put_v as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v under_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n by_o be_v more_o against_o other_o man_n religion_n than_o for_o their_o own_o yet_o undoubted_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o way_n these_o be_v all_o mistake_v unrighteous_a unmerciful_a way_n the_o only_a true_a way_n to_o heaven_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v trace_v out_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v often_o point_n at_o though_o it_o be_v narrow_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a not_o a_o cross_a way_n though_o it_o be_v straight_o yet_o it_o be_v passable_a and_o have_v a_o gate_n always_o open_a and_o what_o be_v this_o way_n what_o this_o gate_n it_o be_v not_o a_o dispute_v contentious_a compare_v censorious_a but_o a_o mild_a peaceable_a righteous_a merciful_a way_n and_o this_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o father_n christ_n make_v to_o we_o righteousness_n and_o that_o mercy_n and_o this_o righteousness_n make_v effectual_a to_o we_o man_n by_o the_o assistance_n and_o consolation_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o receive_v by_o man_n with_o a_o lively_a efficacious_a faith_n and_o that_o evidence_v to_o be_v in_o man_n by_o such_o effect_n as_o most_o resemble_v their_o divine_a original_a such_o as_o respect_v both_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v true_a righteousness_n and_o mercy_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o accompany_v with_o unfeigned_a piety_n towards_o god_n be_v there_o still_o behind_o in_o my_o text_n any_o more_o reward_v promise_v to_o the_o man_n who_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n indeed_o can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o mortal_a life_n and_o honour_n life_n and_o honour_v immortal_a yes_o there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o it_o be_v that_o you_o see_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o other_o reward_n it_o be_v righteousness_n itself_o he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n find_v life_n righteousness_n and_o honour_n which_o now_o if_o you_o please_v may_v be_v thus_o brief_o paraphrase_a he_o that_o live_v righteous_o and_o merciful_o towards_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v practice_v these_o virtue_n humble_o and_o constant_o if_o he_o shall_v perform_v they_o so_o as_o not_o at_o all_o to_o rely_v on_o their_o merit_n for_o salvation_n if_o still_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o want_n and_o believe_v the_o efficacy_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n more_o precious_a righteousness_n he_o shall_v then_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n and_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n that_o be_v promise_v indeed_o to_o our_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n but_o be_v purchase_v only_o by_o our_o saviour_n righteousness_n and_o bestow_v only_o by_o god_n mercy_n i_o be_o now_o arrive_v at_o the_o other_o more_o evangelical_n signification_n of_o the_o word_n righteousness_n but_o i_o come_v to_o it_o so_o late_a that_o i_o can_v treat_v of_o it_o at_o large_a and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o say_v nothing_o of_o it_o than_o too_o little_a only_o from_o this_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o beg_v leave_n to_o present_v you_o far_o with_o one_o short_a observation_n which_o perhaps_o will_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a by_o i_o to_o be_v mention_v with_o all_o submission_n by_o you_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o favourable_a interpretation_n you_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n of_o man_n righteousness_n and_o mercy_n to_o one_o another_o of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o mercy_n to_o man_n have_v the_o same_o divine_a author_n and_o example_n at_o first_o the_o same_o course_n and_o progress_n afterward_o and_o they_o be_v all_o along_o in_o scripture_n represent_v under_o the_o same_o or_o very_o like_a expression_n righteousness_n and_o mercy_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n in_o one_o sense_n they_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o the_o only_a possible_a mean_n and_o instrument_n to_o secure_v and_o preserve_v the_o one_o of_o these_o be_v civil_a government_n the_o only_a way_n to_o teach_v and_o maintain_v the_o other_o be_v religion_n what_o now_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o all_o this_o certain_o that_o as_o these_o two_o most_o admirable_a thing_n have_v themselves_o so_o long_o so_o well_o agree_v in_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o growth_n and_o increase_v as_o they_o be_v both_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o preserve_v they_o both_o be_v both_o most_o near_o unite_v in_o interest_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o mutual_a affection_n and_o assistance_n certain_o when_o god_n himself_o choose_v his_o first_o lawgiver_n and_o his_o first_o highpriest_n out_o of_o the_o same_o family_n when_o he_o appoint_v moses_n and_o aaron_n two_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o house_n to_o be_v his_o principal_a minister_n of_o justice_n and_o piety_n it_o be_v not_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o choice_n but_o there_o be_v even_o then_o some_o mystical_a intention_n and_o that_o be_v even_o then_o a_o happy_a presage_n that_o between_o the_o true_a righteousness_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o shall_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n be_v nourish_v a_o perpetual_a league_n and_o alliance_n offensive_a and_o defensive_a that_o as_o god_n himself_o express_v it_o aaron_n may_v be_v to_o moses_n instead_o of_o a_o mouth_n moses_n to_o aaron_n instead_o of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o not_o still_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o same_o entire_a union_n between_o both_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o as_o there_o be_v then_o among_o god_n own_o people_n have_v they_o not_o both_o the_o same_o strength_n and_o danger_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o fear_n the_o same_o friend_n and_o enemy_n the_o same_o friend_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o same_o enemy_n in_o earth_n and_o hell_n the_o common_a adversary_n of_o both_o may_v begin_v against_o religion_n as_o god_n know_v in_o most_o of_o our_o memory_n they_o do_v but_o do_v not_o then_o and_o will_v not_o always_o the_o ruin_n of_o righteousness_n sudden_o follow_v the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o seditious_a practice_n tumult_n and_o confusion_n among_o we_o the_o false_a cause_n of_o god_n have_v be_v first_o pretend_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o god_n first_o strike_v at_o and_o next_o to_o that_o immediate_o a_o false_a justice_n have_v be_v make_v a_o colour_n to_o supplant_v the_o true_a justice_n the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o attempt_v first_o to_o be_v remove_v that_o they_o may_v come_v at_o the_o state_n the_o more_o easy_o can_v there_o be_v then_o a_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o unite_v we_o all_o in_o prevent_v the_o like_a mischief_n than_o our_o common_a danger_n can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a guide_n to_o admonish_v we_o all_o how_o to_o prevent_v they_o than_o our_o common_a experience_n i_o profess_v i_o speak_v this_o not_o only_o as_o a_o necessary_a caution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o well_o in_o just_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o be_v past_a for_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o thank_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n on_o all_o side_n when_o they_o upbraid_v we_o as_o they_o often_o do_v that_o we_o be_v a_o mere_a state-religion_n because_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v always_o ever_o since_o its_o reformation_n inseparable_a from_o that_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o we_o free_o grant_v and_o must_v always_o assert_v as_o that_o by_o which_o we_o shall_v stand_v or_o fall_v nay_o by_o which_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v always_o stand_v so_o we_o must_v declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o next_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a use_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n next_o these_o the_o great_a establishment_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o our_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o confess_v we_o be_v a_o state-religion_n our_o church_n be_v reform_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o state_n and_o above_o all_o its_o enemy_n it_o best_o provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o state_n wherefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o frustrate_v all_o our_o enemy_n hope_n against_o our_o church_n and_o state_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o solid_a answer_n to_o all_o their_o little_a objection_n let_v we_o all_o unanimous_o persevere_v in_o our_o several_a station_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o obey_v to_o strengthen_v and_o defend_v one_o of_o the_o most_o moderate_a the_o wise_a the_o most_o pious_a frame_n of_o religion_n that_o ever_o christian_n enjoy_v since_o the_o primitive_a age_n one_o of_o the_o best_a the_o free_a the_o most_o happy_a constitution_n of_o civil_a government_n that_o ever_o mankind_n enjoy_v since_o the_o creation_n may_v we_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o whoever_o will_v subvert_v the_o state_n they_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n to_o religion_n whoever_o will_v destroy_v religion_n they_o be_v equal_o enemy_n to_o the_o state_n to_o both_o let_v we_o be_v subject_n xiii_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o the_o more_o for_o conscience_n sake_n because_o so_o very_o little_a or_o no_o wrath_n so_o much_o of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o both_o may_v therefore_o justice_n and_o piety_n mercy_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o that_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n may_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n always_o kiss_v each_o other_o among_o we_o may_v the_o counsel_n a_o person_n that_o advance_v and_o protect_v both_o in_o the_o nation_n be_v inviolable_o unite_v in_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n may_v they_o for_o ever_o prosper_v with_o lif_n and_o honor._n amen_o finis_fw-la eccles._n seven_o 16._o s._n james_n two_o 13._o s._n james_n two_o 13._o psal._n cvi_fw-la 45._o s._n mat._n ix_o 13._o s._n luke_n vi_fw-la 36._o ps._n cxlv_o 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n s._n mat._n seven_o 7._o i_o king_n iii._o rom._n twelve_o 21_o psalm_n xxxvii_o 25._o rom._n xiii_o
must_v triumph_v over_o 13._o and_o rejoice_v against_o judgement_n righteousness_n be_v a_o virtue_n unblamable_a mercy_n be_v a_o grace_n most_o lovely_a and_o honourable_a righteousness_n oblige_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o other_o man_n their_o own_o mercy_n incline_v we_o to_o give_v they_o our_o own_o too_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o righteousness_n make_v you_o not_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o other_o unjust_o mercy_n make_v you_o not_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o your_o enemy_n nay_o to_o be_v their_o friend_n their_o benefactor_n even_o their_o go_n most_o certain_o 13._o as_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n so_o god_n will_v require_v mercy_n with_o the_o great_a mercy_n for_o he_o will_v requite_v even_o righteousness_n with_o mercy_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n god_n be_v delight_v to_o exercise_v his_o mercy_n to_o man_n more_o than_o any_o nay_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v but_o esteem_v mercy_n in_o man_n above_o all_o other_o humane_a endowment_n so_o essential_a so_o dear_o be_v mercy_n to_o god_n himself_o that_o in_o his_o own_o inexpressibly-divine_a nature_n he_o seem_v to_o give_v it_o some_o special_a preeminence_n over_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n though_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o themselves_o all_o equal_o divine_a and_o infinite_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o mercy_n god_n seem_v willing_a to_o change_v his_o own_o eternal_a mind_n which_o be_v undoubted_o immutable_a 45._o it_o be_v say_v he_o repent_v according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n when_o he_o enjoin_v it_o we_o he_o prefer_v it_o before_o his_o own_o worship_n he_o say_v 13._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v his_o mercy_n may_v be_v say_v to_o sweeten_v his_o holiness_n to_o moderate_v his_o power_n to_o delay_v to_o stop_v his_o revenge_n to_o enlarge_v beyond_o all_o proportion_n his_o distributive_a and_o after_o all_o provocation_n to_o restrain_v his_o vindicative_a justice_n his_o mercy_n god_n often_o employ_v without_o any_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o his_o severe_a attribute_n but_o he_o seldom_o or_o never_o exercise_v any_o of_o they_o in_o this_o world_n so_o as_o utter_o irreparable_o to_o exclude_v his_o mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n he_o remember_v mercy_n the_o two_o great_a attribute_n by_o which_o god_n condescend_v to_o govern_v all_o humane_a affair_n be_v his_o power_n or_o his_o mercy_n but_o a_o almighty_a power_n alone_o have_v be_v rather_o dreadful_a than_o auspicious_a to_o mankind_n it_o may_v have_v fill_v man_n mind_n with_o fear_n and_o terror_n and_o have_v fright_v they_o into_o a_o servile_a compliance_n it_o be_v only_a mercy_n add_v to_o power_n that_o bring_v authority_n with_o it_o and_o charm_n man_n heart_n into_o a_o willing_a obedience_n which_o of_o these_o two_o god_n himself_o prefer_v can_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a instance_n than_o in_o the_o person_n and_o administration_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n moses_n the_o vicegerent_n of_o god_n power_n our_o saviour_n of_o his_o mercy_n moses_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n the_o son_n of_o god_n nay_o god_n himself_o during_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n we_o read_v much_o of_o country_n lay_v waist_n of_o nation_n plague_v of_o the_o first-born_a cut_v off_o of_o kingdom_n and_o army_n overwhelmed_a and_o destroy_v then_o religion_n seem_v rather_o incline_v to_o terrify_v the_o world_n than_o to_o pardon_v it_o to_o enforce_v a_o law_n than_o to_o persuade_v it_o to_o subdue_v enemy_n than_o to_o make_v friend_n but_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n religion_n seem_v on_o a_o sudden_a reconcile_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o not_o only_o to_o require_v by_o its_o divinity_n but_o to_o deserve_v by_o its_o clemency_n the_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o in_o our_o saviour_n work_n though_o there_o be_v undeniable_a testimony_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n yet_o there_o be_v more_o of_o his_o boundless_a mercy_n though_o both_o in_o he_o be_v infinite_a yet_o his_o mercy_n be_v most_o apparent_a such_o be_v mercy_n so_o wonderful_a adorable_a and_o universal_a in_o the_o first_o great_a example_n and_o most_o perfect_a original_a of_o it_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o in_o truth_n of_o imitation_n shall_v be_v the_o imperfect_a copy_n that_o we_o take_v of_o it_o from_o he_o though_o we_o can_v come_v near_o that_o mercy_n in_o any_o measure_n of_o equality_n yet_o we_o shall_v all_o strive_v to_o resemble_v it_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o it_o 9_o to_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a as_o he_o be_v merciful_a yes_o as_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o own_o work_n and_o above_o all_o our_o sin_n so_o shall_v our_o mercy_n be_v in_o our_o weak_a degree_n of_o proportion_n above_o all_o our_o own_o good_a work_n to_o other_o man_n above_o all_o other_o man_n ill_a work_n and_o offence_n against_o we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o we_o frail_a and_o sinful_a creature_n to_o be_v like_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o that_o very_a thing_n in_o which_o he_o be_v most_o our_o father_n most_o our_o heavenly_a father_n these_o than_o be_v the_o two_o great_a duty_n here_o recommend_v both_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n nothing_o bring_v heaven_n down_o so_o near_o to_o earth_n nothing_o raise_v earth_n so_o much_o towards_o heaven_n what_o then_o can_v be_v do_v better_a on_o earth_n what_o more_o worthy_a of_o heaven_n than_o to_o follow_v after_o they_o both_o and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o follow_v after_o they_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n in_o a_o true_a scripture_n sense_n which_o be_v my_o second_o head_n propose_v we_o read_v it_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n &c_n he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v find_v &_o indeed_o whoever_o will_v right_o pursue_v these_o or_o any_o other_o grace_n they_o must_v do_v it_o in_o a_o way_n not_o by_o secret_a shift_n and_o turn_n not_o in_o by-path_n or_o indirect_o not_o after_o any_o private_a fancy_n or_o spirit_n but_o by_o a_o tread_a direct_a lawful_a rule_n let_v i_o say_v it_o in_o the_o king_n highway_n thus_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v righteous_a to_o all_o man_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o friend_n or_o sect_n or_o party_n we_o may_v it_o be_v true_a be_v merciful_a to_o some_o man_n more_o than_o to_o other_o according_a to_o our_o opportunity_n or_o obligation_n or_o discretion_n but_o then_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v exceed_o careful_a that_o we_o be_v not_o unmerciful_a to_o any_o man_n thus_o to_o follow_v after_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o set_v about_o their_o performance_n speedy_o zealous_o indefatigable_o with_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n especial_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o christian_a man_n of_o this_o world_n plain_o and_o sincere_o to_o set_v your_o mind_n your_o tongue_n your_o hand_n your_o foot_n to_o the_o work_n with_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o your_o understanding_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v but_o chief_o with_o the_o most_o ardent_a and_o unwearied_a affection_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o the_o practice_n for_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v practice_n that_o god_n most_o regard_v and_o to_o follow_v after_o both_o these_o grace_n aright_o be_v to_o practise_v they_o both_o in_o their_o season_n and_o proportion_n never_o to_o divide_v two_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v so_o near_o join_v in_o his_o command_n in_o his_o own_o incomprehensible_a godhead_n have_v indissoluble_o unite_v they_o so_o we_o to_o conjoin_v and_o mingle_v they_o both_o together_o never_o to_o omit_v either_o of_o they_o on_o a_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o other_o but_o with_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o harmonious_a mixture_n of_o both_o in_o one_o to_o season_n to_o strengthen_v to_o justify_v all_o our_o mercy_n with_o righteousness_n to_o qualify_v to_o allay_v to_o sweeten_v all_o our_o righteousness_n with_o mercy_n and_o thus_o real_o to_o follow_v after_o both_o these_o thing_n in_o scripture-language_n be_v real_o to_o obtain_v they_o so_o gracious_a and_o benign_a be_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o your_o unfeigned_a labour_n and_o well-directed_n industry_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n bring_v with_o it_o a_o infallible_a success_n your_o very_a endeavour_n after_o they_o if_o uncounterfeit_a and_o persevere_v be_v often_o here_o take_v for_o the_o effect_n itself_o so_o gentle_o so_o compassionate_o do_v our_o good_a and_o only_o wise_a