fail_v of_o the_o prize_n he_o run_v for_o by_o mistake_v the_o way_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o st._n paul_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v express_v a_o thing_n tell_v we_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o only_o as_o such_o nay_o he_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o gift_n in_o the_o very_a same_o verse_n in_o which_o he_o affirm_v death_n to_o be_v as_o due_a to_o a_o sinner_n as_o wage_n be_v to_o a_o work_n man_n roman_n 6.23_o than_o which_o word_n nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o full_a and_o conclusive_a that_o salvation_n proceed_v whole_o upon_o free-gift_n though_o damnation_n upon_o strict_a desert_n nevertheless_o such_o be_v the_o extreme_a folly_n or_o rather_o sottishness_n of_o manâ—_n corrupt_a nature_n that_o this_o do_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mean_n satisfy_v he_o for_o though_o indeed_o he_o will_v fain_o be_v happy_a yet_o fain_o will_v he_o also_o thank_v none_o for_o it_o but_o himself_o and_o though_o he_o find_v that_o not_o only_o his_o duty_n but_o his_o necessity_n bring_v he_o every_o day_n upon_o his_o knee_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o very_a bread_n he_o eat_v yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o spiritual_n thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n he_o appear_v and_o act_n not_o as_o a_o suppliant_a but_o as_o a_o merchant_n not_o as_o one_o who_o come_v to_o be_v relieve_v but_o to_o traffic_n for_o something_o he_o will_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o something_o he_o will_v give_v he_o and_o nothing_o will_v content_v this_o insolent_a yet_o impotent_a creature_n unless_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o buy_v the_o very_a thing_n he_o beg_v such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o baseness_n of_o some_o spirit_n that_o where_o they_o receive_v a_o benefit_n too_o big_a for_o they_o to_o requite_v they_o will_v even_o deny_v the_o kindness_n and_o disow_v the_o obligation_n now_o this_o great_a self-delusion_n so_o prevalent_a upon_o most_o mind_n be_v the_o thing_n here_o encounter_v in_o the_o text._n the_o word_n of_o which_o by_o a_o usual_a way_n of_o speech_n under_o a_o interrogation_n couch_v a_o positive_a assertion_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o true_a proper_a and_o strict_a sense_n of_o merit_n noâ—_n do_v this_o interrogative_n way_n of_o expression_n import_v only_o a_o bare_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o in_o itself_o impossible_a but_o also_o a_o manifest_a undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o say_a impossibility_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v profitable_a to_o god_n for_o god_n to_o receive_v any_o advantage_n by_o man_n righteousness_n or_o to_o gain_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o make_v his_o way_n perfect_a and_o consequent_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n â—â—an_z for_o a_o man_n to_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v so_o irrational_a a_o conceit_n or_o to_o affirm_v so_o gross_a a_o paradox_n and_o that_o no_o other_o thing_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n but_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n will_v appear_v from_o a_o true_a state_n and_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n which_o we_o may_v not_o improper_o define_v a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o good_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o some_o good_a do_v together_o with_o a_o equivalence_n or_o parity_n of_o worth_n between_o the_o good_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o the_o good_a do_v so_o that_o although_o according_a to_o the_o common_a division_n of_o justice_n into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a that_o which_o be_v call_v commutative_a be_v employ_v only_o about_o the_o strict_a value_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o a_o arithmetical_a proportion_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n and_o the_o other_o species_n of_o justice_n call_v distributive_a as_o consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n admit_v of_o some_o latitude_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o truth_n even_o this_o distribution_n itself_o must_v so_o far_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o commutation_n that_o the_o good_a to_o be_v dispense_v by_o way_n of_o reward_n aught_o in_o justice_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o work_n or_o action_n which_o it_o be_v design_v as_o a_o compensation_n of_o so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o sink_v below_o it_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o full_a value_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o upon_o a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o true_a philosophy_n merit_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o instance_n or_o exemplification_n of_o that_o note_a saying_n or_o maxim_n that_o one_o benefaction_n or_o good_a turn_n require_v another_o and_o import_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o man_n claim_n or_o title_n to_o receive_v as_o much_o good_a from_o another_o as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o thus_o much_o therefore_o be_v premise_v as_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o drift_n or_o design_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o need_v any_o further_a exposition_n we_o shall_v observe_v and_o draw_v from_o they_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o something_o suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o they_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o second_o something_o express_v namely_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v utter_o false_a and_o absurd_a and_o that_o it_o iâ—_n impossible_a for_o man_n to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o three_o something_o infer_v from_o both_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v the_o very_a source_n or_o foundation_n of_o two_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o four_o and_o last_o something_o object_v against_o the_o particular_n discourse_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v â—o_o answer_v and_o remove_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o the_o thing_n suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o place_n too_o high_a a_o value_n both_o upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o performance_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o universal_a experience_n which_o prove_v it_o no_o less_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o bear_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o love_n we_o know_v be_v found_v in_o and_o result_v from_o a_o proportionable_a esteem_n of_o the_o object_n love_v so_o that_o look_v in_o what_o degree_n any_o man_n love_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o must_v esteem_v himself_o too_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o set_v his_o own_o price_n upon_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o do_v whether_o the_o world_n will_v come_v up_o to_o it_o or_o no_o as_o it_o seldom_o do_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n peter_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o mat._n nineteeen_o 27_o master_n say_v he_o we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o what_o shall_v we_o have_v therefore_o in_o which_o word_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o his_o lord_n and_o to_o expect_v no_o more_o of_o he_o as_o he_o think_v but_o strict_o a_o pennyworth_n for_o his_o penny_n and_o all_o this_o from_o a_o conceit_n that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o aâ—_n so_o exceed_o meritorious_a that_o it_o must_v even_o nonplus_n his_o master_n bouâ—â—y_n to_o quit_v score_n with_o he_o by_o a_o just_a requital_n nay_o so_o far_o have_v the_o same_o proud_a ferment_n get_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n that_o neither_o can_v their_o own_o low_a condition_n nor_o the_o constant_a sâ—rmons_n of_o that_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o humility_n who_o they_o daily_o converse_v with_o nor_o last_o the_o corrective_n of_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n total_o clear_a and_o cure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o principle_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o nature_n work_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o consider_v also_o â—he_v
its_o great_a clog_n and_o impediment_n as_o the_o skilfule_a artist_n in_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o sorry_a work_n of_o it_o shall_v he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o tool_n no_o way_n fit_a for_o his_o purpose_n but_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a or_o corporeal_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o rather_o in_o both_o certain_z it_o be_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v more_o rise_v and_o grow_v upon_o the_o fall_n of_o each_o other_o than_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v like_o a_o kind_n of_o balance_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o one_o mount_v up_o the_o other_o still_o sink_v down_o and_o the_o high_a estate_n of_o the_o body_n seldom_o or_o never_o fail_v to_o be_v the_o low_a decline_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o great_a contrariety_n and_o discord_n between_o they_o the_o apostle_n describe_v as_o well_o as_o word_n can_v do_v galat._n 5.7_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a like_o two_o mighty_a prince_n who_o territory_n join_v they_o be_v always_o encroach_a and_o warring_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o as_o it_o most_o common_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o worse_o cause_o have_v the_o best_a success_n so_o when_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n come_v to_o a_o battle_n it_o be_v seldom_o but_o the_o flesh_n come_v off_o victorious_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o great_a apostle_n who_o so_o constant_o exercise_v himself_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n do_v as_o constant_o and_o severe_o exercise_v himself_o to_o keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v have_v any_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a method_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o bodily_a pleasure_n dull_v and_o weaken_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n even_o upon_o a_o natural_a account_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o a_o spiritual_a now_o the_o pleasure_n which_o chief_o affect_v or_o rather_o bewitch_v the_o body_n and_o by_o so_o do_v become_v the_o very_a pest_n and_o poison_n of_o the_o noble_a and_o intellectual_a part_n of_o man_n be_v those_o false_a and_o fallacious_a pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n of_o each_o of_o which_o several_o and_o first_o for_o lust._n nothing_o do_v or_o can_v darken_v the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n more_o nay_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a efficacy_n this_o way_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n may_v just_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o very_a power_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v that_o which_o as_o naturalist_n observe_v strike_v at_o the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o brain_n something_o of_o that_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n mention_v in_o the_o 13_o the_o of_o st._n jude_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o very_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n of_o this_o vice_n nor_o do_v only_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o it_o demonstrate_v as_o much_o for_o have_v not_o samson_n think_v we_o a_o intolerable_a darkness_n and_o confusion_n upon_o his_o understanding_n while_o he_o run_v rove_a after_o every_o strumpet_n in_o that_o brutish_a manner_n that_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o his_o dalilah_n first_o put_v out_o and_o so_o of_o a_o judge_n of_o israel_n render_v himself_o real_o a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o when_o the_o two_o angel_n as_o we_o read_v in_o 19_o gen._n strike_v those_o monster_n the_o man_n of_o sodom_n with_o blindness_n have_v not_o their_o own_o detestable_a lust_n first_o strike_v they_o with_o a_o great_a or_o can_v herod_n have_v ever_o think_v himself_o oblige_v by_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o have_v murder_v the_o baptist_n have_v not_o his_o lust_n and_o his_o herodias_n imprison_v and_o murder_v his_o conscience_n first_o for_o sure_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o but_o teach_v he_o that_o no_o oath_n or_o vow_n whatsoever_o can_v warrant_v the_o great_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n but_o it_o seem_v his_o besotted_a conscience_n have_v break_v through_o the_o seven_o commandment_n the_o six_o stand_v too_o near_o it_o to_o be_v safe_a long_o and_o therefore_o his_o two_o great_a casuist_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o herodias_n the_o worse_a devil_n of_o the_o two_o have_v allow_v he_o to_o lie_v and_o wallow_v in_o adultery_n so_o long_o easy_o persuade_v he_o that_o the_o same_o salvo_n may_v be_v find_v out_o for_o murder_n also_o so_o that_o it_o be_v his_o lust_n obstinate_o continue_v in_o which_o thus_o darken_v and_o delude_v his_o conscience_n and_o the_o same_o will_n no_o doubt_n darken_v and_o delude_v and_o in_o the_o end_n extinguish_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n breathe_v who_o shall_v surrender_v himself_o up_o to_o it_o the_o light_n within_o he_o shall_v grow_v every_o day_n less_o and_o less_o and_o at_o length_n total_o and_o final_o go_v out_o and_o that_o in_o a_o stink_n too_o so_o hard_a or_o rather_o utter_o unfeasible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o be_v zealous_a votary_n of_o the_o blind_a god_n without_o lose_v their_o eye_n in_o his_o service_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o their_o nose_n do_v not_o follow_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v what_o a_o paradox_n it_o be_v in_o moral_n for_o any_o one_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o his_o lust_n to_o think_v to_o have_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o second_o place_n hold_v equal_o in_o that_o other_o branch_n of_o sensuality_n intemperance_n whereupon_o we_o find_v they_o both_o join_v together_o by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 4.11_o whoredom_n say_v he_o and_o wine_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a writ_n a_o man_n judge_v and_o discern_v ability_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o will_v preserve_v these_o faculty_n especial_o as_o to_o their_o discernment_n of_o spiritual_a object_n quick_a and_o vigorous_a must_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v the_o upper_a region_n of_o his_o soul_n clear_a and_o serene_a which_o the_o fume_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v luxurious_o take_v in_o will_v never_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v we_o know_v the_o method_n which_o this_o high_a and_o exact_a pattern_n of_o spiritual_a prudence_n st._n paul_n take_v to_o keep_v the_o great_a sentinel_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o conscience_n always_o vigilant_a and_o circumspect_a it_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o severe_a temperance_n heighten_v with_o frequent_a watch_n and_o fast_n as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 11.27_o in_o watch_n often_o in_o fast_n often_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o discipline_n which_o keep_v his_o sense_n exercise_v to_o a_o sure_a and_o exquisite_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o lamp_n within_o he_o shine_v always_o with_o a_o bright_a and_o a_o triumphant_a flame_n but_o gluttony_n and_o all_o excess_n either_o in_o eat_v or_o drink_v strange_o cloud_n and_o dull_v the_o intellectual_a power_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o conscience_n shall_v bear_v up_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v drink_v down_o a_o epicure_n practice_n natural_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o a_o epicure_n principle_n that_o be_v to_o a_o equal_a looseness_n and_o dissolution_n in_o both_o and_o he_o who_o make_v his_o belly_n his_o business_n will_v quick_o come_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n of_o as_o large_a a_o swallow_n as_o his_o throat_n of_o which_o there_o want_v not_o several_a scandalous_a and_o deplorable_a instance_n load_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v fit_a for_o none_o but_o a_o beast_n of_o burden_n to_o bear_v and_o he_o be_v much_o the_o great_a beast_n of_o the_o two_o who_o carry_v his_o burden_n in_o his_o belly_n than_o he_o who_o carry_v it_o upon_o his_o back_n on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o abstinence_n it_o strenghen_v the_o memory_n clear_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sharpen_v the_o judgement_n and_o in_o a_o word_n give_v reason_n its_o full_a scope_n of_o act_v and_o when_o reason_n have_v that_o it_o be_v always_o a_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a handmaid_n to_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n look_v no_o further_o than_o mere_a nature_n as_o many_o do_v not_o let_v no_o man_n expect_v to_o keep_v his_o gluttony_n and_o his_o part_n his_o drunkenness_n and_o his_o wit_n his_o revel_v and_o his_o judgement_n
a_o supplication_n for_o he_o into_o a_o satyr_n against_o he_o by_o represent_v he_o in_o our_o prayer_n under_o the_o character_n of_o one_o void_a of_o all_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o consequent_o a_o much_o fit_a object_n for_o god_n vengeance_n than_o his_o mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n in_o which_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v be_v in_o no_o small_a vogue_n with_o a_o certain_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o will_v allow_v neither_o the_o gift_n nor_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n to_o any_o but_o themselves_o for_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o they_o account_v their_o enemy_n and_o that_o only_o because_o they_o have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o make_v they_o so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o call_v a_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o they_o but_o a_o downright_a endite_v and_o arraign_v they_o before_o god_n as_o a_o pack_n of_o graceless_a wretch_n and_o villain_n and_o avow_a enemy_n to_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o and_o 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attainment_n of_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o the_o very_a last_o period_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o these_o be_v two_n first_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n before_o the_o world_n god_n will_v not_o have_v his_o worship_n like_o his_o nature_n invisible_a next_o to_o authority_n itself_o be_v the_o pomp_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v obey_v for_o what_o be_v sovereignty_n unknown_a or_o majesty_n unobserved_a what_o glory_n be_v it_o for_o the_o sun_n to_o direct_v the_o affair_n if_o he_o do_v not_o also_o attract_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v his_o open_a and_o universal_a light_n more_o than_o his_o occult_a influence_n that_o we_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o for_o religion_n if_o confine_v to_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o so_o much_o entertain_v as_o imprison_v that_o indeed_o be_v to_o be_v its_o fountain_n
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contribute_v to_o the_o support_n and_o benefit_n of_o society_n sure_o it_o must_v needs_o consist_v in_o the_o active_a piety_n of_o our_o life_n not_o in_o empty_a thought_n and_o fruitless_a persuasion_n for_o what_o can_v one_o man_n be_v the_o better_a for_o what_o another_o think_v or_o believe_v when_o a_o poor_a man_n beg_v a_o alm_n of_o i_o can_v i_o believe_v my_o bread_n into_o his_o mouth_n or_o my_o money_n into_o his_o hand_n believe_v without_o do_v be_v a_o very_a cheap_a and_o easy_a but_o withal_o a_o very_a worthless_a way_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o thus_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o active_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a bottom_n for_o we_o to_o build_v upon_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v namely_o to_o show_v those_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n which_o many_o venture_n to_o build_v upon_o and_o be_v accord_o deceive_v by_o which_o though_o they_o be_v exceed_o various_a and_o according_a to_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o man_n temper_n business_n and_o occasion_n almost_o infinite_a and_o like_o the_o sand_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n not_o only_o infirm_a but_o numberless_a also_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o poor_a judgement_n and_o observation_n i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o three_o head_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v a_o naked_a unoperative_a faith_n ask_v but_o some_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o will_v answer_v because_o they_o firm_o believe_v that_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o but_o since_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n to_o be_v confident_a of_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o know_v such_o as_o be_v more_o cautious_a will_v tell_v you_o further_o that_o to_o desire_v to_o believe_v be_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o desire_v to_o repent_v be_v to_o repent_v but_o as_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a since_o no_o act_n can_v be_v its_o own_o object_n without_o be_v not_o itself_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n be_v distinct_a thing_n and_o consequent_o a_o desire_n to_o believe_v can_v no_o more_o be_v belief_n than_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v save_v can_v be_v salvation_n so_o it_o be_v further_a intolerable_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o quite_o dispirit_n religion_n by_o place_v it_o in_o languid_a abortive_a velleity_n and_o so_o cut_v the_o nerve_n of_o all_o endeavour_n by_o rate_v glory_n at_o a_o bare_a desire_n and_o eternity_n at_o a_o wish_n but_o because_o the_o poison_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v so_o easy_o enter_v and_o so_o strange_o intoxicate_a i_o shall_v presume_v to_o give_v a_o antidote_n against_o it_o in_o this_o one_o observation_n namely_o that_o all_o along_o the_o scripture_n where_o justification_n be_v ascribe_v to_o faith_n alone_o there_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v still_o use_v by_o a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o antecedent_n for_o the_o consequent_a and_o do_v not_o signify_v abstract_o a_o mere_a persuasion_n but_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n perform_v in_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n not_o that_o this_o justify_v meritorious_o by_o any_o inherent_a worth_n or_o value_n in_o itself_o but_o instrumental_o as_o a_o condition_n appoint_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o he_o free_o impute_v to_o we_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a proper_a and_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n so_o that_o that_o instrumentality_n which_o some_o in_o the_o business_n of_o justification_n attribute_n to_o one_o single_a act_n of_o credence_n be_v by_o this_o ascribe_v to_o the_o whole_a aggregate_v series_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n as_o be_v that_o which_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n without_o we_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o stand_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v with_o full_a accord_n both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o state_n the_o business_n of_o justification_n by_o a_o equal_a poise_n both_o against_o the_o arrogant_a assertion_n of_o self-iusticiaries_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o wild_a opinion_n of_o the_o antinomian_o on_o the_o other_o but_o whether_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o pious_a life_n perform_v out_o of_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o pass_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o justify_v or_o only_o for_o the_o effect_n or_o consequent_a of_o it_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o issue_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o con-natural_a constant_a efficiency_n and_o result_n from_o it_o so_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o be_v distinguishable_a by_o their_o respective_a action_n from_o one_o another_o they_o be_v absolute_o inseparable_a by_o a_o mutual_a and_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n it_o belong_v no_o less_o to_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v to_o be_v operative_a than_o to_o 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enhance_v its_o gild_n as_o it_o will_v look_v like_o a_o very_a strange_a and_o odd_a commendation_n of_o a_o tree_n to_o apologise_v for_o the_o sourness_n of_o its_o fruit_n by_o plead_v that_o all_o its_o goodness_n lie_v in_o the_o root_n but_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o shortness_n of_o its_o reach_n that_o it_o seldom_o suggest_v argument_n à _fw-la priore_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o by_o a_o low_a and_o humble_a gradation_n creep_v from_o the_o effect_n up_o to_o the_o cause_n because_o these_o first_o strike_v and_o alarm_n the_o sense_n and_o therefore_o st._n james_n speak_v as_o good_a philosophy_n as_o divinity_n when_o he_o say_v jam._n 2.18_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n every_o action_n be_v the_o most_o lively_a pourtraicture_n and_o impartial_a expression_n of_o its_o efficient_a principle_n as_o the_o complexion_n be_v the_o best_a comment_n upon_o the_o constitution_n for_o in_o natural_a production_n 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guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o front_n and_o boldness_n to_o usurp_v the_o title_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n of_o such_o a_o name_n nay_o of_o such_o a_o sneak_a look_n be_v to_o some_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o characteristic_a mark_n of_o christianity_n see_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o build_v upon_o before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christ_n act_v 26.5_o i_o be_v say_v he_o after_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o sect_n upon_o which_o st._n paul_n then_o embark_v his_o salvation_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o fraternity_n or_o sect_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o origination_n of_o their_o name_n pharisee_n it_o be_v derive_v from_o parasch_n separavit_fw-la discrevit_fw-la whence_o in_o greek_a they_o be_v call_v puritan_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d separati_fw-la so_o that_o the_o word_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n before_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a be_v a_o rigid_a separatist_n but_o singularity_n be_v not_o sincerity_n though_o too_o often_o and_o mischievous_o mistake_v for_o it_o and_o as_o a_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o sand_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v ruin_v by_o storm_n so_o a_o house_n build_v out_o of_o the_o road_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o invasion_n of_o robber_n and_o want_v both_o the_o convenience_n and_o assistance_n of_o society_n christ_n be_v not_o therefore_o call_v the_o corner_n stone_n in_o the_o spiritual_a building_n as_o if_o he_o intend_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o corner_n or_o be_v drive_v into_o they_o there_o be_v a_o by-path_n as_o well_o as_o a_o broad-way_n to_o destruction_n and_o it_o both_o argue_v the_o nature_n and_o portend_v the_o doom_n of_o chaff_n upon_o agitation_n to_o separate_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o wheat_n but_o to_o such_o as_o venture_v their_o eternal_a interest_n upon_o such_o a_o bottom_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v these_o two_o word_n first_o that_o admit_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o party_n which_o they_o adhere_v to_o may_v be_v true_o pious_a yet_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o party_n can_v sanctify_v its_o proselyte_n a_o church_n may_v be_v proper_o call_v holy_a when_o yet_o that_o holiness_n do_v not_o diffuse_v itself_o to_o each_o particular_a member_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o the_o whole_a may_v receive_v denomination_n from_o a_o quality_n inherent_a only_o in_o some_o of_o its_o part_n company_n may_v occasion_v but_o it_o can_v transfuse_v holiness_n no_o man_n righteousness_n but_o christ_n alone_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o another_o to_o rate_v a_o man_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o companion_n be_v a_o rule_n frequent_a indeed_o but_o not_o infallible_a judas_n be_v as_o much_o a_o wretch_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o among_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a argument_n for_o a_o man_n to_o derive_v his_o saintship_n from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o society_n he_o belong_v to_o and_o to_o conclude_v himself_o no_o weed_n only_o because_o he_o grow_v among_o the_o corn._n second_o such_o a_o adhesion_n to_o a_o party_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n and_o tangle_n of_o the_o rank_a of_o all_o ill_a quality_n spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n natural_a almost_o to_o all_o men._n first_o a_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o any_o perfection_n but_o especial_o religious_a second_o a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n or_o contradiction_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o way_n now_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o gratify_v by_o a_o man_n list_a himself_n of_o a_o party_n in_o religion_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o be_v more_o real_o proud_a of_o the_o affect_a sordidness_n of_o a_o pretend_a mortification_n than_o other_o be_v of_o the_o great_a affluence_n and_o splendour_n of_o life_n and_o that_o many_o who_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n persecution_n do_v yet_o suffer_v it_o with_o a_o high_a and_o more_o please_a relish_n of_o pride_n than_o other_o can_v inflict_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a zeal_n rise_v from_o a_o hearty_a concernment_n for_o religion_n but_o a_o ill_a restless_a cross_a humour_n which_o be_v imp_v with_o smart_n and_o quicken_v with_o opposition_n the_o godly_a party_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o adjunct_n for_o he_o who_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v humble_a and_o peaceable_a and_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o be_v of_o a_o party_n according_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n let_v such_o pretender_n therefore_o suspect_v the_o sandiness_n and_o hollowness_n of_o their_o foundation_n and_o know_v that_o such_o imitator_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n build_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o into_o which_o
we_o can_v fetch_v in_o no_o information_n or_o relief_n to_o our_o understanding_n from_o our_o sense_n no_o picture_n or_o draught_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o report_n of_o the_o eye_n but_o we_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o fancy_n to_o the_o flight_n and_o venture_n of_o a_o bold_a imagination_n and_o here_o to_o illustrate_v the_o case_n a_o little_a let_v we_o imagine_v a_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a able_a upon_o bare_a hear-say_n to_o conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o variety_n and_o curiosity_n of_o colour_n to_o draw_v a_o exact_a scheme_n of_o constantinople_n or_o a_o map_n of_o france_n to_o describe_v the_o town_n point_v out_o the_o river_n and_o distinguish_v the_o situation_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a great_a and_o extraordinary_a place_n and_o when_o such_o a_o one_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o and_o not_o before_o then_o perhaps_o may_v we_o also_o apprehend_v what_o a_o spirit_n a_o angel_n or_o a_o 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reconcile_v to_o their_o offend_a god_n and_o so_o put_v into_o new_a capacity_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o surprise_v strange_a and_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o common_a reason_n than_o this_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o general_a course_n and_o way_n of_o man_n act_v for_o that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o offend_a person_n shall_v project_v and_o provide_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o he_o who_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n concern_v himself_o to_o solicit_v a_o reconciliation_n with_o those_o who_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o but_o may_v with_o equal_a justice_n and_o honour_n have_v destroy_v they_o be_v a_o thing_n quite_o beside_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v deliver_v up_o a_o innocent_a and_o infinite_o belove_a son_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o just_o hate_a and_o abhor_a enemy_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o a_o son_n who_o love_v his_o father_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v be_v love_v by_o he_o shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o declare_v rebel_n and_o enemy_n of_o he_o who_o he_o so_o transcendent_o love_v and_o of_o himself_o too_o this_o i_o say_v be_v such_o a_o transaction_n as_o we_o can_v find_v nothing_o like_o or_o analogous_a to_o in_o all_o the_o deal_n of_o man_n and_o can_v but_o be_v own_v as_o whole_o beside_o if_o not_o also_o direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a method_n and_o so_o true_a be_v this_o that_o several_a thing_n express_o affirm_v of_o god_n in_o scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v deny_v or_o elude_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o socinian_o because_o they_o cross_v and_o contradict_v the_o notion_n take_v up_o by_o they_o from_o what_o they_o have_v observe_v in_o create_a being_n and_o particular_o in_o man_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o gross_a fallacy_n and_o inconsequence_n conclude_v ab_fw-la imparibus_fw-la tamquà m_fw-la paribus_fw-la and_o more_o than_o sufficient_o confute_v and_o blow_v off_o by_o that_o one_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n nor_o his_o way_n as_o our_o way_n isa._n 55.8_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o neither_o be_v his_o nature_n as_o our_o nature_n nor_o his_o divine_a person_n as_o our_o person_n and_o if_o so_o where_o be_v the_o socinian_n logic_n in_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o hardly_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o argue_v concern_v the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o the_o church_n but_o this_o but_o there_o be_v also_o two_o other_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o do_v as_o much_o transcend_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o former_a one_o of_o which_o be_v the_o conversion_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n sinful_a nature_n common_o call_v the_o work_n of_o regenâ—â—â—â—â—â—on_n or_o the_o new-birth_n concern_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o wonder_n and_o deserve_o too_o by_o what_o strange_a power_n and_o efficacy_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o ever_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o conquer_v and_o shake_v off_o those_o inveterate_a appetite_n and_o desire_n which_o be_v both_o so_o violent_a in_o their_o act_n and_o so_o early_o in_o their_o original_a as_o be_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o have_v other_o new_a one_o and_o those_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a plant_v in_o their_o room_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n in_o john_n 3._o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o nicodemus_n a_o great_a rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o he_o be_v present_o amaze_v and_o non-plus_a at_o it_o as_o at_o a_o great_a paradox_n and_o impossibility_n and_o forth_o with_o begin_v to_o question_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o indeed_o he_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n live_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v concern_v most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n but_o above_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o lie_v marvellous_o cross_v to_o 〈◊〉_d â—ommon_a experience_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v yet_o see_v by_o they_o after_o a_o total_a consumption_n into_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o resume_v the_o same_o numerical_a body_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o among_o all_o the_o rare_a occurrence_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o wonder_n and_o anomaly_n of_o nature_n be_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o in_o any_o one_o single_a instance_n and_o consequent_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v apt_a to_o startle_v and_o to_o be_v full_a of_o thought_n and_o scruple_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n to_o their_o understanding_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o can_v make_v this_o out_o by_o bare_a reason_n as_o possible_o some_o opiniator_n may_v let_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o next_o place_n try_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o doughty_a reason_n about_o transubstantiation_n or_o turn_v knight_n errant_a in_o divinity_n encounter_v giant_n and_o windmill_n and_o adventure_v to_o explain_v thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v explain_v this_o therefore_o be_v a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o unavoidable_a mysteriousness_n of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n namely_o that_o most_o of_o they_o fall_v neither_o within_o the_o common_a course_n of_o man_n act_n nor_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o observation_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o mystery_n namely_o the_o nature_n
be_v impossible_a this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o mere_a fallacy_n and_o a_o wretched_a inconsequence_n and_o yet_o nothing_o occur_v more_o common_o and_o that_o as_o a_o principle_n take_v for_o grant_v in_o the_o late_a write_n of_o some_o heterodox_n pert_n unwary_a man_n and_o particular_o it_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o socinian_n argument_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n turn_v and_o depend_v but_o withal_o so_o extreme_o remote_a be_v it_o from_o all_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n assignable_a for_o it_o but_o upon_o this_o one_o supposition_n namely_o that_o the_o reason_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o comprehend_v or_o thorough_o understanding_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n to_o do_v this_o i_o say_v must_v be_v suppose_v for_o no_o other_o foundation_n can_v support_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v human_o not_o intelligible_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reckon_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n also_o impossible_a but_o then_o every_o one_o must_v needs_o see_v and_o explode_v the_o horrible_a falseness_n of_o the_o forementioned_a supposition_n upon_o which_o alone_o this_o assertion_n be_v build_v and_o consequent_o this_o assertion_n itself_o must_v needs_o be_v altogether_o as_o false_a for_o who_o can_v comprehend_v or_o thorough_o understand_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o and_o how_o it_o act_v by_o and_o upon_o the_o body_n who_o can_v comprehend_v or_o give_v a_o full_a account_n how_o sensation_n be_v perform_v or_o who_o can_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o the_o whole_a mechanism_n of_o motion_n in_o all_o the_o spring_n and_o wheel_n of_o it_o nay_o who_o can_v resolve_v and_o clear_v off_o all_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o composition_n of_o a_o continue_a quantity_n as_o whether_o it_o be_v compound_v of_o part_n divisible_a or_o indivisible_a both_o of_o which_o be_v attend_v with_o insuperable_a objection_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o actual_o existent_a in_o nature_n from_o all_o which_o therefore_o and_o from_o a_o thousand_o more_o such_o instance_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v produce_v i_o conclude_v that_o for_o any_o one_o to_o deny_v or_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o impossible_a because_o of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o they_o be_v upon_o all_o true_a principle_n both_o of_o divinity_n and_o philosophy_n utter_o inconsequent_a and_o irrational_a three_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n we_o learn_v also_o from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v the_o great_a vanity_n and_o extravagant_a presumption_n of_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o clear_v up_o all_o mystery_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n the_o attempt_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o can_v liken_v to_o nothing_o so_o proper_o as_o to_o those_o pretence_n to_o infallible_a cure_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v post_v up_o in_o every_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v great_a pity_n but_o that_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o pretence_n be_v post_v up_o together_o for_o i_o know_v no_o universal_a infallible_a remedy_n which_o certain_o cure_v or_o rather_o carry_v off_o all_o disease_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n but_o death_n which_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o remedy_n not_o much_o in_o request_n quack_n and_o mountebank_n be_v doubtless_o a_o very_a dangerous_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o physic_n but_o much_o more_o so_o in_o divinity_n they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o always_o very_o large_a in_o pretence_n and_o promise_n but_o short_a in_o performance_n and_o general_o fatal_a in_o their_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v several_a depth_n and_o difficulty_n as_o i_o note_v before_o both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n which_o man_n of_o part_n and_o solid_a learning_n after_o all_o their_o study_n find_v they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o but_o be_v force_v to_o give_v they_o over_o as_o thing_n unresolveable_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o pronounce_v dogmatical_o on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o question_n among_o which_o say_v difficulty_n perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o great_a and_o more_o undecideable_a problem_n in_o natural_a theology_n and_o which_o have_v not_o only_o exercise_v but_o even_o crucify_a the_o great_a wit_n of_o all_o age_n than_o the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o immutable_a certainty_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n with_o the_o freedom_n and_o contingency_n of_o all_o humane_a act_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o fore-known_a by_o he_o both_o part_n of_o which_o problem_n be_v certain_o true_a but_o how_o to_o explain_v and_o make_v out_o the_o accord_n between_o they_o without_o overthrow_v one_o of_o they_o have_v hitherto_o exceed_v the_o force_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o therefore_o socinus_n very_o roundly_o or_o rather_o indeed_o very_o profane_o deny_v any_o such_o prescience_n of_o future_a contingent_n to_o be_v in_o god_n at_o all_o but_o as_o profane_a as_o he_o be_v in_o thus_o cut_v asunder_o this_o knot_n other_o have_v be_v as_o ridiculous_a in_o pretend_v to_o untie_v it_o for_o do_v not_o some_o in_o their_o discourse_n about_o the_o diâ—â—ne_a attribute_n and_o decree_n promise_v the_o world_n such_o a_o clear_a account_n such_o a_o open_a explicit_a scheme_n of_o these_o great_a thing_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o plain_a and_o evident_a even_o to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o to_o any_o capacity_n at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v to_o the_o mean_a for_o to_o those_o of_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o a_o large_a compass_n these_o thing_n neither_o be_v nor_o will_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a and_o if_o such_o person_n can_v but_o obtain_v of_o heaven_n a_o continuance_n of_o life_n till_o they_o make_v good_a what_o they_o so_o confident_o undertake_v they_o will_v be_v in_o a_o sure_a way_n to_o outlive_v not_o only_a methusalah_n but_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o but_o then_o in_o come_v some_o other_o undertaker_n and_o promise_v we_o the_o same_o or_o great_a wonder_n in_o christian_a theology_n offer_v by_o some_o new_a whimsical_a explication_n of_o their_o own_o to_o make_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n as_o plain_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a forsooth_o as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o make_v four_o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n they_o will_v represent_v and_o render_v they_o such_o mystery_n as_o shall_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o mystical_a in_o they_o and_o now_o be_v not_o this_o think_v we_o a_o most_o profound_a invention_n and_o much_o like_o the_o discovery_n of_o some_o newfoundland_n some_o o_o brazile_n in_o divinity_n with_o so_o much_o absurd_a confidence_n do_v some_o discourse_n or_o rather_o romance_n upon_o the_o most_o mysterious_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o sobriety_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v such_o person_n not_o only_o beside_o their_o subject_n but_o beside_o themselves_o too_o and_o the_o like_a censure_n we_o may_v just_o pass_v upon_o all_o other_o such_o idle_a pretender_n the_o true_a character_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v that_o he_o who_o think_v and_o say_v he_o can_v understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o resolve_v all_o controversy_n undeniable_o show_v that_o he_o real_o understand_v none_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v here_o observe_v the_o true_a way_n by_o which_o these_o great_a and_o adorable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n come_v first_o to_o be_v ridicule_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o at_o length_n total_o lay_v aside_o by_o some_o and_o that_o be_v by_o their_o be_v first_o innovate_v upon_o and_o new_o model_v by_o the_o bold_a senseless_a and_o absurd_a explication_n of_o other_o for_o first_o of_o all_o such_o innovator_n break_v down_o those_o sacred_a mound_n which_o antiquity_n have_v place_v about_o these_o article_n and_o then_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n rush_v in_o upon_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o foot_n and_o quite_o throw_v they_o out_o of_o our_o creed_n this_o course_n we_o have_v see_v take_v among_o we_o and_o the_o church_n god_n bless_v it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v over_o it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o profound_o silent_a at_o it_o but_o how_o long_o god_n who_o honour_n be_v most_o concern_v will_v be_v so_o too_o none_o can_v tell_v for_o if_o some_o novellist_n may_v put_v what_o sense_n they_o please_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o other_o do_v the_o like_a with_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n also_o and_o the_o great_a encouragement_n attend_v both_o i_o can_v see_v unless_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n prevent_v it_o but_o that_o both_o these_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o direct_a way_n to_o be_v run_v down_o among_o we_o and_o that_o in_o a_o
of_o the_o jew_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a injunction_n and_o tenor_n of_o it_o for_o though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o gospel_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o brother_n and_o sister_n of_o jesus_n yet_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v most_o usual_a in_o the_o jewish_a language_n to_o call_v any_o collateral_a kindred_n as_o cousin_n and_o cousin-german_n by_o that_o name_n and_o antiquity_n report_v the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o have_v have_v two_o sister_n the_o child_n of_o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v the_o brethren_n of_o jesus_n so_o that_o from_o hence_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o grant_v that_o jesus_n have_v any_o brother_n or_o sister_n either_o by_o his_o mother_n mary_n or_o his_o repute_a and_o legal_a father_n joseph_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o our_o bless_a saviour_n descent_n from_o the_o line_n of_o david_n but_o as_o for_o that_o opinion_n which_o assert_v he_o to_o have_v be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n because_o his_o mother_n mary_n be_v cousin_n to_o elizabeth_n who_o be_v of_o that_o tribe_n it_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o groundless_a for_o no_o man_n assert_n jesus_n to_o have_v be_v so_o of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o relation_n to_o other_o tribe_n and_o family_n with_o which_o by_o mutual_a marriage_n he_o may_v well_o contract_v a_o kindred_n it_o be_v prohibit_v to_o none_o but_o heiress_n to_o marry_v out_o of_o their_o own_o family_n and_o as_o for_o another_o opinion_n which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v of_o christ_n a_o priest_n affirm_v nathan_n the_o son_n of_o david_n from_o who_o christ_n descend_v to_o have_v be_v a_o priest_n as_o solomon_n be_v a_o king_n and_o so_o to_o have_v found_v a_o sacerdotal_a line_n as_o solomon_n do_v a_o royal_a this_o be_v a_o conceit_n both_o so_o groundless_a in_o itself_o and_o withal_o so_o express_o contradict_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o heb._n 7._o 13._o so_o positive_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n ever_o give_v attendance_n at_o the_o altar_n i_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n it_o deserve_v no_o further_a thought_n and_o much_o less_o confutation_n now_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o that_o have_v be_v deliver_v it_o brief_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o royal_a line_n of_o david_n by_o solomon_n be_v extinct_a in_o jeconiah_n the_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n pass_v into_o the_o immediate_o young_a line_n of_o nathan_n another_o son_n of_o david_n in_o salathiel_n and_o zorobabel_n which_o zorobabel_n have_v two_o son_n abiud_v and_o rhesa_n the_o royal_a dignity_n descend_v of_o right_a upon_o the_o line_n of_o abiud_v of_o which_o joseph_n be_v the_o last_o who_o marry_v the_o virgin_n mary_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o line_n of_o rhesa_n the_o young_a son_n of_o zorobabel_n and_o withal_o have_v no_o issue_n himself_o his_o right_a pass_n into_o the_o line_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o next_o of_o kin_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n upon_o jesus_n her_o son_n whereupon_o he_o be_v both_o natural_o the_o son_n of_o david_n and_o also_o legal_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o latter_a be_v account_v to_o we_o by_o st._n matthew_n as_o the_o former_a be_v by_o st._n luke_n who_o deliver_v down_o the_o pedigree_n of_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o daughter_n of_o eli_n though_o joseph_n her_o husband_n only_o stand_v there_o name_v according_a to_o the_o know_a way_n of_o the_o jew_n compute_v their_o genealogy_n and_o this_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o most_o clear_a full_a and_o manifest_a deduction_n of_o our_o saviour_n pedigree_n from_o david_n which_o yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v with_o this_o one_o consideration_n that_o whatsoever_o cavil_v the_o modern_a jew_n and_o other_o make_v now_o a-days_o against_o the_o genealogy_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n yet_o the_o jew_n their_o contemporary_n who_o be_v most_o nice_a and_o exact_o skilful_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o with_o all_o most_o malicious_o bend_v against_o christ_n and_o christianity_n never_o offer_v to_o quarrel_v against_o or_o invalidate_v the_o account_n they_o have_v give_v we_o of_o this_o particular_a which_o have_v they_o be_v faulty_a the_o jew_n will_v most_o certain_o have_v do_v this_o give_v they_o so_o vast_a a_o advantage_n against_o we_o and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v we_o now_o not_o able_a particular_o to_o clear_v these_o matter_n be_v of_o that_o weigâ—â—_n and_o substance_n that_o so_o far_o as_o term_n of_o moral_a certainty_n can_v demonstrate_v a_o thing_n it_o ought_v with_o every_o sober_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o have_v even_o the_o force_n of_o a_o demonstration_n but_o the_o discussion_n which_o have_v already_o pass_v upon_o this_o subject_n will_v afford_v we_o ground_n firm_a enough_o for_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o impartial_a belief_n to_o stand_v upon_o however_o if_o any_o one_o know_v some_o other_o way_n of_o clear_v this_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o may_v better_a accord_v all_o difficulty_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o few_o and_o lesser_a exception_n he_o will_v do_v a_o worthy_a service_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o produce_v it_o and_o none_o shall_v be_v more_o thankful_a to_o he_o for_o it_o than_o myself_o have_v thus_o finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o text_n which_o speak_v christ_n the_o offspring_n of_o david_n according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n as_o the_o first_o declare_v he_o the_o root_n of_o david_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a i_o shall_v descend_v now_o to_o that_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o under_o the_o glorious_a denomination_n of_o the_o bright_a and_o morning_n star_n three_o thing_n there_o be_v considerable_a in_o a_o star_n first_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o substance_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o appearance_n three_o the_o quality_n of_o its_o operation_n in_o every_o one_o of_o which_o respect_v christ_n bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n to_o it_o first_o and_o first_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o substance_n it_o be_v common_o define_v in_o philosophy_n the_o pure_a and_o most_o refine_a paâ—t_n of_o its_o orb_n by_o which_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o meteor_n and_o shine_a nothing_o that_o ascend_v no_o further_o than_o the_o air_n how_o high_a soever_o the_o mistake_n and_o ignorance_n of_o vulgar_a eye_n may_v place_v they_o as_o also_o from_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o celestial_a sphere_n or_o orb_n in_o which_o it_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v not_o christ_n the_o pure_a and_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o sphere_n and_o orb_n wherein_o during_o his_o humiliation_n he_o be_v please_v to_o move_v he_o be_v the_o very_a flower_n the_o extract_n and_o quintessence_n of_o mankind_n unite_n all_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o his_o person_n without_o any_o alloy_n or_o mixture_n of_o imperfection_n upon_o which_o account_n david_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n call_v he_o fair_a than_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n that_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n descend_v not_o upon_o he_o in_o those_o minute_n portion_n and_o stint_a measure_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o other_o mortal_n their_o drop_n be_v nothing_o to_o his_o ocean_n and_o to_o show_v yet_o further_o of_o how_o pure_a a_o make_v he_o be_v we_o know_v he_o to_o have_v be_v whole_o untouched_a with_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o original_a stain_n which_o have_v universal_o sink_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o man_n beside_o he_o be_v a_o second_o adam_n without_o any_o of_o the_o guilt_n contract_v by_o the_o first_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o man_n without_o any_o humane_a imperfection_n a_o rose_n without_o thorn_n he_o be_v nothing_o but_o purity_n itself_o virtue_n clothe_v in_o a_o body_n and_o innocence_n incarnate_a so_o blameless_a and_o free_a from_o all_o shadow_n of_o guilt_n that_o the_o very_a jew_n his_o bitter_a enemy_n give_v he_o this_o testimony_n that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o mark_n 7.37_o and_o even_o pilate_n his_o unjust_a judge_n though_o he_o take_v from_o he_o his_o life_n yet_o leave_v he_o his_o innocence_n declare_v open_o that_o he_o find_v in_o he_o no_o fault_n at_o all_o john_n 18.38_o there_o be_v spot_n they_o say_v not_o in_o the_o moon_n only_o but_o also_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n itself_o but_o this_o star_n be_v of_o a_o great_a and_o more_o unblemished_a lustre_n for_o not_o the_o least_o spot_n be_v ever_o discover_v in_o it_o though_o malice_n and_o envy_v itself_o be_v the_o perspective_n through_o which_o most_o of_o the_o world_n behold_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o
they_o still_o sink_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v indeed_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o such_o counterfeit_n after_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o before_o he_o yet_o still_o i_o think_v their_o defeat_n ought_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o come_v because_o as_o a_o light_n scatter_v the_o darkness_n on_o all_o side_n of_o it_o so_o there_o be_v such_o a_o demonstration_n and_o evidence_n give_v of_o jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n by_o his_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o it_o cast_v its_o discover_v influence_n both_o backward_o and_o forward_o and_o equal_o baffle_v and_o confute_v the_o pretence_n of_o those_o who_o go_v before_o and_o of_o those_o who_o rise_v up_o after_o he_o so_o potent_a and_o victorious_a be_v truth_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v upon_o such_o a_o errand_n from_o heaven_n as_o to_o save_v the_o world_n among_o those_o several_a false_a messias_n it_n be_v remarkable_a that_o one_o call_v himself_o barchocab_n or_o the_o son_n of_o a_o star_n but_o by_o his_o fall_n he_o quick_o show_v himself_o of_o a_o nature_n far_o differ_v from_o this_o glorious_a morning_n star_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n which_o even_o then_o be_v fix_v in_o heaven_n while_o it_o shine_v upon_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v not_o the_o transitory_a light_n of_o a_o comet_n which_o shine_v and_o glare_v for_o a_o while_n and_o then_o present_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o but_o a_o light_n durable_a and_o immortal_a and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v outlive_v the_o sun_n and_o shine_v and_o burn_v when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o cinder_n have_v thus_o show_v how_o christ_n resemble_v a_o star_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o external_a visible_a shining_n to_o the_o world_n by_o which_o he_o drive_v away_o much_o of_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n all_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n together_o with_o the_o pretence_n of_o all_o counterfeit_a messias_n as_o the_o light_n dispel_v and_o chase_v away_o the_o darkness_n come_v we_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o see_v how_o he_o resemble_v a_o star_n also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o internal_a secret_a operation_n and_o influence_n upon_o all_o sublunary_a inferior_a being_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o resemblance_n star_n be_v think_v to_o operate_v powerful_o even_o then_o when_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v and_o be_v feel_v by_o their_o effect_n when_o they_o be_v not_o see_v by_o their_o light_n in_o like_a manner_n christ_n often_o strike_v the_o soul_n and_o dart_v a_o secret_a beam_n into_o the_o heart_n without_o alarm_v either_o the_o eye_n or_o ear_n of_o the_o person_n wrought_v upon_o and_o this_o be_v call_v both_o proper_o and_o elegant_o by_o st._n peter_n in_o 2_o ep._n â—_o 19_o the_o day-star_n arise_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v by_o the_o secret_a silent_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o illuminate_v the_o judgement_n bend_v the_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o at_o last_o change_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o this_o be_v that_o powerful_a but_o still_a voice_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v eternal_a peace_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o elect_n in_o the_o admirable_a but_o mysterious_a work_n of_o their_o conversion_n so_o that_o our_o great_a concern_v and_o enquiry_n shall_v be_v whether_o those_o heavenly_a beam_n have_v reach_v we_o inward_o and_o pierce_v into_o our_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o shine_v in_o our_o face_n and_o whether_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o star_n upon_o we_o have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o govern_v and_o draw_v we_o after_o it_o as_o it_o do_v the_o wiseman_n and_o thereby_o both_o make_v and_o prove_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n for_o light_n be_v operative_a as_o well_o as_o beautiful_a and_o by_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n affect_v the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o please_v the_o eye_n above_o all_o thing_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v strict_a and_o impartial_a in_o this_o search_n where_o the_o thing_n search_v for_o be_v of_o such_o consequence_n for_o since_o there_o be_v false_a light_n light_v itself_o shall_v be_v try_v and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v infallible_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o light_n from_o above_o by_o which_o we_o be_v lead_v and_o live_v and_o whether_o this_o morningstar_n have_v have_v its_o full_a efficacy_n upon_o or_o rather_o within_o we_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v scatter_v the_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n of_o our_o spiritual_a ignorance_n and_o the_o noisome_a fog_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o vile_a affection_n do_v we_o live_v as_o the_o son_n of_o light_n do_v we_o walk_v as_o in_o the_o day_n without_o stumble_v into_o the_o mire_n of_o our_o old_a sin_n these_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a evidence_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o star_n in_o himself_o but_o such_o a_o one_o also_o to_o we_o for_o when_o the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a visit_n we_o true_o and_o effectual_o it_o first_o take_v we_o out_o of_o these_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o then_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o who_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o honour_n etc._n etc._n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n prove_v the_o true_a and_o only_o promise_v messiah_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o saint_n to_o mary_n oxon._n before_o the_o university_n on_o christmas-day_n 1665._o john_n i_o 11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o i_o can_v think_v it_o direct_o requisite_a to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o word_n nor_o will_v the_o time_n allot_v for_o it_o permit_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o forego_n verse_n from_o the_o perverse_a interpretation_n of_o that_o false_a pretender_n to_o reason_n and_o real_a subverter_n all_o religion_n socinus_n who_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o chapter_n together_o with_o some_o part_n of_o the_o 8_o the_o both_o of_o they_o 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know_v that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n by_o which_o god_n support_v the_o society_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o will_v certain_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v as_o long_o as_o he_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o last_v and_o man_n to_o live_v in_o it_o and_o these_o be_v government_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o i_o suppose_v we_o need_v allege_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o god_n peculiar_a care_n over_o the_o person_n and_o life_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n if_o we_o demonstrate_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n to_o support_v government_n and_o civil_a society_n in_o the_o world_n and_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v the_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o all_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o king_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n to_o support_v government_n 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that_o a_o sovereign_n can_v suffer_v from_o his_o subject_n scorn_v all_o revenge_n as_o more_o below_o he_o than_o the_o very_a person_n who_o he_o may_v have_v be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o glory_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o give_v mercy_n the_o upper_a hand_n of_o majesty_n itself_o make_v amnesty_n his_o symbol_n or_o motto_n and_o forgiveness_n the_o peculiar_a signalize_a character_n of_o his_o reign_n herein_o resemble_v the_o almighty_a himself_o as_o far_o as_o mortality_n can_v who_o seem_v to_o claim_v a_o great_a glory_n for_o spare_v and_o redeem_v man_n than_o for_o create_v he_o so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v love_n to_o our_o enemy_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a badge_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o our_o king_n have_v almost_o make_v it_o the_o very_a mark_n of_o our_o allegiance_n thus_o even_o to_o a_o prodigy_n merciful_a have_v he_o show_v himself_o merciful_a by_o inclination_n and_o merciful_a by_o extraction_n merciful_a in_o his_o example_n and_o merciful_a in_o hiâ—_n law_n and_o thereby_o express_v the_o utmost_a dutifulness_n of_o a_o son_n as_o well_o as_o the_o high_a magnanimity_n and_o clemency_n of_o a_o prince_n while_o he_o be_v still_o make_v that_o good_a upon_o the_o throne_n which_o the_o royal_a martyr_n his_o father_n have_v enjoin_v upon_o the_o scaffold_n where_o he_o die_v pardon_v and_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o malice_n he_o be_v then_o fall_v a_o victim_n to_o and_o this_o with_o a_o charity_n so_o unparalleled_a and_o a_o devotion_n so_o â—ervent_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o prayer_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v drown_v the_o very_a cry_n of_o his_o blood_n but_o i_o love_v not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o such_o tragedy_n save_v only_o to_o illustrate_v the_o height_n of_o one_o contrary_a by_o the_o height_n of_o another_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o humble_a follower_n of_o the_o princely_a pattern_n here_o set_v before_o we_o i_o shall_v draw_v a_o veil_n of_o silence_n over_o all_o especial_o since_o it_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o word_n sufficient_o to_o set_v forth_o either_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o crime_n forgive_v or_o of_o the_o mercy_n that_o forgive_v they_o but_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o close_a we_o have_v here_o have_v the_o high_a and_o the_o hard_a duty_n perhaps_o belong_v to_o a_o christian_a both_o recommend_v to_o our_o judgement_n by_o argument_n and_o to_o our_o practice_n by_o example_n and_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o submit_v our_o judgement_n to_o the_o one_o and_o govern_v our_o practice_n by_o the_o other_o and_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n a_o assistance_n equal_a to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v conquer_v the_o opposition_n that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o corrupt_a reason_n itself_o after_o all_o its_o conviction_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v to_o it_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o befall_v we_o 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guide_n shall_v in_o that_o capacity_n declare_v and_o enjoin_v provide_v that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o certain_o know_v or_o at_o least_o upon_o very_o great_a and_o just_a ground_n doubt_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o two_o condition_n i_o allow_v ought_v always_o to_o be_v suppose_v in_o this_o case_n and_o then_o if_o no_o objection_n from_o either_o of_o these_o shall_v interpose_v i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o his_o spiritual_a pastor_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v whatsoever_o his_o say_a pastor_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n deliver_v to_o he_o in_o a_o word_n if_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o and_o impartial_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o it_o make_v up_o of_o mystery_n second_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n to_o declare_v and_o dispense_v these_o mystery_n 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the_o word_n here_o pitch_v upon_o by_o i_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n now_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n and_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o union_n of_o a_o double_a festival_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o both_o the_o nativity_n and_o epiphamy_n while_o they_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o star_n though_o with_o this_o difference_n i_o confess_v that_o both_o the_o mean_n direct_v and_o the_o term_n direct_v to_o do_v in_o this_o place_n coincide_n and_o christ_n the_o person_n speak_v as_o well_o as_o speak_v of_o be_v here_o the_o only_a star_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n be_v certain_o a_o compendium_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o that_o it_o thus_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v it_o reach_v from_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n to_o this_o last_o of_o the_o revelation_n which_o latter_a though_o it_o be_v confess_o a_o book_n of_o mystery_n and_o a_o system_v of_o occult_a divinity_n yet_o sure_o it_o can_v contain_v nothing_o more_o mysterious_a and_o stupendous_a than_o the_o mystery_n here_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o text_n where_o we_o have_v christ_n declare_v himself_o both_o the_o root_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o david_n for_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v both_o father_n and_o son_n to_o the_o same_o person_n produce_v himself_o be_v cause_n and_o effect_v too_o and_o so_o the_o copy_n give_v be_v to_o its_o original_a seem_v at_o first_o sight_n so_o very_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a that_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v adore_v as_o a_o mystery_n it_o will_v be_v explode_v as_o a_o contradiction_n but_o since_o the_o gospel_n have_v lift_v we_o above_o our_o reason_n and_o teach_v we_o one_o of_o the_o great_a arcana_fw-la of_o heaven_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o divinity_n and_o humanity_n may_v cohabit_v in_o one_o subsistence_n that_o two_o nature_n may_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mingle_v without_o confusion_n we_o be_v thus_o teach_v and_o persuade_v shall_v here_o endeavour_v to_o exhibit_v the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o christ_n glorious_a person_n and_o to_o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n he_o be_v as_o well_o as_o what_o miracle_n he_o do_v by_o consider_v he_o under_o these_o three_o several_a respect_n first_o as_o the_o root_n second_o as_o the_o offspring_n of_o david_n and_o three_o as_o he_o be_v here_o term_v the_o bright_a and_o morning_n star_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n of_o david_n but_o how_o certain_o in_o respect_n of_o something_o in_o he_o which_o have_v a_o be_v before_o david_n but_o his_o humanity_n have_v not_o so_o be_v of_o a_o much_o late_a date_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o mere_a man_n he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o root_n of_o david_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o must_v have_v be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o other_o nature_n but_o what_o that_o nature_n be_v will_v be_v the_o question_n the_o arian_n who_o deny_v his_o divinity_n but_o grant_v his_o pre-existence_n to_o his_o humanity_n which_o the_o socinian_o absolute_o deny_v hold_v he_o to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o creation_n the_o first_o and_o most_o glorious_a creature_n which_o god_n make_v a_o spiritual_a substance_n produce_v by_o he_o long_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n send_v into_o a_o body_n and_o so_o make_v incarnate_a this_o be_v what_o they_o hold_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o much_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o school_n of_o socinus_n though_o some_o with_o great_a impertinence_n confound_v they_o arius_n teach_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o spiritual_a subsistence_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v socinus_n hold_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o have_v no_o subsistence_n or_o be_v at_o all_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o concern_v myself_o about_o these_o two_o opinion_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o but_o only_a remark_n this_o of_o they_o that_o socinus_n assert_v a_o thing_n consider_v bare_o in_o itself_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n which_o can_v much_o better_o conceive_v of_o christ_n as_o a_o man_n natural_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n than_o as_o such_o a_o heterogeneous_a composition_n of_o a_o body_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o strange_a spiritual_a substance_n exist_v before_o the_o creation_n as_o the_o arian_n represent_v he_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o opinion_n of_o arius_n be_v of_o the_o two_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v confute_v by_o scripture_n for_o as_o to_o socinus_n the_o chief_a argument_n bring_v from_o thence_o against_o he_o be_v not_o such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o the_o name_n or_o action_n of_o god_n attribute_v to_o christ_n which_o he_o think_v he_o easy_o answer_v by_o assert_v that_o god_n be_v a_o name_n not_o of_o nature_n but_o of_o power_n and_o dominion_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v god_n because_o of_o the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o earthly_a king_n also_o in_o their_o proportion_n have_v in_o scripture_n the_o same_o title_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n but_o the_o argument_n which_o bear_v hard_a upon_o socinus_n be_v such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o those_o scripture_n which_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o rational_a contradiction_n declare_v the_o pre-existence_n and_o precedent_n be_v of_o christ_n to_o his_o conception_n such_o as_o joh._n 8._o 58._o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o and_o in_o joh._n 17.5_o glorify_v i_o o_o father_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v which_o all_o the_o socinian_o in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o yet_o give_v any_o clear_a proper_a and_o natural_a exposition_n of_o but_o unnatural_o and_o illogical_o pervert_v and_o distort_v they_o in_o defiance_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o receive_v way_n of_o interpretation_n but_o now_o as_o for_o arius_n the_o allegation_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n prejudice_v not_o his_o hypothesis_n at_o all_o who_o grant_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v a_o glorious_a spiritual_a substance_n of_o a_o existence_n not_o only_o before_o abraham_n but_o also_o before_o adam_n and_o the_o angel_n themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o what_o be_v christ_n then_o the_o root_n of_o david_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o spiritual_a pre-existing_a create_a substance_n first_o find_v out_o and_o set_v up_o by_o arius_n no_o certain_o for_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o best_a comment_n upon_o the_o scripture_n a_o general_a council_n and_o that_o also_o the_o first_o and_o most_o famous_a
even_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v condemn_v this_o and_o all_o those_o scripture_n which_o make_v christ_n either_o one_o with_o or_o equal_a to_o the_o father_n clear_o confute_v and_o overthrow_v so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o blasphemous_a a_o assertion_n let_v this_o therefore_o be_v fix_v upon_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n or_o original_a of_o david_n as_o he_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o namely_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divinity_n of_o that_o infinite_a eternal_a power_n which_o display_v itself_o in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v as_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o john_n 1.3_o but_o how_o ready_a natural_a reason_n will_v be_v to_o rise_v up_o against_o this_o assertion_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a and_o how_o that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o nature_n god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n omniscient_a omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a be_v look_v upon_o by_o many_o as_o a_o proposition_n not_o only_o false_a but_o foolish_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v laugh_v than_o dispute_v out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o also_o be_v no_o surprise_n to_o we_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v found_v upon_o or_o to_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o bare_a discourse_n of_o reason_n he_o must_v be_v very_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o reason_n himself_o who_o shall_v venture_v to_o deny_v for_o if_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n address_v to_o man_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o familiar_a natural_a way_n of_o construction_n proper_a to_o humane_a write_n then_o i_o affirm_v that_o to_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v natural_o god_n be_v irrational_a when_o his_o be_v so_o be_v so_o frequent_o assert_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o as_o clear_a term_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o man_n to_o express_v his_o mind_n by_o to_o another_o if_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o declare_v this_o very_a thing_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o the_o preposterous_a tenet_n of_o socinus_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o deny_v the_o natural_a deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o after_o he_o have_v write_v a_o book_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o and_o his_o sect_n deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v rather_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o say_v for_o christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a from_o which_o i_o shall_v argue_v that_o that_o write_n or_o doctrine_n which_o affirm_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a can_v be_v true_a and_o much_o less_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o 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noble_a and_o pregnant_a place_n of_o scripture_n john_n 8.58_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o from_o be_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o of_o christ_n eternal_a pre-existence_n to_o his_o incarnation_n and_o so_o to_o give_v up_o one_o of_o the_o main_a fort_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o socinian_o have_v yet_o be_v force_v by_o the_o overpower_v evidence_n of_o this_o chapter_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o shift_n too_o manifest_o show_v what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o to_o express_v himself_o upon_o this_o subject_a more_o agreeable_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o in_o many_o other_o place_n he_o have_v do_v and_o well_o indeed_o may_v he_o even_o for_o shame_n itself_o do_v so_o much_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o may_v have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o for_o such_o a_o command_a majesty_n be_v there_o in_o every_o period_n almost_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o it_o have_v force_v even_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n person_n who_o 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a_o suffer_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o suffer_v to_o which_o it_o will_v certain_o expose_v every_o genuine_a professor_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v from_o himself_o 2._o the_o second_o from_o the_o world_n 1._o and_o first_o it_o will_v engage_v he_o in_o a_o suffering_n from_o himself_o even_o that_o grand_a suffering_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n the_o sharp_a and_o most_o indispensable_a of_o all_o other_o in_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o sufferer_n but_o himself_o also_o the_o executioner_n he_o who_o be_v christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lusts._n a_o severe_a discipline_n certain_o in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o act_v his_o fierce_a anger_n upon_o his_o dear_a friend_n for_o can_v nature_n ever_o yet_o suggest_v to_o any_o one_o the_o hatred_n of_o his_o own_o flesh_n the_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o stab_a of_o his_o most_o 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the_o fruit_n of_o his_o body_n fall_v so_o grateful_a a_o sacrifice_n upon_o god_n altar_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v like_a the_o jolly_a world_n about_o we_o will_v but_o scoff_n at_o the_o paradox_n of_o such_o practice_n and_o explode_v they_o as_o madness_n and_o melancholy_n yet_o let_v those_o son_n of_o pleasure_n know_v that_o such_o as_o scorn_v to_o be_v thus_o melancholy_a in_o this_o world_n will_v have_v but_o little_a cause_n to_o be_v merry_a in_o the_o next_o 2._o the_o other_o kind_n of_o suffer_v in_o which_o christianity_n will_v engage_v a_o man_n be_v from_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o genius_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o bring_v he_o who_o own_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o under_o temporal_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n say_v christ_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n and_o he_o speak_v it_o not_o so_o much_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o 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be_v ground_v upon_o this_o opinion_n that_o to_o suffer_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o impeach_v the_o suffer_a person_n either_o in_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o power_n or_o of_o his_o innocence_n that_o be_v he_o suffer_v either_o because_o he_o be_v weak_a and_o can_v hinder_v it_o or_o because_o he_o be_v faulty_a and_o so_o deserve_v it_o but_o with_o every_o christian_a christ_n be_v a_o abundant_a answer_n to_o both_o these_o objection_n for_o when_o we_o see_v omnipotence_n hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o god_n himself_o scourge_v and_o spit_v upon_o and_o when_o we_o see_v he_o who_o can_v have_v command_v fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o his_o rescue_n yet_o surrender_v himself_o quiet_o to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o murderer_n sure_o no_o mortal_a man_n who_o be_v but_o dirt_n and_o wormsmeat_n at_o the_o best_a can_v pretend_v himself_o too_o great_a and_o too_o high_a to_o suffer_v and_o again_o when_o we_o behold_v virtue_n innocence_n and_o purity_n more_o than_o angelical_a crucify_v between_o thief_n and_o malefactor_n shall_v any_o man_n who_o birth_n and_o action_n revile_v and_o speak_v he_o a_o sinner_n to_o his_o face_n thing_n himself_o too_o good_a to_o come_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o take_v his_o share_n in_o the_o common_a lot_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v not_o the_o suffering_n itself_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o be_v dishonourable_a and_o even_o in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o shameful_a of_o suffering_n though_o the_o hangman_n do_v the_o execution_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o crime_n alone_o which_o do_v the_o disgrace_n christ_n command_v we_o nothing_o but_o he_o enforce_v it_o with_o argument_n from_o his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o from_o his_o word_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o can_v make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o they_o for_o god_n know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v call_v we_o from_o our_o easy_a speculation_n and_o theory_n of_o suffer_v to_o the_o practical_a experience_n of_o it_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v draw_v we_o forth_o for_o persecution_n and_o the_o fiery_a trial_n only_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o his_o honour_n it_o will_v be_v for_o we_o too_o to_o endure_v they_o and_o be_v our_o distress_n never_o so_o great_a our_o calamity_n never_o so_o strange_a and_o unusual_a yet_o we_o have_v both_o our_o saviour_n example_n to_o direct_v and_o his_o promise_n to_o support_v we_o who_o have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n that_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n mighty_a majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o sermon_n upon_o the_o resurrection_n preach_v on_o easter-day_n 1667._o act_n ii_o 24_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a concern_v to_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o their_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o to_o preserve_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o full_a belief_n of_o a_o future_a estate_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n into_o which_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o action_n here_o they_o must_v for_o ever_o be_v dispose_v of_o hereafter_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v find_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o bare_a humane_a restraint_n to_o control_v the_o audacious_a sinfulness_n of_o some_o temper_n and_o disposition_n without_o hold_v they_o under_o the_o awe_n of_o this_o persuasion_n from_o which_o though_o some_o by_o much_o and_o long_o sin_v and_o preverse_v ratiocination_n cause_v thereby_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n disintangle_v their_o conscience_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o few_o and_o inconsiderable_a compare_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o mind_n education_n and_o better_a principle_n graft_v upon_o the_o very_a instinct_n of_o nature_n have_v fix_v this_o persuasion_n too_o deep_a to_o be_v ever_o total_o root_v out_o and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o victorious_a influence_n of_o this_o that_o the_o common_a peace_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v maintain_v against_o those_o bold_a invasion_n which_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n will_v otherwise_o continual_o make_v upon_o it_o but_o now_o as_o high_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o future_a estate_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n this_o belief_n have_v stand_v hitherto_o upon_o very_o false_a or_o at_o the_o best_a very_o weak_a foundation_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v of_o no_o small_a import_n
death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o resign_v back_o these_o frail_a body_n these_o vessel_n of_o mortality_n to_o the_o dust_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v take_v we_o may_v yet_o say_v of_o our_o soul_n as_o christ_n do_v of_o the_o damosel_n who_o he_o raise_v up_o that_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o only_o sleep_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o shall_v as_o certain_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o triumph_n over_o the_o dishonour_n of_o its_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n as_o we_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n out_o of_o our_o bed_n with_o body_n refresh_v and_o advance_v into_o high_a and_o noble_a perfection_n for_o the_o head_n be_v once_o rise_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o member_n can_v stay_v long_o behind_o and_o christ_n be_v already_o rise_v and_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o all_o those_o who_o belong_v to_o he_o under_o that_o high_a relation_n that_o where_o he_o be_v they_o to_o their_o eternal_a comfort_n may_v be_v also_o rejoice_v and_o sing_v praise_n and_o hallelujah_n to_o he_o who_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o to_o who_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o glory_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n to_o eternal_a age_n amen_n the_o christian_a pentecost_n or_o the_o solemn_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o several_a miraculous_a gift_n confer_v by_o he_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n set_a forth_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n 1692._o 1_o cor._n xii_o 4_o now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v new_o change_v his_o crown_n of_o thorn_n for_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a take_v possession_n of_o his_o royal_a estate_n and_o sovereignty_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o prince_n be_v here_o treat_v with_o this_o low_a world_n now_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o he_o by_o his_o ambassador_n and_o for_o the_o great_a splendour_n of_o the_o embassy_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o message_n by_o a_o ambassador_n no_o way_n inferior_a to_o himself_o even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o third_z person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o glory_n equal_a in_o majesty_n coeternal_a and_o therefore_o most_o peculiar_o fit_v not_o only_o as_o a_o deputy_n but_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o altar_n idem_n to_o supply_v his_o place_n and_o presence_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o indeed_o have_v he_o not_o be_v equal_a to_o he_o in_o the_o godhead_n he_o can_v no_o more_o have_v supply_v his_o place_n than_o he_o can_v have_v fill_v it_o which_o we_o know_v in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n be_v thing_n extreme_o different_a as_o by_o sad_a and_o scandalous_a experience_n be_v too_o often_o find_v now_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o his_o glorious_a negotiation_n be_v to_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o seal_v the_o new_a charter_n of_o the_o world_n blessedness_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o draw_v up_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a work_n first_o to_o publish_v than_o it_o be_v afterward_o to_o confirm_v it_o for_o christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o truth_n and_o miracle_n can_v not_o receive_v its_o growth_n from_o any_o power_n less_o than_o that_o which_o first_o give_v it_o its_o birth_n and_o be_v withal_o a_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n and_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n most_o eager_o love_v to_o wit_n their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o their_o carnal_a lust_n it_o must_v needs_o have_v quick_o decay_v and_o wither_a and_o die_v away_o if_o not_o water_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n of_o omnipotence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v first_o plant_v nothing_o can_v keep_v it_o up_o but_o such_o a_o stand_a mighty_a power_n as_o shall_v be_v able_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o countermand_v and_o control_v nature_n such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o instruct_v and_o astonish_v and_o baffle_v the_o dispute_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o obvious_a overpower_a conviction_n of_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mission_n that_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v give_v christ_n his_o conception_n may_v now_o give_v christianity_n its_o confirmation_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o that_o wonderful_a and_o various_a effusion_n of_o his_o miraculous_a gift_n upon_o the_o first_o messenger_n and_o propagator_n of_o this_o divine_a religion_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v john_n 4.48_o unless_o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_v you_o will_v not_o believe_v so_o that_o sight_n be_v to_o introduce_v belief_n and_o according_o the_o first_o conquest_n and_o conviction_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o eye_n and_o from_o thence_o pass_v victorious_a to_o the_o heart_n this_o therefore_o be_v their_o rhetoric_n this_o their_o method_n of_o persuasion_n their_o word_n be_v work_n divinity_n and_o physic_n go_v together_o they_o cure_a the_o body_n and_o thereby_o convince_v the_o soul_n they_o convey_v and_o enforce_v all_o their_o exhortation_n not_o by_o the_o art_n of_o eloquence_n but_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n these_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o miracle_n the_o interpreter_n now_o in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o what_o those_o gift_n be_v which_o be_v confer_v by_o the_o spirit_n both_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o professor_n of_o christianity_n second_o what_o be_v import_v and_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o their_o diversity_n and_o three_o and_o last_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o emanation_n from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n first_o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o these_o gift_n be_v call_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v to_o say_v act_n of_o grace_n or_o favour_n and_o signify_v here_o certain_a quality_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n free_o bestow_v upon_o man_n for_o the_o better_a enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o settle_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o we_o will_v consider_v they_o under_o that_o know_a dichotomy_n or_o division_n by_o which_o they_o stand_v divide_v into_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o first_o for_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o he_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o as_o he_o who_o both_o make_v the_o watch_n and_o wind_n up_o the_o wheel_n of_o it_o may_v not_o improper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o its_o motion_n so_o god_n who_o first_o create_v and_o since_o sustain_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v just_o be_v call_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o perfection_n and_o improvement_n which_o the_o say_v faculty_n shall_v attain_v unto_o by_o their_o respective_a operation_n for_o that_o which_o give_v the_o form_n give_v also_o the_o consequent_n of_o that_o form_n and_o the_o principle_n with_o all_o its_o appendant_a action_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o donor_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v determine_v god_n title_n to_o our_o action_n bare_o in_o his_o give_v we_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o act_v durandus_fw-la indeed_o a_o eminent_a schoolman_n hold_v so_o and_o so_o must_v pelagius_n and_o his_o follower_n hold_v too_o if_o they_o will_v be_v true_a to_o and_o abide_v by_o their_o own_o principle_n but_o undoubted_o god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v the_o power_n but_o also_o vouchsafe_v a_o active_a influence_n and_o concurrence_n to_o the_o production_n of_o every_o particular_a action_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v either_o a_o natural_a or_o a_o moral_a goodness_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o acquire_v gift_n or_o habit_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o philosophy_n oratory_n or_o divinity_n we_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d co-worker_n with_o god_n and_o god_n ordinary_o give_v they_o to_o none_o but_o to_o such_o as_o labour_v hard_o for_o they_o they_o be_v so_o his_o gift_n that_o they_o be_v also_o our_o own_o acquisition_n his_o assistance_n and_o our_o own_o study_n be_v the_o joint_n and_o adequate_a cause_n of_o these_o perfection_n and_o to_o imagine_v the_o contrary_a be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v to_o be_v a_o scholar_n bare_o by_o his_o master_n teach_v without_o his_o own_o learning_n in_o all_o these_o case_n god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v his_o part_n but_o not_o to_o do_v both_o his_o own_o and_o we_o too_o second_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v gift_n be_v extraordinary_a which_o be_v so_o absolute_o and_o entire_o from_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n
heaven_n will_v grow_v cheap_a and_o common_a and_o which_o be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o conceive_v they_o will_v be_v miracle_n without_o a_o wonder_n the_o papist_n indeed_o who_o have_v swallow_v and_o digest_v the_o belief_n of_o so_o many_o monstrous_a contradiction_n will_v do_v but_o very_o unwise_o and_o disagreeable_o to_o themselves_o if_o for_o ever_o after_o they_o shall_v stick_v at_o any_o advantageous_a absurdity_n these_o i_o say_v hold_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n still_o continue_v ordinary_a in_o their_o church_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v still_o the_o same_o need_n of_o such_o miraculous_a confirmation_n as_o it_o have_v at_o first_o where_o if_o by_o the_o christian_n they_o mean_v their_o own_o popish_a religion_n i_o be_o so_o full_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o i_o think_v there_o be_v need_n not_o only_o of_o daily_a but_o even_o of_o hourly_a or_o rather_o continual_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o in_o that_o one_o single_a article_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o then_o we_o know_v who_o badge_n and_o character_n the_o scripture_n make_v it_o to_o come_v in_o lie_v wonder_n and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o lie_v wonder_n be_v true_a imposture_n and_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o fallacy_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o the_o cheat_n so_o transparent_a in_o they_o that_o as_o it_o harden_v the_o jew_n and_o mahumetan_n with_o a_o desperate_a invincible_a prejudice_n against_o christianity_n as_o a_o thing_n as_o false_a as_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v it_o recommend_v by_o so_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o it_o cause_n many_o christian_n also_o to_o nauseate_a their_o own_o religion_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o secret_a atheism_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v as_o even_o these_o impostor_n also_o pretend_v that_o the_o very_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o they_o see_v daily_o act_v by_o these_o spiritual_a juggler_n so_o that_o hereby_o the_o grand_a proof_n of_o christianity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o have_v no_o force_n or_o hold_v upon_o man_n mind_n at_o all_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n himself_o lay_v the_o main_a stress_n and_o credit_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o of_o his_o mission_n from_o god_n upon_o his_o miracle_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v say_v he_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o john_n 10.25_o and_o believe_v i_o for_o my_o very_a work_n sake_n john_n 14.11_o and_o have_v i_o not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n john_n 15.24_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o that_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o turn_v upon_o his_o miracle_n his_o mighty_a and_o supernatural_a work_n but_o as_o we_o know_v it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o get_v the_o character_n of_o a_o liar_n even_o truth_n itself_o be_v suspect_v if_o not_o absolute_o disbelieved_a when_o it_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o a_o one_o so_o these_o miracle-mongersâ—aving_a â—aving_z alarm_v the_o world_n round_o about_o tâ—em_n to_o a_o discernment_n of_o their_o trick_n wâ—en_o they_o come_v afterward_o to_o preach_v christianity_n especial_o to_o infidel_n and_o to_o preâ—â—_n it_o upon_o man_n belief_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o miraculous_a work_n which_o be_v true_o and_o real_o do_v by_o christ_n yet_o since_o they_o pretend_v the_o same_o of_o their_o own_o work_n too_o which_o all_o people_n see_v through_o and_o know_v to_o be_v lie_n and_o imposture_n all_o that_o they_o preach_v of_o christ_n be_v present_o look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o fictitious_a and_o leave_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n lock_v up_o under_o a_o fix_a obstinate_a and_o impregnable_a infidelity_n such_o a_o fatal_a blow_n have_v the_o legerdemain_n of_o those_o wretch_n give_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o jealousy_n have_v they_o raise_v in_o some_o man_n thought_n against_o it_o by_o their_o false_a miracle_n and_o fabulous_a story_n of_o the_o romantic_a feat_n of_o their_o pretend_a saint_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o indeed_o strange_a or_o miraculous_a but_o the_o impudence_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o as_o report_v and_o make_v they_o and_o the_o folly_n of_o such_o as_o can_v believe_v they_o 2._o pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o diversity_n of_o gift_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n it_o import_v i_o conceive_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o something_o by_o way_n of_o affirmation_n which_o be_v variety_n 2._o something_o by_o way_n of_o negation_n which_o be_v contrariety_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o it_o import_v variety_n of_o which_o excellent_a qualification_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o it_o make_v more_o for_o use_n or_o ornament_n it_o be_v the_o very_a beauty_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v that_o which_o keep_v alive_a desire_n which_o will_v otherwise_o flag_n and_o tire_n and_o be_v quick_o weary_a of_o any_o one_o single_a object_n it_o both_o supply_v our_o affection_n and_o entertain_v our_o admiration_n equal_o serve_v the_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o the_o important_a occasion_n of_o life_n and_o now_o all_o these_o advantage_n god_n will_v have_v this_o desirable_a quality_n derive_v even_o upon_o his_o church_n too_o in_o which_o great_a body_n there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v several_a member_n have_v their_o several_a use_v office_n and_o station_n as_o in_o the_o 28_o the_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o my_o text_n be_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o preacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n then_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n the_o particular_a function_n and_o employment_n of_o so_o many_o part_n subserve_v the_o joint_a interest_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o clock_n be_v a_o complicate_v motion_n of_o so_o many_o wheel_n fit_o put_v together_o and_o life_n itself_o but_o the_o result_n of_o so_o many_o several_a operation_n all_o issue_v from_o and_o contribute_v to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o same_o body_n the_o great_a help_n and_o furtherance_n of_o action_n be_v order_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o order_n be_v distinction_n no_o sense_n faculty_n or_o member_n must_v encroach_v upon_o or_o interfere_v with_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o another_o for_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n be_v all_o worker_n of_o miracle_n have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n do_v all_o interpret_v no_o but_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o eye_n do_v not_o speak_v nor_o the_o tongue_n see_v so_o neither_o in_o the_o spiritual_a be_v every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n endue_v also_o with_o the_o gift_n and_o spirit_n of_o government_n every_o one_o who_o may_v speak_v well_o and_o pertinent_o enough_o upon_o a_o text_n be_v not_o therefore_o present_o fit_a to_o rule_v a_o diocese_n nor_o be_v a_o nimble_a tongue_n always_o attend_v with_o a_o strong_a and_o a_o steady_a head_n if_o all_o be_v preacher_n who_o shall_v govern_v or_o rather_o indeed_o who_o can_v be_v govern_v if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v all_o ear_n man_n will_v be_v only_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o where_o will_v then_o be_v the_o doer_n for_o such_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v most_o to_o seek_v for_o in_o our_o day_n in_o which_o sad_a experience_n show_v that_o hear_v of_o sermon_n have_v with_o most_o swallow_v up_o and_o devour_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o manifest_o serve_v instead_o of_o it_o render_v many_o zealot_n among_o we_o as_o real_o guilty_a of_o the_o superstition_n of_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la of_o this_o duty_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v or_o can_v be_v charge_v to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o their_o religious_a performance_n whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n just_o reproach_n such_o with_o itch_a ear_n 2_o tim._n 4.3_o and_o i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o the_o itch_n in_o the_o ear_n be_v as_o bad_a a_o distemper_n as_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o perhaps_o a_o worse_o but_o to_o proceed_v god_n have_v use_v of_o all_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o serve_v the_o occasion_n and_o exigence_n of_o his_o church_n by_o among_o which_o some_o be_v of_o a_o sanguine_a cheerful_a and_o debonair_a disposition_n have_v their_o imagination_n for_o the_o most_o part_n fill_v and_o take_v up_o with_o please_a idea_n and_o image_n of_o thing_n seldom_o or_o never_o trouble_v their_o thought_n either_o by_o
fair._n and_o then_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n let_v a_o bleed_a church_n and_o state_n show_v how_o notable_o they_o be_v gift_v that_o way_n they_o play_v the_o surgeon_n indeed_o with_o a_o witness_n but_o we_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o they_o act_v the_o physician_n all_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o body_n politic_a be_v with_o powder_n and_o ball_n sword_n and_o pistol_n no_o save_n of_o life_n with_o those_o man_n but_o by_o purge_v away_o the_o estate_n and_o likewise_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n they_o have_v their_o tryer_n that_o be_v a_o court_n appoint_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o minister_n but_o most_o proper_o call_v cromwell_n inquisition_n in_o which_o they_o will_v pretend_v to_o know_v man_n heart_n and_o inward_a bend_v of_o their_o spirit_n as_o their_o word_n be_v by_o their_o very_a look_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o chief_a pretence_n of_o those_o tryer_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o man_n gift_n so_o if_o they_o find_v they_o but_o well_o gift_v in_o the_o hand_n they_o never_o look_v any_o further_a for_o a_o full_a and_o free_a hand_n be_v with_o they_o a_o abundant_a demonstration_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n a_o word_n in_o great_a request_n in_o those_o time_n and_o moreover_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o diverse_a tongue_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o scarce_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o two_o day_n together_o though_o otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o great_a linguist_n their_o own_o mother_n tongue_n serve_v all_o their_o occasion_n without_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o the_o father_n who_o always_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o the_o beast_n to_o such_o as_o can_v not_o understand_v they_o latin_n be_v with_o they_o a_o mortal_a crime_n and_o greek_a instead_o of_o be_v own_v for_o the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v be_v look_v upon_o like_o the_o sin_n against_o it_o so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n they_o have_v all_o the_o confusion_n of_o babel_n among_o they_o without_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o then_o last_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n they_o think_v themselves_o no_o ordinary_a man_n at_o expound_v a_o chapter_n if_o the_o turn_v of_o a_o few_o rational_a significant_a word_n and_o sentence_n into_o a_o loose_a tedious_a impertinent_a harangue_n can_v be_v call_v a_o exposition_n but_o above_o all_o for_o their_o interpret_n gift_n you_o must_v take_v they_o upon_o ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n and_o from_o thence_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a prophetic_a cloud_n thunder_a against_o the_o old_a cavaleir_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o as_o i_o may_v but_o too_o apposite_o express_v it_o break_v they_o upon_o the_o wheel_n in_o ezekiel_n cast_v they_o to_o the_o beast_n in_o daniel_n and_o pour_v upon_o they_o all_o the_o vial_n in_o the_o revelation_n after_o which_o let_v any_o one_o deny_v it_o who_o dare_v that_o the_o black_a decree_n be_v absolute_o pass_v upon_o those_o malignant_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o a_o man_n son_n of_o reprobation_n and_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v reckon_v up_o most_o of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o of_o our_o late_a gift_a brethren_n among_o all_o which_o divine_a gift_n i_o must_v declare_v that_o i_o can_v find_v the_o gift_n of_o cant_v and_o whine_v and_o make_v face_n that_o be_v of_o speak_v bad_a sense_n with_o worse_a look_n which_o yet_o those_o man_n use_v to_o call_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n nor_o can_v i_o find_v the_o gift_n of_o utter_v every_o sudden_a crude_a undigested_a thought_n come_v over_o their_o mind_n and_o of_o be_v impudent_o bold_a and_o familiar_a with_o almighty_a god_n in_o prayer_n i_o can_v find_v the_o gift_n of_o explode_v the_o mystery_n and_o peculiar_a credenda_fw-la of_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o the_o turn_a christianity_n into_o bare_a morality_n i_o can_v find_v the_o gift_n of_o account_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n against_o law_n as_o a_o thing_n sacred_a but_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n according_a to_o law_n as_o a_o crime_n to_o be_v prosecute_v almost_o to_o death_n in_o a_o word_n i_o can_v find_v the_o gift_n of_o rebel_a it_o plunder_v sequester_v rob_v church_n and_o murder_v king_n and_o all_o this_o pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o discern_a faculty_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n find_v among_o the_o primitive_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o wheresoever_o i_o do_v find_v they_o let_v man_n talk_v never_o so_o much_o of_o inward_a motion_n and_o extraordinary_n call_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o public_a good_a of_o moderation_n and_o of_o a_o heal_n spirit_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o long_o and_o sad_a experience_n have_v teach_v we_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o all_o these_o fine_a and_o fallacious_a term_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v both_o of_o they_o and_o the_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o proceed_v in_o those_o word_n of_o st._n james_n 3.18_o that_o they_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a these_o be_v the_o name_n which_o god_n know_v and_o call_v they_o by_o though_o schismatic_n and_o hypocrite_n may_v call_v they_o reformation_n but_o four_o in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n this_o emanation_n of_o gift_n from_o the_o spirit_n assure_v we_o that_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n opposite_a to_o grace_n since_o we_o see_v gift_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n confer_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o among_o those_o of_o the_o late_a reform_a age_n who_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o all_o learning_n be_v utter_o cry_v down_o so_o that_o with_o they_o the_o best_a preacher_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o read_v and_o the_o able_a divine_v such_o as_o can_v not_o write_v in_o all_o their_o preachment_n they_o so_o high_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o so_o much_o as_o spell_v the_o letter_n to_o be_v blind_a be_v with_o they_o the_o proper_a qualification_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o to_o be_v book-learned_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o to_o be_v irreligious_a be_v almost_o term_n convertible_a none_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n but_o tradesman_n and_o mechanic_n because_o none_o else_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n those_o only_o be_v account_v like_o st._n paul_n who_o can_v work_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n drive_v the_o nail_n home_o and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o pulpit_n before_o they_o preach_v in_o it_o but_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n take_v quite_o another_o method_n be_v still_o as_o careful_a to_o furnish_v the_o head_n as_o to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o as_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o find_v and_o establish_v a_o church_n by_o these_o extraordinary_a gift_n so_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a miracle_n to_o have_v do_v it_o without_o they_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n he_o neither_o admit_v darkness_n in_o himself_o nor_o approve_v it_o in_o other_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o place_n all_o religion_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o a_o furious_a zeal_n without_o the_o due_a illumination_n of_o knowledge_n know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v indeed_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n as_o begin_v in_o darkness_n lead_v to_o it_o and_o end_v in_o it_o but_o certain_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n find_v that_o a_o religion_n so_o much_o resemble_v hell_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o spirit_n always_o guide_v and_o instruct_v before_o he_o save_v and_o that_o as_o he_o bring_v to_o happiness_n only_o by_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n so_o he_o never_o lead_v to_o true_a holiness_n but_o by_o the_o path_n of_o knowledge_n to_o which_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o concern_v of_o providence_n for_o the_o protection_n and_o defense_n of_o king_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n nou._n 5._o 1675._o psalm_n cxliv_o 10_o former_a part_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v salvation_n unto_o king_n the_o great_a and_o most_o magnificent_a title_n by_o which_o god_n