be_v quick_a and_o know_a spirit_n they_o can_v not_o but_o immediate_o perceive_v their_o unhappiness_n and_o make_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o indeed_o can_v not_o but_o make_v they_o lament_v their_o folly_n and_o repent_v also_o if_o a_o violent_a sorrow_n only_o for_o past_a miscarriage_n can_v be_v call_v repentance_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o sorrow_n can_v be_v deny_v since_o in_o this_o consist_v their_o torment_n but_o a_o unsuccessful_a sorrow_n a_o sorrow_n without_o submission_n to_o the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o sorrow_n which_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v and_o which_o therefore_o will_v continue_v for_o ever_o heighten_v by_o the_o great_a aggravation_n as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o unspeakable_a and_o which_o be_v more_o irrecoverable_a loss_n not_o to_o be_v end_v by_o death_n nor_o divert_v by_o a_o stupid_a inconsideration_n but_o place_v in_o a_o know_v active_a always_o think_v and_o 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have_v determine_v by_o fix_a and_o certain_a law_n of_o motion_n which_o it_o exceed_v their_o power_n to_o reverse_v or_o change_v but_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o not_o determine_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o any_o certain_a action_n admit_v the_o interposition_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a they_o alleviate_v not_o their_o own_o torment_n nor_o gain_v any_o real_a advantage_n hereby_o yet_o ought_v not_o this_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_v of_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o man_n reap_v no_o real_a profit_n by_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o man_n do_v often_o sin_v and_o that_o false_a satisfaction_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o gratify_v their_o lust_n the_o devil_n obtain_v by_o serve_v their_o revenge_n and_o envy_n so_o then_o that_o the_o devil_n shall_v desire_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o same_o unhappiness_n with_o themselves_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o be_v only_o somewhat_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v effect_v their_o desire_n and_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o wi_n to_o satisfy_v this_o difficulty_n many_o have_v entertain_v false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o it_o will_v be_v adviseable_a to_o remove_v before_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o direct_a consideration_n of_o the_o manner_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n tempt_v we_o and_o first_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o refute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o manichee_n or_o valentinian_o who_o give_v to_o the_o devil_n a_o independent_a existence_n from_o god_n and_o uncontrollable_a by_o he_o nay_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n save_v that_o of_o goodness_n allow_v he_o a_o infinite_a power_n whereby_o he_o can_v force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o wicked_a counsel_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o any_o christian_n will_v at_o this_o time_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o absurd_a heresy_n yet_o many_o perhaps_o from_o the_o frequent_a experience_n of_o their_o own_o yield_n to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v so_o far_o corrupt_v in_o judgement_n as_o to_o believe_v they_o irresistible_a or_o at_o least_o plead_v this_o in_o excuse_n of_o their_o impenitence_n to_o such_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o change_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o all_o creature_n and_o among_o they_o devil_n also_o be_v subject_v add_v to_o this_o the_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o resist_v their_o temptation_n which_o will_v have_v be_v vain_a if_o these_o have_v be_v irresistible_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v which_o will_v not_o have_v take_v place_n if_o we_o can_v not_o overcome_v all_o temptation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o daily_o resist_v and_o surmount_v they_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v baffle_v they_o if_o they_o will_v use_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n assist_v with_o that_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o so_o that_o what_o the_o aposte_n say_v of_o some_o man_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 26._o that_o they_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o voluntary_o follow_v his_o suggestion_n which_o also_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n command_v to_o timothy_n in_o the_o precedent_a word_n of_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o second_o error_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o god_n give_v to_o the_o devil_n a_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o tempt_a man_n a_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o even_o modern_a writer_n who_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n obedience_n the_o first_o in_o that_o god_n have_v gracious_o contrive_v this_o impediment_n of_o obedience_n to_o man_n that_o so_o his_o obedience_n may_v become_v the_o more_o meritorious_a and_o the_o latter_a in_o that_o man_n perform_v his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o so_o great_a impediment_n this_o opinion_n although_o receive_v will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o clear_a our_o doubt_n since_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o devil_n exercise_v this_o delegated_a power_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v be_v god_n may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o tempt_v we_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v let_v no_o man_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v say_v that_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o double_a deal_v as_o to_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n tempt_v we_o to_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o to_o allure_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o by_o promise_n by_o threat_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o it_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o evil_a spirit_n employ_v by_o he_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v no_o less_o injustice_n to_o he_o than_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o nay_o too_o blacken_v he_o and_o to_o clear_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o temptation_n for_o if_o the_o devil_n herein_o act_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o god_n they_o act_n
to_o the_o soul_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o invest_v with_o immortality_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n devest_v of_o these_o gross_a sense_n which_o now_o accompany_v we_o and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o worldly_a and_o admire_a pleasure_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vileness_n of_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o can_v be_v make_v happy_a without_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o any_o real_a worth_n god_n will_v have_v continue_v they_o to_o we_o in_o another_o life_n but_o since_o he_o have_v make_v way_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o humane_a happiness_n by_o the_o abolishment_n of_o all_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o despoil_v the_o body_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n be_v light_a and_o trifle_a incompatible_a with_o real_a happiness_n and_o unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o the_o body_n those_o pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o our_o body_n be_v capable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a so_o much_o to_o admire_v here_o below_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n delight_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n finite_a short_a and_o contemptible_a the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o increase_v their_o worth_n but_o then_o this_o very_a repetition_n become_v nauseous_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v common_o produce_v by_o a_o irregular_a appetite_n but_o always_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o when_o perform_v they_o leave_v no_o satisfaction_n behind_o they_o they_o cloy_v the_o appetite_n and_o by_o their_o frequency_n become_v troublesome_a and_o even_o odious_a to_o we_o be_v finish_v in_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o leave_v nothing_o grateful_a behind_o they_o but_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v end_n with_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o life_n may_v be_v obstruct_v by_o disease_n and_o calamity_n a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n in_o who_o all_o the_o greatness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v join_v he_o preside_v over_o a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a people_n and_o that_o in_o great_a glory_n than_o all_o the_o king_n before_o or_o after_o he_o so_o that_o if_o ambition_n worldly_a honour_n and_o pomp_n can_v make_v he_o happy_a he_o possess_v they_o all_o in_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o fame_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n among_o neighbour_n nation_n can_v increase_v this_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v from_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o east_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o mouth_n if_o riches_n can_v confer_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o desire_a perfection_n none_o can_v put_v in_o a_o better_a claim_n for_o it_o than_o he_o in_o who_o time_n gold_n be_v esteem_v no_o more_o than_o iron_n and_o silver_n as_o stone_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o last_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v complete_a our_o happiness_n none_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o he_o at_o who_o command_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o profound_a and_o uninterrupted_a peace_n all_o his_o life_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v that_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o suppose_a mean_n of_o happiness_n he_o assure_v we_o eccles._n ii_o 10._o that_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o nor_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n nay_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o curiosity_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v nothing_o unattempted_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o know_v madness_n and_o folly_n eccles._n i._n 17._o one_o who_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o pleasure_n and_o can_v by_o his_o exquisite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n heighten_v and_o refine_v these_o pleasure_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o they_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n if_o then_o no_o real_a happiness_n if_o no_o solid_a pleasure_n can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n from_o riches_n and_o the_o outward_a pomp_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v recur_v to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o happiness_n true_o solid_a and_o which_o be_v more_o eternal_a none_o but_o a_o vast_a and_o infinite_a good_a can_v satisfy_v the_o unbounded_a desire_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o eternity_n itself_o can_v satiate_v a_o immortal_a be_v for_o however_o our_o soul_n be_v finite_a as_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v yet_o our_o will_n have_v no_o limit_n but_o continual_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o unless_o that_o good_a which_o they_o already_o possess_v can_v receive_v no_o far_o addition_n this_o good_a be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v fix_v our_o restless_a will_n and_o by_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n ravish_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o pleasure_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o be_v a_o happiness_n true_o peculiar_a to_o spiritual_a being_n who_o alone_o can_v contemplate_v the_o majesty_n and_o inimitable_a goodness_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o by_o so_o do_v secure_a to_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n infinite_a in_o itself_o not_o inferior_a to_o the_o vast_a desire_n of_o the_o will_n which_o survive_v all_o the_o change_n of_o fortune_n malice_n of_o man_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o if_o we_o can_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o greatness_n of_o these_o spiritual_a pleasure_n their_o convenience_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o infinite_a duration_n of_o they_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o they_o immerse_v in_o gross_a and_o earthly_a delight_n so_o far_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o willing_a nor_o perhaps_o able_a to_o receive_v these_o great_a and_o more_o real_a enjoyment_n by_o attend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v even_o change_v the_o nature_n and_o nobleness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o from_o guide_n and_o director_n make_v they_o mere_a instrument_n to_o our_o body_n devest_v they_o of_o all_o remembrance_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a degrade_v they_o into_o a_o servile_a condition_n and_o be_v we_o not_o sometime_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v perhaps_o forget_v that_o we_o be_v create_v in_o a_o condition_n little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thus_o far_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n revelation_n do_v the_o same_o no_o less_o full_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o wean_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o thing_n above_o to_o withdraw_v we_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o seat_v we_o at_o last_o in_o heaven_n to_o this_o the_o whole_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o religion_n plain_o tend_v command_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n undergo_v persecution_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o even_o suffer_v death_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o who_o love_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n or_o possession_n beyond_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o among_o other_o precept_n command_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n of_o nature_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o life_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n precept_n all_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n must_v be_v forgo_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n destroy_v rather_o than_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o least_o be_v injure_v our_o
direct_o affect_v not_o his_o mind_n which_o still_o remain_v untouched_a expose_v indeed_o to_o the_o ordinary_a assault_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o assault_v as_o they_o be_v not_o suspend_v by_o god_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o assist_v by_o he_o which_o assault_v how_o they_o be_v affect_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o come_v next_o to_o inquire_v have_v first_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o although_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v or_o explain_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o our_o own_o experience_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o admit_v such_o doubt_n and_o that_o the_o faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n be_v imperceptible_a to_o we_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o although_o it_o be_v so_o near_o relate_v to_o we_o we_o know_v but_o very_o imperfect_o the_o manner_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o her_o action_n the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o tempt_v we_o two_o 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there_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n than_o between_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o other_o immaterial_a be_v so_o that_o the_o devil_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o our_o imagination_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o spirit_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o move_v or_o disorder_v our_o whole_a body_n since_o to_o the_o former_a be_v require_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n which_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v any_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o latter_a be_v require_v a_o power_n transcend_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v settle_v and_o preserve_v which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o violate_a by_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o brain_n as_o produce_v a_o 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article_n of_o christianity_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o christian_n firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v take_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o our_o ability_n to_o resist_v he_o he_o can_v proceed_v indeed_o no_o far_o than_o to_o suggest_v the_o first_o cogitation_n of_o any_o object_n and_o if_o man_n also_o stop_v here_o he_o will_v never_o forfeit_v his_o innocence_n the_o devil_n will_v never_o obtain_v his_o desire_a end_n he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o indeed_o yet_o this_o he_o improve_v to_o great_a advantage_n and_o with_o that_o success_n which_o we_o all_o lament_v he_o know_v the_o constitution_n of_o all_o man_n and_o
conviction_n will_v be_v no_o less_o unuseful_a and_o unsuccessful_a than_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v either_o if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o reason_n which_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n or_o the_o force_n of_o those_o objection_n to_o which_o both_o method_n be_v liable_a the_o true_a cause_n which_o render_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n unsuccessful_a be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o men._n it_o find_v no_o welcome_a reception_n in_o world_n because_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n the_o of_o it_o it_o abridge_v the_o sensuality_n the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v not_o obey_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v forgo_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n a_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o lest_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o restrain_v his_o admire_a enjoyment_n it_o forbid_v revenge_n envy_n and_o malice_n and_o therefore_o mind_n possess_v with_o these_o vice_n can_v bear_v it_o these_o be_v the_o impediment_n which_o defeat_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o plead_v more_o strong_o and_o persuade_v more_o effectual_o than_o the_o argument_n which_o recommend_v that_o excellent_a religion_n few_o or_o none_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o perceive_v not_o the_o just_a motive_n of_o its_o credibility_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o reasonable_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o then_o compare_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n forbid_v by_o it_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o they_o willing_o over_o see_v and_o reject_v the_o latter_a that_o they_o may_v not_o forego_v the_o former_a and_o while_o man_n act_v thus_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n no_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n will_v be_v able_a to_o reform_v they_o if_o any_o such_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n in_o confirmation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o this_o conviction_n be_v already_o sufficient_o perform_v by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n so_o that_o in_o both_o case_n reason_n direct_v they_o to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o in_o one_o case_n the_o direction_n of_o reason_n be_v reject_v it_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v that_o in_o another_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v for_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n a_o resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o reason_n shall_v direct_v and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o violate_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v great_a or_o less_o since_o the_o man_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o obey_v it_o any_o far_a than_o it_o shall_v agree_v with_o his_o own_o lusts._n for_o miracle_n affect_v the_o understanding_n only_o they_o reform_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man._n they_o induce_v he_o indeed_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o from_o who_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v direction_n but_o remove_v not_o those_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o oppose_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o divine_a direction_n the_o same_o irregular_a desire_n continue_v the_o same_o affection_n possess_v his_o soul_n and_o will_v infallible_o render_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o duty_n unsuccessful_a until_o a_o firm_a resolution_n be_v form_v by_o he_o of_o perform_v whatsoever_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n of_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o reason_n shall_v direct_v of_o assent_v to_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v recommend_v and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v once_o form_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n settle_v for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o religion_n will_v obtain_v equal_a success_n with_o any_o extraordinary_a method_n whatsoever_o since_o even_o in_o that_o sufficient_a evidence_n may_v be_v find_v to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o reason_n direct_v and_o require_v obedience_n and_o assent_n to_o it_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o jew_n even_o under_o the_o government_n of_o moses_n while_o they_o enjoy_v the_o sight_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n nay_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o be_v feed_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n continue_v still_o no_o less_o disobedient_a make_v frequent_a apostasy_n from_o god_n rebel_v against_o his_o prophet_n by_o who_o ministration_n those_o miracle_n be_v perform_v and_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v not_o leave_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n behind_o they_o but_o retain_v the_o same_o sensuality_n and_o perverseness_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a revelation_n can_v make_v 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and_o the_o tyrian_n the_o former_a have_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o want_v that_o advantage_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n whence_o they_o also_o descend_v have_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n have_v be_v deface_v by_o long_a disuse_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v even_o necessary_a to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o restore_v the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o have_v they_o see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n far_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o common_a objection_n to_o which_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o convey_v religion_n long_o since_o settle_v without_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a method_n 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to_o distinguish_v true_a from_o imaginary_a apparition_n the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n from_o illusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o if_o such_o rule_n can_v be_v form_v man_n can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v reveal_v since_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n put_v not_o off_o their_o vice_n with_o the_o body_n and_o may_v still_o retain_v such_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v exercise_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o corporeal_a organ_n such_o as_o envy_n malice_n lie_v and_o fraud_n or_o if_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v the_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n attend_v such_o apparition_n will_v infallible_o hinder_v all_o clear_a perception_n either_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o apparition_n or_o of_o the_o matter_n reveal_v in_o it_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o here_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prejudice_n common_a to_o many_o christian_n who_o imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o have_v see_v with_o
eternal_a happiness_n and_o true_a christian_a obedience_n which_o no_o change_n of_o fortune_n can_v dissolve_v no_o unforeseen_a calamity_n can_v overthrow_v therein_o the_o undertaker_n be_v only_o to_o answer_v for_o his_o diligence_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n require_v to_o complete_a his_o success_n but_o what_o be_v entire_o in_o his_o power_n if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v rest_v secure_a of_o the_o reward_n the_o nature_n the_o extent_n the_o duration_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v full_o make_v know_v unto_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o any_o long_o be_v distract_v with_o anxious_a thought_n about_o it_o and_o so_o have_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o as_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n give_v rest_n unto_o his_o soul_n weary_v before_o with_o a_o fruitless_a and_o uncertain_a search_n of_o happiness_n the_o last_o argument_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v take_v from_o the_o external_a assistance_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v and_o do_v still_o continue_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n in_o impose_v his_o yoke_n upon_o mankind_n know_v very_o well_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o opposition_n of_o his_o precept_n to_o their_o ordinary_a passion_n the_o tenderness_n and_o clemency_n which_o become_v the_o saviour_n redeemer_n and_o mediator_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o freewill_n alone_a but_o assist_v their_o obedience_n with_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o those_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n which_o render_v the_o imposition_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o he_o lay_v upon_o they_o easie_n and_o pleasant_a to_o they_o to_o convey_v this_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o it_o he_o have_v found_v a_o church_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v and_o public_o declare_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o those_o rite_n which_o himself_o have_v institute_v he_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o as_o such_o communicate_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o we_o who_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o if_o any_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o body_n whereof_o himself_o be_v the_o head_n they_o cease_v to_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o he_o receive_v none_o of_o those_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o body_n at_o least_o they_o can_v receive_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n appoint_v to_o convey_v they_o and_o if_o any_o pretend_v new_a light_n and_o new_a way_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v therefore_o what_o may_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o set_v up_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a light_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n to_o compensate_a the_o neglect_n of_o temperance_n and_o meekness_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v off_o the_o ordinary_a communication_n between_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o that_o channel_n find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o practise_v those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o our_o lord_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o annul_v the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o alleviate_v but_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n to_o claim_v the_o benefit_n and_o refuse_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o mankind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o vain_a persuasion_n and_o arrogant_a pretence_n our_o lord_n have_v promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o therein_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v he_o have_v settle_v the_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o change_v if_o we_o slight_v the_o assistance_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o mean_n we_o be_v incapable_a let_v we_o right_o esteem_v and_o implore_v this_o assistance_n to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v receive_v it_o that_o be_v a_o constant_a communion_n with_o his_o body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o her_o holy_a office_n and_o sacrament_n so_o shall_v we_o experience_v that_o his_o command_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o render_v pleasant_a by_o their_o reward_n but_o be_v also_o make_v easie_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o find_v assurance_n of_o what_o he_o promise_v rest_v to_o our_o weary_a soul_n the_o thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n xii_o 19_o dear_o belove_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n and_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o many_o argument_n at_o last_o conclude_v his_o argument_n with_o these_o word_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o to_o act_v in_o a_o contrary_a manner_n be_v to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o invade_v what_o he_o claim_v peculiarly_a to_o himself_o and_o sure_o no_o less_o a_o argument_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o violate_v the_o majesty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n can_v deter_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o passion_n in_o man_n and_o can_v plead_v for_o itself_o with_o more_o plausible_a argument_n than_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o as_o that_o nature_n direct_v all_o creature_n to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o repel_v the_o assault_n of_o enemy_n that_o for_o this_o purpose_n all_o animal_n be_v endue_v with_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o courage_n that_o to_o pass_v by_o one_o enemy_n unrevenged_a expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o insult_v of_o enemy_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o friend_n and_o to_o renew_v wrong_n that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o baseness_n and_o cowardice_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o timorous_a soul_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o the_o affront_v and_o wrong_n of_o another_o man_n and_o that_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n to_o punish_v the_o malice_n of_o a_o offender_n by_o procure_v loss_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o part_n of_o distributive_a justice_n of_o which_o every_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n that_o so_o as_o the_o smart_n of_o revenge_n inflict_v may_v punish_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o aggressor_n the_o pleasure_n of_o inflict_a revenge_n may_v make_v some_o amends_o for_o the_o undeserved_a suffering_n of_o the_o injure_a party_n such_o argument_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o revenge_n and_o such_o do_v once_o introduce_v a_o universal_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o revenge_n be_v not_o only_o a_o matter_n allow_v but_o even_o a_o virtue_n the_o duty_n of_o every_o noble_a and_o courageous_a mind_n consonant_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o every_o private_a man._n thus_o the_o great_a master_n of_o morality_n among_o the_o heathen_n among_o who_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o that_o revenge_n be_v sweet_a than_o life_n itself_o that_o moderation_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o create_v but_o none_o in_o revenge_a injury_n that_o not_o to_o revenge_v a_o wrong_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o fear_n and_o sloth_n of_o a_o unmanly_a and_o degenerous_a mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v teach_v throughout_o this_o whole_a chapter_n to_o bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v we_o to_o recompense_v to_o no_o man_n evil_a for_o evil_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n which_o concern_v my_o present_a design_n not_o to_o avenge_v ourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o any_o sin_n of_o injustice_n commit_v against_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n either_o by_o
worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o if_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a prayer_n be_v more_o eminent_o so_o the_o intention_n of_o private_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o obtain_v supply_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o then_o to_o worship_v god_n whereas_o in_o public_a prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o necessity_n but_o a_o secondary_a intention_n so_o that_o to_o intermit_v the_o use_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o pray_v only_o in_o private_a be_v for_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o own_o design_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o public_a worship_n and_o prayer_n do_v far_o more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v open_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o other_o confess_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n magnify_v his_o benefit_n deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n whereas_o he_o who_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o a_o closet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v so_o much_o to_o other_o man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o he_o equal_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v also_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o want_v his_o mercy_n the_o psalmist_n therefore_o upon_o the_o receive_n of_o great_a and_o eminent_a benefit_n be_v wont_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o congregation_n as_o well_o know_v that_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o do_v far_o more_o contribute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o more_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n receive_v no_o increase_n of_o honour_n from_o our_o praise_n for_o neither_o do_v he_o receive_v any_o such_o advantage_n from_o private_a worship_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impious_a to_o say_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o man._n but_o by_o public_a worship_n man_n do_v more_o evident_o manifest_v their_o gratitude_n to_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v of_o his_o benefit_n and_o their_o own_o obligation_n than_o by_o private_a prayer_n and_o adoration_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o former_a be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n which_o good_a can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o procure_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n one_o part_n of_o which_o be_v a_o just_a return_n of_o gratitude_n and_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n receive_v not_o increase_v of_o honour_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o from_o those_o of_o men._n yet_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o find_v of_o heaven_n represent_v they_o as_o incessant_o sing_v praise_n to_o their_o great_a creator_n who_o not_o content_a to_o retain_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o their_o own_o thought_n communicate_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n find_v church_n that_o be_v separate_z society_n of_o man_n unite_v by_o certain_a law_n and_o under_o one_o common_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o one_o common_a form_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o private_a worship_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o contrive_v and_o find_v church_n by_o wonder_n of_o providence_n as_o he_o have_v that_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o vain_a have_v he_o give_v to_o they_o particular_a law_n and_o annex_v many_o privilege_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o under_o the_o old_a law_n he_o require_v every_o male_a to_o appear_v before_o he_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o command_v public_a worship_n to_o be_v continual_o pay_v to_o himself_o in_o daily_a sacrifice_n yet_o as_o he_o declare_v although_o he_o care_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o bullock_n nor_o for_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v the_o duty_n and_o adjoin_v reward_n to_o it_o because_o it_o public_o declare_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devout_a sacrificer_n to_o himself_o in_o these_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n our_o lord_n while_o one_o earth_n constant_o give_v his_o attendance_n at_o appoint_a time_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n frequent_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v in_o the_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n there_o make_v use_v of_o although_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v pour_v out_o extempore_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o devout_a prayer_n than_o those_o receive_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n if_o then_o god_n so_o strict_o exact_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o exact_o perform_v it_o if_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n god_n have_v gather_v and_o unite_v a_o church_n under_o common_a law_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o common_a reward_n what_o account_n can_v they_o make_v who_o either_o lie_v aside_o all_o public_a worship_n as_o superfluous_a or_o decry_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o meet_v once_o a_o week_n to_o worship_n god_n place_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o day_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o exhortation_n to_o and_o direction_n how_o to_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o private_a so_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a than_o to_o the_o other_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n wheresoever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n join_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o with_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n he_o will_v excite_v and_o render_v effectual_a their_o devotion_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o will_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o petition_n and_o how_o effectual_a must_v those_o prayer_n be_v wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o concur_v or_o what_o doubt_n can_v remain_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n when_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o assistance_n pardon_v favour_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v ancient_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o translate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o among_o they_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v give_v not_o to_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o same_o privilege_n be_v make_v common_a to_o all_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n do_v prevail_v to_o worship_n offer_v up_o from_o public_a place_n alone_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a and_o more_o illustrious_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v appear_v by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a honour_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n while_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n stand_v while_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o worship_n be_v perform_v therein_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o
all_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n to_o discover_v his_o power_n thereby_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o mystery_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o not_o only_o be_v it_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n glory_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o god_n but_o also_o this_o effect_n have_v actual_o be_v produce_v and_o great_a glory_n have_v thence_o ensue_v than_o from_o all_o other_o cause_n whatsoever_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o praise_n which_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n prophet_n and_o good_a man_n give_v to_o god_n when_o they_o foresee_v this_o incarnation_n although_o it_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v only_o allege_v the_o increase_n of_o divine_a glory_n subsequent_a to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v that_o by_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n with_o that_o which_o follow_v to_o it_o 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public_o set_v to_o sale_n and_o what_o remain_v of_o true_a piety_n just_o than_o expire_a consider_v now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o after_o time_n we_o find_v this_o darkness_n dispel_v this_o impiety_n remove_v army_n of_o saint_n martyr_n and_o devout_a person_n who_o shall_v for_o ever_o continue_v to_o sing_v that_o hymn_n to_o god_n which_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n begin_v upon_o this_o day_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v introduce_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n vast_a number_n of_o person_n profess_v the_o worship_n of_o he_o convert_v in_o a_o few_o year_n their_o number_n daily_o increase_v until_o after_o three_o hundred_o year_n the_o whole_a civilise_a world_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o join_v in_o offer_v up_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o magnify_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o confess_v his_o authority_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n in_o obey_v his_o law_n if_o not_o in_o reality_n yet_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n these_o bless_a time_n indeed_o be_v not_o for_o ever_o to_o continue_v it_o be_v foretell_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n man_n and_o that_o the_o great_a number_n shall_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lusts._n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o church_n have_v now_o for_o many_o age_n lament_v yet_o after_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v still_o keep_v up_o if_o not_o in_o the_o great_a yet_o in_o the_o more_o understand_a part_n of_o the_o world_n vast_a number_n of_o devout_a person_n yet_o remain_v continual_a praise_n be_v daily_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o all_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o happy_a incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o we_o be_v this_o day_n meet_v together_o and_o so_o be_v all_o other_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o angelic_a hymn_n in_o the_o text_n be_v peace_n on_o earth_n by_o peace_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a expression_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v well_o understand_v all_o manner_n of_o happiness_n of_o which_o mankind_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v infer_v yet_o in_o consider_v it_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o strict_a acception_n of_o it_o this_o day_n than_o be_v signal_o accomplish_v the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o messiah_n now_o be_v god_n reconcile_v to_o mankind_n and_o those_o reason_n found_v upon_o which_o man_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v reconcile_v one_o to_o another_o this_o be_v the_o great_a benefit_n which_o man_n can_v possible_o receive_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o the_o love_n of_o one_o another_o god_n can_v receive_v no_o other_o from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n but_o the_o increase_n of_o glory_n and_o man_n no_o great_a than_o the_o gift_n of_o peace_n just_o therefore_o after_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a the_o angel_n subjoin_v peace_n on_o earth_n peace_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v reconciliation_n to_o god_n be_v foretell_v by_o isaias_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n lvii_o 19_o and_o that_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o all_o man_n who_o shall_v accept_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o peace_n peace_n to_o he_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o to_o he_o that_o be_v near_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v heal_v they_o this_o reconciliation_n be_v actual_o begin_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o final_o complete_v by_o his_o preach_a and_o suffer_v here_o on_o earth_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o we_o be_v say_v rom._n v._n 1._o to_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n before_o man_n have_v by_o their_o sin_n proclaim_v themselves_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o more_o eminent_o by_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o protection_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o be_v notorious_o do_v among_o the_o heathen_n christ_n by_o take_v our_o flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o afterward_o he_o do_v bring_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o have_v do_v so_o offer_v up_o his_o life_n as_o a_o ransom_n for_o their_o sin_n obtain_v of_o his_o father_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n peace_n upon_o earth_n signify_v the_o mutual_a peace_n of_o men._n this_o also_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n particular_o by_o isaiah_n in_o xi_o and_o lx._n chapter_n under_o the_o representation_n of_o that_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v visible_a even_o in_o beast_n of_o prey_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v strange_o incline_v man_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o excellent_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v indeed_o universal_o regard_v hatred_n malice_n and_o revenge_n will_v necessary_o vanish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o experience_n do_v not_o justify_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o perverseness_n of_o man_n not_o to_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n our_o lord_n reconcile_v all_o man_n to_o god_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o leave_v several_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n in_o order_n to_o it_o which_o if_o he_o neglect_v he_o will_v receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v punish_v as_o a_o enemy_n of_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n christ_n have_v settle_v peace_n on_o earth_n yet_o not_o force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o observe_v it_o but_o have_v give_v such_o rule_n and_o precept_n as_o if_o observe_v can_v but_o produce_v a_o universal_a peace_n and_o so_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o the_o effect_n but_o of_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o to_o have_v take_v place_n wherever_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v retain_v our_o lord_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o most_o warlike_a empire_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n see_v which_o in_o more_o than_o seven_o hundred_o year_n have_v enjoy_v no_o more_o than_o two_o year_n peace_n yet_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n direct_v that_o a_o universal_a peace_n shall_v then_o obtain_v as_o well_o to_o typify_v the_o peaceableness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o gospel_n as_o to_o facilitate_v