every way agreeable to the Dictates of great SERM. II. X great Moment and Excellency, which are SERM. not to be found at all in their Systems, II. it hath rais'd our Duty to a much higher EFFECTUALLY to engage us to fet about the Work of Religion with Zeal and Vigour, and to perfevere in the Profecution of it, it hath promis'd the supernatural Affiftances of the Divine Spirit, whereby we may be enabled to fubdue our inordinate Appetites and Affections, to repel the Temptations of the Devil and the World, fuccefsfully to encounter the Difficulties of a religious Course, and to rife to the most exalted Heights of Holiness and Purity. It hath forewarn'd us of a Day of future Retribution, in which all fhall render an Account of all their Actions, Words and Thoughts, and be judged according to them. And it hath brought to Light, Life and Immortality after this Life ended. Which important Principles of Religion, how demon demonftrable foever they may be by Reason, in Fact were not fo evident even to the Beft and Wifeft among the Heathen, but that they fometimes exprefs'd themselves with much Hefitancy, and Diffidence and Uncertainty concern ing them. To animate our Hopes, it hath propos'd endless and inconceivable Felicity, as the Reward of Obedience; than which a more forcible Motive cannot be offered to allure Men to their Duty. To work on our Fears, it hath threatned to Difobedience intolerable and everlafting Torments; than which nothing more dreadful can be urg'd to restrain Men from offending. Finally, FOR the Supplying what is totally wanting in Natural Religion, it further teaches us, that when Men were utterly deftitute of all Means of recovering themfelves from Ruin, the only begotten Son of God, the Lord mighty to fave, did. by Divine Appointment willingly interpofe for their Deliverance. He who was God became Man, that dwel. SERM. II. Χ SERM. II. dwelling among Men he might in Perfon call them back to God, and to the best Advantage inftruct them in the whole Compass of their Duty, and might illuftrate and enforce his Precepts by his own fpotlefs and fhining Example; and that being both God and Man, he might be a fit Reprefentative of God to Men, and of Men to God, and be duly qualified to mediate between them both. He who was impaffible became paffible, that he might be capable of making Satisfaction, by fuffering for Sin in the fame Nature in which the Offence had been commit. ted. He who was perfectly Innocent, voluntarily substituted himself in the Room of the Guilty; that by bearing the Punishment due to Sin in the ftead of the Sinner, a Way might be made for the Sinner to efcape. He, whofe Blood was of ineftimable Value, made his Soul a Sin-offering to expiate the Guilt of the whole human Race, and paid his Life a Ransom for a World of Criminals. He, who was nearest and deareft to the Almighty Father, by the Sacrifice of Himself appeas'd SERM. II. his Indignation, and reftor'd us to his -Favour; and having made Peace thro the Blood of his Crofs, he arofe again from the Dead, and once for all entred into the moft Holy Place, and fat down at the right Hand of his Father, by whom all Power is committed to him in Heaven and in Earth, and in whose Prefence he continually appeareth for us as our High Priest and Advocate, and for ever liveth to make Interceffion "for Thro' him all good Things defcend from God to us, and for his Sake, God is propitious to us and accepts our imperfect Services. Wherefore it is: appointed that our Prayers and Thankf givings and Adorations, in one word all our Religious Worship should thro' his Mediation be offer'd to the Deity.. us. By this Method of Redemption, as the Offender was fpar'd; fo the Autho rity of God's Government was maintain'd, and the Honour of his Laws vindicated. Juftice was fatisfied at the fame time that divine Mercy was glorioufly difplay'd. Sin was at once pardoned and discoun tenanced. |