were it not for a dreadful depravity of nature, would have influence
So prone have mankind always proved themselves to degeneracy, and bent to backsliding, which shews plainly their natural propensity; and that when good had revived, and been promoted among men, it has been by some divine interposition, to oppose the natural current; the fruit of some extraordinary means, the efficacy of which has soon been overcome by constant natural bias, and the effect of good example presently lost, and evil has regained and maintained the dominion: like an heavy body, which may by some great power be caused to ascend, against its nature, a little while, but soon goes back again towards the center, to which it naturally and constantly tends.
So that evil example will in no wise account for the corruption of mankind, without supposing a natural proneness to sin. The tendency of example alone will not account for general wicked practice, as consequent on good example. And if the influence of bad example is a reason of some of the wickedness that is in the world, that alone will not account for men's becoming worse than the example set, and degenerating more and more, and growing worse and worse, which is the manner of mankind.
2. There has been given to the world an example of virtue, which, were it not for a dreadful depravity of nature, would have influence on them that live under the gospel, far beyond all other examples; and that is the example of Jesus Christ.
God, who knew the human nature, and how apt men are to be influenced by example, has made answerable provision. His infinite wisdom has contrived that we should have set before us the most amiable and perfect example, in such circumstances as should have the greatest tendency to influence all the principles of man's nature, but his corruption. Men are apt to be moved by the example of others
like themselves, or in their own nature: therefore this example was given in our nature. Men are ready to follow the examples of the great and honorable: and this example, though it was of one in our nature, yet it was one of infinitely higher and more honorable than kings or angels. A people are apt to follow the example of their prince: this is the example of that glorious person, who stands in a peculiar relation to Christians, as their Lord and King, the Supreme Head of the church; and not only so, but the King of Kings, Supreme Head of the universe, and Head over all things to the church. Children are apt to follow the example of their parents: this is the example of the Author of our being, and one who is in a peculiar and extraordinary manner our Father, as he is the Author of our holy and happy being; besides his being the Creator of the world, and everlasting Father of the universe. Men are very apt to follow the example of their friends: the example of Christ is of one that is infinitely our greatest Friend, standing in the most endearing relations of our Brother, Redeemer, Spiritual Head and Husband: whose grace and love expressed to us, transcends all other love and friendship, as much as heaven is higher than the earth. And the virtues and acts of his example were exhibited to us in the most endearing and engaging circumstances that can possibly be conceived of: his obedience and submission to God, his humility, meekness, patience, charity, self-denial, etc. being exercised and expressed in a work of infinite grace, love, condescension and beneficence to us; and had all their highest expression in his laying down his life for us, and meekly, patiently and cheerfully undergoing such extreme and unutterable suffering, for our eternal salvation. Men are peculiarly apt to follow the example of such as they have great benefits from: but it is utterly impossible to conceive of greater benefits, that we could have by the virtues of any person, than we have by the virtuous acts of Christ; who depend upon being thereby saved from eternal destruction, and brought to inconceivable