in_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n comparable_a to_o the_o christian_a legion_n for_o resolution_n and_o courage_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v judges_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o fierceness_n and_o desperateness_n of_o resolution_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o general_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o equality_n for_o number_n the_o christian_n have_v be_v superior_a to_o they_o in_o valour_n and_o have_v give_v great_a instance_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v do_v so_o that_o i_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n this_o objection_n have_v be_v take_v up_o against_o christianity_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o religion_n or_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a countenance_n to_o it_o and_o sure_o the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v what_o effect_v any_o religion_n be_v likely_a to_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o effect_n it_o have_v have_v in_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n there_o remain_v the_o other_o two_o objection_n which_o i_o mention_v but_o i_o must_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n iii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o jesus_n and_o his_o religion_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o from_z these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n at_o first_o have_v and_o many_o still_o have_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o escape_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n v._n vol._n v._n i_o have_v consider_v 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make_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o innocent_a of_o all_o that_o mischief_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o so_o far_o as_o christian_n be_v factious_a and_o unpeaceable_a so_o far_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o except_o against_o philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o question_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o except_o against_o law_n and_o government_n because_o notwithstanding_o they_o there_o be_v frequent_a sedition_n and_o rebellion_n infinite_a suit_n 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upon_o every_o slight_a reason_n and_o little_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o piece_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v their_o christianity_n if_o man_n serious_o consider_v and_o true_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o little_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n they_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o think_v themselves_o christian_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o these_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a practice_n if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v or_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o act_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o objection_n the_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v a_o heavy_a objection_n indeed_o and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o though_o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o fill_v all_o our_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o blush_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n not_o so_o strong_a against_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o christian_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v and_o save_v man_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n however_o they_o may_v detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o attend_v to_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n have_v have_v once_o very_o great_a and_o marvellous_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o
wrought_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o have_v clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n from_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v concern_v the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o plant_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o hearty_a unity_n und_fw-ge affection_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o private_a estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o common_a support_n of_o their_o brethren_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o city_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o account_n which_o strabo_n give_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o luxurious_a place_n as_o most_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v by_o st._n paul_n what_o a_o strange_a reformation_n the_o christian_a religion_n make_v in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o they_o 1_o cor_fw-la 6.9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o such_o a_o profligate_v course_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o crime_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n from_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n tertullian_n tell_v the_o roman_a governor_n that_o their_o prison_n be_v full_a of_o malefactor_n commit_v for_o several_a crime_n but_o they_o be_v all_o heathen_n de_fw-fr vestris_fw-la semper_fw-la aestuat_fw-la carcer_fw-la their_o prison_n be_v throng_v with_o criminal_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v commit_v there_o for_o such_o crime_n nemo_fw-la illic_fw-la christianus_n nisi_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantùm_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o their_o prison_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o malefactor_n that_o have_v be_v christian_n they_o leave_v their_o religion_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o those_o enormity_n and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v irregular_a in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v no_o long_o account_v christian_n but_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o communion_n as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n what_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n christianity_n have_v make_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a person_n and_o what_o a_o visible_a reformation_n there_o present_o appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n after_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o these_o testimony_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v public_a appeal_n to_o our_o adversary_n which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o hate_v as_o the_o christian_n be_v will_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v notorious_o true_a even_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o i_o shall_v produce_v two_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o have_v pliny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n give_v he_o a_o account_n that_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_n set_v aside_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o way_n he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o day_n and_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a oath_n or_o sacrament_n not_o to_o any_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o not_o to_o steal_v nor_o rob_v nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o break_v their_o faith_n nor_o detain_v the_o pledge_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n be_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n against_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o judge_n one_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v julian_n the_o emperor_n and_o apostate_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o the_o christian_n do_v severe_o punish_v sedition_n and_o impiety_n and_o afterward_o exhort_v the_o heathen_a priest_n to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o especial_o alm_n towards_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o mend_v this_o fault_n because_o say_v he_o the_o galilean_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o neglect_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v very_o much_o strengthen_v their_o impiety_n for_o so_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n by_o be_v very_a intent_n upon_o these_o office_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a whereby_o they_o gain_v many_o over_o to_o they_o and_o in_o his_o 49th_o epist_n to_o arsacius_n the_o highpriest_n of_o galatia_n he_o recommend_v to_o he_o among_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o paganism_n the_o build_n of_o hospital_n and_o great_a liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o other_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o the_o impious_a galilean_n shall_v not_o only_o maintain_v their_o own_o poor_a but_o we_o also_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o outdo_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v extort_a so_o full_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o so_o bitter_a a_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o julian_n be_v if_o he_o own_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o any_o religion_n the_o force_n of_o any_o institution_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o primitive_a effect_n of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o dispirited_a by_o those_o corruption_n which_o in_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v common_o more_o vigorous_a and_o have_v great_a effect_n at_o first_o than_o afterward_o and_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v apt_a in_o time_n to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o contract_v soil_n and_o rust_n and_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v bewail_v and_o by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v resist_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o christianity_n in_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o first_o strength_n and_o vigour_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n that_o give_v christianity_n mighty_a advantage_n at_o first_o especial_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o conviction_n to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o suffer_a state_n that_o christian_n be_v general_o in_o which_o make_v those_o who_o embrace_v the_o profession_n to_o be_v general_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o it_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a heat_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v so_o much_o and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n against_o it_o do_v natural_o inflame_v their_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o one_o
in_o his_o bosom_n as_o corporal_a act_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o to_o separate_v soul_n in_o hell_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o torment_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o this_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a man_n have_v stupid_o pass_v away_o his_o life_n without_o any_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n but_o now_o at_o last_o he_o be_v awaken_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o begin_v to_o consider_v in_o hell_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o torment_n o_o the_o stupidity_n of_o sinner_n who_o run_v on_o blind_o in_o their_o course_n and_o never_o open_v their_o eye_n till_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o pit_n who_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o consider_v till_o consideration_n will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a till_o it_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o enrage_v their_o conscience_n and_o to_o multiply_v the_o sting_n of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o this_o rich_a man_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o torment_n and_o see_v abraham_n afar_o off_o and_o lazarus_n in_o his_o bosom_n our_o saviour_n represent_v he_o as_o see_v that_o which_o will_v then_o most_o probable_o come_v to_o his_o mind_n feel_v his_o own_o misery_n he_o begin_v to_o consider_v the_o happy_a condition_n of_o the_o poor_a man_n who_o he_o have_v so_o cruel_o neglect_v and_o indeed_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n consist_v in_o those_o reflection_n which_o man_n shall_v make_v upon_o the_o happiness_n which_o they_o have_v wilful_o lose_v and_o neglect_v and_o the_o sin_n whereby_o they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o that_o miserable_a state_n ver._n 24._o and_o he_o cry_v and_o say_v father_n abraham_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o and_o send_v lazarus_n that_o he_o may_v dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o cool_v my_o tongue_n for_o i_o be_o torment_v in_o this_o flame_n see_v how_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v now_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o beg_v relief_n of_o the_o beggar_n who_o have_v sue_v to_o he_o in_o vain_a send_v lazarus_n that_o he_o may_v dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o cool_v my_o tongue_n here_o be_v another_o very_a decent_a circumstance_n the_o rich_a man_n be_v represent_v as_o not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o beg_v any_o great_a relief_n from_o lazarus_n towards_o who_o he_o have_v be_v so_o hard-hearted_a to_o dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n have_v be_v a_o very_a great_a favour_n from_o lazarus_n to_o who_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v deny_v even_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o his_o table_n for_o i_o be_o torment_v in_o this_o flame_n the_o scripture_n love_v to_o make_v use_n of_o sensible_a representation_n to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o life_n partly_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o partly_o to_o work_v more_o powerful_o upon_o our_o affection_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o immerse_v in_o sense_n we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o such_o description_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v sensible_a and_o therefore_o the_o torment_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o hell_n be_v usual_o in_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o by_o one_o of_o the_o quick_a and_o sharp_a pain_n that_o human_a nature_n be_v ordinary_o acquaint_v withal_o namely_o by_o the_o pain_n of_o burn_v fire_n be_v the_o most_o active_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o cause_v the_o sharp_a pain_n but_o we_o can_v from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n of_o scripture_n certain_o determine_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a pain_n of_o hell_n all_o that_o we_o can_v infer_v from_o these_o description_n be_v this_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n shall_v be_v very_o terrible_a and_o as_o great_a and_o probable_o great_a than_o can_v possible_o be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v now_o acquaint_v withal_o for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n for_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n presence_n be_v now_o inconceivable_a so_o likewise_o be_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o damn_a eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n those_o dreadful_a thing_n which_o god_n prepare_v for_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o who_o can_v imagine_v the_o utmost_a significancy_n of_o those_o phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o to_o we_o of_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n of_o be_v torment_v in_o flame_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o jealousy_n smoke_v against_o sinner_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n fall_v upon_o they_o who_o can_v conceive_v the_o horror_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v of_o god_n pour_v out_o the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n of_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o the_o tormentor_n of_o be_v thrust_v into_o utter_a darkness_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n these_o form_n of_o speech_n seem_v to_o be_v borrow_v from_o those_o thing_n which_o among_o man_n be_v most_o dreadful_a and_o affright_a and_o to_o be_v calculate_v and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o not_o so_o much_o intend_v to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o proper_a and_o real_a torment_n of_o hell_n as_o to_o convey_v to_o we_o in_o a_o more_o sensible_a and_o affect_a manner_n the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n ver._n 25._o but_o abraham_n say_v son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v abraham_n say_v son_n remember_v it_o be_v very_o observable_a how_o our_o saviour_n choose_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o discourse_n between_o abraham_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n though_o there_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o imaginable_a the_o one_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o other_o in_o hell_n yet_o they_o treat_v one_o another_o civility_n abraham_n be_v bring_v in_o give_v the_o common_a term_n of_o civility_n to_o this_o wretched_a wicked_a man_n and_o call_v he_o son_n son_n remember_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a severe_a thing_n which_o he_o say_v to_o he_o he_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o former_a prosperity_n and_o of_o his_o fault_n in_o his_o unmerciful_a usage_n of_o lazarus_n remember_v son_n that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o lazarus_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o whilst_o he_o speak_v such_o sharp_a thing_n to_o he_o he_o '_o bate_v bad_a language_n a_o man_n may_v say_v very_o severe_a thing_n where_o a_o just_a occasion_n require_v it_o but_o he_o must_v use_v no_o revile_v rem_fw-la ipsam_fw-la dic_fw-la mitte_fw-la male_a loqui_fw-la say_v the_o thing_n but_o use_v no_o bad_a language_n and_o this_o as_o one_o say_v be_v the_o true_a art_n of_o chide_v the_o proper_a style_n wherein_o we_o must_v use_v to_o reprove_v if_o we_o do_v it_o with_o malice_n and_o anger_n and_o contempt_n it_o be_v misbecome_v even_o though_o we_o despair_v of_o do_v good_a but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a effect_n we_o be_v like_a to_o miss_v of_o it_o this_o way_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v excellent_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n some_o think_v that_o abraham_n give_v the_o rich_a man_n the_o title_n of_o son_n ironical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o jeer_n but_o without_o all_o reason_n for_o sure_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o bad_a nature_n in_o heaven_n as_o to_o scoff_n at_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n beside_o that_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n observe_v this_o decorum_n of_o good_a language_n in_o other_o of_o his_o parable_n as_o particular_o in_o that_o of_o the_o king_n who_o invite_v guest_n to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n matth._n 22.11_o when_o the_o king_n see_v there_o the_o man_n that_o come_v without_o his_o wedding_n garment_n though_o he_o pass_v a_o very_a severe_a sentence_n upon_o he_o yet_o he_o give_v he_o the_o common_a term_n of_o civility_n friend_n how_o come_v thou_o hither_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o christian_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o those_o who_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o
the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o st._n stephen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n act_n 7.53_o and_o st._n paul_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mediator_n that_o be_v moses_n gal._n 3.19_o but_o that_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o have_v some_o singular_a prerogative_n above_o those_o of_o other_o prophet_n be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n numb_a 12.5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o when_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n contend_v with_o moses_n as_o be_v equal_a to_o he_o god_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o other_o prophet_n hear_v now_o my_o word_n if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o will_v speak_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n my_o servant_n moses_n be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o will_v i_o speak_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n even_o apparent_o and_o not_o in_o dark_a speech_n etc._n etc._n ex._n 33.11_o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n deut._n 34.10_o and_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n all_o which_o signify_v at_o least_o this_o that_o god_n make_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o familiar_a and_o most_o perfect_a discovery_n to_o moses_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n only_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o god_n have_v discover_v his_o will_n to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v excel_v moses_n moses_n be_v but_o a_o faithful_a servant_n that_o be_v humilis_fw-la amicus_fw-la a_o mean_a sort_n of_o friend_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n give_v he_o by_o measure_n but_o the_o most_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o it_o be_v anoint_v above_o his_o fellow_n now_o these_o be_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o system_n or_o collection_n of_o these_o the_o authentic_a instrument_n or_o record_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n reveal_v any_o of_o these_o way_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o contain_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n in_o several_a age_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o intend_v to_o limit_v my_o discourse_n sole_o to_o this_o as_o be_v the_o only_a revelation_n which_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 3_o d_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o advantage_n this_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v above_o private_a revelation_n make_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o renew_v in_o several_a age_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o settle_v revelation_n in_o this_o way_n as_o be_v more_o commodious_a and_o likewise_o to_o his_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o real_a privilege_n which_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n enjoy_v that_o they_o have_v a_o more_o fix_v and_o certain_a way_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o those_o age_n have_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o such_o private_a revelation_n as_o be_v now_o and_o then_o make_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o advantage_n be_v these_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n of_o thing_n and_o more_o secure_a and_o free_a from_o imposture_n suppose_v a_o revelation_n make_v to_o a_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v of_o general_a concernment_n that_o this_o may_v have_v a_o general_a and_o last_a effect_n he_o must_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v and_o give_v they_o the_o best_a assurance_n he_o can_v of_o it_o and_o these_o must_v relate_v it_o to_o other_o and_o so_o it_o must_v pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n now_o this_o way_n of_o convey_v a_o revelation_n by_o oral_a report_n must_v needs_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o uncertainty_n both_o by_o involuntary_a mistake_v through_o weakness_n of_o memory_n or_o understanding_n and_o wilful_a falsification_n and_o imposture_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n so_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o unrecorded_a revelation_n can_v neither_o be_v large_a nor_o last_v it_o can_v but_o reach_v a_o few_o person_n and_o continue_v a_o little_a while_n in_o its_o full_a credibility_n and_o the_o further_a it_o go_v the_o weak_a like_o circle_n make_v in_o water_n which_o the_o more_o they_o enlarge_v themselves_o and_o the_o long_o they_o continue_v the_o less_o discernible_a they_o be_v till_o at_o length_n they_o quite_o disappear_v whereas_o be_v once_o record_v by_o person_n secure_v from_o error_n by_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a assistance_n they_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o those_o easy_a falsification_n or_o mistake_v which_o traditional_a report_n and_o relation_n be_v necessary_o through_o human_a malice_n or_o weakness_n liable_a to_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o more_o general_a and_o universal_a way_n of_o conveyance_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n of_o write_v thing_n in_o book_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o easy_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n and_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o more_o uniform_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v once_o write_v and_o propagate_v that_o way_n lie_v equal_o open_a to_o all_o and_o come_v in_o a_o manner_n with_o equal_a credit_n to_o all_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o a_o common_a book_n that_o pass_v through_o all_o hand_n and_o which_o be_v of_o vast_a importance_n and_o concernment_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o any_o material_a corruption_n without_o a_o general_a conspiracy_n and_o agreement_n which_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v general_o know_v so_o that_o consider_v the_o commonness_n and_o universal_a concernment_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o man_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o that_o be_v every_o man_n be_v sufficient_o and_o competent_o assure_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o any_o material_a thing_n impose_v upon_o by_o false_a copy_n but_o in_o traditional_a revelation_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o traditional_a be_v a_o very_a unequal_a and_o ununiform_a way_n of_o conveyance_n for_o see_v it_o may_v be_v of_o general_a concernment_n and_o all_o can_v have_v it_o at_o the_o first_o hand_n that_o be_v immediate_o from_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v but_o some_o at_o the_o second_o other_o at_o the_o three_o four_o or_o five_o hand_n or_o much_o further_o off_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_o weaken_v by_o every_o remove_n a_o report_n that_o come_v through_o many_o hand_n be_v like_o the_o argument_n we_o call_v induction_n and_o as_o the_o strength_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o instance_n that_o make_v it_o up_o so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o fail_v the_o whole_a argument_n be_v naught_o so_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o report_n that_o pass_v through_o twenty_o hand_n depend_v upon_o the_o integrity_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o all_o the_o relator_n and_o whatever_o there_o be_v either_o of_o falsehood_n and_o malice_n or_o of_o incapacity_n of_o understanding_n or_o frailty_n of_o memory_n in_o any_o of_o the_o relator_n so_o much_o weakness_n be_v derive_v into_o the_o report_n or_o testimony_n and_o consequent_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o can_v have_v of_o a_o private_a revelation_n which_o be_v deliver_v traditional_o through_o a_o great_a many_o person_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o unequal_a 4._o it_o be_v a_o more_o last_a way_n of_o conveyance_n which_o likewise_o appear_v by_o experience_n we_o have_v now_o nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n but_o what_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o write_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o more_o human_a way_n of_o conveyance_n which_o require_v less_o of_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a interposition_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o this_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v with_o ordinary_a
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