to_o saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o sacrilegious_a deprive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o half_a the_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n plain_a institution_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n a_o zeal_n for_o that_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v in_o any_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o dostrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n not_o only_o without_o any_o sufficient_a authority_n from_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a gross_a error_n and_o practice_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n the_o degree_n whereof_o be_v manifest_o 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god_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a te_fw-la knowledge_n nor_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v prosecute_v by_o unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o warrant_v the_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o violate_v of_o truth_n and_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o break_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n nor_o 4._o a_o uncharitable_a zeal_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o think_v itself_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o every_o scruple_n and_o upon_o every_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o unlawful_a imposition_n though_o in_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o upon_o this_o single_a point_n because_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o i_o think_v ever_o be_v avow_v among_o christian_n not_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v only_o because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o fancy_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v comes_z present_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v do_v it_o or_o not_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n nor_o 5._o a_o furious_a and_o cruel_a zeal_n which_o st._n james_n call_v a_o bitter_a or_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v blind_a with_o its_o own_o rage_n and_o make_v man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n exceed_o mad_a against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a zeal_n 6._o and_o last_o a_o zeal_n for_o ignorance_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v a_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o such_o strict_a law_n to_o forbid_v people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o they_o without_o let_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o read_v lesson_n to_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o all_o this_o under_o pretence_n of_o increase_v their_o devotion_n as_o if_o the_o less_o man_n understand_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v than_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n nothing_o they_o hive_n oppose_v with_o more_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o quit_v their_o religion_n which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v i_o who_o be_v once_o act_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o now_o possess_v they_o and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o outrageous_a manner_n as_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o very_a good_a conscience_n as_o i_o think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o act_v 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o that_o his_o zeal_n be_v sincere_a and_o with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v very_o faulty_a and_o sinful_a and_o if_o he_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o damnable_a so_o that_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n he_o do_v out_o of_o this_o zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o render_v he_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o this_o furious_a and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n give_v of_o his_o own_o do_n and_o what_o load_n he_o lay_v upon_o himself_o notwithstanding_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n act_n viij_o and_o ix_o you_o have_v the_o history_n at_o large_a of_o his_o outrageous_a do_n how_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n how_o he_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n act_v 22.4_o i_o persecute_v say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o ch._n 26.10_o 11._o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n
that_o church_n will_v impose_v her_o error_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v of_o her_o communion_n then_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o comply_v do_v not_o sepavate_v themselves_o but_o be_v cut_v off_o do_v not_o depart_v but_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n and_o separation_n in_o that_o case_n be_v as_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v become_v such_o that_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n can_v have_v no_o salvation_n if_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o communion_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a their_o salvation_n will_v not_o be_v endanger_v by_o leave_v it_o or_o be_v excommunicate_v out_o of_o it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v the_o hard_a case_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v for_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o damn_v likewise_o for_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o 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proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o the_o jew_n have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n no_o wonder_v they_o shall_v proceed_v to_o kill_v those_o who_o they_o think_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a and_o a_o good_a piece_n of_o service_n do_v to_o god_n to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n uncharitableness_n natural_o draw_v on_o cruelty_n and_o harden_v humane_a nature_n towards_o those_o of_o who_o we_o have_v once_o conceive_v so_o hard_a a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n witness_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o heathen_a perfection_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o justify_v itself_o by_o the_o uncharitable_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v despiser_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o god_n and_o consequent_o atheist_n that_o they_o be_v pertinacious_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opinion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o modern_a style_n they_o be_v heretic_n and_o the_o like_a uncharitable_a conceit_n among_o christian_n have_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o infallible_a chair_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o several_a bloody_a massacre_n and_o the_o cruel_a proceed_n of_o the_o inquisition_n against_o person_n suspect_v of_o heresy_n for_o after_o man_n be_v once_o sentence_v to_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o seem_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o torment_v and_o destroy_v their_o body_n 4._o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o wicked_a thing_n not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o 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heart_n and_o entertain_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o they_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a for_o the_o humble_a god_n will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n such_o as_o these_o god_n seldom_o suffer_v to_o fall_v into_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o their_o sin_n or_o duty_n so_o as_o to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a to_o call_v light_a darkness_n and_o darkness_n light_n to_o think_v uncharitableness_n a_o virtue_n and_o downright_a murder_n a_o great_a duty_n but_o if_o man_n will_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o self-love_n and_o self-conceit_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o base_a or_o corrupt_a interest_n to_o be_v blind_v by_o prejudice_n and_o intoxicate_v by_o pride_n to_o be_v transport_v and_o hurry_v away_o by_o violent_a and_o furious_a passion_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o mistake_v the_o nature_n and_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o palpable_a case_n no_o wonder_n if_o god_n give_v up_o person_n of_o such_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o if_o such_o man_n bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o their_o will_n and_o interest_n and_o bend_v their_o judgement_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la make_v they_o to_o stoop_v to_o their_o pride_n and_o blind_o to_o follow_v their_o passion_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o lead_v they_o for_o god_n usual_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o themselves_o as_o run_v away_o from_o he_o and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o secure_v those_o from_o split_v upon_o the_o most_o dangerous_a rock_n who_o will_v steer_v their_o course_n by_o no_o compass_n but_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o wind_n and_o tide_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n in_o these_o case_n man_n may_v take_v the_o wrong_a way_n and_o yet_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n they_o may_v oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o persecute_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o black_a crime_n and_o the_o most_o horrid_a impiety_n malice_n and_o hatred_n blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v serve_v god_n and_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o full_a instance_n in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o because_o they_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v from_o god_n and_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o condition_n and_o have_v upon_o false_a ground_n though_o as_o they_o think_v upon_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o of_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o tradition_n entertain_v quite_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o what_o he_o real_o be_v to_o be_v because_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o think_v themselves_o too_o wise_a to_o learn_v of_o he_o and_o because_o his_o doctrine_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n do_v thwart_v their_o interest_n and_o bring_v down_o their_o authority_n and_o credit_n among_o the_o people_n therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o he_o with_o all_o their_o may_v oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o blast_v his_o reputation_n and_o persecute_v he_o to_o the_o death_n and_o all_o this_o while_n do_v bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o church_n and_o their_o profound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a external_n show_v of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o a_o arrogant_a pretence_n and_o usurpation_n of_o be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o advantage_n they_o think_v
the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v likewise_o strong_o combine_v against_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n do_v with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o malice_n endeavour_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o to_o suppress_v it_o in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v then_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o whole_a strength_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o and_o raise_v such_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n against_o it_o as_o sweep_v away_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o war_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o yet_o this_o religion_n bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o opposition_n and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o all_o the_o resistance_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n arm_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o consideration_n i_o mention_v the_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o invite_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o it_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n threaten_v every_o one_o that_o take_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o he_o whoever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o reproach_n and_o ruin_n to_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n to_o banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o confiscation_n of_o estate_n but_o these_o be_v slight_a and_o tolerable_a evil_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o that_o be_v common_o inflict_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o the_o lion_n and_o all_o imaginable_a cruelty_n be_v exercise_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v and_o death_n in_o all_o its_o fearful_a shape_n be_v present_v to_o they_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o embrace_v this_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o quit_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o persist_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n but_o the_o most_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o their_o person_n and_o demean_v themselves_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n and_o courage_n but_o with_o exultation_n and_o triumph_n under_o those_o torture_n which_o no_o man_n can_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o without_o horror_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v up_o thus_o manful_o for_o one_o brunt_n but_o when_o these_o violent_a persecution_n be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v upon_o they_o christianity_n support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o daunt_a discouragement_n for_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o hold_v out_o till_o the_o very_a malice_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v out_o of_o breath_n and_o their_o cruelty_n have_v tire_v itself_o nay_o it_o do_v not_o only_o support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o opposition_n but_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n spring_v up_o fast_o than_o any_o persecution_n can_v mow_v they_o down_o for_o man_n by_o degree_n become_v curious_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o upon_o enquiry_n be_v satisfy_v and_o become_v christian_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n their_o very_a persecutor_n be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n the_o next_o day_n for_o that_o very_a cause_n for_o which_o but_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v put_v other_o to_o death_n and_o it_o can_v here_o be_v reasonable_o object_v that_o christian_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o these_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o some_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o country_n namely_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n in_o after-age_n this_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n because_o these_o sufferer_n be_v not_o the_o great_a and_o ambitious_a spirit_n the_o flower_n and_o select_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o common_a people_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o the_o tender_a sex_n and_o age_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o pain_n than_o of_o glory_n and_o yet_o so_o be_v they_o animate_v by_o their_o religion_n and_o transport_v beyond_o themselves_o as_o not_o only_o to_o submit_v but_o many_o time_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o those_o suffering_n by_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o no_o man_n accuse_v they_o and_o when_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v for_o make_v that_o profession_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o justify_v their_o forwardness_n to_o suffer_v than_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o suffering_n beside_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o man_n to_o hope_n to_o get_v a_o name_n by_o suffer_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o remember_v to_o posterity_n when_o they_o die_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sufferer_n you_o see_v then_o how_o strong_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v how_o soon_o this_o new_a religion_n overran_a the_o world_n how_o sudden_o it_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_a and_o despicable_a instrument_n to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n this_o great_a work_n be_v do_v and_o how_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o discouragement_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o can_v any_o one_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o establish_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n mere_o by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v bear_v up_o and_o sustain_v themselves_o so_o long_o under_o such_o fierce_a assault_n as_o christanity_n have_v do_v as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n it_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o force_n at_o first_o and_o to_o hauâ—_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o violent_a mean_n so_o that_o great_a impostor_n open_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o plant_v his_o religion_n by_o miracle_n but_o the_o sword_n and_o as_o for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a they_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n by_o insensible_a degree_n and_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n but_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o vicious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mankind_n they_o easy_o gain_v upon_o their_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n by_o custom_n and_o example_n they_o be_v just_o such_o a_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o such_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o such_o insensible_a step_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o all_o know_v but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v out_o upon_o the_o world_n but_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a fall_v before_o it_o like_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n on_o its_o side_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o prop_n take_v away_o which_o be_v the_o only_a support_n of_o it_o but_o it_o present_o sink_v and_o vanish_v it_o be_v not_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n but_o upon_o the_o break_n in_o of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n it_o silent_o withdraw_v as_o be_v ashamed_a of_o itself_o and_o when_o afterward_o the_o emperor_n julian_n endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v it_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o authority_n and_o use_v all_o imaginable_a art_n and_o stratagem_n to_o suppress_v and_o extinguish_v christianity_n he_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v neither_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v its_o ground_n and_o paganism_n after_o it_o have_v make_v a_o little_a blaze_n die_v with_o he_o now_o to_o what_o cause_n shall_v we_o ascribe_v this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n there_o can_v but_o these_o two_o be_v imagine_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n accompany_v it_o 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o its_o reward_n have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n
the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o first_o and_o last_o of_o these_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n our_o saviour_n seem_v here_o to_o speak_v but_o whether_o in_o both_o instance_n in_o the_o text_n he_o allude_v in_o the_o one_o to_o the_o low_a and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o high_v degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o the_o first_o he_o plain_o do_v when_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v much_o high_a against_o they_o even_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o kill_v they_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n as_o a_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n well-pleasing_a to_o god_n for_o so_o indeed_o the_o word_n do_v not_o only_o import_v but_o most_o proper_o signify_v whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v necessary_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o that_o sense_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v make_v these_o follow_a observation_n very_o proper_a for_o our_o consideration_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n yea_o and_o suffer_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n here_o foretell_v of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o from_o uncharitable_a censure_n man_n do_v easy_o and_o almost_o natural_o proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o they_o have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagoguse_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n they_o present_o proceed_v to_o kill_v they_o as_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o after_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o good_a service_n to_o god_n to_o kill_v you_o 4._o that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o wicked_a not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o out_o of_o a_o real_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v religious_o murder_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v his_o disciple_n to_o death_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o offer_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n 5._o that_o such_o action_n be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o impious_a and_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n and_o murder_n for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o in_o kill_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a tiling_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n a_o excellent_a quality_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o more_o horrible_a impiety_n than_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o before_o we_o in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o these_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o true_a church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v in_o the_o text_n shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o what_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v be_v too_o frequent_o practise_v since_o by_o some_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o very_o good_a man_n have_v in_o several_a age_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n by_o those_o who_o have_v arrogate_a to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o true_a church_n and_o have_v get_v the_o external_a power_n and_o management_n of_o religion_n into_o their_o hand_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n and_o other_o in_o the_o reign_n and_o prevalency_n of_o arianism_n and_o the_o ill_a treatment_n that_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n but_o whole_a church_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n from_o that_o haughty_a and_o uncharitable_a church_n which_o make_v nothing_o of_o thunder_v out_o this_o most_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o person_n and_o church_n much_o better_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o herself_o and_o against_o all_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o pretend_a infallibility_n and_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o it_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v thus_o use_v by_o a_o church_n that_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n that_o they_o do_v and_o upon_o ground_n every_o whit_n as_o plausible_a as_o i_o can_v clear_o show_v if_o i_o be_v mind_v to_o pursue_v and_o make_v out_o this_o comparison_n 2._o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a only_o true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o this_o to_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o call_v heretic_n first_o that_o prove_v they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o be_v no_o heretic_n or_o acquit_v they_o from_o the_o same_o or_o great_a crime_n than_o those_o which_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o charge_v upon_o other_o man_n nor_o will_v god_n condemn_v all_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o man_n and_o deny_v salvation_n to_o every_o one_o who_o they_o shall_v please_v to_o separate_v from_o their_o society_n and_o to_o call_v by_o some_o odious_a name_n man_n may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o yet_o receive_v into_o heaven_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o man_n but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v certain_o very_o dreadful_a where_o it_o be_v due_o inflict_v and_o next_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o just_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o censure_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v upon_o very_o plain_a and_o evident_a ground_n that_o man_n either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o endanger_v their_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o if_o