in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v the_o initiate_a of_o man_n by_o this_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o solemn_a stipulation_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o promise_n of_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v likewise_o make_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v testify_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v particular_a notice_n what_o use_v the_o anabaptist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n so_o as_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v all_o infant_n even_o those_o of_o christian_a parent_n who_o be_v themselves_o already_o admit_v into_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v here_o say_v by_o our_o saviour_n go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o infer_v and_o very_o clear_o and_o strong_o as_o they_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v disciple_n which_o infant_n be_v not_o but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v to_o some_o maturity_n of_o year_n and_o understanding_n but_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o this_o inference_n at_o least_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o constant_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o institution_n admit_v infant_n into_o that_o church_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n and_o likewise_o the_o infant_n of_o proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o intend_v by_o any_o consequence_n from_o this_o text_n to_o exclude_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o debar_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o capable_a of_o be_v take_v into_o this_o new_a covenant_n and_o of_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o old_a unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v which_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n child_n be_v in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o plain_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o express_a prohibition_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o a_o exception_n of_o child_n from_o baptism_n can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o privilege_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a be_v capable_a for_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o go_v and_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o solemn_o into_o it_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o their_o religion_n by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n by_o which_o rite_n also_o they_o take_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o proselyte_n upon_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v any_o more_o exclude_v than_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o except_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o favourable_a case_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o debar_v child_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o obscure_a consequence_n from_o a_o text_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v never_o so_o understand_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o disciple_n or_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o you_o see_v how_o their_o commission_n bound_n and_o limit_n they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v the_o publisher_n but_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o corinthian_n consult_v he_o about_o several_a thing_n relate_v to_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n he_o only_o give_v his_o advice_n but_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o law_n in_o those_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christian_n do_v general_o at_o this_o day_n think_v themselves_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v make_v even_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o all_o those_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v now_o cease_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n under_o such_o officer_n and_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o most_o fit_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o without_o this_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o commission_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o constitution_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o they_o do_v appoint_v temporary_a officer_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n so_o they_o constitute_v other_o that_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruct_n and_o govern_v of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o subordination_n of_o governor_n have_v not_o only_o be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n but_o in_o all_o the_o well_o regulate_v civil_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o work_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v though_o i_o be_v go_v from_o you_o in_o person_n yet_o i_o will_v still_o be_v present_a with_o you_o by_o my_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o have_v he_o engage_v for_o their_o assistance_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o as_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v primary_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o
his_o own_o kingdom_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o though_o he_o do_v many_o great_a work_n yet_o he_o give_v they_o no_o sign_n from_o heaven_n matt._n 16._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v they_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n it_o seem_v they_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v some_o immediate_a testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o elias_n when_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v his_o enemy_n and_o particular_o they_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v down_o and_o save_v himself_o and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v their_o expectation_n in_o this_o they_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o other_o and_o great_a miracle_n perverse_o to_o insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a kind_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o fancy_v as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o as_o much_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n four_o as_o to_o his_o conversation_n they_o have_v these_o three_o exception_n 1._o that_o he_o use_v no_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n or_o diet_n take_v too_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o think_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v he_o free_o use_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v with_o temperance_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o do_v not_o lay_v those_o rigorous_a restraint_n upon_o himself_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o many_o that_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o religious_a among_o they_o use_v to_o do_v but_o he_o plain_o show_v they_o that_o this_o exception_n be_v mere_o out_o of_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o austerity_n they_o will_v have_v reject_v he_o as_o well_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o do_v matth._n 11._o 16._o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n he_o live_v in_o a_o more_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a way_n he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n use_v great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n and_o diet_n and_o this_o they_o take_v exception_n at_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n so_o that_o let_v our_o saviour_n have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o have_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n so_o peevish_o and_o perverse_o dispose_v 2._o that_o he_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o which_o exception_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o our_o saviour_n own_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o physician_n to_o the_o world_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a or_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o patient_n among_o who_o his_o proper_a employment_n lay_v 3._o they_o object_v to_o he_o profaneness_n in_o break_v the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o sure_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n if_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v heal_v one_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n that_o that_o be_v but_o a_o positive_a institution_n but_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v even_o his_o own_o institution_n to_o give_v way_n to_o those_o great_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o refreshment_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v intend_v to_o his_o prejudice_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n five_o another_o great_a prejudice_n against_o he_o be_v that_o person_n of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7._o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n against_o he_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o guide_n ought_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o we_o and_o over-rule_v we_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o not_o against_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a corruption_n in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o they_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n at_o that_o time_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o more_o endanger_v nor_o never_o more_o corrupt_v than_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o great_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v understand_v religion_n best_o and_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a support_n of_o it_o man_n may_v err_v but_o god_n can_v so_o that_o when_o god_n send_v a_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o word_n do_v plain_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o human_a example_n and_o authority_n cease_v and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o last_o prejudice_n i_o shall_v mention_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o it_o do_v abolish_v and_o supersede_n their_o religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n this_o have_v be_v a_o very_a specious_a pretence_n indeed_o have_v not_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o their_o own_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o perfect_v what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o their_o institution_n it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o their_o law_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v unto_o they_o another_o prophet_n like_v to_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v he_o when_o he_o come_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o false_a but_o as_o imperfect_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v but_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o the_o chief_a exception_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o now_o time_n to_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o see_v upon_o what_o slight_a and_o unreasonable_a ground_n man_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o best_a person_n and_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o confident_a all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o so_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v on_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n that_o we_o way_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o thing_n and_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v preserve_v free_a and_o indifferent_a to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o otherwise_o self-conceit_n and_o passion_n will_v so_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o bias_n our_o judgement_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v unable_a to_o discern_v and_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n we_o see_v here_o by_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o give_v way_n to_o passion_n and_o cherish_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n man_n may_v be_v so_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o resist_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o reject_v even_o salvation_n itself_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o scripture_n say_v
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 and_o 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._n 6._o 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 a_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
most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o read_v this_o text_n which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v of_o they_o present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o their_o case_n whereas_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o probable_o none_o but_o those_o that_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o except_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a as_o for_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o that_o here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o these_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o and_o though_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n commit_v by_o christian_n may_v come_v near_o to_o this_o and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o open_a way_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v many_o time_n forgive_v to_o we_o upon_o a_o general_n repentance_n so_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o these_o which_o be_v common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o despair_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_o many_o time_n for_o such_o person_n to_o receive_v comfort_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v it_o and_o that_o upon_o sure_a ground_n and_o as_o clear_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o such_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o judge_v thus_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o possible_a be_v this_o that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v themselves_o than_o their_o own_o imagination_n which_o be_v so_o distemper_a that_o it_o can_v make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o where_o melancholy_a do_v mighty_o prevail_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o persuade_v people_n of_o this_o but_o till_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o four_o this_o shall_v make_v man_n afraid_a of_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o come_v near_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n such_o as_o deliberate_v murder_n adultery_n gross_a fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n for_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o whether_o man_n renounce_v christianity_n or_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v in_o their_o work_n deny_v it_o some_o of_o these_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v particular_o murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v rank_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o apostasy_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o severe_a be_v the_o discipline_n of_o many_o church_n that_o person_n guilty_a of_o these_o crime_n be_v never_o admit_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o whatever_o testimony_n they_o give_v of_o their_o repentance_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o this_o be_v too_o rigorous_a but_o this_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n these_o crime_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o heinousness_n be_v in_o those_o day_n think_v to_o be_v they_o do_v not_o indeed_o as_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o think_v such_o person_n absolute_o incapable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o after_o such_o a_o fall_n so_o notorious_a a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n they_o think_v it_o unfit_a afterward_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n 5th_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o we_o upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o in_o case_n of_o some_o great_a crime_n after_o baptism_n as_o apostasy_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n murder_n and_o adultery_n never_o to_o admit_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o all_o church_n be_v so_o strict_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v those_o who_o fall_v after_o baptism_n into_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a course_n of_o penance_n after_o the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a testimony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n after_o long_o fast_v and_o tear_n and_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o humiliation_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o case_n of_o the_o great_a offence_n they_o be_v seldom_o reconcile_v till_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n and_o in_o case_n of_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n not_o till_o after_o the_o humiliation_n of_o many_o year_n this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v think_v too_o great_a severity_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v as_o much_o too_o remiss_a now_o as_o they_o be_v over_o rigorous_a then_o but_o be_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o degree_n put_v in_o practice_n now_o what_o case_n will_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o in_o what_o herd_n and_o shoal_n will_v man_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o christian_n have_v long_o since_o break_v these_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o revive_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n in_o any_o measure_n till_o the_o world_n grow_v better_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n upon_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sad_o to_o consider_v how_o few_o among_o we_o will_v in_o those_o day_n have_v be_v account_v christian_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n to_o be_v provoke_v to_o a_o emulation_n of_o those_o better_a time_n and_o to_o a_o reformation_n of_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o in_o the_o best_a day_n of_o christianity_n be_v reckon_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o now_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o yet_o the_o judgement_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n though_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n six_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o now_o in_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o lewdness_n there_o be_v many_o who_o daily_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n do_v too_o near_o resemble_v the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v of_o the_o apostate_n of_o his_o time_n be_v proportionable_o true_a of_o those_o of_o our_o day_n that_o they_o who_o thus_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o apostasy_n have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o for_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o agony_n and_o fill_v with_o such_o terror_n as_o if_o the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o in_o that_o fearful_a despair_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o horror_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o contradict_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o our_o
unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o see_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n even_o of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o all_o they_o have_v entertain_v a_o new_a religion_n yet_o they_o retain_v the_o old_a pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o their_o nation_n against_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o none_o but_o themselves_o have_v any_o share_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o be_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o messiah_n our_o saviour_n do_v so_o far_o consider_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o that_o he_o never_o in_o his_o life_n time_n acquaint_v they_o with_o this_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o full_o to_o understand_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v john_n 16._o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o then_o capable_a and_o though_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o have_v declare_v this_o sufficient_o to_o they_o yet_o by_o their_o practice_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o understand_v all_o this_o only_a of_o the_o jew_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o then_o to_o those_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o history_n of_o their_o first_o preach_v record_v in_o the_o act_n that_o they_o preach_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o prejudice_n that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o this_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o heathen_a world_n nor_o be_v they_o convince_v to_o the_o contrary_a till_o st._n peter_n have_v a_o special_a vision_n and_o revelation_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o upon_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v they_o into_o this_o truth_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o to_o this_o st._n peter_n plain_o refer_v act_v 10._o 42._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o preach_v unto_o the_o people_n so_o likewise_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v 13._o 46._o where_o they_o speak_v thus_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v first_o he_o preach_v to_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v we_o now_o he_o not_o where_o command_v this_o but_o in_o this_o commission_n which_o he_o give_v they_o before_o his_o ascension_n second_o you_o have_v here_o a_o particular_a declaration_n how_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v this_o work_n of_o make_v disciple_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n 2._o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v here_o call_v baptise_v they_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a rite_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o initiate_a of_o person_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n in_o use_n before_o both_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o heathen_a observe_v it_o at_o the_o initiate_a person_n into_o their_o religious_a mystery_n and_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o admit_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n at_o which_o time_n the_o male_n as_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o baptize_v the_o woman_n be_v only_o baptize_v one_o circumstance_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o grow_v person_n be_v that_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n up_o to_o the_o neck_n they_o recite_v several_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o the_o jewish_a writer_n further_a tell_v we_o this_o ceremony_n do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o grow_v year_n but_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n if_o it_o be_v desire_v upon_o condition_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o religious_a ceremony_n use_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o without_o any_o divine_a institution_n that_o we_o know_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o none_o of_o his_o institution_n seem_v to_o have_v favour_v unnecessary_a innovation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o superstition_n of_o decline_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o religious_a use_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o seem_v the_o rather_o to_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n for_o see_v it_o be_v a_o common_a rite_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o in_o itself_o very_o significant_a of_o that_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v the_o easy_a acceptance_n and_o to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o plain_o refer_v to_o that_o short_a creed_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v answerable_a to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n at_o the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o the_o article_n of_o this_o creed_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contain_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v each_o of_o these_o and_o this_o probable_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n heb._n 6._o 2._o viz._n a_o short_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v at_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n call_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n indeed_o before_o christian_n tie_v themselves_o strict_o to_o that_o very_a form_n of_o word_n which_o we_o now_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o though_o every_o one_o express_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n nay_o the_o same_o father_n recite_v it_o upon_o several_a occasion_n do_v not_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n a_o plain_a indication_n that_o they_o be_v not_o then_o strict_o bind_v up_o to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n but_o retain_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o article_n every_o one_o express_v they_o as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o to_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o perform_v this_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o and_o with_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n whereof_o solemn_a profession_n be_v then_o make_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o form_n in_o baptism_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n compare_v with_o what_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v principal_o found_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n i_o mean_v in_o that_o simplicity_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v deliver_v it_o and_o not_o as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o confound_v and_o entangle_v in_o the_o cobweb_n and_o nicety_n of_o the_o school_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o no_o where_n call_v they_o person_n but_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v of_o several_a person_n and_o therefore_o that_o word_n be_v not_o unfit_o use_v to_o express_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o do_v not_o know_v a_o fit_a word_n for_o that_o purpose_n by_o baptise_v then_o
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 another_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a endearment_n among_o man_n than_o common_a suffering_n in_o a_o common_a cause_n so_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o secular_a interest_n and_o by_o deny_v all_o for_o christ_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n the_o great_a root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o she_o be_v black_a yet_o she_o be_v comely_a and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n she_o be_v all_o this_o while_n in_o a_o excellent_a posture_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n but_o after_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o christianity_n be_v countenance_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o water_v with_o secular_a preferment_n and_o encouragement_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o tare_n begin_v to_o grow_v up_o with_o the_o wheat_n then_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o to_o grow_v cold_a when_o the_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n begin_v to_o shine_v upon_o the_o christian_a profession_n than_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o vermin_n breed_v and_o swarm_v every_o where_n when_o it_o grow_v creditable_a and_o advantageous_a for_o man_n to_o be_v christian_n this_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n make_v a_o world_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o counterfeit_a professor_n these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v must_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o which_o have_v follow_v since_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o real_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o several_a state_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o unequal_a for_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o persecution_n of_o any_o religion_n natural_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o real_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o do_v as_o natural_o allure_v and_o draw_v in_o hypocrite_n beside_o that_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v more_o corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n than_o affliction_n but_o though_o christian_n be_v best_o under_o persecution_n yet_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a always_o to_o continue_v they_o in_o that_o state_n because_o he_o will_v not_o tempt_v they_o and_o tire_v they_o out_o with_o perpetual_a suffering_n and_o after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o sufficient_a experiment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o maintain_v and_o propagate_a itself_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o he_o than_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o more_o human_a way_n and_o such_o as_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o man._n be_v once_o establish_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o equal_a term_n of_o advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o pious_a education_n and_o diligent_a instruction_n and_o good_a law_n and_o government_n without_o miracle_n and_o without_o persecution_n and_o without_o those_o extraordinary_a and_o overpower_a communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o man_n may_v see_v what_o effect_n christianity_n have_v have_v upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o proper_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o may_v not_o wonder_v so_o much_o that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n now_o though_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a shame_n to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o 2._o though_o the_o disproportion_n be_v very_o great_a between_o the_o effect_n of_o christianity_n at_o first_o and_o what_o it_o have_v now_o upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v but_o it_o have_v still_o some_o good_a effect_n upon_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v our_o great_a shame_n and_o fault_n that_o it_o have_v no_o better_a if_o we_o will_v speak_v just_o of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o general_a civility_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n freedom_n from_o tyranny_n and_o barbarousness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o some_o other_o enormous_a vice_n yea_o and_o as_o to_o the_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o great_a number_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o several_a nation_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o general_a state_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o pagan_a and_o mahometan_a part_n of_o the_o world_n next_o to_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n philosophy_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a instrument_n to_o reform_v mankind_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o have_v very_o considerable_a effect_n upon_o some_o particular_a person_n both_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n it_o do_v very_o little_a in_o either_o of_o these_o respect_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o absurd_a and_o impious_a opinion_n of_o the_o people_n concern_v god_n and_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v universal_o wherever_o it_o come_v set_v man_n free_a from_o those_o gross_a impiety_n and_o superstition_n and_o teach_v man_n to_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n though_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o the_o eternal_a reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o western_a church_n have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n relap_v into_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o paganism_n out_o of_o which_o degeneracy_n that_o god_n have_v rescue_v we_o as_o we_o have_v infinite_a cause_n to_o adore_v his_o goodness_n so_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dread_v and_o detest_v a_o return_n into_o this_o spiritual_a egypt_n this_o house_n of_o darkness_n and_o bondage_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o our_o neck_n again_o under_o that_o yoke_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v still_o very_o considerable_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_v because_o they_o still_o retain_v the_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v not_o quite_o lose_v their_o force_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o as_o god_n know_v and_o every_o man_n see_v it_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o bad_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a man_n will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o for_o though_o very_a many_o who_o have_v entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o many_o be_v otherwise_o and_o those_o that_o be_v bad_a have_v this_o advantage_n by_o their_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n apt_a to_o reduce_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a course_n and_o sometime_o do_v whereas_o the_o case_n of_o those_o person_n will_v have_v be_v desperate_a be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o they_o by_o christian_a education_n and_o though_o they_o be_v long_o suppress_v yet_o do_v at_o last_o awaken_v they_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o prove_v the_o happy_a mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n 3._o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n as_o bad_a nay_o perhaps_o worse_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o be_v common_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o paganism_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o those_o who_o have_v resist_v so_o great_a a_o light_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v be_v like_a to_o prove_v the_o most_o desperate_o wicked_a of_o all_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o man_n make_v worse_a use_n of_o than_o of_o light_n and_o liberty_n two_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n knowledge_n be_v many_o time_n abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n and_o liberty_n into_o licentiousness_n and_o sedition_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n for_o all_o that_o think_v ignorance_n desirable_a or_o will_v wish_v a_o perpetual_a night_n and_o darkness_n to_o
the_o world_n and_o conclude_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o abuse_a liberty_n that_o the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motiyes_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christiane_n religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o these_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o hiwself_n a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o
tell_v we_o so_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o put_v off_o all_o these_o and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a do_v man_n read_v and_o hear_v these_o thing_n every_o day_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v false_a what_o can_v we_o conclude_v from_o hence_o but_o either_o that_o this_o be_v not_o christianity_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o if_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o converse_v among_o we_o how_o will_v he_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o face_n and_o complexion_n of_o christianity_n alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o we_o bear_v will_v soon_o guess_v we_o to_o be_v any_o thing_n than_o christian_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o quit_v ourselves_o of_o this_o objection_n and_o to_o wash_v away_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o but_o to_o mend_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o the_o vicious_a manner_n of_o man_n will_v affect_v our_o religion_n with_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n and_o derive_v a_o ill_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o it_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o christianity_n can_v ever_o gain_v much_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v better_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o nay_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n to_o awaken_v the_o world_n out_o of_o this_o stupid_a lethargy_n that_o christianity_n will_v every_o day_n decline_v and_o the_o world_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n be_v overrun_v with_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o vice_n and_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a disease_n of_o christendom_n when_o they_o have_v run_v their_o course_n and_o sinisht_v their_o circle_n do_v all_o natural_o end_n and_o meet_v in_o atheism_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n to_o appear_v and_o effectual_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o that_o which_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v by_o any_o other_o mean_v and_o of_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o terrible_a and_o fearful_a intimation_n in_o that_o question_n of_o he_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o positive_o affirm_v it_o and_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v not_o make_v it_o and_o find_v it_o true_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o god_n assistance_n give_v the_o best_a satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o most_o material_a exception_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n the_o ii_o thing_n remain_v brief_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v 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 bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o prejudice_n do_v many_o time_n sway_v and_o bias_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n we_o see_v in_o daily_a experience_n what_o a_o false_a byass_n prejudice_n put_v upon_o man_n understanding_n man_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o with_o what_o difficulty_n be_v they_o persuade_v of_o their_o mistake_n nay_o they_o have_v hardly_o the_o patience_n to_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n much_o less_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o how_o do_v the_o passion_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n blind_v they_o and_o lead_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n how_o partial_o do_v man_n lean_v to_o that_o part_n which_o make_v most_o for_o their_o advantage_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v a_o great_a slavery_n of_o the_o understanding_n if_o there_o be_v no_o worse_a consequence_n of_o our_o error_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v excellent_o that_o the_o truth_n make_v man_n free_a you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a second_o prejudice_n do_v not_o only_o by_o ass_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a truth_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n occasion_n mistake_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o may_v lead_v man_n to_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n nay_o many_o time_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o another_o concernment_n than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o the_o writer_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o eloquence_n or_o any_o other_o human_a art_n or_o science_n if_o a_o man_n prejudice_n make_v he_o err_v in_o these_o matter_n the_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n three_o the_o consequence_n of_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la in_o these_o thing_n prove_v many_o time_n fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o they_o man_n may_v upon_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n man_n may_v oppose_v the_o truth_n so_o obstinate_o and_o perverse_o as_o to_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v certain_a ruin_n and_o swift_a destruction_n upon_o themselves_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o by_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n till_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n and_o by_o consider_v only_o the_o wrong_a side_n of_o thing_n to_o fortify_v our_o prejudices_fw-la to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o entrench_v ourselves_o so_o strong_o in_o our_o error_n that_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o convince_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o have_v any_o access_n to_o we_o or_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o we_o but_o all_o this_o while_n we_o do_v in_o truth_n undermine_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v secret_o work_v our_o own_o ruin_n and_o while_o we_o think_v we_o be_v oppose_v a_o enemy_n we_o be_v destroy_v ourselves_o for_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o prosper_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a rock_n against_o which_o the_o more_o violent_o we_o dash_v ourselves_o the_o more_o miserable_o we_o shall_v be_v split_v and_o shatter_v our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v to_o many_o and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n but_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v break_v but_o upon_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o shall_v grind_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v he_o say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o four_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o among_o we_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o education_n be_v remove_v yet_o there_o be_v still_o many_o who_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n few_o man_n be_v so_o impartial_a in_o consider_v thing_n as_o not_o to_o be_v
call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n luke_n most_o express_o tell_v we_o luke_n 1._o 35._o where_o the_o angel_n tell_v the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o she_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v she_o and_o therefore_o that_o holy_a thing_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o the_o father_n sanctify_a he_o and_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o say_v he_o may_v just_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 10._o 35_o 36._o if_o he_o call_v they_o god_n unto_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v and_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v break_v say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sanctification_n or_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o christ_n be_v also_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n rom._n 8._o 11._o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o and_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 18._o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o suffer_v in_o that_o frail_a mortal_a nature_n which_o he_o assume_v but_o be_v raise_v again_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o reside_v in_o he_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v express_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n psa_n 2._o 7._o i_o will_v declare_v the_o decree_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o to_o which_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n allude_v here_o in_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v decree_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v sure_a these_o word_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o st._n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a have_v beget_v he_o and_o decree_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n act_n 13._o 32_o 33._o and_o we_o declare_v unto_o you_o glad_a tiding_n how_o that_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v the_o same_o unto_o their_o child_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o the_o second_o psalm_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o as_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a and_o know_v only_o to_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o question_n he_o declare_v he_o in_o a_o powerful_a manner_n to_o be_v his_o son_n by_o give_v he_o a_o new_a life_n after_o death_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o this_o new_a and_o eminent_a testimony_n give_v to_o he_o declare_v he_o again_o to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o confirm_v the_o title_n which_o be_v give_v he_o before_o upon_o a_o true_a but_o more_o secret_a account_n of_o his_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v solicitous_o pursue_v a_o resemblance_n and_o conformity_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v likewise_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n answerable_a to_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o resurrection_n call_v true_a believer_n and_o christian_n the_o child_n of_o god_n viz._n upon_o account_n of_o their_o regeneration_n or_o new_a birth_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n upon_o account_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o become_a christian_n by_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o mind_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v our_o first_o adoption_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n confer_v upon_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o afterward_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n rom._n 8._o 15._o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o you_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o gal._n 4._o 5_o 6._o believer_n be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o their_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o may_v with_o confidence_n call_v god_n father_n and_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o his_o child_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8._o 14._o that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v or_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o though_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v child_n of_o god_n upon_o account_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o christian_n yet_o we_o be_v eminent_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v our_o final_a adoption_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o rom._n 8._o 21._o this_o be_v call_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v for_o ever_o deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o adoption_n viz._n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o body_n we_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o final_o and_o chief_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o be_v now_o 1_o jo._n 3._o 1._o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v our_o adoption_n be_v begin_v in_o our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o eminent_o so_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o but_o the_o most_o express_a and_o remarkable_a text_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v luke_n 20._o 36._o where_o good_a man_n after_o the_o resurrection_n be_v for_o this_o reason_n say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v account_v worthy_a to_o obtain_v that_o world_n and_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a neither_o marry_o nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n neither_o can_v they_o die_v any_o more_o for_o they_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o angel_n and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v raise_v by_o he_o to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o and_o reserve_v for_o they_o for_o all_o that_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o therefore_o
speak_v of_o baptism_n be_v call_v illumination_n and_o st._n cyprian_n give_v we_o the_o reason_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n in_o expiatum_fw-la pectus_fw-la ac_fw-la purum_fw-la desuper_fw-la se_fw-la lumen_fw-la infundit_fw-la light_n be_v infuse_v from_o above_o into_o the_o purify_v soul_n and_o that_o this_o expression_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o also_o chap._n 10._o 32._o the_o syriac_a and_o ethiopic_n give_v we_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v for_o they_o render_v the_o text_n thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v once_o baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o at_o the_o 10_o chap._n v._o 32._o which_o we_o translate_v but_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n that_o be_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o by_o baptism_n you_o have_v public_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n you_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n expose_v to_o many_o grievous_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a doubt_n but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v once_o enlighten_v the_o apostle_n mean_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v to_o proceed_v then_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o two_o expression_n seem_v to_o denote_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o christian_n by_o baptism_n particular_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o we_o find_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2._o 8._o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v call_v a_o gift_n and_o a_o free_a gift_n five_o several_a time_n in_o one_o chapter_n rom._n 5._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o but_o not_o as_o the_o offence_n so_o also_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n for_o if_o through_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o many_o be_v dead_a much_o more_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n by_o grace_n which_o be_v by_o one_o man_n jesus_n christ_n have_v abound_v unto_o many_o and_o what_o this_o free_a gift_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o word_n viz._n justification_n or_o remission_n of_o sin_n v._o 16._o and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v by_o one_o that_o sin_v so_o be_v the_o gift_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v by_o one_o to_o condemnation_n but_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v of_o many_o offence_n unto_o justification_n for_o if_o by_o one_o man_n offence_n death_n reign_v by_o one_o much_o more_o they_o which_o receive_v abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v reign_v in_o life_n by_o one_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o as_o by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o condemnation_n even_o so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o the_o free_a gift_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n unto_o justification_n of_o life_n so_o that_o by_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n i_o understand_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sanctify_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o particular_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n age_n that_o be_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v general_o in_o scripture_n use_v for_o miraculous_a power_n and_o operation_n and_o particular_o to_o express_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n i_o need_v not_o cite_v the_o particular_a text_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o well_o know_v and_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v far_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v frequent_o call_v by_o the_o jew_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o very_a phrase_n use_v by_o the_o lxx_o concern_v our_o saviour_n isa_n 9_o 6._o where_o he_o be_v call_v according_a to_o our_o translation_n the_o everlasting_a father_n but_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o lxx_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o father_n of_o the_o future_a age._n and_o this_o very_a phrase_n be_v use_v once_o more_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o heb._n ch_n 2._o 5._o for_o unto_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o not_o put_v in_o subjection_n the_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o angel_n v._o 2._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a but_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o call_v the_o world_n to_o come_v or_o the_o future_a age_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o not_o put_v into_o subjection_n the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o phrase_n be_v only_o use_v in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o jew_n very_o well_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o common_o express_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o house_n of_o elias_n which_o distribute_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n into_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o age_n the_o age_n before_o the_o law_n the_o age_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o they_o call_v the_o seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o which_o be_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o day_n or_o time_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v particular_o prophesy_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o man_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n and_o to_o this_o very_a purpose_n the_o prophet_n joel_n be_v cite_v by_o st._n peter_n act_v 2._o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o last_o day_n say_v god_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o by_o taste_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v mean_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n age_n by_o the_o jew_n common_o call_v the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o this_o profession_n out_o of_o love_n to_o this_o present_a world_n or_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o difficult_a hardly_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o that_o such_o wilful_a and_o notorious_a apostate_n shall_v be_v restore_v again_o by_o repentance_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v impossible_a be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o that_o which_o absolute_o can_v be_v but_o many_o time_n for_o that_o which_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a that_o it_o seem_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n so_o our_o saviour_n that_o which_o in_o one_o place_n he_o call_v exceed_o hard_a viz._n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o afterward_o call_v impossible_a with_o man_n and_o so_o here_o i_o understand_v the_o apostle_n that_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o baptism_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o it_o be_v exceed_o hard_a to_o recover_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n this_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n some_o understand_v of_o restore_v they_o again_o to_o
a_o very_a sad_a and_o desperate_a condition_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o who_o disease_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o remedy_n that_o shall_v cure_v he_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o gospel_n chap._n 10._o 26_o 27._o for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o renounce_v he_o what_o way_n of_o expiation_n can_v they_o hope_v for_o afterward_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o a_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v reject_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o then_o three_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n provoke_v god_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n so_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v those_o to_o themselves_o who_o have_v so_o unworthy_o forsake_v he_o and_o whole_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v so_o notorious_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n always_o do_v this_o he_o be_v sometime_o better_a to_o such_o person_n than_o they_o have_v deserve_v from_o he_o and_o save_v those_o who_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o merciful_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o recover_v they_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o yield_v to_o it_o not_o deliberate_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o mere_o through_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o do_v return_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a fear_n deny_v christ_n but_o be_v admonish_v of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o signal_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o he_o be_v recover_v by_o a_o speedy_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o so_o likewise_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v at_o first_o overcome_v by_o fear_n to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n do_v afterward_o recover_v themselves_o and_o die_v resolute_a martyr_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n out_o of_o which_o but_o few_o recover_v and_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o five_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o make_v out_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o text_n from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o hence_o by_o way_n of_o application_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o do_v concern_v ourselves_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o one_a from_o the_o supposition_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v namely_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o this_o shall_v caution_n we_o all_o against_o confidence_n and_o security_n when_o those_o that_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o may_v fall_v let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v that_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o total_o so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o caution_n christian_n against_o apostasy_n because_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v away_o their_o recovery_n will_v be_v so_o exceed_v difficult_a which_o argument_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v away_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v other_o who_o think_v the_o person_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v hypocritical_a christian_n who_o for_o some_o base_a end_n have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o not_o be_v sincere_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n will_v forsake_v it_o when_o persecution_n come_v but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o description_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n these_o be_v blessing_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o hypocrite_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o they_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v such_o person_n when_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o hypocrite_n in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v man_n to_o dissemble_v christianity_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o profession_n or_o what_o worldly_a end_n can_v man_n have_v in_o take_v that_o profession_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v real_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o such_o may_v fall_v away_o for_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o firm_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o that_o persuasion_n as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n to_o be_v able_a to_o quit_v all_o for_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v real_a christian_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_o establish_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o sincere_o resolve_v as_o many_o other_o they_o be_v not_o like_o st._n paul_n and_o those_o try_a person_n who_o he_o speak_v of_o rom._n 8._o 35_o 37._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n they_o have_v be_v try_v by_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o have_v hold_v out_o upon_o which_o he_o break_v out_o into_o those_o triumphant_a expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n they_o may_v not_o i_o say_v be_v like_o those_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v real_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o short_a i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o our_o saviour_n describe_v he_o to_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n namely_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receceive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v this_o be_v no_o description_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n but_o of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o come_v to_o such_o a_o confirm_a state_n as_o resolute_o to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v true_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v secure_a nor_o confident_a
to_o god_n he_o will_v grant_v we_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a by_o which_o be_v certain_o intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n spiritual_a good_a thing_n because_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o more_o especial_o mean_v these_o st._n luke_n do_v particular_o instance_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n lube_n 11._o 13._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v the_o continual_a presence_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o talent_n entrust_v with_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n matth._n 25_o i_o say_v what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o but_o this_o that_o god_n be_v beforehand_o with_o every_o man_n by_o afford_v the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o end_n which_o if_o he_o faithful_o improve_v he_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n do_v so_o earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o universal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o phil._n 2._o 12_o 13._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v with_o great_a care_n and_o concernment_n lest_o you_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assit_fw-la we_o and_o of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o put_v forth_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o so_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n to_o press_v man_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v have_v so_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o requisite_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v by_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n therein_o offer_v to_o we_o whereby_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o then_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o divine_a power_n convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o he_o exhort_v man_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n virtue_n and_o knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o godliness_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n and_o perseverance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o powerful_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 3._o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n in_o our_o power_n that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o though_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o that_o be_v by_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n yet_o we_o can_v do_v by_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o that_o assistance_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v because_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o they_o that_o seek_v it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o a_o man_n power_n which_o he_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v that_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o assistance_n of_o another_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v no_o way_n derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o he_o reckon_v himself_o able_a to_o do_v all_o that_o which_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o the_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o will_v all_o be_v not_o only_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o very_o unreasonable_a if_o we_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o power_n to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v but_o if_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o assist_v we_o by_o a_o grace_n sufficient_a for_o we_o if_o he_o cooperate_v with_o we_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n then_o be_v there_o abundant_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v whole_o our_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o not_o seek_v god_n grace_n more_o earnest_o or_o by_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v real_o all_o one_o both_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o the_o render_n of_o our_o disobedience_n inexcusable_a whether_o we_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o that_o purpose_n wherefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v heb._n 12._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v strait_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n lest_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o let_v it_o rather_o be_v heal_v follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v want_v of_o care_n and_o diligence_n on_o our_o part_n if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n fail_v of_o its_o end_n and_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n god_n do_v not_o withhold_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o but_o man_n may_v receive_v it_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v from_o these_o word_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o that_o be_v to_o such_o and_o only_o to_o such_o as_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n to_o they_o who_o frame_v the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n according_a to_o his_o
6._o 5._o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v of_o the_o gospel_n age._n so_o that_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v the_o age_n those_o that_o go_v before_o be_v constant_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o age_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o we_o find_v eph._n 3._o 9_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n and_o you_o have_v the_o same_o phrase_n col._n 1._o 26._o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o time_n and_o the_o last_o day_n heb._n 1._o 2._o but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 9_o 26._o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n that_o be_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n which_o have_v go_v before_o in_o the_o last_o age._n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n by_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o scripture_n the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v suppose_v now_o to_o give_v our_o adversary_n their_o utmost_a scope_n that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n reach_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o age_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o qualify_v and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o speedy_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o till_o this_o work_n be_v do_v now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o intend_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o this_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o trouble_v we_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v extend_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v assist_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o such_o fit_a and_o necessary_a assistance_n as_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n shall_v require_v for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o plant_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o it_o afterward_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o design_n will_v let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v not_o also_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o thus_o extend_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o particular_a promise_n beyond_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o for_o heb._n 13._o 5_o 6._o he_o there_o extend_v two_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o conversation_n say_v he_o be_v without_o cove_n tousness_n and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o particulur_v person_n the_o first_o of_o they_o to_o joshua_n and_o the_o other_o to_o david_n but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n because_o the_o general_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o extend_v so_o far_o he_o who_o give_v joshua_n and_o david_n this_o encouragement_n to_o their_o duty_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n mention_v in_o this_o promise_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o age_n even_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v second_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v with_o they_o and_o here_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n shall_v always_o be_v infallible_a and_o never_o err_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o promise_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o understand_v this_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n so_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v commissionated_a the_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o promise_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o any_o man_n can_v construe_v this_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o signify_v the_o perpetual_a infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n devise_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a text_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v that_o old_a and_o totter_a fabric_n of_o their_o infallibility_n here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n or_o colour_n for_o it_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a sagacity_n that_o can_v find_v out_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o a_o promise_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o joshua_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n with_o this_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o yet_o sure_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n every_o christian_a and_o every_o
good_a man_n be_v infallible_a but_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o more_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o have_v this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v to_o they_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o that_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o other_o infallibility_n but_o what_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endow_v and_o therefore_o without_o the_o like_a gift_n none_o can_v with_o reason_n pretend_v to_o the_o like_a 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against_o it_o but_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a and_o transient_a dispensation_n god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a wind_n in_o the_o earthquake_n and_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n that_o be_v he_o design_v to_o settle_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o dispensation_n in_o that_o more_o calm_a and_o secret_a way_n of_o assistance_n which_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o permanent_a dispensation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v now_o forsake_v his_o church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o with_o it_o in_o so_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n but_o then_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n desire_n and_o expect_v this_o bless_a presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n for_o how_o absolute_a soever_o this_o promise_n may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a it_o be_v certain_o conditional_a to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o sad_a experience_n in_o many_o instance_n have_v show_v god_n have_v long_o since_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v he_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n he_o have_v leave_v the_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n to_o that_o degree_n of_o desolation_n that_o the_o ruin_n and_o place_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v hardly_o at_o this_o day_n certain_o know_v and_o this_o may_v also_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n not_o except_v rome_n herself_o for_o all_o her_o pride_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o that_o fall_v severity_n but_o 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and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v very_o eminent_a for_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v far_a than_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o bad_a under_z so_o great_a a_o pretence_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n not_o but_o that_o external_n devotion_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o religion_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n and_o when_o man_n be_v real_o such_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o their_o external_a devotion_n represent_v they_o to_o be_v but_o when_o the_o outward_a garb_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o show_n that_o we_o see_v without_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n these_o be_v mere_a engine_n and_o puppet_n in_o religion_n all_o the_o motion_n we_o see_v without_o proceed_v from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n and_o not_o from_o any_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o as_o no_o creature_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o ape_n because_o the_o beast_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o human_a shape_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o this_o hypocritical_a devotion_n because_o it_o look_v like_o religion_n but_o be_v the_o far_a from_o it_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 5th_o other_o confide_v very_o much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o above_o other_o 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presence_n the_o natural_a substance_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o have_v not_o only_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o innumerable_a other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o only_o their_o own_o merit_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v defective_a they_o may_v have_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o infinite_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v challenge_v eternal_a life_n as_o of_o right_a and_o due_a belong_v to_o they_o and_o by_o a_o due_a course_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n may_v quit_v score_n with_o god_n for_o all_o their_o sin_n from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o if_o they_o have_v neglect_v all_o this_o they_o may_v after_o the_o most_o flagitious_a course_n of_o life_n upon_o attrition_n that_o be_v upon_o some_o trouble_n for_o sin_n out_o of_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n join_v with_o confession_n and_o absolution_n get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o provide_v the_o priest_n mean_v honest_o and_o do_v not_o for_o want_v of_o intention_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o save_a benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a man_n can_v be_v delude_v at_o this_o rate_n as_o to_o think_v that_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o other_o will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n that_o any_o church_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o save_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o they_o be_v real_o impenitent_a who_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n plain_o require_v and_o if_o man_n die_v in_o this_o state_n whatever_o church_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o will_v bid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o because_o they_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n six_o other_o think_v that_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o but_o zeal_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o object_n or_o be_v irregular_a and_o excessive_a in_o the_o degree_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o fault_n and_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o charity_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o be_v nothing_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o sure_a willdo_o the_o business_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a and_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o religion_n may_v have_v a_o considerable_a awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o 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assure_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o if_o we_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n in_o any_o one_o kind_a christ_n will_v disow_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o eight_o other_o rely_v upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v they_o do_v once_o very_o hearty_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o do_v change_v their_o course_n and_o be_v real_o reform_v and_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o that_o good_a course_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v certain_o true_a but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v relapse_v into_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o if_o so_o the_o prophet_n have_v tell_v we_o their_o doom_n that_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o righteousness_n his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v but_o in_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o shall_v he_o die_v so_o that_o a_o righteous_a man_n may_v turn_v from_o his_o righteousress_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o here_o as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v put_v a_o case_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o fact_n shall_v happen_v unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o other_o case_n which_o he_o put_v together_o with_o it_o of_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a be_v likewise_o impossible_a which_o god_n forbid_v and_o that_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o good_a man_n but_o a_o good_a caution_n against_o security_n and_o a_o argument_n
to_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v which_o admonition_n be_v sure_o to_o little_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o that_o stand_v to_o fall_v last_o other_o venture_v all_o upon_o a_o death_n bed_n repentance_n and_o their_o importunity_n with_o god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n at_o last_o this_o indeed_o be_v only_o to_o seek_v and_o not_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o these_o perhaps_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n represent_v as_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o or_o as_o st._n matthew_n express_v it_o many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n which_o be_v most_o probable_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o their_o case_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o last_o extremity_n and_o next_o to_o that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n when_o man_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o endless_a happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o sinner_n will_v then_o be_v glad_a when_o he_o can_v no_o long_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o but_o the_o door_n be_v then_o shut_v to_o most_o sinner_n and_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n if_o any_o repentance_n that_o man_n can_v then_o exercise_v which_o at_o the_o best_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a will_v then_o be_v accept_v if_o any_o importunity_n which_o man_n can_v then_o use_v will_v be_v available_a for_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o expect_v that_o after_o all_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o a_o long_a life_n god_n shall_v be_v mollify_v towards_o we_o by_o a_o few_o good_a word_n and_o accept_v of_o a_o force_a and_o constrain_v repentance_n for_o all_o our_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a crime_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n upon_o a_o little_a importunity_n when_o we_o can_v sin_v no_o long_o and_o will_v repent_v no_o soon_o let_v we_o then_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o with_o all_o our_o might_n especial_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n let_v we_o hearty_o repent_v of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a course_n for_o the_o future_a and_o let_v we_o not_o delay_n and_o put_v off_o this_o necessary_a work_n to_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o improper_a time_n of_o old_a age_n and_o sickness_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o set_v about_o it_o present_o and_o enter_v upon_o a_o good_a course_n and_o make_v all_o the_o speed_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o we_o can_v and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o whatever_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o universal_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n this_o be_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o though_o we_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o thousand_o other_o way_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o after_o all_o our_o confidence_n and_o conceit_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o security_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o any_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a damp_n and_o disappointment_n to_o we_o to_o see_v the_o sincere_a christian_n who_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n to_o come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o we_o who_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o because_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o 7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v vnrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulat_v on_o and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n sermon_n x._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n sermon_n i._n luke_n xvi_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a beggar_n name_v lazarus_n which_o be_v lay_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n i_o intend_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o go_v over_o this_o parable_n than_o which_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n which_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o affect_v man_n or_o which_o be_v more_o artificial_o contrive_v and_o in_o the_o circumstance_n whereof_o a_o great_a decorum_n be_v observe_v it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n among_o interpreter_n whether_o this_o narration_n concern_v the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n be_v a_o parable_n or_o a_o history_n or_o a_o mixture_n of_o both_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o history_n the_o resemblance_n between_o it_o and_o other_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n will_v easy_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a beside_o that_o in_o some_o ancient_a copy_n it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o preface_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o his_o disciple_n a_o certain_a rich_a man_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o improbable_o conjecture_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o parable_n as_o have_v something_o of_o a_o real_a foundation_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o poor_a man_n as_o lazarus_n be_v here_o describe_v and_o of_o that_o name_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o a_o mere_a parable_n it_o be_v altogether_o unusual_a to_o name_v person_n nor_o be_v this_o do_v in_o any_o other_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o not_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o dispute_v because_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n as_o to_o our_o saviour_n purpose_n and_o the_o instruction_n which_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o it_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o parable_n i_o shall_v explain_v it_o as_o i_o go_v along_o and_o draw_v two_o sort_n of_o instruction_n or_o observation_n from_o it_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o observation_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o decorum_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o these_o i_o will_v not_o warrant_v to_o be_v all_o intend_a by_o our_o saviour_n but_o only_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o and_o useful_a and_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a rise_n from_o some_o circumstance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o they_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o observation_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o these_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o observation_n and_o instruction_n which_o i_o shall_v gather_v up_o from_o the_o circumstance_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o decorum_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o i_o shall_v take_v they_o in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o parable_n ver._n 19_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n some_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o description_n reflect_v upon_o herod_n because_o he_o describe_v this_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_n but_o this_o conjecture_n be_v without_o reason_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n custom_n in_o his_o preach_v to_o give_v secret_a gird_n to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v long_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o purple_n be_v appropriate_v to_o king_n it_o be_v then_o and_o a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o wear_v of_o rich_a and_o powerful_a man_n and_o of_o the_o favourite_n and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o court_n who_o be_v frequent_o in_o ancient_a history_n call_v the_o purpurati_fw-la those_o that_o wear_v purple_a that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v not_o here_o censure_v for_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v for_o wear_v rich_a apparel_n
calm_a and_o fix_v valour_n 2._o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v ever_o great_a courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n appear_v 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 i_o have_v consider_v those_o objection_n which_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o ii_o those_o which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v insist_v upon_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o i_o mention_v seven_o the_o two_o last_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v to_o six_o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v many_o division_n and_o faction_n among_o christian_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o our_o religion_n but_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o it_o and_o 1._o to_o lessen_v and_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v about_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o bring_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n which_o all_o agree_v in_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v very_o undecent_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o above_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v strict_o require_v love_n and_o unity_n they_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n destroy_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 2._o how_o many_o and_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v with_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o give_v any_o cause_n and_o encouragement_n to_o they_o however_o by_o accident_n it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o for_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o bad_a man_n and_o 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 and_o controversy_n occasion_v even_o by_o the_o very_a law_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n against_o law_n and_o government_n 3._o the_o division_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v christianity_n more_o hearty_o and_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a animosity_n which_o be_v among_o they_o will_v present_o cease_v if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_o entertain_v and_o man_n do_v serious_o mind_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o its_o law_n difference_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o commence_v nor_o so_o vehement_o prosecute_v nor_o so_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o as_o they_o be_v man_n will_v not_o 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
lay_v the_o main_a stress_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v condemn_v he_o by_o their_o law_n they_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o in_o his_o life-time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 10._o 36._o say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o the_o chief_a priest_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o this_o and_o he_o own_v this_o charge_n that_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o they_o judge_v he_o guilty_a of_o death_n matth._n 26._o 65_o 66._o then_o the_o highpriest_n rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o say_v he_o have_v speak_v blasphemy_n what_o further_a need_n have_v we_o of_o witness_n behold_v now_o you_o have_v hear_v his_o blasphemy_n what_o think_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o when_o pilate_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o they_o still_o instance_n in_o this_o as_o his_o crime_n john_n 19_o 7._o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o our_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v because_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o put_v to_o death_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v he_o up_o into_o heaven_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o vain_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o mighty_a demonstration_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n but_o he_o be_v most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o justify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n hereby_o bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o that_o he_o assume_v nothing_o to_o himself_o but_o what_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v to_o he_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v more_o remarkable_o vindicate_v and_o more_o clear_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o than_o by_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o two_o god_n do_v consequent_o hereby_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v by_o he_o and_o that_o what_o he_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o this_o none_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o know_v and_o to_o report_v true_o to_o mankind_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o article_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o a_o man_n salvation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v condemn_v and_o put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o real_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v be_v true_a and_o from_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v brief_o to_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n one_a to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o great_a a_o confirmation_n and_o therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o one_o article_n be_v mention_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n for_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n 2_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a assure_v we_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o ever_o doubt_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n so_o that_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o more_o especial_o to_o these_o three_o purpose_n one_a to_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o man_n convince_v of_o this_o great_a and_o obvious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o a_o few_o day_n and_o everlasting_a age_n will_v we_o but_o sometime_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n die_v man_n have_v of_o this_o world_n how_o vain_a and_o empty_a a_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o they_o how_o like_o a_o pageant_n and_o shadow_n it_o look_v as_o it_o pass_v away_o from_o they_o methinks_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a delight_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o intent_n upon_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n this_o vast_a and_o howl_a wilderness_n this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n which_o we_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v through_o which_o shall_v detain_v and_o entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o our_o everlasting_a habitation_n from_o that_o better_a and_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o 2_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v comfort_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a consideration_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o the_o evil_n and_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o hope_v for_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n hereafter_o we_o may_v be_v content_v to_o bear_v some_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n because_o the_o blessedness_n which_o we_o expect_v will_v so_o abundant_o recompense_v and_o outweigh_v our_o present_a suffering_n so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 8._o 18._o we_o know_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o
shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o triumph_v in_o their_o suffering_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o tribulation_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n do_v real_o prepare_v and_o make_v way_n for_o their_o glory_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a three_o and_o last_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o future_a reward_n be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n what_o great_a encouragement_n can_v we_o have_v than_o this_o that_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v accompany_v we_o into_o the_o other_o that_o when_o we_o rest_v from_o our_o labour_n our_o work_n will_v follow_v we_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v strip_v of_o other_o thing_n and_o part_v from_o they_o these_o will_v still_o remain_v with_o we_o and_o bear_v we_o company_n our_o riches_n and_o honour_n our_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n will_v all_o take_v their_o leave_n of_o we_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n nay_o many_o time_n they_o do_v not_o accompany_v we_o so_o far_o as_o the_o grave_a but_o take_v occasion_n to_o forsake_v we_o when_o we_o have_v the_o great_a need_n and_o use_v of_o they_o but_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o better_a part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o we_o all_o the_o good_a action_n which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v go_v along_o with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o redeemer_n procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a reward_n not_o according_a to_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o service_n but_o according_a to_o the_o bounty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o treasure_n and_o estate_n now_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v all_o be_v our_o own_o another_o day_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o whoever_o serve_v god_n faithful_o and_o do_v suffer_v for_o he_o patient_o do_v lay_v up_o so_o much_o treasure_n for_o himself_o in_o another_o world_n and_o provide_v last_a comfort_n for_o himself_o and_o faithful_a and_o constant_a companion_n that_o will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o let_v we_o then_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v while_o we_o have_v opportunity_n and_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o our_o might_n know_v that_o no_o good_a action_n that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v lose_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o exercise_v in_o this_o life_n and_o every_o degree_n of_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o full_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a how_o shall_v this_o inspire_v we_o with_o resolution_n and_o zeal_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n continual_o in_o our_o eye_n how_o shall_v it_o tempt_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o have_v a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n offer_v to_o we_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o who_o love_v he_o hearty_o and_o serve_v he_o faithful_o in_o this_o world_n sermon_n v._o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n heb._n vi_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n these_o word_n be_v full_a of_o difficulty_n and_o the_o misunderstanding_n of_o they_o have_v not_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o even_o despair_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o demonstrative_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o fallible_a judgement_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o st._n jerome_n more_o than_o once_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n which_o be_v about_o 400_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o receive_v this_o epistle_n for_o canonical_a but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o that_o time_n whether_o move_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a by_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o church_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n acknowledge_v it_o for_o canonical_a from_o whence_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v necessary_o follow_v either_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o 400_o year_n together_o while_o they_o reject_v it_o or_o that_o they_o have_v since_o err_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o receive_v it_o one_o of_o these_o be_v unavoidable_a for_o if_o the_o book_n be_v canonical_a now_o it_o be_v so_o from_o the_o beginning_n for_o bellarmine_n himself_o confess_v and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o confess_v it_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o true_a and_o certain_a that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v a_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o before_o if_o it_o be_v not_o canonical_a at_o first_o it_o can_v be_v make_v so_o afterward_o so_o that_o let_v they_o choose_v which_o part_n they_o will_v it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v actual_o err_v in_o her_o judgement_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n and_o one_o error_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v enough_o to_o destroy_v her_o infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o church_n be_v not_o infallible_a than_o if_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o she_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o convince_a instance_n of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o if_o that_o be_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o book_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o for_o canonical_a in_o one_o age_n must_v have_v be_v so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o whatever_o be_v reject_v in_o any_o age_n must_v always_o have_v be_v reject_v but_o we_o plain_o see_v the_o contrary_a from_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o epistle_n concern_v which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o tradition_n have_v in_o several_a age_n deliver_v several_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o peremptory_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o her_o oral_a tradition_n have_v observe_v this_o by_o the_o way_n which_o i_o can_v not_o well_o pass_v by_o upon_o so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n i_o shall_v betake_v myself_o to_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n towards_o which_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o consider_v the_o particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a among_o the_o ancient_n than_o to_o call_v baptism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d illumination_n and_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d enlighten_v person_n because_o of_o that_o divine_a illumination_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o at_o their_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o call_v upon_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o enlighten_v person_n be_v wash_v and_o again_o more_o express_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o laver_n