only_o speak_v be_v more_o easy_o misunderstand_v which_o maldonat_a prol_n assign_v as_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o evangelist_n write_v their_o several_a gospel_n st._n john_n likewise_o give_v a_o account_n himself_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o writing_n and_o that_o the_o great_a imaginable_a but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v 31_o the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n why_o write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v do_v the_o apostle_n in_o his_o old_a age_n mistrust_v the_o understanding_n or_o the_o memory_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n teach_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n no_o not_o while_n st._n john_n himself_o be_v yet_o live_v he_o have_v certain_o a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o tradition_n that_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o write_v that_o 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clear_v this_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o withal_o observe_v that_o the_o other_o evangelist_n insist_v chief_o on_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n for_o one_o year_n viz._n after_o john_n be_v imprisonment_n he_o resume_v the_o whole_a matter_n and_o add_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v omit_v by_o the_o rest_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o full_a relation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o complete_a and_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o epistle_n the_o first_o epistle_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o probability_n the_o first_o writing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o what_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n put_v these_o decree_n into_o write_v they_o be_v very_o short_a and_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o withal_o be_v send_v by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n and_o judas_n and_o silas_n be_v not_o these_o sufficient_a to_o deliver_v the_o apostle_n sense_n to_o the_o church_n without_o letter_n from_o they_o what_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n do_v they_o take_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v if_o they_o think_v such_o man_n can_v not_o by_o it_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n unless_o they_o send_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n on_o purpose_n to_o clear_v some_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v then_o warm_o dispute_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n and_o between_o the_o judaize_v christian_n and_o other_o as_o about_o justification_n rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o difference_n of_o meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v very_o needless_a pain_n in_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n if_o he_o know_v of_o christ_n appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n there_o or_o if_o he_o think_v write_v be_v not_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o those_o matter_n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v write_v not_o mere_o to_o reprove_v their_o faction_n and_o disorder_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o and_o to_o establish_v and_o prove_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v 12._o then_o contest_v among_o they_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v by_o stephanus_n and_o fortunatus_n who_o can_v have_v carry_v the_o apostle_n sense_n without_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v many_o weighty_a thing_n beside_o the_o particular_a occasion_n which_o be_v of_o last_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o they_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v write_v on_o occasion_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n at_o that_o time_n viz._n the_o use_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n 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then_o much_o more_o in_o any_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o humane_a nature_n be_v mighty_o change_v for_o the_o better_a since_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o any_o teacher_n since_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o the_o apostle_n and_o especial_o than_o st._n paul_n who_o labour_v more_o 10._o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n though_o write_v upon_o a_o general_a argument_n yet_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v in_o continual_a danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o 14._o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v their_o armour_n about_o they_o and_o one_o choice_a part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 17._o the_o philippian_n be_v assault_v by_o a_o rude_a violent_a headstrong_a faction_n of_o judaizer_n which_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o and_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o 2._o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o 27._o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o in_o both_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o 3._o give_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a defection_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o sign_n â—0_n and_o lie_a word_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o shall_v speak_v lie_n in_o 3._o hypocrisy_n and_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v evil_a man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v 5._o the_o power_n of_o it_o i_o meddle_v not_o now_o with_o the_o time_n when_o this_o apostasy_n begin_v but_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o st._n paul_n suppose_v that_o those_o who_o at_o first_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v notwithstanding_o through_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o deceiver_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o prevent_v such_o mischievous_a consequence_n he_o know_v no_o better_a mean_n than_o a_o write_a rule_n which_o he_o tell_v timothy_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a to_o salvation_n 17._o and_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o colossian_n be_v set_v upon_o by_o some_o who_o think_v to_o refine_v christianity_n or_o
the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o our_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o all_o own_o and_o if_o they_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o although_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o now_o here_o be_v two_o remarkable_a character_n in_o these_o word_n by_o which_o we_o may_v examine_v these_o different_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n i._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o christ._n ii_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n i._n e._n most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n now_o by_o these_o two_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o i._o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n ii_o which_o do_v offer_v fair_o 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as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v and_o the_o more_o we_o do_v so_o the_o soon_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n now_o according_a to_o reason_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o sense_n to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o word_n not_o that_o which_o be_v force_v and_o intricate_a or_o which_o put_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n upon_o word_n which_o be_v common_o take_v in_o other_o sense_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v no_o sacramental_a thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v figurative_a 2._o that_o which_o suit_v most_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n not_o only_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n which_o be_v to_o magnify_v god_n and_o to_o depress_v man_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a god_n in_o opposition_n to_o creature_n to_o represent_v and_o declare_v the_o mighty_a advantage_n mankind_n receive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o that_o which_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o place_n for_o we_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a capacity_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v great_a help_n for_o know_v it_o than_o other_o at_o so_o much_o great_a distance_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o modern_a invention_n or_o criticism_n or_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v be_v since_o receive_v and_o embrace_v by_o it_o in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o have_v be_v most_o strenuous_o assert_v when_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o opposition_n as_o found_v on_o scripture_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o which_o best_a agree_v with_o the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o those_o be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n for_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v lose_v our_o religion_n be_v go_v and_o their_o authority_n depend_v upon_o their_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o care_n to_o inform_v the_o world_n aright_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o the_o great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v for_o let_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v understand_v either_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n or_o dignity_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o must_v imply_v thus_o much_o that_o when_o christ_n jesus_n be_v here_o on_o earth_n he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o vain_a assume_v humour_n that_o he_o do_v not_o boast_v of_o himself_o nor_o magnify_v his_o own_o greatness_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o other_o man_n although_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n far_o great_a and_o divine_a excellency_n in_o he_o than_o the_o world_n will_v believe_v less_o than_o this_o can_v be_v make_v of_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o 7._o think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n now_o this_o be_v the_o character_n give_v of_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v affirm_v concern_v himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v far_o from_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o he_o by_o set_v forth_o his_o own_o perfection_n yet_o upon_o just_a occasion_n when_o the_o jew_n contest_v with_o he_o he_o do_v assert_v such_o thing_n which_o must_v savour_v of_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n or_o else_o must_v imply_v that_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n for_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o ambition_n lie_v in_o affect_v divine_a honour_n or_o for_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v think_v a_o god_n how_o severe_o do_v god_n punish_v herod_n for_o be_v please_v with_o the_o people_n folly_n in_o cry_v out_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v bear_v with_o such_o positive_a 22._o assertion_n and_o such_o repeat_v defence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o imply_v his_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n this_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v several_a time_n that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a but_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n 33._o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o 62._o where_o he_o be_v before_o in_o another_o conference_n he_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v before_o abraham_n 58._o which_o the_o jew_n so_o literal_o understand_v that_o without_o a_o metaphor_n they_o go_v about_o to_o stone_n he_o little_o imagine_v 59_o that_o by_o abraham_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n at_o another_o conference_n i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o which_o they_o 30._o understand_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o immediate_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n to_o have_v stone_v 31._o he_o what_o mean_v all_o this_o rage_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o what_o for_o say_v that_o he_o have_v unity_n of_o consent_n with_o his_o father_n no_o certain_o but_o the_o jew_n misunderstand_v he_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o our_o saviour_n have_v immediate_o explain_v himself_o to_o prevent_v so_o dangerous_a a_o misconstruction_n but_o he_o ask_v they_o what_o it_o be_v they_o stone_v he_o for_o they_o answer_v he_o direct_o and_o plain_o because_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o 33._o man_n make_v thyself_o god_n this_o be_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o here_o be_v the_o time_n for_o he_o to_o have_v deny_v it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o but_o do_v he_o deny_v it_o do_v he_o say_v it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n in_o he_o to_o own_v it_o no_o but_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v no_o blasphemy_n for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o 36._o god_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o jew_n
be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o easy_a yoke_n and_o a_o light_a 30._o burden_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o hard_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o easy_a so_o hard_a to_o be_v attain_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o expression_n that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o some_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v then_o to_o undergo_v and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o for_o any_o though_o never_o so_o righteous_a to_o escape_v and_o that_o to_o this_o v_o 17._o refer_v i_o answer_v that_o this_o do_v not_o clear_a the_o difficulty_n for_o from_o whence_o do_v this_o necessity_n of_o suffer_v arise_v be_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v our_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v undergo_v some_o punishment_n for_o they_o in_o this_o life_n although_o god_n remit_v that_o of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o how_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o god_n justice_n be_v satisfy_v and_o the_o sin_n be_v forgive_v what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v that_o person_n must_v here_o suffer_v for_o their_o sin_n before_o they_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n so_o that_o for_o the_o clear_n this_o subject_a these_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v to_o i._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o righteous_a be_v say_v to_o be_v scarce_o save_v ii_o how_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n iii_o what_o encouragement_n there_o be_v for_o we_o to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n when_o the_o righteous_a be_v say_v to_o be_v scarce_o save_v i._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o righteous_a be_v say_v to_o be_v scarce_o save_v that_o may_v be_v understand_v two_o way_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o accidental_a difficulty_n arise_v from_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o season_n 2._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o general_a term_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o person_n and_o time_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o accidental_a difficulty_n arise_v from_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o person_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o alike_o in_o all_o time_n nor_o to_o all_o person_n for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o a_o geometrical_a measure_n which_o be_v always_o exact_o the_o same_o but_o rather_o like_o a_o voyage_n at_o sea_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o same_o compass_n and_o to_o the_o same_o port_n but_o it_o sometime_o prove_v calm_a and_o pleasant_a and_o at_o other_o time_n stormy_a and_o tempestuous_a which_o chief_o happen_v when_o a_o religion_n appear_v new_a or_o go_v about_o to_o reform_v the_o old_a for_o than_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o partial_a man_n can_v raise_v against_o it_o it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o still_v the_o rage_v of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n can_v when_o he_o please_v calm_v the_o most_o violent_a passion_n of_o mankind_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o he_o think_v fit_a by_o such_o mean_n to_o try_v and_o discover_v what_o be_v in_o men._n who_o never_o show_v their_o passion_n more_o violent_o and_o unreasonable_o than_o when_o they_o be_v mask_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n against_o heresy_n and_o innovation_n for_o that_o blind_v their_o understanding_n corrupt_v their_o will_n inflame_v their_o passion_n harden_v their_o heart_n and_o shut_v up_o all_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o brethren_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n towards_o the_o christian_n both_o in_o judoea_n and_o in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o their_o dispersion_n for_o they_o look_v on_o they_o as_o apostate_n and_o heretic_n and_o treat_v they_o not_o only_o with_o the_o utmost_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n but_o with_o all_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n imaginable_a and_o where_o their_o own_o power_n fall_v short_a they_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o roman_a governor_n represent_v the_o christian_n to_o they_o as_o a_o upstart_n and_o pernicious_a sect_n seditious_a and_o turbulent_a and_o therefore_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v suppress_v by_o such_o insinuation_n the_o poor_a christian_n in_o the_o eastern_a province_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispersion_n be_v miserable_o harass_v and_o proceed_v against_o as_o malefactor_n thus_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o st._n peter_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n where_o there_o 1._o be_v abundance_n of_o jew_n and_o many_o convert_v but_o very_o hardly_o use_v among_o they_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v employ_v much_o among_o they_o the_o apostleship_n of_o 8._o the_o circumcision_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o be_v withdraw_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o parthia_n city_n where_o he_o have_v plant_v a_o church_n at_o babylon_n not_o so_o desolate_a at_o that_o time_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o number_n as_o appear_v by_o strabo_n and_o josephus_n from_o thence_o he_o write_v this_o excellent_a epistle_n for_o the_o advice_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o suffer_a christian_n he_o advise_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o great_a prudence_n and_o care_n of_o their_o action_n to_o give_v no_o advantage_n against_o themselves_o by_o do_v any_o ill_a thing_n and_o then_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o call_v they_o out_o to_o suffer_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o murmur_v or_o complain_v or_o mistrust_v his_o gracious_a providence_n towards_o they_o but_o commit_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o well_o do_v as_o unto_o a_o 19_o faithful_a creator_n and_o if_o they_o do_v think_v it_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o suffer_v these_o thing_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v there_o be_v a_o wise_a director_n of_o they_o above_o who_o have_v before_o hand_n appoint_v such_o a_o series_n of_o event_n that_o although_o their_o enemy_n rejoice_v to_o see_v they_o suffer_v in_o the_o first_o place_n yet_o their_o turn_n will_v come_v not_o long_o after_o and_o then_o these_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v feel_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n against_o they_o which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o forego_n verse_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o first_o begin_v at_o we_o what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n i._o e._n christ_n have_v foretell_v desolation_n and_o ruin_n to_o come_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n for_o reject_v he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o save_v they_o but_o he_o withal_o say_v that_o before_o these_o thing_n they_o shall_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o 12._o you_o and_o perfecute_v you_o deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o synagogue_n and_o into_o prison_n be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o ruler_n for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n which_o imply_v a_o severe_a persecution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n begin_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o governor_n of_o kingdom_n and_o province_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n although_o the_o time_n be_v now_o come_v that_o judgement_n begin_v â—t_a the_o house_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o end_v there_o but_o that_o which_o be_v only_o a_o cup_n of_o tremble_v and_o astonishment_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o cup_n of_o fury_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a jew_n the_o cafe_z be_v hard_a to_o the_o poor_a christian_n but_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o severe_a towards_o their_o cruel_a persecutor_n for_o if_o the_o righteous_a who_o god_n love_v meet_v with_o such_o sharp_a usage_n by_o his_o permission_n for_o a_o time_n the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o god_n will_v avenge_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o 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power_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n 24._o and_o even_o where_o that_o do_v not_o appear_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n due_a to_o mankind_n as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_v with_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n consist_v in_o lay_v aside_o private_a animosity_n and_o heat_n for_o a_o public_a and_o general_a good_n that_o be_v a_o thing_n too_o great_a and_o too_o sacred_a to_o be_v expose_v and_o ridicule_v as_o though_o it_o be_v only_o a_o popular_a pretence_n for_o faction_n and_o sedition_n whereas_o nothing_o be_v more_o direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o for_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v faction_n and_o sedition_n because_o it_o be_v against_o it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o man_n of_o ill_a mind_n so_o have_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v their_o nature_n and_o excellency_n by_o it_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o common_a good_a whence_o come_v any_o man_n obligation_n to_o preserve_v order_n and_o government_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o safety_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o country_n although_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hazard_n of_o his_o own_o life_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o deserve_v our_o regard_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o pâ—ejudices_fw-la and_o mutual_a animosity_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o particular_a party_n and_o hearty_o to_o promote_v that_o which_o be_v our_o true_a common_a interest_n as_o we_o be_v englishman_n and_o protestant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o any_o not_o to_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a protestant_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o that_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o depend_v very_o much_o on_o our_o conduct_n and_o union_n at_o this_o time_n but_o if_o we_o find_v any_o to_o be_v humoursome_a and_o peevish_a any_o to_o struggle_v more_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n to_o make_v it_o uppermost_a than_o for_o our_o common_a good_a although_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a consideration_n and_o bode_v very_o ill_a to_o we_o all_o yet_o we_o have_v that_o poor_a comfort_n leave_v we_o that_o man_n be_v as_o ill_o dispose_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o say_v st._n paul_n at_o 21._o a_o time_n when_o one_o will_v have_v think_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v much_o better_a incline_n all_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o not_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n i_o hope_v it_o can_v be_v faid_fw-we of_o all_o now_o but_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v so_o true_a of_o too_o many_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a symptom_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o that_o which_o make_v it_o more_o deplorable_a be_v that_o some_o man_n have_v entertain_v such_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n of_o each_o other_o that_o he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v they_o instead_o of_o make_v they_o friend_n be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v not_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n enough_o leave_v to_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o unite_n several_a party_n among_o we_o at_o lest_o there_o want_v a_o opinion_n of_o it_o and_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o mistrust_n and_o jealousy_n the_o great_a integrity_n be_v so_o far_o useless_a some_o learned_a and_o good_a man_n have_v be_v of_o late_a apt_a to_o persuade_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a time_n of_o the_o church_n be_v come_v on_o i_o can_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a thing_n to_o a_o man_n who_o travel_v in_o a_o ill_a road_n and_o with_o bad_a company_n who_o he_o be_v perpetual_o afraid_a of_o to_o see_v at_o a_o distance_n a_o pleasant_a and_o safe_a country_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v rid_v of_o his_o fear_n and_o danger_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v much_o please_v myself_o with_o such_o thought_n till_o i_o see_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n begin_v to_o change_v towards_o one_o another_o if_o i_o can_v once_o see_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n prevail_v among_o we_o if_o man_n will_v be_v content_v to_o sacrifice_v their_o humour_n and_o pique_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n in_o short_a if_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n man_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o good_a there_o be_v then_o a_o great_a foundation_n for_o hope_n that_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v settle_v among_o we_o so_o as_o to_o continue_v for_o succeed_a generation_n but_o if_o man_n will_v persist_v in_o their_o own_o wilful_a humour_n if_o they_o have_v rather_o all_o shall_v perish_v than_o they_o not_o compass_v their_o own_o end_n we_o need_v no_o foreign_a enemy_n to_o come_v in_o upon_o we_o we_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o animosity_n as_o to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o 15._o and_o than_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a inference_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v our_o case_n desperate_a for_o i_o hope_v man_n have_v not_o lose_v all_o their_o sense_n and_o zeal_n for_o our_o common_a interest_n but_o if_o man_n heat_n and_o passion_n increase_v and_o grow_v fierce_a a_o man_n need_v not_o pretend_v to_o prophesy_v to_o foretell_v what_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n will_v be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v bury_v in_o man_n warm_a contention_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v pretend_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o zeal_n without_o conscience_n to_o religion_n without_o faith_n and_o to_o scruple_n without_o common_a honesty_n if_o ever_o god_n design_n to_o do_v we_o good_a there_o must_v be_v a_o great_a alteration_n in_o man_n temper_n and_o manner_n we_o must_v have_v more_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n among_o we_o the_o want_n of_o which_o have_v cause_v such_o a_o general_a mistrust_n of_o one_o another_o that_o if_o faith_n be_v to_o save_v the_o nation_n i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v hardly_o enough_o leave_v in_o it_o and_o it_o look_v like_o one_o of_o the_o symptom_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n upon_o we_o for_o if_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v he_o will_v hardly_o find_v faith_n upon_o earth_n but_o instead_o of_o discourse_v of_o magnanimity_n i_o be_o sensible_a i_o have_v run_v into_o the_o object_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o fear_n but_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v all_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o the_o last_o particular_a which_o be_v 3._o to_o consider_v what_o argument_n and_o mean_n there_o be_v to_o support_v we_o against_o our_o fear_n or_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o christian_a magnanimity_n i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o and_o there_o be_v two_o great_a argument_n which_o christianity_n do_v particular_o recommend_v to_o we_o 1._o let_v thing_n go_v as_o ill_o as_o we_o can_v fear_v in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v sincere_a christian_n there_o be_v a_o far_o better_a state_n to_o come_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v when_o we_o be_v once_o out_o of_o this_o troublesome_a and_o sinful_a world_n there_o will_v be_v no_o hurry_v and_o confusion_n no_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n no_o pique_n and_o animosity_n the_o high_a region_n of_o the_o air_n be_v the_o most_o calm_a and_o serene_a all_o the_o cloud_n and_o storm_n and_o bluster_a wind_n be_v below_o and_o arise_v from_o the_o atmosphere_n if_o our_o mind_n be_v more_o loose_a from_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o at_o quiet_a for_o at_o the_o bottom_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o world_n make_v man_n so_o troublesome_a in_o it_o it_o be_v honour_n or_o power_n or_o riches_n which_o make_v they_o so_o unquiet_a and_o endeavour_v to_o supplant_v and_o undermine_v one_o another_o if_o man_n can_v learn_v to_o be_v content_a with_o that_o which_o they_o 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foundation_n of_o that_o upon_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v 37._o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n we_o need_v not_o to_o question_v but_o wherever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n as_o be_v here_o require_v there_o will_v be_v true_a godliness_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o where_o this_o be_v want_v all_o external_a show_v of_o devotion_n want_v the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o make_v all_o our_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a service_n to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o without_o it_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o our_o fast_n and_o all_o other_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n be_v empty_a and_o infipid_a formality_n not_o but_o that_o the_o act_n themselves_o be_v commendable_a but_o they_o be_v like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n dull_a and_o heavy_a or_o like_o the_o leaf_n of_o a_o tree_n in_o autumn_n which_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o wind_n but_o be_v dry_a sapless_a and_o soon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n prevail_v it_o keep_v up_o the_o life_n and_o order_n and_o vigour_n of_o devotion_n and_o preserve_v it_o from_o be_v taint_v by_o hypocrisy_n or_o choke_v by_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o decay_v from_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n thus_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n not_o such_o as_o depend_v on_o the_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n have_v make_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o what_o now_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o we_o do_v call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n or_o else_o we_o renounce_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o but_o can_v we_o say_v that_o we_o love_v god_n when_o we_o love_v what_o he_o hate_v viz._n sin_n can_v we_o say_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o much_o divide_v between_o he_o and_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n can_v we_o say_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o may_v when_o our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v apt_a to_o grow_v cold_a and_o remiss_a upon_o any_o apprehension_n of_o difficulty_n can_v we_o say_v that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o when_o we_o despise_v and_o scorn_v he_o or_o overreach_v and_o defraud_v he_o or_o oppress_v and_o ruin_v he_o if_o it_o go_v not_o so_o far_o be_v we_o as_o tender_v of_o his_o reputation_n as_o of_o our_o own_o as_o unwilling_a to_o see_v he_o injure_v as_o ready_a to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o necessity_n as_o we_o shall_v desire_v it_o from_o other_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n if_o strict_a sobriety_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n where_o be_v those_o virtue_n to_o be_v general_o find_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o particular_a person_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v hardly_o such_o a_o thing_n leave_v as_o a_o sober_a party_n among_o we_o what_o profane_a customary_a swear_v be_v everywhere_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o what_o complaint_n be_v daily_o make_v of_o the_o abound_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n even_o to_o a_o open_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n not_o bare_o of_o christianity_n but_o of_o any_o kind_n of_o religion_n for_o many_o who_o have_v long_o deny_v the_o power_n seem_v to_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o the_o very_a form_n of_o godliness_n unless_o it_o serve_v some_o particular_a end_n and_o design_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v little_a regard_n show_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o those_o who_o commit_v these_o thing_n call_v christ_n lord_n lord._n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o gross_a hypocrisy_n nothing_o will_v have_v be_v think_v more_o absurd_a or_o ridiculous_a than_o for_o one_o who_o use_v no_o kind_n of_o abstinence_n to_o be_v think_v a_o pythagorean_n or_o one_o that_o indulge_v his_o passion_n à _fw-fr stoic_a or_o one_o who_o eat_v flesh_n and_o drink_v wine_n a_o brachman_n or_o banian_n it_o be_v real_o as_o much_o for_o any_o one_o to_o break_v the_o know_a and_o particular_a precept_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o desire_v to_o be_v think_v a_o christian._n for_o a_o loose_a profane_a and_o debauch_a christian_a be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o morality_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n against_o christ_n to_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o to_o defy_v his_o law_n and_o authority_n a_o star_n without_o light_n a_o guide_n without_o eye_n a_o man_n without_o reason_n a_o sun_n with_o nothing_o but_o spot_n be_v not_o more_o absurd_a supposition_n than_o a_o christian_a without_o any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n but_o let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o will_v there_o be_v and_o will_v be_v such_o who_o will_v own_o christ_n and_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o sin_n for_o he_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o such_o former_o who_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o ground_n he_o tread_v on_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o mortify_v one_o sin_n for_o his_o sake_n the_o reason_n be_v still_o the_o same_o which_o our_o saviour_n mention_n they_o hope_v that_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o fair_a warning_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o any_o than_o he_o have_v give_v in_o this_o case_n that_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o at_o â—he_n great_a day_n depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o 27._o iniquity_n o_o dreadful_a sentence_n not_o to_o be_v mention_v without_o horror_n not_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o without_o astonishment_n how_o miserable_a for_o ever_o miserable_a must_v their_o condition_n be_v who_o christ_n at_o that_o day_n shall_v bid_v to_o depart_v from_o he_o what_o be_v this_o some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v but_o to_o put_v all_o christian_n into_o utter_a despair_n for_o who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v say_v that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v true_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o deep_a humility_n and_o serious_a repentance_n and_o timely_a reformation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n between_o the_o infirmity_n of_o those_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o the_o presumptuous_a sin_n of_o those_o who_o despise_v it_o between_o sin_n commit_v and_o hearty_o repent_v of_o and_o sin_n habitual_o practise_v and_o continue_v in_o without_o any_o mark_n of_o amendment_n such_o must_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n which_o i_o tremble_v at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o repeat_v but_o there_o be_v other_o who_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o â—heir_a heart_n have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o who_o sincerity_n will_v be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o he_o that_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o at_o that_o day_n come_v you_o 34._o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n sermon_n viii_o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v the_o 13_o the_o 1691_o 2_o roman_n viii_o 6._o for_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n in_o thâ—se_a word_n be_v imply_v a_o distribution_n of_o mankind_n into_o those_o who_o be_v carnal_o and_o spiritual_o mind_v which_o distinction_n be_v so_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n that_o their_o life_n or_o death_n happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o it_o but_o consider_v the_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o mankind_n it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a mind_n and_o consider_v the_o frequent_a impunity_n and_o security_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o fear_n and_o trouble_n which_o the_o best_a be_v not_o exempt_v from_o it_o seem_v next_o to_o impossible_a to_o make_v out_o at_o least_o as_o to_o this_o life_n that_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n yet_o our_o apostle_n do_v
such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o now_o resolve_v in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o god_n than_o go_v on_o to_o offend_v still_o but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n in_o justice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n law_n and_o to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o to_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o what_o amends_o be_v make_v by_o all_o this_o for_o the_o infinite_a dishonour_n which_o have_v be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n by_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o malefactor_n repentance_n however_o he_o be_v affect_v the_o law_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o offender_n punish_v how_o then_o can_v any_o person_n be_v assure_v from_o mere_a natural_a reason_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v as_o tender_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o law_n as_o mankind_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v without_o any_o imputation_n of_o cruelty_n or_o injustice_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v exact_a in_o punish_v offender_n who_o can_v complain_v for_o who_o can_v plead_v not_o guilty_a before_o his_o maker_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n condemn_v he_o that_o he_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o have_v from_o himself_o not_o to_o expect_v it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v just_o expect_v to_o be_v punish_v what_o reason_n can_v he_o have_v to_o hope_v for_o forgiveness_n since_o he_o know_v that_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o therefore_o can_v never_o deserve_v to_o be_v forgive_v it_o must_v be_v therefore_o a_o free_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o god_n to_o forgive_v even_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v do_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o his_o own_o goodwill_n he_o may_v forgive_v sin_n if_o he_o please_v and_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o natute_n to_o do_v it_o if_o sinner_n do_v repent_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n but_o whether_o god_n have_v actual_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o principle_n of_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o must_v have_v such_o proof_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o ii_o have_v thus_o show_v how_o strong_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n do_v make_v way_n for_o entertain_v this_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o our_o salvation_n by_o he_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o show_v how_o just_o god_n do_v require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o from_o we_o as_o true_a for_o the_o next_o word_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n v_o 18._o this_o some_o may_v say_v be_v very_o hard_a doctrine_n for_o they_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v no_o more_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v more_o than_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o nicodemus_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n think_v he_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n when_o he_o use_v those_o word_n to_o christ_n v_o 2._o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o i_o e._n he_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v he_o some_o great_a prophet_n who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a step_n for_o a_o ruler_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v general_o very_o unreasonable_a unbeliever_n but_o christ_n tell_v he_o plain_o this_o will_v not_o do_v for_o unless_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n v_o 16._o not_o as_o though_o mere_a believe_v this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o carry_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n along_o with_o it_o but_o that_o since_o god_n have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o such_o a_o message_n he_o do_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v and_o entertain_v as_o such_o upon_o their_o utmost_a peril_n but_o can_v we_o believe_v far_o than_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v no_o god_n doâ—h_v not_o expect_v it_o from_o we_o provide_v that_o with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a mind_n we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o evidence_n and_o with_o great_a humility_n beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n without_o which_o god_n may_v just_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o unbelief_n it_o will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a now_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v make_v to_o we_o that_o god_n do_v send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n come_n as_o relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o be_v the_o most_o exact_a pattern_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n not_o only_o frequent_o assume_v this_o title_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o most_o intimate_a disciple_n affirm_v it_o of_o he_o but_o god_n himself_o give_v the_o most_o ample_a and_o convince_a testimony_n to_o it_o by_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o that_o purpose_n at_o his_o baptism_n by_o a_o long_a train_n and_o series_n of_o public_a and_o useful_a miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o wonderful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o the_o strange_a effect_n which_o follow_v it_o so_o that_o no_o one_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o for_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o case_n and_o no_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o well_o attest_v as_o these_o be_v and_o so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n if_o he_o be_v not_o rise_v our_o faith_n be_v vain_a so_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n all_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o no_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v account_v fool_n for_o not_o believe_v have_v have_v such_o a_o sort_n of_o testimony_n which_o these_o have_v have_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o convey_v by_o a_o silent_a tradition_n for_o some_o time_n till_o the_o chief_a party_n be_v dead_a who_o can_v either_o prove_v or_o disprove_v they_o but_o they_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o examination_n they_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o one_o or_o two_o who_o be_v trust_v with_o a_o secret_a but_o open_o avow_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o competent_a witness_n who_o be_v present_a and_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v by_o the_o great_a suffering_n to_o deny_v or_o falsify_v or_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o their_o evidence_n that_o when_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v thus_o deliver_v by_o those_o who_o see_v they_o who_o be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o their_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n in_o the_o next_o age_n they_o be_v examine_v and_o inquire_v into_o by_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o learning_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a search_n find_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o hearty_o embrace_v and_o defend_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o not_o by_o
a_o uncertain_a oral_a tradition_n which_o can_v hardly_o hold_v the_o same_o from_o one_o end_v of_o the_o town_n to_o another_o but_o by_o unquestionable_a write_n of_o such_o authority_n that_o the_o christian_n will_v rather_o die_v than_o deliver_v up_o their_o book_n and_o in_o these_o be_v all_o those_o circumstance_n contain_v which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o christian_n among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o sum_v up_o all_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o after_o all_o this_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o those_o who_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o suggestion_n of_o infidelity_n to_o consider_v serious_o with_o themselves_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a design_n more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o carry_v on_o than_o that_o of_o rescue_v mankind_n out_o of_o a_o miserable_a state_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n whether_o such_o a_o design_n must_v not_o be_v discover_v in_o some_o particular_a age_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o it_o whether_o that_o age_n be_v not_o the_o fit_a of_o all_o other_o wherein_o the_o most_o remarkable_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v as_o to_o the_o come_v of_o the_o mâ—ssias_n while_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v stand_v whether_o the_o difficulty_n as_o to_o humane_a testimony_n be_v not_o equal_a to_o all_o age_n and_o thing_n whether_o because_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o man_n to_o deceive_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o all_o man_n be_v deceive_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o illusion_n and_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o man_n lie_v and_o deceive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o lie_v and_o deceive_v but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o man_n and_o between_o testimony_n then_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o different_a character_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o give_v our_o assent_n according_a to_o they_o and_o if_o after_o the_o severe_a examination_n we_o do_v not_o find_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n upon_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v give_v of_o it_o we_o must_v conclude_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sincerity_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o other_o to_o discern_v it_o which_o be_v such_o fatal_a reproach_n upon_o humane_a nature_n that_o no_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o any_o regard_n to_o it_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o if_o they_o be_v universal_o true_a they_o must_v condemn_v themselves_o if_o not_o wè_fw-la must_v see_v some_o very_a particular_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o rather_o think_v they_o deceive_v than_o fix_v such_o a_o indelible_a blot_n upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o mankind_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o it_o can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o by_o such_o method_n as_o equal_o overturn_v all_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n stand_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n with_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o reject_v such_o assurance_n as_o be_v offer_v we_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o infidelity_n can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o of_o a_o causeless_a suspicion_n and_o unreasonable_a mistrust_n of_o the_o best_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v most_o firm_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v lead_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o person_n deserve_v to_o be_v take_v before_o other_o it_o must_v be_v of_o such_o who_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o this_o world_n but_o be_v resolve_v by_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o prepare_v for_o a_o better_a to_o conclude_v for_o we_o who_o believe_v and_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v something_o else_o to_o do_v than_o mere_o to_o vindicate_v and_o assert_v it_o this_o at_o some_o time_n be_v more_o necessary_a than_o at_o other_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v this_o be_v none_o of_o they_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o who_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o infidelity_n have_v the_o courage_n and_o zeal_n to_o own_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o day_n viz._n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v we_o for_o ever_o happy_a and_o i_o hope_v none_o who_o profess_v themselves_o christians_o this_o day_n will_v ever_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o mock_v and_o flout_v of_o infidel_n so_o as_o to_o let_v go_v the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n or_o mistrust_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o piece_n of_o wisdom_n to_o know_v when_o to_o believe_v as_o when_o not_o to_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o argument_n of_o a_o weak_a mind_n to_o be_v always_o doubt_v as_o to_o be_v overforward_a in_o believe_v for_o the_o soil_n must_v be_v very_o bad_a that_o can_v bear_v no_o foundation_n but_o withal_o let_v we_o not_o flatter_v ourselves_o only_o that_o we_o have_v a_o better_a faith_n than_o other_o for_o how_o miserable_a will_v our_o case_n be_v if_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o superficial_a faith_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o anniversary_n devotion_n we_o can_v never_o thank_v god_n too_o much_o for_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n but_o god_n expect_v something_o more_o from_o we_o than_o mere_o the_o give_v he_o solemn_a thanks_o once_o a_o year_n for_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o god_n send_v he_o i._n e._n to_o save_v we_o first_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o then_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v not_o bare_o from_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o necessary_a order_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o a_o man_n may_v be_v reward_v for_o do_v amiss_o and_o punish_v for_o perform_v his_o duty_n if_o we_o therefore_o ever_o hope_v for_o any_o benefit_n by_o this_o come_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o world_n we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n to_o consider_v serious_o on_o what_o condition_n we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o he_o can_v they_o think_v that_o christ_n come_v to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o to_o save_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o his_o come_n but_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a work_n indeed_o to_o save_v we_o from_o they_o the_o gild_n must_v be_v expiate_v and_o the_o power_n subdue_v the_o former_a christ_n have_v do_v but_o he_o expect_v and_o with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v sermon_n x._o concern_v sin_n of_o omission_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n on_o march_n 18_o 1693_o 4_o be_v midlent-sunday_n st._n james_n iu._n 17._o therefore_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n although_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o liberty_n yet_o to_o prevent_v any_o misconstruction_n thereof_o as_o though_o it_o allow_v a_o liberty_n 1â—_n to_o sin_n we_o no_o where_o find_v more_o strict_a and_o severe_a passage_n against_o it_o than_o in_o this_o epistle_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n of_o commission_n and_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o to_o sin_n of_o commission_n his_o expression_n seem_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o 10._o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n any_o thing_n more_o apt_a to_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n if_o not_o to_o drive_v they_o into_o despair_n than_o this_o it_o be_v not_o if_o one_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n than_o it_o have_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o even_o under_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o if_o he_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o