to_o saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o sacrilegious_a deprive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o half_a the_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n plain_a institution_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n a_o zeal_n for_o that_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v in_o any_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o dostrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n not_o only_o without_o any_o sufficient_a authority_n from_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a gross_a error_n and_o practice_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n the_o degree_n whereof_o be_v manifest_o disproportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a when_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o great_a and_o fierce_a zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n than_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a severity_n than_o for_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o omission_n and_o neglect_v of_o some_o senseless_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n than_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a immorality_n and_o against_o the_o denyer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o great_a zeal_n i_o be_o sure_a a_o more_o severe_a prosecution_n than_o against_o those_o who_o deny_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a te_fw-la knowledge_n nor_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v prosecute_v by_o unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o warrant_v the_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o violate_v of_o truth_n and_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o break_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n nor_o 4._o a_o uncharitable_a zeal_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o think_v itself_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o every_o scruple_n and_o upon_o every_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o unlawful_a imposition_n though_o in_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o upon_o this_o single_a point_n because_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o i_o think_v ever_o be_v avow_v among_o christian_n not_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v only_o because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o fancy_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v comes_z present_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v do_v it_o or_o not_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n nor_o 5._o a_o furious_a and_o cruel_a zeal_n which_o st._n james_n call_v a_o bitter_a or_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v blind_a with_o its_o own_o rage_n and_o make_v man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n exceed_o mad_a against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a zeal_n 6._o and_o last_o a_o zeal_n for_o ignorance_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v a_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o such_o strict_a law_n to_o forbid_v people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o they_o without_o let_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o read_v lesson_n to_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o all_o this_o under_o pretence_n of_o increase_v their_o devotion_n as_o if_o the_o less_o man_n understand_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v than_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n nothing_o they_o hive_n oppose_v with_o more_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o quit_v their_o religion_n which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v i_o who_o be_v once_o act_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o now_o possess_v they_o and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o outrageous_a manner_n as_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o very_a good_a conscience_n as_o i_o think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o act_v 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o that_o his_o zeal_n be_v sincere_a and_o with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v very_o faulty_a and_o sinful_a and_o if_o he_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o damnable_a so_o that_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n he_o do_v out_o of_o this_o zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o render_v he_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o this_o furious_a and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n give_v of_o his_o own_o do_n and_o what_o load_n he_o lay_v upon_o himself_o notwithstanding_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n act_n viij_o and_o ix_o you_o have_v the_o history_n at_o large_a of_o his_o outrageous_a do_n how_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n how_o he_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n act_v 22.4_o i_o persecute_v say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o ch._n 26.10_o 11._o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n
john_n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o may_v dissolve_v or_o demolish_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o st._n john_n do_v more_o especial_o mean_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o god_n and_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n whereby_o they_o worship_v they_o and_o likewise_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v also_o esteem_v by_o they_o a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o deity_n both_o these_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n have_v strange_o prevail_v and_o overrun_v the_o world_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o deliver_v mankind_n from_o the_o horrible_a superstition_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o pull_v down_o this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o demolish_v that_o fabric_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o rear_n and_o to_o beat_v he_o out_o of_o those_o strong_a hold_n which_o he_o think_v have_v be_v impregnable_a god_n indeed_o give_v some_o check_n to_o these_o many_o age_n before_o and_o not_o long_o after_o their_o first_o appearance_n by_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v on_o purpose_n introduce_v and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o mighty_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v alive_a in_o the_o world_n the_o primitive_a tradition_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v some_o shadow_n and_o rude_a draught_n of_o that_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o by_o one_o sacrifice_n once_o offer_v and_o by_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o infinite_a superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o to_o the_o idolatry_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o power_n between_o the_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o address_v themselves_o to_o they_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n and_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n this_o be_v plain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v christian_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o any_o specious_a pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o bring_v these_o thing_n back_o again_o into_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o ruin_n and_o extirpation_n whereof_o it_o be_v purposely_o design_v and_o intend_v and_o this_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o caution_n wherewith_o st._n john_n conclude_v his_o catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n namely_o that_o christian_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v not_o carry_v back_o again_o into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n by_o the_o confident_a pretence_n of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n to_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and._n illumination_n than_o other_o christian_n have_v that_o be_v by_o their_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a church_n and_o the_o only_a true_a and_o genuine_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v against_o this_o sect_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v plain_a design_v which_o st._n john_n thus_o conclude_v chap._n 5._o from_o ver._n 18._o to_o the_o end_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o mean_v that_o he_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o just_a before_o viz._n apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n or_o that_o which_o be_v very_o like_o it_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v this_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o idolatry_n into_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o busy_a to_o seduce_v mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v do_v belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o the_o power_n or_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a we_o know_v that_o be_v we_o christian_n be_v better_o teach_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a in_o or_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v we_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n intimate_v hereby_o that_o the_o worship_v of_o any_o other_o beside_o this_o only_a true_a god_n and_o by_o any_o other_o mediator_n than_o jesus_n christ_n be_v idolatry_n there_o be_v indeed_o two_o very_o ancient_a and_o common_a notion_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o original_a whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v any_o certain_a account_n only_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o do_v prevail_v very_o early_o and_o do_v very_o general_o possess_v mankind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appease_v towards_o sinner_n mere_o upon_o their_o repentance_n without_o the_o death_n and_o suffer_v of_o some_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o this_o vicarious_a punishment_n and_o suffer_v instead_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n himself_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v the_o original_a to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o live_a creature_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n do_v proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o superstition_n and_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n that_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n man_n offer_v up_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o child_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n second_o another_o common_a notion_n which_o have_v likewise_o possess_v mankind_n be_v that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v immediate_o approach_v by_o sinful_a man_n but_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o the_o deity_n by_o certain_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n that_o be_v to_o procure_v for_o they_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o god_n and_o the_o gracious_a answer_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o that_o other_o sort_n of_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o demon_n and_o hero_n that_o be_v of_o angel_n and_o soul_n depart_v viz._n of_o such_o eminent_a person_n as_o have_v be_v great_a benefactor_n to_o mankind_n and_o for_o their_o worthy_a deed_n upon_o earth_n be_v canonize_v and_o translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o inferior_a go_n by_o these_o as_o the_o chief_a courtier_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n they_o address_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o the_o superior_a go_n now_o with_o these_o notion_n which_o have_v general_o possess_v mankind_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v design_v for_o a_o type_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o preparation_n for_o it_o i_o say_v god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o with_o these_o notion_n as_o to_o appoint_v sacrifice_n to_o be_v slay_v and_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o sinner_n and_o likewise_o a_o high_a priest_n that_o once_o a_o year_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o the_o people_n to_o make_v expiation_n for_o they_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n shall_v intercede_v for_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v declare_v at_o large_a and_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v likewise_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v alter_v to_o have_v so_o much_o regard_n to_o these_o common_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o
church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v out_o of_o their_o write_n that_o it_o be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o three_o first_o age_n we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n and_o other_o of_o their_o learned_a writer_n and_o they_o give_v a_o very_a remarkable_a reason_n for_o it_o namely_o because_o the_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n by_o they_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v give_v countenance_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n from_o whence_o i_o can_v forbear_v by_o the_o way_n to_o make_v these_o two_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o their_o mediation_n be_v not_o in_o those_o primitive_a age_n esteem_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o if_o it_o have_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a upon_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n then_o by_o what_o authority_n or_o law_n can_v it_o be_v make_v so_o since_o 2._o that_o this_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o sure_o every_o christian_n can_v but_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v like_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o the_o crime_n but_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v plain_a than_o that_o both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o most_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v constan_o define_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o address_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o and_o after_o the_o rise_n of_o arianism_n they_o argue_v for_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o arian_n from_o our_o pray_v to_o he_o which_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v to_o any_o but_o god_n and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o age._n and_o we_o no_o where_n find_v any_o mention_n of_o those_o distinction_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o god_n by_o participation_n as_o bellarmin_n call_v the_o angel_n and_o saint_n or_o of_o a_o supreme_a and_o inferior_a religious_a worship_n or_o of_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n which_o be_v so_o common_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n the_o ancient_a father_n be_v general_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o beatific_a vision_n till_o after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o this_o very_a opinion_n take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ground_n it_o upon_o their_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o saint_n not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o vision_n can_v have_v no_o reason_n or_o ground_n to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o last_o the_o ancient_a church_n pray_v for_o saint_n depart_v and_o for_o the_o bless_a virgin_n herself_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o pray_v to_o they_o as_o intercessor_n for_o they_o in_o heaven_n for_o who_o they_o themselves_o intercee_v upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o change_n which_o they_o have_v make_v in_o their_o doctrine_n have_v change_v the_o missal_n in_o that_o point_n and_o instead_o of_o pray_v for_o st._n leo_n one_o of_o their_o pope_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o their_o ancient_a missal_n in_o this_o form_n grant_v o_o lord_n that_o this_o oblation_n may_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o thy_o servant_n leo_n the_o collect_n be_v now_o change_v in_o the_o present_a roman_a missal_n into_o this_o form_n grant_v o_o lord_n that_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o bless_a leo_n this_o offer_v may_v be_v profitable_a to_o we_o and_o as_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o canon_n law_n observe_v this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o their_o missal_n upon_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o ancient_o they_o pray_v for_o leo_n but_o now_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o which_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n be_v plain_o change_v from_o what_o they_o ancient_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n what_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n all_o the_o world_n see_v and_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o ashamed_a of_o they_o that_o of_o late_a all_o their_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o represent_v they_o otherwise_o than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o new_a popery_n which_o they_o think_v themselves_o better_a able_a to_o defend_v than_o the_o old_a which_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o well_o able_a to_o do_v and_o therefore_o now_o instead_o of_o defend_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n they_o will_v fain_o mince_v and_o disguise_v they_o and_o change_v they_o into_o something_o that_o come_v near_a to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o those_o point_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o defend_v their_o own_o doctrine_n but_o by_o seem_v to_o desert_n they_o and_o by_o bring_v they_o as_o near_o to_o we_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v but_o take_v they_o as_o they_o have_v mollify_v they_o and_o pare_v they_o to_o render_v they_o more_o plausible_a and_o tenable_a that_o which_o still_o remain_v of_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v plain_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n as_o for_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o and_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o several_a of_o the_o next_o follow_v age_n as_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v from_o a_o few_o very_a plain_a testimony_n in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o epistle_n of_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o which_o in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o from_o that_o calumny_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o by_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o if_o they_o permit_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v the_o body_n of_o the_o martyr_a polycarp_n they_o will_v leave_v christ_n to_o worship_v polycarp_n i_o say_v in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o calumny_n they_o declare_v themselves_o thus_o not_o know_v say_v they_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o leave_v christ_n who_o suffer_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v nor_o worship_n any_o other_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a latin_a translation_n nor_o offer_v up_o the_o supplication_n of_o prayer_n to_o any_o other_o person_n for_o as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n we_o adore_v he_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o the_o martyr_n we_o love_v they_o as_o the_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o they_o plain_o exclude_v the_o saint_n from_o any_o sort_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o which_o prayer_n or_o invocation_n be_v always_o esteem_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n ireneus_fw-la likewise_o tell_v we_o l._n 2._o that_o the_o church_n do_v nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o invocatin_n of_o angel_n nor_o by_o enchantment_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o wicked_a art_n but_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o all_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o by_o the_o same_o or_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v exclude_v and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n deliver_v it_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n that_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o good_a god_n therefore_o both_o we_o and_o the_o angel_n pray_v to_o he_o both_o for_o the_o give_v and_o the_o continuance_n of_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o age_n origen_n be_v so_o full_a and_o express_v
the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v likewise_o strong_o combine_v against_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n do_v with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o malice_n endeavour_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o to_o suppress_v it_o in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v then_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o whole_a strength_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o and_o raise_v such_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n against_o it_o as_o sweep_v away_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o war_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o yet_o this_o religion_n bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o opposition_n and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o all_o the_o resistance_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n arm_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o consideration_n i_o mention_v the_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o invite_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o it_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n threaten_v every_o one_o that_o take_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o he_o whoever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o reproach_n and_o ruin_n to_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n to_o banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o confiscation_n of_o estate_n but_o these_o be_v slight_a and_o tolerable_a evil_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o that_o be_v common_o inflict_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o the_o lion_n and_o all_o imaginable_a cruelty_n be_v exercise_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v and_o death_n in_o all_o its_o fearful_a shape_n be_v present_v to_o they_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o embrace_v this_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o quit_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o persist_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n but_o the_o most_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o their_o person_n and_o demean_v themselves_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n and_o courage_n but_o with_o exultation_n and_o triumph_n under_o those_o torture_n which_o no_o man_n can_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o without_o horror_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v up_o thus_o manful_o for_o one_o brunt_n but_o when_o these_o violent_a persecution_n be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v upon_o they_o christianity_n support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o daunt_a discouragement_n for_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o hold_v out_o till_o the_o very_a malice_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v out_o of_o breath_n and_o their_o cruelty_n have_v tire_v itself_o nay_o it_o do_v not_o only_o support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o opposition_n but_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n spring_v up_o fast_o than_o any_o persecution_n can_v mow_v they_o down_o for_o man_n by_o degree_n become_v curious_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o upon_o enquiry_n be_v satisfy_v and_o become_v christian_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n their_o very_a persecutor_n be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n the_o next_o day_n for_o that_o very_a cause_n for_o which_o but_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v put_v other_o to_o death_n and_o it_o can_v here_o be_v reasonable_o object_v that_o christian_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o these_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o some_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o country_n namely_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n in_o after-age_n this_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n because_o these_o sufferer_n be_v not_o the_o great_a and_o ambitious_a spirit_n the_o flower_n and_o select_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o common_a people_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o the_o tender_a sex_n and_o age_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o pain_n than_o of_o glory_n and_o yet_o so_o be_v they_o animate_v by_o their_o religion_n and_o transport_v beyond_o themselves_o as_o not_o only_o to_o submit_v but_o many_o time_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o those_o suffering_n by_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o no_o man_n accuse_v they_o and_o when_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v for_o make_v that_o profession_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o justify_v their_o forwardness_n to_o suffer_v than_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o suffering_n beside_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o man_n to_o hope_n to_o get_v a_o name_n by_o suffer_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o remember_v to_o posterity_n when_o they_o die_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sufferer_n you_o see_v then_o how_o strong_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v how_o soon_o this_o new_a religion_n overran_a the_o world_n how_o sudden_o it_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_a and_o despicable_a instrument_n to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n this_o great_a work_n be_v do_v and_o how_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o discouragement_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o can_v any_o one_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o establish_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n mere_o by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v bear_v up_o and_o sustain_v themselves_o so_o long_o under_o such_o fierce_a assault_n as_o christanity_n have_v do_v as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n it_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o force_n at_o first_o and_o to_o hauâ—_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o violent_a mean_n so_o that_o great_a impostor_n open_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o plant_v his_o religion_n by_o miracle_n but_o the_o sword_n and_o as_o for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a they_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n by_o insensible_a degree_n and_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n but_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o vicious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mankind_n they_o easy_o gain_v upon_o their_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n by_o custom_n and_o example_n they_o be_v just_o such_o a_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o such_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o such_o insensible_a step_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o all_o know_v but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v out_o upon_o the_o world_n but_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a fall_v before_o it_o like_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n on_o its_o side_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o prop_n take_v away_o which_o be_v the_o only_a support_n of_o it_o but_o it_o present_o sink_v and_o vanish_v it_o be_v not_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n but_o upon_o the_o break_n in_o of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n it_o silent_o withdraw_v as_o be_v ashamed_a of_o itself_o and_o when_o afterward_o the_o emperor_n julian_n endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v it_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o authority_n and_o use_v all_o imaginable_a art_n and_o stratagem_n to_o suppress_v and_o extinguish_v christianity_n he_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v neither_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v its_o ground_n and_o paganism_n after_o it_o have_v make_v a_o little_a blaze_n die_v with_o he_o now_o to_o what_o cause_n shall_v we_o ascribe_v this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n there_o can_v but_o these_o two_o be_v imagine_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n accompany_v it_o 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o its_o reward_n have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n
into_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n be_v frequent_o defraud_v of_o their_o due_a praise_n and_o reputation_n while_o alive_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o security_n good_a man_n have_v of_o a_o good_a name_n after_o death_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v give_v partly_o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v concern_v herein_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o any_o man_n concern_v himself_o to_o secure_v to_o good_a man_n the_o proper_a reward_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n now_o praise_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a recompense_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n this_o good_a man_n seldom_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o allay_n and_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o proper_a season_n when_o our_o work_n be_v do_v and_o when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o act_v their_o part_n well_o to_o see_v good_a man_n applaud_v when_o they_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o generosity_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a of_o fame_n and_o though_o man_n care_v not_o how_o soon_o it_o come_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o after_o death_n rather_o than_o not_o at_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n will_v be_v but_o very_o melancholy_a and_o uncomfortable_a thing_n if_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a as_o never_o to_o meet_v with_o due_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n but_o when_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o reward_n one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o experience_n this_o be_v a_o great_a spur_n and_o encouragement_n to_o do_v virtuous_o and_o a_o great_a mind_n that_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o reputation_n and_o a_o good_a name_n will_v be_v content_a to_o lay_v in_o for_o it_o beforehand_o and_o patient_o to_o wait_v the_o time_n which_o god_n know_v fit_a for_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v give_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n because_o death_n remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n of_o a_o good_a man_n reputation_n for_o than_o his_o defect_n be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o man_n be_v content_v that_o his_o imperfection_n shall_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o grave_n with_o he_o death_n have_v put_v he_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n his_o worth_n and_o excellency_n do_v now_o no_o long_o stand_v in_o other_o man_n light_n his_o great_a virtue_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o comparison_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o live_n mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la the_o example_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v not_o so_o cut_v a_o reproof_n to_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o live_n the_o good_a man_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o his_o example_n how_o bright_a soever_o be_v not_o so_o scorch_a and_o troublesome_a at_o a_o distance_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v general_o content_v to_o give_v he_o his_o due_a character_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a civility_n in_o humane_a nature_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o wrong_v the_o dead_a and_o to_o deny_v they_o the_o just_a commendation_n of_o their_o worth_n even_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o bad_a a_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v though_o they_o be_v just_a like_o their_o father_n in_o persecute_v and_o slay_v the_o prophet_n while_o they_o be_v alive_a yet_o have_v they_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o think_v no_o honour_n too_o great_a to_o be_v do_v to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o raise_v monument_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o their_o father_n have_v slay_v and_o who_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v use_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n have_v they_o either_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o prophet_n or_o those_o prophet_n have_v live_v in_o their_o day_n as_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n have_v pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n 3._o that_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n we_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o imitate_v their_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v for_o many_o age_n do_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o mean_v more_o especial_o to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o who_o honour_n the_o christian_a church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v apart_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o this_o certain_o can_v with_o no_o good_a colour_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o when_o david_n here_o say_v the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n he_o can_v certain_o be_v think_v to_o exclude_v the_o most_o solemn_a way_n of_o commemorate_n their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v this_o custom_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o where_o forbid_v nay_o it_o be_v rather_o require_v here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o best_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n be_v thus_o to_o commemorate_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n the_o set_n before_o our_o eye_n the_o holy_a life_n of_o excellent_a man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o though_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v so_o ancient_a as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v begin_v in_o some_o of_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n memoriae_fw-la martyrum_fw-la the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o tomb_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v practise_v long_o before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o western_a church_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v wont_v at_o those_o meeting_n solemn_o to_o commemorate_v the_o faith_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o good_a man_n and_o to_o encourage_v themselves_o from_o their_o example_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o gross_a superstition_n which_o afterward_o give_v colour_n and_o occasion_n to_o that_o gross_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o worship_v saint_n but_o this_o abuse_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o give_v over_o the_o celebrate_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o holy_a man_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o propound_v they_o to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o pattern_n we_o may_v still_o lawful_o give_v they_o their_o due_a honour_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v so_o overdo_v it_o as_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o he_o 2._o let_v this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n this_o to_o a_o generous_a nature_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n be_v no_o small_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n before_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n one_o of_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o worthy_a and_o virtuous_a deed_n be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n which_o man_n have_v of_o
for_o his_o religion_n when_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n concern_v martyrdom_n for_o what_o profession_n soever_o man_n make_v he_o that_o will_v not_o deny_v himself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n will_v never_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o that_o can_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v a_o saint_n have_v a_o demonstration_n within_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v never_o like_a to_o die_v a_o martyr_n sermon_n x._o the_o blessedness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n rev._n fourteen_o 13._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o nice_a dispute_n about_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o though_o both_o these_o be_v sometime_o controvert_v because_o it_o be_v now_o many_o age_n since_o this_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o write_v by_o st._n john_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o this_o time_n inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o the_o several_a vision_n and_o prediction_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v confess_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o a_o very_a obscure_a book_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o than_o that_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n have_v give_v such_o different_a interpretation_n of_o several_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o it_o as_o particular_o concern_v the_o slay_v of_o the_o two_o witness_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o particular_a expression_n in_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_a sense_n and_o intendment_n of_o they_o they_o be_v very_o plain_a be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o more_o notice_n of_o they_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemn_a preparation_n and_o address_n x._o serm._n x._o as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o bespeak_v our_o attention_n to_o they_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o they_o the_o special_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v add_v to_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n declare_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o so_o happy_a a_o condition_n yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o second_o prosecute_v the_o general_a intendment_n of_o they_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v of_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n first_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o nothing_o will_v conduce_v more_o than_o to_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v brief_o this_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v represent_v to_o st._n john_n the_o great_a strait_n that_o the_o christian_n the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o death_n or_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v they_o be_v interdict_v all_o commerce_n with_o humane_a society_n chap._n 13.15_o and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o cause_n that_o as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v kill_v and_o verse_n 17._o that_o no_o man_n may_v buy_v or_o sell_v save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o that_o do_v worship_n the_o beast_n be_v threaten_v with_o damnation_n chap._n 14.9_o 10._o if_o any_o man_n do_v worship_v the_o beast_n the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n so_o that_o whenever_o this_o shall_v happen_v it_o will_v be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a trial_n to_o the_o sincere_a christian_n be_v threaten_v with_o extreme_a persecution_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n on_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o 12_o verse_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o st._n john_n vision_n as_o the_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o which_o shall_v precede_v the_o final_a downfall_n of_o babylon_n and_o when_o this_o shall_v happen_v than_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n will_v be_v try_v to_o purpose_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o constant_a to_o his_o truth_n and_o upon_o this_o immediate_o follow_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o text_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o which_o interpreter_n do_v various_o refer_v to_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text._n some_o by_o change_v the_o accent_n and_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v change_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n into_o omninò_fw-la omninò_fw-la beati_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o be_v altogether_o bless_v very_o happy_a who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o the_o countenance_n and_o warrant_n of_o any_o ancient_a copy_n we_o will_v then_o suppose_v that_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o be_v render_v as_o we_o translate_v it_o from_o henceforth_o from_o this_o time_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o what_o part_n of_o the_o text_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v it_o some_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n bless_v bless_v from_o henceforth_o be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o from_o this_o time_n and_o not_o before_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v immediate_o after_o death_n admit_v into_o heaven_n which_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n thought_n the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n who_o die_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o but_o then_o this_o blessedness_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v date_v not_o from_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n vision_n but_o of_o christ_n ascension_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o the_o hymn_n call_v te_fw-la deum_fw-la when_o thou_o have_v overcome_v the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n thou_o do_v open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o believer_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n blessed_n be_v the_o dead_a that_o from_o henceforth_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o have_v no_o peculiar_a emphasis_n in_o it_o because_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o time_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n follow_v concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o from_o henceforth_o say_v the_o spirit_n all_o these_o variety_n agree_v in_o this_o sense_n in_o general_a that_o some_o special_a blessedness_n be_v promise_v and_o declare_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v die_v after_o that_o time_n but_o what_o that_o be_v in_o particular_a be_v not_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o but_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a interpretation_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a sentence_n thus_o from_o henceforth_o bless_v be_v the_o
joash_n be_v the_o son_n of_o jehoiada_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a which_o st._n jerome_n observe_v that_o in_o the_o hebrew_n or_o nazarene_n gospel_n it_o be_v zacharias_n the_o son_n of_o jehoiada_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o against_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n but_o a_o more_o difficult_a objection_n in_o my_o opinion_n be_v that_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o design_n to_o mention_v the_o two_o extreme_n the_o first_o and_o last_o righteous_a man_n that_o be_v shin_n and_o between_o they_o two_o comprehend_v the_o good_a man_n of_o all_o age_n that_o be_v persecute_v and_o slay_v and_o if_o so_o then_o that_o zacharias_n in_o the_o chronicle_n who_o be_v slay_v so_o long_o before_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v the_o person_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o zacharias_n mention_v by_o josephus_n lib._n 4._o the_o son_n of_o baruch_n which_o be_v probable_o enough_o the_o the_o same_o name_n with_o barachias_n who_o be_v the_o last_o remarkable_a good_a man_n that_o be_v slay_v immediate_o before_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o agree_v with_o our_o saviour_n description_n of_o it_o between_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o temple_n not_o the_o altar_n of_o incense_n but_o of_o burn_a offering_n which_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a court_n before_o the_o ascent_n to_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o grotius_n think_v this_o be_v the_o man_n intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o do_v both_o allude_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o former_a zacharias_n and_o foretell_v the_o death_n of_o this_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o objection_n against_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o as_o already_o past_a who_o you_o have_v slay_v whereas_o this_o zacharias_n be_v not_o slay_v till_o after_o our_o saviour_n death_n but_o i_o think_v that_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o this_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v those_o future_a persecution_n which_o shall_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o bring_v final_a destruction_n upon_o they_o he_o speak_v of_o this_o as_o already_o past_a because_o before_o that_o destruction_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o it_o will_v be_v true_a they_o have_v slay_v he_o so_o that_o speak_v of_o the_o vengeance_n come_v upon_o they_o well_o may_v he_o say_v that_o upon_o they_o shall_v come_v the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o righteous_a man_n from_o abel_n to_o zacharias_n who_o they_o have_v slay_v etc._n etc._n iii_o the_o three_o difficulty_n remain_v iii_o iii_o and_o that_o be_v in_o what_o sense_n and_o with_o what_o reason_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v here_o threaten_a that_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n shed_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o that_o generation_n some_o understand_v this_o more_o strict_o they_o shall_v be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o formal_o punish_v for_o it_o because_o in_o imitate_v their_o cruel_a predecessor_n they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o all_o their_o cruelty_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o this_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o intend_v be_v this_o that_o their_o punishment_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v so_o horrible_a as_o if_o god_n have_v once_o for_o all_o arraign_v they_o of_o all_o the_o righteous_a blood_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v shed_v in_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o upon_o they_o though_o in_o truth_n the_o punishment_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o desert_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v explain_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v the_o several_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v make_v two_o or_o three_o observation_n from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o so_o conclude_v i._o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n in_o most_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o meet_v with_o very_o bad_a usage_n to_o be_v persecute_v and_o slay_v the_o devil_n begin_v this_o work_n early_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o man_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o two_o of_o they_o brethren_n the_o one_o slay_v the_o other_o because_o he_o be_v more_o righteous_a and_o serve_v god_n better_a than_o he_o do_v and_o this_o trade_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v practise_v more_o or_o less_o in_o most_o age_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v deduce_v through_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o of_o most_o age_n since_o though_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v not_o always_o abide_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o at_o last_o piety_n shall_v be_v quite_o discourage_v and_o the_o faithful_a fail_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n the_o people_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v have_v many_o interval_n of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o long_a continuance_n the_o favour_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n on_o their_o side_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o serpent_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o because_o their_o way_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o and_o quite_o of_o another_o fashion_n their_o principle_n and_o practice_n do_v contradict_v and_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o continual_a upbraid_v of_o the_o bad_a a_o live_a reproof_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o evil_a man_n do_v so_o violent_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o good_a and_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n those_o who_o be_v so_o opposite_a and_o offensive_a to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v observe_v likewise_o hence_o how_o great_a a_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o persecute_v the_o righteous_a and_o how_o terrible_a a_o vengeance_n from_o god_n wait_v on_o they_o particular_a example_n of_o this_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n but_o as_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n never_o go_v high_a than_o at_o this_o time_n foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o god_n send_v to_o the_o jew_n such_o prophet_n and_o wiseman_n and_o scribe_n and_o such_o a_o number_n of_o they_o as_o never_o upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o they_o use_v they_o in_o that_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a manner_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o vengeance_n that_o come_v upon_o they_o be_v such_o as_o never_o have_v be_v before_o and_o if_o after_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o crucify_a the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o persecute_v his_o apostle_n and_o ston_a and_o kill_v all_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o such_o a_o terrible_a destruction_n from_o the_o lord_n as_o never_o befall_v any_o people_n insomuch_o that_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o foresight_n and_o mention_n of_o it_o forty_o year_n before_o it_o happen_v can_v not_o but_o weep_v over_o they_o and_o express_v himself_o in_o those_o compassionate_a word_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o pro_fw-la phet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a iii_o from_o this_o whole_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o have_v be_v explain_v to_o you_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o dead_a saint_n when_o they_o persecute_v the_o live_n this_o be_v the_o great_a hypocrisy_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n among_o we_o christian_n nay_o they_o exceed_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n not_o only_o in_o their_o veneration_n of_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o righteous_a man_n but_o also_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o their_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n towards_o the_o live_n for_o they_o not_o only_o build_v costly_a monument_n to_o their_o memory_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v but_o they_o honour_v they_o with_o shrine_n and_o rich_a offering_n with_o prayer_n and_o vow_n to_o they_o more_o frequent_a than_o to_o almighty_a god_n
himself_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o then_o they_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o live_n with_o as_o great_a violence_n and_o cruelty_n as_o ever_o be_v use_v by_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n towards_o one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o heresy_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n too_o as_o st._n paul_n witness_v after_o the_o way_n which_o you_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n so_o they_o call_v we_o heretic_n though_o we_o receive_v and_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o reject_v their_o addition_n whereby_o they_o will_v make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o as_o rome_n be_v parallel_v with_o jerusalem_n in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o especial_o in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o as_o jerusalem_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n of_o all_o age_n so_o st._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n say_v of_o rome_n that_o in_o she_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o prophet_n and_o of_o saint_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v slay_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n 18.24_o which_o be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o rome_n christian_n than_o of_o rome_n pagan_a in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o perhaps_o in_o rome_n pagan_a herself_o have_v not_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v as_o in_o rome_n christian_n and_o catholic_n and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o heavy_a account_n for_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o prophet_n because_o god_n have_v avenge_v they_o on_o she_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o danger_n of_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n preach_v on_o november_n 5._o 1682._o rom_n x._o 2._o i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_o cry_v up_o than_o zeal_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o man_n do_v more_o frequent_o and_o fatal_o mistake_v and_o miscarry_v and_o in_o the_o expression_n and_o effect_n whereof_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v themselves_o with_o more_o care_n and_o caution_n ii_o vol._n ii_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n zeal_n be_v as_o all_o other_o passion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o itself_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a to_o the_o object_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o earnest_a concernment_n for_o or_o against_o something_o and_o a_o violent_a pursuit_n and_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o right_a object_n so_o as_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o good_a and_o against_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o evil_a and_o in_o a_o due_a degree_n that_o be_v if_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o less_o or_o great_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a quality_n or_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v wrong_v place_v and_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o about_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a or_o doubtful_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o notorious_o exceed_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v about_o thing_n than_o they_o deserve_v and_o zealous_o concern_v about_o lesser_a thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o great_a in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n it_o be_v so_o for_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n xiii_o serm._n xiii_o of_o a_o most_o pernicious_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n and_o many_o time_n have_v as_o bad_a effect_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o worst_a principle_n or_o disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o religion_n as_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o profaneness_n john_n 2.17_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o for_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o those_o gift_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.31_o but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n be_v zealous_a of_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o forwardness_n and_o readiness_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 2_o cor._n 9.2_o i_o know_v the_o forwardness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o your_o zeal_n have_v provoke_v very_o many_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o expression_n tit._n 2.14_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o for_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o be_o zealous_a of_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a zeal_n but_o the_o word_n be_v much_o more_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n for_o a_o malicious_a and_o furious_a rage_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n act_v 5.17_o 18._o then_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n the_o word_n be_v zeal_n and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v they_o in_o prison_n and_o chap._n 13.45_o it_o be_v say_v the_o jew_n be_v fill_v with_o zeal_n and_o speak_v against_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o chap._n 17.5_o the_o jew_n which_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o zeal_n gather_v a_o company_n and_o set_v all_o the_o city_n in_o a_o uproar_n it_o be_v frequent_o reckon_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o mention_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n wrath_n contention_n division_n sedition_n murder_n tumult_n confusion_n rom._n 13.13_o let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o zeal_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o zeal_n and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 2_o cor._n 12.20_o lest_o there_o be_v debate_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a among_o which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v hatred_n variance_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o bitter_a zeal_n jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o zeal_n most_o frequent_o go_v under_o a_o bad_a name_n and_o character_n in_o scripture_n zeal_n i_o mean_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o of_o that_o most_o of_o the_o text_n i_o have_v mention_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n mean_v here_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o zeal_n about_o religion_n and_o divine_a thing_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v desirous_a to_o say_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n he_o commend_v the_o good_a meaning_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o blame_v the_o ill_a conduct_n of_o it_o i_o bear_v they_o record_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o give_v this_o testimony_n on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o by_o all_o this_o fierceness_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o intend_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o think_v they_o do_v he_o service_n but_o yet_o this_o zeal_n be_v great_o to_o be_v condemn_v because_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_v and_o misguide_a zeal_n not_o at_o all_o direct_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n ii_o
the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o first_o and_o last_o of_o these_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n our_o saviour_n seem_v here_o to_o speak_v but_o whether_o in_o both_o instance_n in_o the_o text_n he_o allude_v in_o the_o one_o to_o the_o low_a and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o high_v degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o the_o first_o he_o plain_o do_v when_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v much_o high_a against_o they_o even_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o kill_v they_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n as_o a_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n well-pleasing_a to_o god_n for_o so_o indeed_o the_o word_n do_v not_o only_o import_v but_o most_o proper_o signify_v whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v necessary_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o that_o sense_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v make_v these_o follow_a observation_n very_o proper_a for_o our_o consideration_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n yea_o and_o suffer_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n here_o foretell_v of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o from_o uncharitable_a censure_n man_n do_v easy_o and_o almost_o natural_o proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o they_o have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagoguse_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n they_o present_o proceed_v to_o kill_v they_o as_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o after_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o good_a service_n to_o god_n to_o kill_v you_o 4._o that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o wicked_a not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o out_o of_o a_o real_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v religious_o murder_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v his_o disciple_n to_o death_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o offer_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n 5._o that_o such_o action_n be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o impious_a and_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n and_o murder_n for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o in_o kill_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a tiling_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n a_o excellent_a quality_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o more_o horrible_a impiety_n than_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o before_o we_o in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o these_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o true_a church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v in_o the_o text_n shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o what_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v be_v too_o frequent_o practise_v since_o by_o some_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o very_o good_a man_n have_v in_o several_a age_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n by_o those_o who_o have_v arrogate_a to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o true_a church_n and_o have_v get_v the_o external_a power_n and_o management_n of_o religion_n into_o their_o hand_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n and_o other_o in_o the_o reign_n and_o prevalency_n of_o arianism_n and_o the_o ill_a treatment_n that_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n but_o whole_a church_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n from_o that_o haughty_a and_o uncharitable_a church_n which_o make_v nothing_o of_o thunder_v out_o this_o most_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o person_n and_o church_n much_o better_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o herself_o and_o against_o all_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o pretend_a infallibility_n and_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o it_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v thus_o use_v by_o a_o church_n that_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n that_o they_o do_v and_o upon_o ground_n every_o whit_n as_o plausible_a as_o i_o can_v clear_o show_v if_o i_o be_v mind_v to_o pursue_v and_o make_v out_o this_o comparison_n 2._o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a only_o true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o this_o to_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o call_v heretic_n first_o that_o prove_v they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o be_v no_o heretic_n or_o acquit_v they_o from_o the_o same_o or_o great_a crime_n than_o those_o which_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o charge_v upon_o other_o man_n nor_o will_v god_n condemn_v all_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o man_n and_o deny_v salvation_n to_o every_o one_o who_o they_o shall_v please_v to_o separate_v from_o their_o society_n and_o to_o call_v by_o some_o odious_a name_n man_n may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o yet_o receive_v into_o heaven_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o man_n but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v certain_o very_o dreadful_a where_o it_o be_v due_o inflict_v and_o next_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o just_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o censure_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v upon_o very_o plain_a and_o evident_a ground_n that_o man_n either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o endanger_v their_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o if_o
we_o may_v sit_v down_o every_o man_n under_o his_o own_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o own_o figtree_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o make_v we_o afraid_a so_o that_o if_o security_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n then_o government_n be_v so_o too_o for_o without_o this_o the_o society_n of_o man_n will_v present_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o thing_n will_v run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n 2._o another_o great_a benefit_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o government_n though_o it_o do_v always_o so_o happen_v be_v that_o man_n be_v protect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o free_a exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o men._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n find_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o the_o edge_n and_o authority_n of_o law_n may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v turn_v upon_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o but_o even_o then_o though_o good_a man_n may_v receive_v great_a harm_n and_o injury_n from_o persecute_v prince_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v from_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o than_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o good_a man_n have_v some_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n preserve_v from_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o multitude_n so_o that_o though_o particular_a person_n undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o cruel_a suffering_n yet_o much_o great_a number_n do_v escape_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n against_o several_a of_o the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o never_o be_v any_o humane_a law_n make_v as_o against_o the_o inward_a love_n honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o worship_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o secret_a of_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n humane_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n nay_o far_a yet_o against_o humility_n and_o meekness_n against_o modesty_n and_o patience_n against_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n against_o peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n against_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n against_o charity_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n against_o these_o and_o such_o like_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o law_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o without_o some_o of_o which_o government_n can_v not_o possible_o subsist_v no_o perfection_n be_v ever_o raise_v no_o not_o by_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n good_a man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n protect_v by_o law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o good_a man_n have_v many_o time_n be_v grievous_o perfect_v by_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o their_o protection_n they_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n st._n paul_n know_v very_o well_o when_o he_o give_v this_o injunction_n to_o they_o that_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n favour_n christianity_n but_o he_o know_v likewise_o that_o government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n do_v enjoy_v many_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perpetual_o expose_v to_o popular_a rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n which_o will_v not_o only_o have_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v endanger_v the_o extinguish_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o government_n the_o christian_n have_v many_o considerable_a interval_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n which_o give_v christianity_n a_o breathe_a time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o recover_v itself_o and_o though_o the_o secular_a authority_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n discountenance_n christianity_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o hatch_n that_o be_v but_o a_o accidental_a effect_n and_o abuse_v of_o government_n and_o obedience_n be_v still_o due_a and_o prayer_n for_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a yea_o and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o it_o very_o reasonable_a upon_o account_n of_o the_o common_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o to_o humane_a society_n beside_o that_o christian_n do_v hope_n and_o believe_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n may_v in_o time_n be_v gain_v to_o give_v its_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o christianity_n and_o that_o king_n and_o prince_n may_v become_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o in_o god_n due_a time_n be_v remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n christian_n be_v patient_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v in_o expectation_n of_o those_o glorious_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o power_n that_o persecute_v they_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o may_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o protection_n of_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o for_o the_o continuance_n and_o support_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v afterward_o the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a age_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mighty_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o government_n lay_v upon_o we_o both_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o likewise_o to_o praise_v god_n for_o they_o because_o in_o their_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o public_a peace_n and_o happiness_n do_v chief_o consist_v and_o in_o the_o public_a good_a consist_v the_o good_a of_o particular_a person_n and_o above_o all_o the_o piety_n and_o goodness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v in_o high_a place_n of_o authority_n have_v a_o general_a good_a influence_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o discountenance_v of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n a_o king_n sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 20.8_o scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n the_o pattern_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o good_a prince_n be_v a_o live_a law_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o more_o than_o the_o example_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o to_o mould_n and_o fashion_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v as_o one_o express_v a_o kind_a of_o moral_a connexion_n and_o communication_n of_o evil_a and_o of_o gild_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n so_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n mutual_o reward_v for_o the_o virtue_n and_o good_a action_n and_o punish_v for_o the_o sin_n and_o fault_n of_o one_o another_o of_o which_o proceed_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n where_o god_n reward_v the_o piety_n of_o good_a prince_n with_o great_a blessing_n upon_o their_o people_n and_o punish_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o their_o king_n with_o public_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o prince_n and_o governor_n because_o our_o welfare_n be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o we_o suffer_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o but_o many_o time_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n quicquid_fw-la delirant_fw-la reges_fw-la plectuntur_fw-la achivi_fw-la the_o extravagance_n of_o prince_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o subject_n thus_o david_n