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against_o it_o but_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a and_o transient_a dispensation_n god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a wind_n in_o the_o earthquake_n and_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n that_o be_v he_o design_v to_o settle_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o dispensation_n in_o that_o more_o calm_a and_o secret_a way_n of_o assistance_n which_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o permanent_a dispensation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v now_o forsake_v his_o church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o with_o it_o in_o so_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n but_o then_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n desire_n and_o expect_v this_o bless_a presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v 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small_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o be_v our_o own_o case_n for_o certain_o we_o have_v many_o of_o those_o mark_n of_o ruin_n among_o we_o which_o do_v foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n horrible_a profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n division_n and_o animosity_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o a_o universal_a dissoluteness_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o who_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n think_v ourselves_o exempt_v from_o the_o same_o fate_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o they_o take_v away_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o we_o and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o
calm_a and_o fix_v valour_n 2._o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v ever_o great_a courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n appear_v in_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n comparable_a to_o the_o christian_a legion_n for_o resolution_n and_o courage_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v judges_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o fierceness_n and_o desperateness_n of_o resolution_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o general_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o equality_n for_o number_n the_o christian_n have_v be_v superior_a to_o they_o in_o valour_n and_o have_v give_v great_a instance_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v do_v so_o that_o i_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n this_o objection_n have_v be_v take_v up_o against_o christianity_n when_o there_o be_v 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concern_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o bring_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n which_o all_o agree_v in_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v very_o undecent_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o above_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v strict_o require_v love_n and_o unity_n they_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n destroy_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 2._o how_o many_o and_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v with_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o give_v any_o cause_n and_o encouragement_n to_o they_o however_o by_o accident_n it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o for_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o bad_a man_n and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o innocent_a of_o all_o that_o mischief_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o so_o far_o as_o christian_n be_v factious_a and_o unpeaceable_a so_o far_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o except_o against_o philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o question_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o except_o against_o law_n and_o government_n because_o notwithstanding_o they_o there_o be_v frequent_a sedition_n and_o rebellion_n infinite_a suit_n and_o controversy_n occasion_v even_o by_o the_o very_a law_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n against_o law_n and_o government_n 3._o the_o division_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v christianity_n more_o hearty_o and_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a animosity_n which_o be_v among_o they_o will_v present_o cease_v if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_o entertain_v and_o man_n do_v serious_o mind_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o its_o law_n difference_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o commence_v nor_o so_o vehement_o prosecute_v nor_o so_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o as_o they_o be_v man_n will_v not_o upon_o every_o slight_a reason_n and_o little_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o piece_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v their_o christianity_n if_o man_n serious_o consider_v and_o true_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o little_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n they_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o think_v themselves_o christian_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o these_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a practice_n if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v or_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o act_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o objection_n the_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v a_o heavy_a objection_n indeed_o and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o though_o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o fill_v all_o our_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o blush_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n not_o so_o strong_a against_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o christian_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v and_o save_v man_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n however_o they_o may_v detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o attend_v to_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n have_v have_v once_o very_o great_a and_o marvellous_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o
own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o wrought_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o have_v clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n from_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v concern_v the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o plant_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o hearty_a unity_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o private_a estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o common_a support_n of_o their_o brethren_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o city_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o account_n which_o strabo_n give_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o luxurious_a place_n as_o most_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v by_o st._n paul_n what_o a_o strange_a reformation_n the_o christian_a religion_n make_v in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o such_o a_o profligate_v course_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o crime_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n from_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n tertullian_n tell_v the_o roman_a governor_n that_o their_o prison_n be_v full_a of_o malefactor_n commit_v for_o several_a crime_n but_o they_o be_v all_o heathen_n de_fw-fr vestris_fw-la semper_fw-la aestuat_fw-la carcer_fw-la their_o prison_n be_v throng_v with_o criminal_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v commit_v there_o for_o such_o crime_n nemo_fw-la illic_fw-la christianus_n nisi_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantùm_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o their_o prison_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o malefactor_n that_o have_v be_v christian_n they_o leave_v their_o religion_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o those_o enormity_n and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v irregular_a in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v no_o long_o account_v christian_n but_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o communion_n as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n what_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n christianity_n have_v make_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a person_n and_o what_o a_o visible_a reformation_n there_o present_o appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n after_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o these_o testimony_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v public_a appeal_n to_o our_o adversary_n which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o hate_v as_o the_o christian_n be_v will_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v notorious_o true_a even_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o i_o shall_v produce_v two_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o have_v pliny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n give_v he_o a_o account_n that_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_n set_v aside_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o way_n he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o day_n and_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n or_o sacrament_n not_o to_o any_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o not_o to_o steal_v nor_o rob_v nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o break_v their_o faith_n nor_o detain_v the_o pledge_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n be_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n against_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o judge_n one_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v julian_n the_o emperor_n and_o apostate_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o the_o christian_n do_v severe_o punish_v sedition_n and_o impiety_n and_o afterward_o exhort_v the_o heathen_a priest_n to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o especial_o alm_n towards_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o mend_v this_o fault_n because_o say_v he_o the_o galilean_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o neglect_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v very_o much_o strengthen_v their_o impiety_n for_o so_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n by_o be_v very_a intent_n upon_o these_o office_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a whereby_o they_o gain_v many_o over_o to_o they_o and_o in_o his_o 49th_o epist_n to_o arsacius_n the_o highpriest_n of_o galatia_n he_o recommend_v to_o he_o among_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o paganism_n the_o build_n of_o hospital_n and_o great_a liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o other_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o the_o impious_a galilean_n shall_v not_o only_o maintain_v their_o own_o poor_a but_o we_o also_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o outdo_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v extort_a so_o full_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o so_o bitter_a a_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o julian_n be_v if_o he_o own_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o any_o religion_n the_o force_n of_o any_o institution_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o primitive_a effect_n of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o dispirited_a by_o those_o corruption_n which_o in_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v common_o more_o vigorous_a and_o have_v great_a effect_n at_o first_o than_o afterward_o and_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v apt_a in_o time_n to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o contract_v soil_n and_o rust_n and_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v bewail_v and_o by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v resist_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o christianity_n in_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o first_o strength_n and_o vigour_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n that_o give_v christianity_n mighty_a advantage_n at_o first_o especial_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o conviction_n to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o suffer_a state_n that_o christian_n be_v general_o in_o which_o make_v those_o who_o embrace_v the_o profession_n to_o be_v general_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o it_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a heat_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v
most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o read_v this_o text_n which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v of_o they_o present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o their_o case_n whereas_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o probable_o none_o but_o those_o that_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o except_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a as_o for_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o that_o here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o these_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o and_o though_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n commit_v by_o christian_n may_v come_v near_o to_o this_o and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o open_a way_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v many_o time_n forgive_v to_o we_o upon_o a_o general_n repentance_n so_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o these_o which_o be_v common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o despair_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_o many_o time_n for_o such_o person_n to_o receive_v comfort_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v it_o and_o that_o upon_o sure_a ground_n and_o as_o clear_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o such_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o judge_v thus_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o possible_a be_v this_o that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v themselves_o than_o their_o own_o imagination_n which_o be_v so_o distemper_a that_o it_o can_v make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o where_o melancholy_a do_v mighty_o prevail_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o persuade_v people_n of_o this_o but_o till_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o four_o this_o shall_v make_v man_n afraid_a of_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o come_v near_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n such_o as_o deliberate_v murder_n adultery_n gross_a fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n for_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o whether_o man_n renounce_v christianity_n or_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v in_o their_o work_n deny_v it_o some_o of_o these_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v particular_o murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v rank_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o apostasy_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o severe_a be_v the_o discipline_n of_o many_o church_n that_o person_n guilty_a of_o these_o crime_n be_v never_o admit_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o whatever_o testimony_n they_o give_v of_o their_o repentance_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o this_o be_v too_o rigorous_a but_o this_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n these_o crime_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o heinousness_n be_v in_o those_o day_n think_v to_o be_v they_o do_v not_o indeed_o as_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o think_v such_o person_n absolute_o incapable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o after_o such_o a_o fall_n so_o notorious_a a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n they_o think_v it_o unfit_a afterward_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n 5th_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o we_o upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o in_o case_n of_o some_o great_a crime_n after_o baptism_n as_o apostasy_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n murder_n and_o adultery_n never_o to_o admit_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o all_o church_n be_v so_o strict_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v those_o who_o fall_v after_o baptism_n into_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a course_n of_o penance_n after_o the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a testimony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n after_o long_o fast_v and_o tear_n and_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o humiliation_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o case_n of_o the_o great_a offence_n they_o be_v seldom_o reconcile_v till_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n and_o in_o case_n of_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n not_o till_o after_o the_o humiliation_n of_o many_o year_n this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v think_v too_o great_a severity_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v as_o much_o too_o remiss_a now_o as_o they_o be_v over_o rigorous_a then_o but_o be_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o degree_n put_v in_o practice_n now_o what_o case_n will_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o in_o what_o herd_n and_o shoal_n will_v man_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o christian_n have_v long_o since_o break_v these_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o revive_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n in_o any_o measure_n till_o the_o world_n grow_v better_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n upon_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sad_o to_o consider_v how_o few_o among_o we_o will_v in_o those_o day_n have_v be_v account_v christian_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n to_o be_v provoke_v to_o a_o emulation_n of_o those_o better_a time_n and_o to_o a_o reformation_n of_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o in_o the_o best_a day_n of_o christianity_n be_v reckon_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o now_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o yet_o the_o judgement_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n though_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n six_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o now_o in_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o lewdness_n there_o be_v many_o who_o daily_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n do_v too_o near_o resemble_v the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v of_o the_o apostate_n of_o his_o time_n be_v proportionable_o true_a of_o those_o of_o our_o day_n that_o they_o who_o thus_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o apostasy_n have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o for_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o agony_n and_o fill_v with_o such_o terror_n as_o if_o the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o in_o that_o fearful_a despair_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o horror_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o contradict_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o our_o
in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v the_o initiate_a of_o man_n by_o this_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o solemn_a stipulation_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o promise_n of_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v likewise_o make_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v testify_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v particular_a notice_n what_o use_v the_o anabaptist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n so_o as_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v all_o infant_n even_o those_o of_o 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christian_a religion_n child_n be_v in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o plain_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o express_a prohibition_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o a_o exception_n of_o child_n from_o baptism_n can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o privilege_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a be_v capable_a for_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o go_v and_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o solemn_o into_o it_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o their_o religion_n by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n by_o which_o rite_n also_o they_o take_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o proselyte_n upon_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v any_o more_o exclude_v than_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o except_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o favourable_a case_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o debar_v child_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o obscure_a consequence_n from_o a_o text_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v never_o so_o understand_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o disciple_n or_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o you_o see_v how_o their_o commission_n bound_n and_o limit_n they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v the_o publisher_n but_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o corinthian_n consult_v he_o about_o several_a thing_n relate_v to_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n he_o only_o give_v his_o advice_n but_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o law_n in_o those_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christian_n do_v general_o at_o this_o day_n think_v themselves_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v make_v even_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o all_o those_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v now_o cease_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n under_o such_o officer_n and_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o most_o fit_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o without_o this_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o commission_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o constitution_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o they_o do_v appoint_v temporary_a officer_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n so_o they_o constitute_v other_o that_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruct_n and_o govern_v of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o subordination_n of_o governor_n have_v not_o only_o be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n but_o in_o all_o the_o well_o regulate_v civil_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o work_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v though_o i_o be_v go_v from_o you_o in_o person_n yet_o i_o will_v still_o be_v present_a with_o you_o by_o my_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o have_v he_o engage_v for_o their_o assistance_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o as_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v primary_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o
to_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v which_o admonition_n be_v sure_o to_o little_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o that_o stand_v to_o fall_v last_o other_o venture_v all_o upon_o a_o death_n bed_n repentance_n and_o their_o importunity_n with_o god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n at_o last_o this_o indeed_o be_v only_o to_o seek_v and_o not_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o these_o perhaps_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n represent_v as_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o or_o as_o st._n matthew_n express_v it_o many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n which_o be_v most_o probable_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o their_o case_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o last_o extremity_n and_o next_o to_o that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n when_o man_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o endless_a happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o sinner_n will_v then_o be_v glad_a when_o he_o can_v no_o long_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o but_o the_o door_n be_v then_o shut_v to_o most_o sinner_n and_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n if_o any_o repentance_n that_o man_n can_v then_o exercise_v which_o at_o the_o best_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a will_v then_o be_v accept_v if_o any_o importunity_n which_o man_n can_v then_o use_v will_v be_v available_a for_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o expect_v that_o after_o all_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o a_o long_a life_n god_n shall_v be_v mollify_v towards_o we_o by_o a_o few_o good_a word_n and_o accept_v of_o a_o force_a and_o constrain_v repentance_n for_o all_o our_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a crime_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n upon_o a_o little_a importunity_n when_o we_o can_v sin_v no_o long_o and_o will_v repent_v no_o soon_o let_v we_o then_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o with_o all_o our_o might_n especial_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n let_v we_o hearty_o repent_v of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a course_n for_o the_o future_a and_o let_v we_o not_o delay_n and_o put_v off_o this_o necessary_a work_n to_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o improper_a time_n of_o old_a age_n and_o sickness_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o set_v about_o it_o present_o and_o enter_v upon_o a_o good_a course_n and_o make_v all_o the_o speed_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o we_o can_v and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o whatever_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o universal_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n this_o be_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o though_o we_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o thousand_o other_o way_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o after_o all_o our_o confidence_n and_o conceit_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o security_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o any_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a damp_n and_o disappointment_n to_o we_o to_o see_v the_o sincere_a christian_n who_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n to_o come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o we_o who_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o because_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o 7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v vnrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulat_v on_o and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n sermon_n x._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n sermon_n i._n luke_n xvi_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a beggar_n name_v lazarus_n which_o be_v lay_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n i_o intend_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o go_v over_o this_o parable_n than_o which_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n which_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o affect_v man_n or_o which_o be_v more_o artificial_o contrive_v and_o in_o the_o circumstance_n whereof_o a_o great_a decorum_n be_v observe_v it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n among_o interpreter_n whether_o this_o narration_n concern_v the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n be_v a_o parable_n or_o a_o history_n or_o a_o mixture_n of_o both_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o history_n the_o resemblance_n between_o it_o and_o other_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n will_v easy_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a beside_o that_o in_o some_o ancient_a copy_n it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o preface_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o his_o disciple_n a_o certain_a rich_a man_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o improbable_o conjecture_v it_o seem_v to_o 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saviour_n but_o only_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o and_o useful_a and_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a rise_n from_o some_o circumstance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o they_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o observation_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o these_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o observation_n and_o instruction_n which_o i_o shall_v gather_v up_o from_o the_o circumstance_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o decorum_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o i_o shall_v take_v they_o in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o parable_n ver._n 19_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n some_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o description_n reflect_v upon_o herod_n because_o he_o describe_v this_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_n but_o this_o conjecture_n be_v without_o reason_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n custom_n in_o his_o preach_v to_o give_v secret_a gird_n to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v long_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o purple_n be_v appropriate_v to_o king_n it_o be_v then_o and_o a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o wear_v of_o rich_a and_o powerful_a man_n and_o of_o the_o favourite_n and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o court_n who_o be_v frequent_o in_o ancient_a history_n call_v the_o purpurati_fw-la those_o that_o wear_v purple_a that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v not_o here_o censure_v for_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v for_o wear_v rich_a apparel_n
salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n as_o the_o action_n of_o a_o worldly_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v to_z the_o advancing_z of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n the_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a man_n seldom_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o their_o end_n much_o less_o contrary_a to_o it_o through_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v one_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o end_n they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o they_o be_v always_o true_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o best_a man_n do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_o cross_v and_o contrary_a to_o their_o end_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o which_o have_v no_o relatjoin_n to_o it_o and_o when_o they_o mind_v it_o it_o be_v rather_o by_o fit_n and_o start_v than_o in_o any_o even_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o action_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o that_o 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have_v no_o interest_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o their_o church_n and_o leave_n all_o to_o it_o when_o they_o die_v to_o what_o end_n be_v auricular_a confession_n but_o to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o secret_n why_o must_v the_o laity_n only_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o one_o kind_n but_o to_o draw_v a_o great_a reverence_n to_o the_o priest_n who_o privilege_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o receive_v in_o both_o and_o why_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n necessary_a to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o gracious_a intention_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n they_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n be_v a_o plain_a device_n to_o make_v their_o market_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n i_o may_v instance_n in_o a_o hundred_o thing_n more_o in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o tendency_n this_o st._n john_n foretell_v shall_v be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o worldly_a spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o shall_v serve_v a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n 1_o john_n 4._o 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o speak_v from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o what_o church_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n so_o true_a throughout_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o this_o worldly_a church_n have_v be_v to_o its_o own_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n 2_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o end_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o wisdom_n for_o some_o mean_n will_v bring_v about_o a_o end_n with_o less_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n and_o expense_n of_o time_n than_o other_o and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ingenious_a in_o discern_v the_o fitness_n and_o force_n of_o mean_n to_o their_o several_a ends._n to_o what_o a_o certainty_n have_v man_n reduce_v all_o the_o way_n and_o art_n of_o gain_n and_o grow_v rich_a and_o of_o rise_v to_o honour_n and_o preferment_n what_o long_a train_n will_v man_n lay_v to_o bring_v about_o their_o desire_a end_n what_o subtle_a method_n have_v man_n divise_v to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o court_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o plant_v themselves_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o than_o they_o have_v as_o many_o way_n of_o worm_a other_o out_z as_o of_o screw_v themselves_o in_o but_o in_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o another_o world_n how_o dull_a and_o injudicious_a be_v we_o and_o how_o awkardly_a and_o untoward_o do_v we_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n as_o if_o man_n be_v only_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o understanding_n as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v by_o what_o incongruous_a and_o irregular_a mean_n do_v many_o who_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o sometime_o perhaps_o be_v very_o zealous_a in_o religion_n endeavour_v as_o they_o think_v to_o promote_v god_n glory_n by_o pious_a fraud_n and_o counterfeit_a miracle_n and_o tell_v officious_a lie_n for_o god_n what_o a_o compass_n do_v many_o man_n fetch_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o innumerable_a device_n of_o will-worship_n by_o voluntary_a severity_n neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o man_n by_o tedious_a pilgrimage_n and_o senseless_a ceremony_n and_o innumerable_a little_a external_a observance_n of_o no_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o religion_n and_o by_o wander_v through_o a_o wilderness_n of_o opinion_n and_o the_o bush_n and_o brake_n of_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o controversy_n whereas_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n lie_v plain_a and_o straight_o before_o we_o consist_v in_o simplicity_n of_o belief_n and_o in_o holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n between_o the_o secular_a priest_n and_o and_o the_o regular_a between_o the_o jansenist_n and_o the_o jesuit_n but_o they_o still_o unite_v in_o a_o common_a interest_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o antichrist_n their_o common_a head_n they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o and_o excommunicate_a one_o another_o and_o declare_v against_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n satan_n never_o cast_v out_o satan_n and_o though_o he_o love_v division_n among_o christian_n yet_o he_o always_o take_v care_n that_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v not_o divide_v against_o itself_o so_o as_o to_o endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o and_o whenever_o they_o have_v any_o hopeful_a design_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o protestant_n they_o can_v lay_v aside_o their_o enmity_n and_o be_v reconcile_v in_o such_o a_o design_n then_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o like_o herod_n and_o pilate_n when_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v crucify_v can_v be_v make_v friend_n at_o a_o day_n warning_n whereas_o the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v pernicious_a to_o it_o and_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o ourselves_o our_o senseless_a difference_n and_o wild_a heat_n on_o both_o side_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o popery_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o persuasion_n no_o experience_n can_v make_v we_o wise_a 3_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v common_o more_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n they_o will_v sweat_v and_o toil_n and_o take_v any_o pain_n rise_v up_o early_o and_o lie_v down_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n their_o thought_n be_v continual_o run_v upon_o their_o business_n and_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o opportunity_n of_o promote_a it_o they_o will_v pinch_v nature_n and_o harass_n it_o and_o rob_v themselves_o of_o their_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n and_o estate_n what_o drudge_n be_v caesar_n and_o alexander_n in_o the_o way_n of_o fame_n and_o ambition_n how_o do_v they_o tire_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o long_a and_o tedious_a march_n to_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n do_v they_o expose_v themselves_o and_o thousand_o more_o what_o havoc_n and_o destruction_n do_v they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v to_o themselves_o the_o empty_a title_n of_o conqueror_n of_o it_o when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v in_o any_o design_n how_o intent_n be_v they_o upon_o it_o and_o with_o what_o vigour_n do_v they_o prosecute_v it_o they_o do_v not_o counterfeit_v a_o diligence_n and_o see_v to_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o
6._o 5._o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v of_o the_o gospel_n age._n so_o that_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v the_o age_n those_o that_o go_v before_o be_v constant_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o age_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o we_o find_v eph._n 3._o 9_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n and_o you_o have_v the_o same_o phrase_n col._n 1._o 26._o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o time_n and_o the_o last_o day_n heb._n 1._o 2._o but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 9_o 26._o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n that_o be_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n which_o have_v go_v before_o in_o the_o last_o age._n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n by_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o scripture_n the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v suppose_v now_o to_o give_v our_o adversary_n their_o utmost_a scope_n that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n reach_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o age_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o qualify_v and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o speedy_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o till_o this_o work_n be_v do_v now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o intend_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o this_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o trouble_v we_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v extend_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v assist_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o such_o fit_a and_o necessary_a assistance_n as_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n shall_v require_v for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o plant_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o it_o afterward_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o design_n will_v let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v not_o also_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o thus_o extend_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o particular_a promise_n beyond_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o for_o heb._n 13._o 5_o 6._o he_o there_o extend_v two_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o conversation_n say_v he_o be_v without_o cove_n tousness_n and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o particulur_v person_n the_o first_o of_o they_o to_o joshua_n and_o the_o other_o to_o david_n but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n because_o the_o general_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o extend_v so_o far_o he_o who_o give_v joshua_n and_o david_n this_o encouragement_n to_o their_o duty_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n mention_v in_o this_o promise_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o age_n even_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v second_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v with_o they_o and_o here_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n shall_v always_o be_v infallible_a and_o never_o err_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o promise_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o understand_v this_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n so_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v commissionated_a the_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o promise_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o any_o man_n can_v construe_v this_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o signify_v the_o perpetual_a infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n devise_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a text_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v that_o old_a and_o totter_a fabric_n of_o their_o infallibility_n here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n or_o colour_n for_o it_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a sagacity_n that_o can_v find_v out_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o a_o promise_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o joshua_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n with_o this_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o yet_o sure_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n every_o christian_a and_o every_o