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and_o which_o free_a man_n from_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a soundness_n and_o health_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a and_o then_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o instance_n of_o a_o kind_n but_o several_a of_o every_o kind_n and_o great_a multitude_n of_o most_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n they_o be_v public_a in_o the_o sight_n and_o view_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n to_o free_v they_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n they_o be_v not_o wrought_v private_o and_o in_o corner_n and_o give_v out_o and_o noise_v abroad_o but_o before_o all_o the_o people_n so_o that_o every_o one_o may_v see_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o not_o only_o among_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o follower_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o work_v they_o but_o among_o his_o enemy_n to_o convince_v those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o this_o not_o do_v once_o and_o in_o one_o place_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o come_v and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o after_o his_o death_n he_o endow_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n with_o the_o same_o power_n which_o last_v for_o some_o age_n and_o then_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o they_o they_o be_v miracle_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n those_o of_o they_o which_o in_o themselves_o may_v have_v be_v perform_v by_o natural_a mean_n as_o heal_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o the_o deaf_a he_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n by_o a_o word_n or_o a_o touch_n yea_o and_o many_o time_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o other_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n unquestionable_o miraculous_a as_o give_v of_o sight_n to_o those_o that_o 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world_n begin_v so_o that_o we_o may_v still_o put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o one_o another_o when_o christ_n come_v when_o the_o messiah_n who_o you_o expect_v come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v but_o second_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o the_o correspondency_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n not_o to_o mention_v innumerable_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n together_o with_o the_o success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v punctual_o foretell_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o particular_n here_o in_o the_o text._n first_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o 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sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o 4._o god_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v of_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o remove_v and_o conquer_v this_o prejudice_n he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o this_o religion_n by_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o because_o the_o report_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o bring_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o they_o have_v not_o see_v these_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o he_o enable_v those_o who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n to_o work_v as_o 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christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o appear_v in_o such_o mean_a circumstance_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o one_o who_o himself_n be_v put_v to_o death_n shall_v be_v rely_v upon_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v heretofore_o consider_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o it_o beside_o those_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n assign_v of_o our_o saviour_n humiliation_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o example_n to_o we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o by_o suffer_v himself_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o commiserate_v we_o that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n 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which_o the_o world_n stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v even_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n this_o be_v the_o needful_a time_n when_o it_o be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o this_o great_a physician_n to_o come_v and_o show_v his_o pity_n and_o skill_n in_o our_o recovery_n god_n can_v have_v send_v his_o son_n many_o age_n before_o but_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o try_v other_o way_n first_o and_o to_o reserve_v this_o powerful_a remedy_n to_o the_o last_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n 4._o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v be_v of_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o his_o come_v whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o 2._o 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the_o chief_a mean_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v to_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o have_v not_o now_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o main_a argument_n for_o it_o rely_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o at_o this_o distance_n we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o man_n not_o only_o may_v have_v but_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n ancient_a than_o these_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o distance_n of_o they_o from_o our_o time_n create_v no_o manner_n of_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o that_o he_o conquer_v darius_n and_o the_o persian_n that_o julius_n caesar_n invade_v our_o nation_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v it_o and_o that_o he_o overcome_v pompey_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o pharsalia_n and_o innumerable_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o that_o be_v do_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v firm_o believe_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v do_v so_o long_o ago_o so_o that_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v equal_a evidence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a belief_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o argument_n but_o in_o the_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v 2._o we_o have_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a assurance_n nay_o great_a if_o it_o can_v or_o need_v to_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n rely_v as_o of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o 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and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n through_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o effect_n beyond_o all_o denial_n so_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o 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matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o a_o future_a state_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a evidence_n for_o it_o that_o can_v be_v wish_v or_o expect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o man_n have_v for_o those_o adventure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n which_o they_o frequent_o make_v in_o this_o world_n and_o think_v themselves_o reasonable_a in_o so_o do_v 2._o the_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o they_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v against_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o restraint_n what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v reflect_v more_o upon_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o indulge_v and_o allow_v man_n in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o these_o it_o show_v man_n be_v glad_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o objection_n against_o christianity_n when_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o that_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v make_v ten_o time_n more_o clamour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o contrary_n 3._o as_o for_o most_o of_o those_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n so_o much_o both_o for_o our_o private_a and_o public_a advantage_n that_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n they_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v they_o upon_o we_o we_o ought_v in_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o our_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o have_v lay_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n i_o know_v man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o strong_a and_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o these_o duty_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o order_n to_o temporal_a end_n to_o their_o health_n and_o quiet_v and_o reputation_n and_o safety_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o the_o private_a and_o public_a prosperity_n of_o mankind_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o kind_a and_o oblige_v to_o one_o another_o rather_o than_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o religion_n do_v not_o create_v those_o restraint_n arbitrary_o but_o require_v those_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o
any_o consideration_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o most_o case_n urge_v we_o to_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n beside_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o happen_v so_o frequent_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n nay_o very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a both_o because_o religion_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a suffering_n a_o happiness_n unspeakable_o great_a than_o that_o which_o we_o forego_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n do_v extraordinary_o enable_v man_n to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o courage_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o great_a number_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o age_n do_v voluntary_o choose_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o these_o suffering_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o but_o fair_a term_n of_o retreat_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o by_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o can_v help_v it_o and_o another_o thing_n when_o man_n may_v avoid_v suffer_v in_o the_o former_a case_n man_n submit_v to_o necessity_n and_o bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n if_o man_n suffer_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o suffer_v cheerful_o and_o with_o joy_n as_o most_o of_o the_o martyr_n do_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n afford_v they_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o then_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o hard_a when_o religion_n put_v they_o upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o it_o give_v they_o cause_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o the_o like_a this_o objection_n have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n and_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o machiavelli_n and_o very_o likely_a it_o may_v though_o i_o think_v that_o elsewhere_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v with_o term_n of_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o contradict_v the_o other_o he_o say_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o livy_n ch._n 11._o that_o the_o greatness_n and_o success_n of_o rome_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o rome_n be_v more_o indebt_v to_o numa_n pompilius_n for_o settle_v religion_n among_o they_o than_o to_o romulus_n the_o founder_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o say_v he_o without_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o military_a discipline_n religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o good_a law_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o particular_o he_o commend_v the_o samnite_n who_o betake_v themselves_o to_o religion_n as_o their_o last_o and_o best_a remedy_n to_o make_v man_n courageous_a nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v man_n spirit_n than_o religion_n but_o howsoever_o this_o objection_n be_v i_o dare_v appeal_n both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o 1._o to_o reason_n and_o that_o as_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n principle_n of_o the_o great_a resolution_n and_o true_a courage_n it_o teach_v man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a ground_n to_o despise_v danger_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v likely_a to_o inspire_v man_n with_o the_o great_a courage_n for_o what_o need_n he_o fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n who_o fear_v not_o death_n after_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v fear_v and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v by_o give_v man_n the_o assurance_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o happiness_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o this_o happiness_n it_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o inward_a and_o torment_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o after_o death_n this_o make_v the_o righteous_a man_n to_o be_v as_o solomon_n say_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n nothing_o render_v a_o man_n more_o undaunted_a as_o to_o death_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o than_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o have_v wilful_o displease_v he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n reasonable_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a happiness_n after_o death_n than_o other_o man_n whereas_o a_o bad_a man_n if_o he_o be_v sober_a and_o have_v his_o sense_n awaken_v to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extreme_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o in_o another_o world_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a man_n breathe_v afraid_a to_o venture_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o see_v hell_n beyond_o it_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o monster_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v so_o far_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n as_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o have_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o happen_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o as_o the_o poet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a fellix_fw-la qui_fw-la potuit_fw-la rerum_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la causas_fw-la atque_fw-la metus_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o inexorabile_fw-la fatum_fw-la subjecit_fw-la pedibus_fw-la strepitumque_fw-la acherontis_fw-la avari_fw-la there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o attain_v to_o this_o temper_n and_o but_o at_o some_o time_n so_o that_o if_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n do_v general_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o man_n spirit_n it_o remain_v that_o nothing_o but_o religion_n can_v general_o give_v man_n courage_n against_o death_n and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v eminent_o to_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o it_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o conquer_a death_n for_o we_o and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n 2._o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o such_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o in_o reason_n tend_v to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o break_v their_o true_a courage_n but_o only_o to_o regulate_v it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o fierceness_n and_o bruitishness_n of_o it_o this_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o man_n of_o the_o true_a courage_n have_v many_o time_n lest_o of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o passion_n and_o fierceness_n those_o who_o be_v better_o breed_v be_v common_o of_o more_o gentle_a and_o civil_a disposition_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o want_v true_a courage_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o roughness_n and_o fool-hardiness_n of_o man_n of_o rude_a breed_n so_o in_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v very_o courageous_a there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o man_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o quite_o alter_v but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o maintain_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o man_n courage_n and_o that_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la suppose_v man_n of_o equal_a temper_n no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v valiant_a as_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o bluster_a and_o boisterous_a and_o rash_a courage_n but_o a_o sober_a and_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
of_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n the_o earth_n which_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v oft_o upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o brier_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o how_o glad_o will_v i_o add_v the_o next_o word_n but_o belove_v we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v sermon_n vi_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n our_o great_a high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o who_o person_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n insist_o so_o large_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o text_n that_o our_o high_a priest_n be_v make_v perfect_a become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o v._n vol._n v._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v these_o four_o thing_n considerable_a 1_o st_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o imply_v in_o it_o not_o only_o our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o redemption_n from_o eternal_a misery_n but_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o 2_o dly_z the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o by_o make_v atonement_n for_o we_o and_o reconcile_a we_o to_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o mankind_n 3_o dly_z the_o way_n and_o means_n whereby_o he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v consummate_v his_o work_n and_o finish_v his_o course_n and_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o for_o this_o word_n have_v a_o allusion_n to_o those_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n where_o he_o that_o win_v receive_v the_o crown_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o allude_v phil._n 3.12_o where_o he_o say_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o prize_n but_o i_o be_o press_v 6._o ser._n 6._o or_o reach_v forward_o towards_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o be_v already_o perfect_a that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n or_o have_v the_o prize_n or_o crown_n in_o my_o hand_n but_o i_o be_o press_v forward_o towards_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v perfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v give_v up_o the_o ghost_n upon_o the_o cross_n he_o say_v john_n 19.30_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v finish_v or_o perfect_v that_o be_v he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o suffering_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o same_o word_n be_v likewise_o use_v luke_n 13.32_o concernine_v our_o saviour_n suffering_n i_o do_v cure_n to_o day_n and_o to_o morrow_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o three_o day_n i_o shall_v be_v perfect_v this_o he_o speak_v concern_v his_o own_o death_n and_o therefore_o ch._n 2.10_o god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n perfect_a through_o suffering_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o our_o high_a priest_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n that_o be_v have_v finish_v his_o course_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o in_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o we_o 4_o thly_a you_o have_v here_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n or_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v suspend_v and_o that_o be_v obedience_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o these_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o full_a explication_n whereof_o i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o five_o thing_n 1_o st_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n 3_o dly_z we_o will_v consider_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n 4_o thly_a the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o 5_o thly_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n 1_o st_o we_o will_v consider_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o have_v finish_v his_o course_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o last_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o we_o so_o that_o by_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o by_o all_o that_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v for_o we_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o have_v effect_v and_o bring_v about_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o life_n his_o death_n and_o suffering_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o powerful_a intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v all_o a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o reforming_a and_o save_v of_o mankind_n and_o by_o all_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o a_o rule_n and_o as_o a_o pattern_n as_o a_o price_n and_o propitiation_n and_o as_o a_o patron_n and_o advocate_n that_o be_v continual_o plead_v our_o cause_n and_o intercede_v with_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o indeed_o our_o condition_n require_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v qualify_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n out_o of_o that_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n into_o which_o it_o be_v sink_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o from_o who_o mouth_n we_o may_v learn_v the_o law_n of_o god_n who_o life_n shall_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n to_o we_o and_o his_o death_n a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o by_o who_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n become_v we_o who_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n who_o may_v have_v compassion_n on_o the_o ignorant_a and_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v himself_o compass_v with_o infirmity_n may_v have_v the_o feel_n of_o we_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v only_o without_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o word_n may_v be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v
we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v because_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o to_o forgive_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o obedience_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o a_o great_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n infinite_o beyond_o all_o proportion_n of_o any_o service_n and_o obedience_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v and_o if_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o be_v willing_a so_o gracious_o to_o accept_v and_o to_o reward_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o best_a service_n and_o obedience_n what_o can_v we_o possible_o desire_v more_o for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n and_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n four_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v severe_o to_o rebuke_v the_o groundless_a presumption_n of_o those_o who_o rely_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n upon_o chrst_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n without_o any_o conscience_n or_o care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o if_o salvation_n lie_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o dispose_v of_o it_o and_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o one_o that_o will_v come_v and_o take_v it_o off_o upon_o any_o term_n no_o he_o come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o the_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o do_v necessary_o imply_v our_o forsake_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n be_v not_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o they_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n we_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o redemption_n which_o christ_n have_v wrought_v for_o we_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o salvation_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a say_v david_n psal_n 119.155_o if_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v it_o will_v bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a presumption_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o without_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o though_o our_o obedience_n can_v merit_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o for_o it_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v we_o strict_o worthy_a yet_o it_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n sermon_n viii_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o commission_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n mat._n xxviii_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o 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 these_o word_n be_v the_o last_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o v._n vol._n v._n i._o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n ii_o a_o commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n ground_v upon_o that_o authority_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o iii_o a_o promise_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o 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 1._o here_o be_v our_o saviour_n declaration_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n here_o be_v a_o unlimited_a power_n and_o authority_n give_v he_o over_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v confer_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o suffering_n phil._n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v that_o all_o creature_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o devil_n shall_v do_v homage_n and_o acknowledge_v subjection_n to_o he_o ii_o here_o be_v the_o commission_n he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n the_o commission_n which_o he_o here_o give_v be_v found_v in_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v before_o receive_v have_v all_o power_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o constitute_v and_o appoint_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o commission_n which_o st._n john_n mention_n in_o other_o word_n john_n 20.21_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o that_o be_v as_o my_o father_n commission_v i_o before_o so_o now_o have_v receive_v full_a authority_n from_o he_o i_o commission_n you_o now_o in_o this_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n first_o of_o the_o general_a import_n and_o design_n of_o it_o second_o a_o more_o particular_a declaration_n how_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v this_o design_n first_o the_o general_a import_n and_o design_n of_o this_o commission_n go_v you_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n the_o word_n which_o we_o translate_v teach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disciple_n all_o nation_n endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n christian_n one_o will_v think_v here_o be_v a_o power_n plain_o enough_o give_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v this_o passage_n in_o st._n matthew_n with_o the_o other_o evangelist_n st._n mark_v oh_o 16.15_o have_v it_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n from_o which_o text_n i_o suppose_v st._n francis_n think_v himself_o bind_v to_o preach_v to_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o according_o do_v it_o very_o often_o and_o with_o wonderful_a success_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o legend_n of_o his_o life_n but_o to_o extend_v our_o saviour_n commission_n so_o far_o be_v want_n of_o common_a sense_n in_o which_o st._n francis_n though_o they_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v other_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o a_o eminent_a degree_n be_v plain_o defective_a but_o to_o proceed_v st._n luke_n ch_n 24.47_o tell_v we_o our_o saviour_n command_v that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o their_o commission_n do_v plain_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n only_o they_o be_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v go_v over_o judea_n and_o samaria_n then_o to_o pass_v to_o other_o nation_n as_o st._n luke_n do_v most_o express_o declare_v act_v 1.8_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o
work_n not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o reject_v and_o despise_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o if_o we_o sincere_o use_v these_o mean_n we_o may_v confident_o expect_v the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a but_o if_o we_o neglect_v and_o resist_v these_o mean_n in_o confidence_n that_o god_n shall_v attempt_v our_o recovery_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n though_o he_o shall_v gratify_v our_o presumptuous_a and_o unreasonable_a curiosity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o we_o yet_o 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prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o have_v he_o suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v or_o for_o the_o future_a aught_o to_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o the_o rich_a man_n may_v very_o well_o have_v reply_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n why_o one_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o they_o nor_o will_v abraham_n have_v say_v again_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v for_o how_o shall_v man_n hear_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v so_o as_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o our_o saviour_n according_a to_o the_o reason_v of_o this_o parable_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a mean_n 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virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o refreshment_n which_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n have_v by_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n put_v up_o to_o saint_n and_o angel_n on_o their_o behalf_n so_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n quite_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n method_n man_n be_v persuade_v of_o their_o religion_n of_o their_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n not_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o every_o where_n testify_v against_o they_o but_o by_o absurd_a romance_n and_o ill-contrived_a fiction_n of_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v dismiss_v this_o matter_n with_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o however_o interest_v and_o confident_a man_n may_v set_v a_o bold_a face_n upon_o any_o thing_n yet_o it_o can_v to_o considerate_a man_n but_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o the_o ordinary_a and_o in_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o but_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o to_o that_o which_o do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v our_o practice_n 2_o dly_z let_v we_o hear_v and_o obey_v that_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o in_o so_o much_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v to_o we_o this_o be_v a_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n in_o many_o age_n be_v destitute_a of_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o some_o particular_a revelation_n which_o now_o and_o then_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n but_o now_o god_n have_v set_v up_o a_o great_a and_o stand_a light_n in_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o 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of_o god_n so_o clear_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a torment_n if_o the_o dreadful_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o merciful_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o amend_v our_o life_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v any_o far_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v ever_o make_v any_o more_o attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o 3_o dly_a and_o last_o those_o who_o be_v
seem_v to_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o industrious_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v they_o be_v rather_o hypocrite_n the_o other_o way_n and_o will_v conceal_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o seem_v to_o aspire_v after_o riches_n and_o honour_n so_o much_o as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o better_a thing_n how_o cold_a and_o remiss_a be_v we_o with_o what_o a_o careless_a indifference_n do_v most_o man_n mind_v their_o soul_n how_o negligent_a and_o formal_a and_o many_o time_n hypocritical_a be_v they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n with_o what_o a_o pitiful_a courage_n and_o with_o what_o faint_a spirit_n do_v they_o resist_v sin_n and_o encounter_v the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o how_o often_o and_o how_o easy_o be_v they_o foil_v and_o baffle_v by_o they_o 4_o thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o invincible_o constant_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bribe_v or_o take_v off_o by_o favour_n or_o fair_a word_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o difficulty_n or_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o frown_n and_o reproach_n of_o man_n offer_v a_o ambitious_a man_n any_o thing_n short_a of_o his_o end_n and_o aim_n to_o take_v he_o off_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o he_o scorn_v the_o motion_n and_o think_v you_o go_v about_o to_o fool_v he_o out_o of_o his_o interest_n bait_v a_o covetous_a man_n with_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n to_o get_v his_o money_n from_o he_o how_o generous_o will_v this_o mean-spirited_n man_n trample_v upon_o pleasure_n when_o it_o will_v tempt_v he_o from_o his_o design_n of_o be_v rich_a difficulty_n do_v not_o daunt_v they_o but_o whet_v their_o courage_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o their_o spirit_n give_v a_o ambitious_a man_n almost_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o his_o attempt_n contrà _fw-la 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and_o folly_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n who_o increase_v his_o good_n and_o enlarge_v his_o barn_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n do_v applaud_v himself_o and_o be_v no_o doubt_n applaud_v by_o other_o for_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n but_o because_o he_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n that_o be_v do_v not_o employ_v his_o estate_n to_o good_a and_o charitable_a purpose_n therefore_o god_n who_o call_v no_o body_n out_o of_o his_o right_a name_n call_v this_o man_n fool_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n while_o he_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n he_o add_v that_o which_o be_v a_o considerable_a blemish_n and_o abatement_n to_o it_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o their_o age_n for_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a and_o purblind_a wisdom_n which_o see_v but_o a_o little_a way_n and_o consider_v only_a thing_n present_a and_o near_o at_o hand_n whereas_o true_a wisdom_n have_v a_o large_a and_o far_a prospect_n and_o regard_v the_o future_a as_o well_o as_o the_o present_a and_z takes_z care_n to_o provide_v for_o it_o nay_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n its_o utmost_a due_n when_o he_o say_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a for_o their_o generation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_o best_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o it_o seldom_o look_v so_o far_o and_o hold_v out_o so_o long_o many_o man_n have_v survive_v their_o own_o project_n and_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o folly_n and_o ill_a fate_n of_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a design_n so_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o jer._n 17.11_o as_o the_o partridge_n sit_v on_o egg_n and_o hatch_v they_o not_o so_o he_o that_o get_v riches_n and_o not_o by_o right_a shall_v leave_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o day_n and_o at_o his_o end_n shall_v be_v a_o fool._n this_o be_v wisdom_n to_o regard_v our_o main_a interest_n but_o if_o we_o be_v wrong_v in_o our_o end_n as_o all_o worldly_a man_n be_v the_o fast_o and_o far_o we_o go_v the_o more_o fatal_a be_v our_o error_n and_o mistake_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v out_o in_o their_o end_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o main_a they_o be_v wise_a for_o this_o world_n which_o be_v inconsiderable_a to_o eternity_n wise_a for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o fool_n for_o ever_o 2_o dly_z from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v infer_v that_o if_o we_o lose_v our_o soul_n and_o come_v short_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o be_v through_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o gross_a neglect_n for_o we_o see_v that_o man_n be_v wise_a enough_o for_o this_o world_n and_o the_o same_o prudence_n and_o care_n and_o diligence_n apply_v to_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v infallible_o make_v we_o happy_a nay_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o usual_o less_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n than_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v exercise_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v attain_v eternal_a life_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o take_v that_o care_n for_o their_o immortal_a soul_n which_o they_o general_o do_v for_o their_o frail_a and_o die_a body_n and_o be_v as_o hearty_o concern_v for_o the_o unseen_a world_n and_o for_o eternity_n as_o they_o be_v for_o thing_n visible_a and_o temporal_a they_o will_v with_o much_o more_o certainty_n gain_v heaven_n than_o any_o man_n can_v obtain_v worldly_a riches_n and_o honour_n and_o can_v we_o in_o conscience_n desire_v more_o than_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o as_o easy_a and_o upon_o more_o certain_a term_n than_o any_o man_n can_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o may_v miss_v of_o these_o thing_n after_o all_o our_o travel_n and_o pain_n about_o they_o or_o if_o we_o get_v they_o we_o may_v lose_v they_o again_o but_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n if_o we_o be_v sincere_o good_a we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o even_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v if_o we_o lie_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n they_o will_v be_v safe_a and_o secure_a there_o where_o no_o moth_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v if_o we_o will_v serious_o think_v of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o that_o happiness_n or_o misery_n which_o remain_v for_o man_n after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o concernment_n with_o the_o same_o fervour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n as_o man_n prosecute_v their_o worldly_a business_n be_v we_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o unseen_a glory_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o than_o with_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n because_o in_o reason_n they_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o pillory_n will_v fright_v man_n from_o perjury_n and_o will_v not_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n will_v deter_v many_o man_n from_o rob_v and_o steal_v who_o will_v perhaps_o venture_v upon_o these_o crime_n if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o second_o death_n of_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v have_v as_o great_a a_o awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o we_o if_o they_o have_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o do_v not_o equal_o believe_v the_o danger_n of_o human_a law_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n sure_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o belief_n of_o heaven_n and_o affection_n for_o it_o that_o they_o have_v for_o this_o world_n if_o they_o have_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o equal_a for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o weak_a as_o we_o make_v ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o degenerate_a but_o if_o we_o will_v set_v ourselves_o serious_o to_o it_o and_o earnest_o beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o will_n may_v be_v engage_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o our_o affection_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o our_o will_n and_o our_o action_n to_o follow_v the_o impulse_n of_o our_o affection_n much_o of_o this_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o power_n and_o what_o be_v want_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o supply_v we_o can_v go_v to_o church_n and_o we_o can_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o can_v consider_v what_o we_o hear_v we_o can_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o say_v we_o believe_v lord_n help_v our_o unbelief_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o thou_o require_v of_o we_o and_o we_o can_v forbear_v a_o great_a many_o sin_n which_o we_o rash_o and_o wilful_o run_v into_o a_o great_a present_a danger_n will_v fright_v we_o from_o sin_n a_o terrible_a storm_n will_v drive_v we_o to_o our_o devotion_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o gout_n will_v take_v a_o man_n off_o from_o drink_v the_o eye_n of_o a_o master_n or_o magistrate_n will_v restrain_v man_n from_o many_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v they_o can_v forbear_v so_o that_o we_o do_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o make_v ourselves_o more_o cripples_n than_o we_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v pity_v for_o if_o fear_n will_v restrain_v we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o can_v forbear_v if_o the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n will_v fetch_v it_o out_o of_o we_o and_o make_v we_o do_v that_o which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o say_v we_o be_v unable_a to_o do_v this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o our_o power_n it_o be_v true_a we_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o that_o assistance_n which_o we_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v be_v in_o effect_n in_o our_o own_o power_n so_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v search_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v not_o want_v