to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a persuasion_n but_o the_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a reason_n and_o sober_a consideration_n so_o the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o count_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o he_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a command_n he_o resolve_v to_o obey_v it_o as_o for_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v mention_v 1._o the_o horrid_a appearance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o father_n shall_v slay_v his_o innocent_a son_n why_o shall_v abraham_n scruple_n the_o do_v this_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n 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to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o past_a time_n from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n when_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v the_o age_n of_o have_v child_n which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o rom._n 4._o 17._o abraham_n believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v and_o not_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o a_o little_a before_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o and_o he_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o abraham_n reason_v thus_o that_o god_n who_o give_v he_o isaac_n at_o first_o in_o so_o miraculous_a 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great_a and_o conspicuous_a be_v we_o very_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v one_o day_n be_v verify_v and_o make_v good_a what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n how_o will_v the_o lively_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o set_v we_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a temptation_n that_o this_o world_n can_v assault_v we_o withal_o and_o make_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n and_o to_o that_o solemn_a and_o dreadful_a account_n which_o we_o must_v one_o day_n make_v to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o want_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v our_o devotion_n so_o dead_a and_o heartless_a and_o our_o resolution_n of_o do_v better_a so_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v we_o so_o easy_a a_o prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o look_v so_o much_o big_a than_o they_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o more_o tempt_a and_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o in_o all_o dispute_v betwixt_o our_o conscience_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o unequal_o and_o to_o put_v our_o foot_n upon_o the_o light_a scale_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o weigh_v down_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o constant_a uniform_a and_o perfect_a because_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 5._o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinary_a stroke_n of_o god_n providence_n upon_o ourselves_o or_o near_a relation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o most_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o compare_v with_o abraham_n case_n it_o require_v a_o prodigious_a strength_n of_o faith_n to_o perform_v so_o miraculous_a a_o act_n of_o obedience_n 6._o and_o last_o we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o disobey_v the_o easy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n former_a dispensation_n this_o be_v a_o grievous_a commandment_n which_o god_n give_v to_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n indeed_o and_o which_o of_o we_o can_v have_v be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o but_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o more_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o his_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n we_o must_v after_o the_o example_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n not_o think_v much_o to_o deny_v or_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o no_o not_o life_n itself_o but_o even_o this_o which_o be_v the_o hard_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v easy_a than_o what_o god_n put_v upon_o abraham_n for_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v near_o the_o violence_n to_o nature_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n as_o it_o will_v do_v to_o put_v a_o child_n to_o death_n with_o our_o own_o hand_n beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o support_v and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n that_o be_v express_o promise_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o such_o a_o case_n encouragement_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o very_a difficult_a duty_n easy_a and_o whilst_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n that_o may_v attend_v it_o i_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o humane_a resolution_n but_o with_o all_o a_o most_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o to_o show_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o abraham_n case_n and_o we_o god_n command_v he_o to_o do_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v effectual_o oblige_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o he_o require_v abraham_n to_o do_v for_o he_o he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o all_o and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v shall_v be_v execute_v but_o one_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o that_o immense_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n so_o the_o most_o express_a and_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v abraham_n offering_n up_o his_o son_n and_o as_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o from_o a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o mountain_n in_o moriah_n where_o abraham_n be_v command_v to_o sacrifice_n isaac_n be_v mount_n calvary_n where_o our_o lord_n also_o be_v crucify_a and_o offer_v up_o that_o by_o this_o one_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o once_o offer_v he_o may_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o now_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o honour_n thanksgiving_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvii_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 24_o 25._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n the_o text_n set_v before_o we_o a_o great_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o i_o will_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o passage_n do_v refer_v when_o moses_n be_v bear_v his_o parent_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o cruel_a law_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v make_v that_o all_o the_o male_a child_n of_o the_o hebrew_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n after_o they_o have_v hide_v he_o three_o month_n do_v at_o last_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n upon_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o commit_v he_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o they_o despair_v to_o conceal_v any_o long_o by_o their_o own_o care_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v by_o the_o river_n side_n espy_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o guess_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hebrew_n child_n call_v for_o a_o hebrew_n nurse_n to_o take_v care_n of_o he_o who_o as_o the_o prviodence_n of_o god_n have_v order_v it_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o child_n be_v own_o mother_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v care_n of_o his_o education_n in_o all_o princely_a quality_n and_o adopt_v he_o for_o her_o son_n and_o pharaoh_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o be_v without_o son_n design_v he_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n moses_n refuse_v this_o great_a offer_n but_o why_o do_v he_o refuse_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v about_o in_o so_o strange_a a_o manner_n and_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v probable_o have_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v ease_v the_o israelite_n of_o their_o cruel_a bondage_n and_o perhaps_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o reduce_v that_o great_a kingdom_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o lord_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o love_v life_n itself_o more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o unfaithful_a generation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o therefore_o to_o master_n and_o subdue_v this_o fear_n our_o saviour_n have_v propound_v great_a object_n of_o terror_n to_o we_o and_o a_o danger_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v which_o every_o man_n run_v himself_o wilful_o upon_o who_o shall_v quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n luke_o 12._o 4_o 5._o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n positive_o to_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n under_o both_o which_o head_n i_o give_v several_a instance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v with_o great_a confidence_n upon_o the_o world_n some_o without_o and_o other_o plain_o against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o other_o particular_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n god_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o will_v certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v i._n e._n without_o true_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o no_o fornicator_n or_o adulterer_n or_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a person_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o sin_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o unpassable_a a_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n with_o any_o reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n no_o church_n have_v that_o privilege_n to_o save_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n all_o religion_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o that_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o of_o they_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v in_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o intention_n
for_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o call_v the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o unto_o repentance_n where_o the_o least_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o impossible_a be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o so_o the_o word_n impossible_a be_v sometime_o use_v as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n say_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v they_o who_o renounce_v christianity_n since_o they_o reject_v the_o only_a way_n of_o expiation_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n st._n peter_n likewise_o express_v himself_o very_o severe_o concern_v this_o sort_n of_o person_n 2_o epist._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n they_o be_v entangle_v therein_o again_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n he_o seem_v loath_a to_o say_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v but_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n before_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o st._n john_n call_v this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o 1_o epist._n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o this_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n be_v most_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v verse_n 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v this_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o be_v preserve_v from_o idolatry_n unto_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n the_o devil_n who_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v have_v bring_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o caution_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o dependence_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o apostasy_n be_v so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o st._n john_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o at_o the_o very_o best_a the_o scripture_n speak_v doubtful_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o this_o sin_n however_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v be_v very_o dreadful_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v mild_o express_v here_o in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v the_o more_o severe_a for_o be_v express_v so_o mild_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o figure_n here_o use_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n this_o expression_n of_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o person_n be_v explain_v by_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o that_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n there_o be_v very_o severe_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n ch._n 2._o 2_o 3._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_v moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o know_v he_o who_o have_v say_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v recompense_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_a and_o terrible_a than_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o that_o be_v rev._n 21._o 8._o where_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o great_a sinner_n those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o religion_n out_o of_o fear_n do_v lead_v the_o van_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o book_n express_v by_o continue_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o the_o abominable_a and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o liar_n that_o be_v they_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n relapse_n into_o infidelity_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o offender_n and_o be_v punish_v according_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o apostasy_n the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o be_v there_o any_o need_n now_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o danger_n of_o draw_v back_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o terrible_a or_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n and_o occasion_n for_o it_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n among_o we_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n not_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o but_o from_o religion_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o of_o this_o worst_a kind_n of_o apostasy_n of_o all_o other_o i_o wish_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o have_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v christianity_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o shall_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o undermine_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o most_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n into_o contempt_n and_o