necessary_a if_o we_o expect_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o hope_v for_o the_o same_o happy_a end_n which_o they_o have_v for_o none_o but_o they_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v 4._o we_o shall_v imitate_v they_o in_o the_o efficacy_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o practice_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n that_o be_v their_o perseverance_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n to_o the_o end_n and_o these_o must_v never_o be_v separate_v a_o sound_a faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n without_o this_o our_o faith_n be_v barren_a and_o dead_a as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o ch_n 2._o v._n 17._o our_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n must_v manifest_v itself_o in_o a_o good_a conversation_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o same_o st._n james_n ch_z 3._o v._n 13._o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endow_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o shew-out_a of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n say_v st._n paul_n to_o titus_n ch_z 3._o v._n 8._o and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v eminent_a example_n they_o live_v as_o they_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v so_o st._n paul_n strict_o charge_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o hereby_o chief_o false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n matth._n 7.20_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o excellent_a person_n if_o we_o do_v not_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v viz._n the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o pattern_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o in_o another_o world_n consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o egress_n or_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n into_o a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a state_n where_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o pious_a conversation_n in_o this_o world_n or_o else_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o consider_v the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o life_n with_o what_o patience_n and_o comfort_n they_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o with_o what_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o the_o happy_a condition_n they_o be_v go_v to_o and_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o see_v with_o what_o cheerfulness_n and_o comfort_n good_a man_n die_v and_o with_o what_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a persuasion_n of_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v enter_v upon_o for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n in_o that_o calmness_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n bad_a man_n wish_v this_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o balaam_n let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o last_o end_n be_v like_o he_o but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o such_o a_o death_n we_o must_v live_v such_o life_n and_o imitate_v the_o faith_n and_o good_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o we_o desire_v to_o resemble_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n and_o to_o go_v into_o the_o same_o happy_a state_n that_o they_o be_v in_o after_o death_n if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v their_o life_n our_o pattern_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o to_o they_o in_o the_o happy_a manner_n of_o their_o death_n when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o eminent_a good_a man_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v happy_a and_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o will_v meet_v with_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o goodness_n in_o another_o world_n if_o we_o believe_v this_o of_o he_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n which_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o and_z as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v ch_n 6.12_o let_v we_o not_o be_v slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n let_v we_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n that_o they_o do_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n which_o they_o have_v the_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o show_v what_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o these_o excellent_a example_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o the_o first_o founder_n and_o teacher_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a honour_n and_o respect_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v to_o their_o memory_n not_o invocation_n and_o adoration_n but_o a_o zealous_a imitation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o good_a conversation_n the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v they_o the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o most_o grateful_a to_o they_o and_o the_o most_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o they_o not_o to_o make_v any_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o they_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o they_o and_o worship_v they_o but_o to_o form_n the_o image_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o virtue_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o but_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o such_o bright_a and_o glorious_a example_n and_o to_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o may_v to_o imitate_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o piety_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o those_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v so_o resplendent_a in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v to_o remember_v the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n have_v the_o christian_a religion_n require_v or_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v as_o easy_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v say_v remember_v they_o that_o have_v be_v your_o guide_v and_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o erect_v image_n to_o they_o and_o to_o worship_v they_o with_o due_a veneration_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o intercession_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v say_v or_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v of_o it_o either_o in_o this_o text_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n but_o very_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_n their_o example_n indeed_o be_v frequent_o recommend_v to_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n and_o encouragement_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v take_v particular_a care_n that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o many_o primitive_a christian_n and_o martyr_n shall_v be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n that_o christian_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n may_v propound_v these_o pattern_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v perpetual_o before_o their_o eye_n the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o life_n and_o their_o patient_a and_o constant_a suffering_n for_o the_o truth_n that_o when_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o like_a trial_n we_o may_v not_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n but_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n have_v so_o many_o example_n in_o our_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v now_o as_o it_o be_v look_v down_o from_o their_o happy_a state_n upon_o we_o here_o below_o who_o be_v combat_v with_o manifold_a temptation_n to_o see_v how_o we_o behave_v and_o acquit_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o may_v take_v encouragement_n to_o ourselves_o from_o such_o example_n and_o such_o spectator_n to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o other_o use_v than_o this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n make_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o former_a age_n very_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o
john_n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o may_v dissolve_v or_o demolish_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o st._n john_n do_v more_o especial_o mean_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o god_n and_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n whereby_o they_o worship_v they_o and_o likewise_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v also_o esteem_v by_o they_o a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o deity_n both_o these_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n have_v strange_o prevail_v and_o overrun_v the_o world_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o deliver_v mankind_n from_o the_o horrible_a superstition_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o pull_v down_o this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o demolish_v that_o fabric_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o rear_n and_o to_o beat_v he_o out_o of_o those_o strong_a hold_n which_o he_o think_v have_v be_v impregnable_a god_n indeed_o give_v some_o check_n to_o these_o many_o age_n before_o and_o not_o long_o after_o their_o first_o appearance_n by_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v on_o purpose_n introduce_v and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o mighty_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v alive_a in_o the_o world_n the_o primitive_a tradition_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v some_o shadow_n and_o rude_a draught_n of_o that_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o by_o one_o sacrifice_n once_o offer_v and_o by_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o infinite_a superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o to_o the_o idolatry_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o power_n between_o the_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o address_v themselves_o to_o they_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n and_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n this_o be_v plain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v christian_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o any_o specious_a pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o bring_v these_o thing_n back_o again_o into_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o ruin_n and_o extirpation_n whereof_o it_o be_v purposely_o design_v and_o intend_v and_o this_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o caution_n wherewith_o st._n john_n conclude_v his_o catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n namely_o that_o christian_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v not_o carry_v back_o again_o into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n by_o the_o confident_a pretence_n of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n to_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and._n illumination_n than_o other_o christian_n have_v that_o be_v by_o their_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a church_n and_o the_o only_a true_a and_o genuine_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v against_o this_o sect_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v plain_a design_v which_o st._n john_n thus_o conclude_v chap._n 5._o from_o ver._n 18._o to_o the_o end_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o mean_v that_o he_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o just_a before_o viz._n apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n or_o that_o which_o be_v very_o like_o it_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v this_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o idolatry_n into_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o busy_a to_o seduce_v mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v do_v belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o the_o power_n or_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a we_o know_v that_o be_v we_o christian_n be_v better_o teach_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a in_o or_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v we_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n intimate_v hereby_o that_o the_o worship_v of_o any_o other_o beside_o this_o only_a true_a god_n and_o by_o any_o other_o mediator_n than_o jesus_n christ_n be_v idolatry_n there_o be_v indeed_o two_o very_o ancient_a and_o common_a notion_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o original_a whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v any_o certain_a account_n only_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o do_v prevail_v very_o early_o and_o do_v very_o general_o possess_v mankind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appease_v towards_o sinner_n mere_o upon_o their_o repentance_n without_o the_o death_n and_o suffer_v of_o some_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o this_o vicarious_a punishment_n and_o suffer_v instead_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n himself_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v the_o original_a to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o live_a creature_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n do_v proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o superstition_n and_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n that_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n man_n offer_v up_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o child_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n second_o another_o common_a notion_n which_o have_v likewise_o possess_v mankind_n be_v that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v immediate_o approach_v by_o sinful_a man_n but_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o the_o deity_n by_o certain_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n that_o be_v to_o procure_v for_o they_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o god_n and_o the_o gracious_a answer_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o that_o other_o sort_n of_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o demon_n and_o hero_n that_o be_v of_o angel_n and_o soul_n depart_v viz._n of_o such_o eminent_a person_n as_o have_v be_v great_a benefactor_n to_o mankind_n and_o for_o their_o worthy_a deed_n upon_o earth_n be_v canonize_v and_o translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o inferior_a go_n by_o these_o as_o the_o chief_a courtier_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n they_o address_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o the_o superior_a go_n now_o with_o these_o notion_n which_o have_v general_o possess_v mankind_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v design_v for_o a_o type_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o preparation_n for_o it_o i_o say_v god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o with_o these_o notion_n as_o to_o appoint_v sacrifice_n to_o be_v slay_v and_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o sinner_n and_o likewise_o a_o high_a priest_n that_o once_o a_o year_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o the_o people_n to_o make_v expiation_n for_o they_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n shall_v intercede_v for_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v declare_v at_o large_a and_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v likewise_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v alter_v to_o have_v so_o much_o regard_n to_o these_o common_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o
the_o angel_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o all_o modesty_n reverence_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v there_o present_a and_o observe_v our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o have_v respect_n in_o that_o place_n which_o by_o interpreter_n have_v be_v think_v so_o difficult_a 1_o corinth_n 11.10_o where_o he_o say_v that_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o woman_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o veil_n upon_o her_o head_n in_o token_n of_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o be_v decent_o and_o modest_o attire_v in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n before_o who_o we_o shall_v compose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o great_a external_a gravity_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o angel_n behold_v and_o observe_v but_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o god_n only_o can_v do_v and_o therefore_o with_o regard_n to_o he_o who_o see_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v more_o particular_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a sincerity_n and_o seriousness_n our_o devotion_n which_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o will_v all_o due_o consider_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o chief_o regard_v our_o heart_n but_o we_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o our_o external_a behaviour_n with_o a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v present_a there_o to_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o outward_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n of_o which_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o the_o presence_n even_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n when_o he_o either_o speak_v to_o we_o or_o we_o make_v any_o address_n to_o he_o and_o sure_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a angel_n every_o one_o of_o who_o be_v a_o much_o great_a prince_n and_o of_o great_a power_n than_o any_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n but_o how_o little_a be_v this_o consider_v i_o speak_v to_o our_o shame_n and_o by_o how_o few_o among_o we_o and_o as_o angel_n be_v helpful_a to_o good_a man_n in_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n throughout_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n so_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o stand_v by_o they_o to_o comfort_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o that_o needful_a and_o dismal_a time_n in_o that_o last_o and_o great_a conflict_n of_o frail_a mortality_n with_o death_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o receive_v their_o expire_a spirit_n into_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o conduct_v they_o safe_o into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n also_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n that_o the_o angel_n wait_v upon_o good_a man_n at_o their_o death_n to_o convey_v their_o soul_n into_o paradise_n which_o be_v very_o much_o countenance_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.22_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o lazarus_n die_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n nay_o that_o the_o angel_n have_v some_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n may_v not_o improbable_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o passage_n m_o st._n judas_n v._o 9_o where_o michael_n the_o archangel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v contend_v with_o the_o devil_n about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n what_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o be_v may_v be_v most_o probable_o explain_v by_o a_o passage_n deut._n 34.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n take_v particular_a care_n probable_o by_o a_o angel_n concern_v the_o bury_n so_o moses_n in_o a_o certain_a valley_n and_o it_o be_v add_v but_o no_o man_n know_v of_o his_o sepulchre_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o devil_n it_o seem_v have_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o moses_n after_o his_o death_n if_o he_o can_v have_v get_v the_o disposal_n of_o his_o body_n to_o have_v bury_v it_o in_o some_o know_v and_o public_a place_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v hare_n gratify_v he_o not_o a_o little_a to_o have_v make_v he_o who_o be_v so_o declare_v a_o enemy_n to_o idolatry_n all_o his_o life_n a_o occasion_n of_o it_o after_o his_o death_n but_o this_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o prevent_v in_o pity_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o he_o see_v upon_o all_o occasion_n so_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n commit_v it_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o michael_n the_o archangel_n to_o bury_v his_o body_n secret_o and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o michael_n the_o archangel_n contend_v with_o the_o devil_n about_o but_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o memorable_a circumstance_n in_o this_o contest_v mention_v likewise_o by_o st._n judas_n in_o these_o word_n yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n his_o duty_n restrain_v he_o from_o it_o and_o probable_o his_o discretion_n too_o as_o he_o dare_v not_o offend_v god_n in_o do_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o he_o can_v not_o but_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o at_o rail_v a_o thing_n to_o which_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v no_o disposition_n so_o i_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v no_o talon_n no_o faculty_n at_o it_o the_o cool_a consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n especial_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o divine_v and_o especial_o in_o controversy_n about_o religion_n ashamed_a and_o afraid_a of_o this_o manner_n of_o dispute_v since_o michael_n the_o archangel_n even_o when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o devil_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o to_o proceed_v this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o reunion_n of_o they_o to_o our_o soul_n for_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o matt._n 24.30_o 31._o that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n he_o shall_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o gather_v the_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n from_o one_o end_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v go_v before_o we_o to_o give_v we_o light_v in_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o several_a way_n wherein_o good_a angel_n do_v minister_n in_o behalf_n of_o t_o hem_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o abundant_o prove_v from_o scripture_n may_v serve_v to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o it_o that_o the_o angel_n be_v invisible_a to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v seldom_o sensible_a of_o their_o presence_n and_o the_o good_a office_n they_o do_v we_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o by_o other_o argument_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v almost_o as_o well_o call_v in_o question_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n neither_o of_o which_o do_v fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o yet_o by_o other_o argument_n we_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o they_o both_o so_o in_o this_o case_n the_o general_a consent_n and_o tradition_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o angel_n and_o their_o ministry_n about_o we_o especial_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o clear_a and_o express_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o so_o general_a a_o consent_n must_v have_v a_o proportionable_a cause_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o general_a tradition_n ground_v at_o first_o upon_o revelation_n and_o derive_v down_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o mankind_n and_o since_o confirm_v by_o manifold_a revelation_n of_o
for_o his_o religion_n when_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n concern_v martyrdom_n for_o what_o profession_n soever_o man_n make_v he_o that_o will_v not_o deny_v himself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n will_v never_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o that_o can_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v a_o saint_n have_v a_o demonstration_n within_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v never_o like_a to_o die_v a_o martyr_n sermon_n x._o the_o blessedness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n rev._n fourteen_o 13._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o nice_a dispute_n about_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o though_o both_o these_o be_v sometime_o controvert_v because_o it_o be_v now_o many_o age_n since_o this_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o write_v by_o st._n john_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o this_o time_n inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o the_o several_a vision_n and_o prediction_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v confess_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o a_o very_a obscure_a book_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o than_o that_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n have_v give_v such_o different_a interpretation_n of_o several_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o it_o as_o particular_o concern_v the_o slay_v of_o the_o two_o witness_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o particular_a expression_n in_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_a sense_n and_o intendment_n of_o they_o they_o be_v very_o plain_a be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o more_o notice_n of_o they_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemn_a preparation_n and_o address_n x._o serm._n x._o as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o bespeak_v our_o attention_n to_o they_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o they_o the_o special_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v add_v to_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n declare_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o so_o happy_a a_o condition_n yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o second_o prosecute_v the_o general_a intendment_n of_o they_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v of_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n first_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o nothing_o will_v conduce_v more_o than_o to_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v brief_o this_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v represent_v to_o st._n john_n the_o great_a strait_n that_o the_o christian_n the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o death_n or_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v they_o be_v interdict_v all_o commerce_n with_o humane_a society_n chap._n 13.15_o and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o cause_n that_o as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v kill_v and_o verse_n 17._o that_o no_o man_n may_v buy_v or_o sell_v save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o that_o do_v worship_n the_o beast_n be_v threaten_v with_o damnation_n chap._n 14.9_o 10._o if_o any_o man_n do_v worship_v the_o beast_n the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n so_o that_o whenever_o this_o shall_v happen_v it_o will_v be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a trial_n to_o the_o sincere_a christian_n be_v threaten_v with_o extreme_a persecution_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n on_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o 12_o verse_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o st._n john_n vision_n as_o the_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o which_o shall_v precede_v the_o final_a downfall_n of_o babylon_n and_o when_o this_o shall_v happen_v than_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n will_v be_v try_v to_o purpose_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o constant_a to_o his_o truth_n and_o upon_o this_o immediate_o follow_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o text_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o which_o interpreter_n do_v various_o refer_v to_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text._n some_o by_o change_v the_o accent_n and_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v change_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n into_o omninò_fw-la omninò_fw-la beati_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o be_v altogether_o bless_v very_o happy_a who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o the_o countenance_n and_o warrant_n of_o any_o ancient_a copy_n we_o will_v then_o suppose_v that_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o be_v render_v as_o we_o translate_v it_o from_o henceforth_o from_o this_o time_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o what_o part_n of_o the_o text_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v it_o some_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n bless_v bless_v from_o henceforth_o be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o from_o this_o time_n and_o not_o before_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v immediate_o after_o death_n admit_v into_o heaven_n which_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n thought_n the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n who_o die_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o but_o then_o this_o blessedness_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v date_v not_o from_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n vision_n but_o of_o christ_n ascension_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o the_o hymn_n call_v te_fw-la deum_fw-la when_o thou_o have_v overcome_v the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n thou_o do_v open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o believer_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n blessed_n be_v the_o dead_a that_o from_o henceforth_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o have_v no_o peculiar_a emphasis_n in_o it_o because_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o time_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n follow_v concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o from_o henceforth_o say_v the_o spirit_n all_o these_o variety_n agree_v in_o this_o sense_n in_o general_a that_o some_o special_a blessedness_n be_v promise_v and_o declare_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v die_v after_o that_o time_n but_o what_o that_o be_v in_o particular_a be_v not_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o but_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a interpretation_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a sentence_n thus_o from_o henceforth_o bless_v be_v the_o
joash_n be_v the_o son_n of_o jehoiada_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a which_o st._n jerome_n observe_v that_o in_o the_o hebrew_n or_o nazarene_n gospel_n it_o be_v zacharias_n the_o son_n of_o jehoiada_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o against_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n but_o a_o more_o difficult_a objection_n in_o my_o opinion_n be_v that_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o design_n to_o mention_v the_o two_o extreme_n the_o first_o and_o last_o righteous_a man_n that_o be_v shin_n and_o between_o they_o two_o comprehend_v the_o good_a man_n of_o all_o age_n that_o be_v persecute_v and_o slay_v and_o if_o so_o then_o that_o zacharias_n in_o the_o chronicle_n who_o be_v slay_v so_o long_o before_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v the_o person_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o zacharias_n mention_v by_o josephus_n lib._n 4._o the_o son_n of_o baruch_n which_o be_v probable_o enough_o the_o the_o same_o name_n with_o barachias_n who_o be_v the_o last_o remarkable_a good_a man_n that_o be_v slay_v immediate_o before_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o agree_v with_o our_o saviour_n description_n of_o it_o between_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o temple_n not_o the_o altar_n of_o incense_n but_o of_o burn_a offering_n which_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a court_n before_o the_o ascent_n to_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o grotius_n think_v this_o be_v the_o man_n intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o do_v both_o allude_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o former_a zacharias_n and_o foretell_v the_o death_n of_o this_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o objection_n against_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o as_o already_o past_a who_o you_o have_v slay_v whereas_o this_o zacharias_n be_v not_o slay_v till_o after_o our_o saviour_n death_n but_o i_o think_v that_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o this_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v those_o future_a persecution_n which_o shall_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o bring_v final_a destruction_n upon_o they_o he_o speak_v of_o this_o as_o already_o past_a because_o before_o that_o destruction_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o it_o will_v be_v true_a they_o have_v slay_v he_o so_o that_o speak_v of_o the_o vengeance_n come_v upon_o they_o well_o may_v he_o say_v that_o upon_o they_o shall_v come_v the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o righteous_a man_n from_o abel_n to_o zacharias_n who_o they_o have_v slay_v etc._n etc._n iii_o the_o three_o difficulty_n remain_v iii_o iii_o and_o that_o be_v in_o what_o sense_n and_o with_o what_o reason_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v here_o threaten_a that_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n shed_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o that_o generation_n some_o understand_v this_o more_o strict_o they_o shall_v be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o formal_o punish_v for_o it_o because_o in_o imitate_v their_o cruel_a predecessor_n they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o all_o their_o cruelty_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o this_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o intend_v be_v this_o that_o their_o punishment_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v so_o horrible_a as_o if_o god_n have_v once_o for_o all_o arraign_v they_o of_o all_o the_o righteous_a blood_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v shed_v in_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o upon_o they_o though_o in_o truth_n the_o punishment_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o desert_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v explain_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v the_o several_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v make_v two_o or_o three_o observation_n from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o so_o conclude_v i._o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n in_o most_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o meet_v with_o very_o bad_a usage_n to_o be_v persecute_v and_o slay_v the_o devil_n begin_v this_o work_n early_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o man_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o two_o of_o they_o brethren_n the_o one_o slay_v the_o other_o because_o he_o be_v more_o righteous_a and_o serve_v god_n better_a than_o he_o do_v and_o this_o trade_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v practise_v more_o or_o less_o in_o most_o age_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v deduce_v through_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o of_o most_o age_n since_o though_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v not_o always_o abide_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o at_o last_o piety_n shall_v be_v quite_o discourage_v and_o the_o faithful_a fail_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n the_o people_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v have_v many_o interval_n of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o long_a continuance_n the_o favour_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n on_o their_o side_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o serpent_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o because_o their_o way_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o and_o quite_o of_o another_o fashion_n their_o principle_n and_o practice_n do_v contradict_v and_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o continual_a upbraid_v of_o the_o bad_a a_o live_a reproof_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o evil_a man_n do_v so_o violent_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o good_a and_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n those_o who_o be_v so_o opposite_a and_o offensive_a to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v observe_v likewise_o hence_o how_o great_a a_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o persecute_v the_o righteous_a and_o how_o terrible_a a_o vengeance_n from_o god_n wait_v on_o they_o particular_a example_n of_o this_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n but_o as_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n never_o go_v high_a than_o at_o this_o time_n foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o god_n send_v to_o the_o jew_n such_o prophet_n and_o wiseman_n and_o scribe_n and_o such_o a_o number_n of_o they_o as_o never_o upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o they_o use_v they_o in_o that_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a manner_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o vengeance_n that_o come_v upon_o they_o be_v such_o as_o never_o have_v be_v before_o and_o if_o after_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o crucify_a the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o persecute_v his_o apostle_n and_o ston_a and_o kill_v all_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o such_o a_o terrible_a destruction_n from_o the_o lord_n as_o never_o befall_v any_o people_n insomuch_o that_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o foresight_n and_o mention_n of_o it_o forty_o year_n before_o it_o happen_v can_v not_o but_o weep_v over_o they_o and_o express_v himself_o in_o those_o compassionate_a word_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o pro_fw-la phet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a iii_o from_o this_o whole_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o have_v be_v explain_v to_o you_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o dead_a saint_n when_o they_o persecute_v the_o live_n this_o be_v the_o great_a hypocrisy_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n among_o we_o christian_n nay_o they_o exceed_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n not_o only_o in_o their_o veneration_n of_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o righteous_a man_n but_o also_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o their_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n towards_o the_o live_n for_o they_o not_o only_o build_v costly_a monument_n to_o their_o memory_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v but_o they_o honour_v they_o with_o shrine_n and_o rich_a offering_n with_o prayer_n and_o vow_n to_o they_o more_o frequent_a than_o to_o almighty_a god_n
against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o often_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n gal._n 1.13_o 14._o you_o have_v hear_v say_v he_o of_o my_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o jew_n religion_n how_o that_o beyond_o measure_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o be_v exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o injurious_a so_o that_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o a_o most_o furious_a and_o outrageous_a persecution_n of_o good_a man_n for_o which_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a sin_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v kill_v man_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o downright_a murder_n act_n 2.23_o speak_v of_o their_o put_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n who_o you_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v and_o act_v 7.52_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o sin_n be_v of_o this_o high_a nature_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n that_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n and_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n for_o they_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n peter_n also_o plead_v the_o same_o in_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n act_v 3.17_o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o his_o repentance_n on_o this_o account_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n but_o still_o for_o all_o this_o wicked_a thing_n do_v out_o of_o conscience_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n be_v damnable_a and_o will_v prove_v so_o without_o repentance_n i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o application_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o our_o zeal_n be_v direct_v by_o knowledge_n this_o show_v we_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n zeal_n be_v in_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n zeal_n be_v a_o edg-tool_n which_o child_n in_o understanding_n shall_v not_o meddle_v withal_o and_o yet_o it_o must_v frequent_o possess_v the_o weak_a mind_n and_o common_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o know_a people_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a they_o be_v and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o knowledge_n be_v profess_o discourage_v and_o suppress_v in_o the_o common_a people_n zeal_n be_v mighty_o countenance_v and_o cherish_v and_o they_o make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o for_o this_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n be_v that_o which_o inspire_v diem_fw-la to_o do_v such_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n as_o be_v hardly_o ever_o act_v among_o the_o heathen_a zeal_n be_v only_o fit_a for_o wise_a man_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o in_o fashion_n among_o fool_n nay_o it_o be_v dangerous_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o keep_v in_o with_o a_o strict_a rein_n otherwise_o it_o will_v transport_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o undue_a and_o irregular_a thing_n moses_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o man_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o govern_v and_o manage_v his_o zeal_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o keep_v aloof_o from_o all_o excess_n and_o extravagance_n be_v the_o meek_a man_n upon_o earth_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o surprise_v upon_o a_o sudden_a occasion_n that_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n he_o let_v fall_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v but_o just_a receive_v from_o god_n and_o dash_v they_o in_o piece_n a_o true_a emblem_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a zeal_n in_o the_o transport_v whereof_o even_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o let_v they_o fall_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o break_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n 2._o from_o hence_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v take_v copy_n by_o they_o as_o in_o a_o arrogant_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o so_o in_o the_o blindness_n and_o fury_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o zeal_n towards_o all_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o authority_n and_o direction_n and_o as_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v of_o old_a so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o they_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o people_n and_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o suffer_v those_o that_o will_v to_o enter_v in_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n those_o who_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o his_o time_n act_v 24.14_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o establish_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n anathematise_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o persecute_v they_o to_o the_o death_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o and_o kill_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o many_o age_n use_v the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n persecute_v they_o first_o with_o excommunication_n and_o then_o with_o fire_n and_o faggot_n and_o with_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o fury_n in_o the_o world_n endeavour_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n and_o ruin_n of_o they_o by_o bloody_a croisado_n and_o a_o barbarous_a inquisition_n by_o treacherous_a massacre_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o hellish_a plot_n and_o machination_n witness_v the_o monstrous_a design_n of_o this_o day_n never_o to_o be_v remember_v or_o mention_v without_o horror_n to_o have_v destroy_v at_o one_o blow_n and_o have_v swallow_v up_o in_o one_o common_a ruin_n our_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o noble_n and_o the_o represent_v ative_a body_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n witness_v the_o bloody_a massacre_n of_o ireland_n and_o all_o their_o wicked_a design_n and_o practice_n continue_v to_o this_o very_a day_n 3._o and_o last_o that_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o action_n do_v upon_o that_o account_n persecution_n and_o murder_n of_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v damnable_a sin_n and_o no_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v they_o or_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o zeal_n for_o god_n will_v justify_v no_o action_n that_o we_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v discretion_n to_o justify_v our_o zeal_n there_o be_v nothing_o often_o mislead_v man_n than_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la a_o false_a fire_n which_o often_o lead_v man_n into_o boggs_n and_o precipice_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o night_n in_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a mind_n and_o offer_v itself_o a_o guide_n to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ungovernable_a passion_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o require_v great_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n to_o manage_v
his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xvi_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o chapel_n of_o lambeth-house_n on_o christmas-day_n 1691._o 1_o john_n iu._n 9_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o go_v towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only-begotten_a son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o ii_o vol._n ii_o that_o be_v by_o this_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v a_o mighty_a love_n for_o we_o that_o he_o send_v his_o only-begotten_a son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o in_o which_o we_o may_v consider_v this_o threefold_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n i._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o case_n into_o consideration_n and_o to_o concern_v himself_o for_o our_o happiness_n ii_o that_o he_o shall_v design_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n to_o we_o which_o be_v here_o express_v by_o life_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o iii_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v such_o a_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n and_o procure_v of_o this_o benefit_n for_o we_o he_o send_v his_o only-begotten_a son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o each_o of_o these_o single_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o much_o more_o all_o of_o they_o together_o i._o it_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o case_n into_o consideration_n xvi_o serm._n xvi_o and_o to_o concern_v himself_o for_o our_o happiness_n nothing_o do_v more_o commend_v a_o act_n of_o kindness_n than_o if_o there_o be_v great_a condescension_n in_o it_o we_o use_v to_o value_v a_o small_a favour_n if_o it_o be_v do_v to_o we_o by_o one_o that_o be_v far_o above_o we_o more_o than_o a_o far_o great_a do_v to_o we_o by_o a_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a person_n this_o make_v david_n to_o break_v out_o into_o such_o admiration_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o shall_v consider_v he_o this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a condescension_n indeed_o for_o god_n to_o be_v mindful_a of_o man._n at_o the_o best_a we_o be_v but_o his_o creature_n and_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o he_o so_o that_o be_v not_o he_o infinite_o good_a he_o will_v not_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o who_o be_v so_o infinite_o beneath_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o love_n and_o pity_n neither_o be_v we_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o creature_n we_o be_v much_o below_o the_o angel_n as_o to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o being_n so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v not_o have_v a_o peculiar_a pity_n and_o regard_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o may_v have_v place_v his_o affection_n and_o care_n upon_o a_o much_o noble_a order_n of_o creature_n than_o we_o be_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o miserable_a because_o they_o fall_v from_o a_o high_a step_n of_o happiness_n i_o mean_v the_o lose_a angel_n but_o yet_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n god_n pass_v by_o they_o and_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v we_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n peculiar_a and_o extraordinary_a love_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n not_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n now_o that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o far_o above_o we_o and_o after_o that_o we_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n have_v lose_v ourselves_o have_v no_o obligation_n to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o but_o what_o his_o own_o godness_n lay_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v concern_v himself_o so_o much_o for_o we_o and_o be_v so_o solicitous_a for_o our_o recovery_n this_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o kindness_n and_o goodwill_n to_o we_o and_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o proceed_v from_o any_o other_o cause_n ii_o another_o evidence_n of_o god_n great_a love_n to_o we_o be_v that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o design_n so_o great_a a_o benefit_n for_o we_o this_o the_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o life_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o best_a and_o most_o desirable_a thing_n by_o life_n because_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n so_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n use_v but_o this_o one_o word_n to_o express_v to_o we_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n god_n send_v his_o only-begotten_a son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o and_o this_o expression_n be_v very_o proper_a to_o our_o case_n because_o life_n signify_v the_o reparation_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o man._n for_o man_n by_o his_o wilful_a degeneracy_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n be_v sink_v into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n both_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v by_o death_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o sinful_a state_n we_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o punishment_n and_o misery_n due_a to_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v judicial_o dead_a dead_a in_o law_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n now_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o 1._o we_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v eph._n 2.1_o 2._o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n wherein_o in_o time_n past_o you_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n every_o wicked_a man_n though_o in_o a_o natural_a sense_n he_o be_v alive_a yet_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n he_o be_v dead_a so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o sinful_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a while_o they_o live_v 1_o tim._n 5.6_o what_o corrupt_a humour_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n their_o disease_n and_o their_o death_n now_o god_n send_v his_o son_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o this_o death_n by_o renew_v our_o nature_n and_o mortify_v our_o lust_n by_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o destroy_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o mighty_a love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o eph._n 2.4_o 5._o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o his_o great_a love_n to_o we_o to_o recover_v we_o out_o of_o this_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a case_n it_o be_v a_o kindness_n infinite_o great_a than_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o most_o wretched_a slavery_n or_o to_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o most_o dreadful_a and_o cruel_a temporal_a death_n and_o yet_o we_o shall_v value_v this_o as_o a_o favour_n and_o benefit_n that_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v but_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o a_o worse_a bondage_n and_o a_o more_o dreadful_a kind_n of_o death_n so_o that_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n ascribe_v this_o great_a deliverance_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o slavery_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o the_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n when_o our_o case_n be_v as_o desperate_a as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v then_o be_v god_n please_v to_o undertake_v this_o great_a cure_n and_o to_o provide_v such_o a_o remedy_n as_o can_v fail_v to_o be_v effectual_a for_o our_o recovery_n if_o we_o will_v but_o make_v use_n of_o it_o 2._o we_o