the_o midst_n of_o death_n and_o at_o his_o ascension_n victorious_o carry_v away_o those_o first-fruit_n of_o his_o suffering_n into_o heaven_n at_o the_o solemn_a coronation_n of_o a_o great_a prince_n the_o prison-door_n be_v fling_v open_a this_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o d_o r_o henry_n more_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a this_o worthy_a person_n have_v give_v those_o man_n a_o occasion_n to_o think_v well_o of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o even_o redemption_n from_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n those_o man_n i_o say_v who_o he_o do_v not_o use_v to_o gratify_v at_o other_o time_n by_o his_o too_o lavish_a concession_n he_o have_v open_v the_o door_n here_o and_o all_z as_o well_o as_o those_o antediluvian_n sinner_n may_v go_v forth_o if_o hell_n be_v not_o a_o fix_a place_n or_o state_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o close-prison_n than_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o every_o man_n at_o length_n may_v be_v set_v free_a from_o it_o and_o walk_v at_o large_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o deum_fw-la saint_n to_o augustin_n tell_v we_o some_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v from_o this_o text_n viz._n that_o all_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v free_v from_o hell-torment_n but_o the_o doctor_n declare_v he_o intend_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o be_v persuade_v only_o that_o the_o word_n speak_v of_o a_o singular_a and_o never_o to_o be_v parallel_v instance_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o what_o he_o and_o other_o before_o have_v assert_v i_o will_v brief_o make_v it_o good_a that_o the_o word_n speak_v not_o at_o all_o of_o christ_n go_v down_o to_o hell_n or_o of_o his_o preach_v there_o for_o 1._o these_o word_n refer_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o noah_n time_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n go_v into_o hell_n to_o preach_v to_o these_o rather_o than_o the_o rest_n how_o come_v these_o despiser_n of_o noah_n preach_v to_o have_v this_o privilege_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o christ_n shall_v descend_v to_o the_o infernal_a pit_n to_o relieve_v they_o particular_o why_o do_v not_o the_o sodomite_n and_o other_o share_v in_o the_o like_a kindness_n 2_o lie_v it_o be_v here_o intimate_v that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o mean_v of_o christ_n local_a descent_n into_o hell_n for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o go_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o signify_v another_o thing_n and_o what_o that_o be_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o but_o i_o have_v mention_v this_o before_o 3._o it_o can_v be_v speak_v of_o christ_n go_v to_o hell_n because_o the_o word_n be_v of_o something_o that_o he_o do_v after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o have_v be_v before_o suggest_v the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v this_o first_o christ_n be_v put_v to_o death_n than_o he_o be_v quicken_v or_o rise_v again_o and_o after_o that_o he_o go_v and_o preach_v therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o this_o preach_v shall_v be_v mean_v of_o any_o sort_n of_o preach_v to_o those_o in_o hell_n unless_o you_o will_v make_v christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n follow_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v never_o dream_v of_o yet_o let_v this_o therefore_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o something_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o then_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a confutation_n of_o the_o adversary_n opinion_n 4._o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spoil_v their_o interpretation_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v sometime_o disobedient_a it_o be_v imply_v i_o do_v not_o say_v absolute_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o now_o four_o and_o which_o show_v the_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n on_o this_o place_n whereas_o some_o protestant_n and_o most_o papist_n think_v hell_n be_v mean_v here_o calvin_n believe_v the_o contrary_a and_o vouch_v heaven_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v not_o a_o prison_n according_a to_o he_o but_o a_o watchtower_n and_o so_o indeed_o the_o word_n signify_v sometime_o the_o spirit_n or_o â—ouls_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o specuâ—a_fw-la on_o their_o watchtower_n viz._n in_o heaven_n thither_o christ_n ascend_v and_o there_o he_o find_v the_o saintâ—_n of_o the_o old_a world_n very_a incent_n on_o the_o salvation_n promise_v by_o christ_n they_o confident_o hope_v for_o it_o and_o his_o come_v and_o as_o it_o be_v look_v for_o these_o as_o from_o some_o watch_n tower_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n that_o learned_a writer_n have_v to_o alter_v the_o ordinary_a translation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o render_v it_o here_o a_o watchtower_n he_o may_v have_v retain_v the_o other_o translation_n and_o yet_o have_v keep_v his_o interpretation_n entire_a for_o what_o better_a word_n can_v there_o be_v to_o express_v heaven_n then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o signify_v a_o 〈◊〉_d a_o hold_v a_o place_n of_o safety_n like_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o render_v abraham_n port_n or_o haven_n christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_n go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o safe_a custody_n 〈◊〉_d in_o heaven_n there_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v and_o how_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n as_o the_o word_n before_o speak_v of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n so_o these_o of_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o learned_a man_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o alter_v the_o usual_a version_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o will_v have_v do_v as_o well_o but_o against_o his_o interpretation_n i_o allege_v first_o his_o waver_a in_o the_o solution_n of_o this_o text_n for_o in_o his_o institution_n 〈…〉_z and_o upon_o the_o place_n he_o expound_v it_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o his_o psychopannychia_fw-la he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n go_v and_o preach_v not_o only_a remission_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o also_o confusion_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o ungodly_a thus_o he_o take_v in_o both_o heaven_n and_o hell_n second_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v christ_n go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o their_o be_v in_o that_o place_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o preach_v to_o they_o what_o they_o know_v already_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o word_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o hinder_v my_o assent_n to_o his_o interpretation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o noah_n day_n and_o the_o particular_a people_n of_o that_o time_n now_o 1._o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o perish_v everlasting_o as_o the_o 5._o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o sinner_n of_o the_o old_a world_n do_v more_o than_o intimate_v these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v place_v in_o a_o high_a watchtower_n a_o place_n whence_o they_o may_v look_v for_o and_o espy_v a_o saviour_n that_o they_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o low_a abyss_n of_o misery_n and_o despair_n 2._o suppose_v that_o people_n be_v save_v and_o in_o heaven_n yet_o wherefore_o do_v christ_n when_o he_o ascend_v thither_o preach_v to_o these_o rather_o than_o other_o and_o why_o be_v these_o separate_a soul_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n continual_o upon_o their_o watch_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_a salvation_n i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v any_o ground_n for_o this_o and_o consequent_o i_o can_v admit_v of_o this_o exposition_n these_o be_v the_o several_a judgement_n of_o those_o expositor_n who_o understand_v the_o word_n concern_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o decease_a now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o classis_n of_o interpreter_n iii_o other_o apply_v the_o word_n to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o unbeliever_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n understand_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n the_o heathen_n and_o by_o christ_n preach_v to_o they_o his_o send_v his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n to_o preach_v to_o they_o 30._o episcopius_n and_o 13._o limborch_n be_v the_o man_n who_o offer_v this_o interpretation_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o fair_a of_o all_o those_o which_o have_v be_v name_v but_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o those_o person_n i_o can_v whole_o subscribe_v to_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o proceed_v on_o the_o main_a and_o general_a ground_n which_o they_o have_v lay_v and_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o add_v several_a thing_n which_o i_o find_v whole_o want_v in_o those_o author_n
do_v here_o and_o thereby_o render_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n full_a and_o entire_a however_o take_v the_o word_n which_o way_n you_o will_v and_o if_o you_o pitch_v upon_o any_o particular_a sense_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v suggest_v that_o which_o will_v give_v light_a to_o it_o i_o here_o adjoyn_v something_o concern_v the_o custom_n of_o cover_v and_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o the_o different_a people_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o say_v be_v that_o the_o eastern_a people_n go_v always_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v and_o the_o greek_n be_v always_o â—â—covered_v but_o the_o roman_n take_v a_o middle_a way_n for_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n to_o distnguish_v between_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n and_o of_o common_a conversation_n and_o that_o the_o behaviour_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o other_o according_o they_o always_o cover_v their_o head_n in_o the_o time_n of_o worship_v from_o whence_o as_o well_o as_o from_o what_o be_v record_v of_o they_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v contrary_a when_o they_o be_v about_o their_o ordinary_a business_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v uncover_v but_o from_o the_o jew_n cover_v their_o head_n when_o they_o worship_v we_o can_v infer_v that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v so_o at_o other_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n at_o all_o between_o one_o time_n and_o the_o other_o as_o to_o this_o behaviour_n only_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o may_v not_o misinterpret_v i_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o ancient_a roman_n and_o those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o for_o as_o to_o this_o usage_n as_o well_o as_o to_o some_o other_o these_o two_o exceed_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o vea_o the_o latter_a roman_n be_v strange_o incline_v to_o shift_v their_o custom_n and_o differ_v from_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a roman_n as_o i_o have_v show_v this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v here_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v mistake_v i_o and_o the_o truth_n itself_o i_o have_v add_v something_o likewise_o concern_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o other_o sex_n and_o there_o you_o will_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o variation_n at_o all_o the_o woman_n of_o all_o nation_n general_o cover_v their_o head_n when_o they_o be_v abroad_o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o willing_a they_o shall_v lay_v aside_o so_o landable_a and_o catholic_n a_o usage_n in_o my_o three_o undertake_n which_o be_v a_o interpretation_n of_o those_o so_o much_o controvert_v word_n what_o shall_v they_o do_v that_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a i_o recite_v the_o various_a opinion_n of_o author_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n not_o that_o i_o delight_v to_o muster_v up_o whole_a army_n of_o writer_n some_o ancient_a and_o some_o modern_a some_o at_o home_n other_o abroad_o but_o because_o the_o present_a affair_n require_v it_o there_o be_v several_a exposition_n of_o these_o word_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o they_o before_o i_o offer_v that_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n according_o after_o i_o have_v reject_v the_o interpretation_n of_o other_o on_o the_o place_n and_o have_v all_o along_o give_v you_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o do_v so_o i_o at_o last_o expose_v my_o own_o sentiment_n in_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a interpretation_n such_o as_o every_o one_o may_v see_v be_v the_o genuine_a import_n of_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o to_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v baptize_v because_o of_o the_o dead_a or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n of_o those_o holy_a martyr_n who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a cause_n the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n which_o these_o show_v at_o their_o death_n do_v effectual_o invite_v great_a number_n of_o infidel_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o christian_a behaviour_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a religion_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o admirable_a carriage_n of_o those_o die_a martyr_n there_o be_v convert_v daily_o gain_v to_o christianity_n many_o jew_n and_o pagan_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o own_o the_o same_o holy_a religion_n which_o they_o see_v they_o defend_v so_o undaunted_o this_o make_v they_o eager_a of_o be_v baptize_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o their_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o become_v christian_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o decease_a saint_n who_o they_o see_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n with_o their_o blood_n how_o probable_a this_o interpretation_n be_v yea_o how_o preferable_a to_o all_o other_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v convince_v the_o reader_n in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o to_o which_o i_o remit_v he_o in_o my_o last_o effort_n where_o i_o undertake_v to_o show_v who_o be_v the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n to_o who_o christ_n preach_v i_o do_v as_o before_o enumerate_v the_o several_a gloss_n which_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o word_n some_o have_v fetsh_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o from_o heaven_n other_o from_o hell_n and_o some_o from_o a_o middle_a place_n as_o they_o fancy_v between_o both_o and_o many_o other_o have_v present_v we_o with_o their_o conjecture_n on_o this_o text._n but_o when_o i_o have_v discover_v the_o invalidity_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o let_v you_o see_v what_o other_o more_o true_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o be_v this_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n and_o to_o who_o else_o shall_v be_v preach_v it_o to_o vnconvert_v and_o unregenerate_a person_n whither_o jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o hereby_o many_o of_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o this_o text_n which_o have_v be_v so_o different_o handle_v by_o protestant_n and_o papist_n and_o this_o interpretation_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a but_o the_o reader_n be_v to_o judge_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o context_n suitable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o language_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v here_o represent_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o easy_a and_o yet_o a_o more_o significant_a expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o man_n in_o their_o fin_n then_o this_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n those_o person_n be_v in_o a_o religious_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v the_o constant_a stile_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n prisoner_n and_o bondman_n shut_v up_o in_o a_o miserable_a durance_n they_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n be_v bind_v in_o affliction_n and_o iron_n as_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v poor_a captive_n psal._n 107._o 10._o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a metaphor_n and_o at_o the_o very_a first_o propound_v of_o it_o we_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v its_o meaning_n poor_a distress_a soul_n that_o be_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v spirit_n in_o prison_n but_o the_o bless_a jesus_n come_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o servant_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o break_v their_o bond_n in_o sunder_n as_o the_o same_o divine_a poet_n speak_v in_o that_o place_n certain_o then_o sâ—_n peter_n who_o have_v be_v a_o 16._o prisoner_n and_o bind_v with_o and_o know_v the_o hardship_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n can_v not_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o any_o similitude_n can_v not_o have_v use_v any_o expression_n whereby_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v we_o a_o more_o compendious_a character_n a_o more_o lively_a and_o natural_a idea_n of_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o vnconverted_a sinner_n than_o this_o here_o do_v which_o make_v it_o somewhat_o strange_a that_o such_o multitude_n of_o expositor_n and_o comment_n ator_n have_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o but_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o give_v we_o some_o farfetched_a and_o strain_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n this_o be_v the_o short_a account_n which_o i_o think_v good_a to_o premise_v before_o the_o follow_a exercitation_n in_o the_o whole_a i_o hope_v i_o have_v faithful_o
sense_n the_o article_n which_o be_v here_o insert_v shall_v be_v leave_v out_o and_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v bare_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o learned_a hammond_n set_v it_o down_o in_o his_o annotation_n be_v conscious_a as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o 4._o let_v we_o pass_v to_o another_o read_n of_o the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v still_o of_o those_o who_o take_v baptise_v here_o in_o the_o sacramentalsense_n and_o hold_v that_o the_o baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a be_v those_o person_n who_o have_v that_o sacrament_n administer_v to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v close_o upon_o the_o confine_n of_o death_n and_o just_a expire_a their_o last_n this_o exposition_n be_v abet_v by_o calvin_n the_o baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a say_v he_o be_v they_o who_o be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v die_v desperaverint_fw-la when_o they_o be_v give_v over_o and_o look_v upon_o as_o dead_a and_o so_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o latin_a pro_fw-la as_o when_o they_o say_v habere_fw-la pro_fw-la derelieto_fw-la estius_n other_o learned_a writer_n also_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n but_o it_o come_v first_o from_o epiphanius_n in_o his_o book_n 28._o against_o heretic_n who_o acquaint_v we_o that_o when_o it_o so_o chance_v that_o the_o catachumeni_n or_o new_a comer_n to_o christianity_n be_v overtake_v with_o some_o mortal_a distemper_n and_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a despair_n of_o their_o live_n till_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o sacred_a font_n they_o use_v to_o be_v baptize_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o lie_v in_o their_o bed_n and_o from_o that_o usage_n of_o they_o the_o clinici_fw-la or_o bedridden_a take_v their_o name_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o defer_v their_o baptism_n perhaps_o say_v some_o at_o first_o it_o proceed_v from_o fear_n and_o cowardice_n which_o make_v they_o unwilling_a to_o hazard_v themselves_o by_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o they_o put_v off_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v but_o when_o they_o be_v arrest_v by_o grievous_a sickness_n and_o confine_v to_o their_o bed_n they_o passionate_o beg_v to_o be_v baptize_v before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n this_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o clinic_n but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o sert_fw-la who_o defer_v their_o baptism_n on_o other_o account_n these_o be_v no_o new_a convert_v but_o such_o as_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n a_o considerable_a time_n yet_o they_o purposely_o defer_v their_o baptism_n on_o one_o pretend_a ground_n or_o other_o thus_o constantine_n the_o great_a be_v not_o baptize_v till_o the_o 32._o sixty_o five_o year_n of_o his_o age_n which_o be_v the_o one_o and_o thirty_o year_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o he_o declare_v himself_o as_o 61._o eusebius_n testify_v that_o he_o delay_v his_o baptism_n because_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o river_n jordan_n the_o place_n which_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o the_o fiâ—st_o baptise_v and_o where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v baptize_v â—ut_v he_o be_v hinder_v from_o go_v thither_o though_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n of_o that_o hindrance_n in_o so_o many_o year_n and_o be_v age_v he_o fall_v sick_a and_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o city_n of_o nicomedia_n where_o he_o then_o be_v by_o eusebius_n bishop_n either_o at_o that_o time_n or_o former_o of_o that_o place_n and_o he_o die_v in_o the_o very_a same_o year_n he_o be_v baptise_a i_o know_v this_o be_v contradict_v and_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v not_o baptize_v in_o the_o east_n but_o in_o the_o west_n not_o by_o a_o greek_a bishop_n but_o a_o roman_a one_o this_o be_v miltiades_n say_v some_o other_o stiff_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v sylvester_n and_o this_o they_o have_v fâ—om_o pontif_n one_o of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n who_o write_v sylvester_n life_n and_o assert_n that_o he_o baptize_v constantine_n tell_v we_o withal_o that_o this_o emperor_n among_o other_o admirable_a ornament_n and_o utensil_n keep_v in_o his_o palace_n the_o font_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o describe_v the_o make_n and_o costliness_n of_o it_o travel_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v since_o translate_v or_o think_v to_o be_v translate_v to_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v keep_v as_o a_o choice_n memorial_n and_o as_o for_o the_o occasion_n of_o constantine_n being_n baptise_a they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v this_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o his_o son_n crispus_n blood_n and_o other_o unnatural_a murder_n be_v strike_v by_o god_n with_o leprosy_n which_o affect_v he_o so_o much_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o show_v himself_o sorrowful_a for_o the_o fact_n and_o to_o give_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n he_o desire_v to_o receive_v baptism_n then_o by_o the_o â—ishops_n prayer_n and_o this_o holy_a laver_n he_o be_v cure_v of_o his_o noisome_a distemper_n this_o be_v in_o the_o eighteen_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n a._n d._n 324._o and_o be_v mention_v by_o zosimus_n and_o baronius_n yet_o cedrenus_n and_o other_o say_v he_o be_v baptize_v at_o rome_n by_o this_o sylvester_n some_o year_n before_o viz._n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o eusebius_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o caesarea_n in_o palestine_n who_o write_v the_o life_n of_o constantine_n say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o this_o but_o 62._o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v baptize_v not_o at_o rome_n but_o at_o nicomedia_n and_o that_o many_o year_n after_o the_o nicene_n council_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o life_n the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n five_o year_n after_o sylvester_n be_v dead_a by_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o nicomedia_n and_o this_o be_v testify_v and_o confirm_v by_o saint_n t_o jerom_n s_o t_o ambrose_n socrates_n sozomen_n theodoret_n and_o other_o and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o emperor_n baptism_n to_o hasten_v then_o out_o of_o this_o digression_n this_o example_n of_o constantine_n defer_v his_o baptism_n be_v follow_v by_o several_a other_o succeed_a emperor_n thus_o his_o son_n constantius_n seleuc._n be_v baptize_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n theodosius_n the_o great_a fall_a sick_a be_v thereupon_o baptize_v and_o recover_v upon_o it_o but_o he_o have_v defer_v his_o baptism_n long_o 25._o if_o his_o sickness_n have_v not_o hasten_v it_o the_o next_o 33._o theodosius_n be_v not_o baptize_v till_o he_o be_v very_o old_a ecclesiastical_a history_n acquaint_v we_o also_o that_o the_o emperor_n valentiniâ—n_n put_v off_o his_o baptism_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v that_o sacrament_n from_o s_o t_o ambrose_n but_o he_o be_v prevent_v by_o death_n we_o read_v the_o same_o of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a father_n of_o the_o church_n s_o t_o jerom_n and_o s_o t_o ambrose_n be_v not_o baptize_v till_o they_o be_v thirty_o year_n of_o age_n although_o their_o parent_n be_v christian_n augustin_n be_v a_o manichean_a till_o he_o be_v one_o and_o thirty_o year_n old_a and_o then_o and_o not_o before_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o foresay_a saint_n t_o ambrose_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o milan_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o greek_a church_n some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n beside_o the_o emperor_n before_o speak_v of_o defer_v their_o baptism_n till_o they_o come_v to_o some_o ripeness_n of_o year_n thus_o chrysostom_n though_o bear_v of_o and_o breed_v up_o under_o a_o christian_a mother_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n be_v not_o baptize_v till_o they_o arrive_v to_o be_v men._n nectarius_n archbishop_n of_o constantinople_n enter_v into_o episcopal_a order_n before_o he_o be_v baptize_v now_o there_o be_v different_a yea_o contrary_a reason_n allege_v for_o this_o practice_n some_o do_v purposely_o put_v off_o their_o baptism_n till_o death_n approach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o at_o liberty_n to_o indulge_v their_o folly_n and_o vice_n for_o when_o one_o of_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la commit_v a_o fault_n they_o use_v to_o excuse_v his_o fail_n by_o allege_v this_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o baptise_a they_o do_v it_o also_o that_o they_o may_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o celebrate_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o s_o cyprian_n tell_v we_o they_o have_v this_o fond_a and_o groundless_a notion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n for_o those_o that_o relapse_v into_o sin_n after_o baptism_n this_o arise_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o which_o the_o novatian_o very_o warm_o insist_v upon_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n absolve_v those_o that_o lapse_v after_o baptism_n but_o the_o orthodox_n father_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v
argument_n a_o new_a reason_n to_o confirm_v it_o moreover_o say_v he_o to_o evince_v further_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v that_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o dead_a saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o i_o speak_v of_o before_o who_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v fall_v asleep_o if_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o at_o all_o if_o they_o awake_v not_o at_o the_o last_o day_n why_o be_v they_o also_o or_o as_o grotius_n note_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o place_n be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exgo_o why_o be_v they_o therefore_o baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o dead_a why_o do_v new_a convert_v come_v in_o every_o day_n request_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o holy_a baptism_n be_v it_o not_o think_v you_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o excellent_a person_n who_o fall_v asleep_a in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o that_o they_o take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n yes_o sure_o they_o have_v see_v the_o life_n and_o miracle_n of_o those_o good_a man_n they_o have_v observe_v their_o carriage_n and_o constancy_n at_o their_o death_n and_o by_o this_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o effectual_o to_o own_o the_o same_o cause_n to_o love_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o to_o admit_v themselves_o into_o it_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n those_o dead_a saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o memory_n and_o act_n be_v still_o live_v setch_v in_o these_o great_a number_n of_o convert_v the_o blood_n of_o die_a saint_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o more_o plentiful_o it_o be_v sow_v and_o shed_v yield_v the_o large_a increase_n of_o convert_v hence_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o proselyte_n come_v in_o apace_o to_o christianity_n that_o convert_v flock_n to_o the_o holy_a water_n of_o baptism_n for_o they_o well_o observe_v the_o admirable_a behaviour_n of_o those_o persecute_a christian_n at_o their_o death_n be_v soon_o persuade_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o life_n from_o their_o example_n they_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o love_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o see_v make_v man_n live_v and_o die_v courageous_o and_o hereupon_o they_o be_v zealous_a to_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n this_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v for_o or_o because_o of_o the_o dead_a or_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o in_o these_o word_n you_o may_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n to_o argue_v in_o my_o text_n you_o see_v o_o corinthian_n that_o the_o suffering_n which_o the_o christian_n undergo_v be_v so_o far_o from_o discourage_v other_o from_o turn_v christian_n that_o vast_a number_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v animate_v thereby_o to_o own_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o see_v what_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o example_n of_o those_o saint_n have_v and_o how_o it_o work_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o resolve_a and_o make_v they_o present_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v their_o folly_n tell_v i_o what_o make_v the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n quit_v his_o former_a profane_a life_n or_o what_o make_v the_o wilful_a jew_n renounce_v his_o circumcision_n and_o leave_v his_o moysaicall_a wash_n for_o the_o laver_n of_o christian_a baptism_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o this_o cause_n chief_o viz._n that_o they_o behold_v and_o be_v ravish_v with_o the_o singular_a behaviour_n of_o the_o suffer_a saint_n who_o content_o quit_v all_o for_o christ_n their_o master_n they_o can_v but_o reverence_n and_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o inspire_v those_o man_n with_o such_o valour_n and_o give_v they_o so_o invincible_a a_o courage_n and_o immediate_o hereupon_o they_o hasten_v to_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o society_n of_o such_o brave_a christian_n now_o tell_v i_o o_o you_o man_n of_o corinth_n you_o especial_o that_o question_n the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v it_o nothing_o that_o so_o many_o every_o day_n voluntary_o admit_v themselves_o into_o the_o church_n by_o holy_a baptism_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o decease_a confessor_n and_o martyr_n who_o they_o see_v sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o purchase_v another_o world_n why_o shall_v you_o think_v there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n when_o you_o see_v man_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o religion_n and_o other_o present_o take_v up_o that_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o lose_v their_o life_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n do_v so_o great_a shoal_n of_o convert_v come_v into_o the_o baptismal_a water_n what_o shall_v they_o do_v that_o be_v thus_o baptize_v to_o what_o end_n and_o design_n do_v they_o this_o and_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o to_o what_o purpose_n on_o what_o account_n be_v it_o you_o can_v but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o exemplary_a life_n and_o death_n they_o have_v behold_v and_o thereby_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o promise_v a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a why_o be_v so_o many_o i_o say_v stir_v up_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o holy_a baptism_n be_v it_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o decease_a saint_n and_o martyr_n be_v it_o not_o because_o of_o the_o love_n and_o respect_n they_o bear_v they_o and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o so_o brave_o maintain_v be_v it_o not_o hence_o that_o they_o run_v to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o instructer_n and_o beg_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o if_o these_o demand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o this_o their_o reply_n we_o come_v to_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n we_o be_v move_v to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a baptism_n by_o reason_n of_o those_o depart_v saint_n who_o godly_a behaviour_n we_o so_o much_o admire_v who_o patience_n and_o courage_n to_o the_o last_o we_o be_v even_o astonish_v at_o because_o of_o these_o worthy_a person_n we_o be_v excite_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o to_o admit_v ourselves_o into_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n what_o interpretation_n can_v be_v plain_a and_o clear_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o writer_n except_v one_o or_o locum_fw-la two_o at_o the_o most_o who_o seem_v so_o much_o as_o to_o approach_v towards_o this_o exposition_n or_o to_o give_v the_o least_o he_o of_o this_o notion_n which_o i_o have_v present_v to_o you_o yet_o certain_o if_o you_o weigh_v this_o well_o you_o will_v find_v it_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n for_o in_o all_o the_o forename_a interpretation_n there_o be_v either_o something_o defective_a or_o redundant_fw-la there_o be_v some_o fault_n in_o grammar_n and_o critiâ—ism_n or_o a_o mistake_n in_o history_n and_o chronology_n or_o a_o apparent_a inconsequence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o argument_n in_o sum_n there_o be_v bold_a supposition_n but_o slender_n proof_n whereas_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o interpretation_n which_o i_o have_v tender_v to_o you_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n be_v preserve_v entire_a the_o criticism_n be_v not_o strain_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v uphold_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o context_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n argue_v be_v discover_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o best_a antiquity_n concur_v to_o make_v this_o exposition_n solid_a and_o authentic_a here_o be_v nothing_o beg_v but_o all_o be_v free_a and_o unconstrained_a this_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o reasonable_a sense_n in_o itself_o and_o likewise_o the_o most_o accommodate_v to_o the_o present_a purpose_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o style_n and_o phraseology_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a analogy_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o to_o apply_v this_o interpretation_n to_o ourselves_o we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n now_o to_o maintain_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o those_o first_o good_a convert_v have_v to_o embrace_v it_o the_o consideration_n which_o make_v they_o enter_v into_o religion_n shall_v make_v we_o hold_v it_o fast_o for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o prosess_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o death_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n martyrdom_n make_v christian_n then_o let_v it_o confirm_v we_o in_o christianity_n now_o especial_o let_v we_o be_v encourage_v to_o love_v and_o maintain_v our_o religion_n which_o we_o can_v hold_v with_o ease_n and_o all_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n we_o be_v not_o
force_v to_o quit_v our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v secure_v our_o religion_n and_o our_o conscience_n bless_a be_v god_n we_o can_v enjoy_v these_o here_o and_o carry_v they_o with_o we_o into_o another_o world_n afterward_o but_o if_o ever_o the_o divine_a providence_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n and_o spend_v our_o blood_n in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n let_v we_o not_o count_v our_o life_n dear_a unto_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o testify_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o our_o 24._o apostle_n speak_v let_v we_o like_o the_o primitive_a saint_n 41._o rejoice_v that_o we_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o even_o death_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n let_v we_o cheerful_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o let_v we_o drown_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o world_n in_o our_o own_o blood_n thereby_o propagate_a our_o holy_a religion_n and_o therein_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n who_o manful_o and_o undaunt_o die_v for_o the_o faith_n on_o who_o account_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o who_o example_n it_o be_v that_o thousand_o of_o convert_v person_n flock_v to_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n and_o be_v ambitious_a to_o assert_v that_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o see_v those_o excellent_a christian_n lie_v down_o their_o life_n the_o death_n of_o a_o eminent_a saint_n make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n in_o those_o day_n the_o blood_n of_o a_o holy_a martyr_n baptize_v whole_a city_n this_o i_o conceive_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a this_o i_o offer_v as_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easie_n the_o most_o natural_a and_o genuine_a mean_v of_o the_o text._n the_o four_o text_n enquire_v into_o viz._n 1_o s_o t_o peter_n iii_o 19_o 20._o by_o which_o also_o he_o go_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n which_o sometime_o be_v disobedient_a etc._n etc._n this_o be_v another_o difficult_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o chapter_n it_o begin_v with_o the_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a duty_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n which_o take_v up_o the_o first_o 7_o verse_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n treat_v of_o the_o common_a virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o christian_n as_o meekness_n patience_n mercifulness_n and_o all_o the_o oblige_a and_o indear_v office_n of_o love_n the_o apostle_n chief_o exhort_v to_o patience_n that_o be_v to_o suffer_v with_o submission_n and_o cheerfulness_n what_o ever_o shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o and_o here_o he_o show_v particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o persecutor_n they_o must_v not_o be_v revengeful_a and_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n v_o 9_o and_o he_o subjoin_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n again_o they_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a neither_o be_v trouble_v v_o 14._o they_o must_v take_v courage_n maugre_o all_o their_o distress_n and_o strive_v to_o banish_v all_o fear_n and_o cowardice_n all_o disorder_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n moreover_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o that_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n v_o 15._o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o disguise_v their_o persuasion_n but_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o before_o their_o persecutor_n further_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v not_o only_o profess_v christianity_n but_o lead_v holy_a life_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v shame_v their_o adversary_n who_o false_o accuse_v they_o as_o evil_a doer_n v_o 16._o last_o therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o look_v to_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o they_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n not_o for_o evil-doing_a v_o 17._o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o suffer_v thus_o here_o be_v set_v before_o they_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o suffer_v for_o they_o for_o christ_n also_o have_v once_o suffer_v for_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a v_o 18._o this_o high_o commend_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o innocent_a person_n and_o that_o he_o suffer_v for_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a whereas_o no_o christian_n that_o suffer_v can_v altogether_o plead_v innocency_n they_o all_o in_o some_o measure_n deserve_v what_o they_o suffer_v and_o now_o the_o apostle_n take_v occasion_n to_o expatiate_v on_o christ_n suffering_n and_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o part_n of_o the_o next_o he_o show_v the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n v_o 18._o that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o holy_a and_o righteous_a and_o endue_v we_o with_o the_o divine_a and_o godlike_a nature_n and_o that_o he_o may_v at_o last_o lead_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o this_o he_o be_v effectual_o enable_v to_o do_v because_o though_o he_o suffer_v death_n yet_o he_o soon_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o you_o read_v in_o that_o 18._o v_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o think_v they_o find_v some_o ground_n here_o for_o their_o aethereal_a or_o spiritual_a vehicles_n understand_v the_o word_n thus_o put_v to_o death_n in_o his_o terrestrial_a body_n but_o quicken_v or_o enliven_v with_o a_o spiritual_a one_o for_o christ_n soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n after_o death_n say_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o subtle_a and_o aetherial_a body_n to_o let_v this_o pass_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o the_o place_n be_v this_o and_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o several_a of_o the_o oecumenius_n father_n that_o this_o jesus_n though_o he_o suffer_v and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n as_o a_o man_n as_o he_o have_v a_o humane_a body_n yet_o he_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v ever_o with_o he_o or_o thus_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n crucify_a in_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o he_o be_v quicken_v in_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o his_o divine_a nature_n a_o parallel_n place_n be_v that_o in_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 4._o though_o he_o be_v crucify_v through_o weakness_n his_o body_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o frail_a and_o subject_a to_o death_n as_o all_o humane_a body_n be_v yet_o he_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o reassume_v his_o soul_n and_o live_v again_o and_o still_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n he_o die_v as_o man_n but_o restore_v himself_o to_o life_n as_o he_o be_v god_n it_o be_v by_o christ_n divine_a spirit_n that_o his_o separate_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v reunite_v which_o you_o find_v thus_o assert_v by_o saint_n t_o paul_n rom._n â—_o 4._o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o humane_a spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v join_v again_o to_o his_o body_n by_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n by_o christ_n divinity_n his_o humanity_n be_v raise_v up_o and_o restore_v and_o now_o our_o apostle_n enlarge_v here_o further_o upon_o this_o quicken_a power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n or_o divinity_n in_o these_o word_n by_o which_o also_o he_o go_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n which_o sometime_o be_v disobedient_a etc._n etc._n the_o greek_a which_o be_v here_o translate_v by_o which_o be_v render_v by_o other_o wherefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ideò_fw-la say_v oecumenius_n and_o so_o it_o be_v think_v that_o these_o word_n bring_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v say_v before_o but_o there_o be_v few_o that_o follow_v this_o interpretation_n our_o own_o translation_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o more_o probable_a for_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n know_v that_o by_o be_v the_o frequent_a signification_n of_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o rational_a to_o refer_v the_o article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o word_n
sufficient_o punish_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o undergo_v and_o then_o as_o to_o their_o moral_a purgation_n if_o those_o person_n repent_v at_o all_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o their_o repentance_n in_o those_o unparalleled_a circumstance_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o that_o it_o prove_v on_o all_o account_n effectual_a and_o complete_a those_o water_n be_v able_a to_o cleanse_v they_o sufficient_o so_o that_o they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v send_v to_o these_o purge_v flame_n 4._o this_o be_v against_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o purgatory_n for_o they_o be_v say_v to_o end_v in_o a_o much_o short_a time_n the_o offender_n of_o the_o old_a world_n have_v lie_v shut_v up_o in_o this_o prison_n almost_o three_o thousand_o year_n according_a to_o these_o man_n interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o assert_v the_o pain_n of_o purgatory_n that_o they_o be_v much_o soon_o over_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v that_o these_o torment_n shall_v be_v of_o very_o long_a continuance_n 5._o why_o do_v christ_n go_v and_o take_v the_o antediluvian_n wretch_n out_o of_o the_o prison_n of_o purgatory_n and_o none_o else_o for_o these_o be_v only_o mention_v here_o and_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o any_o where_o else_o why_o do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d saviour_n clear_v that_o place_n and_o set_v open_v the_o prison-door_n to_o all_o and_o make_v a_o general_n jail-delivery_n or_o will_v these_o man_n say_v that_o none_o go_v to_o purgatory_n but_o those_o poor_a creature_n who_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d time_n this_o they_o will_v hardly_o assert_v these_o and_o several_a other_o reason_n may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n second_o some_o imagine_v that_o limbâ—â—_n patrum_fw-la be_v mean_v there_o by_o saint_n t_o peter_n christ_n go_v to_o this_o place_n say_v they_o and_o fetcheâ—_n thence_o all_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o die_v before_o his_o come_v some_o of_o the_o father_n as_o athanasius_n ambrose_n cyrâ—l_n of_o alexandria_n and_o other_o interpret_v the_o apostle_n word_n thus_o and_o it_o be_v their_o know_a assertion_n that_o all_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o body_n be_v impâ—isoneâ—_n in_o some_o low_a place_n under_o ground_n and_o there_o be_v detain_v till_o our_o saviour_n come_v and_o enlarge_v they_o these_o be_v the_o spirit_n in_o â—â—ison_n 〈…〉_z these_o word_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n whâ—â—_n christ_n 〈…〉_z be_v separate_a soul_n send_v to_o that_o foresay_a apartment_n and_o receptacle_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n be_v quicken_v in_o the_o spirit_n he_o say_v this_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n separate_a soul_n this_o be_v quicken_v go_v strait_a way_n to_o limbo_n to_o visit_v the_o separate_a soul_n there_o but_o 1._o bellarmin_n talk_v very_o wiâ—dly_o on_o this_o point_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v quicken_v or_o make_v alive_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unwary_o and_o groundless_o say_v by_o he_o that_o christ_n soul_n be_v quicken_v but_o 2_o lie_v i_o answer_v to_o what_o he_o and_o other_o allege_v concern_v limbus_n patrum_fw-la that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o place_n for_o the_o separate_a soul_n to_o go_v to_o this_o according_a to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o place_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o faithful_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v lodge_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o decease_a saint_n go_v present_o to_o heaven_n and_o be_v not_o detain_v in_o any_o prison_n much_o less_o so_o long_a a_o time_n before_o they_o reach_v that_o place_n of_o bliss_n therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o credit_v the_o romanist_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o with_o great_a confidence_n that_o christ_n go_v and_o preach_v to_o abraham_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o patriarch_n when_o he_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o that_o he_o acquaint_v they_o that_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n be_v finish_v and_o that_o he_o take_v they_o up_o with_o he_o to_o heaven_n let_v they_o first_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prison_n for_o they_o confess_v it_o be_v now_o demolish_a and_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v attend_v to_o what_o they_o say_v and_o not_o before_o 3._o this_o exposition_n be_v faulty_a because_o it_o be_v too_o wide_o for_o the_o text_n which_o refer_v only_o to_o those_o of_o noah_n day_n now_o suppose_v christ_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o prison_n how_o be_v it_o gather_v from_o the_o text_n that_o christ_n go_v and_o redeem_v all_o from_o that_o place_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o they_o assert_v that_o christ_n redeem_v only_o those_o who_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o ask_v how_o they_o come_v to_o have_v this_o privilege_n above_o the_o rest_n but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o so_o that_o one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v improbable_a three_o there_o be_v other_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n understand_v the_o damn_a spirit_n or_o soul_n in_o hell_n here_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o word_n prison_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o afterward_o but_o that_o christ_n go_v into_o hell_n and_o preach_v there_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n i_o be_o not_o convince_v how_o it_o can_v be_v make_v good_a from_o this_o text_n though_o i_o grant_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n make_v use_v of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n descend_v local_o and_o personal_o into_o those_o infernal_a region_n particular_o saint_n to_o augustin_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o from_o these_o very_a word_n and_o conclude_v at_o last_o 99_o who_o but_o a_o infidel_n will_v deny_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o hell_n as_o for_o several_a other_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o comment_n on_o this_o text_n some_o think_v it_o refer_v to_o limbus_n patrum_fw-la other_o to_o purgatory_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n conceive_v it_o speak_v of_o hell_n that_o place_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_n be_v torment_v this_o be_v the_o prison_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v say_v they_o but_o how_o do_v christ_n preach_v to_o the_o spirit_n there_o this_o preach_a be_v interpret_v after_o a_o different_a manner_n for_o some_o say_v our_o saviour_n go_v to_o punish_v and_o affright_v the_o devil_n to_o triumph_v over_o the_o damn_a and_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o conqueror_n over_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o infernal_a power_n but_o these_o man_n gross_o abuse_v saint_n to_o peter_n word_n when_o they_o expound_v they_o thus_o i._n e._n when_o they_o interpret_v christ_n preach_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n of_o his_o triumph_v over_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n the_o word_n preach_v be_v never_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n understand_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o all_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a style_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o far_o other_o meaning_n therefore_o this_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o downright_a pervert_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n only_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n other_o be_v not_o content_a to_o say_v that_o christ_n go_v to_o triumph_n over_o the_o damn_a but_o they_o talk_v of_o something_o high_a viz._n the_o relieve_v yea_o the_o deliver_v of_o the_o damn_a out_o of_o hell_n this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o preach_v here_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v a_o bold_a flight_n and_o but_o few_o of_o the_o opinion_n father_n have_v venture_v to_o soar_v so_o high_a but_o who_o will_v expect_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o from_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n yet_o there_o you_o will_v find_v he_o give_v this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n i._n e._n the_o disobedient_a soul_n in_o hell_n be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n preach_a they_o be_v a_o glorious_a spoil_n take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v say_v he_o there_o be_v any_o redemption_n out_o of_o hell_n now_o much_o less_o any_o purgatory_n for_o there_o be_v two_o notable_a occasion_n for_o this_o such_o as_o will_v never_o happen_v again_o for_o it_o respect_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v sudden_o sweep_v away_o in_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n and_o asâ—â—nsion_n he_o undermine_v the_o prince_n of_o death_n in_o