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a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o be_v a_o wise_a be_v in_o truth_n a_o illnatured_n man._n for_o most_o certain_o in_o proportion_n to_o our_o love_n of_o any_o thing_n will_v be_v our_o trouble_n and_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o so_o that_o under_o these_o great_a and_o heavy_a stroke_n we_o have_v need_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v a_o man_n in_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n and_o to_o sustain_v his_o spirit_n under_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n but_o this_o full_o answer_v all_o that_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o nay_o that_o if_o we_o bear_v these_o affliction_n patient_o and_o with_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n especial_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o cause_n it_o will_v certain_o increase_v our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n iv._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o of_o our_o future_a hope_n shall_v set_v we_o above_o the_o fondness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n for_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v raise_v to_o their_o true_a pitch_n and_o height_n till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n conquer_v these_o two_o passion_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o what_o be_v it_o that_o we_o see_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o strange_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o quae_fw-la lucis_fw-la miseris_fw-la tam_fw-la dira_fw-la cupido_fw-la this_o world_n 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and_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o another_o place_n which_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v and_o make_v amends_o to_o we_o for_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o fast_o most_o man_n cling_v to_o life_n and_o that_o even_o in_o old_a age_n how_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o twig_n that_o may_v but_o hold_v they_o up_o a_o little_a while_n and_o how_o fond_o they_o hanker_v after_o a_o miserable_a life_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o of_o pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v nothing_o more_o of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o hope_v for_o in_o it_o when_o they_o be_v just_o put_v in_o to_o the_o port_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v rejoice_v at_o their_o very_a heart_n that_o they_o see_v land_n yet_o how_o glad_a will_v they_o be_v then_o of_o any_o cross_a wind_n that_o will_v carry_v they_o back_o into_o the_o sea_n again_o as_o if_o they_o love_v to_o be_v toss_v and_o be_v fond_a of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n nay_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o even_o after_o we_o have_v make_v that_o acknowledgement_n of_o david_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n with_o thou_o as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v be_v apt_a with_o he_o to_o be_v still_o importune_v god_n for_o a_o little_o long_a life_n o_o spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o and_o when_o god_n have_v grant_v we_o this_o request_n than_o we_o will_v be_v spare_v yet_o a_o little_a long_o but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o design_n we_o to_o continue_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n make_v it_o so_o uneasy_a to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o linger_v here_o below_o we_o be_v detain_v from_o our_o happiness_n while_o we_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n this_o consideration_n make_v st._n paul_n so_o 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great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o dissolution_n with_o what_o constancy_n and_o evenness_n of_o mind_n do_v socrates_n receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o with_o what_o excellent_a discourse_n do_v he_o entertain_v his_o friend_n just_a before_o he_o drink_v off_o the_o fatal_a cup_n and_o after_o he_o have_v take_v it_o down_o whilst_o death_n be_v gradual_o seize_v upon_o he_o one_o can_v hardly_o without_o a_o very_a sensible_a transport_n read_v cato_n discourse_n concern_v his_o death_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o tully_n in_o his_o book_n of_o old_a age._n i_o be_o say_v he_o transport_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o see_v my_o forefather_n those_o excellent_a person_n of_o who_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v and_o write_a and_o now_o i_o be_o go_v to_o they_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v draw_v back_o into_o this_o world_n again_o quod_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la deus_fw-la mihi_fw-la largiatur_fw-la ut_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la aetate_fw-la repuerascam_fw-la &_o in_o cunis_fw-la vagiam_fw-la valde_fw-la recusem_fw-la if_o some_o god_n will_v offer_v i_o at_o this_o age_n to_o be_v a_o child_n again_o and_o to_o cry_v in_o the_o cradle_n i_o will_v earnest_o refuse_v it_o and_o upon_o no_o term_n accept_v it_o and_o now_o that_o my_o race_n be_v almost_o run_v and_o my_o course_n just_o finish_v how_o loath_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o and_o make_v to_o begin_v again_o for_o what_o advantage_n be_v there_o in_o life_n nay_o rather_o what_o labour_n and_o trouble_v be_v there_o not_o in_o it_o but_o let_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v there_o be_v certain_o some_o measure_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o man_n ought_v to_o know_v when_o they_o have_v enough_o of_o it_o o_o praeclarum_fw-la diem_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o illud_fw-la animorum_fw-la consilium_fw-la caetumque_fw-la proficiscar_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la turbâ_fw-la &_o colluvione_fw-la discedam_fw-la o_o bless_a and_o glorious_a day_n when_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o great_a council_n and_o assembly_n of_o spirit_n and_o have_v get_v out_o of_o this_o tumult_n and_o sink_v and_o if_o a_o heathen_a who_o have_v but_o some_o obscure_a glimmering_n of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o depart_a soul_n can_v speak_v thus_o cheerful_o of_o death_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o who_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n v._o we_o shall_v always_o prefer_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o the_o world_n because_o it_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n infinite_o more_o valuable_a if_o so_o be_v our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o do_v survive_v in_o another_o world_n and_o we_o must_v there_o give_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o all_o the_o action_n do_v by_o we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v evil._n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffer_v and_o death_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n or_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o present_a loss_n and_o suffer_v to_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v our_o religion_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o any_o kind_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o conscience_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o what_o will_v be_v the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o what_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v to_o i_o i_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n this_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v and_o these_o frown_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o bitter_a wrath_n and_o cruel_a malice_n of_o men._n what_o if_o to_o preserve_v this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a body_n i_o shall_v evident_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o my_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o escape_v a_o temporal_a inconvenience_n i_o forfeit_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o plunge_v myself_o into_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wild_a bargain_n and_o a_o mad_a exchange_n for_o any_o temporal_a gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o lose_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a and_o for_o the_o please_a of_o ourselves_o for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o arrive_v after_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n be_v over_o let_v we_o not_o by_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o stranger_n and_o the_o vicious_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o evil_a world_n bar_v ourselves_o of_o our_o hope_n and_o banish_v ourselves_o from_o that_o happy_a place_n to_o which_o we_o all_o profess_v we_o be_v go_v we_o pretend_v to_o be_v travel_v towards_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o destroy_v our_o own_o hope_n of_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o happy_a port._n we_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o our_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n if_o the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o another_o world_n do_v not_o raise_v we_o above_o all_o the_o temptation_n
obedience_n and_o self-denial_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o flood_n but_o insist_o chief_o upon_o the_o example_n of_o two_o eminent_a person_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o near_o to_o they_o and_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o one_o the_o father_n of_o their_o nation_n the_o other_o their_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o both_o of_o they_o the_o great_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o history_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v afford_v i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n the_o constancy_n of_o who_o faith_n and_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o who_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o difficult_a case_n be_v so_o remarkable_a above_o all_o the_o other_o example_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o leave_v his_o kindred_n and_o his_o country_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o shall_v go_v by_o which_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v whole_o at_o god_n disposal_n and_o ready_a to_o follow_v he_o but_o this_o be_v no_o trial_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o here_o in_o my_o text_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n but_o such_o be_v the_o immutable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o perfect_a submission_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o make_v the_o least_o check_n at_o it_o but_o out_o of_o perfect_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n he_o go_v about_o it_o as_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o as_o if_o god_n have_v bid_v he_o do_v some_o small_a thing_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o word_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_n second_o the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_a it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v tempt_v that_o be_v god_n intend_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v gen._n 22._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n do_v tempt_v abraham_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n now_o there_o be_v two_o difficulty_n concern_v this_o matter_n it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n that_o god_n shall_v tempt_v any_o man_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o god_n who_o know_v what_o every_o man_n will_v do_v need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n faith_n or_o obedience_n first_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o say_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o he_o may_v try_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o illustrious_a thus_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o he_o permit_v job_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o reason_n that_o god_n who_o know_v what_o any_o man_n will_v do_v in_o any_o circumstance_n shall_v go_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o but_o god_n do_v not_o try_v man_n for_o his_o own_o information_n but_o to_o give_v a_o illustrious_a proof_n and_o example_n to_o other_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o though_o after_o this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n god_n say_v to_o he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o as_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o god_n elsewhere_o speak_v to_o abraham_n concern_v sodom_n i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v altogether_o aecord_v to_o the_o cry_n which_o be_v come_v up_o unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n god_n accept_v of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o part_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v perform_v the_o rest_n if_o god_n have_v not_o countermand_v he_o and_o this_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o abraham_n will_v appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o second_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o resolution_n notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o hard_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o objection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n enough_o to_o shake_v a_o very_a strong_a faith_n there_o be_v three_o great_a objection_n against_o this_o command_n and_o such_o as_o may_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n doubtful_a whether_o this_o command_n be_v from_o god_n the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v the_o grievous_a scandal_n that_o may_v seem_v almost_o unavoidable_o to_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o former_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n void_a first_o the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v which_o be_v for_o a_o father_n to_o kill_v his_o own_o child_n this_o must_v needs_o appear_v very_o barbarous_a and_o unnatural_a and_o look_v like_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o to_o the_o true_a god_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o kindness_n and_o affection_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o there_o be_v no_o affection_n more_o natutural_a and_o strong_a than_o this_o for_o there_o be_v many_o person_n that_o will_v redeem_v the_o life_n of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o now_o that_o god_n have_v plant_v such_o a_o affection_n in_o nature_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n that_o increase_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o fact_n that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n first_o that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a it_o will_v grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o undutiful_a and_o disobedient_a so_o passionate_o be_v david_n affect_v with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n as_o to_o wish_v he_o have_v die_v for_o he_o though_o he_o die_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o though_o the_o save_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o government_n how_o deep_o then_o must_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o innocent_a son_n to_o death_n and_o such_o a_o son_n be_v isaac_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o this_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n who_o his_o father_n love_v and_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o this_o can_v not_o but_o appear_v strange_a to_o a_o good_a man_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v a_o innocent_a person_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o second_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n but_o to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o spectator_n but_o to_o be_v the_o actor_n in_o this_o tragedy_n what_o father_n will_v not_o shrink_v and_o start_v back_o at_o such_o a_o command_n what_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o where_o nature_n be_v so_o hard_o press_v will_v not_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v look_v upon_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o rather_o as_o the_o suggestion_n and_o illusion_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n than_o a_o command_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o abraham_n faith_n be_v
to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a persuasion_n but_o the_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a reason_n and_o sober_a consideration_n so_o the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o count_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o he_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a command_n he_o resolve_v to_o obey_v it_o as_o for_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v mention_v 1._o the_o horrid_a appearance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o father_n shall_v slay_v his_o innocent_a son_n why_o shall_v abraham_n scruple_n the_o do_v this_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n have_v power_n over_o it_o and_o may_v resume_v what_o he_o have_v give_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n when_o he_o will_v and_o make_v who_o he_o please_v instrument_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o command_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a case_n consider_v natural_a affection_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v execute_v but_o the_o question_n of_o god_n right_a over_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o command_v any_o man_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o pleasure_n in_o such_o a_o case_n admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n and_o the_o god_n have_v plant_v strong_a affection_n in_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n yet_o he_o have_v write_v no_o law_n in_o any_o man_n heart_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o sovereign_n right_o this_o be_v a_o case_n always_o except_v and_o this_o take_v away_o the_o objection_n of_o injustice_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v no_o great_a objection_n in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o parent_n over_o their_o child_n be_v in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o they_o may_v put_v they_o to_o death_n without_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o so_o that_o then_o it_o be_v no_o such_o startle_a matter_n to_o hear_v of_o a_o father_n put_v his_o child_n to_o death_n nay_o in_o much_o late_a time_n we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a law_n of_o the_o roman_n i_o mean_v those_o of_o the_o 12_o table_n child_n be_v absolute_o put_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o parent_n to_o who_o be_v give_v jus_o aquavitae_fw-la &_o necis_fw-la a_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o sell_v they_o for_o slave_n and_o though_o among_o the_o jew_n this_o paternal_a power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o father_n hand_n except_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n and_o rebellion_n and_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o process_n be_v to_o be_v before_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o elder_a time_n the_o paternal_a power_n be_v more_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a which_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o horror_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v now_o to_o we_o who_o have_v no_o such_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o history_n that_o this_o objection_n do_v much_o stick_n with_o abraham_n it_o be_v then_o no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o a_o father_n to_o put_v his_o child_n to_o death_n upon_o a_o just_a account_n and_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o have_v absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o live_v of_o his_o creature_n be_v certain_o a_o just_a reason_n and_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o that_o upon_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o action_n to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v that_o the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n seem_v to_o overthrow_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v before_o to_o abraham_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v this_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o here_o he_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o reconcile_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o former_a promise_n so_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v put_v to_o death_n yet_o he_o see_v how_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v still_o be_v make_v good_a by_o his_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o live_v afterward_o to_o have_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n there_o have_v then_o indeed_o be_v no_o instance_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o make_v abraham_n faith_n the_o more_o wonderful_a but_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o belief_n by_o a_o example_n as_o near_o the_o case_n as_o may_v be_v he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n this_o i_o know_v be_v by_o interpreter_n general_o understand_v of_o isaac_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n when_o he_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v slay_v but_o the_o text_n seem_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o happen_v after_o but_o of_o something_o that_o have_v pass_v before_o by_o which_o abraham_n confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o pervasion_n that_o if_o he_o be_v slay_v god_n will_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aught_o to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o past_a time_n from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n when_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v the_o age_n of_o have_v child_n which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o rom._n 4._o 17._o abraham_n believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v and_o not_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o a_o little_a before_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o and_o he_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o abraham_n reason_v thus_o that_o god_n who_o give_v he_o isaac_n at_o first_o in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n be_v able_a by_o another_o miracle_n to_o restore_v he_o to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o abraham_n faith_n he_o pitch_v upon_o the_o main_a difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o he_o answer_v it_o as_o well_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o his_o reason_n about_o this_o matter_n he_o give_v the_o utmost_a weight_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o to_o make_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n consistent_a with_o one_o another_o and_o this_o though_o he_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n and_o a_o very_a tender_a concernment_n of_o his_o own_o to_o have_v bias_v he_o for_o he_o may_v have_v argue_v with_o great_a appearance_n and_o probability_n the_o other_o way_n but_o as_o every_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n shall_v do_v he_o reason_v on_o god_n side_n and_o favour_v that_o part_n rather_o than_o disobey_v a_o command_n of_o god_n or_o believe_v that_o his_o promise_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a he_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v credible_a and_o possible_a how_o improbable_a soever_o thus_o far_o faith_n will_v go_v but_o no_o far_o from_o the_o believe_a of_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n it_o always_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v thus_o much_o for_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o hope_n have_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a because_o it_o tend_v to_o clear_v a_o point_n which_o
be_v discover_v 3._o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o ancient_a pope_n a_o large_a volume_n of_o forgery_n compile_v by_o isidore_n mercator_n to_o countenance_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v great_a use_n for_o several_a age_n and_o pertinacious_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o till_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n have_v at_o last_o be_v force_v for_o very_a shame_n to_o disclaim_v they_o and_o to_o confess_v the_o imposture_n of_o they_o a_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v show_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o slight_a of_o man_n such_o as_o gamester_n use_v at_o dice_n for_o to_o allege_v false_a and_o forge_a author_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o play_v with_o false_a dice_n when_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n 11._o our_o religion_n have_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o it_o do_v not_o decline_v trial_n and_o examination_n which_o to_o any_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n must_v needs_o appear_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a cause_n but_o if_o any_o church_n be_v shy_a of_o have_v her_o religion_n examine_v and_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n this_o give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o she_o have_v some_o distrust_n of_o they_o for_o truth_n do_v not_o seek_v corner_n nor_o shun_v the_o light_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v viz._n they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v a_o religion_n suspect_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v such_o proud_a boast_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o so_o fearful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o and_o that_o their_o people_n shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o hear_v and_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o 12._o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o our_o reliligion_n by_o human_n and_o christian_a way_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v by_o urge_v man_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o with_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a argument_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o alone_o be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o terror_n and_o torture_n of_o death_n may_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o awe_v they_o to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o this_o be_v no_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o convince_a the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o these_o violent_a and_o cruel_a way_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o great_o countenance_v and_o encourage_v by_o pope_n themselves_o witness_v the_o many_o croisades_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n the_o stand_a cruelty_n of_o their_o inquisition_n their_o occasional_a massacre_n and_o persecution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v fresh_a instance_n in_o every_o age._n but_o these_o method_n of_o conversion_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o either_o distur_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o else_o that_o they_o think_v truth_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n when_o dragoon_n be_v their_o ratio_fw-la ultima_fw-la the_o last_o reason_n which_o their_o cause_n rely_v upon_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a it_o can_v afford_v again_o we_o hold_v no_o doctrine_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v of_o that_o religion_n unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o sense_n and_o believe_v against_o the_o clear_a verdict_n of_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n but_o after_o this_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n if_o any_o man_n forbid_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v i_o forbid_v he_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a and_o sure_a evidence_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o if_o i_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n than_o the_o mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v convey_v be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o another_o case_n then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o be_v vain_a last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n as_o to_o several_a thing_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v on_o the_o much_o safe_a side_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o lawful_a to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o allow_v this_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o language_n which_o all_o that_o join_v in_o it_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v not_o have_v do_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a not_o to_o worship_n image_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n otherwise_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o have_v forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v pray_v to_o god_n only_o and_o offer_v up_o all_o his_o prayer_n to_o he_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o rely_v herein_o upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o i._n e._n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n since_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n all_o the_o blessing_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o by_z addressing_z himself_z only_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o that_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n nay_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o think_v that_o this_o be_v both_o a_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v our_o request_n than_o by_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o solicit_v god_n for_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o shall_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v ten_o time_n more_o frequent_a address_n to_o these_o than_o we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o to_o neglect_v these_o we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o more_o able_a to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a than_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n style_v he_o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o intercessor_n so_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n as_o his_o only_a and_o dear_o belove_a son_n offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o most_o acceptable_a and_o invaluable_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o he_o on_o earth_n we_o can_v sure_o think_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o goodness_n any_o where_o as_o in_o god_n that_o in_o any_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o even_o in_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n there_o be_v more_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n for_o sinner_n and_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n
they_o bless_v who_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o forcible_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v not_o praise_n no_o reward_n belong_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o so_o violent_a and_o irresistible_a a_o evidence_n it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o improbable_a but_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v because_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o dispute_n no_o objection_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o shake_v our_o assent_n unless_o we_o will_v run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n for_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o we_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n this_o do_v so_o violent_o enforce_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o as_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o will_v very_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o bless_a condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o after_o be_v tempt_v know_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o happiness_n or_o bring_v he_o into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n such_o a_o sight_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o affect_v a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v and_o leave_v such_o impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n that_o we_o may_v soon_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v conspire_v to_o kill_v one_o another_o than_o that_o such_o a_o man_n by_o consent_v to_o any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n shall_v wilful_o throw_v himself_o into_o those_o flame_n no_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v continual_o haunt_v with_o those_o fury_n he_o have_v see_v torment_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o fearful_a shriek_n and_o outcry_n of_o miserable_a soul_n will_v be_v perpetual_o ring_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o man_n will_v have_v so_o lively_a and_o terrible_a a_o imagination_n of_o the_o danger_n he_o be_v run_v himself_o upon_o that_o no_o temptation_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v his_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o careless_a of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n after_o he_o have_v once_o see_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n obedience_n will_v be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o must_v be_v very_o little_a for_o what_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o a_o perfect_a mad_a man_n will_v do_v for_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v be_v beside_o himself_o that_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n be_v seduce_v to_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n after_o he_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o dismal_a event_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a course_n god_n have_v design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o place_n for_o this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n for_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o see_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o what_o argument_n will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o man_n virtue_n to_o forbear_v sin_v after_o he_o have_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o see_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o sinner_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assent_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n now_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o of_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a it_o will_v not_o move_v we_o at_o all_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v good_a nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n and_o prevent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o slight_v it_o as_o not_o worth_a our_o regard_n but_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o our_o faith_n be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n both_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o state_n concern_v thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n argue_v we_o into_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v equal_o distribute_v we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a we_o have_v a_o most_o credible_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o visible_a aseension_n into_o heaven_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n want_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o only_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o this_o present_a state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o all_o this_o but_o what_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o uncertainty_n which_o do_v not_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a interest_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o make_v they_o hesitate_n about_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o at_o last_o there_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n our_o condition_n after_o death_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n because_o all_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n but_o if_o thing_n fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o most_o undoubted_o they_o will_v and_o our_o soul_n after_o this_o life_n do_v pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o our_o great_a interest_n plain_o lie_v in_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o secure_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o by_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o govern_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n by_o this_o belief_n for_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o consequent_o of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o set_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o promote_v and_o pursue_v to_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o a_o far_o great_a by_o he_o that_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o live_v according_o than_o by_o any_o other_o person_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o as_o all_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a
for_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o call_v the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o unto_o repentance_n where_o the_o least_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o impossible_a be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o so_o the_o word_n impossible_a be_v sometime_o use_v as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n say_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v they_o who_o renounce_v christianity_n since_o they_o reject_v the_o only_a way_n of_o expiation_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n st._n peter_n likewise_o express_v himself_o very_o severe_o concern_v this_o sort_n of_o person_n 2_o epist._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n they_o be_v entangle_v therein_o again_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n he_o seem_v loath_a to_o say_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v but_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n before_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o st._n john_n call_v this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o 1_o epist._n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o this_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n be_v most_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v verse_n 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v this_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o be_v preserve_v from_o idolatry_n unto_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n the_o devil_n who_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v have_v bring_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o caution_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o dependence_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o apostasy_n be_v so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o st._n john_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o at_o the_o very_o best_a the_o scripture_n speak_v doubtful_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o this_o sin_n however_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v be_v very_o dreadful_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v mild_o express_v here_o in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v the_o more_o severe_a for_o be_v express_v so_o mild_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o figure_n here_o use_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n this_o expression_n of_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o person_n be_v explain_v by_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o that_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n there_o be_v very_o severe_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n ch._n 2._o 2_o 3._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_v moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o know_v he_o who_o have_v say_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v recompense_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_a and_o terrible_a than_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o that_o be_v rev._n 21._o 8._o where_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o great_a sinner_n those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o religion_n out_o of_o fear_n do_v lead_v the_o van_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o book_n express_v by_o continue_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o the_o abominable_a and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o liar_n that_o be_v they_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n relapse_n into_o infidelity_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o offender_n and_o be_v punish_v according_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o apostasy_n the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o be_v there_o any_o need_n now_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o danger_n of_o draw_v back_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o terrible_a or_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n and_o occasion_n for_o it_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n among_o we_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n not_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o but_o from_o religion_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o of_o this_o worst_a kind_n of_o apostasy_n of_o all_o other_o i_o wish_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o have_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v christianity_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o shall_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o undermine_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o most_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n into_o contempt_n and_o
be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o neither_o of_o these_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o force_n sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a because_o if_o he_o be_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v ever_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n can_v be_v no_o argument_n in_o this_o case_n because_o the_o duty_n be_v just_a as_o difficult_a as_o the_o argument_n be_v powerful_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v move_v to_o submit_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v grievous_a and_o terrible_a but_o by_o something_o that_o be_v more_o terrible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n whether_o he_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o not_o and_o then_o no_o man_n can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a only_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v so_o for_o this_o will_v be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v himself_o upon_o that_o very_a inconvenience_n which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o and_o it_o be_v madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o die_v for_o fear_n of_o death_n quis_fw-la novus_fw-la hic_fw-la furor_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-la moriare_fw-la mori_fw-la by_o this_o it_o plain_o appear_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o by_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n our_o saviour_n shall_v require_v man_n to_o renounce_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o because_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v impose_v that_o upon_o we_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o oblige_v we_o whereto_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n offer_v that_o can_v be_v powerful_a enough_o as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o impossible_a supposition_n because_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o creature_n for_o ever_o miserable_a that_o shall_v not_o by_o his_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o impenitence_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v only_o cast_v in_o to_o add_v weight_n the_o other_o reason_n of_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v the_o only_a consideration_n for_o which_o there_o be_v any_o manner_n of_o colour_n from_o scripture_n and_o two_o instance_n be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n of_o two_o very_a excellent_a person_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v desire_v this_o and_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o we_o will_v make_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n the_o instance_n allege_v be_v these_o moses_n desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rather_o than_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o he_o have_v conduct_v and_o govern_v so_o long_o shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o can_v wish_v that_o himself_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n so_o earnest_a a_o desire_n have_v he_o of_o their_o salvation_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v of_o force_n sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o former_a discourse_n for_o the_o desire_n of_o moses_n amount_v only_o to_o a_o submission_n to_o a_o temporal_a death_n that_o his_o nation_n may_v be_v save_v from_o a_o temporal_a ruin_n for_o the_o expression_n of_o blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o those_o phrase_n so_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o blot_v out_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o blot_v out_o one_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o temporal_a death_n and_o destruction_n and_o than_o moses_n wish_n be_v reasonable_a and_o generous_a and_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a if_o god_n please_v to_o die_v to_o save_v the_o nation_n as_o for_o st._n paul_n wish_n of_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n it_o be_v plain_o a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n of_o his_o great_a affection_n to_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o his_o zeal_n for_o their_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n reasonable_a and_o lawful_a he_o can_v have_v wish_v the_o great_a evil_n to_o himself_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o positive_a and_o absolute_a wish_n but_o express_v in_o the_o usual_a form_n of_o usher_v in_o a_o hyperbole_n i_o can_v wish_v just_a as_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o say_v when_o we_o will_v express_v a_o thing_n to_o the_o height_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o intend_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o i_o can_v wish_v so_o or_o so_o i_o can_v even_o afford_v to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o which_o kind_n of_o speech_n no_o man_n take_v for_o a_o strict_a and_o precise_a declaration_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o for_o a_o figurative_a expression_n of_o a_o great_a passion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o precept_n or_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v to_o remove_v some_o sort_n of_o self-denial_n which_o by_o some_o be_v frequent_o instance_a in_o as_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o declare_v positive_o what_o that_o self-denial_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v and_o it_o be_v plain_o this_o and_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n and_o convenience_n to_o quit_v all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o then_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o the_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o bear_v any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o be_v to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o full_a meaning_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n will_v clear_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_a instance_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o this_o self-denial_n when_o ever_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o by_o which_o you_o will_v plain_o see_v that_o these_o expression_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o i_o have_v say_v even_o here_o in_o the_o text_n after_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o that_o will_v come_v after_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n it_o follow_v immediate_o for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o instance_v in_o part_v with_o our_o life_n for_o he_o as_o the_o high_a piece_n of_o self-denial_n which_o he_o require_v and_o he_o himself_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n than_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n elsewhere_o he_o instance_v in_o quit_v our_o near_a relation_n for_o his_o sake_n luke_o 14._o 26_o 27._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n which_o expression_n of_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o other_o relation_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v rigorous_o and_o in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n but_o comparative_o for_o it_o be_v a_o hebrew_n manner_n of_o speech_n to_o express_v that_o absolute_o which_o be_v mean_v only_o comparative_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n explain_v himself_o in_o a_o parallel_n text_n to_o this_o matth._n 10._o 37_o 38._o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o he_o that_o love_v son_n or_o daughter_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o in_o another_o place_n our_o saviour_n instance_v in_o quit_v our_o estate_n for_o his_o sake_n matth._n 19_o 29._o every_o one_o that_o shall_v forsake_v house_n or_o brethren_n or_o sister_n or_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o land_n for_o my_o
to_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v for_o his_o best_a friend_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o want_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a if_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o exercise_v with_o suffering_n and_o reproach_n let_v we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o our_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o condition_n or_o decline_v it_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o content_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o destitute_a how_o meek_a and_o patient_a in_o the_o most_o afflict_a and_o suffer_a condition_n how_o he_o welcome_v all_o event_n and_o be_v so_o perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n that_o whatever_o please_v god_n please_v he_o and_o sure_o in_o no_o case_n be_v example_n more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o duty_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o bare_a precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o a_o peremptory_a command_n to_o sacrifice_v our_o own_o will_n our_o ease_n our_o pleasure_n our_o reputation_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o truth_n will_v have_v sound_v very_o harsh_a and_o severe_a have_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o this_o be_v mollify_v and_o sweeten_v by_o a_o pattern_n of_o so_o much_o advantage_n by_o one_o who_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n deny_v himself_o much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v by_o one_o who_o may_v have_v insist_v upon_o a_o great_a right_n who_o abase_v himself_n and_o stoop_v from_o a_o great_a hight_n and_o dignity_n who_o be_v not_o force_v into_o a_o condition_n of_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n but_o choose_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n who_o submit_v to_o suffer_v though_o he_o have_v never_o deserve_v it_o here_o be_v a_o example_n that_o have_v all_o the_o argument_n and_o all_o the_o encouragement_n that_o can_v be_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o such_o a_o example_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n than_o any_o precept_n or_o law_n can_v be_v so_o that_o well_o may_v our_o lord_n thus_o go_v before_o we_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o for_o if_o he_o thus_o deny_v himself_o well_o may_v we_o who_o have_v much_o less_o to_o deny_v but_o much_o more_o cause_n and_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o he_o do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o choice_n but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n he_o do_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n we_o do_v it_o for_o our_o own_o his_o own_o goodness_n move_v he_o to_o deny_v himself_o for_o we_o but_o gratitude_n oblige_v we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o he_o have_v whole_o merit_v all_o this_o and_o infinite_o more_o from_o we_o so_o that_o such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v they_o therein_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v eph._n 1._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v say_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o general_a to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n very_o powerful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n reside_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a able_a to_o bear_v we_o up_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o strength_n be_v afford_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a manner_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o support_v under_o suffering_n so_o that_o they_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o may_v according_a to_o god_n glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n as_o st._n paul_n pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n ch._n 1._o 11._o and_o these_o consolation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o peculiar_o appropriate_v to_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n but_o be_v still_o afford_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o and_o whenever_o god_n exercise_v good_a man_n with_o trial_n more_o than_o humane_a and_o such_o suffering_n as_o be_v beyond_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v he_o have_v promise_v to_o endue_v they_o with_o more_o than_o humane_a courage_n and_o resolution_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v daunt_v at_o any_o suffer_v if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o strength_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o sharpness_n of_o our_o suffering_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n many_o of_o our_o persecute_a brethren_n at_o this_o day_n have_v remarkable_o find_v this_o comfortable_a assistance_n and_o support_n though_o many_o likewise_o have_v fall_v through_o fear_n and_o weakness_n as_o it_o also_o happen_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o where_o ever_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v good_a it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v former_o say_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o fault_n and_o fail_v on_o our_o part_n either_o man_n be_v not_o sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v offend_v and_o fall_v off_o or_o else_o they_o be_v too_o confident_a to_o themselves_o and_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o thereupon_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o as_o he_o do_v peter_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o rash_a confidence_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o case_n when_o there_o be_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n at_o the_o bottom_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o give_v to_o such_o person_n as_o he_o do_v to_o peter_n the_o 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in_o this_o world_n which_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o itself_o extreme_o credible_a have_v thus_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v dispatch_v the_o two_o particular_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v what_o influence_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n as_o to_o another_o life_n if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a this_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o these_o follow_a respect_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v but_o very_o brief_o mention_v 1._o let_v we_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v ourselves_o as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n let_v we_o not_o engage_v our_o affection_n too_o far_o in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v and_o settle_v in_o it_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o it_o a_o little_a will_v serve_v for_o our_o passage_n and_o accommodation_n in_o this_o journey_n and_o beyond_o that_o why_o shall_v we_o so_o earnest_o covet_v and_o seek_v more_o 2._o if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n than_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o blameless_o and_o inoffensive_o remember_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v will_v be_v very_o curious_a and_o observant_a of_o our_o manner_n and_o carriage_n 3._o let_v we_o be_v cheerful_a and_o patient_a under_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n they_o who_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a country_n must_v expect_v to_o encounter_v many_o injury_n and_o affront_v and_o to_o be_v put_v to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hazard_n which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bear_v with_o that_o cheerfulness_n as_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o a_o journey_n use_v to_o bear_v foul_a way_n and_o bad_a wether_n and_o inconvenient_a lodging_n and_o accommodation_n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o future_a hope_n shall_v set_v we_o above_o the_o fondness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n for_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v raise_v to_o their_o true_a pitch_n and_o hight_n till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n conquer_v these_o two_o passion_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o what_o do_v we_o see_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o strange_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o quae_fw-la miseri_fw-la lucis_fw-la tam_fw-la dira_fw-la cupido_fw-la this_o world_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a place_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o bear_v himself_o towards_o it_o with_o the_o most_o indifferent_a affection_n that_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o patient_a to_o stay_v in_o it_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v 5._o we_o shall_v always_o prefer_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o the_o world_n because_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n more_o valuable_a if_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o do_v survive_v in_o another_o world_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n reason_v with_o himself_o from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o exercise_v myself_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n last_o if_o we_o be_v sojourner_n and_o traveller_n we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o our_o end_n and_o careful_o mind_v the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o end_n be_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n say_v good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o be_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n we_o may_v easy_o mistake_v our_o way_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o therefore_o we_o shall_v often_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o david_n do_v psalm_n 119._o 19_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o psalm_n 139._o 23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n xi_o 13._o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v late_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o a_o particular_a day_n and_o occasion_n begin_v to_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o the_o head_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v and_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v and_o that_o which_o i_o design_v from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o condition_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n and_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o say_v with_o david_n psal._n 39_o 12._o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n with_o thou_o and_o a_o sojourner_n as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v it_o be_v very_o frequent_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o other_o author_n to_o represent_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n by_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o far_a country_n for_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o man_n and_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o native_n of_o heaven_n and_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v be_v design_v to_o return_v to_o that_o heavenly_a country_n from_o which_o they_o come_v and_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o for_o the_o 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