his_o own_o kingdom_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o though_o he_o do_v many_o great_a work_n yet_o he_o give_v they_o no_o sign_n from_o heaven_n matt._n 16._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v they_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n it_o seem_v they_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v some_o immediate_a testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o elias_n when_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v his_o enemy_n and_o particular_o they_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v down_o and_o save_v himself_o and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v their_o expectation_n in_o this_o they_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o other_o and_o great_a miracle_n perverse_o to_o insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a kind_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o fancy_v as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o as_o much_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n four_o as_o to_o his_o conversation_n they_o have_v these_o three_o exception_n 1._o that_o he_o use_v no_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n or_o diet_n take_v too_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o think_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v he_o free_o use_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v with_o temperance_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o do_v not_o lay_v those_o rigorous_a restraint_n upon_o himself_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o many_o that_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o religious_a among_o they_o use_v to_o do_v but_o he_o plain_o show_v they_o that_o this_o exception_n be_v mere_o out_o of_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o austerity_n they_o will_v have_v reject_v he_o as_o well_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o do_v matth._n 11._o 16._o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n he_o live_v in_o a_o more_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a way_n he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n use_v great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n and_o diet_n and_o this_o they_o take_v exception_n at_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n so_o that_o let_v our_o saviour_n have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o have_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n so_o peevish_o and_o perverse_o dispose_v 2._o that_o he_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o which_o exception_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o our_o saviour_n own_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o physician_n to_o the_o world_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a or_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o patient_n among_o who_o his_o proper_a employment_n lay_v 3._o they_o object_v to_o he_o profaneness_n in_o break_v the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o sure_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n if_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v heal_v one_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n that_o that_o be_v but_o a_o positive_a institution_n but_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v even_o his_o own_o institution_n to_o give_v way_n to_o those_o great_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o refreshment_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v intend_v to_o his_o prejudice_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n five_o another_o great_a prejudice_n against_o he_o be_v that_o person_n of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7._o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n against_o he_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o guide_n ought_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o we_o and_o over-rule_v we_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o not_o against_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a corruption_n in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o they_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n at_o that_o time_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o more_o endanger_v nor_o never_o more_o corrupt_v than_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o great_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v understand_v religion_n best_o and_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a support_n of_o it_o man_n may_v err_v but_o god_n can_v so_o that_o when_o god_n send_v a_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o word_n do_v plain_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o human_a example_n and_o authority_n cease_v and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o last_o prejudice_n i_o shall_v mention_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o it_o do_v abolish_v and_o supersede_n their_o religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n this_o have_v be_v a_o very_a specious_a pretence_n indeed_o have_v not_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o their_o own_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o perfect_v what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o their_o institution_n it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o their_o law_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v unto_o they_o another_o prophet_n like_v to_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v he_o when_o he_o come_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o false_a but_o as_o imperfect_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v but_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o the_o chief_a exception_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o now_o time_n to_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o see_v upon_o what_o slight_a and_o unreasonable_a ground_n man_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o best_a person_n and_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o confident_a all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o so_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v on_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n that_o we_o way_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o thing_n and_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v preserve_v free_a and_o indifferent_a to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o otherwise_o self-conceit_n and_o passion_n will_v so_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o bias_n our_o judgement_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v unable_a to_o discern_v and_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n we_o see_v here_o by_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o give_v way_n to_o passion_n and_o cherish_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n man_n may_v be_v so_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o resist_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o reject_v even_o salvation_n itself_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o scripture_n say_v
conclude_v that_o if_o he_o be_v permit_v to_o go_v on_o and_o work_v miracle_n he_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o what_o do_v we_o say_v they_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o this_o they_o say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o reason_n miracle_n be_v the_o high_a attestation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o suppose_v a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v plain_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o miracle_n they_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v and_o induce_v belief_n all_o truth_n do_v not_o need_v miracle_n some_o be_v of_o easy_a belief_n and_o be_v so_o clear_a by_o their_o own_o light_n that_o they_o need_v neither_o miracle_n nor_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v they_o such_o be_v those_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o mankind_n do_v general_o agree_v in_o other_o which_z be_v not_o so_o evident_a by_o their_o own_o light_n we_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v upon_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o they_o or_o very_o probable_a argument_n for_o they_o without_o a_o miracle_n and_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n which_o however_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o most_o man_n yet_o be_v they_o so_o inconsiderable_a and_o of_o so_o small_a consequence_n as_o not_o to_o deserve_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v interpose_v by_o a_o miracle_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o they_o nec_fw-la deus_fw-la intersit_fw-la nisi_fw-la dignus_fw-la vindice_fw-la nodus_fw-la inciderit_fw-la but_o for_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o be_v not_o sufficient_o evident_a of_o themselves_o nor_o capable_a of_o cogent_a evidence_n especial_o to_o prejudice_v and_o interest_v person_n god_n be_v please_v in_o this_o case_n many_o time_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o our_o conviction_n and_o they_o be_v a_o proper_a argument_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o in_o itself_o obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o which_o we_o be_v prejudice_v against_o and_o hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v for_o they_o be_v a_o argument_n à _fw-fr majori_fw-la ad_fw-la minus_n they_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o something_o that_o be_v more_o incredible_a which_o yet_o they_o can_v deny_v because_o they_o see_v it_o do_v thus_o our_o saviour_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o never_o man_n do_v he_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v because_o they_o see_v he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o one_o have_v not_o see_v they_o than_o what_o he_o say_v miracle_n be_v indeed_o the_o great_a external_a confirmation_n and_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o where_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o such_o be_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n here_o be_v miracle_n of_o all_o kind_n the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v and_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v divine_a and_o to_o come_v from_o god_n for_o they_o be_v heal_v and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n our_o saviour_n here_o instance_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o which_o free_a man_n from_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a soundness_n and_o health_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a and_o then_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o instance_n of_o a_o kind_n but_o several_a of_o every_o kind_n and_o great_a multitude_n of_o most_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n they_o be_v public_a in_o the_o sight_n and_o view_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n to_o free_v they_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n they_o be_v not_o wrought_v private_o and_o in_o corner_n and_o give_v out_o and_o noise_v abroad_o but_o before_o all_o the_o people_n so_o that_o every_o one_o may_v see_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o not_o only_o among_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o follower_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o work_v they_o but_o among_o his_o enemy_n to_o convince_v those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o this_o not_o do_v once_o and_o in_o one_o place_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o come_v and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o after_o his_o death_n he_o endow_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n with_o the_o same_o power_n which_o last_v for_o some_o age_n and_o then_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o they_o they_o be_v miracle_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n those_o of_o they_o which_o in_o themselves_o may_v have_v be_v perform_v by_o natural_a mean_n as_o heal_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o the_o deaf_a he_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n by_o a_o word_n or_o a_o touch_n yea_o and_o many_o time_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o other_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n unquestionable_o miraculous_a as_o give_v of_o sight_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a and_o raise_v up_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n as_o lazarus_n after_o he_o have_v lie_v in_o the_o grave_n four_o day_n and_o himself_o afterterwards_o the_o three_o day_n after_o he_o have_v be_v bury_v which_o if_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o unquestionable_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v repute_v such_o so_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v all_o the_o attestation_n that_o miracle_n can_v give_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o evidence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v work_v great_a miracle_n and_o their_o own_o talmud_n confess_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n do_v work_v great_a miracle_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v particular_o relate_v more_o and_o great_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o than_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n that_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o that_o we_o may_v still_o put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o one_o another_o when_o christ_n come_v when_o the_o messiah_n who_o you_o expect_v come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v but_o second_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o the_o correspondency_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n not_o to_o mention_v innumerable_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n together_o with_o the_o success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v punctual_o foretell_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o particular_n here_o in_o the_o text._n first_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v work_v miraculous_a cure_n isa_n 35._o 4_o 5_o 6._o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n he_o will_v come_v and_o save_v you_o then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v be_v unstopped_a then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb_a sing_v this_o you_o see_v be_v fulfil_v here_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o text_n mention_n another_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o if_o god_n do_v more_o than_o he_o promise_v and_o foretell_v this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o argument_n if_o all_o that_o he_o foretell_v be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o
the_o world_n and_o conclude_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o abuse_a liberty_n that_o the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o 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obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motiyes_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christiane_n religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n 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of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o hiwself_n a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o 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that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o
sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n as_o to_o keep_v the_o balance_n of_o their_o judgement_n even_o and_o to_o suffer_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o reason_n to_o weigh_v with_o they_o we_o general_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v all_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n but_o few_o of_o we_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o traveller_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o the_o fair_a and_o the_o easy_a way_n but_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o go_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o our_o end_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v choose_v our_o way_n only_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o not_o consider_v our_o inclination_n so_o much_o as_o our_o design_n nor_o choose_v those_o principle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o present_a desire_n but_o those_o which_o will_v most_o certain_o bring_v 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the_o great_a objection_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o man_n mind_n against_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o can_v profess_v to_o believe_v it_o without_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n sermon_n iu._n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom_n i._o 4._o and_o 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 st_n paul_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n according_a to_o his_o custom_n in_o the_o rest_n style_v himself_o a_o apostle_n particular_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o god_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a subject_n whereof_o be_v jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n so_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o be_v of_o his_o posterity_n by_o his_o mother_n who_o be_v of_o that_o house_n and_o line_n make_a of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n v._o 3._o but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n 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 all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o christ_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o most_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v predestinate_v decree_v determine_v but_o it_o likewise_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v define_v declare_v demonstrate_v put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o translation_n render_v it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o according_a to_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manifest_v itself_o in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n that_o be_v mighty_o powerful_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o follow_v our_o own_o translation_n i_o shall_v handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o contain_v this_o proposition_n in_o they_o that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o proposition_n to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v this_o proposition_n and_o the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o it_o first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o way_n or_o other_o eminent_o manifest_v in_o he_o i_o say_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n as_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o man_n be_v natural_o say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o life_n and_o be_v so_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v life_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o at_o his_o conception_n which_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n overshadow_v as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o then_o at_o his_o resurrection_n when_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n raise_v to_o life_n again_o now_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n only_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v real_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a but_o most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v open_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o 1._o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v
lay_v the_o main_a stress_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v condemn_v he_o by_o their_o law_n they_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o in_o his_o life-time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 10._o 36._o say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o the_o chief_a priest_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o this_o and_o he_o own_v this_o charge_n that_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o they_o judge_v he_o guilty_a of_o death_n matth._n 26._o 65_o 66._o then_o the_o highpriest_n rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o say_v he_o have_v speak_v blasphemy_n what_o further_a need_n have_v we_o of_o witness_n behold_v now_o you_o have_v hear_v his_o blasphemy_n what_o think_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o when_o pilate_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o they_o still_o instance_n in_o this_o as_o his_o crime_n john_n 19_o 7._o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o our_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v because_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o put_v to_o death_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v he_o up_o into_o heaven_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o vain_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o mighty_a demonstration_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n 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the_o world_n be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o this_o none_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o know_v and_o to_o report_v true_o to_o mankind_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o article_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o a_o man_n salvation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o 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the_o sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n for_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n 2_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a assure_v we_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o ever_o doubt_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n so_o that_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o more_o especial_o to_o these_o three_o purpose_n one_a to_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o man_n convince_v of_o this_o great_a and_o obvious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o a_o few_o day_n and_o everlasting_a age_n will_v we_o but_o sometime_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n die_v man_n have_v of_o this_o world_n how_o vain_a and_o empty_a a_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o they_o how_o like_o a_o pageant_n and_o shadow_n it_o look_v as_o it_o pass_v away_o from_o they_o methinks_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a delight_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o intent_n upon_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n this_o vast_a and_o howl_a wilderness_n this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n which_o we_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v through_o which_o shall_v detain_v and_o entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o our_o everlasting_a habitation_n from_o that_o better_a and_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o 2_o the_o 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the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n such_o as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o great_a offender_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o church_n do_v refuse_v to_o admit_v apostate_n and_o some_o other_o great_a offender_n as_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n to_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n this_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n neque_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la neque_fw-la sanguini_fw-la pax_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la redditur_fw-la they_o admit_v neither_o idolater_n nor_o murderer_n to_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o penitent_a and_o shed_v never_o so_o many_o tear_n yet_o he_o say_v they_o be_v jejunae_fw-la pacis_fw-la lacrimae_fw-la their_o tear_n be_v in_o vain_a to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v indeed_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o pronounce_v their_o case_n desperate_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n sed_fw-la de_fw-la veniâ_fw-la deo_fw-la reservamus_fw-la for_o that_o they_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v admit_v again_o into_o the_o church_n so_o strict_a be_v many_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o moderate_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n into_o question_n but_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o word_n shall_v primary_o be_v understand_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o penance_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o 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ignominy_n which_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o and_o therefore_o in_o account_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o by_o their_o action_n they_o do_v approve_v so_o that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o use_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ignominious_a manner_n even_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ch._n 10_o 29._o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o clear_o i_o can_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o several_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o amount_n to_o this_o that_o if_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o imagine_v how_o such_o person_n shall_v recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o if_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o have_v put_v to_o death_n and_o ignominious_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o reject_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o suffer_v deserve_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a vindication_n of_o they_o from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o five_o thing_n one_a that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o only_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v recover_v to_o repentance_n with_o great_a difficulty_n three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n four_o that_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 5th_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n one_a that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o discourse_v of_o and_o show_v wherein_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o do_v remarkable_o distinguish_v the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n from_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v by_o our_o saviour_n one_a the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v evident_o such_o as_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o whereas_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v such_o as_o constant_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o resist_v the_o evidence_n he_o offer_v for_o it_o two_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consist_v in_o blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o say_v he_o do_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o malicious_a and_o unreasonable_a impute_v of_o the_o plain_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v but_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2d_o thing_n namely_o that_o this_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o man_n have_v commit_v be_v capable_a of_o pardon_n except_v only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v a_o very_a severe_a expression_n that_o if_o such_o person_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v this_o phrase_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n impossible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o use_v for_o that_o which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a nor_o indeed_o will_v our_o saviour_n declaration_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o that_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o be_v pardonable_a except_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suffer_v we_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o the_o most_o rigorous_a sense_n three_o the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o sin_n plain_o forbid_v by_o the_o christian_a law_n may_v be_v say_v so_o far_o to_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fall_v away_o which_o the_o apostle_n
unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o see_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n even_o of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o all_o they_o have_v entertain_v a_o new_a religion_n yet_o they_o retain_v the_o old_a pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o their_o nation_n against_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o none_o but_o themselves_o have_v any_o share_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o be_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o messiah_n our_o saviour_n do_v so_o far_o consider_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o that_o he_o never_o in_o his_o life_n time_n acquaint_v they_o with_o this_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o full_o to_o understand_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v john_n 16._o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o then_o capable_a and_o though_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o have_v declare_v this_o sufficient_o to_o they_o yet_o by_o their_o practice_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o understand_v all_o this_o only_a of_o the_o jew_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o then_o to_o those_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o history_n of_o their_o first_o preach_v record_v in_o the_o act_n that_o they_o preach_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o prejudice_n that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o this_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o heathen_a world_n nor_o be_v they_o convince_v to_o the_o contrary_a till_o st._n peter_n have_v a_o special_a vision_n and_o revelation_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o upon_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v they_o into_o this_o truth_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o to_o this_o st._n peter_n plain_o refer_v act_v 10._o 42._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o preach_v unto_o the_o people_n so_o likewise_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v 13._o 46._o where_o they_o speak_v thus_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v first_o he_o preach_v to_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v we_o now_o he_o not_o where_o command_v this_o but_o in_o this_o commission_n which_o he_o give_v they_o before_o his_o ascension_n second_o you_o have_v here_o a_o particular_a declaration_n how_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v this_o work_n of_o make_v disciple_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n 2._o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v here_o call_v baptise_v they_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a rite_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o initiate_a of_o person_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n in_o use_n before_o both_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o heathen_a observe_v it_o at_o the_o initiate_a person_n into_o their_o religious_a mystery_n and_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o admit_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n at_o which_o time_n the_o male_n as_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o baptize_v the_o woman_n be_v only_o baptize_v one_o circumstance_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o grow_v person_n be_v that_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n up_o to_o the_o neck_n they_o recite_v several_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o the_o jewish_a writer_n further_a tell_v we_o this_o ceremony_n do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o grow_v year_n but_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n if_o it_o be_v desire_v upon_o condition_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o religious_a ceremony_n use_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o without_o any_o divine_a institution_n that_o we_o know_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o none_o of_o his_o institution_n seem_v to_o have_v favour_v unnecessary_a innovation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o superstition_n of_o decline_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o religious_a use_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o seem_v the_o rather_o to_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n for_o see_v it_o be_v a_o common_a rite_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o in_o itself_o very_o significant_a of_o that_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v the_o easy_a acceptance_n and_o to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o plain_o refer_v to_o that_o short_a creed_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v answerable_a to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n at_o the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o the_o article_n of_o this_o creed_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contain_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v each_o of_o these_o and_o this_o probable_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n heb._n 6._o 2._o viz._n a_o short_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v at_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n call_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n indeed_o before_o christian_n tie_v themselves_o strict_o to_o that_o very_a form_n of_o word_n which_o we_o now_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o though_o every_o one_o express_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n nay_o the_o same_o father_n recite_v it_o upon_o several_a occasion_n do_v not_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n a_o plain_a indication_n that_o they_o be_v not_o then_o strict_o bind_v up_o to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n but_o retain_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o article_n every_o one_o express_v they_o as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o to_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o perform_v this_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o and_o with_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n whereof_o solemn_a profession_n be_v then_o make_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o form_n in_o baptism_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n compare_v with_o what_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v principal_o found_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n i_o mean_v in_o that_o simplicity_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v deliver_v it_o and_o not_o as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o confound_v and_o entangle_v in_o the_o cobweb_n and_o nicety_n of_o the_o school_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o no_o where_n call_v they_o person_n but_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v of_o several_a person_n and_o therefore_o that_o word_n be_v not_o unfit_o use_v to_o express_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o do_v not_o know_v a_o fit_a word_n for_o that_o purpose_n by_o baptise_v then_o
good_a man_n be_v infallible_a but_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o more_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o have_v this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v to_o they_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o that_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o other_o infallibility_n but_o what_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endow_v and_o therefore_o without_o the_o like_a gift_n none_o can_v with_o reason_n pretend_v to_o the_o like_a infallibility_n for_o infallibility_n signify_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o assist_v be_v secure_v from_o error_n this_o every_o confident_a man_n may_v if_o he_o please_v pretend_v to_o but_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o have_v it_o but_o he_o who_o can_v give_v such_o evidence_n of_o it_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o have_v it_o now_o the_o only_a sufficient_a evidence_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a divine_a assistance_n be_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a external_a testimony_n of_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n if_o he_o do_v such_o work_n as_o none_o can_v do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o this_o evidence_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n always_o give_v of_o their_o infallibility_n and_o if_o the_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n can_v give_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o miracle_n for_o their_o infallibility_n as_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v work_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o this_o will_v give_v the_o world_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o satisfaction_n concern_v their_o infallibility_n than_o all_o the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o bellarmine_n and_o all_o their_o writer_n but_o if_o they_o can_v they_o may_v dispute_v about_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o the_o same_o confidence_n may_v pretend_v to_o it_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o they_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v in_o my_o argument_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a reason_n why_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o and_o another_o reason_n as_o plain_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v continue_v afterward_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o in_o some_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v thus_o assist_v at_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o this_o doctrine_n and_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n by_o those_o very_a person_n that_o be_v thus_o assist_v here_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o reason_n why_o after_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n this_o infallibility_n shall_v cease_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o infallible_a foundation_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n consign_v in_o write_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o by_o testimony_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n what_o need_n be_v there_o now_o of_o a_o fix_a and_o stand_a infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n but_o have_v handle_v this_o argument_n more_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o further_o upon_o it_o here_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o discourse_v upon_o from_o this_o text._n you_o have_v hear_v what_o authority_n our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o what_o commission_n he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o what_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n namely_o such_o a_o assistance_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n which_o assistance_n be_v at_o first_o very_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v witness_n to_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o at_o first_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a degree_n necessary_a it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o imaginable_a how_o christianity_n can_v have_v bear_v up_o against_o all_o that_o force_n and_o violent_a opposition_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o but_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a and_o transient_a dispensation_n god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a wind_n in_o the_o earthquake_n and_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n that_o be_v he_o design_v to_o settle_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o dispensation_n in_o that_o more_o calm_a and_o secret_a way_n of_o assistance_n which_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o permanent_a dispensation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v now_o forsake_v his_o church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o with_o it_o in_o so_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n but_o then_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n desire_n and_o expect_v this_o bless_a presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v 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