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
beside_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o proverb_n that_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o perform_v bare_o what_o he_o promise_v but_o he_o usual_o do_v something_o over_o and_o above_o his_o promise_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v heal_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o deaf_a and_o the_o lame_a isaiah_n prophesy_v and_o god_n make_v good_a this_o promise_n and_o prediction_n to_o the_o full_a the_o messiah_n do_v not_o only_o do_v these_o but_o which_o be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o any_o of_o these_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n second_o it_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a isa_n 61._o 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a so_o the_o lxx_o render_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a word_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o be_v no_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n of_o a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o a_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o beside_o it_o have_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o very_o different_a from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n will_v scarce_o instruct_v any_o but_o for_o great_a reward_n they_o will_v meddle_v with_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o requite_v their_o pain_n the_o ordinary_a and_o poor_a sort_n of_o people_n they_o have_v in_o great_a contempt_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o slight_a expression_n of_o they_o joh._n 7._o 48_o 49._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v and_o grotius_n upon_o this_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a master_n have_v this_o foolish_a and_o insolent_a proverb_n among_o they_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o rest_v but_o upon_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o which_o this_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v especial_o send_v to_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n but_o this_o great_a prophet_n come_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a none_o have_v so_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v proud_a as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o never_o be_v any_o so_o humble_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n whole_a life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n they_o think_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n the_o only_a happy_a person_n but_o he_o come_v to_o preach_v glad_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bring_v good_a news_n to_o they_o who_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o and_o therefore_o to_o confound_v their_o pride_n and_o folly_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o false_a opinion_n of_o thing_n he_o begin_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o he_o with_o this_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v offend_v at_o he_o isa_n 8._o 14._o he_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o for_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o both_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o isa_n 53._o 1_o 2_o 3._o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o when_o we_o see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o intimate_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a work_n that_o he_o do_v among_o they_o which_o testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o prediction_n of_o their_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o punctual_o accomplish_v in_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o will_v take_v offence_n at_o he_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o and_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o this_o that_o they_o reject_v he_o and_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o their_o messiah_n be_v another_o sign_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o be_v express_o predict_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o his_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n first_o the_o many_o and_o great_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v prove_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o second_o the_o correspondence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o second_o a_o intimation_n in_o the_o text_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n christ_n give_v of_o himself_o yet_o many_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o consider_v first_o how_o the_o poor_a come_v to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o second_o what_o those_o prejudices_fw-la be_v which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o those_o which_o man_n have_v at_o this_o day_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o three_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n first_o how_o the_o poor_a come_v to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v more_o especial_o apply_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o likewise_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o near_a disposition_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o do_v of_o all_o other_o give_v the_o most_o ready_a entertainment_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n when_o he_o pronounce_v the_o poor_a bless_a upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o other_o bless_v be_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o st._n james_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o poor_a be_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o in_o a_o near_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o this_o there_o be_v three_o account_n to_o be_v give_v first_o the_o poor_a have_v no_o earthly_a interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o reject_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n the_o high-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n they_o have_v a_o plain_a worldly_a interest_n which_o do_v engage_v they_o to_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n for_o if_o he_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n embrace_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n lose_v their_o sway_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n and_o all_o that_o which_o render_v they_o so_o considerable_a their_o pretend_a skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o tradition_n and_o observance_n of_o their_o father_n together_o with_o their_o external_a show_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o honest_a and_o sincere_a as_o to_o be_v content_a for_o truth_n sake_n to_o part_v
own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o wrought_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o have_v clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n from_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v concern_v the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o plant_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o hearty_a unity_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o private_a estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o common_a support_n of_o their_o brethren_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o city_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o account_n which_o strabo_n give_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o luxurious_a place_n as_o most_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v by_o st._n paul_n what_o a_o strange_a reformation_n the_o christian_a religion_n make_v in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o such_o a_o profligate_v course_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o crime_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n from_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n tertullian_n tell_v the_o roman_a governor_n that_o their_o prison_n be_v full_a of_o malefactor_n commit_v for_o several_a crime_n but_o they_o be_v all_o heathen_n de_fw-fr vestris_fw-la semper_fw-la aestuat_fw-la carcer_fw-la their_o prison_n be_v throng_v with_o criminal_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v commit_v there_o for_o such_o crime_n nemo_fw-la illic_fw-la christianus_n nisi_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantùm_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o their_o prison_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o malefactor_n that_o have_v be_v christian_n they_o leave_v their_o religion_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o those_o enormity_n and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v irregular_a in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v no_o long_o account_v christian_n but_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o communion_n as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n what_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n christianity_n have_v make_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a person_n and_o what_o a_o visible_a reformation_n there_o present_o appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n after_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o these_o testimony_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v public_a appeal_n to_o our_o adversary_n which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o hate_v as_o the_o christian_n be_v will_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v notorious_o true_a even_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o i_o shall_v produce_v two_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o have_v pliny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n give_v he_o a_o account_n that_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_n set_v aside_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o way_n he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o day_n and_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n or_o sacrament_n not_o to_o any_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o not_o to_o steal_v nor_o rob_v nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o break_v their_o faith_n nor_o detain_v the_o pledge_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n be_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n against_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o judge_n one_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v julian_n the_o emperor_n and_o apostate_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o the_o christian_n do_v severe_o punish_v sedition_n and_o impiety_n and_o afterward_o exhort_v the_o heathen_a priest_n to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o especial_o alm_n towards_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o mend_v this_o fault_n because_o say_v he_o the_o galilean_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o neglect_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v very_o much_o strengthen_v their_o impiety_n for_o so_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n by_o be_v very_a intent_n upon_o these_o office_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a whereby_o they_o gain_v many_o over_o to_o they_o and_o in_o his_o 49th_o epist_n to_o arsacius_n the_o highpriest_n of_o galatia_n he_o recommend_v to_o he_o among_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o paganism_n the_o build_n of_o hospital_n and_o great_a liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o other_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o the_o impious_a galilean_n shall_v not_o only_o maintain_v their_o own_o poor_a but_o we_o also_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o outdo_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v extort_a so_o full_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o so_o bitter_a a_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o julian_n be_v if_o he_o own_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o any_o religion_n the_o force_n of_o any_o institution_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o primitive_a effect_n of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o dispirited_a by_o those_o corruption_n which_o in_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v common_o more_o vigorous_a and_o have_v great_a effect_n at_o first_o than_o afterward_o and_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v apt_a in_o time_n to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o contract_v soil_n and_o rust_n and_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v bewail_v and_o by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v resist_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o christianity_n in_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o first_o strength_n and_o vigour_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n that_o give_v christianity_n mighty_a advantage_n at_o first_o especial_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o conviction_n to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o suffer_a state_n that_o christian_n be_v general_o in_o which_o make_v those_o who_o embrace_v the_o profession_n to_o be_v general_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o it_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a heat_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v
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 way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o 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 consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o these_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n 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 goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v 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
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 restore_a man_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n of_o which_o indeed_o their_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o good_a sign_n this_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n and_o the_o several_a benefit_n of_o it_o do_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o be_v recover_v again_o to_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n this_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o aggravation_n of_o the_o crime_n of_o apostasy_n that_o they_o who_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n do_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n over_o again_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o reproach_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o by_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o worthy_a of_o that_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v and_o that_o 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
be_v join_v together_o and_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n use_v concern_v both_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o then_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n endeavour_n to_o avoid_v this_o plain_a text_n by_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o now_o if_o christ_n mediation_n by_o way_n of_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o redemption_n then_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n than_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o so_o that_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o his_o ransom_n that_o be_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o virtue_n whereof_o alone_o he_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v most_o plain_o assert_v so_o that_o all_o other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o offering_n and_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n beside_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v who_o put_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o alone_a virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o if_o his_o intercession_n be_v available_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a so_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o apply_v to_o any_o other_o whether_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o even_o the_o bless_a virgin_n if_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v first_o negative_o and_o then_o positive_o one_a negative_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o own_v of_o christ_n for_o our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o will_v be_v accept_v in_o this_o case_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o which_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o understand_v all_o that_o profession_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o name_n and_o religion_n the_o mere_a belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o own_n of_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n no_o nor_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o though_o this_o be_v set_v off_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a manner_n by_o prophesy_v and_o work_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o have_v hear_v thou_o preach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o without_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o gain_v we_o admission_n into_o heaven_n two_o positive_o that_o which_o god_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o will_v accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o that_o harken_v to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o hear_v and_o believe_v his_o gospel_n as_o to_o obey_v it_o to_o they_o and_o no_o other_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v what_o obedience_n it_o be_v which_o the_o gospel_n exact_v as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o they_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n will_v give_v we_o a_o distinct_a conception_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o one_a there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o a_o actual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n when_o out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n man_n do_v show_v forth_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o their_o life_n do_v give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n justice_n sobriety_n humility_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o occasion_n be_v minister_v for_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o by_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o equity_n of_o its_o precept_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o a_o true_a repentance_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v obedience_n in_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n for_o he_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v true_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o prevent_v or_o hinder_v this_o man_n actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n but_o only_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a and_z and_o live_a god_n but_o perhaps_o be_v cut_v off_o soon_o after_o as_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v but_o new_o gain_v to_o christianity_n be_v present_o put_v to_o death_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o that_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o virtual_a obedience_n be_v in_o such_o person_n a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v time_n and_o 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