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 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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
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so_o diffuse_v by_o the_o roman_a conquest_n as_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o barbarism_n to_o civility_n beside_o that_o their_o philosophy_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o man_n to_o refine_v their_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o good_a degree_n to_o detect_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o learning_n and_o philosophy_n flourish_v a_o great_a while_n before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o grecian_a empire_n and_o perhaps_o before_o that_o in_o some_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v very_o speedy_a and_o of_o vast_a extent_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o universal_a nor_o so_o well_o settle_v nor_o do_v they_o propagate_v their_o philosophy_n and_o civility_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n as_o the_o roman_n do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o mankind_n be_v so_o general_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_n 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that_o he_o conquer_v darius_n and_o the_o persian_n that_o julius_n caesar_n invade_v our_o nation_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v it_o and_o that_o he_o overcome_v pompey_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o pharsalia_n and_o innumerable_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o that_o be_v do_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v firm_o believe_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v do_v so_o long_o ago_o so_o that_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v equal_a evidence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a belief_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o argument_n but_o in_o the_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v 2._o we_o have_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a assurance_n nay_o great_a if_o it_o can_v or_o need_v to_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o 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of_o history_n write_v in_o those_o time_n and_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o general_a and_o uncontrole_v a_o tradition_n as_o the_o conquest_n of_o alexander_n and_o julius_n caesar_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o afford_v equal_a belief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v some_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n against_o the_o one_o more_o than_o against_o the_o other_o though_o the_o evidence_n for_o both_o be_v equal_a nay_o i_o go_v further_o that_o the_o evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o that_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o mankind_n be_v more_o oblige_v to_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o it_o for_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o have_v the_o
testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o eye-witness_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o be_v true_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n through_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o effect_n beyond_o all_o denial_n so_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n do_v depend_v here_o be_v great_a and_o more_o advantageous_a evidence_n of_o history_n than_o for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o equal_a antiquity_n whatsoever_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n that_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o particular_o of_o celsus_n and_o porphyry_n and_o julian_n who_o be_v the_o particular_a and_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o they_o whatever_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o they_o or_o whatever_o consequence_n we_o may_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o i_o presume_v it_o agree_v by_o all_o objector_n that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o unequal_a to_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n never_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v 4._o and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o recompense_v the_o disadvantage_n which_o we_o have_v of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o evidence_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o advantage_n which_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n of_o the_o success_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o contempt_n which_o they_o every_o where_n suffer_v and_o that_o now_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n they_o have_v continue_v a_o distinct_a people_n and_o a_o spectacle_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o severity_n for_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o a_o last_a and_o stand_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o though_o we_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o as_o credible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_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 to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o a_o future_a state_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a evidence_n for_o it_o that_o can_v be_v wish_v or_o expect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o man_n have_v for_o those_o adventure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n which_o they_o frequent_o make_v in_o this_o world_n and_o think_v themselves_o reasonable_a in_o so_o do_v 2._o the_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o they_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v against_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o restraint_n what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v reflect_v more_o upon_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o indulge_v and_o allow_v man_n in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o these_o it_o show_v man_n be_v glad_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o objection_n against_o christianity_n when_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o that_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v make_v ten_o time_n more_o clamour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o contrary_n 3._o as_o for_o most_o of_o those_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n so_o much_o both_o for_o our_o private_a and_o public_a advantage_n that_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n they_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v they_o upon_o we_o we_o ought_v in_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o our_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o have_v lay_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n i_o know_v man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o strong_a and_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o these_o duty_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o order_n to_o temporal_a end_n to_o their_o health_n and_o quiet_v and_o reputation_n and_o safety_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o the_o private_a and_o public_a prosperity_n of_o mankind_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o kind_a and_o oblige_v to_o one_o another_o rather_o than_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o religion_n do_v not_o create_v those_o restraint_n arbitrary_o but_o require_v those_o thing_n
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 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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 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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 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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 perform_v on_o our_o part_n for_o how_o absolute_a soever_o this_o promise_n may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a it_o be_v certain_o conditional_a to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o sad_a experience_n in_o many_o instance_n have_v show_v god_n have_v long_o since_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v he_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n he_o have_v leave_v the_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n to_o that_o degree_n of_o desolation_n that_o the_o ruin_n and_o place_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v hardly_o at_o this_o day_n certain_o know_v and_o this_o may_v also_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n not_o except_v rome_n herself_o for_o all_o her_o pride_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o that_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o we_o goodness_n if_o we_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o this_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o be_v speak_v particular_o to_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o apostle_n suppose_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n and_o indeed_o seem_v to_o foretell_v it_o which_o how_o it_o consist_v with_o their_o confident_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o and_o let_v all_o particular_a church_n look_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o forfeit_v this_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n for_o christ_n have_v not_o so_o tie_v himself_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o if_o they_o forsake_v he_o he_o may_v leave_v they_o and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o they_o there_o have_v be_v many_o sad_a instance_n of_o this_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n and_o we_o have_v no_o small_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o be_v our_o own_o case_n for_o certain_o we_o have_v many_o of_o those_o mark_n of_o ruin_n among_o we_o which_o do_v foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n horrible_a profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n division_n and_o animosity_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o a_o universal_a dissoluteness_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o who_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n think_v ourselves_o exempt_v from_o the_o same_o fate_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o they_o take_v away_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o we_o and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o
that_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o thither_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n that_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n or_o argument_n whereby_o this_o exhortation_n be_v enforce_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a every_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o will_v not_o gain_v our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v strive_v for_o man_n may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v several_a faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o we_o must_v make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o set_v about_o it_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o persevere_v and_o hold_v out_o in_o it_o if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v that_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o now_o what_o this_o seek_n be_v which_o be_v here_o oppose_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n our_o saviour_n declare_v after_o the_o text_n v._o 25._o when_o once_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n be_v rise_v up_o and_o have_v shut_v to_o the_o door_n and_o you_o begin_v to_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o he_o shall_v answer_v and_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v then_o shall_v you_o begin_v to_o say_v we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o tell_v you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n st._n matth._n mention_n some_o other_o pretence_n which_o they_o shall_v make_v upon_o which_o they_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n mat._n 7._o 21_o 22_o 23._o 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 heaven_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 many_o will_v say_v unto_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 do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n after_o all_o their_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretence_n they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o doom_n which_o will_v be_v much_o the_o heavy_a because_o of_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o confident_a expectation_n and_o hope_n so_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o v._o 28._o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o you_o yourselves_o thrust_v out_o and_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o st._n matthew_n add_v chap._n 8._o v._n 12._o but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o utter_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v luke_o 13._o 30._o behold_v there_o be_v last_o that_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o first_o which_o shall_v be_v last_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v with_o what_o confidence_n many_o man_n upon_o these_o false_a pretence_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o strange_o they_o shall_v be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o expectation_n and_o hope_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o cast_v out_o of_o heaven_n who_o they_o think_v have_v outdo_v all_o other_o in_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v see_v other_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o exclude_v from_o all_o term_n of_o salvation_n come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o find_v free_a admission_n into_o heaven_n and_o shall_v find_v themselves_o so_o gross_o and_o wide_o mistake_v that_o those_o very_a person_n who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v last_o and_o of_o all_o other_o far_a from_o salvation_n shall_v be_v first_o and_o they_o themselves_o who_o they_o take_v for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o first_o place_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o cast_v out_o so_o that_o by_o seek_v to_o enter_v we_o may_v understand_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n may_v do_v in_o religion_n upon_o which_o they_o shall_v pretend_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n nay_o and_o confident_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o and_o yet_o shall_v be_v shameful_o disappoint_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o whatever_o man_n think_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o privilege_n soever_o man_n pretend_v what_o way_n and_o mean_n soever_o man_n endeavour_v to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n all_o this_o be_v but_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o be_v not_o that_o strive_v which_o our_o saviour_n require_v if_o man_n do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o will_v all_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n here_o instance_v in_o man_n profession_n of_o his_o religion_n call_v he_o lord_n lord_n in_o their_o personal_a familiarity_n and_o conversation_n with_o he_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n in_o their_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n in_o their_o have_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o power_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v do_v if_o man_n do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o by_o a_o plain_a parity_n of_o reason_n whatever_o else_o man_n do_v in_o religion_n what_o attempt_v soever_o man_n may_v make_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n upon_o what_o privilege_n or_o pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o eternal_a life_n they_o will_v certain_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n my_o business_n therefore_o at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o discover_v the_o several_a false_a claim_n and_o pretence_n which_o man_n may_v make_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a particular_n by_o one_o or_o more_o of_o which_o man_n common_o delude_v themselves_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v vain_a and_o ill-grounded_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n two_o other_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o rely_v much_o upon_o that_o three_o there_o be_v other_o that_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o four_o other_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o devout_a in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n 5th_o other_o confide_v much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o therein_o they_o have_v above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n six_o other_o think_v their_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n eight_o other_o rely_v much_o upon_o
he_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o upon_o earth_n lest_o they_o also_o by_o their_o own_o carelessness_n and_o folly_n shall_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o misery_n that_o he_o be_v in_o and_o therefore_o he_o beg_v of_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v send_v lazarus_n to_o his_o father_n house_n where_o he_o have_v five_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o shall_v come_v into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n to_o which_o request_n abraham_n answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a course_n to_o be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n so_o near_o at_o hand_n if_o they_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o but_o the_o rich_a man_n press_v his_o request_n further_o upon_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v move_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nay_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o they_o for_o they_o have_v always_o have_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o remain_v impenitent_a but_o if_o a_o special_a messenger_n shall_v be_v send_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a this_o certain_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o awaken_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n v._o 30._o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v to_o which_o abraham_n make_v this_o peremptory_a reply_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o which_o word_n abraham_n absolute_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o probability_n much_o less_o certainty_n that_o those_o who_o reject_v a_o public_a credible_a revelation_n of_o god_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v by_o a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o our_o saviour_n bring_v in_o ahraham_n deliver_v himself_o very_o positive_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v presume_v it_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n own_o sense_n and_o may_v rely_v upon_o it_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o however_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o evident_a yet_o i_o hope_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o make_v it_o sufficient_o clear_a but_o before_o i_o undertake_v that_o i_o shall_v premise_v a_o caution_n or_o two_o to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n too_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v simple_o and_o in_o itself_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o hear_v or_o read_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n any_o other_o way_n for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n yea_o and_o likely_a enough_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o calm_a evidence_n and_o persuasion_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o much_o wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o strange_a and_o amaze_a accident_n and_o if_o one_o who_o he_o have_v know_v when_o he_o be_v alive_a shall_v appear_v to_o he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o declare_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o thing_n in_o another_o world_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o this_o will_v more_o rouse_v and_o awaken_v he_o to_o consider_v his_o danger_n than_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n this_o may_v prove_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o convince_v such_o a_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o if_o all_o circumstance_n be_v due_o consider_v that_o this_o shall_v general_o have_v a_o permanent_a effect_n upon_o man_n so_o as_o thorough_o to_o reclaim_v such_o person_n as_o do_v obstinate_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n word_n second_o another_o caution_n i_o will_v give_v be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n so_o as_o to_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o that_o argument_n from_o miracle_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o a_o divine_a doctrine_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o a_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o convince_v men._n for_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o oppose_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o a_o miraculous_a testimony_n but_o he_o advance_v the_o public_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n which_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v above_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o single_a and_o private_a miracle_n for_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v their_o confirmation_n from_o miracle_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o great_a evidence_n and_o attestation_n which_o god_n have_v always_o give_v to_o the_o divinity_n of_o any_o person_n or_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o abraham_n can_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o miracle_n when_o he_o say_v if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o that_o that_o this_o reason_n of_o his_o be_v rather_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o miracle_n for_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o confirmation_n of_o many_o and_o great_a of_o public_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n a_o credible_a relation_n whereof_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o after_o age_n so_o that_o if_o rational_a mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v the_o thing_n desire_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o have_v have_v the_o confirmation_n of_o so_o many_o undoubted_a miracle_n shall_v in_o reason_n be_v convince_v by_o a_o private_a and_o single_a miracle_n these_o consideration_n be_v premise_v by_o way_n of_o caution_n i_o come_v now_o to_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v here_o assert_v in_o the_o text._n and_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o proposition_n first_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n than_o to_o afford_v they_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v and_o if_o so_o than_o second_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o those_o who_o reject_v this_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v though_o one_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a first_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n than_o to_o afford_v they_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v this_o be_v strong_o imply_v in_o abraham_n first_o answer_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v have_v such_o mean_n of_o conviction_n so_o near_o at_o hand_n why_o shall_v they_o desire_v and_o expect_v any_o other_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o that_o of_o god_n providence_n god_n do_v not_o common_o prove_v his_o providence_n to_o man_n by_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o his_o power_n and_o by_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o convince_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o govern_v it_o but_o by_o stand_v testimony_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n by_o these_o god_n do_v sufficient_o satisfy_v considerate_a man_n of_o his_o government_n and_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o do_v seldom_o manifest_v himself_o in_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n by_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n in_o the_o revolution_n of_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n in_o that_o he_o give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n and_o these_o stand_a argument_n of_o his_o providence_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a yet_o be_v they_o daily_a miracle_n and_o we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v great_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v strange_o amaze_v at_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o divine_a revelation_n