be_v the_o reason_n the_o gaul_n give_v for_o their_o sacrifice_v of_o man_n comment_fw-fr pro_fw-la vitâ_fw-la hominum_fw-la nisi_fw-la vita_fw-la hominis_fw-la reddatur_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la deorum_fw-la immortalium_fw-la numen_fw-la placari_fw-la arbitrabantur_fw-la i._n e._n they_o think_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v avert_v unless_o the_o life_n of_o some_o man_n be_v offer_v as_o a_o piacular_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o rest_n now_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o death_n extricate_v man_n from_o this_o insult_a pride_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o barbarous_a usage_n and_o infinite_a contempt_n of_o humane_a race_n and_o the_o shed_v of_o his_o blood_n become_v a_o real_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o obtain_v term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n with_o he_o for_o all_o his_o lapse_v brethren_n 4._o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o this_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n the_o person_n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o stray_a soul_n of_o man_n to_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v have_v all_o power_n commit_v into_o his_o hand_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o since_o he_o humble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o vilify_v his_o own_o life_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o great_a benefit_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o lay_n it_o down_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o ignominious_a and_o accurse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n divine_a justice_n be_v concern_v to_o reward_v these_o exinanition_n with_o a_o proportionable_a glory_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v instate_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o reward_v his_o faithful_a friend_n and_o adherent_n and_o punish_v his_o refractory_a and_o stubborn_a enemy_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o government_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o that_o our_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a whatever_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o servant_n and_o a_o powerful_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o persevere_v and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o end_n in_o virtue_n though_o we_o pass_v through_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o be_v thus_o make_v god_n vicegerent_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o will_v order_v all_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o at_o last_o remarkable_o triumph_n over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n you_o see_v now_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o becommingness_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a it_o be_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o necessity_n all_o which_o when_o st._n paul_n have_v consider_v he_o break_v out_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o admiration_n rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a 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the_o work_v of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n they_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o stand_v amaze_v at_o this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n or_o recovery_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o their_o first_o and_o original_a happiness_n and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o order_n and_o management_n of_o the_o several_a phaenomena_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o natural_a world_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a defence_n to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o contrivance_n and_o conduct_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o moral_a a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n iii_o rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o unreasonableness_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o it_o be_v infinite_o agreeable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o case_n and_o necessity_n we_o have_v clear_o demonstrate_v it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o show_v with_o the_o same_o plainness_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o disagree_v with_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v that_o upon_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o account_n we_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n consist_v either_o 1._o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o 2._o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v command_v as_o duty_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o practice_n or_o 3._o of_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v obedient_a and_o severe_a punishment_n and_o threaten_n to_o the_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a who_o refuse_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o consonant_a they_o be_v to_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o a_o unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a virgin_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o apparition_n of_o angel_n at_o his_o birth_n that_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o east_n shall_v have_v notice_n and_o come_v to_o see_v he_o be_v all_o thing_n so_o high_o become_v that_o we_o shall_v wonder_v if_o the_o same_o or_o something_o like_o they_o have_v not_o be_v do_v for_o our_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a person_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o fair_a copy_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o pure_a life_n and_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o carnal_a exorbitance_n and_o corporeal_a impurity_n in_o which_o mankind_n wallow_v as_o if_o their_o only_a felicity_n have_v consist_v in_o the_o high_a and_o rank_a exercise_n of_o their_o animal_n power_n it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a that_o his_o birth_n shall_v be_v different_a from_o the_o common_a manner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o father_n but_o god_n be_v a_o way_n very_o suitable_a to_o gain_v a_o great_a authority_n to_o those_o holy_a precept_n that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reverence_n due_a to_o what_o any_o person_n near_o relate_v to_o god_n communicate_v and_o that_o the_o angel_n shall_v usher_v in_o his_o wonderful_a nativity_n with_o a_o solemn_a anthem_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o serve_v to_o enhance_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o eminency_n value_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a prince_n of_o angel_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o in_o that_o christ_n be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o person_n in_o who_o the_o gentile_n shall_v trust_v though_o the_o magi_n or_o wiseman_n intend_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v a_o prefiguration_n of_o that_o cheerful_a submission_n the_o gentile_a world_n shall_v yield_v to_o he_o as_o their_o prince_n and_o redeemer_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v manifest_v to_o they_o and_o that_o christ_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n like_o one_o of_o we_o clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n than_o if_o god_n shall_v speak_v by_o a_o angel_n or_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o since_o many_o trouble_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n attend_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o immortality_n it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o bear_v they_o with_o patience_n when_o we_o see_v our_o most_o holy_a and_o innocent_a lord_n suffer_v a_o world_n of_o reproach_n and_o indignity_n and_o much_o hard_a usage_n
before_o he_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o more_o unbecoming_a or_o unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o with_o a_o humane_a body_n which_o his_o own_o hand_n have_v fashion_v and_o which_o be_v fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v than_o it_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a presence_n to_o take_v up_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o stone_n last_o that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o visible_a judge_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v no_o less_o congruous_a and_o rational_a 1._o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o this_o honour_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v a_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o voluntary_a suffering_n and_o humiliation_n which_o be_v the_o account_n our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v himself_o john_n 5.27_o and_o have_v give_v he_o authority_n to_o execute_v judgement_n also_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man._n that_o be_v because_o he_o humble_v himself_o to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o not_o only_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n with_o all_o its_o harmless_a infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n but_o endure_v with_o wonderful_a patience_n the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n the_o opprobrious_a taunt_n and_o revile_n of_o a_o rude_a generation_n and_o submit_v himself_o at_o last_o to_o a_o death_n full_a of_o pain_n ignominy_n and_o disgrace_n 2._o in_o regard_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n for_o this_o visible_a appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n attend_v with_o innumerable_a legion_n of_o mighty_a angel_n descend_v into_o these_o low_a region_n near_o the_o earth_n the_o glory_n of_o who_o presence_n will_v be_v conspicuous_a to_o all_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a conviction_n to_o all_o wicked_a person_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o do_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o same_o jesus_n that_o deliver_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o now_o come_v to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o not_o obey_v it_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v and_o doubtless_o be_v many_o scoff_v atheistical_a spirit_n in_o the_o aerial_a region_n as_o well_o as_o here_o on_o earth_n who_o ascribe_v all_o great_a mutation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o chance_n and_o fortune_n or_o the_o necessary_a combination_n of_o matter_n this_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o such_o a_o visible_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o sure_a prediction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v effectual_o confute_v their_o vain_a philosophy_n and_o force_v they_o even_o against_o their_o will_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n neither_o will_v it_o be_v a_o less_o afflict_a abasement_n of_o the_o insult_a pride_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n and_o his_o rebellious_a associate_n who_o so_o long_o tyrannize_v over_o mankind_n with_o such_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n to_o feel_v themselves_o cast_v down_o into_o everlasting_a destruction_n by_o that_o nature_n which_o they_o have_v so_o much_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v faithful_a adherent_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o firm_o persist_v in_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o discouragement_n they_o meet_v withal_o his_o appearance_n in_o such_o a_o sensible_a manner_n will_v be_v exceed_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a for_o they_o behold_v he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o such_o transcendent_a power_n and_o glory_n must_v needs_o overflow_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n to_o find_v that_o now_o their_o redemption_n will_v be_v full_o complete_v for_o what_o may_v not_o they_o hope_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n who_o be_v both_o their_o merciful_a redeemer_n and_o their_o judge_n and_o this_o very_a sight_n of_o their_o long-expected_n saviour_n will_v invigorate_v their_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o life_n as_o shall_v through_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n transform_v their_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o these_o fiery_a chariot_n like_o elijah_n they_o shall_v ascend_v from_o these_o mortal_a region_n to_o augment_v the_o train_n of_o this_o great_a and_o almighty_a judge_n so_o every_o way_n agreeable_a be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n 2._o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v command_v as_o duty_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v only_o a_o revive_n the_o natural_a inscription_n and_o law_n of_o righteousness_n engrave_v upon_o our_o soul_n at_o their_o first_o creation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o that_o long_a degeneracy_n we_o lie_v under_o and_o the_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a growth_n of_o our_o animal_n faculty_n must_v exceed_o impair_v if_o not_o whole_o obliterate_v the_o fair_a impress_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v all_o those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o to_o we_o afresh_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n that_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o be_v the_o exsuscitate_v and_o raise_v up_o that_o decay_a and_o almost_o die_a spark_n of_o divine_a life_n yet_o leave_v in_o we_o and_o which_o may_v gain_v such_o strength_n by_o the_o powerful_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o consume_v or_o convert_v into_o its_o nature_n all_o that_o rubbish_n which_o hinder_v and_o obstruct_v it_o and_o according_a to_o these_o measure_v the_o command_n and_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v frame_v so_o that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a intellectual_a furniture_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a and_o consistent_a with_o our_o rational_a frame_n than_o to_o love_n and_o honour_n god_n from_o who_o infinite_a fullness_n we_o and_o all_o thing_n receive_v their_o be_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o all_o our_o supply_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o nothingness_n that_o all_o that_o we_o have_v proceed_v and_o flow_v from_o his_o inexhausted_a bounty_n to_o sit_v quiet_a and_o content_v under_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o subordination_n and_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o christianity_n enjoin_v we_o to_o pay_v all_o duty_n and_o service_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o it_o strict_o command_v all_o manner_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n to_o other_o forbid_v all_o harm_n and_o wrong_v to_o any_o thing_n live_v and_o instead_o of_o that_o require_v every_o man_n in_o his_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n to_o do_v all_o that_o good_a that_o at_o any_o time_n lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o be_v kind_a and_o compassionate_a forget_v and_o forgive_a all_o manner_n of_o injury_n do_v unto_o we_o and_o return_v good_a for_o the_o evil_a that_o we_o have_v receive_v furthermore_o christianity_n command_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o lie_v and_o hypocrisy_n as_o thing_n beneath_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o banish_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o malignity_n rancour_n malice_n and_o envy_n as_o be_v the_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o prosperity_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a above_o all_o other_o be_v enlarge_v and_o widen_v with_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n ready_o undertake_v the_o help_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a and_o indigent_a look_v upon_o all_o mankind_n as_o brethren_n and_o thereby_o joy_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n now_o as_o to_o ourselves_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o exercise_v great_a temperance_n and_o moderation_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o corporeal_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n not_o to_o defile_v and_o pollute_v ourselves_o with_o debauch_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o to_o remember_v that_o our_o soul_n once_o come_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o incorruptible_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a to_o suffer_v they_o to_o wallow_v and_o tumble_v in_o the_o dirt_n and_o mire_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o since_o we_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a extraction_n religion_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o citizen_n of_o that_o heavenly_a country_n and_o to_o release_v and_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o this_o world_n and_o to_o think_v of_o our_o return_n thither_o
as_o be_v conceal_v from_o wicked_a and_o careless_a person_n 4._o and_o last_o it_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o choice_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n reserve_v to_o exercise_v man_n mind_n upon_o even_o in_o the_o very_a conclusion_n and_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o nature_n have_v hide_v many_o curious_a secret_n and_o great_a treasure_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n whereby_o she_o may_v have_v something_o to_o employ_v man_n diligence_n upon_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o god_n have_v cover_v many_o piece_n of_o excellent_a wisdom_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o may_v still_o have_v some_o new_a thing_n to_o offer_v some_o treasure_n not_o yet_o know_v to_o discover_v to_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o man_n till_o the_o time_n come_v that_o they_o shall_v know_v as_o they_o be_v know_v you_o see_v now_o in_o what_o sense_n religion_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v somewhat_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o do_v all_o that_o which_o be_v require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v for_o whatever_o relate_v to_o the_o true_a and_o right_o honour_v of_o god_n and_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justice_n to_o one_o another_o be_v very_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mistake_n about_o it_o and_o for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v difficult_a and_o transcend_v common_a apprehension_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o provide_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v suit_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o which_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o though_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o save_v a_o man_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o person_n that_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o increase_a in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v they_o he_o shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o this_o his_o neglect_n for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v therefore_o if_o we_o may_v grow_v wise_a in_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o shall_v waste_v those_o precious_a opportunity_n upon_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o concernment_n this_o carelessness_n will_v high_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o no_o man_n be_v to_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o to_o improve_v himself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v any_o time_n or_o pain_n to_o spare_v though_o god_n have_v make_v every_o private_a christian_n duty_n so_o clear_a object_n 2._o to_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v further_o be_v object_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a to_o bring_v a_o christian_a to_o heaven_n than_o what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o preach_v answ_n to_o this_o objection_n we_o may_v reply_v that_o since_o this_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o our_o adversary_n as_o a_o artifice_n to_o draw_v off_o and_o dissettle_v unstable_a mind_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o validity_n in_o it_o it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o as_o it_o do_v against_o we_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n or_o party_n or_o religious_a society_n whatever_o but_o have_v some_o person_n set_v apart_o to_o preside_v over_o and_o minister_v in_o religious_a office_n to_o those_o of_o the_o same_o bond_n and_o communion_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o but_o more_o full_o show_v that_o though_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v full_o and_o plain_o lay_v down_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mistake_n yet_o a_o settle_a ministry_n as_o the_o case_n of_o thing_n stand_v be_v not_o only_o needful_a but_o can_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o there_o be_v many_o weak_a and_o doubt_a conscience_n among_o christian_n which_o will_v want_v resolution_n many_o that_o be_v trouble_v and_o cast_v down_o that_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o advice_n and_o comfort_n now_o this_o make_v one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n to_o comfort_v the_o feeble_a mind_v and_o to_o support_v the_o weak_a and_o though_o this_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o yet_o more_o especial_o of_o he_o who_o be_v design_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o minister_v to_o the_o need_v and_o necessity_n of_o soul_n moreover_o we_o see_v how_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o strive_v by_o his_o agent_n and_o instrument_n to_o subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v by_o draw_v they_o into_o schism_n faction_n and_o heresy_n which_o will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v if_o man_n will_v consult_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o to_o instruct_v they_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o these_o need_v and_o necessity_n of_o man_n continue_v that_o be_v of_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a who_o will_v want_v counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v doubtful_a who_o will_v need_v resolution_n so_o long_o there_o will_v be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o establish_a ministry_n for_o to_o who_o can_v man_n better_a repair_n than_o to_o those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o who_o conscientious_a faithfulness_n may_v render_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o who_o skill_n and_o ability_n in_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n may_v make_v they_o able_a both_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o convince_v gainsayer_n 2._o we_o can_v but_o see_v how_o easy_o man_n be_v draw_v into_o sin_n and_o how_o prone_a they_o be_v natural_o to_o vice_n notwithstanding_o the_o constant_a admonition_n and_o frequent_a instruction_n give_v they_o and_o that_o great_a care_n that_o be_v take_v to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o little_a all_o this_o prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o yet_o sin_n and_o evil_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o get_v ground_n and_o make_v advance_n what_o then_o can_v we_o imagine_v will_v be_v the_o event_n and_o consequence_n if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v lay_v aside_o if_o they_o be_v hardly_o now_o keep_v in_o the_o due_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o most_o faithful_a and_o strong_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n there_o can_v nothing_o else_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o a_o deluge_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v overflow_v the_o world_n when_o these_o bank_n that_o stop_v it_o be_v break_v down_o and_o all_o restraint_n remove_v and_o man_n leave_v only_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o settle_a ministry_n among_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o high_o beneficial_a but_o there_o seem_v a_o press_a necessity_n for_o it_o though_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o all_o thing_n absolute_o require_v to_o particular_a man_n salvation_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a object_n 3._o it_o may_v yet_o further_o be_v object_v if_o the_o necessary_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_a how_o come_v man_n to_o walk_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o why_o have_v it_o so_o little_a effect_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v that_o those_o stupendous_a promise_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o of_o everlasting_a joy_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v enough_o to_o quicken_v man_n diligence_n to_o enliven_v their_o dull_a and_o heavy_a mind_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o earnest_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v constant_o in_o those_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o so_o desirable_a
a_o happiness_n by_o what_o mean_v then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n be_v no_o full_a of_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o must_v be_v confess_v with_o all_o sadness_n of_o heart_n that_o notwithstanding_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n like_o the_o prophet_n vision_n hab._n 2.2_o be_v write_v in_o such_o legible_a character_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o have_v that_o due_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o although_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o many_o and_o different_a cause_n yet_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o some_o which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o frequent_a as_o 1._o because_o man_n place_v their_o religion_n in_o opinion_n and_o sect_n in_o word_n and_o notion_n more_o than_o in_o the_o everlasting_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n charity_n goodness_n and_o truth_n it_o can_v but_o be_v matter_n of_o sorrow_n to_o every_o sober_a and_o serious_a christian_n to_o see_v the_o catholic_n church_n rend_v into_o so_o many_o piece_n and_o division_n one_o cry_v as_o of_o old_a i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o a_o three_o of_o cephas_n as_o if_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o baptise_a into_o christ_n jesus_n but_o into_o some_o particular_a person_n who_o dictate_v and_o persuasion_n he_o most_o of_o all_o affect_a to_o follow_v every_o one_o almost_o lock_v up_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o exclude_v all_o they_o that_o can_v compromise_v with_o his_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n and_o thus_o they_o build_v up_o again_o that_o partition-wall_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v rend_v asunder_o to_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v col._n 3.11_o there_o shall_v be_v neither_o greek_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n shall_v be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o that_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o distinction_n of_o party_n but_o all_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n profess_v the_o same_o christian_a faith_n and_o own_v the_o same_o common_a saviour_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o unite_v and_o incorporate_v together_o as_o to_o become_v as_o it_o be_v one_o mystical_a christ_n religion_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n neither_o be_v it_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n that_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o haven_n of_o his_o desire_a happiness_n without_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n great_a knowledge_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o like_o the_o fruitless_a figtree_n that_o send_v forth_o nothing_o but_o broad_a leave_n and_o render_v a_o man_n so_o much_o the_o more_o miserable_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o the_o world_n if_o every_o man_n knowledge_n will_v blossom_v into_o practice_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n answerable_a to_o that_o holy_a and_o pure_a religion_n he_o live_v under_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n in_o christianity_n that_o will_v do_v a_o man_n any_o good_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o he_o only_o be_v true_o wise_a who_o make_v this_o use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n that_o he_o may_v become_v the_o better_a christian_a though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o i_o be_o become_v but_o as_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n epitomise_v and_o contain_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n yet_o if_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o for_o ostentation_n or_o to_o gain_v a_o party_n and_o not_o for_o the_o purify_n his_o heart_n and_o enlarge_a the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o soul_n his_o religion_n will_v be_v but_o a_o empty_a noise_n and_o he_o will_v find_v this_o build_n which_o he_o have_v raise_v upon_o the_o sand_n too_o weak_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o storm_n of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o as_o st._n james_n inform_v we_o chap._n 3.17_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o again_o chap._n 1.27_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n now_o when_o man_n shall_v neglect_v these_o plain_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o take_v up_o with_o some_o self-chosen_a opinion_n that_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o true_a honour_v of_o god_n or_o the_o edify_n of_o our_o fellow_n christian_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o religion_n do_v not_o gain_v ground_n and_o thrive_v in_o the_o world_n 2._o another_o reason_n why_o religion_n prevail_v so_o little_a upon_o man_n heart_n be_v because_o they_o live_v too_o much_o upon_o sense_n we_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o the_o present_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n than_o with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o and_o be_v only_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n whereas_o christianity_n when_o firm_o seat_v in_o we_o and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o display_v upon_o our_o soul_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o and_o according_o if_o we_o do_v make_v the_o infinite_a reward_n of_o immortality_n but_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v they_o as_o we_o do_v what_o we_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v equal_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v as_o strong_a a_o faith_n upon_o we_o the_o sure_a promise_n of_o immortal_a glory_n will_v as_o strong_o move_v and_o put_v we_o upon_o action_n as_o any_o worldly_a and_o sensible_a good_a if_o the_o belief_n be_v equal_a and_o if_o we_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n the_o reason_n and_o argument_n suggest_v to_o we_o by_o our_o rational_a faculty_n aught_o as_o forcible_o and_o powerful_o to_o persuade_v we_o as_o those_o which_o be_v urge_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n but_o while_o we_o speak_v doubtful_o and_o believe_v waver_o and_o uncertain_o the_o felicity_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o other_o world_n make_v little_a or_o no_o impression_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n that_o religion_n have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n suppose_v we_o see_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n attend_v with_o thousand_o of_o mighty_a angel_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n which_o with_o the_o glory_n and_o brightness_n of_o their_o heavenly_a body_n shall_v cause_v a_o light_n surpass_v that_o of_o the_o sun_n how_o strange_o will_v such_o a_o sight_n as_o this_o affect_v we_o sure_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o our_o earthliness_n and_o the_o dwell_n of_o our_o mind_n so_o much_o upon_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v so_o little_o affect_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o now_o since_o that_o which_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o just_a now_o present_a 3._o last_o to_o the_o forego_n particular_n we_o may_v add_v as_o one_o no_o mean_a cause_n why_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v so_o little_a upon_o man_n viz._n the_o want_n of_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n st._n judas_n speak_v of_o ver_fw-la 20._o the_o build_n up_o one_o another_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n as_o god_n renew_v and_o regenerate_v our_o nature_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o he_o and_o to_o edify_v and_o strengthen_v one_o another_o and_o help_v to_o carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v begin_v in_o their_o soul_n in_o rom._n 15.2_o 3._o the_o apostle_n charge_v this_o duty_n upon_o every_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n i._n e._n let_v every_o man_n subject_a his_o own_o end_n and_o desire_n to_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o other_o man_n viz._n to_o the_o confirm_v and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o bind_v this_o exhortation_n yet_o