sense_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v in_o person_n as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v because_o he_o appear_v by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n in_o part_n which_o will_v with_o incomparable_o great_a perfection_n be_v do_v at_o the_o last_o i._n e._n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o to_o save_v his_o own_o people_n for_o the_o incorrigibleness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o incurable_a hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o obstinate_a persecution_n of_o it_o be_v dreadful_o punish_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o all_o escape_v out_o of_o it_o before_o the_o roman_a army_n come_v against_o it_o but_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o they_o gain_v also_o a_o very_a considerable_a rest_n from_o persecution_n for_o some_o time_n after_o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o wonderful_a providence_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v all_o power_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n such_o remarkable_a revolution_n as_o that_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o passage_n as_o that_o be_v be_v call_v his_o come_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n no_o less_o than_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o order_v they_o as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o order_v all_o thing_n then_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n though_o in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o come_n he_o will_v come_v but_o once_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o this_o improper_a sense_n of_o it_o his_o appeaance_n to_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n and_o to_o save_v his_o people_n that_o trust_v in_o he_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v often_o before_o the_o end_n of_o world_n i._n e._n as_o often_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v signal_o and_o remarkable_o appear_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o wicked_a one_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o personal_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o his_o destruction_n shall_v be_v so_o remarkable_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o all_o shall_v confess_v it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o worldly_a policy_n but_o no_o less_o the_o do_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o if_o himself_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o whenever_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n cover_v the_o earth_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n when_o those_o magnificent_a prediction_n be_v fulfil_v concern_v the_o universal_a prevalence_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n among_o man_n with_o which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v plentiful_o furnish_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n then_o also_o be_v it_o true_a that_o the_o lord_n come_v i._n e._n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o providence_n to_o renew_v and_o reform_v a_o degenerate_a world_n that_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o i_o have_v show_v do_v principal_o signify_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a revolution_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o come_v in_o his_o own_o person_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n do_v also_o signify_v the_o remarkable_a work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o punish_v some_o and_o save_v other_o even_o in_o this_o life_n now_o 2._o how_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o other_o clause_n will_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n but_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o parable_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o that_o go_v before_o the_o design_n of_o both_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o that_o be_v to_o say_v god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n take_v their_o cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o then_o say_v our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n notwithstanding_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o praver_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o interpose_v for_o they_o that_o depend_v upon_o he_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o these_o promise_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n even_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v to_o fulfil_v they_o the_o great_a part_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v be_v surprise_v with_o that_o day_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o or_o expectation_n of_o it_o many_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o throw_v off_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n will_v think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o by_o flattery_n and_o hypocrisy_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a man_n other_o will_v despair_v of_o any_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o very_o few_o will_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o save_v they_o few_o will_v strengthen_v themselves_o in_o god_n by_o cry_v to_o he_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a and_o strong_a reason_n they_o have_v from_o his_o word_n so_o to_o do_v nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n observe_v that_o immediate_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a fall_v away_o from_o christian_a piety_n and_o charity_n nay_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v begin_v once_o more_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a but_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o it_o will_v be_v some_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n thus_o also_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n before_o which_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n satan_n be_v to_o be_v loose_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o to_o go_v out_o and_o to_o deceive_v the_o nation_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o together_o against_o the_o city_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v remarkable_o true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o a_o careless_a posture_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n when_o god_n enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o the_o world_n for_o the_o violence_n and_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o assert_n the_o cause_n of_o innocence_n and_o righteousness_n against_o they_o for_o in_o
reasonable_a so_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v it_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o great_a offence_n as_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n 2._o let_v we_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o our_o church_n faithful_o deliver_v for_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o offer_v the_o least_o doubt_n against_o that_o nay_o all_o that_o we_o be_v challenge_v for_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v those_o addition_n to_o the_o creed_n which_o in_o comparison_n be_v but_o of_o yesterday_n these_o ancient_a form_n of_o confess_v the_o faith_n show_v what_o article_n of_o mere_a belief_n be_v think_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o hold_v by_o all_o and_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n no_o more_o can_v be_v necessary_a now_o than_o be_v then_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o guard_v against_o all_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o any_o party_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o profess_v all_o that_o be_v think_v necessary_a at_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o feel_v no_o disturbance_n in_o examine_v what_o be_v moreover_o propound_v and_o determine_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o have_v none_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o which_o rule_n i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o judge_v what_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o in_o judge_v whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o even_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o which_o we_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o will_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o he_o can_v miscarry_v great_o but_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n secure_v from_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n who_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v determine_v by_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o who_o in_o matter_n of_o external_a order_n which_o be_v no_o way_n determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v still_o ready_a to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o man._n but_o then_o 3._o let_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o always_o in_o the_o proper_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n to_o judge_v and_o conclude_v aright_o for_o ourselves_o i._n e._n by_o sincerity_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v use_v all_o good_a rule_n well_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o whit_n the_o more_o incline_v to_o embrace_v doctrine_n for_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n because_o they_o make_v for_o our_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n good_a and_o evil._n offence_n from_o without_o will_v not_o stumble_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o weaken_v and_o blind_v by_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n within_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v warning_n against_o the_o former_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n proceed_v to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o that_o by_o prevent_v the_o latter_a wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n or_o foot_n offend_v thou_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o that_o be_v subdue_v thy_o dear_a lust_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o that_o be_v hard_a to_o part_v with_o than_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v grow_v a_o part_n of_o thyself_o though_o it_o cost_v thou_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o divide_v thyself_o from_o it_o as_o it_o will_v to_o cut_v off_o thy_o hand_n or_o pull_v out_o thy_o eye_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v thou_o mortify_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o when_o the_o world_n will_v be_v full_a of_o offence_n i._n e._n encouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o of_o deceitful_a error_n if_o thou_o also_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o thyself_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o purify_n thy_o mind_n from_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a lust_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o art_n and_o force_n of_o outward_a temptation_n now_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v this_o honest_a mind_n be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n steadfast_o upon_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o the_o use_n of_o in_o this_o place_n too_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n with_o one_o eye_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell-fire_n last_o let_v all_o our_o other_o care_n be_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o purify_v our_o intention_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o keep_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o for_o another_o but_o much_o more_o for_o himself_o and_o most_o of_o all_o when_o he_o ask_v the_o best_a thing_n when_o he_o ask_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n best_a a_o mind_n purify_v from_o worldly_a lust_n and_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v never_o fall_v the_o four_o sermon_n matth_n xxvi_o 41._o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o a_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o exhortation_n be_v make_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o the_o exhortation_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o direction_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n watch_n and_o pray_v and_o then_o the_o end_n why_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n watch_v and_o pray_v the_o use_n of_o they_o both_o suppose_v a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o event_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o only_a to_o be_v careful_a myself_o but_o to_o get_v all_o the_o help_n i_o can_v nay_o if_o i_o be_o to_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o his_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v it_o constant_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o the_o end_n i_o aim_v at_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o trivial_a so_o neither_o ought_v i_o to_o be_v trivial_o affect_v with_o it_o a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o end_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n but_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o watch_v that_o signify_v such_o a_o care_n of_o ourselves_o as_o suppose_v danger_n and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o who_o the_o exhortation_n be_v immediate_o give_v our_o saviour_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a passion_n he_o will_v therefore_o have_v they_o consider_v beforehand_o what_o a_o terrible_a temptation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o see_v their_o own_o master_n forsake_v and_o contemn_v and_o almost_o every_o body_n ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o own_v he_o he_o will_v have_v they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o such_o a_o temptation_n as_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v have_v they_o furnish_v their_o mind_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o constancy_n which_o they_o may_v infer_v from_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n he_o have_v teach_v they_o they_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o value_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o whatever_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o jesus_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o good_a mind_n they_o be_v in_o at_o present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o
some_o one_o occasion_n at_o least_o to_o have_v say_v let_v nothing_o be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n if_o he_o have_v know_v of_o any_o such_o privilege_n and_o power_n confer_v on_o he_o by_o our_o lord_n but_o if_o pergamos_n be_v justifiable_a in_o remove_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n without_o stay_v for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n england_n in_o remove_v more_o corruption_n and_o of_o equal_a danger_n be_v to_o proceed_v also_o without_o his_o leave_n if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v 2._o as_o to_o his_o patriarchal_a power_n over_o this_o nation_n it_o do_v not_o ancient_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o have_v it_o not_o when_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a confine_v he_o to_o his_o own_o province_n nor_o when_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n decree_v that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v presume_v to_o invade_v any_o other_o province_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o be_v under_o his_o or_o his_o predecessor_n jurisdiction_n or_o if_o any_o do_v and_o make_v it_o his_o own_o by_o force_n that_o he_o shall_v restore_v it_o and_o then_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n be_v free_a acknowledge_v no_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n the_o power_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n gain_v here_o in_o after-age_n be_v get_v by_o fraud_n and_o hold_v by_o force_n and_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o dispute_v and_o gainsay_v and_o overrule_v and_o sure_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v he_o when_o that_o authority_n be_v resume_v which_o he_o have_v usurp_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o saxon_n by_o austin_n send_v hither_o by_o pope_n gregory_n i_o say_v it_o follow_v not_o if_o long_o since_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o island_n receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o rome_n therefore_o they_o shall_v in_o all_o age_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o place_n afterward_o nor_o that_o because_o we_o once_o receive_v true_a religion_n from_o rome_n therefore_o posterity_n must_v receive_v also_o false_a doctrine_n from_o thence_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v she_o to_o send_v they_o hither_o but_o in_o truth_n christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v here_o long_o before_o by_o st._n paul_n himself_o in_o all_o probability_n and_o that_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n before_o rome_n herself_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith._n and_o the_o british_a bishop_n who_o austin_n find_v here_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a legate_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o right_n that_o this_o particular_a church_n have_v to_o reform_v herself_o i_o come_v now_o three_o to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o specious_a pretence_n and_o objection_n by_o which_o they_o go_v about_o to_o weaken_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o our_o people_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o they_o 1._o they_o say_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o error_n can_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o that_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o there_o must_v have_v be_v great_a opposition_n make_v to_o any_o the_o least_o design_n of_o such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o account_n of_o thing_n in_o history_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o innovation_n but_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o omit_v this_o that_o concern_v most_o of_o their_o innovation_n we_o can_v very_o near_o show_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o but_o can_v plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o in_o a_o thousand_o year_n time_n error_n shall_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n by_o degree_n and_o without_o noise_n than_o that_o in_o a_o church_n plant_v by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n place_v there_o by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v shall_v so_o soon_o tolerate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n even_o while_o their_o apostle_n be_v alive_a and_o therefore_o very_a soon_o after_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o 2._o they_o say_v that_o the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n from_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o true_a doctrine_n among_o they_o in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o but_o behold_v a_o apostolical_a church_n in_o which_o a_o bishop_n succeed_v a_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a corrupt_v in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v they_o have_v great_a can_v they_o have_v as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o perpetual_a uninterrupted_a succession_n after_o so_o many_o age_n as_o the_o church_n of_o pergame_n have_v before_o one_o age_n be_v go_v or_o do_v their_o infallibility_n grow_v with_o their_o succession_n or_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o the_o sure_a still_o that_o they_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o 3._o they_o say_v we_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v visible_a everywhere_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v see_v there_o be_v then_o no_o communion_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v be_v long_o before_o that_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o point_n which_o the_o reformation_n bring_v in_o now_o in_o great_a liberality_n to_o admit_v for_o once_o that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o true_a but_o i_o say_v admitting_z it_o what_o will_v then_o come_v of_o it_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n no_o but_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o general_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o by_o that_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o be_v a_o part_n unless_o we_o depart_v also_o from_o ourselves_o nay_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o another_o damnable_a error_n and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v fail_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v perish_v for_o some_o age_n till_o the_o reformation_n bring_v it_o to_o life_n again_o not_o so_o neither_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o damnable_a and_o that_o they_o make_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o extreme_o hazardous_a but_o yet_o that_o we_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o discover_v her_o corruption_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n have_v perish_v but_o that_o her_o purity_n have_v be_v lose_v even_o as_o pergamos_n be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o because_o she_o hold_v fast_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o creed_n while_o yet_o she_o be_v corrupt_v with_o notorious_a error_n to_o this_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a way_n of_o argue_v they_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o between_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o pergamos_n be_v and_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n from_o which_o luther_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o separate_v themselves_o but_o then_o i_o will_v answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v upon_o for_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o under_o great_a error_n may_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o like_a reason_n if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v overspread_v with_o foul_a error_n it_o will_v nevertheless_o still_o remain_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o depart_v from_o those_o error_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o depart_v from_o such_o error_n do_v no_o more_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o she_o do_v from_o herself_o 4._o they_o pretend_v antiquity_n for_o their_o error_n and_o be_v often_o ask_v that_o shrewd_a question_n as_o they_o deem_v it_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n i_o will_v answer_v this_o question_n with_o another_o that_o after_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n have_v purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n where_o be_v the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n before_o that_o reformation_n every_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n will_v answer_v it_o be_v where_o it_o be_v now_o and_o where_o it_o ever_o be_v since_o it_o be_v first_o a_o
divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o any_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n only_o give_v that_o i_o say_v to_o any_o other_o be_v how_o excellent_a soever_o although_o they_o that_o do_v so_o do_v believe_v and_o worship_v the_o supreme_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n all_o the_o while_n for_o by_o idolatry_n they_o can_v understand_v nothing_o but_o what_o go_v for_o idolatry_n under_o the_o law_n see_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o alter_v but_o it_o continue_v just_a the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v before_o as_o these_o very_a word_n do_v witness_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v but_o as_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o argument_n by_o distinguish_v between_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n so_o i_o shall_v now_o close_v it_o by_o compare_v they_o together_o idolatry_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n because_o it_o give_v away_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o another_o but_o atheism_n be_v a_o worse_o because_o that_o be_v a_o renounce_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n they_o who_o do_v not_o serve_v the_o lord_n only_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a impiety_n but_o they_o who_o do_v not_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o at_o all_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a impiety_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o worship_v angel_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o saint_n to_o adore_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o adore_v the_o virgin_n be_v in_o part_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o our_o saviour_n but_o neither_o to_o worship_n or_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n no_o nor_o to_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v utter_o to_o forsake_v he_o and_o to_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o extenuate_v the_o crime_n of_o idolatry_n but_o to_o give_v every_o thing_n its_o due_a and_o to_o leave_v this_o impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o we_o inveigh_v against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o other_o because_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o give_v some_o of_o god_n glory_n to_o his_o creature_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o devout_a and_o in_o very_o good_a earnest_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n least_o by_o degree_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o spirit_n of_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n and_o be_v whole_o estrange_v from_o god_n which_o be_v a_o worse_a case_n than_o solomon_n be_v who_o fall_v into_o the_o idolatry_n of_o his_o neighbour_n fall_v under_o this_o character_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o go_v not_o full_o after_o he_o to_o conclude_v since_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o go_v on_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o and_o to_o be_v sure_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o worship_v he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a in_o religion_n but_o earnest_n and_o fervent_a lest_o we_o forsake_v god_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o irreligion_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o damnable_a as_o idolatry_n let_v it_o appear_v by_o our_o whole_a conversation_n that_o we_o do_v indeed_o worship_v the_o god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o only_o have_v power_n to_o bless_v we_o to_o protect_v and_o keep_v we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o reward_v we_o with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o forever_o the_o six_o sermon_n gen._n xxii_o 12._o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n i._o god_n testimony_n concern_v abraham_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n ii_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o this_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o be_v ground_v which_o be_v his_o offering_n his_o son_n isaac_n to_o god_n because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n this_o i_o say_v be_v god_n testimony_n concern_v he_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n it_o seem_v plain_a that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o do_v sometime_o appear_v to_o the_o patriarch_n for_o the_o word_n be_v see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o i._n e._n from_o god_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o who_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n the_o matter_n god_n testify_v of_o he_o be_v that_o he_o fear_v god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o that_o he_o be_v affect_v suitable_o thereunto_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o phrase_n use_v to_o comprehend_v all_o pious_a affection_n towards_o he_o and_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o same_o latitude_n with_o faith_n the_o praise_n whereof_o be_v ascribe_v to_o abraham_n by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hehrew_n the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v add_v be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o to_o fear_n god_n be_v to_o fear_v he_o as_o god_n that_o be_v before_o and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o consequent_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o incomparable_o and_o infinite_o more_o than_o upon_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o other_o be_v finite_a god_n only_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n testify_v of_o abraham_n in_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v this_o testimony_n of_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n wherein_o we_o find_v he_o do_v now_o know_v i_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n now_o i._n e._n now_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o for_o do_v not_o god_n know_v the_o integrity_n of_o abraham_n heart_n before_o be_v not_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o do_v he_o need_v our_o outward_a action_n that_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o temper_n and_o intention_n by_o they_o it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o one_o another_o thought_n but_o by_o our_o word_n and_o deed_n but_o have_v god_n no_o other_o way_n yes_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o that_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o even_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v within_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v but_o why_o then_o do_v he_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o say_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o speak_n and_o converse_v with_o one_o another_o for_o we_o with_o great_a propriety_n use_v such_o expression_n as_o these_o upon_o such_o extraordinary_a occasion_n if_o from_o my_o friend_n that_o have_v always_o profess_v great_a kindness_n to_o i_o i_o receive_v some_o notable_a benefit_n in_o my_o distress_n not_o without_o hazard_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o i_o to_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o he_o love_v i_o now_o i_o know_v he_o be_v indeed_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a friend_n though_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o before_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o confirmation_n and_o strengthen_n of_o my_o belief_n that_o in_o comparison_n thereto_o i_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o it_o before_o in_o allusion_n to_o such_o expression_n it_o be_v that_o god_n use_v these_o word_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n not_o in_o intimation_n of_o his_o have_v now_o gain_v great_a assurance_n of_o abraham_n integrity_n than_o he_o have_v before_o abraham_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o have_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o worship_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o god_n see_v all_o along_o that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_a man_n and_o this_o no_o less_o before_o he_o be_v bid_v to_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n than_o after_o he_o have_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o slay_v he_o upon_o the_o
for_o he_o that_o submit_v to_o god_n with_o the_o least_o dispute_v when_o the_o trial_n be_v great_a do_v it_o with_o the_o least_o pain_n but_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n if_o we_o prevail_v at_o last_o and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n expect_v in_o quit_v all_o to_o secure_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o although_o not_o with_o the_o same_o readiness_n that_o abraham_n do_v though_o not_o without_o complaint_n and_o some_o dispute_v for_o god_n will_v pardon_v our_o infirmity_n if_o there_o be_v a_o prevail_a sincerity_n at_o the_o bottom_n that_o overcome_v the_o reluctance_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood._n but_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o abraham_n example_n and_o consider_v well_o with_o ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v our_o constant_a profession_n and_o pretence_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v abraham_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o hold_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o god_n can_v require_v we_o to_o quit_v voluntary_o but_o he_o have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o and_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o it_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o when_o therefore_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v free_o resign_v that_o to_o he_o which_o he_o can_v take_v away_o if_o he_o please_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o require_v this_o not_o for_o his_o own_o good_a but_o for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v need_v isaac_n and_o it_o have_v be_v beneficial_a to_o himself_o that_o isaac_n shall_v be_v kill_v what_o need_v of_o abraham_n to_o do_v it_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a reason_n without_o delay_n to_o put_v god_n will_n and_o command_v in_o execution_n when_o we_o know_v beforehand_o that_o all_o be_v mean_v for_o our_o good_a not_o that_o god_n be_v the_o better_a for_o that_o which_o we_o quit_v but_o because_o we_o be_v the_o better_a for_o do_v it_o free_o and_o voluntary_o 2._o the_o other_o remarkable_a be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o that_o his_o only_a son_n in_o who_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v through_o who_o all_o those_o great_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o he_o before_o and_o herein_o consist_v the_o nobleness_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o though_o god_n seem_v to_o require_v that_o which_o will_v destroy_v all_o the_o hope_n he_o have_v by_o those_o promise_n which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v yet_o he_o believe_v still_o and_o submit_v to_o do_v that_o which_o in_o all_o appearance_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n that_o have_v be_v make_v to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n lay_v a_o emphasis_n upon_o chap._n 11._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n his_o only_a son_n through_o who_o those_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v now_o though_o he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n get_v over_o the_o difficulty_n that_o natural_a affection_n lay_v in_o his_o way_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o hard_a point_n how_o he_o shall_v get_v over_o that_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n of_o his_o faith_n god_n have_v promise_v before_o that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v if_o he_o believe_v he_o now_o how_o do_v it_o not_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v deceive_v before_o if_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v before_o in_o trust_v to_o that_o promise_n how_o can_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o promise_v any_o long_o but_o yet_o without_o any_o of_o this_o dispute_v and_o contend_v he_o go_v speedy_o about_o the_o matter_n he_o rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o take_v his_o son_n along_o with_o he_o to_o that_o place_n where_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v he_o up_o now_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n notwithstanding_o this_o command_n mark_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o faith_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o so_o full_o believe_v all_o god_n promise_n make_v to_o he_o before_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v not_o stagger_v with_o the_o seem_a inconsistancy_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n with_o his_o former_a promise_n but_o conclude_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n god_n will_v raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o account_v that_o be_v he_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o in_o a_o sort_n he_o do_v by_o stop_v his_o hand_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o slay_v he_o and_o now_o if_o upon_o the_o former_a consideration_n abraham_n sincerity_n deserve_v so_o high_a a_o testimony_n much_o more_o upon_o this_o for_o it_o be_v the_o high_a praise_n of_o faith_n to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n even_o when_o the_o way_n he_o take_v so_o to_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o well_o therefore_o may_v god_n upon_o this_o high_a act_n of_o obedience_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o say_v by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o that_o in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o observe_v here_o i_o beseech_v you_o how_o high_o god_n be_v please_v with_o this_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o fit_o the_o promise_n wherewith_o god_n immediate_o reward_v he_o agree_v to_o what_o abraham_n have_v do_v by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o word_n can_v express_v a_o great_a delight_n than_o these_o do_v one_o will_v think_v that_o abraham_n have_v do_v some_o singular_a kindness_n to_o his_o god_n and_o if_o god_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o as_o we_o judge_v of_o man_n that_o god_n have_v receive_v a_o extraordinary_a favour_n and_o benefit_n from_o he_o but_o such_o be_v the_o infinite_a and_o pure_a charity_n of_o god_n that_o when_o we_o do_v what_o be_v good_a for_o ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o less_o please_v to_o he_o than_o if_o it_o be_v beneficial_a to_o himself_o but_o because_o abraham_n have_v conquer_v the_o great_a temptation_n of_o all_o to_o disobedience_n viz._n that_o the_o thing_n command_v seem_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v of_o a_o bless_a posterity_n that_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o by_o isaac_n god_n now_o reward_v his_o faith_n with_o repeat_v assurance_n by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o so_o well_o may_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o peace-offering_n when_o they_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o give_v they_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o good_a a_o land_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o offering_n of_o isaac_n as_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n enjoy_v and_o after_o such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o this_o well_o may_v we_o trust_v god_n in_o all_o condition_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o do_v as_o abraham_n do_v if_o we_o count_v none_o of_o his_o commandment_n grievous_a if_o we_o do_v not_o repine_v at_o his_o providence_n if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o though_o when_o we_o must_v hope_v against_o hope_n for_o then_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v wise_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o he_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o as_o much_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n as_o he_o be_v with_o abraham_n and_o will_v reward_v it_o as_o effectual_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o give_v mere_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o world_n end_n who_o when_o they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o do_v the_o hard_a duty_n and_o be_v
will_v be_v take_v heed_n lest_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thus_o he_o foretell_v how_o christianity_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o imposture_n and_o fraud_n again_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o shall_v many_o be_v offend_v and_o shall_v betray_v one_o another_o and_o shall_v hate_v one_o another_o thus_o he_o foretell_v the_o violence_n that_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o extinguish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n again_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o thes_n 2._o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o fearful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n again_o say_v he_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n 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degenerate_a time_n even_o after_o christ_n first_o come_v and_o so_o that_o be_v express_o foretell_v which_o the_o text_n evident_o suppose_v for_o here_o will_v be_v glorious_a pretence_n to_o deceive_v violence_n to_o compel_v and_o wicked_a example_n to_o offend_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o provision_n have_v our_o lord_n leave_v to_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v mislead_v where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v we_o at_o first_o by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v they_o must_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a example_n and_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v when_o they_o shall_v happen_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o either_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o or_o at_o least_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v neglect_v all_o care_n of_o it_o since_o because_o it_o do_v so_o little_a good_a as_o yet_o in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o error_n and_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o oppose_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o
interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o faithful_a seem_v to_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n while_o god_n seem_v to_o let_v the_o world_n alone_o and_o to_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v what_o they_o do_v he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n try_v and_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o for_o his_o own_o information_n for_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o if_o he_o at_o every_o turn_n shall_v interpose_v when_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a we_o shall_v very_o seldom_o know_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sometime_o see_v whether_o man_n be_v what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v whether_o indeed_o they_o be_v concern_v for_o that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o have_v once_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n whether_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v or_o by_o mere_a worldly_a and_o politic_a consideration_n for_o such_o discovery_n as_o these_o be_v very_o instruct_v and_o serve_v for_o the_o bring_n about_o of_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n because_o while_o he_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o go_v on_o as_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o not_o he_o be_v try_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o faith_n and_o upon_o the_o trial_n many_o be_v discover_v not_o to_o have_v it_o in_o short_a divine_a providence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n that_o it_o then_o most_o of_o all_o show_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o regard_v nothing_o i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o will_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o one_o forerunner_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o now_o the_o use_n of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o prayer_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o time_n when_o these_o fail_n than_o ought_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v i._n e._n they_o ought_v always_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o believe_v his_o promise_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o will_v turn_v to_o good_a account_n for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v gracious_a to_o all_o and_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v all_o this_o than_o they_o will_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a i._n e._n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v and_o if_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v then_o also_o when_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n nay_o than_o most_o of_o all_o because_o when_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n be_v great_a we_o shall_v the_o most_o of_o all_o strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o recourse_n to_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o to_o this_o instance_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n must_v go_v 1._o a_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o worldly_a interest_n whatsoever_o for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o faith_n to_o go_v to_o god_n who_o think_v of_o take_v care_n for_o himself_o without_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o to_o commend_v his_o case_n to_o he_o that_o contrive_v how_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o without_o he_o 2._o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o also_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n entitle_v himself_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v the_o particular_a blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o at_o any_o time_n if_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a for_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o matter_n after_o all_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o than_o if_o we_o obtain_v they_o we_o get_v his_o blessing_n with_o they_o too_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v his_o blessing_n without_o they_o which_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o always_o with_o these_o disposition_n we_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a case_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v assure_o come_v accompany_v with_o temporal_a one_o too_o if_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o his_o church_n to_o be_v prosperous_a than_o to_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v when_o man_n be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o god_n correction_n and_o their_o own_o repentance_n man_n ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o their_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o fail_v of_o obtain_v what_o they_o ask_v which_o our_o saviour_n think_v good_a to_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n in_o the_o parable_n deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz_o of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o desire_v thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v needful_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o be_v more_o needful_a than_o what_o we_o ask_v 3._o whereas_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n seem_v to_o contemn_v the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o that_o person_n that_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o justice_n for_o which_o reason_n she_o be_v represent_v here_o to_o be_v a_o widow_n one_o of_o a_o destitute_a condition_n that_o want_v a_o patron_n to_o assert_v she_o right_o god_n who_o be_v just_a and_o good_a to_o all_o be_v particular_o gracious_a to_o his_o servant_n and_o esteem_v they_o high_o and_o no_o circumstance_n of_o meanness_n and_o distress_n which_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o can_v alter_v his_o favour_n towards_o they_o for_o all_o which_o reason_n if_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n grant_v the_o widow_n suit_n mere_o because_o she_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v troublesome_a to_o he_o much_o more_o will_v god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v never_o troublesome_a when_o we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o he_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v because_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o gracious_a and_o love_v and_o pity_v we_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n the_o fourteen_o sermon_n a_o assize-sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary_n in_o bury_n 1678._o levit_fw-la xix_o 12._o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n depend_v chief_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o discharge_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o obligation_n which_o a_o oath_n imply_v in_o promise_v it_o must_v not_o be_v unlawful_a that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o righteousness_n it_o must_v not_o be_v impossible_a it_o must_v not_o be_v trivial_a and_o in_o affirm_v it_o must_v be_v some_o fact_n provable_a by_o our_o own_o testimony_n that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o judgement_n all_o which_o imply_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v indeliberate_o passionate_o or_o common_o the_o discharge_v of_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o obligation_n which_o be_v to_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n fidelity_n of_o performance_n and_o the_o give_v
all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_n judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_n come_v to_o judge_n the_o world._n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_n other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o scandalous_a way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o immorality_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o god_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o use_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o those_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o oppression_n violence_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n error_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o scandalous_a example_n shall_v for_o some_o age_n reign_v no_o less_o than_o before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o shake_v the_o faith_n even_o of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o amaze_a consideration_n and_o though_o the_o noble_a example_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affure_v expectation_n of_o a_o large_a progress_n that_o christianity_n will_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o better_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v answer_v the_o objection_n yet_o that_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o bad_a under_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v what_o may_v raise_v some_o admiration_n but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o establish_v a_o religion_n which_o shall_v either_o by_o its_o truth_n convince_v or_o by_o its_o power_n reform_v mankind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o both_o 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