and_o what_o a_o advantageous_a exchange_n than_o be_v it_o for_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n minister_n be_v in_o this_o world_n what_o it_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n day_n he_o tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 10._o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o tumult_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fast_v by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n by_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n as_o deceiver_n and_o yet_o true_a as_o unknown_a and_o yet_o well_o know_v as_o 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of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v 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several_a sect_n dispute_v â—…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v â—…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a enâ—…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o â—…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o â—…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o â—…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o â—…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v â—…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o pâ—…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a 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be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o 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and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o 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scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o 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there_o be_v
a_o eternal_a god_n without_o know_v how_o any_o thing_n be_v eternal_a these_o be_v dispute_n in_o philosophy_n and_o such_o as_o none_o but_o vain_a man_n will_v dispute_v about_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v above_o our_o compreâ—…ension_n and_o therefore_o no_o reasonable_a â—…bjection_n against_o our_o faith_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarâ—…ation_n nothing_o can_v be_v plain_o in_o scripâ—…ure_n than_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v â—…an_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o this_o article_n be_v pure_o philosophical_a some_o man_n reject_v it_o because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n other_o confound_v the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n as_o eutyches_n do_v or_o divide_v the_o person_n as_o nestoriâ—…us_n do_v both_o which_o indeed_o destroy_v the_o article_n of_o the_o 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who_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n or_o a_o son_n and_o god_n by_o nature_n true_o beget_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n or_o whether_o christ_n be_v god_n incarnate_a or_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o their_o ancient_a creed_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o teach_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o must_v explain_v the_o faith_n as_o to_o know_v and_o to_o let_v other_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o if_o to_o assert_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n against_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n shall_v be_v call_v new_a explication_n we_o can_v help_v it_o for_o we_o must_v explain_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v about_o these_o article_n and_o how_o the_o catholic_n church_n always_o understand_v they_o but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v philosophy_n with_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o mere_a philosophical_a objection_n against_o the_o faith_n nor_o to_o attempt_v any_o explication_n of_o these_o mystery_n beyond_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n will_v justify_v indeed_o the_o importunity_n of_o heretic_n do_v very_o often_o engage_v the_o catholic_n father_n in_o philosophical_a dispute_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o to_o explain_v the_o christian_a mystery_n by_o philosophy_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o as_o incomprehensible_a as_o these_o mystery_n be_v the_o philosophy_n of_o heretic_n and_o their_o objection_n against_o these_o article_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o such_o dispute_n as_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o shame_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n while_o we_o do_v not_o put_v the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o this_o issue_n second_o let_v we_o now_o 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â—…octrines_n which_o be_v think_v the_o most_o â—…ysterious_a and_o inconceivable_a notwithâ—…tanding_v any_o objection_n from_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n against_o they_o and_o the_o account_n of_o this_o must_v be_v resolve_v â—…nto_o the_o nature_n use_v and_o authority_n of_o revelation_n that_o revelation_n as_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n must_v serve_v instead_o of_o sense_n natural_a idea_n and_o natural_a reason_n that_o be_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v thing_n whiâ—…_n we_o do_v not_o see_v thing_n which_o we_o haâ—…_n not_o natural_a notion_n or_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o naturâ—…_n reason_n for_o without_o this_o there_o be_v littlâ—…_n use_v of_o faith_n no_o authority_n of_o pure_a revelation_n it_o be_v true_a the_o general_n corruption_n oâ—…_n mankind_n make_v it_o very_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o revive_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o reinforce_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o command_n but_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o discover_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o any_o natural_a evidence_n at_o least_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v if_o god_n know_v more_o than_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o when_o he_o see_v it_o useful_a for_o mankind_n now_o if_o god_n ever_o do_v reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v upon_o god_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o strict_a notion_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n we_o must_v believe_v without_o any_o natural_a evidence_n mere_o because_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o revelation_n nor_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o â—…pernatural_a truth_n that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o natural_a
sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n some_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v by_o w._n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1700._o to_o the_o reader_n all_o the_o account_n i_o have_v to_o give_v of_o publish_v this_o volume_n of_o sermon_n be_v only_o this_o that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v print_v before_o by_o public_a authority_n or_o by_o such_o application_n as_o to_o i_o be_v equivalent_a to_o command_n and_o my_o bookseller_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o reprint_v those_o sermon_n which_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o desire_v i_o to_o add_v some_o few_o more_o to_o make_v a_o just_a volume_n the_o choice_n i_o have_v make_v of_o such_o as_o i_o have_v add_v be_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o curious_a composition_n or_o new_a conceit_n much_o less_o for_o wit_n and_o satyr_n but_o i_o choose_v such_o as_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v most_o useful_a in_o such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d as_o this_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v do_v any_o good_a which_o i_o hearty_o beg_v of_o god_n they_o may_v i_o have_v all_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o will._n sherlock_n errata_fw-la page_n 25._o line_n 3._o for_o be_v treat_v read_v be_v entreat_v p._n 44._o f._n indispesanble_a r._n indispensible_a p._n 46._o l._n 27._o f._n owe_v r._n our_o p._n 193._o l._n ult_n for_o in_o r._n and_o p._n 239._o l._n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 404._o l._n 21._o f._n they_o r._n the._n p._n 413._o l._n 3._o f._n whensoever_o r._n whencesoever_o â—…p_n 485._o l._n 8._o f._n nor_o r._n not_o p._n 526._o l._n 3._o r._n one_o thing_n r._n sermon_n 18_o instead_o of_o 19_o the_o content_n the_o nature_n and_o mean_n of_o church-unity_n sermon_n i._n 122._o psal._n 6_o 7._o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n the_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n a_o funeral-sermon_n serm._n ii_o 24._o matth._n 45_o 46._o who_o then_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v the_o measure_n of_o providence_n towards_o the_o church_n serm._n iii_o 77._o psal._n 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o i_o say_v this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n but_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a i_o will_v remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o i_o will_v remember_v thy_o wonder_n of_o old_a i_o will_v meditate_v also_o of_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o talk_v of_o all_o thy_o do_n the_o temptation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o wilderness_n serm._n iu._n 4._o matth._n 1._o then_o be_v jesus_n lead_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n the_o charity_n of_o lend_v without_o usury_n serm._n v._n 4._o luke_n 35._o but_o love_v your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a and_o lend_v hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o and_o your_o reward_n shall_v be_v great_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o high_a for_o he_o be_v kind_a to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n a_o wound_a spirit_n a_o unsupportable_a evil._n serm._n vi_o 18._o prov._n 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v st._n paul_n '_o s_o choice_n a_o funeral_n sermon_n serm._n vii_o 1_o phil._n 23_o 24._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o a_o sermon_n upon_o the_o queen_n death_n serm._n viii_o 39_o psal._n 9_o i_o be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o charity_n serm._n ix_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 12._o for_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n serm._n x._o 2._o col._n 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n thefolly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n serm._n xi_o 14._o joh._n 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o the_o language_n and_o interpretation_n of_o judgement_n serm._n xii_o 6._o micah_n 9_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v thy_o name_n hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o religious_a assembly_n serm._n xiii_o 96._o psal._n 9_o o_o worship_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n the_o use_n of_o music_n in_o religious_a worship_n serm._n fourteen_o 81._o psal._n 1_o 2._o sing_v aloud_o unto_o god_n our_o strength_n make_v a_o joyful_a noise_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o jacob._n take_v a_o psalm_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o timbrel_n the_o pleasant_a harp_n with_o the_o psaltery_a the_o nature_n and_o evil_n of_o a_o vicious_a self-love_n serm._n xv._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o this_o know_v also_o 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 the_o reasonableness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o preference_n of_o unseen_a thing_n serm._n xvi_o 2_o cor._n 4._o v._n 18._o while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a the_o danger_n of_o confound_v the_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n serm._n xvii_o 5._o isa._n 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n the_o progress_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o serm._n xviii_o 5._o isa._n 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n to_o the_o right-honourable_a sir_n john_n chapman_n lord-mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n my_o lord_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n i_o receive_v from_o your_o lordship_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n i_o present_v you_o with_o this_o plain_a sermon_n the_o whole_a design_n of_o which_o be_v not_o to_o debate_v any_o thing_n nor_o to_o determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v in_o those_o warm_a dispute_n which_o have_v be_v among_o we_o but_o to_o convince_v all_o those_o who_o love_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o controversy_n there_o be_v which_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o without_o dispute_v and_o how_o a_o little_a condescension_n to_o each_o other_o may_v either_o happy_o unite_v we_o into_o one_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n and_o charity_n notwithstanding_o some_o different_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o i_o hope_v so_o charitable_a a_o design_n as_o this_o will_v raise_v no_o new_a dispute_n and_o quarrel_n among_o we_o that_o god_n will_v preserve_v his_o church_n restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n bless_v this_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n and_o direct_v your_o lordship_n in_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o these_o difficult_a time_n be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o obedient_a servant_n will._n sherlock_n sermon_n i._n preach_v before_o the_o lord-mayor_n at_o guildhall-chappel_n on_o sunday_n november_n 4._o 1688._o cxxii_o psalm_n 6_o 7._o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n though_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n of_o pen_v this_o psalm_n be_v uncertain_a yet_o so_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v after_o david_n
have_v settle_v the_o ark_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o make_v that_o city_n the_o place_n of_o god_n house_n and_o of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n there_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n verse_n 9_o that_o be_v though_o the_o temple_n be_v not_o yet_o build_v if_o this_o psalm_n be_v compose_v by_o david_n as_o the_o title_n of_o it_o signify_v it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n which_o former_o be_v in_o shiloh_n and_o afterward_o remove_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o till_o david_n settle_v it_o in_o jerusalem_n thither_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v to_o resort_v three_o time_n a_o year_n to_o worship_n god_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testimony_n 4_o ver_fw-la there_o be_v the_o imperial_a seat_n where_o david_n have_v build_v his_o throne_n and_o palace_n and_o where_o his_o posterity_n be_v to_o dwell_v and_o govern_v israel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o justice_n too_o as_o that_o must_v be_v where_o the_o king_n throne_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v place_v there_o be_v set_v throne_n of_o judgement_n the_o throne_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n 5._o ver_fw-la these_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o jerusalem_n above_o any_o other_o city_n in_o jury._n this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o peculiar_a affection_n and_o passionate_a concern_v which_o david_n have_v himself_o and_o exhort_v all_o other_o to_o express_v for_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o great_o rejoice_v to_o go_v thither_o and_o to_o continue_v there_o i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o foot_n shall_v stand_v within_o thy_o gate_n o_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o exhort_v all_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o promise_v a_o blessing_n to_o those_o who_o love_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o my_o text_n pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n all_o this_o be_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o material_a building_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o place_n or_o the_o conveniency_n of_o its_o situation_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v together_o whither_o the_o tribe_n go_v up_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o israel_n to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o &_o 4._o ver_fw-la which_o show_v in_o what_o respect_n he_o commend_v jerusalem_n that_o it_o be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n which_o be_v compact_v together_o not_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o uniformity_n and_o regular_a order_n and_o union_n of_o its_o material_a building_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o a_o religious_a unity_n and_o order_n in_o worship_n where_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n meet_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n there_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n there_o be_v the_o set_v throne_n of_o judgement_n so_o that_o to_o love_n jerusalem_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o it_o be_v to_o love_v the_o house_n the_o worship_n the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o love_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o unity_n happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o flourish_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peaceful_a opportunity_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o his_o holy_a temple_n together_o with_o the_o equal_a and_o impartial_a administration_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o promote_v the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n that_o our_o love_n to_o mankind_n but_o especial_o our_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o our_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o worship_n require_v this_o of_o we_o for_o my_o brethren_n and_o companion_n sake_n i_o will_v now_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o because_o of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_z our_o god_n i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a v._o 8_o 9_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o easy_a exposition_n of_o this_o whole_a psalm_n and_o therein_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v my_o text._n i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o add_v to_o make_v way_n for_o my_o intend_a discourse_n and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v you_o that_o this_o exhortation_n do_v direct_o and_o not_o mere_o by_o accommodation_n and_o analogy_n concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v the_o jew_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o a_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o carnal_a israel_n or_o the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v of_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n express_o distinguish_v between_o the_o earthly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o 4._o gal._n 25_o 26._o for_o this_o agar_n be_v mount_n sinai_n in_o arabia_n and_o answer_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o now_o be_v and_o be_v in_o bondage_n with_o her_o child_n but_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o or_o from_o above_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v free_a which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o which_o in_o 12._o heb._n 22._o he_o call_v mount_n zion_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o 3._o rev._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god._n and_o 21._o rev._n 2._o the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n prepare_v as_o a_o bride_n adorn_v for_o her_o husband_n which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o most_o reform_a and_o purify_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o this_o exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o christian_n because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o true_a jerusalem_n the_o new_a the_o holy_a jerusalem_n descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n v._o 10._o by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v you_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n and_o how_o much_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v two_o part_n observable_a in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n 2._o the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v to_o the_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n wherein_o i_o shall_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o 2._o how_o necessary_a prayer_n be_v to_o obtain_v these_o blessing_n i._o what_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n now_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o unity_n and_o agreement_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o 2._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o external_a oppression_n and_o persecution_n 1._o the_o unity_n and_o agreement_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o when_o they_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o join_v in_o the_o same_o worship_n when_o they_o love_v like_o brethren_n and_o have_v a_o tender_a affection_n and_o sympathy_n for_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n this_o all_o christian_n confess_v to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n and_o pretend_v to_o lament_v the_o many_o scandalous_a dissension_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o though_o division_n and_o dissension_n be_v destructive_a to_o all_o society_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o society_n suffer_v so_o much_o by_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o destroy_v love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o badge_n and_o cognizance_n of_o our_o profession_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o this_o turn_v the_o christian_a church_n into_o a_o school_n of_o wrangle_a dispute_n and_o make_v man_n more_o concern_v what_o they_o believe_v than_o how_o they_o live_v this_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o the_o world_n represent_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o very_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o christianity_n itself_o as_o a_o great_a disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n this_o overthrow_v all_o government_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o make_v its_o censure_n despise_v and_o scorn_v when_o the_o most_o
profligate_v sinner_n can_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o a_o schism_n and_o palliate_v or_o expiate_v their_o other_o crime_n by_o a_o factious_a zeal_n and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v christianity_n flourish_v we_o must_v pray_v hearty_o for_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o let_v we_o brief_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n one_a unity_n of_o faith_n whereby_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o all_o christian_n must_v agree_v in_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o speculation_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o it_o can_v be_v so_o but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v while_o man_n have_v such_o different_a understanding_n and_o ability_n such_o different_a skill_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enquiry_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o religion_n though_o a_o little_a vary_a in_o some_o nice_a speculation_n which_o be_v like_o the_o different_a feature_n in_o man_n face_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o human_a shape_n and_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o dispute_n which_o divide_v papist_n and_o protestant_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o protestant_n among_o themselves_o the_o first_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o these_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v accommodate_v and_o reconcile_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o error_n and_o we_o must_v not_o embrace_v they_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n for_o as_o dear_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n be_v we_o must_v not_o part_v with_o truth_n for_o peace_n but_o now_o the_o dispute_n among_o all_o that_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v protestant_n whatever_o mistake_v there_o may_v be_v on_o any_o side_n do_v not_o overthrow_v any_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v secure_v amid_o all_o these_o dispute_n some_o of_o these_o dispute_n be_v only_o inconvenient_a modes_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o word_n when_o both_o party_n real_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v if_o all_o heat_n and_o passion_n be_v lay_v aside_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o protestant_a controversy_n about_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o other_o be_v mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v dispute_v in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o controversy_n about_o god_n eternal_a decree_n and_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v only_o a_o revive_n of_o that_o old_a philosophical_a dispute_n about_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o god_n concourse_n with_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o some_o other_o case_n now_o methinks_v such_o dispute_n as_o these_o which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v not_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n let_v man_n dispute_v about_o they_o as_o philosopher_n but_o as_o christian_n let_v it_o suffice_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v plain_o teach_v we_o to_o at_o be_v enough_o to_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o agree_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o as_o to_o explain_v this_o more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o there_o be_v no_o good_a protestant_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o only_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o no_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o can_v do_v can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n nor_o merit_v eternal_a life_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n only_o of_o his_o body_n or_o church_n that_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n that_o no_o impenitent_a unreformed_a sinner_n though_o he_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n do_v not_o merit_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o eternal_a reward_n yet_o they_o be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o save_v by_o christ._n this_o i_o say_v all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v in_o and_o all_o this_o be_v plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o whoever_o believe_v this_o and_o practice_n according_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o reduce_v all_o this_o into_o artificial_a scheme_n wherein_o man_n fancy_n and_o conceit_n differ_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o dispute_v what_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o the_o efficacy_n of_o work_n be_v in_o our_o justification_n when_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o we_o be_v save_v only_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n but_o man_n may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n better_o secure_v without_o such_o particular_a determination_n thus_o all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v that_o all_o god_n work_n be_v know_v to_o he_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n know_v who_o be_v his_o and_o always_o do_v so_o that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n 1._o ephes._n 5_o 6_o 11._o that_o when_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v appear_v infinite_o just_a and_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o bad_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o secure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n of_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o inquire_v any_o far_a into_o the_o divine_a decree_n than_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o particular_a explication_n of_o which_o when_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n they_o vast_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v that_o our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o that_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n this_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o this_o attributt_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v to_o ourselves_o this_o encourage_v we_o to_o do_v good_a in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o teach_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o charge_v it_o on_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v because_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o when_o man_n frame_v this_o into_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n they_o then_o divide_v as_o far_o from_o each_o other_o as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o reconcile_a they_o
be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la to_o unite_v in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o peace_n be_v to_o silence_v all_o these_o dispute_n as_o matter_n which_o mankind_n will_v never_o agree_v about_o and_o wherein_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o on_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n no_o more_o depend_v than_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o secular_a affair_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n for_o the_o dispute_n about_o decree_n predestination_n god_n power_n over_o our_o will_n how_o god_n and_o creature_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n what_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n in_o every_o action_n since_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v concern_v every_o thing_n else_o as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n man_n let_v philosopher_n dispute_v these_o point_n and_o quiet_o go_v about_o their_o business_n and_o do_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o believe_v what_o be_v plain_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o be_v command_v use_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o do_v good_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o succour_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o leave_v these_o dispute_n to_o be_v decide_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o will_v decide_v they_o all_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a most_o of_o the_o dispute_n among_o protestant_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o silence_v and_o christian_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v clog_v nor_o reproach_v with_o such_o philosophical_a controversy_n 2_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o our_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o we_o resort_v to_o the_o same_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o that_o holy_a supper_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a church-unity_n and_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n who_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n shall_v divide_v communion_n and_o refuse_v to_o pray_v together_o and_o to_o feast_n at_o the_o same_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o can_v indeed_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n most_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o can_v join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o they_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n instead_o of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v join_v other_o intercessor_n with_o he_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o help_v they_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o therefore_o no_o object_n of_o worship_n and_o turn_v the_o sacramental_a feast_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a such_o a_o worship_n as_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o because_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a among_o protestant_n they_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o god_n in_o the_o only_a name_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n offer_v the_o same_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n observe_v the_o same_o divine_a institution_n without_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o can_v worship_v god_n together_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o same_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o a_o pious_a and_o grave_n and_o well-composed_a form_n of_o word_n which_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o and_o decent_o in_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o communicant_a in_o receive_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o knee_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n as_o if_o a_o white_a linnen-garment_n which_o never_o undergo_v any_o religious_a conjuration_n and_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o decent_a habit_n without_o any_o opinion_n of_o its_o virtue_n or_o sanctity_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o drive_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o christian_a communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n these_o will_v be_v surprise_v story_n to_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v before_o of_o such_o dispute_n among_o we_o pray_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v my_o mind_n free_o upon_o this_o occasion_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o observation_n i_o can_v make_v i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o most_o apostolical_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v any_o material_a alteration_n in_o her_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v give_v i_o very_o just_a resentment_n to_o hear_v our_o church_n charge_v with_o such_o unjust_a imputation_n of_o popery_n superstition_n idolatry_n will-worship_n and_o what_o not_o and_o to_o see_v a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n ready_a to_o raze_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v often_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o rent_n and_o tear_v by_o schism_n which_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a prudence_n may_v easy_o foresee_v will_v give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith_n this_o and_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o of_o their_o temporal_a fortune_n too_o move_v several_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n when_o the_o government_n think_v fit_a to_o reinforce_v the_o law_n of_o uniformity_n to_o examine_v and_o answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o they_o perform_v with_o that_o good_a temper_n with_o that_o perswasiveness_n and_o strength_n of_o argument_n as_o will_v be_v a_o vindication_n of_o our_o church_n to_o future_a age_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v upon_o second_o thought_n have_v yet_o a_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o then_o persuade_v and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v call_v persecution_n much_o less_o can_v the_o many_o kind_a office_n they_o do_v in_o keep_v off_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v call_v a_o persecution_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o prejudices_fw-la be_v grow_v as_o obstinate_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a when_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o ill_a design_n of_o other_o require_v some_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n take_v such_o prudent_a be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o papist_n by_o go_v far_o from_o they_o than_o be_v necessary_a will_v whenever_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v good_a condescend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v to_o meet_v the_o dissenter_n for_o while_o the_o external_a decency_n gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v secure_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v think_v much_o to_o change_v a_o changeable_a ceremony_n when_o it_o will_v heal_v the_o breach_n 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ourselves_o to_o be_v dissenter_n i_o hope_v be_v by_o this_o time_n very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o inclination_n to_o popery_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o body_n of_o dissenter_n for_o some_o private_a intriguer_n on_o either_o side_n do_v not_o deserve_v our_o notice_n nor_o to_o be_v think_v on_o either_o side_n have_v not_o such_o a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v she_o to_o a_o popish_a interest_n and_o this_o bid_v fair_a for_o a_o good_a understanding_n between_o we_o and_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o continue_v and_o perfect_v it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n of_o her_o enemy_n this_o be_v god_n care_n too_o and_o many_o time_n nothing_o but_o a_o all-seeing_a vigilant_a and_o omnipotent_a providence_n can_v secure_v she_o many_o time_n their_o design_n be_v lay_v deep_a 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be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n to_o his_o much_o esteem_a friend_n the_o churchwarden_n and_o parishioner_n of_o st._n lawrence_z jewry_n and_o st._n mary_n magdalen_n milk-street_n gentleman_n though_o i_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o make_v this_o sermon_n public_a yet_o i_o can_v not_o with_o any_o modesty_n deny_v your_o request_n when_o you_o have_v pay_v so_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o the_o counsel_n give_v you_o in_o it_o i_o hearty_o congratulate_v your_o happy_a agreement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o person_n to_o succeed_v the_o not-to-be-forgotten_a dr._n calamy_n who_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v deserve_v all_o that_o honour_n and_o kindness_n which_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o you_o to_o show_v to_o your_o minister_n i_o here_o present_v you_o with_o the_o sermon_n as_o it_o be_v preach_v except_v some_o few_o thing_n at_o the_o beginning_n which_o be_v leave_v out_o in_o speak_v to_o shorten_v it_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v without_o injure_v the_o sense_n i_o be_o sensible_a the_o character_n fall_v very_o short_a of_o what_o our_o decease_a friend_n deserve_v but_o it_o be_v every_o word_n true_a and_o i_o think_v have_v be_v as_o inoffensive_a too_o as_o it_o be_v true_a and_o so_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o wise_a and_o consider_a man_n and_o other_o may_v judge_v as_o they_o please_v if_o it_o will_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o make_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n more_o faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o several_a duty_n i_o have_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o both_o in_o preach_v and_o print_v it_o especial_o if_o you_o please_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o sincere_a respect_n of_o gentleman_n your_o very_a humble_a servant_n william_n sherlock_n sermon_n ii_o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a benjamin_n calamy_n d._n d._n and_o late_a minister_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n london_n jan._n 7._o 1685_o 6_o 24_o matth._n 45_o 46._o who_o then_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v in_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n chapter_n our_o saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o sign_n and_o prognostic_n of_o his_o come_n which_o plain_o have_v a_o double_a aspect_n both_o upon_o his_o come_n to_o destroy_v jerusalem_n and_o upon_o his_o come_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o the_o application_n he_o make_v of_o it_o be_v of_o universal_a use_n watch_v therefore_o for_o you_o know_v not_o what_o hour_n your_o lord_n do_v come_v v._o 42._o which_o be_v excellent_a advice_n in_o what_o sense_n soever_o we_o understand_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n signify_v his_o come_n to_o take_v account_n of_o we_o and_o whether_o we_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o hour_n of_o our_o death_n or_o to_o the_o last_o day_n of_o judgement_n still_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o watch_v that_o be_v to_o be_v always_o diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o discharge_v that_o trust_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o that_o whenever_o our_o lord_n come_v we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o concern_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o this_o watchfulness_n as_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o person_n because_o as_o they_o have_v a_o great_a trust_n so_o they_o have_v a_o great_a account_n to_o give_v this_o we_o learn_v from_o 12_o luke_n 42_o 43_o ver_fw-la where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v that_o general_a advice_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o come_n of_o their_o lord_n st._n peter_n particular_o inquire_v how_o far_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o lord_n speak_v thou_o this_o parable_n unto_o we_o or_o even_o to_o all_o ver_fw-la 41._o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n answer_v who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o â—…is_n lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v wherein_o our_o saviour_n do_v particular_o apply_v that_o general_a advice_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n his_o servant_n steward_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o those_o particular_a expression_n which_o be_v here_o use_v do_v sufficient_o acquaint_v we_o to_o who_o this_o advice_n belong_v we_o need_v not_o question_n who_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a title_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a what_o this_o household_n be_v which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a 16._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 6_o 16._o god_n the_o household_n of_o faith_n the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o son_n or_o lord_n over_o his_o 10._o 6._o gal._n 10._o own_o house_n who_o house_n be_v we_o if_o we_o â—…ld_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o the_o rejoice_v 6._o 3._o heb._n 5_o 6._o of_o the_o hope_v firm_a unto_o the_o end_n in_o distinction_n from_o moses_n who_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o household_n or_o the_o steward_n in_o st._n luke_n be_v the_o apostle_n bishop_n presbyter_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 28._o 20._o act_n 28._o overseer_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o meat_n which_o they_o be_v to_o give_v in_o season_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o different_a degree_n and_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n be_v compare_v to_o milk_n and_o to_o strong_a meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v the_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 2._o 5._o heb._n 12._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d tim._n 4._o 2._o flock_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n to_o reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v you_o that_o my_o text_n do_v principal_o concern_v the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o house_n and_o in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n
i_o shall_v observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o gospel-bishop_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o household_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o qualification_n of_o gospel-minister_n which_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n iii_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o man_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n minister_n whether_o bishop_n or_o other_o and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o to_o feed_v 2._o to_o govern_v the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o christ._n they_o be_v appoint_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 1._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o command_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n 28._o 20._o acâ—…s_fw-la 28._o and_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jonas_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o 17._o 21._o john_n 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n now_o to_o feed_v signify_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o 2._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 2._o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o natural_a food_n be_v to_o the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n this_o be_v life_n 3._o 17._o john_n 3._o eternal_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n appoint_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o whole_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o divine_a will_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v teach_v nature_n may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v this_o to_o we_o and_o he_o instruct_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n instruct_v the_o church_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o leisure_n not_o opportunity_n for_o enquiry_n nor_o capacity_n to_o learn_v without_o a_o guide_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o such_o infinite_a dispute_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o be_v use_v to_o make_v the_o plain_a truth_n difficult_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o man_n sensual_a lust_n or_o secular_a interest_n a_o guide_n and_o instructor_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o man_n may_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o religion_n no_o difficulty_n in_o understand_v it_o though_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o the_o mean_a christian_n understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a divine_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v constant_a need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n while_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a but_o to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v to_o admonish_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v seasonable_a application_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o slothful_a and_o to_o encourage_v the_o fearful_a and_o timorous_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n how_o to_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n this_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o already_o know_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o heavenly_a food_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v make_v these_o minister_n and_o servant_n ruler_n over_o his_o household_n no_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v 14._o 5._o eph._n 23._o 10._o john_n 14._o without_o order_n and_o government_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o state_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o name_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o household_n and_o family_n which_o be_v name_n of_o subjection_n and_o denote_v a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a society_n but_o christ_n have_v now_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v among_o we_o to_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v a_o invisible_a power_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n he_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o minister_n for_o when_o he_o 13._o 4._o eph._n 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o ascend_v on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o 20._o 28._o mat._n 18_o 19_o 20._o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o commission_n to_o pâ—…ach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o personal_a commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o their_o successor_n as_o appear_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v 23._o 20._o john_n 21_o 22_o 23._o i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o as_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v this_o invest_v they_o with_o authority_n but_o then_o the_o actual_a communication_n of_o power_n which_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o say_v
promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o unto_o seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ._n i_o say_v till_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o promise_a seed_n and_o typify_v by_o isaac_n come_v the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n descend_v from_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v the_o typical_a israel_n and_o god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n and_o all_o this_o while_n god_n never_o whole_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o when_o christ_n come_v than_o the_o promise_n be_v establish_v to_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n those_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v in_o the_o same_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n and_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v to_o that_o terrible_a objection_n against_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o god_n own_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o his_o peculiar_a and_o elect_a people_n as_o former_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n that_o then_o god_n promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n fail_v his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v mean_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n those_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o 9_o 10_o 11_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n though_o he_o give_v another_o answer_n to_o this_o too_o that_o though_o the_o promise_n do_v no_o long_o belong_v to_o abraham_n carnal_a seed_n yet_o god_n so_o far_o remember_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o carnal_a seed_n that_o he_o have_v not_o whole_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o will_v in_o time_n engraft_v they_o into_o his_o church_n again_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v come_v the_o deliverer_n and_o shall_v turn_v away_o ungodliness_n from_o jacob_n but_o i_o can_v enlarge_v on_o this_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o then_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o certain_o learn_v from_o god_n care_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o god_n will_v always_o preserve_v and_o protect_v the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o true_a and_o sincere_a worshipper_n shall_v never_o whole_o fail_v in_o the_o world_n as_o christ_n promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n for_o god_n establish_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n belong_v and_o if_o god_n so_o punctual_o perform_v his_o promise_n to_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n while_o they_o be_v to_o be_v his_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v until_o christ_n come_v who_o be_v the_o promise_a seed_n we_o learn_v by_o that_o example_n how_o he_o will_v protect_v defend_v and_o support_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n till_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n return_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o receive_v his_o church_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o father_n to_o this_o we_o owe_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o day_n amid_o all_o the_o danger_n which_o have_v threaten_v its_o final_a ruin_n when_o the_o church_n be_v toss_v on_o the_o foam_a billow_n of_o this_o world_n like_o the_o ship_n into_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o â—…isciples_n enter_v 8._o matth._n 23_o 24_o 25._o â—…hen_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n in_o the_o â—…a_n insomuch_o that_o the_o ship_n be_v cover_v â—…ith_o the_o wave_n and_o christ_n be_v asleep_a â—…nd_v his_o disciple_n come_v to_o he_o and_o awake_v â—…im_v say_v lord_n save_v we_o we_o perish_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o be_v you_o so_o â—…earful_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n then_o he_o â—…rose_v and_o rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a calm_a this_o be_v a_o figure_n and_o emblem_n of_o the_o condition_n the_o church_n be_v very_o often_o in_o in_o this_o world_n for_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v some_o spiritual_a signification_n in_o they_o his_o cure_v the_o halt_n and_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o deaf_a represent_v his_o divine_a power_n in_o cure_v the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a he_o turn_v his_o discourse_n to_o spiritual_a blindness_n 9_o joh._n 39_o 40_o 41._o when_o he_o have_v feed_v that_o great_a multitude_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o small_a fish_n he_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o that_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o will_v nourish_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o which_o he_o only_o can_v give_v they_o 6._o john_n when_o he_o discourse_v with_o martha_n about_o raise_v her_o brother_n lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o preach_v to_o she_o his_o divine_a power_n to_o raise_v dead_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o dead_a body_n into_o immortal_a life_n 11._o john_n 25_o 26._o when_o the_o disciple_n at_o christ_n command_n have_v cast_v their_o net_n into_o the_o sea_n after_o have_v toil_v all_o night_n and_o take_v nothing_o and_o encompass_v a_o great_a multitude_n of_o fish_n he_o tell_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o fisher_n of_o men._n thus_o here_o christ_n rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o ship_n wherein_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n be_v be_v a_o figure_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o protect_v it_o how_o threaten_v soever_o the_o danger_n be_v christ_n be_v in_o the_o ship_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o rage_n and_o foam_n can_v never_o swallow_v up_o that_o ship_n wherein_o christ_n be_v unless_o they_o can_v swallow_v he_o up_o too_o and_o though_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v asleep_a and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o suffering_n and_o danger_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o the_o importunate_a prayer_n and_o cry_n of_o his_o disciple_n will_v awake_v he_o and_o then_o he_o will_v arise_v to_o their_o defence_n and_o hush_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n into_o a_o calm_a this_o the_o church_n have_v frequent_a exâ—…erience_n of_o under_o the_o pagan_a persecuâ—…ons_n which_o rage_v with_o fire_n and_o â—…word_n and_o all_o the_o witty_a art_n of_o cruâ—…lty_n when_o nothing_o will_v serve_v but_o â—…he_a final_a extirpation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o how_o often_o do_v christ_n â—…ebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o restore_v profound_a peace_n and_o rest_n to_o his_o church_n what_o a_o glorious_a triumph_n do_v he_o give_v his_o church_n over_o the_o last_o and_o most_o terrible_a effort_n of_o the_o pagan_a power_n when_o he_o raise_v constantine_n into_o the_o throne_n and_o make_v the_o empire_n christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a consideration_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n the_o protestant_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n have_v now_o for_o many_o year_n groan_v under_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n and_o persecution_n and_o now_o at_o last_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v the_o last_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a insult_n of_o the_o antichristian_a power_n a_o great_a and_o mighty_a prince_n bend_v his_o whole_a force_n to_o root_v out_o the_o protestant_a name_n as_o well_o as_o to_o usurp_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o wherever_o his_o power_n and_o influence_n reach_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o from_o some_o of_o his_o subject_n he_o have_v force_v away_o their_o faith_n other_o to_o keep_v their_o faith_n have_v lose_v their_o estate_n their_o liberty_n their_o country_n their_o life_n what_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o at_o home_n we_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v not_o long_o since_o though_o some_o man_n will_v now_o persuade_v we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a dream_n if_o it_o be_v one_o and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o it_o and_o may_v we_o never_o fall_v into_o such_o frightful_a slumber_n more_o or_o rather_o let_v we_o neither_o be_v lull_v asleep_o nor_o dream_v awake_a lest_o these_o frightful_a dream_n prove_v reality_n at_o last_o for_o shall_v that_o mighty_a monarch_n
prevail_v and_o like_o a_o irresistible_a torrent_n bear_v all_o before_o he_o as_o some_o kind_a friend_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o interest_n wish_v and_o pray_v he_o may_v it_o require_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o foretell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o protestant_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n be_v in_o god_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n shall_v never_o be_v root_v out_o and_o i_o be_o as_o certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o â—…s_v oppose_v to_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o i_o be_o â—…f_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o christiaâ—…ity_n itself_o and_o when_o i_o remember_v â—…y_n what_o little_a beginning_n and_o weak_a â—…nd_n contemptible_a mean_n god_n spread_v â—…he_v true_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n over_o great_a part_n of_o the_o european_a world_n when_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o unsupportable_a tyranny_n of_o popery_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o folly_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o protestant_n i_o can_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v cause_v our_o sun_n to_o set_v again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v final_o remove_v his_o gospel_n from_o we_o and_o that_o give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v â—…heck_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o â—…t_o a_o stop_v to_o the_o success_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o extirpation_n of_o his_o â—…rotestant_n subject_n and_o at_o once_o enâ—…aves_v both_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o challenge_v as_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n as_o over_o the_o estate_n of_o his_o vassal_n to_o fill_v his_o exchequer_n and_o purgatory_n together_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o ought_v hearty_o to_o â—…eg_v of_o god_n in_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o fast_n and_o those_o who_o scruple_n this_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o must_v never_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n more_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v which_o those_o who_o wish_v success_n to_o persecute_v and_o antichristian_a power_n do_v not_o and_o can_v pray_v ii_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o as_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o provocation_n can_v ever_o tempt_v he_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o so_o he_o never_o inflict_v any_o public_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n on_o they_o but_o when_o he_o be_v great_o provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v god_n express_a covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o levit._n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n than_o he_o will_v bestow_v all_o temporal_a blessing_n on_o they_o rain_v in_o its_o season_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o land_n in_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n peace_n at_o home_n and_o victory_n abroad_o and_o his_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n i_o will_v set_v my_o tabernacle_n among_o you_o and_o my_o soul_n shall_v not_o abhor_v you_o and_o i_o will_v walk_v among_o you_o and_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n â—…hen_o he_o threaten_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n â—…hould_v befall_v they_o sickness_n of_o body_n â—…o_o fly_v before_o their_o enemy_n the_o unâ—…ruitfulness_n and_o barrenness_n of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o wild_a beast_n that_o the_o sword_n shall_v devour_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v enslave_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o buy_v their_o own_o bread_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v famine_n to_o such_o extremity_n as_o to_o eat_v their_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o he_o will_v lay_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o make_v their_o country_n desolate_a and_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o that_o chapâ—…er_n this_o be_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o this_o he_o punctual_o observe_v whenever_o they_o do_v obey_v he_o they_o be_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a people_n their_o enemy_n crouch_v before_o they_o they_o enjoy_v plenty_n and_o peace_n â—…nlarged_v their_o border_n and_o make_v their_o neighbour_n subject_n and_o tributariâ—…s_n â—…o_v they_o and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o their_o â—…leserts_n yet_o he_o never_o do_v inflict_v any_o public_a or_o national_a judgement_n on_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o all_o the_o remarkable_a judgement_n god_n inflict_v on_o they_o now_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o we_o apply_v the_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a for_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o covenant_v with_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n heir_n of_o a_o earthly_a canaan_n and_o external_a prosperity_n but_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v heir_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o carnal_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v by_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o term_n ouâ—…_n saviour_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v if_o any_o mâ—…_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himsel_n and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o hâ—…_n that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o sincere_a believer_n and_o most_o exemplary_a christian_n may_v suffer_v very_o severe_o in_o this_o worlâ—…_n and_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n be_v that_o â—…hey_n shall_v be_v proportionable_o reward_v â—…n_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o great_a objeâ—…ction_n the_o jew_n make_v against_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n and_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o whereas_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o temporal_a prosperity_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o staâ—…utes_n and_o if_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v be_v the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o law_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n a_o objection_n which_o very_o much_o trouble_v many_o believe_a jew_n themselves_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a dispensation_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_o answer_v by_o st._n paul_n 8._o rom._n and_o in_o the_o 7._o heb._n but_o this_o show_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v with_o external_a prosperity_n and_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o that_o very_o severe_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n may_v befall_v christian_n not_o always_o for_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o make_v they_o conform_v to_o their_o suffer_a head_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o rich_a and_o bright_a crown_n to_o convince_v and_o convert_v their_o persecutor_n and_o to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o particular_o by_o st._n cyprian_n that_o god_n never_o send_v a_o general_a persecution_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o when_o their_o sin_n the_o general_a declension_n of_o piety_n and_o discipline_n their_o worldly-mindedness_a the_o formality_n and_o coldness_n of_o their_o devotion_n call_v for_o a_o scourge_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n while_o it_o sojourn_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n have_v no_o place_n of_o its_o own_o no_o earthly_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o support_v it_o but_o live_v under_o pagan_a power_n be_v intermix_v with_o they_o and_o oppress_v by_o they_o when_o they_o please_v but_o the_o case_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v christian_n seem_v very_o different_a and_o to_o come_v near_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n and_o
can_v thing_n be_v better_o order_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n good_a man_n whatever_o their_o condition_n be_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o as_o to_o this_o present_a life_n they_o may_v be_v easy_a and_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o all_o condition_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o present_a support_n but_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v sufferer_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v prosperous_a they_o feel_v such_o disorder_n of_o passion_n or_o such_o guilty_a fear_n as_o sour_a all_o their_o other_o enjoyment_n 3._o god_n have_v so_o wise_o order_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v support_v ourselves_o under_o suffering_n without_o make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a use_n of_o they_o for_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o comfort_v we_o under_o suffering_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o comfort_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n that_o affliction_n be_v appoint_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n but_o he_o who_o consider_v this_o will_v natural_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n strike_v will_v search_v and_o try_v his_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v it_o that_o affliction_n be_v order_v for_o our_o good_a will_v make_v we_o endeavour_v to_o reap_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o they_o for_o that_o affliction_n be_v useful_a be_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o unless_o we_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n no_o man_n can_v take_v comfort_n in_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o world_n without_o bear_v his_o suffering_n well_o in_o this_o for_o our_o suffering_n will_v have_v no_o reward_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o unless_o they_o purify_v our_o mind_n and_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n three_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o suffer_v than_o to_o sin_n even_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a ease_n because_o suffering_n may_v be_v bear_v by_o a_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n but_o gild_n inflict_v a_o unsupportable_a wound_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o â—…ose_v suffering_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v â—…han_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v â—…ear_v last_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o governâ—…ent_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n contribute_v â—…ore_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o any_o exterâ—…al_a enjoyment_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v disorder_v with_o violent_a and_o tumultuâ—…us_a passion_n we_o can_v never_o be_v easy_a and_o happy_a whatever_o else_o we_o enjoy_v for_o this_o give_v such_o a_o wound_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o no_o external_a enjoyment_n can_v heal_v but_o he_o who_o have_v his_o passion_n under_o government_n who_o know_v how_o to_o love_v and_o fear_v desire_v and_o hope_n though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sufferer_n can_v never_o be_v miserable_a because_o he_o can_v support_v himself_o under_o all_o other_o suffering_n what_o a_o wrong_a course_n then_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n take_v to_o make_v themselves_o happy_a they_o seek_v for_o happiness_n without_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n must_v be_v lay_v within_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n a_o easy_a quiet_a mind_n will_v weather_v all_o the_o storm_n of_o fortune_n but_o how_o calm_a and_o serene_a soever_o the_o heaven_n be_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o have_v nothing_o but_o noise_n and_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n within_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a richard_n meggot_n d._n d._n and_o late_a dean_n of_o winchester_n december_n the_o 10_o 1692._o at_o twickenham_n i._o phil._n 23_o 24._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o st_n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o philippi_n from_o rome_n where_o he_o be_v in_o bond_n for_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o his_o body_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o prison_n his_o soul_n his_o great_a divine_a soul_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o visit_v the_o church_n he_o have_v plant_v to_o advise_v and_o counsel_n and_o comfort_v they_o to_o increase_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n to_o instame_v their_o zeal_n and_o to_o spur_v they_o forward_o to_o more_o perfect_a attainman_n in_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o philippian_n seem_v great_o concern_v lest_o the_o progress_n of_o â—…e_a gospel_n shall_v be_v hinder_v by_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n and_o lest_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o labour_n and_o ministry_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n shall_v this_o persecution_n extend_v to_o life_n as_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v it_o will_v as_o for_o the_o first_o st._n paul_n assure_v they_o that_o his_o bond_n be_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o his_o imprisonment_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o both_o in_o the_o court_n and_o city_n which_o make_v man_n curious_a to_o know_v what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o he_o preach_v and_o for_o which_o he_o suffer_v bond_n and_o this_o publish_v the_o gospel_n more_o effectual_o than_o his_o preach_v can_v have_v do_v verse_n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n as_o for_o the_o second_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v either_o about_o life_n or_o death_n but_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o body_n if_o he_o live_v his_o life_n be_v whole_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n if_o he_o die_v it_o will_v be_v for_o his_o own_o great_a advantage_n to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v verse_n 20_o 21._o and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o hard_a choice_n to_o he_o whether_o he_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v or_o die_v whether_o he_o shall_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o bond_n and_o make_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n into_o the_o region_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n here_o in_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v or_o whether_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o encounter_n with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n and_o death_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n what_o i_o shall_v choose_v i_o wot_v not_o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o dispute_n as_o this_o before_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o he_o be_v to_o die_v who_o have_v himself_o be_v snatch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o have_v his_o mind_n possess_v with_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n who_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v not_o be_v express_v who_o see_v a_o crown_n a_o glorious_a immarcessible_a crown_n prepare_v for_o he_o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v any_o question_n what_o he_o shall_v choose_v whether_o immediate_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o this_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o live_v long_o in_o this_o world_n to_o suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o stripe_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a usage_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o meet_v with_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o still_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o christ_n church_n what_o a_o contempt_n be_v this_o not_o only_o of_o the_o little_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o even_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o frown_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o self_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-denial_n as_o the_o gospel_n itself_o do_v not_o command_v which_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o deny_v heaven_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o joy_n of_o christ_n presence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o do_v good_a for_o it_o be_v to_o delay_v to_o put_v off_o heaven_n to_o adjourn_v his_o own_o happiness_n that_o he_o may_v live_v the_o long_a to_o serve_v his_o great_a master_n though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o labour_n what_o love_n be_v this_o
calamity_n upon_o nation_n but_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o publlick_n and_o national_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n correct_v and_o suppress_v vice_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o external_a prosperity_n for_o righteousness_n exâ—…alteth_v a_o nation_n it_o do_v so_o in_o its_o natural_a tendency_n and_o effect_n and_o it_o do_v so_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n bring_v any_o public_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v amiss_o among_o we_o what_o that_o accurse_a thing_n be_v which_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o make_v he_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n we_o have_v then_o reason_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o turn_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n that_o hem_n ay_o return_n and_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n worth_n observe_v which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n that_o god_n never_o deliver_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o oppress_v they_o never_o carry_v they_o away_o into_o captivity_n except_v the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n but_o only_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n a_o corruption_n of_o manner_n may_v bring_v other_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v general_o and_o i_o think_v always_o for_o their_o idolatry_n that_o god_n make_v their_o enemy_n rule_n over_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o a_o strange_a land_n this_o we_o have_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o judge_n 2._o how_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o those_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o that_o god_n do_v for_o they_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o they_o and_o god_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o spoiler_n who_o spoil_v they_o v._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n for_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o whoredom_n that_o be_v their_o idolatry_n 2_o 4_o 5._o ch_z of_o hosea_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n give_v of_o it_o like_a as_o you_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o your_o land_n so_o shall_v you_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o you_o 5._o jer._n 19_o now_o in_o proportion_n to_o god_n dealâ—…g_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o have_v â—…ason_n to_o hope_n that_o though_o a_o church_n â—…nd_v nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a â—…aith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v â—…everely_o punish_v for_o their_o other_o sin_n â—…et_o while_o they_o preserve_v themselves_o â—…lean_a from_o spiritual_a fornication_n from_o all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n god_n will_v not_o un-church_n they_o nor_o deliver_v they_o final_o up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o idolatrous_a oppressor_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o of_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o though_o god_n have_v make_v we_o smart_v severe_o for_o our_o other_o sin_n have_v yet_o always_o find_v a_o watchful_a providence_n defend_v we_o from_o all_o attempt_n though_o contrive_v with_o art_n and_o skill_n and_o back_v with_o power_n to_o reduce_v we_o again_o under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n still_o watch_v over_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o and_o neither_o suffer_v our_o popish_a enemy_n to_o rejoice_v over_o we_o nor_o delude_a protestant_n to_o make_v dangerous_a and_o fatal_a experiment_n 3_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o correct_v his_o people_n he_o always_o keep_v the_o rod_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o suffering_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a from_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o multiply_v particular_a instance_n there_o be_v no_o good_a not_o evil_a befall_v israel_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a providence_n god_n inflict_v judgement_n on_o they_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o he_o remove_v they_o again_o he_o give_v the_o commission_n to_o plague_n and_o sword_n and_o famine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o exceed_v in_o the_o 26._o levit._n we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n proportion_v his_o judgement_n to_o their_o sin_n when_o their_o sin_n be_v grow_v so_o public_a and_o national_a as_o to_o deserve_v some_o public_a judgement_n yet_o at_o first_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o some_o more_o light_a and_o gentle_a punishment_n but_o if_o they_o continue_v incorrigible_a he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v more_o terrible_a judgement_n in_o reserve_n for_o they_o which_o prove_v that_o god_n determine_v the_o kind_n degree_n and_o continuance_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o david_n for_o his_o sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n have_v that_o hard_a choice_n give_v he_o of_o seven_o year_n famine_n or_o to_o flee_v three_o month_n before_o his_o enemy_n or_o three_o day_n pestilence_n he_o answer_v let_v i_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o let_v i_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d sam._n 24._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o choose_v peâ—…ilence_n before_o the_o sword_n for_o pestiâ—…ence_n be_v god_n immediate_a hand_n and_o â—…ho_o the_o sword_n be_v god_n judgement_n too_o â—…et_v it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o gratify_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o rage_n and_o revenge_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o though_o god_n leave_v more_o to_o man_n in_o this_o than_o â—…n_o any_o other_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o â—…ut_o the_o sword_n whole_o out_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o he_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o give_v law_n to_o it_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o god_n send_v against_o jerusalem_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n howbeit_o he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v his_o heart_n think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n upon_o mount_n zion_n what_o he_o himself_o not_o what_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n intend_v to_o do_v i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o high_a look_n 10._o isa._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o now_o god_n have_v the_o same_o tender_a care_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n that_o he_o have_v of_o israel_n he_o mingle_v our_o cup_n for_o we_o he_o prescribe_v what_o we_o shall_v suffer_v and_o how_o long_o and_o he_o correct_v as_o a_o father_n not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o reform_v and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n that_o whatever_o man_n threaten_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n aâ—…_n his_o command_n who_o give_v salvation_n 〈◊〉_d king_n who_o deliver_v david_n his_o servaâ—…_n from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n psal._n 144._o 10._o the_o most_o powerful_a oppressor_n be_v but_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n the_o more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a instrument_n god_n employ_v to_o correct_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o more_o angry_a god_n be_v but_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o strike_v whâ—…_n know_v when_o to_o strike_v and_o when_o to_o spare_v we_o never_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o rage_n and_o vengeance_n be_v but_o aught_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v o_o lord_n correct_v i_o but_o with_o judgement_n not_o in_o thy_o anger_n lest_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o nothing_o jer._n 10._o 24._o o_o lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n neither_o chasten_v i_o in_o thy_o sore_a displeasure_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o weak_a o_o lord_n heal_v i_o for_o my_o bone_n be_v vex_v psal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o psal._n 56._o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v merciful_a to_o i_o o_o