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be_v shake_v and_o remove_v from_o it_o by_o every_o wind_n of_o new_a doctrine_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v unchangeable_a as_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o by_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a guide_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o follow_v immediate_o after_o the_o text_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v frequent_o call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v they_o in_o the_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o 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and_o dye_v for_o the_o faith_n remember_v those_o who_o have_v be_v your_o guide_n and_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v render_v the_o last_o act_n of_o their_o life_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n perhaps_o by_o martyrdom_n as_o if_o have_v say_v imitate_v they_o in_o their_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n even_o to_o the_o last_o in_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o it_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v if_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o aopstle_n mean_v their_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o last_o and_o their_o die_v in_o if_o not_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v
against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o often_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n gal._n 1.13_o 14._o you_o have_v hear_v say_v he_o of_o my_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o jew_n religion_n how_o that_o beyond_o measure_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o be_v exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o injurious_a so_o that_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o a_o most_o furious_a and_o outrageous_a persecution_n of_o good_a man_n for_o which_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a sin_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v 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the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v take_v copy_n by_o they_o as_o in_o a_o arrogant_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o so_o in_o the_o blindness_n and_o fury_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o zeal_n towards_o all_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o authority_n and_o direction_n and_o as_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v of_o old_a so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o they_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o people_n and_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o suffer_v those_o that_o will_v to_o enter_v in_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n those_o who_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o his_o time_n act_v 24.14_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o establish_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n anathematise_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o persecute_v they_o to_o the_o death_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o and_o kill_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o many_o age_n use_v the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n 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murder_n of_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v damnable_a sin_n and_o no_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v they_o or_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o zeal_n for_o god_n will_v justify_v no_o action_n that_o we_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v discretion_n to_o justify_v our_o zeal_n there_o be_v nothing_o often_o mislead_v man_n than_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la a_o false_a fire_n which_o often_o lead_v man_n into_o boggs_n and_o precipice_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o night_n in_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a mind_n and_o offer_v itself_o a_o guide_n to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ungovernable_a passion_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o require_v great_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n to_o manage_v
also_o by_o join_v with_o the_o priest_n in_o a_o service_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o how_o they_o can_v be_v edify_v by_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v i_o must_v confess_v myself_o as_o little_a able_a to_o understand_v as_o they_o do_v their_o prayer_n but_o whether_o they_o understand_v they_o or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o the_o people_n have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iv_o frame_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o order_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o they_o one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o it_o be_v that_o i_o do_v firm_o hold_v that_o the_o saint_n which_o reign_n together_o with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o invocate_v and_o that_o they_o do_v offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o we_o and_o this_o creed_n all_o the_o governor_n of_o cathedral_n and_o superior_a church_n and_o all_o who_o hold_v any_o dignity_n or_o benefice_n with_o cure_n of_o soul_n from_o they_o be_v bind_v solemn_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o swear_v to_o and_o careful_o to_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o teach_v and_o preach_v by_o all_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n that_o the_o saint_n which_o reign_v together_o with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o pray_v to_o and_o therefore_o unless_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v they_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o article_n require_v to_o worship_n and_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o public_o office_n of_o their_o church_n be_v the_o public_a worship_n and_o pope_n pius_n his_o creed_n the_o public_a faith_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n no_o man_n can_v be_v either_o of_o the_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n who_o do_v not_o only_o hold_v it_o lawful_a but_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o according_o do_v join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o prayer_n to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n 2._o another_o pretence_n for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n do_v pray_v for_o we_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o be_v mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o and_o if_o so_o why_o may_v not_o we_o pray_v to_o they_o to_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v four_o thing_n 1._o we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n because_o they_o may_v do_v so_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v but_o that_o they_o do_v so_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v either_o by_o clear_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n or_o by_o any_o convince_a argument_n from_o reason_n and_o therefore_o no_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n can_v be_v safe_o ground_v upon_o it_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n do_v pray_v for_o we_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o all_o intercession_n strict_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v by_o he_o that_o intercede_v and_o therefore_o he_o only_o by_o who_o expiation_n of_o sin_n be_v make_v upon_o earth_n can_v be_v proper_o a_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o this_o no_o angel_n or_o saint_n have_v do_v or_o can_v do_v and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o some_o of_o the_o former_a discourse_n it_o be_v the_o plain_a scope_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o prove_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o he_o shed_v and_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o by_o this_o high_a priest_n only_o we_o have_v access_n with_o freedom_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o he_o do_v offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o all_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o god_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n show_v be_v typify_v in_o a_o imperfect_a manner_n by_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n under_o the_o law_n who_o be_v but_o one_o and_o none_o but_o he_o only_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v slay_v and_o burn_v without_o by_o which_o blood_n he_o make_v a_o atonement_n and_o intercede_v for_o the_o people_n and_o though_o every_o priest_n may_v pray_v for_o the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n for_o one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o intercession_n yet_o that_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o intercession_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n in_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v slay_v without_o can_v not_o be_v make_v but_o by_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o by_o all_o which_o be_v typify_v our_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o only_o have_v make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o where_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o which_o can_v only_o be_v present_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o shed_v it_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o intercession_n like_o that_o of_o the_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o intercession_n can_v be_v make_v by_o none_o in_o heaven_n for_o we_o but_o only_o by_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o none_o else_o can_v we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o service_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v address_v ourselves_o to_o any_o other_o angel_n or_o saint_n as_o mediator_n with_o god_n for_o we_o 3._o suppose_v it_o certain_a that_o the_o saint_n do_v pray_v for_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o address_v solemn_a prayer_n to_o they_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o because_o prayer_n and_o solemn_a invocation_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n 4._o suppose_v it_o not_o only_o certain_a that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n do_v pray_v for_o we_o but_o likewise_o that_o they_o may_v be_v proper_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o because_o they_o can_v hear_v we_o as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v full_o by_o and_o by_o 3._o another_o of_o their_o pretence_n or_o excuse_n for_o this_o practice_n be_v that_o pray_v to_o saint_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o do_v to_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n when_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o so_o the_o late_a expounder_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n namely_o the_o bishop_n of_o meaux_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o order_n of_o brotherly_a society_n with_o which_o we_o entreat_v our_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o true_a representation_n either_o of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o they_o pray_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o heaven_n with_o the_o same_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o they_o pray_v to_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o in_o the_o same_o humble_a posture_n and_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a office_n and_o service_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v to_o god_n which_o sure_o be_v never_o do_v by_o any_o to_o their_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n 2._o that_o in_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n they_o join_v the_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n arid_v the_o saint_n together_o with_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o if_o to_o use_v their_o own_o phrase_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o order_n of_o brotherly_a society_n and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o the_o object_n of_o our_o invocation_n and_o praise_n of_o which_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n i_o give_v several_a plain_a instance_n but_o this_o also_o be_v never_o do_v to_o our_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n 3._o that_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o
into_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n be_v frequent_o defraud_v of_o their_o due_a praise_n and_o reputation_n while_o alive_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o security_n good_a man_n have_v of_o a_o good_a name_n after_o death_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v give_v partly_o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v concern_v herein_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o any_o man_n concern_v himself_o to_o secure_v to_o good_a man_n the_o proper_a reward_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n now_o praise_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a recompense_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n this_o good_a man_n seldom_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o allay_n and_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o proper_a season_n when_o our_o work_n be_v do_v and_o when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o act_v their_o part_n well_o to_o see_v good_a man_n applaud_v when_o they_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o generosity_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a of_o fame_n and_o though_o man_n care_v not_o how_o soon_o it_o come_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o after_o death_n rather_o than_o not_o at_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n will_v be_v but_o very_o melancholy_a and_o uncomfortable_a thing_n if_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a as_o never_o to_o meet_v with_o due_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n but_o when_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o reward_n one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o experience_n this_o be_v a_o great_a spur_n and_o encouragement_n to_o do_v virtuous_o and_o a_o great_a mind_n that_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o reputation_n and_o a_o good_a name_n will_v be_v content_a to_o lay_v in_o for_o it_o beforehand_o and_o patient_o to_o wait_v the_o time_n which_o god_n know_v fit_a for_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v give_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n because_o death_n remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n of_o a_o good_a man_n reputation_n for_o than_o his_o defect_n be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o man_n be_v content_v that_o his_o imperfection_n shall_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o grave_n with_o he_o death_n have_v put_v he_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n his_o worth_n and_o excellency_n do_v now_o no_o long_o stand_v in_o other_o man_n light_n his_o great_a virtue_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o comparison_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o live_n mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la the_o example_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v not_o so_o cut_v a_o reproof_n to_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o live_n the_o good_a man_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o his_o example_n how_o bright_a soever_o be_v not_o so_o scorch_a and_o troublesome_a at_o a_o distance_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v general_o content_v to_o give_v he_o his_o due_a character_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a civility_n in_o humane_a nature_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o wrong_v the_o dead_a and_o to_o deny_v they_o the_o just_a commendation_n of_o their_o worth_n even_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o bad_a a_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v though_o they_o be_v just_a like_o their_o father_n in_o persecute_v and_o slay_v the_o prophet_n while_o they_o be_v alive_a yet_o have_v they_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o think_v no_o honour_n too_o great_a to_o be_v do_v to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o raise_v monument_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o their_o father_n have_v slay_v and_o who_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v use_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n have_v they_o either_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o prophet_n or_o those_o prophet_n have_v live_v in_o their_o day_n as_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n have_v pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n 3._o that_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n we_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o imitate_v their_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v for_o many_o age_n do_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o mean_v more_o especial_o to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o who_o honour_n the_o christian_a church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v apart_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o this_o certain_o can_v with_o no_o good_a colour_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o when_o david_n here_o say_v the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n he_o can_v certain_o be_v think_v to_o exclude_v the_o most_o solemn_a way_n of_o commemorate_n their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v this_o custom_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o where_o forbid_v nay_o it_o be_v rather_o require_v here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o best_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n be_v thus_o to_o commemorate_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n the_o set_n before_o our_o eye_n the_o holy_a life_n of_o excellent_a man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o though_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v so_o ancient_a as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v begin_v in_o some_o of_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n memoriae_fw-la martyrum_fw-la the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o tomb_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v practise_v long_o before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o western_a church_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v wont_v at_o those_o meeting_n solemn_o to_o commemorate_v the_o faith_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o good_a man_n and_o to_o encourage_v themselves_o from_o their_o example_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o gross_a superstition_n which_o afterward_o give_v colour_n and_o occasion_n to_o that_o gross_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o worship_v saint_n but_o this_o abuse_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o give_v over_o the_o celebrate_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o holy_a man_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o propound_v they_o to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o pattern_n we_o may_v still_o lawful_o give_v they_o their_o due_a honour_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v so_o overdo_v it_o as_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o he_o 2._o let_v this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n this_o to_o a_o generous_a nature_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n be_v no_o small_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n before_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n one_o of_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o worthy_a and_o virtuous_a deed_n be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n which_o man_n have_v of_o
the_o infirmity_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o the_o example_n of_o mere_a man_n liable_a to_o sin_n as_o we_o be_v may_v in_o many_o respect_n be_v more_o suitable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v think_v fit_a likewise_o to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o high_a example_n of_o that_o kind_n the_o first_o teacher_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o of_o these_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o those_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o who_o be_v now_o depart_v this_o life_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v dead_a when_o he_o say_v remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o or_o those_o that_o have_v be_v your_o guide_n who_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n i_o say_v this_o be_v very_o probable_a because_o he_o mind_v they_o to_o remember_v they_o which_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v absent_a but_o especial_o because_o he_o mind_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o which_o sure_o he_o mean_v the_o bless_a state_n of_o those_o good_a man_n after_o death_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o so_o likewise_o rom._n 6.22_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n and_o it_o very_o much_o favour_v this_o interpretation_n that_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o speak_v of_o the_o live_a guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n v._o 17._o obey_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o such_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v once_o be_v over_o they_o but_o be_v now_o depart_v this_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v with_o more_o freedom_n and_o less_o envy_n recommend_v their_o example_n to_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o call_v to_o mind_v their_o faith_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n among_o they_o and_o propose_v it_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o themselves_o consider_v the_o happy_a end_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o bless_a state_n they_o be_v now_o in_o and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o in_o another_o life_n in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v you_o have_v i._o a_o duty_n enjoin_v which_o be_v to_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o imitation_n the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o especial_o the_o 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hear_v and_o converse_v with_o in_o this_o world_n but_o who_o be_v now_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o be_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o to_o remember_v the_o doctrine_n they_o hear_v from_o they_o and_o the_o virtue_n they_o have_v see_v in_o they_o and_o to_o embrace_v the_o one_o and_o imitate_v the_o other_o thus_o we_o can_v remember_v the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n become_v we_o do_v not_o personal_o know_v they_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o live_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o many_o age_n from_o their_o time_n but_o we_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a and_o a_o kind_n of_o remembrance_n of_o they_o we_o may_v commemorate_v their_o faith_n and_o the_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o what_o we_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o they_o we_o may_v propose_v for_o pattern_n to_o ourselves_o and_o copy_n they_o out_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o they_o who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o those_o excellent_a person_n to_o hear_v they_o preach_v and_o to_o see_v the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v exemplify_v in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o show_v why_o among_o all_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v more_o especial_o propose_v to_o our_o imitation_n the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o religion_n second_o wherein_o we_o shall_v imitate_v they_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o one_o word_n in_o their_o faith_n who_o faith_n follow_v three_o the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o happy_a state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v why_o among_o all_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v more_o especial_o propose_v to_o our_o imitation_n the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o faith_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v and_o to_o imitate_v the_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o conversation_n for_o these_o certain_o come_v near_o to_o that_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o all_o goodness_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o be_v the_o fair_a transcript_n of_o that_o unblemished_a original_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n so_o frequent_o exhort_v christian_n to_o imitate_v his_o example_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v that_o they_o come_v near_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n phil._n 3.17_o brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o first_o in_o every_o kind_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o of_o all_o that_o follow_v after_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o best_a institution_n be_v apt_a to_o decline_v and_o by_o insensible_a degree_n to_o swerve_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o first_o state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o preserve_v thing_n from_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n often_o to_o look_v back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o by_o that_o to_o correct_v those_o imperfection_n and_o error_n which_o will_v almost_o unavoidable_o creep_v in_o with_o time_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v that_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o our_o religion_n require_v we_o shall_v have_v frequent_a recourse_n to_o the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o christianity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o belief_n and_o life_n to_o as_o near_o a_o conformity_n with_o they_o as_o be_v possible_a who_o so_o likely_a to_o deliver_v the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a as_o the_o primitive_a teacher_n of_o it_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n secure_v from_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o who_o so_o likely_a to_o bring_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o a_o exact_a conformity_n with_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n as_o they_o who_o be_v so_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o it_o by_o the_o best_a master_n and_o show_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a example_n
we_o may_v sit_v down_o every_o man_n under_o his_o own_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o own_o figtree_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o make_v we_o afraid_a so_o that_o if_o security_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n then_o government_n be_v so_o too_o for_o without_o this_o the_o society_n of_o man_n will_v present_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o thing_n will_v run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n 2._o another_o great_a benefit_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o government_n though_o it_o do_v always_o so_o happen_v be_v that_o man_n be_v protect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o free_a exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o men._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n find_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o the_o edge_n and_o authority_n of_o law_n may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v turn_v upon_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o but_o even_o then_o though_o good_a man_n may_v receive_v great_a harm_n and_o injury_n from_o persecute_v prince_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v from_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o than_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o good_a man_n have_v some_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n preserve_v from_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o multitude_n so_o that_o though_o particular_a person_n undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o cruel_a suffering_n yet_o much_o great_a number_n do_v escape_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n against_o several_a of_o the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o never_o be_v any_o humane_a law_n make_v as_o against_o the_o inward_a love_n honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o worship_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o secret_a of_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n humane_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n nay_o far_a yet_o against_o humility_n and_o meekness_n against_o modesty_n and_o patience_n against_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n against_o peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n against_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n against_o charity_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n against_o these_o and_o such_o like_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o law_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o without_o some_o of_o which_o government_n can_v not_o possible_o subsist_v no_o 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favour_n christianity_n but_o he_o know_v likewise_o that_o government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n do_v enjoy_v many_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perpetual_o expose_v to_o popular_a rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n which_o will_v not_o only_o have_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v endanger_v the_o extinguish_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o government_n the_o christian_n have_v many_o considerable_a interval_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n which_o give_v christianity_n a_o breathe_a time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o recover_v itself_o and_o though_o the_o secular_a authority_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n discountenance_n christianity_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o hatch_n that_o be_v but_o a_o accidental_a effect_n and_o abuse_v of_o government_n and_o obedience_n be_v still_o due_a and_o prayer_n for_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a yea_o and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o it_o very_o reasonable_a upon_o account_n of_o the_o common_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o to_o humane_a society_n beside_o that_o christian_n do_v hope_n and_o believe_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n may_v in_o time_n be_v gain_v to_o give_v its_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o christianity_n and_o that_o king_n and_o prince_n may_v become_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o in_o god_n due_a time_n be_v remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n christian_n be_v patient_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v in_o expectation_n of_o those_o glorious_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o power_n that_o persecute_v they_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o may_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o protection_n of_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o for_o the_o continuance_n and_o support_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v afterward_o the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a age_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mighty_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o government_n lay_v upon_o we_o both_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o likewise_o to_o praise_v god_n for_o they_o because_o in_o their_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o public_a peace_n and_o happiness_n do_v chief_o consist_v and_o in_o the_o public_a good_a consist_v the_o good_a of_o particular_a person_n and_o above_o all_o the_o piety_n and_o goodness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v in_o high_a place_n of_o authority_n have_v a_o general_a good_a influence_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o discountenance_v of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n a_o king_n sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 20.8_o scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n the_o pattern_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o good_a prince_n be_v a_o live_a law_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o more_o than_o the_o example_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o to_o mould_n and_o fashion_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v as_o one_o express_v a_o kind_a of_o moral_a connexion_n and_o communication_n of_o evil_a and_o of_o gild_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n so_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n mutual_o reward_v for_o the_o virtue_n and_o good_a action_n and_o punish_v for_o the_o sin_n and_o fault_n of_o one_o another_o of_o which_o proceed_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n where_o god_n reward_v the_o piety_n of_o good_a prince_n with_o great_a blessing_n upon_o their_o people_n and_o punish_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o their_o king_n with_o public_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o prince_n and_o governor_n because_o our_o welfare_n be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o we_o suffer_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o but_o many_o time_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n quicquid_fw-la delirant_fw-la reges_fw-la plectuntur_fw-la achivi_fw-la the_o extravagance_n of_o prince_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o subject_n thus_o david_n