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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
life_n dead_a raise_v resurrection_n 7,131 5 9.0418 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62635 Several discourses by the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson ... , being the fifth volume published from the originals by Ralph Barker ... Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1700 (1700) Wing T1263; ESTC R31970 188,402 488

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1_o jo._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v our_o adoption_n be_v begin_v in_o our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o eminent_o so_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o but_o the_o most_o express_a and_o remarkable_a text_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v luke_n 20.36_o where_o good_a man_n after_o the_o resurrection_n be_v for_o this_o reason_n say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v account_v worthy_a to_o obtain_v that_o world_n and_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a neither_o marry_o nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n neither_o can_v they_o die_v any_o more_o for_o they_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o angel_n and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v raise_v by_o he_o to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o and_o reserve_v for_o they_o for_o all_o that_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o only_o they_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o do_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o
they_o not_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o perpetual_a death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o condemnation_n these_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o child_n of_o perdition_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a be_v the_o full_a and_o final_a declaration_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n not_o only_o because_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o new_a life_n but_o because_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o that_o bless_a inheritance_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o promise_v to_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o believer_n in_o their_o regeneration_n and_o afterward_o dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o be_v the_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o final_a adoption_n by_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o future_a inheritance_n and_o the_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o eph._n 1.13_o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v by_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o christian_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o upon_o their_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o in_o that_o remarkable_a text_n rom._n 8.11_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o serve_v full_o to_o explain_v to_o we_o those_o obscure_a phrase_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o earnest_a and_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o many_o have_v mistake_v to_o import_v some_o particular_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n or_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n assure_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n intend_v no_o more_o by_o they_o but_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o believer_n enable_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n to_o we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o now_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v say_v v._o 16._o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o assure_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n now_o and_o consequent_o heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v also_o be_v glorify_v together_o and_o this_o be_v glorify_v together_o with_o christ_n at_o the_o resurrection_n he_o call_v v._o 19_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o elder_a brother_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v now_o regenerate_v and_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v raise_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o word_n namely_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v or_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o vindicate_v to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o hereby_o god_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 1._o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o expect_v at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o sufficient_o vindicate_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n and_o for_o our_o full_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o 2._o what_o the_o many_o crime_n be_v which_o they_o lay_v to_o our_o saviour_n charge_n and_o for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o 1._o what_o the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o evangelical_n history_n that_o they_o general_o apprehend_v these_o two_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n john_n 1.41_o andrew_n tell_v his_o brother_n simon_n we_o have_v find_v the_o messiah_n v._o 45._o philip_n tell_v nathanael_n we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v write_v that_o be_v the_o messiah_n v._o 49._o nathanael_n upon_o discourse_n with_o our_o saviour_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n own_v he_o in_o these_o term_n rabbi_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n john_n 6.69_o peter_n declare_v his_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n in_o these_o word_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n this_o appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o high-priest_n question_n to_o he_o matth._n 26.63_o be_v thou_o the_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o st._n mark_n the_o son_n of_o the_o bless_a compare_v with_o pilat_n question_n be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n some_o revile_v he_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n matth._n 27.40_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n v._o 42._o if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n let_v he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o jew_n expect_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o whoever_o be_v not_o so_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n but_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a do_v abundant_o vindicate_v he_o to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v all_o that_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o viz._n the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 2_o dly_a what_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o the_o jew_n lay_v to_o our_o saviour_n charge_n and_o for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o and_o they_o be_v main_o these_o two_o that_o by_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o make_v himself_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o accuse_v he_o to_o pilate_n hope_v by_o this_o accusation_n to_o make_v he_o guilty_a of_o sedition_n against_o the_o roman_a government_n for_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o other_o they_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n in_o that_o not_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o they_o lay_v the_o main_a stress_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v condemn_v he_o by_o their_o law_n they_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o in_o his_o life-time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o
our_o saviour_n john_n 10.36_o say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o the_o chief_a priest_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o this_o and_o he_o own_v this_o charge_n that_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o they_o judge_v he_o guilty_a of_o death_n matth._n 26.65_o 66._o then_o the_o highpriest_n rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o say_v he_o have_v speak_v blasphemy_n what_o further_a need_n have_v we_o of_o witness_n behold_v now_o you_o have_v hear_v his_o blasphemy_n what_o think_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o when_o pilate_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o they_o still_o instance_n in_o this_o as_o his_o crime_n john_n 19.7_o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o our_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v because_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o put_v to_o death_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v he_o up_o into_o heaven_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o vain_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o mighty_a demonstration_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o in_o his_o life-time_n but_o he_o be_v most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o justify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n hereby_o bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o that_o he_o assume_v nothing_o to_o himself_o but_o what_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v to_o he_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v more_o remarkable_o vindicate_v and_o more_o clear_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o than_o by_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o dly_z god_n do_v consequent_o hereby_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v by_o he_o and_o that_o what_o he_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o this_o none_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o know_v and_o to_o report_v true_o to_o mankind_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o article_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o a_o man_n salvation_n rom._n 10.9_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v condemn_v and_o put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o real_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v be_v true_a and_o from_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v brief_o to_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n 1_o st_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o great_a a_o confirmation_n and_o therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o one_o article_n be_v mention_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n for_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n 2_o dly_z the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a assure_v we_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o ever_o doubt_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n so_o that_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o more_o especial_o to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1_o st_o to_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o man_n convince_v of_o this_o great_a and_o obvious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o a_o few_o day_n and_o everlasting_a age_n will_v we_o but_o sometime_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n die_v man_n have_v of_o this_o world_n how_o vain_a and_o empty_a a_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o they_o how_o like_o a_o pageant_n and_o shadow_n it_o look_v as_o it_o pass_v away_o from_o they_o methinks_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a delight_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o intent_n upon_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n this_o vast_a and_o howl_a wilderness_n this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n which_o we_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v through_o which_o shall_v detain_v and_o entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o our_o everlasting_a habitation_n from_o that_o better_a and_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o 2_o dly_z the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v comfort_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a consideration_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o the_o evil_n and_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o hope_v for_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n hereafter_o we_o may_v be_v content_v to_o bear_v some_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n because_o the_o blessedness_n which_o we_o expect_v will_v so_o abundant_o recompense_v and_o outweigh_v our_o present_a suffering_n so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 8.18_o we_o know_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o triumph_v in_o their_o suffering_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o tribulation_n
he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o these_o qualification_n our_o high_a priest_n be_v describe_v in_o this_o epistle_n and_o by_o these_o he_o be_v every_o way_n suit_v to_o all_o our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n to_o instruct_v our_o ignorance_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n by_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o exemplary_a life_n to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o procure_v grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o we_o by_o his_o prevalent_a intercession_n on_o our_o behalf_n by_o all_o these_o way_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n 1_o st_o by_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whereby_o we_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o powerful_o excite_v and_o persuade_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o obscure_a before_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n but_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v now_o render_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n blur_v and_o deface_v the_o natural_a law_n so_o that_o the_o heathen_a world_n for_o many_o age_n have_v but_o a_o very_a dark_a and_o doubtful_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n especial_o as_o to_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a vice_n have_v so_o prevail_v among_o mankind_n as_o almost_o quite_o to_o extinguish_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o their_o evil_a and_o deformity_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o enjoy_v a_o considerable_a degree_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v no_o strict_a regard_n to_o the_o morality_n of_o their_o action_n and_o content_v themselves_o 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our_o enemy_n good_a for_o evil_a and_o love_n for_o ill-will_n and_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n for_o curse_n and_o persecution_n these_o virtue_n indeed_o be_v sometime_o and_o yet_o but_o very_o rare_o recommend_v before_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o wise_a man_n but_o either_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n or_o not_o under_o that_o degree_n of_o necessity_n and_o as_o have_v the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o lay_v a_o universal_a obligation_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v a_o great_a clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o perfection_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o clear_a light_n more_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o constant_a and_o careful_a practice_n of_o it_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o plain_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o a_o evidence_n to_o we_o both_o of_o his_o power_n and_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a not_o but_o that_o mankind_n have_v some_o obscure_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o good_a man_n have_v always_o good_a hope_n of_o another_o life_n and_o future_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v not_o without_o some_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n but_o man_n have_v dispute_v themselves_o into_o great_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o as_o man_n that_o be_v in_o doubt_n be_v almost_o indifferent_a which_o way_n they_o go_v so_o the_o uncertain_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o want_v that_o press_a and_o determine_v force_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a life_n which_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o clear_a conviction_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v have_v infuse_v into_o they_o but_o now_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v scatter_v all_o these_o cloud_n and_o chase_v away_o that_o gross_a darkness_n which_o hide_v the_o other_o world_n from_o our_o sight_n and_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o future_a state_n and_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o its_o treasure_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o glory_n lie_v open_a to_o our_o view_n and_o hell_n be_v also_o naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n so_o that_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n be_v now_o perfect_o awaken_v and_o all_o sort_n of_o consideration_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o to_o deter_v and_o affright_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a life_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n and_o do_v stare_v every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o face_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o gospel_n so_o admirable_a and_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o the_o certain_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o therein_o also_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o powerful_a enforcement_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v better_o suit_v to_o its_o end_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a unto_o salvation_n both_o by_o instruct_v they_o perfect_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o urge_v they_o powerful_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v likewise_o another_o excellent_a mean_n to_o this_o end_n the_o law_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o a_o pattern_n give_v life_n and_o encouragement_n and_o render_v our_o duty_n more_o easy_a and_o practicable_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o for_o here_o we_o see_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n practise_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o perform_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o exception_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o very_o much_o from_o the_o encourage_v force_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o example_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n perform_v all_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o where_o be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o this_o example_n that_o our_o nature_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a support_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o divinity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v unite_v shall_v be_v perfect_o confome_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o force_n and_o encouragement_n in_o it_o which_o a_o example_n more_o suit_v to_o our_o weakness_n may_v have_v have_v but_o then_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o perfection_n which_o a_o pattern_n ought_v to_o have_v and_o to_o which_o though_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v yet_o we_o may_v always_o be_v aspire_v towards_o it_o and_o certain_o we_o can_v better_o learn_v how_o god_n will_v have_v man_n to_o live_v than_o by_o see_v how_o god_n
bare_o what_o he_o promise_v but_o he_o usual_o do_v something_o over_o and_o above_o his_o promise_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v heal_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o deaf_a and_o the_o lame_a isaiah_n prophesy_v and_o god_n make_v good_a this_o promise_n and_o prediction_n to_o the_o full_a the_o messiah_n do_v not_o only_o do_v these_o but_o which_o be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o any_o of_o these_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n second_o it_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a isa_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a so_o the_o lxx_o render_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a word_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o be_v no_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n of_o a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o a_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o beside_o it_o have_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o very_o different_a from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n will_v scarce_o instruct_v any_o but_o for_o great_a reward_n they_o will_v meddle_v with_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o requite_v their_o pain_n the_o ordinary_a and_o poor_a sort_n of_o people_n they_o have_v in_o great_a contempt_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o slight_a expression_n of_o they_o john_n 7.48_o 49._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v and_o grotius_n upon_o this_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a master_n have_v this_o foolish_a and_o insolent_a proverb_n among_o they_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o rest_v but_o upon_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o which_o this_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v especial_o send_v to_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n but_o this_o great_a prophet_n come_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a none_o have_v so_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v proud_a as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o never_o be_v any_o so_o humble_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n whole_a life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n they_o think_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n the_o only_a happy_a person_n but_o he_o come_v to_o preach_v glad_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bring_v good_a news_n to_o they_o who_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o and_o therefore_o to_o confound_v their_o pride_n and_o folly_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o false_a opinion_n of_o thing_n he_o begin_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o he_o with_o this_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v offend_v at_o he_o isa_n 8.14_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o for_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o both_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o isa_n 53.1_o 2_o 3._o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o when_o we_o see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o intimate_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a work_n that_o he_o do_v among_o they_o which_o testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o prediction_n of_o their_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o punctual_o accomplish_v in_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o will_v take_v offence_n at_o he_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o and_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o this_o that_o they_o reject_v he_o and_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o their_o messiah_n be_v another_o sign_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o be_v express_o predict_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o his_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n first_o the_o many_o and_o great_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v prove_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o second_o the_o correspondence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o second_o a_o intimation_n in_o the_o text_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n christ_n give_v of_o himself_o yet_o many_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o consider_v first_o how_o the_o poor_a come_v to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o second_o what_o those_o prejudices_fw-la be_v which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o those_o which_o man_n have_v at_o this_o day_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o three_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n first_o how_o the_o poor_a come_v to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v more_o especial_o apply_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o likewise_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o near_a disposition_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o do_v of_o all_o other_o give_v the_o most_o ready_a entertainment_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n when_o he_o pronounce_v the_o poor_a bless_a upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o other_o bless_v be_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o st._n james_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o poor_a be_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o in_o a_o near_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o this_o there_o be_v three_o account_n to_o be_v give_v first_o the_o poor_a have_v no_o earthly_a interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o reject_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n the_o high-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n they_o have_v a_o plain_a worldly_a interest_n which_o do_v engage_v they_o to_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n for_o if_o he_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n embrace_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n lose_v their_o sway_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n and_o all_o that_o which_o render_v they_o so_o considerable_a their_o pretend_a skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o tradition_n and_o observance_n of_o their_o father_n together_o with_o their_o external_a show_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o honest_a and_o sincere_a as_o to_o be_v content_a for_o truth_n sake_n to_o part_v with_o their_o reputation_n and_o authority_n and_o to_o become_v less_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o man_n than_o they_o be_v
and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n through_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o effect_n beyond_o all_o denial_n so_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n do_v depend_v here_o be_v great_a and_o more_o advantageous_a evidence_n of_o history_n than_o for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o equal_a antiquity_n whatsoever_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n that_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o particular_o of_o celsus_n and_o porphyry_n and_o julian_n who_o be_v the_o particular_a and_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o they_o whatever_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o they_o or_o whatever_o consequence_n we_o may_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o i_o presume_v it_o agree_v by_o all_o objector_n that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o unequal_a to_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n never_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v 4._o and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o recompense_v the_o disadvantage_n which_o we_o have_v of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o evidence_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o advantage_n which_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n of_o the_o success_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o contempt_n which_o they_o every_o where_n suffer_v and_o that_o now_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n they_o have_v continue_v a_o distinct_a people_n and_o a_o spectacle_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o severity_n for_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o a_o last_a and_o stand_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o though_o we_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o as_o credible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o a_o future_a state_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a evidence_n for_o it_o that_o can_v be_v wish_v or_o expect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o man_n have_v for_o those_o adventure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n which_o they_o frequent_o make_v in_o this_o world_n and_o think_v themselves_o reasonable_a in_o so_o do_v 2._o the_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o they_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v against_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o restraint_n what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v reflect_v more_o upon_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o indulge_v and_o allow_v man_n in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o these_o it_o show_v man_n be_v glad_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o objection_n against_o christianity_n when_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o that_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v make_v ten_o time_n more_o clamour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o contrary_n 3._o as_o for_o most_o of_o those_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n so_o much_o both_o for_o our_o private_a and_o public_a advantage_n that_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n they_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v they_o upon_o we_o we_o ought_v in_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o our_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o have_v lay_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n i_o know_v man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o strong_a and_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o these_o duty_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o order_n to_o temporal_a end_n to_o their_o health_n and_o quiet_v and_o reputation_n and_o safety_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o the_o private_a and_o public_a prosperity_n of_o mankind_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o kind_a and_o oblige_v to_o one_o another_o rather_o than_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o religion_n do_v not_o create_v those_o restraint_n arbitrary_o but_o require_v those_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o
do_v not_o love_v to_o handle_v these_o point_n contentious_o but_o this_o in_o my_o apprehension_n do_v as_o much_o derogate_a from_o the_o amplitude_n and_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v easy_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o right_n state_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o any_o power_n in_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o 3._o that_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o that_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n in_o our_o power_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o any_o power_n in_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v clear_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v say_v the_o apostle_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v repentance_n it_o be_v god_n that_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 goodness_n that_o be_v who_o both_o incline_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o i_o say_v christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o say_v st._n paul_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n and_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o design_n or_o resolve_v upon_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v bring_v a_o great_a impotency_n and_o disability_n upon_o we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o weak_a by_o evil_a practice_n by_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n we_o be_v enslave_v to_o our_o lust_n and_o sell_v under_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o from_o that_o conviction_n have_v a_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a to_o we_o when_o the_o law_n of_o god_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o stare_v our_o conscience_n in_o the_o face_n there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o our_o member_n sin_n bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o we_o for_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v so_o that_o he_o rule_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o pleasure_n evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n superinduce_v upon_o we_o which_o take_v away_o our_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o render_v it_o impossible_a to_o we_o to_o raise_v and_o rescue_v ourselves_o so_o that_o we_o be_v prisoner_n and_o captive_n till_o the_o son_n of_o god_n set_v we_o free_a and_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n till_o he_o give_v we_o life_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n represent_v the_o recovery_n of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v natural_o impossible_a to_o show_v how_o great_a our_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n be_v jer._n 13.23_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a cleanse_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o by_o how_o much_o strong_a the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v and_o the_o more_o unable_a we_o be_v to_o break_v loose_a from_o they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o evident_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o knock_v off_o those_o fetter_n and_o to_o rescue_v we_o from_o this_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n 2._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n that_o be_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o reject_v or_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o in_o a_o very_a plentiful_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v all_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n effectual_a if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o wilful_a neglect_n to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o without_o this_o all_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o advantage_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n and_o disobedience_n of_o man_n utter_o inexcusable_a because_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o do_v proceed_v from_o want_n of_o power_n but_o of_o will_n to_o do_v better_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o without_o this_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o most_o vehement_a persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n will_v have_v no_o force_n and_o life_n in_o they_o for_o what_o signify_v it_o to_o direct_v the_o dead_a and_o speak_v to_o they_o that_o can_v hear_v and_o to_o persuade_v man_n though_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o and_o explain_v the_o precept_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o what_o he_o have_v be_v direct_v and_o propose_v to_o they_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o do_v earnest_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o purpose_n matth._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ask_v say_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n want_v the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v either_o for_o want_v of_o seek_v or_o for_o want_n of_o earnestness_n in_o ask_v for_o our_o saviour_n express_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o none_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o this_o he_o represent_v the_o care_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n by_o the_o affection_n of_o earthly_a parent_n to_o their_o child_n who_o though_o they_o be_v many_o time_n evil_a themselves_o yet_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v their_o child_n necessary_a good_a thing_n when_o they_o decent_o and_o dutiful_o beg_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n and_o declaration_n that_o upon_o our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n he_o
sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o 4._o god_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v of_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o remove_v and_o conquer_v this_o prejudice_n he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o this_o religion_n by_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o because_o the_o report_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o bring_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o they_o have_v not_o see_v these_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o he_o enable_v those_o who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n to_o work_v as_o great_a miracle_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o when_o they_o see_v those_o who_o give_v testimony_n to_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n do_v as_o great_a and_o strange_a thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o testify_v of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o long_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o though_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o evidence_n which_o god_n give_v to_o it_o be_v strong_a enough_o to_o remove_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v recommend_v itself_o to_o impartial_a man_n by_o its_o own_o reasonableness_n but_o meet_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la in_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o a_o confirmation_n to_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v down_o those_o prejudices_fw-la second_o another_o objection_n against_o christianity_n be_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o expect_v some_o deep_a speculation_n in_o natural_a or_o moral_a philosophy_n they_o make_v full_a account_n a_o teacher_n send_v from_o heaven_n will_v have_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o profound_a point_n and_o discourse_v to_o they_o about_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o man_n with_o a_o subtlety_n and_o eloquence_n infinite_o beyond_o that_o of_o their_o great_a sophister_n and_o able_a to_o bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o be_v tell_v a_o plain_a story_n of_o the_o life_n and_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o his_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o a_o few_o plain_a precept_n of_o life_n and_o all_o this_o deliver_v without_o any_o ornament_n of_o art_n or_o insinuation_n of_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n and_o applause_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o relate_v these_o thing_n but_o now_o this_o true_o consider_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o real_a objection_n against_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a commendation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n ought_v to_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a and_o unaffected_a manner_n and_o the_o less_o art_n and_o eloquence_n be_v use_v in_o the_o tell_n of_o a_o story_n the_o more_o likely_a it_o be_v to_o gain_v belief_n and_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n precept_n how_o plain_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o reasonable_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o free_a from_o all_o vanity_n and_o folly_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o more_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o than_o so_o plain_a and_o useful_a a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o the_o language_n of_o law_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v fine_a and_o persuasive_a but_o short_a and_o plain_a and_o full_a of_o authority_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v much_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v thus_o to_o man_n than_o for_o man_n to_o one_o another_o three_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n want_v demonstration_n they_o seem_v to_o impose_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o deliver_v thing_n too_o magisterial_o not_o demonstrate_v thing_n from_o intrinsical_a argument_n but_o require_v belief_n and_o assent_n without_o proof_n this_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n ready_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heathen_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n 1_o cor._n 4.4_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o human_a eloquence_n and_o demonstration_n but_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n do_v not_o want_v its_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n though_o of_o another_o kind_n they_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bewitch_v man_n by_o eloquence_n nor_o to_o entangle_v their_o mind_n by_o subtle_a reason_n the_o force_n of_o which_o very_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n a_o sensible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v in_o those_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a operation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sensible_a evidence_n even_o to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n go_v along_o with_o they_o and_z giving_z testimony_n to_o they_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o more_o level_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o the_o fine_a and_o subtle_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o immaterial_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o power_n of_o reflection_n upon_o itself_o and_o independency_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o to_o some_o of_o its_o operation_n which_o yet_o be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n that_o philosophy_n afford_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n four_o the_o heathen_n object_v that_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1.23_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o appear_v in_o such_o mean_a circumstance_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o one_o who_o himself_n be_v put_v to_o death_n shall_v be_v rely_v upon_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v heretofore_o consider_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o it_o beside_o those_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n assign_v of_o our_o saviour_n humiliation_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o example_n to_o we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o by_o suffer_v himself_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o commiserate_v we_o that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a a_o condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o fantastry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v love_v those_o who_o he_o afflict_v and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v innocent_a and_o virtuous_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v have_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n his_o influence_n and_o example_n may_v possible_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o will_v not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o to_o be_v inward_o good_a and_o virtuous_a the_o great_a argument_n which_o must_v do_v that_o must_v be_v fetch_v not_o from_o the_o pomp_n and_o prosperity_n of_o
which_o the_o world_n stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v even_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n this_o be_v the_o needful_a time_n when_o it_o be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o this_o great_a physician_n to_o come_v and_o show_v his_o pity_n and_o skill_n in_o our_o recovery_n god_n can_v have_v send_v his_o son_n many_o age_n before_o but_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o try_v other_o way_n first_o and_o to_o reserve_v this_o powerful_a remedy_n to_o the_o last_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n 4._o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v be_v of_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o his_o come_v whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o fit_a season_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o propagate_a of_o this_o religion_n i_o assign_v these_o reason_n as_o tend_v to_o give_v man_n some_o satisfaction_n why_o this_o great_a blessing_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o of_o the_o want_n of_o either_o to_o defer_v thing_n to_o that_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o have_v their_o effect_n not_o but_o that_o perhaps_o other_o and_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o be_v sure_a god_n have_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o this_o dispensation_n whether_o we_o can_v hit_v upon_o they_o or_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v altogether_o inconsiderable_a 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n all_o the_o while_o our_o saviour_n come_v be_v delay_v god_n providence_n be_v dispose_v thing_n for_o it_o and_o train_v up_o mankind_n for_o the_o entertain_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v always_o very_o burdensome_a but_o much_o more_o so_o towards_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n partly_o by_o the_o intolerable_a multitude_n of_o external_a observance_n which_o be_v daily_o multiply_v upon_o they_o under_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_n which_o make_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o many_o respect_v more_o difficult_a and_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a measure_n prepare_v for_o christianity_n by_o be_v civilise_a about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n philosophy_n and_o learning_n have_v be_v so_o diffuse_v by_o the_o roman_a conquest_n as_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o barbarism_n to_o civility_n beside_o that_o their_o philosophy_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o man_n to_o refine_v their_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o good_a degree_n to_o detect_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o learning_n and_o philosophy_n flourish_v a_o great_a while_n before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o grecian_a empire_n and_o perhaps_o before_o that_o in_o some_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v very_o speedy_a and_o of_o vast_a extent_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o universal_a nor_o so_o well_o settle_v nor_o do_v they_o propagate_v their_o philosophy_n and_o civility_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n as_o the_o roman_n do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o mankind_n be_v so_o general_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v 2._o this_o be_v likewise_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o roman_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n do_v very_o much_o propagate_v their_o language_n which_o make_v the_o way_n of_o communication_n far_o more_o easy_a and_o by_o the_o long_a and_o frequent_a correspondence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o that_o empire_n one_o with_o another_o the_o way_n of_o travel_n and_o passage_n from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o be_v more_o ready_a and_o open_a so_o that_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instanced_a in_o all_o respect_n so_o convenient_a for_o the_o speedy_a propagate_a of_o a_o new_a religion_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v viz._n when_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v at_o its_o height_n and_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o the_o brave_a and_o most_o virtuous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n infinite_o beyond_o either_o the_o persian_n or_o grecian_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o god_n as_o one_o of_o 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that_o he_o overcome_v pompey_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o pharsalia_n and_o innumerable_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o that_o be_v do_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v firm_o believe_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v do_v so_o long_o ago_o so_o that_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v equal_a evidence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a belief_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o argument_n but_o in_o the_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v 2._o we_o have_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a assurance_n nay_o great_a if_o it_o can_v or_o need_v to_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n rely_v as_o of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o 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their_o lust_n and_o they_o can_v profess_v to_o believe_v it_o without_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n sermon_n iu._n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom_n i._o 4_o and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a st_n paul_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n according_a to_o his_o custom_n in_o the_o rest_n style_v himself_o a_o apostle_n particular_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o god_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a subject_n whereof_o be_v jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n v._n vol._n v._n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n so_o according_a to_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o be_v of_o his_o posterity_n by_o his_o mother_n who_o be_v of_o that_o house_n and_o line_n make_a of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n v._o 3._o but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o according_a to_o his_o human_a nature_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o christ_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o most_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v predestinate_v decree_v determine_v but_o it_o likewise_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v define_v declare_v demonstrate_v 4._o ser._n 4._o put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o translation_n render_v it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o according_a to_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manifest_v itself_o in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n that_o be_v mighty_o powerful_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o follow_v our_o own_o translation_n i_o shall_v handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o contain_v this_o proposition_n in_o they_o that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o proposition_n to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v this_o proposition_n and_o the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o it_o first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o way_n or_o other_o eminent_o manifest_v in_o he_o i_o say_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n as_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o man_n be_v natural_o say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o life_n and_o be_v so_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v life_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o at_o his_o conception_n which_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n overshadow_v as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o then_o at_o his_o resurrection_n when_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n raise_v to_o life_n again_o now_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n only_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v real_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a but_o most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v open_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o 1._o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n luke_n most_o express_o tell_v we_o luke_n 1.35_o where_o the_o
to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n do_v real_o prepare_v and_o make_v way_n for_o their_o glory_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v 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 3_o dly_z and_o last_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o future_a reward_n be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n what_o great_a encouragement_n can_v we_o have_v than_o this_o that_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v accompany_v we_o into_o the_o other_o that_o when_o we_o rest_v from_o our_o labour_n our_o work_n will_v follow_v we_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v strip_v of_o other_o thing_n and_o part_v from_o they_o these_o will_v still_o remain_v with_o we_o and_o bear_v we_o company_n our_o riches_n and_o honour_n our_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n will_v all_o take_v their_o leave_n of_o we_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n nay_o many_o time_n they_o do_v not_o accompany_v we_o so_o far_o as_o the_o grave_a but_o take_v occasion_n to_o forsake_v we_o when_o we_o have_v the_o great_a need_n and_o use_v of_o they_o but_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o better_a part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o we_o all_o the_o good_a action_n which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v go_v along_o with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o redeemer_n procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a reward_n not_o according_a to_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o service_n but_o according_a to_o the_o bounty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o treasure_n and_o estate_n now_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v all_o be_v our_o own_o another_o day_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o whoever_o serve_v god_n faithful_o and_o do_v suffer_v for_o he_o patient_o do_v lay_v up_o so_o much_o treasure_n for_o himself_o in_o another_o world_n and_o provide_v last_a comfort_n for_o himself_o and_o faithful_a and_o constant_a companion_n that_o will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o let_v we_o then_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v while_o we_o have_v opportunity_n and_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o our_o might_n know_v that_o no_o good_a action_n that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v lose_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o exercise_v in_o this_o life_n and_o every_o degree_n of_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o full_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a how_o shall_v this_o inspire_v we_o with_o resolution_n and_o zeal_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n continual_o in_o our_o eye_n how_o shall_v it_o tempt_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o have_v a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n offer_v to_o we_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o who_o love_v he_o hearty_o and_o serve_v he_o faithful_o in_o this_o world_n sermon_n v._o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n heb._n vi_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n these_o word_n be_v full_a of_o difficulty_n and_o the_o misunderstanding_n of_o they_o have_v not_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o even_o despair_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n v._n vol._n v._n which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o demonstrative_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o fallible_a judgement_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o st._n jerom_n more_o than_o once_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n which_o be_v about_o 400_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o receive_v this_o epistle_n for_o canonical_a but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o that_o time_n whether_o move_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a by_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o church_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n acknowledge_v it_o for_o canonical_a from_o whence_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v necessary_o follow_v either_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o 400_o year_n together_o while_o they_o reject_v it_o or_o that_o they_o have_v since_o err_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o receive_v it_o one_o of_o these_o be_v unavoidable_a for_o if_o the_o book_n be_v canonical_a now_o it_o be_v so_o from_o the_o beginning_n for_o bellarmine_n himself_o confess_v and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o confess_v it_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o true_a and_o certain_a that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v a_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o before_o 5._o ser._n 5._o if_o it_o be_v not_o canonical_a at_o first_o it_o can_v be_v make_v so_o afterward_o so_o that_o let_v they_o choose_v which_o part_n they_o will_v it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v actual_o err_v in_o her_o judgement_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n and_o one_o error_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v enough_o to_o destroy_v her_o infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o church_n be_v not_o infallible_a than_o if_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o she_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o convince_a instance_n of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o if_o that_o be_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o book_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o for_o canonical_a in_o one_o age_n must_v have_v be_v so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o whatever_o be_v reject_v in_o any_o age_n must_v always_o have_v be_v reject_v but_o we_o plain_o see_v the_o contrary_a from_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o epistle_n concern_v which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o tradition_n have_v in_o several_a age_n deliver_v several_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o peremptory_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o her_o oral_a tradition_n have_v observe_v this_o by_o the_o way_n which_o i_o can_v not_o well_o pass_v by_o upon_o so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n i_o shall_v betake_v myself_o to_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n towards_o which_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o consider_v the_o particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a among_o the_o ancient_n than_o to_o call_v baptism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d illumination_n and_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d enlighten_v person_n because_o of_o that_o divine_a illumination_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o at_o their_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o call_v upon_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o enlighten_v person_n be_v wash_v and_o again_o more_o express_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o laver_n speak_v of_o baptism_n be_v call_v illumination_n and_o st._n cyprian_n give_v we_o the_o reason_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n in_o expiatum_fw-la pectus_fw-la ac_fw-la
of_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n the_o earth_n which_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v oft_o upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o brier_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o how_o glad_o will_v i_o add_v the_o next_o word_n but_o belove_v we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v sermon_n vi_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n our_o great_a high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o who_o person_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n insist_o so_o large_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o text_n that_o our_o high_a priest_n be_v make_v perfect_a become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o v._n vol._n v._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v these_o four_o thing_n considerable_a 1_o st_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o imply_v in_o it_o not_o only_o our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o redemption_n from_o eternal_a misery_n but_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o 2_o dly_z the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o by_o make_v atonement_n for_o we_o and_o reconcile_a we_o to_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o mankind_n 3_o dly_z the_o way_n and_o means_n whereby_o he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v consummate_v his_o work_n and_o finish_v his_o course_n and_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o for_o this_o word_n have_v a_o allusion_n to_o those_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n where_o he_o that_o win_v receive_v the_o crown_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o allude_v phil._n 3.12_o where_o he_o say_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o prize_n but_o i_o be_o press_v 6._o ser._n 6._o or_o reach_v forward_o towards_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o be_v already_o perfect_a that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n or_o have_v the_o prize_n or_o crown_n in_o my_o hand_n but_o i_o be_o press_v forward_o towards_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v perfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v give_v up_o the_o ghost_n upon_o the_o cross_n he_o say_v john_n 19.30_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v finish_v or_o perfect_v that_o be_v he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o suffering_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o same_o word_n be_v likewise_o use_v luke_n 13.32_o concernine_v our_o saviour_n suffering_n i_o do_v cure_n to_o day_n and_o to_o morrow_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o three_o day_n i_o shall_v be_v perfect_v this_o he_o speak_v concern_v his_o own_o death_n and_o therefore_o ch._n 2.10_o god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n perfect_a through_o suffering_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o our_o high_a priest_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n that_o be_v have_v finish_v his_o course_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o in_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o we_o 4_o thly_a you_o have_v here_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n or_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v suspend_v and_o that_o be_v obedience_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o these_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o full_a explication_n whereof_o i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o five_o thing_n 1_o st_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n 3_o dly_z we_o will_v consider_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n 4_o thly_a the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o 5_o thly_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n 1_o st_o we_o will_v consider_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o have_v finish_v his_o course_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o last_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o we_o so_o that_o by_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o by_o all_o that_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v for_o we_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o have_v effect_v and_o bring_v about_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o life_n his_o death_n and_o suffering_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o powerful_a intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v all_o a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o reforming_a and_o save_v of_o mankind_n and_o by_o all_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o a_o rule_n and_o as_o a_o pattern_n as_o a_o price_n and_o propitiation_n and_o as_o a_o patron_n and_o advocate_n that_o be_v continual_o plead_v our_o cause_n and_o intercede_v with_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o indeed_o our_o condition_n require_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v qualify_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n out_o of_o that_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n into_o which_o it_o be_v sink_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o from_o who_o mouth_n we_o may_v learn_v the_o law_n of_o god_n who_o life_n shall_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n to_o we_o and_o his_o death_n a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o by_o who_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n become_v we_o who_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n who_o may_v have_v compassion_n on_o the_o ignorant_a and_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v himself_o compass_v with_o infirmity_n may_v have_v the_o feel_n of_o we_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v only_o without_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o word_n may_v be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v
happiness_n by_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v forfeit_v their_o happiness_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o offend_v that_o god_n to_o who_o they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o infinite_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n few_o man_n have_v so_o little_a goodness_n as_o to_o sin_v without_o a_o temptation_n but_o in_o that_o state_n where_o man_n be_v perfect_o good_a and_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v fall_v from_o that_o state_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a that_o that_o likewise_o be_v immutable_a the_o scripture_n do_v seem_v plain_o enough_o to_o assert_v when_o it_o call_v it_o a_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o use_v such_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o misery_n as_o signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n expression_n of_o as_o great_a a_o extent_n as_o those_o which_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o as_o large_a and_o unlimited_a as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o those_o language_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v beside_o that_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o devil_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o do_v or_o will_v repent_v not_o because_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o extreme_a misery_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o it_o be_v under_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n there_o be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n no_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n without_o which_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v utter_o despair_v of_o pardon_n and_o be_v 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out_o against_o the_o offer_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n there_o will_v no_o overture_n be_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v god_n will_v try_v we_o no_o more_o our_o final_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o world_n will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v over_o again_o to_o correct_v our_o error_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o shall_v lie_v such_o a_o state_n as_o we_o be_v settle_v in_o when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o other_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o change_v it_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o may_v mould_n and_o fashion_v our_o own_o fortune_n but_o if_o we_o trifle_v away_o this_o advantage_n we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n god_n have_v yet_o leave_v heaven_n and_o 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human_a care_n be_v transmit_v entire_a and_o free_a from_o any_o material_a error_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n but_o revelation_n unwritten_a if_o they_o have_v any_o last_a and_o considerable_a effect_n they_o must_v at_o least_o in_o every_o age_n be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v otherwise_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n either_o through_o the_o unfaithfulness_n or_o carelessness_n and_o frailty_n of_o man_n they_o will_v either_o be_v quite_o lose_v or_o so_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_a that_o they_o will_v signify_v nothing_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v so_o little_a cause_n to_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o in_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v those_o more_o immediate_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o we_o that_o he_o do_v to_o former_a age_n that_o we_o have_v rather_o great_a reason_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o have_v 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of_o that_o by_o argument_n proper_a to_o itself_o but_o shall_v take_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a which_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o it_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o now_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o desire_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o i_o at_o first_o 1._o that_o all_o be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o for_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o as_o may_v satisfy_v man_n in_o other_o case_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v in_o this_o 2._o that_o those_o who_o write_v those_o book_n be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o do_v not_o wilful_o falsify_v in_o any_o thing_n and_o this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v deny_v because_o these_o very_a person_n give_v the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o man_n can_v give_v of_o their_o integrity_n the_o high_a attestation_n that_o any_o man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v be_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v now_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o do_v not_o falsify_v in_o their_o relation_n concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n after_o his_o ascension_n this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o evidence_n as_o the_o world_n can_v give_v and_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v what_o can_v be_v desire_v more_o to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o write_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o wilful_o falsify_v in_o their_o relation_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v about_o those_o matter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n namely_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v be_v plain_a sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n about_o which_o no_o man_n need_v mistake_v unless_o he_o will_v and_o they_o do_v not_o write_v thing_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o who_o may_v possible_o have_v design_n to_o deceive_v but_o upon_o the_o sure_a evidence_n in_o the_o world_n their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v testify_v we_o unto_o you_o so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o these_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o disbelieve_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o this_o be_v in_o short_a the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o may_v have_v enlarge_v infinite_o upon_o but_o i_o design_v now_o only_o brief_o to_o represent_v to_o you_o that_o we_o who_o live_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n from_o the_o time_n of_o this_o revelation_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o evidence_n as_o they_o who_o reject_v in_o other_o case_n be_v esteem_v unreasonable_a i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_o thing_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o our_o conviction_n than_o to_o afford_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v but_o this_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n upon_o the_o 31_o verse_n which_o contain_v the_o main_a design_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o this_o whole_a parable_n sermon_n xii_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n sermon_n iii_o preach_v at_o whitehall_n anno_fw-la 1678._o luke_n xvi_o 31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n and_o they_o be_v the_o final_a answer_n which_o abraham_n give_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n last_o request_n who_o be_v in_o great_a torment_n and_o not_o able_a to_o obtain_v any_o ease_n for_o himself_o be_v represent_v as_o concern_v for_o his_o relation_n who_o he_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o upon_o earth_n lest_o they_o
think_v fit_a to_o gratify_v the_o perverse_a curiosity_n of_o man_n by_o afford_v to_o every_o man_n a_o particular_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n which_o at_o first_o have_v the_o great_a and_o most_o miraculous_a confirmation_n and_o he_o have_v still_o leave_v we_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o it_o and_o we_o tempt_v god_n by_o demand_v extraordinary_a sign_n when_o we_o may_v receive_v so_o abundant_a satisfaction_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n this_o be_v admit_v i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v very_o improbable_a that_o those_o who_o reject_v this_o public_a revelation_n from_o god_n shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v though_o one_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v express_o assert_v here_o in_o the_o text_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a not_o but_o that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o startle_v and_o amaze_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o warn_v he_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o wicked_a life_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o they_o who_o obstinate_o and_o perverse_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o if_o such_o miracle_n be_v frequent_a and_o familiar_a it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o will_v have_v but_o very_o little_a effect_n and_o unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o common_a and_o ordinary_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v they_o at_o all_o 2._o man_n have_v as_o great_a or_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n as_o the_o discourse_n of_o one_o that_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a 3._o the_o very_a same_o reason_n which_o make_v man_n to_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n hinder_v they_o from_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o particular_a miracle_n 4._o experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v how_o ineffectual_a extraordinary_a way_n be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v obstinate_o addict_v and_o wed_v to_o their_o lust_n 5._o a_o effectual_a persuasion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o belief_n as_o produce_v repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o operation_n and_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v either_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n or_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a degree_n after_o man_n have_v obstinate_o reject_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n 1._o if_o such_o miracle_n as_o a_o special_a messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o warn_v and_o admonish_v man_n be_v frequent_a and_o familiar_a it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o will_v have_v but_o very_o little_a effect_n upon_o man_n and_o unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o common_a and_o ordinary_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v they_o at_o all_o for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o the_o worst_a and_o more_o obstinate_a sort_n of_o sinner_n shall_v expect_v this_o as_o a_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o privilege_n to_o themselves_o and_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v as_o much_o for_o other_o who_o have_v deserve_v it_o more_o and_o will_v probable_o make_v better_a use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v common_a it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v much_o move_v by_o they_o it_o may_v be_v while_o the_o apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v fresh_a upon_o they_o they_o will_v take_v up_o some_o good_a resolution_n as_o sinner_n usual_o do_v while_o they_o be_v under_o present_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o some_o great_a affliction_n or_o sickness_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o they_o but_o still_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n and_o put_v it_o off_o till_o the_o present_a amazement_n be_v a_o little_a over_o and_o the_o terror_n of_o their_o first_o apprehension_n be_v abate_v and_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o after_o a_o little_a while_o they_o will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a course_n and_o this_o be_v too_o too_o probable_a from_o what_o we_o see_v man_n do_v in_o other_o case_n not_o very_o much_o remote_a from_o this_o it_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a and_o amaze_a thing_n to_o see_v a_o man_n die_v and_o solemn_o take_v his_o last_o leave_n of_o the_o world_n the_o very_a circumstance_n of_o die_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o strike_v we_o with_o horror_n to_o hear_v such_o a_o man_n how_o sensible_o he_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o if_o he_o be_v just_o come_v from_o it_o rather_o than_o go_v to_o it_o how_o severe_o he_o will_v condemn_v himself_o for_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o his_o life_n with_o what_o passion_n he_o will_v wish_v that_o he_o have_v live_v better_a and_o serve_v god_n more_o sincere_o how_o serious_o he_o will_v resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a life_n if_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o raise_v he_o up_o and_o try_v he_o but_o once_o more_o with_o what_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n he_o will_v commend_v to_o his_o best_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o will_v minister_v comfort_n to_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v in_o his_o condition_n such_o discourse_n as_o these_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o move_v and_o affect_v man_n for_o the_o time_n and_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o they_o very_o good_a resolution_n whilst_o the_o present_a fit_a and_o impression_n last_v but_o because_o these_o sight_n be_v very_o frequent_a they_o have_v seldom_o any_o great_a and_o permanent_a effect_n upon_o men._n man_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a common_a case_n and_o sinner_n take_v example_n and_o encouragement_n from_o one_o another_o every_o one_o be_v affect_v for_o the_o present_a but_o few_o be_v so_o effectual_o convince_v as_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o if_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v as_o common_a as_o it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o die_v we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o the_o discourse_n of_o dead_a and_o die_a of_o those_o that_o be_v go_v and_o those_o who_o come_v from_o the_o dead_a will_v have_v much_o the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o a_o singular_a case_n which_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n the_o effect_n will_v probable_o be_v this_o a_o man_n that_o be_v strong_o addict_v to_o his_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o leave_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a when_o the_o fright_v be_v over_o to_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o all_o this_o be_v mere_o the_o work_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o such_o thing_n do_v not_o happen_v to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o 2._o we_o have_v as_o great_a or_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o warning_n or_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n as_o the_o discourse_n of_o one_o that_o shall_v come_v to_o we_o from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n against_o such_o sin_n as_o natural_a light_n convince_v man_n of_o have_v the_o natural_a gild_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n on_o their_o side_n the_o particular_a testimony_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o to_o give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o we_o have_v a_o credible_a relation_n of_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n wrought_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o those_o person_n who_o denounce_v those_o threaten_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o very_a public_a and_o authentic_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o a_o private_a apparition_n or_o a_o single_a miracle_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o convince_v man_n why_o shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o this_o will_v 3._o the_o very_a same_o reason_n which_o make_v man_n to_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n hinder_v
man_n from_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v not_o general_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n that_o man_n do_v not_o yield_v a_o full_a and_o effectual_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n i_o mean_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o so_o as_o to_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o lust_n the_o true_a cause_n be_v not_o in_o man_n understanding_n and_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o disease_n be_v there_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_a by_o more_o evidence_n but_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o better_a resolution_n the_o man_n be_v addict_v to_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o and_o that_o make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v check_v and_o control_v he_o in_o his_o course_n the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n be_v offensive_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v shut_v it_o out_o this_o account_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v of_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n john_n 3.19_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v that_o man_n resist_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o because_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o to_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o they_o be_v slow_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o cross_v their_o humour_n and_o inclination_n so_o that_o though_o great_a evidence_n be_v offer_v it_o be_v likely_a it_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o because_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o their_o will_n be_v distemper_v man_n hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o this_o make_v they_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n behind_o their_o back_n and_o if_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v a_o stiff-necked_a and_o rebellious_a people_n though_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o as_o their_o understanding_n can_v not_o resist_v yet_o their_o will_n may_v still_o hold_v out_o and_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o their_o mind_n may_v have_v no_o last_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o violent_a conviction_n may_v affect_v they_o for_o the_o present_a but_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v perhaps_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o then_o they_o will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a hardness_n man_n by_o a_o long_a and_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o sin_n may_v bring_v themselves_o to_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o devil_n who_o though_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o threaten_n yet_o they_o be_v wicked_a still_o for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v a_o strong_a affection_n for_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o conviction_n and_o what_o evidence_n soever_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o they_o will_v find_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o delude_v themselves_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o if_o man_n will_v honest_o speak_v their_o conscience_n they_o can_v deny_v it_o they_o do_v not_o call_v for_o more_o evidence_n either_o because_o they_o want_v it_o or_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o excuse_v for_o themselves_o for_o not_o be_v convince_v by_o that_o evidence_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o they_o 4_o thly_a experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v how_o ineffectual_a extraordinary_a way_n be_v to_o convince_v and_o reclaim_v man_n of_o deprave_a mind_n and_o such_o as_o be_v obstinate_o addict_v to_o their_o lust_n we_o find_v many_o remarkable_a experiment_n of_o this_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n what_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n yet_o they_o be_v harden_v under_o all_o these_o plague_n balaam_n who_o greedy_o follow_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stop_v by_o the_o admonition_n of_o a_o angel_n the_o jew_n after_o so_o many_o miracle_n which_o their_o eye_n have_v see_v continue_v to_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a and_o gain_v say_v people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o be_v more_o prodigious_a the_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o they_o or_o their_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o when_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v and_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o never_o man_n do_v such_o as_o one_o will_v have_v think_v may_v have_v bring_v the_o worst_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o repentance_n those_o of_o tyre_n and_o sydon_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n yet_o they_o repent_v not_o yea_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o my_o text_n request_v of_o abraham_n for_o his_o brethren_n be_v do_v among_o they_o lazarus_n do_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o testify_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o our_o saviour_n himself_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n while_o he_o be_v alive_a rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n and_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o among_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o very_a thing_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n make_v good_a in_o a_o famous_a instance_n they_o who_o believe_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o testify_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o persuade_v when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o do_v not_o our_o own_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o little_a effect_n the_o extraordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v have_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o his_o word_n it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o god_n show_v himself_o among_o we_o by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n and_o visit_v we_o with_o three_o of_o his_o sore_a judgement_n war_n and_o pestilence_n and_o fire_n and_o yet_o how_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n still_o reign_n and_o rage_n among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a consideration_n to_o see_v how_o little_a those_o who_o have_v outlive_v these_o plague_n have_v be_v reform_v by_o they_o we_o have_v not_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o seek_v he_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o particular_a person_n how_o frequent_o do_v we_o see_v man_n after_o great_a affliction_n and_o tedious_a suffering_n and_o dangerous_a sickness_n return_v to_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o though_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n have_v compass_v they_o about_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n have_v almost_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o though_o they_o have_v have_v as_o lively_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o another_o world_n as_o if_o they_o have_v speak_v with_o those_o that_o have_v come_v from_o thence_o or_o even_o be_v there_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v no_o warning_n but_o upon_o their_o deliverance_n and_o recovery_n have_v be_v as_o mad_a as_o furious_a sinner_n as_o they_o be_v before_o so_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o such_o wonder_n to_o we_o which_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o man_n hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v place_n that_o a_o effectual_a persuasion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o belief_n as_o produce_v repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o operation_n and_o concurrence_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n where_o man_n have_v obstinate_o reject_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o change_v our_o life_n and_o become_v new_a man_n be_v a_o