be_v join_v together_o and_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n use_v concern_v both_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o then_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n endeavour_n to_o avoid_v this_o plain_a text_n by_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o now_o if_o christ_n mediation_n by_o way_n of_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o redemption_n then_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n than_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o so_o that_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o his_o ransom_n that_o be_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o virtue_n whereof_o alone_o he_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v most_o plain_o assert_v so_o that_o all_o other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o offering_n and_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n beside_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v who_o put_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o alone_a virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o if_o his_o intercession_n be_v available_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a so_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o apply_v to_o any_o other_o whether_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o even_o the_o bless_a virgin_n if_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o 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 and_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v first_o negative_o and_o then_o positive_o one_a negative_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o own_v of_o christ_n for_o our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o will_v be_v accept_v in_o this_o case_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o which_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o understand_v all_o that_o profession_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o name_n and_o religion_n the_o mere_a belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o own_n of_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n no_o nor_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o though_o this_o be_v set_v off_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a manner_n by_o prophesy_v and_o work_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o have_v hear_v thou_o preach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o without_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o gain_v we_o admission_n into_o heaven_n two_o positive_o that_o which_o god_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o will_v accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o that_o harken_v to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o hear_v and_o believe_v his_o gospel_n as_o to_o obey_v it_o to_o they_o and_o no_o other_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v what_o obedience_n it_o be_v which_o the_o gospel_n exact_v as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o they_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n will_v give_v we_o a_o distinct_a conception_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o one_a there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o a_o actual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n when_o out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n man_n do_v show_v forth_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o their_o life_n do_v give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n justice_n sobriety_n humility_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o occasion_n be_v minister_v for_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o by_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o equity_n of_o its_o precept_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o a_o true_a repentance_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v obedience_n in_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n for_o he_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v true_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o prevent_v or_o hinder_v this_o man_n actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n but_o only_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a and_z and_o live_a god_n but_o perhaps_o be_v cut_v off_o soon_o after_o as_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v but_o new_o gain_v to_o christianity_n be_v present_o put_v to_o death_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o that_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o virtual_a obedience_n be_v in_o such_o person_n a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a life_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n put_v this_o resolution_n in_o practice_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n his_o first_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n though_o it_o be_v sincere_a will_v not_o avail_v he_o to_o salvation_n nay_o if_o
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 before_o few_o be_v so_o impartial_a as_o to_o quit_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v once_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o and_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o because_o this_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o their_o zeal_n which_o few_o have_v the_o ingenuity_n to_o own_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o plain_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n meet_v with_o so_o much_o resistance_n from_o those_o who_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o make_v head_n against_o it_o and_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v we_o of_o their_o infidelity_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o come_v of_o god_n only_o and_o chap._n 12._o 43._o for_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o beside_o the_o point_n of_o reputation_n those_o that_o be_v rich_a be_v concern_v in_o point_n of_o interest_n to_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o unpleasant_a doctrine_n to_o rich_a man_n who_o have_v great_a estate_n and_o have_v set_v their_o heart_n upon_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v it_o so_o hard_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o difficult_a and_o human_o impossible_a i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o the_o poor_a be_v free_a from_o these_o encumbrance_n and_o temptation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o lose_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o they_o because_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v their_o interest_n as_o it_o do_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o who_o have_v great_a estate_n and_o possession_n second_o another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o enjoy_v little_a of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v good_a news_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o present_a misery_n and_o suffer_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o hereafter_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o listen_v to_o the_o good_a news_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o have_v pronounce_v the_o poor_a bless_a luke_n 6._o 20._o he_o add_v by_o way_n of_o opposition_n v._o 24._o but_o woe_n unto_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a for_o you_o have_v receive_v your_o consolation_n they_o be_v in_o so_o comfortable_a a_o condition_n at_o present_a that_o they_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o hereafter_o whereas_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o poor_a man_n have_v be_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a condition_n non_fw-la si_fw-la male_a nunc_fw-la &_o olim_fw-la sic_fw-la erit_fw-la that_o if_o it_o be_v bad_a now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o always_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o promise_v and_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n be_v very_o welcome_a to_o they_o three_o if_o by_o the_o poor_a we_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o such_o likewise_o as_o have_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n suitable_a to_o the_o poverty_n of_o their_o outward_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v meekness_n and_o humility_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o spirit_n be_v a_o great_a disposition_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o poverty_n be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n i_o cite_v before_o isa_n 61._o 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a and_o to_o bind_v up_o the_o the_o brokenhearted_a and_o likewise_o from_o our_o saviour_n description_n of_o these_o person_n in_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n matth._n 5._o 3._o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o by_o the_o poor_a who_o be_v so_o near_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n intend_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a thing_n be_v likewise_o meek_a and_o humble_a in_o their_o spirit_n now_o meekness_n and_o humility_n be_v great_a disposition_n to_o the_o entertain_v of_o truth_n these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n do_v prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o learning_n and_o instruction_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n he_o that_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o learn_v of_o other_o he_o who_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o pride_n or_o passion_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o to_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o proud_a and_o the_o passionate_a passion_n and_o pride_n be_v great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n passion_n do_v not_o only_o darken_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o put_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o our_o judgement_n which_o draw_v they_o off_o many_o time_n from_o truth_n and_o sway_v they_o that_o way_n which_o our_o passion_n incline_v they_o a_o man_n of_o a_o calm_a and_o meek_a temper_n stand_v always_o indifferent_a for_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o hold_v the_o balance_n of_o his_o judgement_n even_o but_o passion_n sway_v and_o incline_v it_o one_o way_n and_o that_o common_o against_o truth_n and_o reason_n so_o likewise_o pride_n be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o very_o worst_a quality_n that_o a_o learner_n can_v have_v it_o obstruct_v all_o the_o passage_n whereby_o knowledge_n shall_v enter_v into_o we_o it_o make_v man_n refuse_v instruction_n out_o of_o a_o conceit_n they_o need_v it_o not_o many_o man_n may_v have_v know_v more_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o vain_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v entertain_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o knowledge_n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n but_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n for_o god_n love_v to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n upon_o meek_a and_o humble_a mind_n so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o psa_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n and_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o poor_a be_v more_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n namely_o what_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n be_v which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_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 show_v the_o weakness_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n they_o both_o take_v exception_n at_o he_o especial_o at_o his_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exception_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o as_o i_o find_v they_o disperse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o the_o exception_n
sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n as_o to_o keep_v the_o balance_n of_o their_o judgement_n even_o and_o to_o suffer_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o reason_n to_o weigh_v with_o they_o we_o general_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v all_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n but_o few_o of_o we_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o traveller_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o the_o fair_a and_o the_o easy_a way_n but_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o go_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o our_o end_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v choose_v our_o way_n only_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o not_o consider_v our_o inclination_n so_o much_o as_o our_o design_n nor_o choose_v those_o principle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o present_a desire_n but_o those_o which_o will_v most_o certain_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o the_o last_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n firm_o believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o will_v do_v let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o hope_v you_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n satisfy_v that_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o aught_o much_o to_o move_v a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man._n if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o certain_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v whether_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o christian_a and_o with_o half_a that_o reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n that_o christianity_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o itself_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n or_o the_o divine_a confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v concern_v it_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n our_o belief_n of_o it_o signify_v nothing_o without_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v once_o resolve_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v will_v cease_v for_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n the_o true_a ground_n of_o most_o man_n prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o man_n mind_n against_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o 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 the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n so_o according_a to_o his_o humane_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 humane_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 humane_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 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 humane_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
obedience_n and_o good_a work_n chap._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n first_o of_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o empty_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n how_o specious_a and_o glorious_a soever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n avail_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n no_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n no_o subjection_n to_o he_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n though_o we_o have_v make_v a_o constant_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v go_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v join_v in_o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n with_o great_a appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v hear_v his_o word_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o all_o imaginable_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n nay_o though_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n and_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n none_o of_o all_o these_o will_n thing_n signify_v any_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n but_o we_o can_v plead_v so_o much_o for_o ourselves_o as_o those_o do_v of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v none_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v allege_v all_o this_o it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a all_o that_o such_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v call_v he_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v they_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v pay_v a_o outward_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o declare_v a_o mighty_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o but_o they_o have_v not_o do_v his_o will_n but_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v cast_v his_o commandment_n behind_o their_o back_n they_o have_v only_o bear_v the_o leave_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n that_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o when_o these_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o those_o vain_a word_n lord_n lord_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v answer_v in_o that_o day_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n when_o you_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o subjection_n to_o i_o you_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v purchase_v or_o the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v one_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v salvation_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o our_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o comprehend_v the_o end_n our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o happiness_n upon_o we_o a_o great_a and_o last_a happiness_n great_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o immortal_a as_o our_o soul_n all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v in_o eternal_a salvation_n two_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o great_a benefit_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n in_o the_o low_a humiliation_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n in_o his_o take_n upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o his_o become_a obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o vile_a slave_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a malefactor_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n into_o this_o low_a world_n this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v content_v himself_o to_o suffer_v to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n to_o be_v the_o most_o despicable_a and_o the_o most_o miserable_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o suppose_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o be_v by_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o which_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v real_o best_a for_o our_o present_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o have_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v our_o choice_n if_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o gracious_a than_o to_o make_v one_o benefit_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o to_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o account_n be_v real_o best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o present_a life_n three_o here_o be_v abundant_a encouragement_n give_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n promise_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o for_o our_o further_a encouragement_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n in_o case_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v
unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o see_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n even_o of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o all_o they_o have_v entertain_v a_o new_a religion_n yet_o they_o retain_v the_o old_a pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o their_o nation_n against_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o none_o but_o themselves_o have_v any_o share_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o be_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o messiah_n our_o saviour_n do_v so_o far_o consider_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o that_o he_o never_o in_o his_o life_n time_n acquaint_v they_o with_o this_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o full_o to_o understand_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v john_n 16._o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o then_o capable_a and_o though_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o have_v declare_v this_o sufficient_o to_o they_o yet_o by_o their_o practice_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o understand_v all_o this_o only_a of_o the_o jew_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o then_o to_o those_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o history_n of_o their_o first_o preach_v record_v in_o the_o act_n that_o they_o preach_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o prejudice_n that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o this_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o heathen_a world_n nor_o be_v they_o convince_v to_o the_o contrary_a till_o st._n peter_n have_v a_o special_a vision_n and_o revelation_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o upon_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v they_o into_o this_o truth_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o to_o this_o st._n peter_n plain_o refer_v act_v 10._o 42._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o preach_v unto_o the_o people_n so_o likewise_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v 13._o 46._o where_o they_o speak_v thus_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v first_o he_o preach_v to_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v we_o now_o he_o not_o where_o command_v this_o but_o in_o this_o commission_n which_o he_o give_v they_o before_o his_o ascension_n second_o you_o have_v here_o a_o particular_a declaration_n how_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v this_o work_n of_o make_v disciple_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n 2._o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v here_o call_v baptise_v they_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a rite_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o initiate_a of_o person_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n in_o use_n before_o both_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o heathen_a observe_v it_o at_o the_o initiate_a person_n into_o their_o religious_a mystery_n and_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o admit_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n at_o which_o time_n the_o male_n as_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o baptize_v the_o woman_n be_v only_o baptize_v one_o circumstance_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o grow_v person_n be_v that_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n up_o to_o the_o neck_n they_o recite_v several_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o the_o jewish_a writer_n further_a tell_v we_o this_o ceremony_n do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o grow_v year_n but_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n if_o it_o be_v desire_v upon_o condition_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o religious_a ceremony_n use_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o without_o any_o divine_a institution_n that_o we_o know_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o none_o of_o his_o institution_n seem_v to_o have_v favour_v unnecessary_a innovation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o superstition_n of_o decline_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o religious_a use_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o seem_v the_o rather_o to_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n for_o see_v it_o be_v a_o common_a rite_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o in_o itself_o very_o significant_a of_o that_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v the_o easy_a acceptance_n and_o to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o plain_o refer_v to_o that_o short_a creed_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v answerable_a to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n at_o the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o the_o article_n of_o this_o creed_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contain_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v each_o of_o these_o and_o this_o probable_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n heb._n 6._o 2._o viz._n a_o short_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v at_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n call_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n indeed_o before_o christian_n tie_v themselves_o strict_o to_o that_o very_a form_n of_o word_n which_o we_o now_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o though_o every_o one_o express_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n nay_o the_o same_o father_n recite_v it_o upon_o several_a occasion_n do_v not_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n a_o plain_a indication_n that_o they_o be_v not_o then_o strict_o bind_v up_o to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n but_o retain_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o article_n every_o one_o express_v they_o as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o to_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o perform_v this_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o and_o with_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n whereof_o solemn_a profession_n be_v then_o make_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o form_n in_o baptism_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n compare_v with_o what_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v principal_o found_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n i_o mean_v in_o that_o simplicity_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v deliver_v it_o and_o not_o as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o confound_v and_o entangle_v in_o the_o cobweb_n and_o nicety_n of_o the_o school_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o no_o where_n call_v they_o person_n but_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v of_o several_a person_n and_o therefore_o that_o word_n be_v not_o unfit_o use_v to_o express_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o do_v not_o know_v a_o fit_a word_n for_o that_o purpose_n by_o baptise_v then_o
their_o commission_n if_o they_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o condition_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o next_o to_o they_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n that_o they_o will_v be_v diligent_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o respective_a station_n teach_v man_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v this_o our_o great_a work_n to_o instruct_v our_o respective_a charge_n in_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v have_v far_o less_o trouble_n with_o they_o about_o other_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o work_n effectual_o we_o must_v be_v serious_a in_o our_o instruction_n and_o exemplary_a in_o our_o life_n serious_n in_o our_o instruction_n this_o certain_o the_o apostle_n require_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n when_o he_o charge_v minister_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a than_o to_o trifle_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o so_o slight_a and_o indecent_a a_o manner_n as_o be_v not_o only_o beneath_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o pulpit_n but_o even_o of_o a_o well_o regulate_v stage_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o unsuitable_a than_o to_o hear_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n from_o this_o solemn_a place_n to_o break_v jest_n upon_o sin_n and_o to_o quibble_n upon_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n this_o be_v to_o shoot_v without_o a_o bullet_n and_o as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v execution_n but_o only_o to_o make_v man_n smile_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o their_o fault_n this_o be_v so_o nauseous_a a_o folly_n and_o of_o so_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o religion_n that_o hardly_o any_o thing_n too_o severe_a can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o and_o then_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o instruction_n effectual_a we_o must_v be_v exemplary_a in_o our_o life_n aristotle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o speaker_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o sovereign_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o therefore_o cato_n put_v it_o into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o orator_n that_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la bone_fw-la dicendi_fw-la peritus_fw-la a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o eloquent_a speaker_n this_o be_v true_a as_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n the_o good_a opinion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o speaker_n give_v great_a weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o do_v strange_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o entertain_v his_o counsel_n but_o the_o reputation_n of_o goodness_n be_v more_o especial_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o those_o who_o proper_a work_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o have_v charge_v titus_n to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n he_o immediate_o add_v in_o all_o thing_n show_v thyself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n none_o so_o fit_a to_o teach_v other_o their_o duty_n and_o none_o so_o likely_a to_o gain_v man_n to_o it_o as_o those_o who_o practise_v it_o themselves_o because_o hereby_o we_o convince_v man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o they_o see_v that_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o choose_v to_o do_v ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o man_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o malice_n by_o a_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o by_o well_o do_v you_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n sermon_n ix_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n consider_v luke_n xiii_o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a there_o be_v two_o great_a mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n equal_o false_a and_o equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o devil_n who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n by_o any_o mean_n make_v use_n of_o both_o these_o mistake_v to_o serve_v his_o own_o purpose_n and_o design_n upon_o the_o several_a temper_n of_o men._n those_o who_o be_v melancholy_a and_o serious_a he_o dishearten_v and_o discourage_v from_o attempt_v it_o by_o the_o extreme_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o it_o represent_v it_o in_o so_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a a_o shape_n encumber_v with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o attend_v with_o such_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n as_o be_v insuperable_a and_o intolerable_a to_o human_a nature_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o have_v better_o never_o attempt_v it_o since_o they_o may_v despair_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o be_v sanguine_a and_o full_a of_o hope_n he_o possess_v with_o a_o quite_o contrary_a apprehension_n that_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o short_a and_o easy_a a_o work_n that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n and_o if_o need_v be_v at_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o to_o put_v it_o upon_o the_o last_o hazard_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v lull_v in_o security_n and_o adjourn_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o much_o in_o their_o power_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o indeterminate_a resolution_n to_o set_v about_o that_o business_n some_o time_n or_o other_o before_o they_o die_v and_o so_o to_o repent_v and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n once_o for_o all_o these_o pretence_n contradict_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v both_o true_a but_o they_o may_v both_o be_v false_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v and_o truth_n lie_v between_o they_o religion_n be_v neither_o so_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o work_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o nor_o so_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o intolerable_a as_o other_o will_v represent_v it_o to_o confute_v the_o false_a apprehension_n which_o some_o have_v of_o the_o easiness_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v some_o strive_v and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o some_o will_v make_v they_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o strive_v shall_v succeed_v and_o enter_v in_o but_o those_o who_o only_o seek_v that_o be_v do_v not_o vigorous_o set_v about_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v in_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a the_o occasion_n of_o which_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o question_n that_o be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v v._o 23._o one_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v to_o which_o curious_a question_n our_o saviour_n according_a to_o his_o manner_n when_o such_o kind_n of_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a for_o his_o hearer_n to_o be_v resolve_v in_o it_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v what_o number_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o what_o course_n they_o shall_v take_v that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n he_o put_v they_o upon_o their_o duty_n admonish_v they_o instead_o of_o concern_v themselves_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o other_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o but_o few_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o some_o have_v presumptuous_o venture_v to_o determine_v but_o only_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o many_o that_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n second_o the_o reason_n or_o
he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v serios_o consider_v by_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o devotion_n and_o be_v at_o great_a pain_n in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o frugal_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o stand_v they_o in_o no_o money_n lest_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v lose_v for_o want_v of_o this_o one_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n lest_o with_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n after_o they_o have_v keep_v all_o other_o commandment_n they_o be_v reject_v by_o christ_n for_o lack_v of_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o unmercifulness_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2d_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o alone_o and_z without_o any_o other_o gild_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ruin_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o the_o parable_n lay_v the_o rich_a man_n condemnation_n upon_o this_o it_o be_v the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o torment_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o severe_a threaten_n against_o this_o sin_n prov._n 21._o 13._o whoso_o stop_v his_o ear_n at_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a he_o also_o shall_v cry_v himself_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v god_n will_v have_v no_o regard_n or_o pity_n for_o the_o man_n that_o regard_v not_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v a_o terrible_a text_n ja._n 2._o 13._o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n our_o saviour_n have_v two_o parable_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o sin_n this_o here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o in_o luke_n 12._o concern_v the_o covetous_a man_n that_o enlarge_v his_o barn_n and_o be_v still_o lay_v up_o but_o lay_v nothing_o out_o upon_o the_o poor_a upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n make_v this_o observation_n which_o be_v the_o moral_a of_o the_o parable_n v._o 21._o so_o be_v he_o that_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n so_o shall_v he_o be_v such_o a_o issue_n of_o his_o folly_n may_v every_o one_o expect_v who_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o but_o do_v not_o lay_v up_o riches_n with_o god_n how_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o by_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n this_o our_o saviour_n call_v lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n matth._n 6._o 20._o and_o luke_n 12._o 33._o he_o call_v give_v of_o alm_n provide_v for_o ourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v so_o frequent_o make_v in_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a matth._n 5._o 7._o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n which_o promise_n as_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v a_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n so_o it_o seem_v principal_o to_o respect_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n at_o the_o great_a day_n luke_n 14._o 12_o 13_o 14._o when_o thou_o make_v a_o feast_n invite_v not_o the_o rich_a for_o they_o will_v recompense_v thou_o again_o but_o invite_v the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a for_o they_o can_v recompense_v thou_o but_o thou_o shall_v be_v recompense_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a luke_n 16._o 9_o make_v therefore_o to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o vnrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o shall_v fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o most_o considerable_a text_n of_o all_o other_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v in_o matth._n 25._o where_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a representation_n of_o the_o process_n of_o that_o day_n than_o the_o grand_a enquiry_n will_v be_v what_o work_v of_o charity_n have_v be_v do_v or_o neglect_v by_o we_o and_o according_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o we_o the_o proper_a result_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o one_o single_a grace_n or_o virtue_n as_o this_o of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v more_o general_a and_o fundamental_a grace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o of_o all_o single_a virtue_n the_o scripture_n lay_v the_o great_a weight_n upon_o this_o of_o charity_n and_o if_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o it_o i_o know_v how_o averse_a man_n general_o be_v to_o this_o duty_n which_o make_v they_o so_o full_a of_o excuse_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o 1._o they_o have_v child_n to_o provide_v for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o all_o and_o they_o who_o case_n it_o be_v may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o leave_v a_o blessing_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n 2._o they_o tell_v we_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v something_o when_o they_o die_v i_o doubt_v that_o very_o much_o but_o grant_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v real_a why_o shall_v man_n choose_v to_o spoil_v a_o good_a work_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o grace_n and_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o show_v a_o great_a backwardness_n to_o the_o work_n when_o we_o defer_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v he_o that_o will_v not_o do_v good_a till_o he_o be_v enforce_v by_o the_o last_o necessity_n diu_fw-la noluit_fw-la be_v long_o unwilling_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a compliment_n we_o can_v put_v upon_o god_n to_o give_v a_o thing_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v keep_v it_o no_o long_o 3._o other_o say_v they_o may_v come_v to_o want_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v prudence_n to_o provide_v against_o that_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o believe_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o come_v the_o soon_o to_o want_v for_o his_o charity_n david_n have_v a_o express_a observation_n to_o the_o contrary_a psa_n 37._o 25._o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n and_o though_o he_o use_v a_o general_a word_n yet_o that_o by_o the_o righteous_a here_o he_o intend_v the_o merciful_a man_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o next_o word_n he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o beside_o david_n observation_n we_o have_v express_v promise_n of_o god_n to_o secure_v we_o against_o this_o fear_n psa_fw-la 41._o 1_o 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o consider_v the_o poor_a the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v he_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o lord_n will_v preserve_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o alive_a and_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v upon_o the_o earth_n pro._n 28._o 27._o he_o that_o give_v unto_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o lack_v 2._o thou_o may_v come_v to_o want_v though_o thou_o give_v nothing_o thou_o may_v lose_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v spare_v in_o this_o kind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n thou_o may_v lose_v all_o and_o then_o thou_o be_v no_o better_o secure_v against_o want_n than_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v charitable_a beside_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v bring_v to_o poverty_n thou_o will_v want_v the_o comfort_n of_o have_v do_v this_o duty_n and_o may_v just_o look_v upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o thy_o poverty_n 3._o after_o all_o our_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o we_o must_v trust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o man_n can_v in_o no_o case_n so_o safe_o commit_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o in_o well-doing_n if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o we_o all_o believe_v be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o bless_v one_o man_n more_o than_o another_o i_o dare_v say_v
a_o immediate_a communication_n from_o god_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o st._n stephen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n act_n 7._o 53._o and_o st._n paul_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mediator_n that_o be_v moses_n gal._n 3._o 19_o but_o that_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o have_v some_o singular_a prerogative_n above_o those_o of_o other_o prophet_n be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n numb_a 12._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o when_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n contend_v with_o moses_n as_o be_v equal_a to_o he_o god_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o other_o prophet_n hear_v now_o my_o word_n if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o will_v speak_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n my_o servant_n moses_n be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o will_v i_o speak_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n even_o apparent_o and_o not_o in_o dark_a speech_n etc._n etc._n exod._n 33._o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n deut._n 34._o 10._o and_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n all_o which_o signify_v at_o least_o this_o that_o god_n make_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o familiar_a and_o most_o perfect_a discovery_n to_o moses_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n only_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o god_n have_v discover_v his_o will_n to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v excel_v moses_n moses_n be_v but_o a_o faithful_a servant_n that_o be_v humilis_fw-la amicus_fw-la a_o mean_a sort_n of_o friend_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n give_v he_o by_o measure_n but_o the_o most_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o it_o be_v anoint_v above_o his_o fellow_n now_o these_o be_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o system_n or_o collection_n of_o these_o the_o authentic_a instrument_n or_o record_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n reveal_v any_o of_o these_o way_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o contain_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n in_o several_a age_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o intend_v to_o limit_v my_o discourse_n sole_o to_o this_o as_o be_v the_o only_a revelation_n which_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 3d_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o advantage_n this_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v above_o private_a revelation_n make_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o renew_v in_o several_a age_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o settle_v revelation_n in_o this_o way_n as_o be_v more_o commodious_a and_o likewise_o to_o his_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o real_a privilege_n which_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n enjoy_v that_o they_o have_v a_o more_o fix_v and_o certain_a way_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o those_o age_n have_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o such_o private_a revelation_n as_o be_v now_o and_o then_o make_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o advantage_n be_v these_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n of_o thing_n and_o more_o secure_a and_o free_a from_o imposture_n suppose_v a_o revelation_n make_v to_o a_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v of_o general_a concernment_n that_o this_o may_v have_v a_o general_a and_o last_a effect_n he_o must_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v and_o give_v they_o the_o best_a assurance_n he_o can_v of_o it_o and_o these_o must_v relate_v it_o to_o other_o and_o so_o it_o must_v pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n now_o this_o way_n of_o convey_v a_o revelation_n by_o oral_a report_n must_v needs_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o uncertainty_n both_o by_o involuntary_a mistake_v through_o weakness_n of_o memory_n or_o understanding_n and_o wilful_a falsification_n and_o imposture_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n so_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o unrecorded_a revelation_n can_v neither_o be_v large_a nor_o last_v it_o can_v but_o reach_v a_o few_o person_n and_o continue_v a_o little_a while_n in_o its_o full_a credibility_n and_o the_o further_a it_o go_v the_o weak_a like_o circle_n make_v in_o water_n which_o the_o more_o they_o enlarge_v themselves_o and_o the_o long_o they_o continue_v the_o less_o discernible_a they_o be_v till_o at_o length_n they_o quite_o disappear_v whereas_o be_v once_o record_v by_o person_n secure_v from_o error_n by_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a assistance_n they_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o those_o easy_a falsification_n or_o mistake_v which_o traditional_a report_n and_o relation_n be_v necessary_o through_o human_a malice_n or_o weakness_n liable_a to_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o more_o general_a and_o universal_a way_n of_o conveyance_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n of_o write_v thing_n in_o book_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o easy_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n and_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o more_o uniform_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v once_o write_v and_o propagate_v that_o way_n lie_v equal_o open_a to_o all_o and_o come_v in_o a_o manner_n with_o equal_a credit_n to_o all_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o a_o common_a book_n that_o pass_v through_o all_o hand_n and_o which_o be_v of_o vast_a importance_n and_o concernment_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o any_o material_a corruption_n without_o a_o general_a conspiracy_n and_o agreement_n which_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v general_o know_v so_o that_o consider_v the_o commonness_n and_o universal_a concernment_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o man_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o that_o be_v every_o man_n be_v sufficient_o and_o competent_o assure_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o any_o material_a thing_n impose_v upon_o by_o false_a copy_n but_o in_o traditional_a 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