shall_v he_o number_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o and_o again_o in_o the_o 22._o chapter_n he_o promise_v in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o in_o multiply_v i_o will_v multiply_v thou_o in_o thy_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o seashore_n and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v here_o i_o will_v know_v of_o any_o man_n whether_o god_n in_o this_o inimitable_a as_o to_o we_o and_o inestimable_a promise_n do_v intend_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o elect_n for_o that_o they_o be_v presignify_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v plain_o show_v in_o the_o 4._o to_o the_o roman_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v so_o when_o he_o compare_v his_o seed_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o exceed_v all_o other_o thing_n for_o number_n yea_o indeed_o which_o be_v themselves_o numberless_a for_o although_o archimedes_n that_o noble_a geometrician_n suppose_v that_o he_o can_v number_v the_o sand_n not_o only_o about_o syracuse_n but_o of_o all_o the_o habitable_a and_o in-habitable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o undertake_v to_o write_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o supposal_n to_o gelo_n than_o king_n of_o sicily_n yet_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n teach_v otherwise_o what_o man_n say_v he_o have_v measure_v the_o water_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n and_o mete_v out_o the_o heaven_n with_o a_o span_n or_o comprehend_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o measure_n or_o weigh_v the_o mountain_n in_o scale_n and_o the_o hill_n in_o a_o balance_n thus_o comparison_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v be_v adhibit_v to_o demonstrate_v such_o thing_n unto_o we_o which_o in_o their_o kind_n admit_v of_o no_o comparison_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o progeny_n of_o abraham_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o copious_a than_o all_o other_o moreover_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n there_o be_v in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o kind_n of_o tacit_a contention_n against_o that_o opinion_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n for_o as_o often_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o amplify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o often_o and_o so_o much_o he_o speak_v in_o diminution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n neither_o in_o this_o can_v i_o accord_v with_o s._n austin_n who_o say_v these_o word_n be_v utter_v in_o a_o hyperbole_n yet_o when_o he_o labour_v to_o declare_v the_o matter_n any_o man_n may_v perceive_v he_o be_v mistake_v for_o in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n he_o say_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v less_o in_o number_n than_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o wicked_a suppose_v the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n or_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v much_o exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o whole_a generation_n of_o mankind_n what_o then_o we_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sand_n but_o by_o the_o comparison_n this_o only_a be_v in_o question_n whether_o the_o holy_a seed_n of_o abraham_n do_v not_o surmount_v the_o number_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o imply_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v the_o great_a why_o shall_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v infinite_a if_o some_o man_n have_v come_v and_o say_v that_o this_o comparison_n so_o high_a that_o it_o exceed_v belief_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o be_v much_o above_o that_o of_o the_o faithful_a will_v he_o not_o hereby_o secret_o insinuate_v that_o here_o be_v no_o relish_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o this_o comparison_n but_o if_o to_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n much_o more_o to_o say_v it_o be_v impious_a and_o execrable_a it_o be_v manifest_a and_o follow_v undeniable_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v much_o the_o great_a but_o to_o this_o â—ath_v not_o god_n add_v this_o also_o that_o in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v gal._n 3._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o all_o be_v bless_v if_o the_o major_a part_n be_v exclude_v from_o eternal_a happiness_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a there_o to_o be_v allow_v either_o which_o i_o abhor_v to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v a_o liar_n or_o else_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bless_a be_v not_o equiparate_v by_o any_o other_o number_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o pious_a reader_n to_o judge_v c._n you_o conclude_v solid_o and_o true_o for_o as_o fabius_n show_v a_o hyperbole_n be_v then_o to_o be_v know_v when_o the_o matter_n express_v exceed_v all_o natural_a measure_n now_o these_o promise_n be_v not_o vulgar_a but_o so_o ample_a stately_a and_o honourable_a that_o the_o narrow_a mind_n of_o mortal_a man_n shall_v be_v strike_v with_o admiration_n as_o often_o as_o they_o contemplate_v the_o bless_a multitude_n of_o the_o glorious_a saint_n m._n you_o speak_v the_o truth_n but_o that_o wicked_a one_o who_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o mantle_n of_o piety_n have_v be_v always_o busy_a and_o diligent_a to_o eclipse_v this_o truth_n i_o will_v now_o produce_v another_o place_n of_o moses_n because_o i_o know_v every_o new_a argument_n be_v a_o fresh_a vexation_n to_o that_o fiend_n in_o exodus_fw-la god_n do_v wonderful_o set_v forth_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n for_o such_o be_v his_o clemency_n that_o he_o promise_v mercy_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n in_o pardon_v sin_n and_o transgression_n but_o threaten_v vengeance_n only_o to_o the_o three_o or_o four_o generation_n consider_v now_o what_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o one_o thousand_o and_o four_o and_o know_v that_o there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o inequality_n between_o the_o glorious_a free_a man_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o few_o and_o miserable_a bondslave_n of_o the_o devil_n c._n this_o be_v a_o proportion_n without_o proportion_n &_o to_o speak_v like_o a_o geometrician_n a_o comparison_n between_o a_o body_n and_o the_o short_a line_n m._n from_o moses_n let_v we_o pass_v to_o that_o evangelical_n prophet_n isaiah_n by_o who_o authority_n we_o shall_v learn_v that_o this_o most_o bless_a kingdom_n be_v perspicuous_o exaggerated_a he_o pour_v forth_o word_n of_o great_a consolation_n upon_o the_o church_n even_o then_o militant_a rejoice_v o_o barren_a thou_o that_o do_v not_o bear_v break_v forth_o into_o sing_v and_o cry_v aloud_o thou_o that_o do_v not_o travel_v with_o child_n for_o more_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o desolate_a than_o the_o marry_a wifâ—_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o word_n be_v both_o cite_v and_o explain_v by_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n many_o more_o say_v he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o desolate_a than_o of_o she_o that_o have_v a_o husband_n now_o they_o that_o be_v experience_v in_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v understand_v by_o that_o desolate_a and_o barren_a and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n by_o the_o marry_a wife_n for_o in_o the_o same_o place_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v they_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o most_o certain_a note_n now_o we_o brethren_n say_v he_o we_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o isaac_n be_v but_o as_o then_o hâ—_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n even_o so_o it_o be_v now_o nevertheless_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n for_o the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n shall_v not_o be_v heir_n with_o the_o son_n of_o the_o freewoman_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o my_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n but_o of_o the_o free_a c._n i_o have_v hear_v and_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v read_v that_o that_o barren_a be_v the_o church_n collect_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n &_o that_o the_o marry_a wife_n be_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o differ_v nothing_o but_o in_o nation_n and_o time_n m._n i_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o allege_v this_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o may_v plain_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o distinguish_v by_o reason_n of_o nation_n and_o time_n but_o for_o inward_a qualification_n for_o manner_n for_o condition_n and_o for_o the_o end_n for_o first_o he_o distribute_v all_o mankind_n into_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n beside_o these_o
intelligent_a i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o of_o the_o grecian_n have_v derive_v the_o word_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v to_o terrify_v or_o make_v afraid_a because_o strength_n arm_v with_o malice_n be_v a_o terrible_a thing_n but_o as_o concern_v their_o power_n their_o opinion_n who_o derive_v the_o word_n from_o the_o hebrew_n like_v i_o best_o for_o there_o be_v many_o greek_a word_n deduce_v from_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o hebrew_n term_v both_o god_n and_o devil_n schadaim_v and_o the_o more_o ancient_a grecian_n leave_v out_o the_o first_o consonant_n of_o the_o word_n and_o read_v without_o prickt-vowel_n make_v it_o daim_v than_o daimones_n for_o both_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o latin_n of_o elder_a time_n pronounce_v their_o dipthongue_n with_o distinct_a vowel_n and_o not_o confuse_o as_o we_o use_v to_o do_v now_o this_o word_n signify_v strength_n fortitude_n and_o power_n and_o albeit_o schadaim_v be_v one_o of_o the_o name_n of_o our_o omnipotent_a god_n yet_o as_o elohim_v the_o proper_a appellation_n of_o the_o mighty_a lord_n be_v communicate_v to_o great_a prince_n and_o potentate_n so_o the_o word_n schadaim_n be_v promiscuous_o attribute_v to_o spirit_n good_a and_o bad_a for_o although_o there_o be_v but_o one_o omnipotent_a lord_n god_n yet_o paul_n call_v the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o worldly_a prince_n m._n you_o have_v discourse_v caelius_n very_o learned_o of_o the_o appellation_n of_o the_o word_n neither_o will_v i_o labour_v to_o urge_v any_o thing_n in_o contradiction_n of_o it_o for_o it_o strong_o argue_v their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o sensible_a and_o a_o indefatigable_a nature_n beside_o the_o use_n and_o experience_n of_o infinite_a business_n and_o occurrence_n must_v needs_o instruct_v they_o with_o a_o unspeakable_a knowledge_n for_o antiquity_n and_o length_n of_o day_n join_v with_o observation_n must_v needs_o bring_v forth_o incredible_a effect_n but_o as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n one_o heavenly_a and_o holy_a another_o that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a james_n the_o 3._o so_o likewise_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o power_n for_o as_o the_o last_o be_v not_o proper_o fortitude_n but_o boldness_n not_o power_n but_o impotence_n and_o violence_n so_o that_o be_v not_o strict_o and_o true_o to_o be_v term_v wisdom_n but_o malice_n that_o be_v a_o crafty_a and_o deceitful_a subtilety_n to_o work_v mischief_n for_o as_o upon_o a_o approach_n of_o danger_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v egg_v on_o by_o its_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o irregular_a desire_n and_o not_o by_o consideration_n of_o the_o public_a good_a this_o attempt_n be_v rather_o a_o vicious_a audacity_n than_o a_o warrantable_a valour_n so_o knowledge_n without_o charity_n and_o prudence_n without_o justice_n be_v malice_n and_o subdolous_a fraudulencie_n as_o plato_n say_v not_o wisdom_n therefore_o when_o the_o all_o powerful_a wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v frustrate_a and_o evacuate_v the_o wile_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v a_o improprietie_n to_o say_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v overcome_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o rather_o that_o his_o malice_n be_v subdue_v by_o wisdom_n also_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n we_o shall_v say_v that_o audacity_n be_v quell_v by_o valour_n sury_n be_v vanquish_v by_o fortitude_n and_o rashness_n disappoint_v by_o counsel_n c._n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o true_o speak_v m._n have_v therefore_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o omnipotent_a god_n how_o shall_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o clemency_n of_o our_o most_o indulgent_a and_o long_a suffer_a father_n so_o incomprehensible_a iâ—_n his_o mercy_n that_o like_o a_o exuberant_a river_n nay_o a_o boundless_a ocean_n it_o diffuse_v itself_o and_o refresh_v all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n here_o i_o be_o strike_v dumb_a and_o astonish_v at_o the_o wonderful_a plenty_n of_o consideration_n that_o roll_n and_o flow_v in_o upon_o i_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o we_o find_v he_o not_o so_o wealthy_a in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o mercy_n he_o chief_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o publication_n the_o iteration_n the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o disclose_v himself_o express_v himself_o manife_v himself_o and_o communicate_v himself_o in_o mercy_n david_n say_v psalm_n 33._o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o another_o place_n the_o lord_n be_v endue_v with_o plentiful_a mercy_n and_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n all_o people_n have_v safety_n if_o i_o reckon_v up_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n i_o find_v not_o a_o word_n in_o they_o but_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n let_v paul_n speak_v for_o the_o rest_n who_o himself_o find_v so_o great_a mercy_n ephes_n 2._o and_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n wherein_o in_o time_n past_o you_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o courss_n of_o this_o world_n according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n among_o who_o we_o also_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o time_n pass_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n even_o as_o other_o but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v and_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o together_o and_o make_v we_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v he_o may_v show_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o say_v and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v for_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o here_o we_o may_v behold_v with_o what_o magnificence_n of_o expression_n the_o apostle_n do_v divulge_v and_o depredicate_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o how_o we_o must_v disclaim_v and_o abandon_v all_o our_o own_o work_n and_o merit_n by_o a_o steadfast_a adhesion_n unto_o and_o a_o sure_a dependence_n upon_o the_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o how_o be_v god_n famous_a over_o all_o the_o world_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o eminent_a for_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o few_o and_o the_o damnation_n of_o the_o rest_n c._n wonderful_a thing_n i_o confess_v be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o some_o man_n be_v not_o backward_o to_o say_v that_o his_o mercy_n be_v as_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o salvation_n of_o one_o individual_a soul_n as_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o thousand_o million_o because_o to_o that_o soul_n which_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n have_v deliver_v from_o death_n eternal_a there_o be_v due_a a_o infinite_a punishment_n for_o infinite_a transgression_n m._n these_o be_v the_o invention_n and_o vain_a imagination_n of_o man_n which_o be_v too_o much_o accustom_v to_o measure_v thing_n divine_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a judgement_n suppose_v there_o be_v in_o this_o city_n some_o man_n exceed_v wealthy_a and_o abound_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o outward_a blessing_n suppose_v i_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v share_v his_o munificence_n to_o some_o few_o nay_o bestow_v all_o his_o wealth_n upon_o they_o leave_v abundance_n of_o other_o citizen_n in_o a_o abject_a want_v and_o contemptible_a condition_n will_v you_o think_v this_o man_n as_o true_o liberal_a as_o if_o he_o have_v make_v a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o all_o his_o estate_n among_o all_o the_o citizen_n c._n by_o no_o mean_n but_o extreme_o cruel_a and_o a_o homicide_n for_o seneca_n say_v very_o true_o he_o that_o see_v a_o man_n in_o misery_n be_v able_a to_o succour_v he_o and_o refuse_v that_o man_n slay_v and_o murther_v he_o but_o to_o say_v so_o of_o god_n be_v horrid_a impiety_n because_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v what_o please_v he_o for_o his_o will_n be_v the_o perfect_a reason_n of_o his_o work_n m._n but_o do_v you_o not_o remember_v the_o old_a say_n that_o good_a be_v of_o a_o communicable_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o more_o it_o be_v spread_v and_o diffuse_v still_o
the_o church_n triumphant_a or_o a_o comfortable_a treatise_n of_o the_o amplitude_n and_o largeness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o elect._n nè_fw-la redarguas_fw-la ea_fw-la falsitatis_fw-la de_fw-la quorum_fw-la contrariis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la rabbi_n mos_n by_o joseph_n alford_n m._n a._n sometime_o of_o oriell_n college_n in_o oxford_n exercere_fw-la nos_fw-la deus_fw-la vult_fw-la diffiâ—ultate_fw-la quaestionis_fw-la non_fw-la decipere_fw-la falsitate_fw-la sententiae_fw-la augustin_n print_a by_o w._n bentley_n for_o j._n williamâ—_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1649._o 1649._o with_o that_o useful_a observation_n of_o irenaeus_n who_o speak_v of_o prophecy_n and_o some_o other_o abstruse_a point_n in_o religion_n say_v antequam_fw-la effectum_fw-la habent_fw-la 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few_o man_n of_o angelical_a holiness_n for_o as_o in_o the_o body_n all_o the_o member_n be_v not_o eye_n but_o the_o ear_n the_o nose_n the_o hand_n the_o foot_n and_o other_o more_o ignoble_a part_n have_v their_o distinct_a and_o proper_a function_n so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a whereof_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v divers_a and_o subordinate_a some_o be_v dignify_v above_o other_o and_o as_o in_o a_o well_o constitute_v city_n there_o be_v the_o chief_a magistrate_n man_n of_o middle_a rank_n and_o the_o poor_a sort_n so_o in_o the_o city_n of_o god_n which_o through_o his_o benignity_n be_v congregat_v and_o constitute_v by_o degree_n in_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v find_v not_o only_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o also_o many_o inferior_a person_n out_o of_o all_o kingdom_n people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o moses_n and_o upon_o the_o building_n and_o beautify_v of_o that_o illustrious_a 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learned_a and_o to_o have_v this_o liberty_n judge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o
straiten_v and_o preclude_v the_o passage_n into_o that_o kingdom_n thus_o by_o crafty_a enticement_n he_o beguile_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n intervene_v all_o mankind_n have_v perish_v in_o their_o fall_n but_o no_o violence_n no_o power_n no_o fraudulencie_n of_o hell_n can_v nullify_v the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n his_o purpose_n therefore_o have_v still_o take_v effect_n and_o in_o all_o age_n his_o church_n have_v be_v enlarge_v according_a to_o the_o predetermination_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o can_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n be_v scatter_v and_o lose_v by_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o anti-god_n consider_v this_o and_o apply_v his_o malice_n to_o new_a stratagem_n among_o other_o spread_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o ineffable_a multitude_n of_o the_o damn_a among_o those_o that_o be_v common_o call_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o 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iniquity_n so_o likewise_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v few_o and_o rare_a as_o very_o little_a or_o very_a great_a very_o white_a or_o very_o black_a very_o swift_a or_o very_a slow_a but_o the_o indifferency_n be_v many_o and_o frequent_a now_o if_o you_o compare_v the_o number_n of_o the_o best_a man_n with_o that_o of_o the_o tolerable_o good_a this_o last_o number_n will_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o other_o c._n it_o be_v even_o as_o you_o say_v and_o very_o this_o philosopher_n have_v ever_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o religious_a than_o the_o rest_n but_o those_o other_o i_o take_v to_o be_v such_o man_n as_o a_o couple_n which_o be_v late_o among_o we_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o the_o street_n and_o have_v salute_v one_o another_o quoth_v the_o one_o i_o tell_v thou_o john_n there_o be_v but_o two_o honest_a man_n in_o all_o our_o city_n and_o i_o assure_v thou_o reply_v the_o other_o i_o think_v george_n thou_o be_v one_o of_o they_o and_o true_o john_n say_v he_o thou_o be_v the_o other_o m._n they_o knibble_v one_o another_o like_a horse_n but_o i_o return_v to_o that_o serpent_n who_o by_o little_a and_o little_a wriggle_a himself_o and_o insinuate_v into_o the_o judgement_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o by_o subtle_a extenuation_n and_o malicious_a diminution_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a be_v undeniable_a truth_n but_o withal_o he_o be_v just_a and_o a_o most_o severe_a revenger_n of_o offence_n and_o transgression_n two_o way_n he_o devise_v to_o instil_v this_o persuasion_n one_o from_o witness_n another_o from_o sign_n and_o cause_n his_o witness_n be_v those_o who_o wrest_v the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o have_v so_o far_o vindicate_v that_o hereafter_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o allege_v the_o least_o matter_n of_o moment_n in_o opposition_n his_o cause_n be_v the_o action_n and_o bad_a deed_n of_o man_n which_o that_o experience_a deceiver_n do_v use_v to_o term_v so_o and_o these_o net_n he_o spread_v with_o such_o diligent_a and_o cunning_a artifice_n that_o true_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o fall_v into_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a thing_n to_o avoid_v they_o for_o thus_o he_o encroach_v upon_o the_o understanding_n will_v thou_o know_v o_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o thy_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n and_o not_o only_o of_o thou_o but_o of_o all_o other_o contemplate_v the_o inclination_n the_o study_n the_o meditation_n the_o pursuit_n the_o action_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o eternal_a misery_n if_o the_o action_n be_v good_a of_o salvation_n if_o bad_a of_o condemnation_n now_o look_v about_o thou_o judge_v the_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n and_o thou_o will_v easy_o discern_v how_o few_o they_o be_v that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o observe_v the_o multisarious_a part_n of_o righteousness_n how_o small_a and_o contemptible_a number_n there_o be_v of_o good_a man_n how_o vast_a a_o multitude_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o unjust_a wherefore_o dispel_v all_o doubt_n and_o hesitation_n thus_o conclude_v if_o good_a work_n be_v the_o inerrable_a sign_n of_o salvation_n and_o wicked_a action_n the_o infallible_a cause_n of_o everlasting_a desolation_n it_o follow_v by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n that_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n infinite_a the_o number_n of_o reprobate_n c._n o_o old_a serpent_n o_o hellish_a monster_n compact_v of_o malice_n and_o deceit_n i_o be_o afraid_a too_o many_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v tutor_v and_o discipline_v by_o this_o sophister_n who_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v to_o knit_v and_o interweave_v thus_o their_o fallacy_n and_o sophism_n m._n do_v you_o doubt_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o sure_a than_o they_o be_v 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but_o god_n only_o but_o i_o will_v remember_v also_o that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v transfer_v all_o our_o iniquity_n which_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o the_o universal_a punishment_n due_a to_o our_o sin_n upon_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n as_o isaiah_n teach_v he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v all_o we_o like_v sheep_n have_v go_v astray_o and_o have_v turn_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o this_o also_o the_o father_n himself_o testify_v say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v the_o son_n also_o atte_v it_o i_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n for_o my_o sheep_n then_o i_o will_v deny_v the_o antecedent_n of_o the_o connex_v word_n i_o will_v answer_v that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n and_o his_o everlasting_a mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n comprehend_v by_o faith_n i_o will_v also_o answer_v that_o wicked_a action_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o the_o cause_n of_o damnation_n but_o diffidence_n unbelief_n and_o pertinacy_n as_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o the_o 16._o of_o john_n the_o spirit_n must_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o paul_n also_o say_v through_o unbelief_n the_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o also_o that_o god_n have_v shut_v up_o all_o man_n under_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o because_o i_o have_v faith_n in_o god_n and_o embrace_v his_o mercy_n and_o be_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o most_o high_a though_o the_o appetite_n and_o vicious_a nature_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n resist_v and_o gainsay_v yet_o i_o
the_o more_o good_a it_o be_v c._n i_o have_v often_o hear_v it_o and_o always_o take_v it_o for_o a_o rag_n of_o philosophy_n m._n oh_o brother_n caelius_n it_o be_v divine_a for_o good_a and_o true_a be_v convertible_a term_n and_o of_o whosoever_o predicate_v whether_o of_o moses_n or_o cicero_n paul_n or_o plato_n yet_o they_o flow_v from_o god_n who_o nature_n and_o essence_n be_v good_a and_o true_a and_o because_o as_o you_o say_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o that_o it_o please_v he_o to_o be_v call_v rich_a in_o mercy_n certain_o this_o must_v appear_v in_o the_o glorious_a salvation_n of_o many_o man_n otherwise_o why_o do_v david_n sing_v out_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o why_o be_v he_o call_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n o_o the_o blind_a envy_n of_o some_o man_n that_o will_v abridge_v contract_n and_o engross_v this_o goodness_n to_o some_o few_o person_n o_o the_o ingratitude_n of_o other_o that_o endeavour_v to_o traduce_v and_o calumniate_v the_o benignity_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v some_o tyrant_n or_o merciless_a destroyer_n some_o perhaps_o be_v still_o diffident_a and_o require_v a_o indubitable_a sign_n that_o may_v remove_v and_o banish_v all_o hesitation_n behold_v the_o great_a pledge_n the_o firm_a security_n even_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o come_v god_n set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n for_o he_o have_v he_o send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o he_o have_v he_o cast_v the_o burden_n of_o all_o our_o iniquity_n isaiah_n the_o 53._o and_o again_o behold_v the_o lord_n shall_v give_v you_o a_o sign_n a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v emanuel_n this_o be_v that_o sign_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o matthew_n a_o evil_a and_o a_o adulterous_a generation_n seek_v a_o sign_n but_o no_o sign_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o save_v only_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n to_o wit_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o rise_n again_o the_o three_o day_n what_o great_a significancy_n of_o love_n can_v the_o lord_n exhibit_v to_o miserable_a mankind_n than_o to_o send_v his_o son_n his_o only_a son_n to_o be_v the_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o transgression_n or_o who_o now_o can_v scruple_n the_o amplitude_n the_o immensity_n of_o this_o goodness_n this_o love_n this_o mercy_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a with_o the_o saint_n to_o know_v and_o comprehend_v the_o height_n the_o depth_n the_o length_n the_o breadth_n of_o this_o mercy_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o magnitude_n but_o also_o the_o multitude_n of_o sinner_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v disrobe_v and_o denudate_v it_o of_o its_o proper_a dimension_n and_o who_o now_o will_v be_v so_o rash_o bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o so_o much_o love_n and_o so_o great_a goodness_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o paucity_n of_o man_n for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v harbour_v such_o a_o thought_n without_o a_o guilt_n of_o sacrilege_n what_o do_v he_o not_o deliver_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o their_o wickedness_n when_o he_o pray_v unto_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o forgive_v those_o jew_n and_o alien_n which_o be_v the_o complotter_n and_o contriver_n of_o his_o death_n father_n say_v he_o forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o he_o say_v right_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v for_o have_v they_o know_v say_v paul_n they_o have_v never_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n 1._o cor._n 2._o now_o if_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o many_o other_o as_o peter_n witness_v in_o the_o 3._o of_o the_o act_n kill_v he_o through_o imprudence_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o of_o they_o that_o have_v and_o have_v at_o this_o day_n just_a cause_n of_o invincible_a ignorance_n shall_v we_o exclude_v all_o these_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o can_v certain_o if_o we_o diligent_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n if_o we_o think_v upon_o the_o clemency_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o for_o he_o pray_v for_o all_o they_o that_o sin_v through_o imprudence_n and_o infirmity_n neither_o do_v he_o pray_v in_o vain_a paul_n who_o at_o first_o be_v a_o persecutor_n and_o a_o contumelious_a sinner_n say_v notwithstanding_o that_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n and_o then_o he_o add_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o which_o i_o be_o chief_a howbeit_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o to_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o to_o life_n everlasting_a and_o do_v not_o god_n demonstrate_v this_o before_o to_o ionas_n who_o be_v grieve_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v niniveh_n and_o destroy_v his_o gourd_n that_o do_v shed_v he_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o heat_n therefore_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o and_o have_v thou_o pity_v on_o the_o gourd_n for_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o labour_v neither_o make_v it_o grow_v which_o spring_v up_o in_o one_o night_n and_o perish_v in_o one_o night_n and_o shall_v not_o i_o spare_v nineveh_n that_o great_a city_n wherein_o be_v more_o than_o sixscore_o thousand_o person_n thaâ—_n can_v discern_v between_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o their_o left_a hand_n and_o also_o much_o cattle_n here_o we_o plain_o see_v the_o most_o benign_a and_o merciful_a god_n do_v spare_v a_o multitude_n and_o avert_v the_o present_a punishment_n of_o his_o severity_n because_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o shall_v we_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o remit_v a_o temporal_a judgement_n because_o of_o unadvised_a action_n and_o involuntary_a sin_n will_v inflict_v a_o eternal_a mulct_n or_o that_o he_o judge_v the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n to_o be_v great_a than_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n ignorance_n doubtless_o have_v some_o excuse_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o fraud_n or_o malice_n c._n this_o indeed_o be_v not_o deny_v yet_o they_o say_v that_o christ_n die_v indeed_o for_o all_o meritorious_o but_o for_o a_o few_o only_a effectual_o because_o few_o only_o do_v expect_v that_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n of_o salvation_n by_o his_o death_n and_o very_o few_o be_v find_v worthy_a of_o that_o incomparable_a treasure_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o blame-worthy_a who_o offer_v himself_o liberal_o for_o all_o man_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v who_o refuse_v this_o propitiation_n m._n oh_o how_o many_o error_n be_v contain_v in_o those_o few_o word_n for_o as_o epâ—curus_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v the_o athenian_n outward_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n but_o in_o judgement_n deny_v he_o so_o these_o man_n in_o word_n confess_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o when_o the_o epicurean_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o god_n yet_o they_o deny_v a_o providence_n which_o be_v inseparable_o conjoin_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n they_o deny_v god_n but_o more_o modest_o and_o covert_o and_o be_v not_o these_o man_n guilty_a of_o the_o same_o prevarication_n they_o teach_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o man_n and_o affirm_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n do_v concern_v very_o few_o man_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o deny_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o passion_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o say_v that_o man_n can_v abolish_v the_o energy_n force_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n st._n paul_n say_v far_o otherwise_o when_o with_o so_o much_o gravity_n and_o mellifluous_a plenty_n he_o do_v aver_v that_o no_o force_n be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v manifest_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o who_o shalâ—_n then_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n in_o christ_n rom._n 8._o i_o think_v they_o that_o be_v so_o peremptory_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o opinion_n that_o christ_n blood_n be_v sprinkle_v only_o upon_o
a_o few_o do_v much_o resemble_v that_o man_n who_o make_v a_o most_o magnificent_a feast_n fit_a in_o the_o preparation_n of_o it_o to_o entertain_v a_o whole_a city_n but_o when_o the_o guest_n come_v to_o sit_v down_o that_o be_v invite_v there_o appear_v only_o a_o very_a thin_a number_n and_o may_v not_o a_o man_n demand_v wherefore_o all_o this_o preparation_n mountain_n be_v deliver_v of_o a_o mouse_n c._n who_o will_v deny_v this_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o prepare_v many_o thing_n with_o ostentation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o distribute_v m._n but_o far_o otherwise_o do_v our_o lord_n deal_v by_o we_o for_o when_o some_o have_v refuse_v to_o come_v to_o his_o supper_n luke_n 14._o go_v out_o say_v he_o to_o a_o servant_n into_o the_o street_n and_o lane_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v in_o hither_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o lame_a the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o yâ—t_a room_n be_v remain_v go_v say_v the_o lord_n into_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o that_o my_o house_n may_v be_v full_a c._n oh_o the_o wonderful_a benignity_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o it_o seem_v not_o enough_o to_o invite_v only_o but_o to_o compel_v man_n to_o a_o fruition_n of_o his_o plenty_n but_o how_o do_v he_o compel_v man_n for_o this_o phrase_n may_v sound_v harsh_a to_o some_o ear_n especial_o see_v our_o lord_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a opinion_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o be_v take_v by_o violence_n m._n first_o we_o may_v call_v they_o violent_a who_o deny_v themselves_o in_o the_o bridle_a of_o their_o appetite_n and_o moderate_v their_o sensuality_n who_o oppose_v the_o activity_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o wit_n of_o reason_n and_o prefer_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n before_o all_o the_o fugitive_a pleasure_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n he_o that_o will_v follow_v i_o say_v the_o king_n himself_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o this_o be_v that_o holy_a violence_n let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o overcome_v by_o any_o man_n but_o by_o he_o who_o have_v first_o overcome_v himself_o he_o that_o obtain_v this_o conquest_n as_o plautus_n say_v be_v victor_n victorum_fw-la conqueror_n of_o conqueror_n again_o god_n be_v then_o say_v to_o compel_v when_o of_o chip_n of_o hell_n he_o make_v cedar_n of_o paradise_n of_o son_n of_o wrath_n son_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n when_o by_o a_o kiss_n of_o love_n and_o a_o spiritual_a embrace_n he_o carry_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n who_o by_o nature_n be_v concenterd_v in_o hell_n thus_o when_o st._n paul_n do_v precipitate_a hlmself_n into_o blasphemy_n and_o do_v exagitate_v the_o world_n with_o persecution_n god_n sudden_o wrap_v he_o up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n this_o bless_a compulsion_n also_o do_v they_o undergo_v that_o be_v of_o the_o baptist_n auditory_a who_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sermon_n be_v at_o a_o end_n contend_v in_o a_o holy_a faith_n who_o shall_v first_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n for_o our_o lord_n mean_v nothing_o else_o in_o those_o word_n but_o to_o express_v the_o vehemency_n of_o desire_n in_o the_o multitude_n to_o attain_v everlasting_a happiness_n this_o he_o also_o show_v in_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o conquer_a city_n into_o which_o the_o soldier_n strive_v to_o enter_v of_o which_o matter_n if_o any_o man_n doubt_v let_v he_o read_v the_o testimony_n of_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n who_o expound_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n say_v of_o john_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n say_v all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n now_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o even_o as_o we_o use_v to_o do_v with_o tender_a infant_n we_o hang_v up_o a_o piece_n of_o money_n or_o some_o other_o thing_n and_o show_v it_o the_o child_n point_v to_o it_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o weak_a endeavour_n to_o reach_v it_o we_o invite_v and_o allure_v he_o to_o take_v it_o which_o when_o he_o can_v perform_v then_o by_o little_a and_o little_o we_o let_v down_o the_o money_n near_o the_o child_n hand_n till_o he_o have_v catch_v it_o then_o we_o rejoice_v the_o child_n triumph_v that_o he_o have_v get_v the_o gold_n and_o we_o shout_n and_o praise_v the_o child_n as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v some_o great_a matter_n but_o tell_v i_o now_o what_o do_v this_o little_a infant_n perform_v you_o place_v the_o money_n you_o provoke_v he_o to_o take_v it_o you_o let_v it_o down_o that_o he_o may_v reach_v it_o only_o you_o do_v not_o put_v the_o money_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o yet_o you_o praise_v he_o and_o cocker_v he_o as_o if_o he_o alone_o have_v do_v all_o but_o god_n beside_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v more_o for_o we_o he_o do_v not_o only_o set_v a_o felicity_n before_o we_o invite_v we_o excite_v we_o and_o raise_v we_o up_o but_o also_o by_o the_o gracious_a instinct_n of_o his_o spirit_n sweet_o allure_v we_o and_o compel_v we_o to_o like_v it_o to_o will_v it_o to_o choose_v it_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o to_o love_v it_o c._n o_o bless_a constraint_n o_o delightful_a violence_n let_v we_o therefore_o with_o they_o congratulate_v this_o privilege_n that_o he_o have_v adopt_v we_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o glorious_a inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o he_o have_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_v we_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n m._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o return_v our_o thanks_o to_o he_o but_o who_o can_v offer_v thanks_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a mercy_n our_o most_o liberal_a prince_n will_v fill_v his_o house_n will_v people_n his_o kingdom_n but_o how_o large_a can_v we_o suppose_v this_o house_n this_o kingdom_n to_o be_v when_o it_o be_v as_o capacious_a as_o his_o love_n as_o far_o extend_v as_o his_o goodness_n and_o as_o patulous_a as_o his_o mercy_n in_o which_o there_o be_v sound_v neither_o measure_n nor_o circumscription_n and_o because_o this_o house_n be_v capable_a to_o entertain_v a_o multitude_n of_o guest_n and_o not_o a_o paucity_n only_o therefore_o christ_n say_v in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n john_n 14._o now_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n they_o say_v his_o house_n be_v a_o narrow_a house_n a_o small_a house_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v also_o continue_v above_o half_a empty_a the_o lord_n witness_v his_o desire_n to_o have_v it_o fill_v and_o as_o isaiaâ—_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v even_o too_o narrow_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n chap._n 49._o now_o consider_v who_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o belief_n god_n or_o man_n that_o be_v truth_n or_o a_o lie_n c._n who_o will_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o that_o when_o god_n only_o be_v true_a and_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n m._n what_o then_o have_v our_o king_n omit_v wherein_o have_v he_o be_v deficient_a in_o goodness_n or_o wisdom_n that_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v dilate_v amplify_v and_o replenish_v moses_n the_o commander_n of_o the_o isra_n light_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n appoint_v they_o six_o city_n for_o refuge_n three_o on_o this_o side_n and_o three_o on_o the_o further_a side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n that_o they_o who_o kill_v a_o man_n unaware_o through_o error_n may_v flee_v thither_o and_o escape_v romulus_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o rome_n set_v up_o a_o sanctuary_n also_o unto_o which_o any_o malefactor_n may_v flee_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n avoid_v punishment_n this_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o stupendous_a empire_n of_o the_o roman_n neither_o be_v it_o worth_a a_o wonder_n for_o who_o be_v not_o move_v with_o the_o name_n of_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n and_o safety_n who_o do_v not_o cheerful_o run_v thither_o 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will_v conclude_v that_o neither_o sin_n nor_o law_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o condemn_v i_o as_o paul_n in_o many_o place_n witness_v we_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n david_n likewise_o in_o this_o place_v man_n beatitude_n when_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n to_o he_o without_o work_n bless_a be_v they_o who_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o iniquity_n be_v blot_v out_o bless_a be_v that_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o impute_v sin_n last_o i_o will_v conclude_v that_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o work_n no_o infallible_a criterium_fw-la can_v be_v ground_v of_o our_o everlasting_a condition_n because_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o those_o man_n that_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a to_o god_n have_v collapse_v and_o continue_v in_o most_o presumptuous_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n who_o afterward_o upon_o repentance_n have_v be_v restore_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o the_o final_a estate_n of_o other_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o master_n either_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v rom._n 14._o c._n i_o approve_v your_o answer_n brother_n maynordus_n for_o it_o most_o rational_o confute_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o their_o mistake_a exposition_n and_o solid_o confirm_v our_o opinion_n and_o hereafter_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n i_o will_v thus_o repel_v the_o dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o elude_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o some_o man_n m._n the_o lord_n teach_v thy_o hand_n to_o war_n that_o bow_v of_o steel_n may_v be_v break_v by_o thy_o arm_n psal_n 18._o i_o conceive_v i_o have_v now_o sufficient_o show_v the_o first_o hatch_n of_o this_o barbarous_a opinion_n and_o all_o its_o serpentine_a turn_n and_o wind_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o most_o salutiferous_a persuasion_n c._n you_o judge_v right_o otherwise_o 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the_o sincere_a and_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n which_o to_o they_o that_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a beatitude_n be_v more_o sure_a firm_a and_o infallible_a than_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n be_v to_o geometrician_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n have_v detect_v and_o confute_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n he_o have_v well_o perform_v his_o undertake_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o lactantius_n have_v not_o confirm_v true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v against_o they_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n or_o despise_v they_o for_o when_o in_o the_o first_o three_o book_n he_o confute_v the_o superstitious_a error_n of_o his_o adversary_n than_o he_o fall_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o next_o three_o book_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o he_o set_v down_o the_o true_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o sweet_o invite_v man_n to_o pursue_v the_o reward_n of_o immortality_n m._n what_o you_o speak_v of_o that_o father_n be_v very_o true_a that_o he_o be_v to_o contend_v against_o such_o as_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n neither_o do_v they_o admit_v of_o proof_n deduce_v from_o that_o authority_n but_o we_o who_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o man_n as_o reverence_v the_o sacred_a monument_n of_o truth_n must_v proceed_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n i_o will_v therefore_o demonstrate_v the_o amplitude_n and_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a fâ—om_o four_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o clear_a topic_a place_n and_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v allow_v first_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n second_o from_o his_o wisdom_n three_o from_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o last_o from_o divine_a testimony_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o i_o say_v caelius_n that_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v narrow_a or_o less_o people_v than_o that_o miserable_a commonwealth_n 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other_o defend_v themselves_o and_o a_o deliverance_n of_o the_o oppress_a from_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o enemy_n but_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v better_o provide_v of_o subject_n than_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n he_o be_v then_o more_o powerful_a and_o his_o greatness_n more_o wonderful_a but_o who_o be_v ever_o so_o prodigious_o wicked_a as_o to_o affirm_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o god_n the_o work_n than_o the_o workman_n the_o base_a servant_n than_o the_o most_o wealthy_a lord_n wherefore_o do_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n delight_v himself_o in_o these_o title_n king_n of_o king_n lord_n of_o lord_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n strong_a in_o battle_n and_o the_o like_a c._n although_o the_o current_n of_o your_o discourse_n do_v very_o much_o affect_v i_o nor_o do_v i_o willing_o hinder_v it_o yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v for_o a_o while_n to_o stop_v it_o some_o man_n may_v here_o say_v this_o also_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n in_o that_o he_o have_v destinate_a the_o major_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v all_o his_o enemy_n to_o everlasting_a banishment_n m._n this_o may_v be_v allege_v of_o some_o tyrant_n who_o leave_v no_o mean_n unattempted_a either_o through_o justice_n or_o oppression_n to_o enlarge_v his_o empire_n and_o such_o a_o tyrant_n be_v that_o old_a adversary_n the_o devil_n but_o to_o affirm_v this_o of_o our_o heavenly_a king_n who_o be_v our_o most_o lawful_a sovereign_n our_o common_a father_n who_o make_v we_o and_o have_v take_v a_o everlasting_a care_n to_o preserve_v we_o be_v most_o injurious_a scandalous_a and_o blasphemous_a neither_o be_v that_o any_o right_a demonstration_n of_o power_n that_o a_o prince_n destroy_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o people_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a