to_o saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o sacrilegious_a deprive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o half_a the_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n plain_a institution_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n a_o zeal_n for_o that_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v in_o any_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o dostrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n not_o only_o without_o any_o sufficient_a authority_n from_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a gross_a error_n and_o practice_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n the_o degree_n whereof_o be_v manifest_o disproportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a when_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o great_a and_o fierce_a zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n than_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a severity_n than_o for_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o omission_n and_o neglect_v of_o some_o senseless_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n than_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a immorality_n and_o against_o the_o denyer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o great_a zeal_n i_o be_o sure_a a_o more_o severe_a prosecution_n than_o against_o those_o who_o deny_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a te_fw-la knowledge_n nor_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v prosecute_v by_o unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o warrant_v the_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o violate_v of_o truth_n and_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o break_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n nor_o 4._o a_o uncharitable_a zeal_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o think_v itself_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o every_o scruple_n and_o upon_o every_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o unlawful_a imposition_n though_o in_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o upon_o this_o single_a point_n because_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o i_o think_v ever_o be_v avow_v among_o christian_n not_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v only_o because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o fancy_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v comes_z present_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v do_v it_o or_o not_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n nor_o 5._o a_o furious_a and_o cruel_a zeal_n which_o st._n james_n call_v a_o bitter_a or_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v blind_a with_o its_o own_o rage_n and_o make_v man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n exceed_o mad_a against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a zeal_n 6._o and_o last_o a_o zeal_n for_o ignorance_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v a_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o such_o strict_a law_n to_o forbid_v people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o they_o without_o let_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o read_v lesson_n to_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o all_o this_o under_o pretence_n of_o increase_v their_o devotion_n as_o if_o the_o less_o man_n understand_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v than_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n nothing_o they_o hive_n oppose_v with_o more_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o quit_v their_o religion_n which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v i_o who_o be_v once_o act_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o now_o possess_v they_o and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o outrageous_a manner_n as_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o very_a good_a conscience_n as_o i_o think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o act_v 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o that_o his_o zeal_n be_v sincere_a and_o with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v very_o faulty_a and_o sinful_a and_o if_o he_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o damnable_a so_o that_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n he_o do_v out_o of_o this_o zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o render_v he_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o this_o furious_a and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n give_v of_o his_o own_o do_n and_o what_o load_n he_o lay_v upon_o himself_o notwithstanding_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n act_n viij_o and_o ix_o you_o have_v the_o history_n at_o large_a of_o his_o outrageous_a do_n how_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n how_o he_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n act_v 22.4_o i_o persecute_v say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o ch._n 26.10_o 11._o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n
salvation_n of_o mankind_n i_o judge_v nothing_o more_o needful_a to_o be_v add_v to_o what_o have_v fall_v in_o concern_v that_o subject_a in_o my_o handle_n the_o second_o proposition_n in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a sermon_n sermon_n v._o the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v on_o ascension-day_n 1688._o mark_v xvi_o 19_o 20._o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n i._o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o effect_n or_o consequence_n of_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o both_o these_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o this_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n handle_v the_o latter_a point_n namely_o the_o effect_n open_fw-mi consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o these_o word_n contain_v two_o thing_n in_o they_o i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o it_o v._n serm._n v._n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n and_o indeed_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n in_o publish_v the_o gospel_n be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o pain_n do_v they_o take_v what_o hazard_n do_v they_o run_v what_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n do_v they_o contend_v withal_o in_o this_o work_n and_o yet_o their_o success_n be_v great_a than_o their_o industry_n and_o beyond_o all_o humane_a expectation_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n 2._o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n 3._o the_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n 4._o the_o powerful_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o 5._o the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n this_o be_v represent_v rev._n 14.6_o by_o a_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n and_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o every_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v ready_o embrace_v by_o great_a number_n almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o come_v and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 49.10_o that_o when_o shiloh_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v and_o isa_n 2.2_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o isa_n 60.8_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o man_n ready_a submission_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v to_o fly_v as_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n so_o quick_a and_o strange_a a_o progress_n do_v this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o about_o 30_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n it_o be_v not_o only_o diffuse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o have_v reach_v as_o far_o as_o parthia_n and_o india_n in_o which_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n full_o verify_v that_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n math._n 24.14_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o man_n be_v not_o only_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 2._o this_o doctrine_n have_v likewise_o a_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n be_v obedient_a to_o it_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n rom._n 15.18_o upon_o the_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n follow_v also_o the_o change_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o of_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thenceforth_o not_o walk_v as_o other_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o according_a to_o the_o vicious_a course_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v put_v off_o concern_v their_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o do_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o strange_a a_o effect_n have_v the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o that_o i_o remember_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n challenge_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o christian_a that_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n or_o a_o sacrilegious_a person_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o gross_a enormity_n for_o which_o so_o many_o pagan_n be_v every_o day_n make_v example_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o punish_v and_o execute_v among_o they_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a admirable_a and_o happy_a effect_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o work_v so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o change_n in_o the_o live_v of_o those_o who_o entertain_v this_o doctrine_n to_o take_v they_o quite_o off_o from_o those_o vicious_a practice_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o accustom_a to_o to_o change_v their_o spirit_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o of_o lewd_a and_o dishonest_a to_o make_v they_o sober_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n of_o proud_a and_o fierce_a contentious_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a to_o make_v they_o humble_a and_o meek_a kind_a and_o tender-hearted_a peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v general_o good_a man_n and_o of_o virtuous_a life_n be_v credible_a because_o their_o religion_n do_v teach_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v such_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a now_o to_o make_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o it_o require_v they_o shall_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a argument_n then_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v for_o christianity_n be_v a_o hate_a and_o persecute_a profession_n no_o man_n can_v then_o have_v any_o inducement_n to_o embrace_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o it_o offer_v man_n no_o reward_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a threaten_a man_n with_o the_o great_a temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n and_o it_o promise_v no_o happiness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n upon_o any_o
god_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o all_o this_o be_v no_o conviction_n to_o the_o perverse_a and_o contentious_a man_n will_v not_o believe_v even_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n itself_o when_o they_o be_v strong_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v great_a number_n of_o man_n even_o so_o many_o as_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n either_o to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v further_o about_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o angel_n be_v not_o a_o peculiar_a doctrine_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v object_v against_o by_o any_o but_o the_o atheist_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o i_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v so_o comfortable_a to_o mankind_n be_v so_o very_o little_o consider_v by_o we_o perhaps_o the_o corruption_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n may_v have_v run_v we_o so_o far_o into_o the_o other_o extreme_a as_o scarce_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o they_o but_o sure_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o do_v we_o good_a without_o any_o obligation_n to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o may_v own_v they_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n i_o confess_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a odd_a thing_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o influence_n upon_o man_n and_o the_o particular_a vigilancy_n and_o activity_n of_o evil_a spirit_n to_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n shall_v be_v so_o ready_o own_v and_o so_o sensible_o talk_v of_o among_o christian_n and_o yet_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a angel_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o consider_v by_o we_o the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_o of_o both_o and_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v both_o be_v equal_a for_o god_n forbid_v but_o that_o good_a angel_n shall_v be_v as_o officious_a and_o forward_a to_o do_v we_o good_a as_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n be_v malicious_a and_o busy_a to_o do_v we_o mischief_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a with_o mankind_n if_o we_o have_v not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o hope_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o protection_n of_o good_a spirit_n as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o bad_a good_a angel_n be_v certain_o as_o powerful_a and_o have_v as_o strong_a a_o propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o devil_n have_v to_o do_v harm_n and_o the_o number_n of_o good_a angel_n be_v probable_o much_o great_a than_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o big_a number_n that_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n be_v apply_v to_o good_a angel_n dan._n 7.10_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o angel_n about_o god_n throne_n that_o thousand_o thousand_o minister_v unto_o he_o and_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o revelation_n 5.11_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 12.22_o call_v they_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n what_o then_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o apt_a to_o own_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n which_o the_o devil_n lay_v before_o we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n but_o take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o the_o attendance_n and_o good_a office_n do_v to_o we_o by_o good_a spirit_n i_o can_v imagine_v but_o these_o two_o reason_n and_o i_o be_o sorry_a i_o can_v find_v no_o better_o that_o we_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o injury_n than_o of_o benefit_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v in_o other_o for_o the_o excuse_n of_o our_o fault_n but_o be_v loath_a any_o shall_v come_v in_o for_o a_o share_n in_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v by_o we_o and_o yet_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a consideration_n to_o we_o against_o the_o enmity_n and_o cunning_a of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n be_v as_o intent_n and_o industrious_a to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o to_o help_v forward_o our_o salvation_n as_o evil_a spirit_n can_v be_v to_o work_v our_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v we_o second_o we_o shall_v with_o great_a thankfulness_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o who_o take_v such_o care_n of_o we_o as_o to_o appoint_v his_o angel_n and_o to_o give_v they_o particular_a commission_n and_o charge_n concern_v we_o to_o protect_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o especial_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o that_o not_o only_o some_o particular_a and_o inferior_a spirit_n but_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o this_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n those_o that_o stand_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o behold_v his_o face_n and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o these_o but_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o they_o be_v employ_v about_o we_o so_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o say_v by_o the_o question_n which_o he_o put_v in_o the_o text_n be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v that_o be_v all_z at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o though_o they_o be_v principal_o appoint_v to_o minister_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o god_n employ_v they_o many_o time_n for_o our_o temporal_a safety_n and_o make_v use_v of_o they_o more_o especial_o in_o those_o great_a revolution_n in_o which_o his_o cause_n and_o religion_n be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o particular_a charge_n concern_v those_o that_o fight_v his_o battle_n to_o pitch_v about_o their_o camp_n and_o secret_o to_o assist_v they_o against_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o ward_v off_o and_o put_v by_o many_o dangerous_a blow_n and_o thrust_v which_o be_v make_v at_o they_o and_o wonderful_o to_o preserve_v they_o when_o the_o instrument_n of_o death_n fly_v about_o they_o and_o do_v execution_n on_o every_o side_n of_o they_o to_o what_o can_v we_o ascribe_v such_o and_o so_o many_o remarkable_a deliverance_n of_o a_o person_n upon_o who_o so_o much_o depend_v but_o either_o to_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n or_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o where_o god_n be_v provide_v so_o abundant_o with_o such_o powerful_a being_n and_n minister_n of_o his_o will_n though_o they_o may_v be_v invisible_a to_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o very_o seldom_o work_v without_o they_o and_o now_o what_o a_o astonish_a regard_n be_v this_o which_o the_o great_a god_n be_v please_v to_o have_v for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o whole_a creation_n serviceable_a to_o we_o not_o only_o the_o visible_a creation_n for_o the_o support_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o diversion_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o even_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o his_o creature_n the_o great_a and_o glorious_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n mighty_o surpass_v we_o mortal_a man_n in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o the_o quickness_n and_o largeness_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o in_o their_o power_n and_o vigour_n of_o act_v i_o say_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v these_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a being_n the_o charge_n over_o we_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o minister_n to_o we_o for_o the_o safeguard_v of_o our_o person_n for_o the_o success_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o for_o the_o security_n and_o furtherance_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v thus_o mindful_a of_o he_o that_o when_o thou_o make_v he_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thou_o shall_v yet_o make_v the_o angel_n to_o minister_v unto_o he_o three_o if_o the_o angel_n have_v particular_a charge_n of_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o despise_v or_o be_v any_o way_n injurious_a to_o they_o for_o how_o despicable_a so_o ever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o they_o be_v certain_o very_o dear_a to_o god_n since_o he_o deem_v they_o so_o considerable_a be_v to_o employ_v his_o chief_a minister_n about_o they_o and_o to_o commit_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o by_o their_o office_n do_v more_o immediate_o
that_o their_o work_n shall_v be_v reward_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bless_v upon_o this_o account_n and_o this_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o sure_a reward_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v our_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o how_o great_a and_o glorious_a that_o shall_v be_v i_o be_o not_o in_o any_o measure_n able_a to_o declare_v to_o you_o it_o may_v suffice_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v assure_v we_o in_o general_a that_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o good_a man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o happy_a not_o according_a to_o what_o can_v now_o enter_v into_o our_o narrow_a thought_n but_o according_a to_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n if_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v our_o reward_n from_o god_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o large_a and_o such_o as_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a of_o he_o to_o bestow_v for_o he_o be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o of_o great_a goodness_n and_o we_o may_v safe_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o confidence_n that_o he_o will_v consider_v we_o not_o according_a to_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o service_n but_o according_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o treasure_n and_o the_o infinite_a bounty_n of_o his_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a though_o he_o have_v not_o particular_o declare_v to_o we_o wherein_o this_o happiness_n shall_v consist_v yet_o we_o may_v trust_v he_o that_o make_v we_o to_o find_v out_o way_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o make_v we_o without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o desire_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a beyond_o they_o both_o only_o for_o the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o our_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n though_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v every_o good_a man_n far_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o any_o good_a he_o have_v or_o can_v do_v yet_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o these_o reward_n shall_v be_v proportionable_o great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o every_o man_n piety_n and_o virtue_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n great_a shall_v be_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n matt._n 5.12_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o a_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o one_o who_o be_v more_o public_o and_o eminent_o useful_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o and_o among_o those_o who_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o they_o that_o be_v more_o industrious_a and_o consequent_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v successful_a in_o this_o work_n shall_v have_v a_o more_o glorious_a reward_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.3_o and_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n render_v they_o that_o be_v teacher_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o so_o likewise_o we_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n that_o he_o that_o improve_v his_o talon_n to_o ten_o be_v make_v ruler_n over_o ten_o city_n and_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 9.6_o speak_v of_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n charity_n and_o liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a say_v express_o he_o that_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o but_o he_o that_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o which_o by_o proportion_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v extend_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n 1_o cor._n 15.41_o 42._o the_o apostle_n there_o represent_v the_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v invest_v with_o at_o the_o resurrection_n by_o the_o different_a glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o heavenly_a luminary_n there_o be_v one_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n another_o of_o the_o moon_n and_o another_o glory_n of_o the_o star_n for_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n so_o also_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o the_o more_o any_o man_n suffer_v for_o god_n and_o the_o more_o patient_o he_o suffer_v the_o more_o holy_o and_o virtuous_o the_o more_o charitable_o and_o useful_o he_o live_v in_o this_o world_n the_o more_o good_a work_n will_v accompany_v he_o into_o the_o next_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a reward_n he_o may_v hope_v to_o receive_v there_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o chapter_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o be_v fix_v and_o resolute_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o abound_v likewise_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n every_o degree_n of_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n will_v most_o certain_o one_o day_n turn_v to_o a_o happy_a account_n have_v therefore_o such_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o more_o perfect_o holy_a we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o more_o perfect_o happy_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o continue_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o two_o reason_n which_o be_v here_o give_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o happiness_n that_o good_a man_n such_o as_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v make_v partataker_n of_o in_o another_o life_n because_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n accompany_v they_o they_o be_v free_v from_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n but_o those_o i_o will_v reserve_v for_o another_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a all_o that_o i_o shall_v add_v at_o present_a as_o the_o application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v that_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o careful_a and_o zealous_a imitation_n of_o those_o bless_a person_n describe_v in_o the_o text_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v at_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n and_o who_o work_n do_v accompany_v they_o let_v we_o imitate_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o their_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n and_o in_o their_o constancy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o their_o life_n thus_o their_o virtue_n and_o suffering_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n chap._n 13.10_o here_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o chap._n 14.12_o here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n and_o chap._n 12.11_o and_o they_o overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n in_o this_o way_n and_o by_o these_o step_n all_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o all_o age_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o attain_v to_o that_o bless_a state_n which_o they_o be_v now_o possess_v of_o after_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n and_o all_o the_o good_a work_n which_o they_o have_v do_v be_v go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v now_o and_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v receive_v the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n by_o a_o zealous_a imitation_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o of_o the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o their_o suffering_n we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v translate_v into_o their_o bless_a society_n and_o make_v partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o glorious_a reward_n if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n if_o we_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n we_o shall_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n let_v we_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n exhort_v chap._n 6.11_o 12._o every_o one_o of_o we_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n