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
into_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n be_v frequent_o defraud_v of_o their_o due_a praise_n and_o reputation_n while_o alive_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o security_n good_a man_n have_v of_o a_o good_a name_n after_o death_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v give_v partly_o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v concern_v herein_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o any_o man_n concern_v himself_o to_o secure_v to_o good_a man_n the_o proper_a reward_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n now_o praise_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a recompense_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n this_o good_a man_n seldom_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o allay_n and_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o proper_a season_n when_o our_o work_n be_v do_v and_o when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o act_v their_o part_n well_o to_o see_v good_a man_n applaud_v when_o they_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o generosity_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a of_o fame_n and_o though_o man_n care_v not_o how_o soon_o it_o come_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o after_o death_n rather_o than_o not_o at_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n will_v be_v but_o very_o melancholy_a and_o uncomfortable_a thing_n if_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a as_o never_o to_o meet_v with_o due_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n but_o when_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o reward_n one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o experience_n this_o be_v a_o great_a spur_n and_o encouragement_n to_o do_v virtuous_o and_o a_o great_a mind_n that_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o reputation_n and_o a_o good_a name_n will_v be_v content_a to_o lay_v in_o for_o it_o beforehand_o and_o patient_o to_o wait_v the_o time_n which_o god_n know_v fit_a for_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v give_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n because_o death_n remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n of_o a_o good_a man_n reputation_n for_o than_o his_o defect_n be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o man_n be_v content_v that_o his_o imperfection_n shall_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o grave_n with_o he_o death_n have_v put_v he_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n his_o worth_n and_o excellency_n do_v now_o no_o long_o stand_v in_o other_o man_n light_n his_o great_a virtue_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o comparison_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o live_n mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la the_o example_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v not_o so_o cut_v a_o reproof_n to_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o live_n the_o good_a man_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o his_o example_n how_o bright_a soever_o be_v not_o so_o scorch_a and_o troublesome_a at_o a_o distance_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v general_o content_v to_o give_v he_o his_o due_a character_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a civility_n in_o humane_a nature_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o wrong_v the_o dead_a and_o to_o deny_v they_o the_o just_a commendation_n of_o their_o worth_n even_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o bad_a a_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v though_o they_o be_v just_a like_o their_o father_n in_o persecute_v and_o slay_v the_o prophet_n while_o they_o be_v alive_a yet_o have_v they_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o think_v no_o honour_n too_o great_a to_o be_v do_v to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o raise_v monument_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o their_o father_n have_v slay_v and_o who_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v use_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n have_v they_o either_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o prophet_n or_o those_o prophet_n have_v live_v in_o their_o day_n as_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n have_v pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n 3._o that_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n we_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o imitate_v their_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v for_o many_o age_n do_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o mean_v more_o especial_o to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o who_o honour_n the_o christian_a church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v apart_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o this_o certain_o can_v with_o no_o good_a colour_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o when_o david_n here_o say_v the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n he_o can_v certain_o be_v think_v to_o exclude_v the_o most_o solemn_a way_n of_o commemorate_n their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v this_o custom_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o where_o forbid_v nay_o it_o be_v rather_o require_v here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o best_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n be_v thus_o to_o commemorate_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n the_o set_n before_o our_o eye_n the_o holy_a life_n of_o excellent_a man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o though_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v so_o ancient_a as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v begin_v in_o some_o of_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n memoriae_fw-la martyrum_fw-la the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o tomb_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v practise_v long_o before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o western_a church_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v wont_v at_o those_o meeting_n solemn_o to_o commemorate_v the_o faith_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o good_a man_n and_o to_o encourage_v themselves_o from_o their_o example_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o gross_a superstition_n which_o afterward_o give_v colour_n and_o occasion_n to_o that_o gross_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o worship_v saint_n but_o this_o abuse_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o give_v over_o the_o celebrate_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o holy_a man_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o propound_v they_o to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o pattern_n we_o may_v still_o lawful_o give_v they_o their_o due_a honour_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v so_o overdo_v it_o as_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o he_o 2._o let_v this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n this_o to_o a_o generous_a nature_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n be_v no_o small_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n before_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n one_o of_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o worthy_a and_o virtuous_a deed_n be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n which_o man_n have_v of_o
church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v out_o of_o their_o write_n that_o it_o be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o three_o first_o age_n we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n and_o other_o of_o their_o learned_a writer_n and_o they_o give_v a_o very_a remarkable_a reason_n for_o it_o namely_o because_o the_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n by_o they_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v give_v countenance_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n from_o whence_o i_o can_v forbear_v by_o the_o way_n to_o make_v these_o two_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o their_o mediation_n be_v not_o in_o those_o primitive_a 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god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o and_o after_o the_o rise_n of_o arianism_n they_o argue_v for_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o arian_n from_o our_o pray_v to_o he_o which_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v to_o any_o but_o god_n and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o age._n and_o we_o no_o where_n find_v any_o mention_n of_o those_o distinction_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o god_n by_o participation_n as_o bellarmin_n call_v the_o angel_n and_o saint_n or_o of_o a_o supreme_a and_o inferior_a religious_a worship_n or_o of_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n which_o be_v so_o common_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n the_o ancient_a father_n be_v general_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o beatific_a vision_n till_o after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o this_o very_a opinion_n take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ground_n it_o upon_o their_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o saint_n not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o vision_n can_v have_v no_o reason_n or_o ground_n to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o last_o the_o ancient_a church_n pray_v for_o saint_n depart_v and_o for_o the_o bless_a virgin_n herself_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o pray_v to_o they_o as_o intercessor_n for_o they_o in_o heaven_n for_o who_o they_o themselves_o intercee_v upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o change_n which_o they_o have_v make_v in_o their_o doctrine_n have_v change_v the_o missal_n in_o that_o point_n and_o instead_o of_o pray_v for_o st._n leo_n one_o of_o their_o pope_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o their_o ancient_a missal_n in_o this_o form_n grant_v o_o lord_n that_o this_o oblation_n may_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o thy_o servant_n leo_n the_o collect_n be_v now_o change_v in_o the_o present_a roman_a missal_n into_o this_o form_n grant_v o_o lord_n that_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o bless_a leo_n this_o offer_v may_v be_v profitable_a to_o we_o and_o as_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o canon_n law_n observe_v this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o their_o missal_n upon_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o ancient_o they_o pray_v for_o leo_n but_o now_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o which_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n be_v plain_o change_v from_o what_o they_o ancient_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n what_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n all_o the_o world_n see_v and_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o ashamed_a of_o they_o that_o of_o late_a all_o their_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o represent_v they_o otherwise_o than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o new_a popery_n which_o they_o think_v themselves_o better_a able_a to_o defend_v than_o the_o old_a which_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o well_o able_a to_o do_v and_o therefore_o now_o instead_o of_o defend_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n they_o will_v fain_o mince_v and_o disguise_v they_o and_o change_v they_o into_o something_o that_o come_v near_a to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o those_o point_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o defend_v their_o own_o doctrine_n but_o by_o seem_v to_o desert_n they_o and_o by_o bring_v they_o as_o near_o to_o we_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v but_o take_v they_o as_o they_o have_v mollify_v they_o and_o pare_v they_o to_o render_v they_o more_o plausible_a and_o tenable_a that_o which_o still_o remain_v of_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v plain_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n as_o for_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o and_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o several_a of_o the_o next_o follow_v age_n as_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v from_o a_o few_o very_a plain_a testimony_n in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o epistle_n of_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o which_o in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o from_o that_o calumny_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o by_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o if_o they_o permit_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v the_o body_n of_o the_o martyr_a polycarp_n they_o will_v leave_v christ_n to_o worship_v polycarp_n i_o say_v in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o calumny_n they_o declare_v themselves_o thus_o not_o know_v say_v they_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o leave_v christ_n who_o suffer_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v nor_o worship_n any_o other_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a latin_a translation_n nor_o offer_v up_o the_o supplication_n of_o prayer_n to_o any_o other_o person_n for_o as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n we_o adore_v he_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o the_o martyr_n we_o love_v they_o as_o the_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o they_o plain_o exclude_v the_o saint_n from_o any_o sort_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o which_o prayer_n or_o invocation_n be_v always_o esteem_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n ireneus_fw-la likewise_o tell_v we_o l._n 2._o that_o the_o church_n do_v nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o invocatin_n of_o angel_n nor_o by_o enchantment_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o wicked_a art_n but_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o all_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o by_o the_o same_o or_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v exclude_v and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n deliver_v it_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n that_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o good_a god_n therefore_o both_o we_o and_o the_o angel_n pray_v to_o he_o both_o for_o the_o give_v and_o the_o continuance_n of_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o age_n origen_n be_v so_o full_a and_o express_v
pope_n pius_n iu._n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o saint_n which_o reign_v together_o with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o invocate_v but_o this_o sure_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v do_v to_o our_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v express_o ground_v the_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n upon_o their_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o this_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n must_v necessary_o be_v something_o more_o than_o according_a to_o the_o same_o order_n of_o brotherly_a society_n with_o which_o we_o entreat_v our_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o otherwise_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o council_n of_o their_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v frivolous_a if_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v to_o our_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n 4._o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o their_o church_n they_o do_v not_o only_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o they_o direct_v their_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n immediate_o to_o they_o for_o all_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o they_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o thank_v he_o for_o of_o which_o innumerable_a example_n may_v be_v give_v out_o of_o their_o public_a office_n particular_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n they_o pray_v to_o the_o angel_n thus_o deliver_v we_o we_o beseech_v you_o by_o your_o command_n from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n ad_fw-la eorum_fw-la orationes_fw-la opem_fw-la auxiliumque_fw-la confugere_fw-la to_o flee_v to_o their_o prayer_n aid_n and_o help_v unless_o we_o will_v make_v they_o a_o mere_a tautology_n must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v something_o more_o than_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o indeed_o those_o word_n of_o their_o aid_n and_o help_v seem_v to_o be_v add_v one_o purpose_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o those_o direct_a prayer_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o all_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o which_o still_o remain_v without_o any_o change_n in_o their_o public_a office_n and_o unless_o we_o will_v understand_v they_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o prayer_n they_o must_v signify_v something_o more_o than_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o catechism_n which_o be_v frame_v by_o order_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n for_o the_o explain_n of_o their_o doctrine_n make_v the_o difference_n between_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o saint_n to_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o we_o say_v to_o god_n have_v mercy_n one_o we_o or_o hear_v our_o prayer_n but_o to_o the_o saint_n pray_v for_o we_o but_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o constant_a form_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n but_o that_o frequent_o they_o make_v direct_a address_n to_o they_o for_o their_o help_n and_o aid_n and_o this_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o catechism_n be_v sensible_a of_o and_o therefore_o they_o add_v although_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o another_o manner_n to_o ask_v of_o the_o saint_n themselves_o that_o they_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o we_o because_o they_o be_v very_o merciful_a and_o be_v not_o god_n so_o too_o and_o then_o where_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o saint_n if_o it_o neither_o lie_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o nor_o in_o the_o form_n nor_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o they_o for_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o same_o form_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o and_o our_o prayer_n to_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v namely_o because_o they_o be_v merciful_a where_o then_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o 4._o i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o pretence_n more_o which_o be_v that_o by_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n they_o do_v not_o make_v they_o god_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n or_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n inthe_n case_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o pray_v to_o they_o in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n and_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o blessing_n do_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v the_o incommunicable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n impart_v to_o they_o or_o inherent_a in_o they_o namely_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o omniscience_n and_o immense_a presence_n and_o to_o whatever_o be_v we_o ascribe_v these_o perefection_n v._n serm._n v._n in_o so_o do_v we_o make_v it_o god_n for_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n and_o immense_a presence_n than_o as_o we_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n pray_v to_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o they_o do_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o vocal_a but_o with_o mental_a prayer_n which_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n allow_v and_o in_o so_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v they_o to_o know_v our_o heart_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n which_o solomon_n give_v why_o we_o shall_v put_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n 1_o king_n 3.39_o for_o thou_o even_o thou_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o men._n 2._o bellarmine_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o argument_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o saint_n which_o reign_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v god_n by_o participation_n that_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o inferior_a god_n as_o the_o heathen_a suppose_v their_o mediator_n to_o be_v and_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v fly_v to_o their_o aid_n and_o help_v as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n and_o be_v this_o also_o to_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o order_n of_o brotherly_a society_n with_o which_o we_o entreat_v our_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o this_o methinks_v be_v great_a familiarity_n to_o treat_v god_n by_o participation_n just_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o do_v our_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n certain_o either_o bellarmine_n have_v raise_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n too_o high_a when_o he_o make_v they_o god_n by_o participation_n or_o the_o bishop_n of_o meaux_n have_v sink_v they_o too_o low_o when_o he_o think_v they_o be_v to_o be_v treat_v and_o address_v to_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n of_o brotherly_a society_n with_o mortal_a man_n here_o upon_o earth_n one_o can_v but_o think_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n to_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a when_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o two_o so_o very_o different_a explication_n if_o the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n can_v speak_v no_o plain_o i_o think_v we_o have_v even_o best_o stick_v to_o the_o bible_n and_o hear_v what_o god_n say_v in_o his_o word_n and_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v namely_o to_o show_v that_o this_o practice_n of_o they_o of_o addressing_z ourselves_o to_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n be_v not_o only_o needless_a be_v no_o where_n command_v by_o god_n but_o vseless_a also_o and_o unprofitable_a they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v command_v by_o god_n that_o several_a of_o their_o late_a writer_n will_v fain_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o their_o council_n but_o only_o declare_v to_o be_v lawful_a or_o at_o most_o but_o recommend_v as_o profitable_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o example_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n not_o in_o the_o old_a as_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n confess_v because_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o then_o admit_v into_o heaven_n nor_o in_o the_o new_a for_o fear_v of_o scandalize_a the_o jew_n and_o of_o make_v the_o gentile_n think_v they_o propose_v new_a god_n and_o new_a mediator_n to_o they_o instead_o of_o the_o old_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v by_o their_o own_o writer_n and_o it_o be_v needless_a likewise_o because_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o more_o than_o the_o intercession_n of_o million_o of_o saint_n and_o angel_n he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v have_v not_o he_o make_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a promise_n to_o we_o that_o whatever_o we_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o
of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o mean_v the_o schoolman_n who_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n do_v assign_v of_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n have_v of_o the_o condition_n and_o want_v of_o man_n here_o below_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o know_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o want_v in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o trinity_n which_o metaphor_n of_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o trinity_n if_o it_o have_v any_o meaning_n it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a essence_n in_o which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v they_o may_v in_o that_o glass_n see_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n know_v but_o then_o they_o spoil_v all_o this_o fine_a speculation_n again_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o glass_n do_v not_o necessary_o represent_v to_o they_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a mind_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a glass_n in_o which_o the_o saint_n be_v only_o permit_v to_o see_v so_o much_o as_o god_n please_v but_o how_o much_o that_o be_v they_o can_v tell_v we_o which_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n know_v as_o much_o of_o our_o condition_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v pray_v to_o good_a man_n in_o the_o east_n or_o west-indies_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o help_v we_o because_o they_o also_o know_v as_o much_o of_o our_o necessity_n and_o prayer_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o if_o the_o saint_n must_v have_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n of_o our_o prayer_n before_o that_o they_o know_v that_o we_o pray_v to_o they_o then_o the_o short_a and_o sure_a way_n both_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o they_o or_o however_o as_o bellarmine_n confess_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n before_o every_o prayer_n we_o make_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v that_o prayer_n to_o they_o that_o upon_o this_o signal_n and_o notice_n give_v they_o by_o god_n they_o may_v betake_v themselves_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o we_o but_o unless_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o method_n it_o be_v in_o reason_n such_o a_o way_n about_o as_o no_o man_n will_v take_v that_o can_v help_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n think_v god_n as_o ready_a to_o grant_v he_o all_o his_o other_o request_n without_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o saint_n as_o this_o one_o request_n of_o reveal_v our_o prayer_n and_o want_v to_o they_o and_o if_o this_o way_n be_v not_o think_v so_o convenient_a i_o know_v but_o one_o more_o and_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o go_v to_o god_n and_o beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o our_o spplication_n and_o want_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o in_o our_o behalf_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o wise_a course_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v write_v a_o letter_n to_o his_o friend_n that_o can_v read_v and_o in_o a_o postscript_n desire_v he_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o he_o will_v carry_v it_o to_o one_o that_o can_v read_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o read_v it_o to_o he_o vi._n serm._n vi._n so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o put_v the_o case_n what_o course_n soever_o we_o take_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v much_o ado_n and_o must_v handle_v the_o business_n very_o tender_o to_o hinder_v it_o from_o appear_v very_o ridiculous_a thus_o i_o have_v examine_v their_o chief_a pretence_n from_o scripture_n for_o the_o countenance_v this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v show_v how_o little_a or_o rather_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v for_o it_o and_o that_o alone_o be_v reason_n enough_o against_o it_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n against_o it_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v clear_a proof_n out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n against_o it_o and_o because_o they_o think_v the_o least_o show_n and_o probability_n from_o scripture_n a_o good_a argument_n on_o their_o side_n i_o will_v offer_v they_o a_o probable_a argument_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n upon_o which_o though_o i_o will_v lay_v no_o absolute_a stress_n yet_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v they_o upon_o their_o principle_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v from_o 2_o king_n 2.9_o where_o elijah_n just_a before_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n say_v to_o elisha_n ask_v what_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o thou_o before_o i_o be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o thereby_o intimate_v as_o one_o will_v think_v that_o then_o be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o ask_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o but_o if_o elijah_n have_v understand_v the_o matter_n right_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v now_o he_o shall_v rather_o have_v direct_v he_o to_o have_v pray_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o he_o will_v have_v a_o more_o powerful_a interest_n and_o be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o do_v he_o a_o kindness_n for_o the_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n give_v why_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v not_o then_o admit_v into_o heaven_n will_v not_o hold_v in_o the_o case_n of_o elijah_n who_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n body_n and_o soul_n and_o consequent_o in_o as_o good_a circumstance_n to_o be_v pray_v to_o as_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n that_o have_v go_v to_o heaven_n since_o i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n to_o have_v show_v that_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o only_o needless_a and_o vseless_a but_o very_o dangerous_a and_o impious_a because_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o great_o derogate_a from_o the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o any_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o without_o a_o gross_a and_o apparent_a contempt_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o either_o disinherit_v his_o kindness_n and_o affection_n or_o his_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o heaven_n to_o obtain_v at_o god_n hand_n all_o those_o blessing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v who_o address_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o mediation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v choose_v other_o mediator_n for_o ourselves_o of_o who_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o they_o can_v either_o hear_v or_o help_v we_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o that_o salvation_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v secure_a of_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v able_a etc._n etc._n but_o this_o have_v be_v show_v so_o abundant_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o be_v so_o clear_o consequent_a from_o the_o whole_a that_o i_o shall_v here_o conclude_v my_o discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n as_o to_o the_o three_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o this_o one_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o i_o have_v treat_v on_o that_o subject_a particular_o on_o another_o 1693._o another_o a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1693._o occasion_n and_o as_o to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v found_v in_o his_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n and_o because_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o therefore_o he_o and_o he_o only_o be_v qualify_v to_o intercede_v for_o all_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v for_o the_o
other_o term_n than_o of_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o of_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o consideration_n we_o have_v the_o best_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o unblameable_a life_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o their_o profess_a enemy_n who_o do_v not_o persecute_v they_o for_o any_o personal_a crime_n which_o they_o charge_v particular_a person_n withal_o but_o only_o for_o their_o religion_n acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o good_a people_n particulary_a pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n who_o have_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n to_o make_v particular_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o christian_n give_v this_o honourable_a report_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o beside_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n that_o at_o their_o religious_a meeting_n it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a sacrament_n against_o murder_n and_o theft_n and_o adultery_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n no_o christian_a historian_n can_v have_v give_v a_o better_a character_n of_o they_o than_o this_o heathen_a writer_n do_v but_o 3._o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o strange_a if_o we_o consider_v 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 a_o company_n of_o plain_a and_o illiterate_a man_n most_o of_o they_o destitute_a of_o the_o advantage_n of_o education_n go_v forth_o upon_o this_o great_a design_n weak_a and_o unarmed_a unassisted_a by_o any_o worldy_a interest_n have_v no_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n on_o their_o side_n to_o give_v countenance_n and_o authority_n to_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o but_o they_o remain_v under_o these_o disadvantage_n for_o three_o age_n together_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v violence_n to_o no_o man_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v any_o by_o force_n to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o to_o listen_v themselves_o of_o their_o number_n they_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o legion_n of_o arm_a man_n to_o dispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o plunder_n and_o freequarter_n by_o violence_n and_o torture_n this_o modern_a method_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o then_o think_v of_o nor_o do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o tempt_v and_o allure_v man_n to_o their_o way_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o temporal_a reward_n and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n nor_o do_v they_o use_v any_o artificial_a insinuation_n of_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o steal_v their_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o deliver_v themselves_o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o without_o any_o study_a ornament_n of_o speech_n or_o fine_a art_n of_o persuasion_n declare_v plain_o to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n promise_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v his_o doctrine_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a woe_n and_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n to_o the_o despiser_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o contemptible_a instrument_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n do_v their_o work_n effectual_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o they_o gainded_z numbers_z every_o day_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n draw_v the_o world_n after_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o only_o win_v over_o the_o common_a people_n but_o also_o several_a person_n considerable_a for_o their_o dignity_n and_o eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o afterward_o become_v zealous_a assertor_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o such_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o they_o see_v something_o in_o they_o more_o divine_a and_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a power_n and_o persuasion_n than_o humane_a learning_n and_o eloquence_n 4._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o mighty_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o gospel_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o it_o must_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o it_o do_v so_o plain_o and_o so_o severe_o declare_v against_o and_o likewise_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n no_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o that_o which_o be_v found_v in_o education_n and_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o obstinate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o little_a ground_n and_o reason_n soever_o there_o be_v for_o it_o the_o be_v train_v up_o in_o it_o and_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o it_o implant_v in_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n supply_v all_o other_o defect_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a in_o religion_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v they_o not_o have_v their_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v enure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v they_o at_o that_o time_n be_v weary_a of_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o be_v inquire_v after_o a_o better_a way_n of_o religion_n then_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v appear_v with_o great_a advantage_n and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v entertain_v with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v violent_o prejudice_v against_o it_o and_o fix_v in_o their_o several_a religion_n the_o jew_n indeed_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v very_o prone_a to_o relinquish_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o after_o god_n have_v punish_v they_o severe_o for_o that_o sin_n by_o a_o long_a captivity_n they_o continue_v ever_o after_o very_o strict_a and_o firm_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o never_o be_v they_o more_o tenacious_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n than_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o be_v foretell_v in_o their_o law_n and_o most_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o authentic_a book_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a groundless_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o interpreter_n of_o their_o law_n that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n they_o conceive_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v and_o upon_o this_o prejudice_n they_o reject_v he_o and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o persecute_v his_o follower_n and_o though_o their_o religion_n be_v much_o near_o to_o the_o christian_a than_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n mean_a appearance_n they_o be_v much_o more_o averse_a to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o than_o the_o gross_a idolater_n among_o the_o nation_n not_o but_o that_o their_o prejudice_n also_o be_v very_o great_a the_o common_a people_n be_v strong_o addict_v to_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o their_o several_a country_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o learned_a who_o they_o call_v their_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o eloquence_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o rudeness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o ridiculous_a and_o the_o story_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o beside_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v withal_o from_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n
the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v likewise_o strong_o combine_v against_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n do_v with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o malice_n endeavour_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o to_o suppress_v it_o in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v then_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o whole_a strength_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o and_o raise_v such_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n against_o it_o as_o sweep_v away_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o war_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o yet_o this_o religion_n bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o opposition_n and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o all_o the_o resistance_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n arm_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o consideration_n i_o mention_v the_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o invite_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o it_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n threaten_v every_o one_o that_o take_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o he_o whoever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o reproach_n and_o ruin_n to_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n to_o banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o confiscation_n of_o estate_n but_o these_o be_v slight_a and_o tolerable_a evil_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o that_o be_v common_o inflict_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o the_o lion_n and_o all_o imaginable_a cruelty_n be_v exercise_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v and_o death_n in_o all_o 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cruelty_n have_v tire_v itself_o nay_o it_o do_v not_o only_o support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o opposition_n but_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n spring_v up_o fast_o than_o any_o persecution_n can_v mow_v they_o down_o for_o man_n by_o degree_n become_v curious_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o upon_o enquiry_n be_v satisfy_v and_o become_v christian_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n their_o very_a persecutor_n be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n the_o next_o day_n for_o that_o very_a cause_n for_o which_o but_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v put_v other_o to_o death_n and_o it_o can_v here_o be_v reasonable_o object_v that_o christian_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o these_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o some_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o country_n namely_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n in_o after-age_n this_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n because_o these_o sufferer_n be_v not_o the_o great_a and_o ambitious_a spirit_n the_o flower_n and_o select_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o common_a people_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o the_o tender_a sex_n and_o age_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o pain_n than_o of_o glory_n and_o yet_o so_o be_v they_o animate_v by_o their_o religion_n and_o transport_v beyond_o themselves_o as_o not_o only_o to_o submit_v but_o many_o time_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o those_o suffering_n by_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o no_o man_n accuse_v they_o and_o when_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v for_o make_v that_o profession_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o justify_v their_o forwardness_n to_o suffer_v than_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o suffering_n beside_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o man_n to_o hope_n to_o get_v a_o name_n by_o suffer_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o remember_v to_o posterity_n when_o they_o die_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sufferer_n you_o see_v then_o how_o strong_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v how_o soon_o this_o new_a religion_n overran_a the_o world_n how_o sudden_o it_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_a and_o despicable_a instrument_n to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n this_o great_a work_n be_v do_v and_o how_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o discouragement_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o can_v any_o one_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o establish_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n mere_o by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v bear_v up_o and_o sustain_v themselves_o so_o long_o under_o such_o fierce_a assault_n as_o christanity_n have_v do_v as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n it_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o force_n at_o first_o and_o to_o hauâ—_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o violent_a mean_n so_o that_o great_a impostor_n open_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o plant_v his_o religion_n by_o miracle_n but_o the_o sword_n and_o as_o for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a they_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n by_o insensible_a degree_n and_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n but_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o vicious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mankind_n they_o easy_o gain_v upon_o their_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n by_o custom_n and_o example_n they_o be_v just_o such_o a_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o such_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o such_o insensible_a step_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o all_o know_v but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v out_o upon_o the_o world_n but_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a fall_v before_o it_o like_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n on_o its_o side_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o prop_n take_v away_o which_o be_v the_o only_a support_n of_o it_o but_o it_o present_o sink_v and_o vanish_v it_o be_v not_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n but_o upon_o the_o break_n in_o of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n it_o silent_o withdraw_v as_o be_v ashamed_a of_o itself_o and_o when_o afterward_o the_o emperor_n julian_n endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v it_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o authority_n and_o use_v all_o imaginable_a art_n and_o stratagem_n to_o suppress_v and_o extinguish_v christianity_n he_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v neither_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v its_o ground_n and_o paganism_n after_o it_o have_v make_v a_o little_a blaze_n die_v with_o he_o now_o to_o what_o cause_n shall_v we_o ascribe_v this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n there_o can_v but_o these_o two_o be_v imagine_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n accompany_v it_o 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o its_o reward_n have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n
we_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v have_v so_o eminent_a a_o confirmation_n give_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n and_o do_v at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o so_o strange_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n against_o all_o humane_a probability_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n can_v well_o suppose_v a_o religion_n in_o circumstance_n of_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o upon_o all_o humane_a account_n more_o unlikely_a to_o sustain_v and_o bear_v up_o itself_o than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o its_o beginning_n so_o small_a that_o no_o man_n but_o will_v have_v think_v it_o will_v present_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o strange_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v overthrow_v ii_o this_o discourse_n may_v likewise_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o be_v now_o cease_v because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v at_o first_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a then_o to_o introduce_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v a_o sensible_a evidence_n to_o man_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o that_o new_a doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o now_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_o entertain_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n why_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v still_o be_v continue_v acquisito_fw-la sine_fw-la cessant_fw-la media_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la when_o the_o end_n be_v once_o obtain_v the_o mean_n cease_v and_o the_o wise_a god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v in_o what_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v lavish_a in_o that_o which_o be_v superfluous_a now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v propagate_v and_o advance_v by_o its_o own_o rational_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v reconcile_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o now_o that_o it_o stand_v upon_o equal_a advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o more_o humane_a and_o ordinary_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o level_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n that_o miracle_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o father_n who_o live_v a_o age_n or_o two_o after_o the_o cease_n of_o they_o particular_o by_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o give_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o i_o have_v just_a now_o assign_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v still_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o their_o church_n and_o according_a to_o bellarmine_n must_v always_o continue_v because_o he_o make_v it_o a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o we_o pretend_v to_o no_o such_o power_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v because_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v great_a occasion_n and_o need_n of_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o new_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v reason_n they_o usual_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o new_a doctrine_n some_o to_o confirm_v purgatory_n and_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o indulgence_n other_o to_o encourage_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n other_o to_o confirm_v that_o which_o all_o the_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o confirm_v i_o mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o because_o it_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o peculiar_o incapable_a of_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o miracle_n iii_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v do_v just_o upbraid_v we_o that_o this_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o powerful_a at_o first_o and_o have_v such_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o come_v down_o to_o we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n shall_v yet_o have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o most_o of_o we_o who_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n we_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v less_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prejudice_v and_o who_o manner_n be_v deprave_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v reduce_v from_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n do_v on_o the_o sudden_a become_v better_a man_n and_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a in_o their_o life_n than_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o who_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o train_v up_o all_o our_o life_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o heathen_n because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o in_o it_o but_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v as_o powerful_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v we_o also_o be_v christian_n not_o only_o by_o custom_n but_o by_o choice_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o to_o obey_v and_o practise_v it_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o religion_n but_o only_o counterfeit_v the_o choice_n of_o it_o we_o have_v beyond_o comparison_n the_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o religion_n that_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o contain_v the_o best_a precept_n and_o give_v man_n the_o great_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o now_o the_o better_a our_o religion_n be_v the_o worse_a be_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v good_a by_o it_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a make_v some_o virtuous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a saint_n under_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a institution_n what_o degree_n then_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v so_o bright_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n sermon_n vi_o the_o nature_n office_n and_o employment_n of_o good_a angel_n preach_v on_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n heb._n 1.14_o be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o good_a angel_n who_o existence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o take_v for_o grant_v no_o less_o than_o they_o do_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o well_o they_o may_v since_o they_o be_v all_o found_v upon_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n ii_o vol._n ii_o derive_v down_o to_o
the_o angel_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o all_o modesty_n reverence_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v there_o present_a and_o observe_v our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o have_v respect_n in_o that_o place_n which_o by_o interpreter_n have_v be_v think_v so_o difficult_a 1_o corinth_n 11.10_o where_o he_o say_v that_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o woman_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o veil_n upon_o her_o head_n in_o token_n of_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o be_v decent_o and_o modest_o attire_v in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n before_o who_o we_o shall_v compose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o great_a external_a gravity_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o angel_n behold_v and_o observe_v but_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o god_n only_o can_v do_v and_o therefore_o with_o regard_n to_o he_o who_o see_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v more_o particular_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a sincerity_n and_o seriousness_n our_o devotion_n which_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o will_v all_o due_o consider_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o chief_o regard_v our_o heart_n but_o we_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o our_o external_a behaviour_n with_o a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v present_a there_o to_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o outward_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n of_o which_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o the_o presence_n even_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n when_o he_o either_o speak_v to_o we_o or_o we_o make_v any_o address_n to_o he_o and_o sure_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a angel_n every_o one_o of_o who_o be_v a_o much_o great_a prince_n and_o of_o great_a power_n than_o any_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n but_o how_o little_a be_v this_o consider_v i_o speak_v to_o our_o shame_n and_o by_o how_o few_o among_o we_o and_o as_o angel_n be_v helpful_a to_o good_a man_n in_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n throughout_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n so_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o stand_v by_o they_o to_o comfort_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o that_o needful_a and_o dismal_a time_n in_o that_o last_o and_o great_a conflict_n of_o frail_a mortality_n with_o death_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o receive_v their_o expire_a spirit_n into_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o conduct_v they_o safe_o into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n also_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n that_o the_o angel_n wait_v upon_o good_a man_n at_o their_o death_n to_o convey_v their_o soul_n into_o paradise_n which_o be_v very_o much_o countenance_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.22_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o lazarus_n die_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n nay_o that_o the_o angel_n have_v some_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n may_v not_o improbable_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o passage_n m_o st._n judas_n v._o 9_o where_o michael_n the_o archangel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v contend_v with_o the_o devil_n about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n what_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o be_v may_v be_v most_o probable_o explain_v by_o a_o passage_n deut._n 34.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n take_v particular_a care_n probable_o by_o a_o angel_n concern_v the_o bury_n so_o moses_n in_o a_o certain_a valley_n and_o it_o be_v add_v but_o no_o man_n know_v of_o his_o sepulchre_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o devil_n it_o seem_v have_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o moses_n after_o his_o death_n if_o he_o can_v have_v get_v the_o disposal_n of_o his_o body_n to_o have_v bury_v it_o in_o some_o know_v and_o public_a place_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v hare_n gratify_v he_o not_o a_o little_a to_o have_v make_v he_o who_o be_v so_o declare_v a_o enemy_n to_o idolatry_n all_o his_o life_n a_o occasion_n of_o it_o after_o his_o death_n but_o this_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o prevent_v in_o pity_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o he_o see_v upon_o all_o occasion_n so_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n commit_v it_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o michael_n the_o archangel_n to_o bury_v his_o body_n secret_o and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o michael_n the_o archangel_n contend_v with_o the_o devil_n about_o but_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o memorable_a circumstance_n in_o this_o contest_v mention_v likewise_o by_o st._n judas_n in_o these_o word_n yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n his_o duty_n restrain_v he_o from_o it_o and_o probable_o his_o discretion_n too_o as_o he_o dare_v not_o offend_v god_n in_o do_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o he_o can_v not_o but_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o at_o rail_v a_o thing_n to_o which_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v no_o disposition_n so_o i_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v no_o talon_n no_o faculty_n at_o it_o the_o cool_a consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n especial_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o divine_v and_o especial_o in_o controversy_n about_o religion_n ashamed_a and_o afraid_a of_o this_o manner_n of_o dispute_v since_o michael_n the_o archangel_n even_o when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o devil_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o to_o proceed_v this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o reunion_n of_o they_o to_o our_o soul_n for_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o matt._n 24.30_o 31._o that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n he_o shall_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o gather_v the_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n from_o one_o end_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v go_v before_o we_o to_o give_v we_o light_v in_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o several_a way_n wherein_o good_a angel_n do_v minister_n in_o behalf_n of_o t_o hem_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o abundant_o prove_v from_o scripture_n may_v serve_v to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o it_o that_o the_o angel_n be_v invisible_a to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v seldom_o sensible_a of_o their_o presence_n and_o the_o good_a office_n they_o do_v we_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o by_o other_o argument_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v almost_o as_o well_o call_v in_o question_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n neither_o of_o which_o do_v fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o yet_o by_o other_o argument_n we_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o they_o both_o so_o in_o this_o case_n the_o general_a consent_n and_o tradition_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o angel_n and_o their_o ministry_n about_o we_o especial_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o clear_a and_o express_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o so_o general_a a_o consent_n must_v have_v a_o proportionable_a cause_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o general_a tradition_n ground_v at_o first_o upon_o revelation_n and_o derive_v down_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o mankind_n and_o since_o confirm_v by_o manifold_a revelation_n of_o