the_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n when_o such_o baseness_n be_v practise_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v man_n offer_v to_o compound_v with_o heaven_n for_o all_o their_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n with_o not_o a_o twenty_o part_n of_o what_o god_n challenge_v as_o his_o due_n they_o either_o think_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o man_n or_o that_o these_o man_n hypocrisy_n ought_v to_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o come_v with_o a_o design_n to_o retrieve_v a_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n find_v it_o first_o of_o all_o necessary_a to_o unmask_v those_o notorious_a hypocrite_n that_o their_o deformity_n be_v discover_v their_o way_n as_o well_o as_o their_o person_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o avoid_v and_o when_o he_o see_v by_o the_o mighty_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o uncharitableness_n towards_o all_o other_o how_o little_a good_a be_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o he_o seldom_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n but_o rather_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o be_v more_o open_o wicked_a be_v more_o easy_o convince_v of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o persuade_v to_o reform_v for_o which_o end_n alone_o it_o be_v that_o he_o so_o free_o converse_v with_o they_o to_o let_v they_o see_v there_o be_v none_o so_o bad_a but_o his_o kindness_n be_v so_o great_a to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o just_a a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o keep_v company_n sometime_o with_o these_o than_o it_o be_v to_o a_o chirurgeon_n to_o visit_v hospital_n or_o to_o a_o physician_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o sick_a 2._o but_o when_o they_o see_v that_o his_o greatness_n do_v appear_v in_o another_o way_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o miracle_n than_o these_o wise_a and_o subtle_a man_n apprehend_v a_o further_a reach_n and_o design_n in_o all_o his_o action_n viz._n that_o his_o low_a condition_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o popularity_n and_o a_o mere_a disguise_n to_o ensnare_v the_o people_n the_o better_a to_o make_v they_o in_o love_n with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o season_v they_o with_o principle_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n hence_o come_v all_o the_o clamour_n of_o his_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n and_o call_v himself_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o his_o design_n to_o erect_v a_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o all_o which_o they_o interpret_v in_o the_o most_o malicious_a though_o most_o unreasonable_a sense_n for_o nothing_o be_v so_o politic_a as_o malice_n and_o ill_a will_n be_v for_o that_o find_v design_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o contrary_a they_o be_v to_o all_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v the_o deep_a that_o suggest_v present_o they_o be_v lay_v and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o more_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a care_n use_v by_o he_o to_o show_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n he_o live_v under_o it_o be_v not_o his_o most_o solemn_a disavow_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o their_o civil_a interest_n not_o the_o severe_a check_n he_o give_v his_o own_o disciple_n for_o any_o ambitious_a thought_n among_o they_o not_o the_o recommend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o nor_o the_o rebuke_n he_o give_v one_o of_o his_o most_o forward_a disciple_n for_o offer_v to_o draw_v his_o sword_n in_o the_o rescue_n of_o himself_o can_v abate_v the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o at_o last_o they_o condemn_v the_o great_a teacher_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n as_o a_o traitor_n and_o the_o most_o unparalleled_a example_n of_o innocency_n as_o a_o malefactor_n but_o though_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o object_v against_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n yet_o that_o these_o man_n who_o be_v inspire_v by_o malice_n and_o prophesy_v according_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n will_v say_v be_v because_o he_o be_v take_v away_o in_o time_n before_o his_o design_n can_v be_v ripe_a for_o action_n but_o if_o his_o doctrine_n tend_v that_o way_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v their_o proceed_n against_o he_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o what_o he_o do_v but_o what_o he_o may_v have_v do_v not_o treason_n but_o convenience_n which_o make_v they_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o taint_n in_o his_o doctrine_n that_o way_n there_o have_v be_v reason_n enough_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n to_o have_v use_v the_o utmost_a care_n to_o prevent_v the_o spread_a it_o but_o so_o far_o be_v this_o from_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o probability_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o imagine_v a_o religion_n which_o aim_v less_o at_o the_o present_a particular_a interest_n of_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o and_o more_o at_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o prince_n than_o christianity_n do_v as_o it_o be_v both_o preach_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o here_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o lament_v the_o unhappy_a fate_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o think_v themselves_o the_o master_n of_o all_o the_o little_a art_n whereby_o this_o world_n be_v govern_v if_o it_o teach_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n if_o it_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n and_o make_v man_n happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o life_n in_o any_o measure_n to_o depend_v upon_o it_o then_o religion_n be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a trick_n of_o state_n and_o a_o invention_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n whereby_o man_n may_v the_o better_o be_v mould_v into_o society_n and_o preserve_v in_o they_o but_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n indispensable_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n though_o humane_a law_n require_v the_o contrary_a if_o they_o must_v not_o forswear_v their_o religion_n and_o deny_v he_o who_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o when_o the_o magistrate_n call_v they_o to_o it_o than_o such_o half-witted_a man_n think_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o pretence_n to_o rebellion_n and_o conscience_n only_o a_o obstinate_a plea_n for_o disobedience_n but_o this_o be_v to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o there_o be_v there_o must_v be_v some_o inviolable_a right_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n acknowledge_v which_o must_v not_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o edict_n and_o law_n of_o man_n but_o suppose_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v allow_v inviolable_a there_o be_v never_o any_o religion_n nay_o never_o any_o invention_n of_o the_o great_a politician_n which_o may_v compare_v with_o that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o this_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tell_v all_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o that_o they_o must_v live_v in_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o they_o who_o 5._o do_v resist_v receive_v unto_o themselves_o damnation_n and_o that_o because_o whosoever_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v argument_n of_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n for_o he_o that_o only_o obey_v because_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o will_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o disobey_v when_o there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o may_v make_v more_o for_o his_o advantage_n but_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o obedience_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n no_o hope_n of_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n can_v be_v think_v to_o balance_v the_o loss_n which_o may_v come_v by_o such_o a_o breach_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o to_o come_v so_o that_o no_o person_n do_v so_o dangerous_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o those_o who_o magnify_v that_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n none_o so_o effectual_o secure_v they_o as_o those_o who_o give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o by_o do_v so_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o and_o the_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a as_o long_o as_o christianity_n
so_o many_o hundred_o year_n profession_n of_o christianity_n how_o apt_a the_o greatness_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o man_n aim_v at_o a_o reputation_n for_o wit_n by_o be_v able_a to_o abuse_v the_o religion_n they_o own_v what_o entertainment_n may_v we_o then_o think_v our_o religion_n meet_v with_o among_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o age_n it_o be_v first_o preach_v in_o when_o it_o not_o only_o encounter_v those_o weak_a weapon_n of_o scoff_v and_o raillery_n but_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o interest_n and_o education_n if_o our_o religion_n now_o can_v hardly_o escape_v the_o bitter_a scoff_v and_o profane_a jeft_n of_o man_n who_o pawn_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v account_v witty_a what_o may_v we_o think_v it_o suffer_v then_o when_o it_o be_v account_v a_o part_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v we_o if_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o a_o man_n may_v be_v reproach_v for_o his_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v for_o be_v real_o a_o christian_n when_o all_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o what_o contempt_n do_v they_o undergo_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n when_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o what_o be_v account_v most_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a in_o their_o religion_n viz._n their_o believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n be_v by_o they_o account_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n for_o though_o s._n paul_n only_o say_v here_o that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n yet_o elsewhere_o he_o explain_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n when_o he_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v in_o any_o thing_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n gal._n 6._o 14._o i_o e._n although_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o the_o world_n despise_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n together_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o his_o religion_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o despise_v the_o world_n as_o much_o for_o neither_o the_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o smile_n and_o flattery_n of_o it_o no_o nor_o its_o frown_n and_o severity_n can_v abate_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o mighty_a esteem_n and_o value_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o in_o his_o own_o expression_n he_o account_v all_o thing_n else_o but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n phil._n 3._o 8._o which_o word_n be_v not_o speak_v by_o one_o who_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o magnify_v the_o profession_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o but_o by_o a_o person_n as_o considerable_a as_o most_o of_o the_o time_n and_o nation_n he_o live_v in_o both_o for_o his_o birth_n and_o education_n so_o that_o his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sullen_a and_o affect_a severity_n but_o the_o issue_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n and_o the_o high_a esteem_n he_o profess_v of_o christianity_n be_v no_o fanatic_a whimsy_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o the_o most_o serious_a consideration_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v 2._o by_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o s._n paul_n here_o give_v why_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 1._o from_o the_o excellent_a end_n it_o be_v design_v for_o and_o that_o be_v no_o less_o than_o salvation_n 2._o from_o the_o effectualness_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n 3._o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n by_o all_o who_o will_v attain_v that_o end_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a 1._o from_o the_o excellent_a end_v it_o be_v design_v for_o the_o recovery_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n both_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o term_n salvation_n for_o consider_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v so_o far_o sink_v beneath_o itself_o and_o keep_v under_o the_o power_n of_o unruly_a passion_n whatever_o tend_v to_o make_v it_o happy_a must_v do_v it_o by_o deliver_v it_o from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o its_o misery_n so_o that_o whatever_o religion_n shall_v promise_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a without_o first_o make_v they_o virtuous_a and_o good_a may_v on_o that_o very_a account_n be_v just_o suspect_v of_o imposture_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v the_o act_n of_o any_o religion_n necessary_a viz._n that_o we_o may_v please_v that_o god_n who_o command_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n must_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o do_v it_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v far_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o which_o be_v the_o action_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n if_o then_o that_o accusation_n have_v be_v true_a which_o celsus_n and_o julian_n charge_v christianity_n with_o viz._n that_o it_o indulge_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n notwithstanding_o i_o know_v nothing_o can_v have_v render_v it_o more_o suspicious_a to_o be_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n but_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o have_v the_o least_o foundation_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o that_o as_o there_o never_o be_v any_o religion_n which_o give_v man_n such_o certain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a felicity_n and_o consequent_o more_o encouragement_n to_o be_v good_a so_o there_o be_v none_o ever_o require_v it_o on_o those_o strict_a and_o severe_a term_n which_o christianity_n do_v for_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n either_o towards_o god_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n or_o towards_o their_o brethren_n in_o a_o peaceable_a carriage_n among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v without_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n both_o these_o be_v enforce_v upon_o all_o christian_n upon_o no_o mean_a term_n than_o the_o unavoidable_a loss_n of_o all_o the_o happiness_n our_o religion_n promise_n follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12._o 14._o this_o be_v then_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a in_o another_o world_n by_o make_v they_o good_a and_o virtuous_a in_o this_o it_o come_v to_o reform_v this_o world_n that_o it_o may_v people_n another_o so_o to_o purify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n design_v for_o they_o this_o be_v that_o great_a salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v to_o the_o world_n heb._n 2._o 3._o and_o thence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13._o 26._o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n act_v 16._o 17._o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n ephes._n 1._o 13._o so_o that_o though_o christianity_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o religion_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o this_o do_v yet_o all_o this_o it_o do_v by_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o promote_a man_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o more_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a consequence_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o end_n to_o mankind_n the_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o s._n paul_n have_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o can_v we_o imagine_v any_o end_n more_o noble_a that_o any_o doctrine_n can_v aim_v at_o than_o this_o suppose_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o become_v that_o god_n to_o discover_v or_o those_o soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o than_o the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o if_o we_o admire_v those_o discourse_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n wherein_o they_o speak_v more_o dark_o and_o obscure_o concern_v those_o thing_n what_o admiration_n do_v the_o gospel_n deserve_v which_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v if_o we_o commend_v the_o virtuous_a heathen_n who_o according_a to_o those_o short_a and_o obscure_a notice_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o
his_o mercy_n prevent_v it_o not_o we_o shall_v all_o sure_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n enough_o this_o day_n to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o evil_a of_o our_o do_n which_o have_v bring_v all_o these_o thing_n upon_o we_o and_o abhor_v ourselves_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o will_v seem_v indeed_o to_o bear_v some_o analogy_n with_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o calamity_n we_o lie_v under_o at_o this_o time_n but_o god_n will_v more_o easy_o dispense_v with_o the_o pompous_a show_n and_o solemn_a garb_n of_o our_o humiliation_n if_o our_o heart_n bleed_v within_o for_o our_o former_a impiety_n and_o our_o repentance_n discover_v its_o sincerity_n by_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o temper_n that_o though_o we_o have_v do_v iniquity_n we_o will_v do_v so_o no_o more_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a end_n which_o almighty_a god_n aim_v at_o in_o all_o his_o judgement_n he_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o hurl_v the_o world_n into_o confusion_n and_o turn_v city_n into_o ruinous_a heap_n and_o make_v whole_a country_n a_o desolation_n but_o when_o he_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v it_o with_o that_o severity_n that_o may_v make_v we_o apprehend_v his_o displeasure_n and_o yet_o with_o that_o mercy_n which_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o repent_v and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o instance_n record_v in_o the_o text_n when_o some_o city_n be_v consume_v by_o he_o so_o that_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v they_o they_o be_v make_v like_o to_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o with_o that_o kindness_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n that_o they_o be_v pluck_v as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o burn_a and_o therefore_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o frustrate_v the_o design_n both_o of_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n when_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o conclude_v with_o that_o sad_a reflection_n on_o their_o incorrigibleness_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n thus_o you_o sec_fw-la what_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n be_v which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o wherein_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o the_o severity_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o execute_v upon_o they_o i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o god_n overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 2._o the_o mixture_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o severity_n and_o you_o be_v as_o a_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o burn_a 3._o the_o incorrigibleness_n of_o the_o people_n notwithstanding_o both_o yet_o have_v you_o not_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o first_o we_o have_v god_n rod_n lift_v up_o to_o strike_v in_o the_o second_o we_o have_v god_n hand_v stretch_v out_o to_o save_v yet_o neither_o of_o these_o will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o disobedience_n though_o their_o city_n be_v overthrow_v for_o their_o sake_n though_o they_o themselves_o escape_v not_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n only_o who_o they_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o two_o former_a part_n of_o the_o text_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o another_o case_n this_o day_n have_v this_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v among_o you_o we_o have_v see_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n a_o city_n almost_o whole_o consume_v as_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o his_o kindness_n the_o inhabitant_n save_v as_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o burn_a o_o let_v it_o never_o be_v say_v that_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o word_n be_v fulfil_v too_o yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o etc._n etc._n which_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n in_o his_o judgement_n this_o day_n and_o then_o discover_v the_o mixture_n of_o his_o kindness_n with_o it_o and_o the_o result_n of_o both_o will_v be_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n after_o they_o 1._o the_o severity_n of_o the_o judgement_n here_o express_v which_o though_o we_o take_v it_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o person_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o city_n wherein_o they_o dwell_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o by_o the_o original_a wherein_o the_o word_n relate_v to_o person_n be_v leave_v out_o but_o by_o the_o follow_a clause_n express_v their_o preservation_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o judgement_n to_o be_v severe_a enough_o in_o regard_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o series_n and_o order_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o cause_n move_v to_o it_o 4._o the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o god_n overthrow_v etc._n etc._n 1._o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o we_o can_v imagine_v nothing_o more_o severe_a when_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o most_o unparallelled_a judgement_n we_o read_v of_o viz._n the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o a_o fire_n from_o heaven_n although_o in_o all_o circumstance_n the_o instance_n may_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o parallel_n yet_o in_o several_a respect_n there_o may_v be_v so_o sad_a a_o desolation_n that_o any_o other_o example_n but_o that_o may_v fall_v beneath_o the_o greatness_n and_o severity_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v better_o understand_v of_o how_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a a_o nature_n such_o a_o judgement_n must_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o suddenness_n and_o unexpectedness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n of_o it_o and_o to_o all_o that_o sad_a train_n of_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v and_o follow_v it_o 1._o the_o suddenness_n and_o unexpectedness_n of_o it_o as_o god_n overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n i._n e._n when_o they_o least_o of_o all_o look_v for_o such_o a_o desolation_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n 29._o of_o lot_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o do_v eat_v they_o drink_v they_o buy_v they_o sell_v they_o plant_v they_o build_v but_o the_o same_o day_n that_o lot_n go_v out_o of_o sodom_n it_o rain_v fire_n and_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n and_o destroy_v they_o all_o they_o be_v all_o immerse_v either_o in_o their_o pleasure_n or_o in_o their_o business_n they_o little_o think_v of_o destruction_n be_v so_o near_o they_o as_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o first_o and_o latter_a destruction_n both_o of_o their_o city_n and_o country_n they_o be_v as_o high_a and_o as_o confident_a of_o the_o contrary_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o very_a last_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v they_o that_o their_o temple_n or_o 14._o their_o city_n shall_v be_v burn_v with_o fire_n till_o they_o see_v they_o flame_v before_o their_o eye_n thus_o josephus_n observe_v of_o his_o countryman_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o misery_n they_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o their_o sin_n but_o be_v as_o proud_a presumptuous_a and_o arrogant_a as_o if_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o they_o and_o be_v like_a to_o do_v so_o they_o think_v god_n can_v not_o possible_o punish_v such_o a_o people_n as_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n they_o can_v easy_o have_v believe_v it_o of_o any_o other_o people_n but_o themselves_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v punish_v his_o own_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o judgement_n shall_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o have_v love_v to_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v make_v example_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n this_o seem_v so_o harsh_a and_o incredible_a that_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v they_o entertain_v it_o but_o god_n and_o wise_a man_n too_o think_v otherwise_o of_o they_o than_o they_o do_v of_o themselves_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o religion_n join_v with_o a_o deep_a and_o subtle_a hypocrisy_n there_o be_v among_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n of_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n of_o sedition_n and_o faction_n gild_v over_o with_o a_o fair_a show_n of_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n which_o that_o impartial_a historian_n as_o one_o who_o know_v they_o well_o have_v describe_v at_o large_a and_o although_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o such_o heavy_a judgement_n shall_v befall_v they_o yet_o other_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o tremble_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o who_o among_o all_o the_o citizen_n of_o london_n can_v have_v be_v persuade_v but_o the_o day_n before_o the_o fire_n break_v out_o nay_o when_o they_o see_v the_o flame_n for_o near_a a_o day_n
appeal_v be_v make_v to_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n what_o art_n be_v then_o use_v either_o for_o conceal_v or_o hire_v witness_n so_o that_o if_o their_o purse_n be_v not_o equal_a the_o adverse_a party_n may_v overswear_v he_o by_o so_o much_o as_o his_o purse_n be_v weighty_a than_o the_o other_o i_o hearty_o wish_v it_o may_v never_o be_v say_v of_o we_o what_o the_o orator_n once_o say_v of_o the_o greek_n quibus_fw-la jusjurandum_fw-la flacco_fw-la jocus_fw-la testimonium_fw-la ludus_fw-la they_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o jest_n and_o drollery_n to_o forswear_v themselves_o and_o give_v false_a testimony_n but_o suppose_v man_n keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o common_a honesty_n yet_o how_o unsatiable_a be_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n they_o be_v for_o add_v house_n to_o house_n and_o land_n to_o land_n never_o content_v with_o what_o either_o their_o ancestor_n have_v leave_v they_o or_o the_o bountiful_a hand_n of_o heaven_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o till_o at_o last_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o prophet_n expression_n for_o their_o covetousness_n the_o stone_n cry_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o the_o timber_n 11._o answer_v it_o i._n e._n provoke_v god_n to_o give_v a_o severe_a check_n to_o the_o exorbitant_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o this_o day_n calamity_n thus_o while_o the_o city_n think_v with_o babylon_n to_o sit_v as_o a_o lady_n 11._o for_o ever_o while_o she_o dwell_v careless_o and_o say_v i_o be_o and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o i_o evil_a be_v come_v upon_o she_o and_o she_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v and_o mischief_n be_v fall_v upon_o she_o and_o she_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o put_v it_o off_o and_o desolation_n be_v come_v upon_o she_o sudden_o which_o she_o do_v not_o foresee_v 3._o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n that_o we_o read_v of_o v_o 4._o where_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o a_o irony_n to_o they_o come_v to_o bethel_n and_o transgress_v etc._n etc._n he_o know_v well_o enough_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v it_o let_v god_n or_o the_o prophet_n say_v what_o they_o please_v for_o these_o cow_n of_o bashan_n be_v all_o for_o the_o calf_n of_o dan_n and_o bethel_n and_o some_o think_v that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o title_n that_o be_v give_v they_o these_o great_a man_n of_o samaria_n think_v it_o beneath_o they_o to_o own_o religion_n any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o civil_a interest_n they_o be_v all_o of_o jeroboam_n religion_n who_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a politic_a thing_n and_o fit_a to_o advance_v his_o own_o design_n by_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v too_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v secret_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o think_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v so_o bless_a god_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o wise_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o go_v down_o with_o so_o much_o discretion_n to_o hell_n these_o be_v the_o grave_a and_o retire_a atheist_n who_o though_o they_o secret_o love_v not_o religion_n yet_o their_o caution_n hinder_v they_o from_o talk_v much_o against_o it_o but_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n much_o more_o common_a than_o the_o other_o the_o faculty_n of_o who_o mind_n be_v so_o thin_a and_o airy_a that_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n much_o less_o of_o religion_n these_o throw_v out_o their_o bitter_a scoff_v and_o profane_a jest_n against_o it_o a_o thing_n never_o permit_v that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o any_o civilise_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o preserve_v sacred_a god_n himself_o say_v josephus_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o jew_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o god_n though_o they_o be_v to_o destroy_v all_o those_o who_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o suffer_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o christian_n to_o be_v profane_v by_o the_o unhallowed_a mouth_n of_o any_o who_o will_v venture_v to_o be_v damn_v to_o be_v account_v witty_a if_o their_o inquiry_n be_v deep_a their_o reason_n strong_a or_o their_o argument_n more_o persuasive_a than_o of_o those_o who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o utmost_a care_n and_o business_n to_o search_v into_o these_o thing_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v allow_v a_o fair_a hear_n but_o for_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o still_o to_o make_v religion_n the_o object_n of_o their_o scoff_v and_o raillery_n do_v not_o become_v the_o gravity_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v wisdom_n to_o permit_v it_o much_o less_o the_o sobriety_n of_o a_o people_n profess_v christianity_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o person_n may_v know_v that_o wise_a man_n may_v be_v argue_v out_o of_o a_o religion_n they_o own_o but_o none_o but_o fool_n and_o mad_a man_n will_v be_v droll_v out_o of_o it_o let_v they_o first_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v laugh_v man_n out_o of_o their_o estate_n before_o they_o attempt_v to_o do_v it_o out_o of_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v be_v no_o comfort_n to_o they_o in_o another_o world_n that_o they_o be_v account_v wit_n for_o deride_v those_o misery_n which_o they_o then_o feel_v and_o smart_v under_o the_o severity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v no_o mitigation_n of_o their_o flame_n that_o they_o go_v laugh_v into_o they_o nor_o will_v they_o endure_v they_o the_o better_a because_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o but_o while_o this_o be_v so_o prevail_v a_o humour_n among_o the_o vain_a man_n of_o this_o age_n and_o nation_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v by_o remarkable_a and_o severe_a judgement_n seek_v to_o make_v man_n more_o serious_a in_o religion_n or_o else_o make_v their_o heart_n to_o ache_v and_o their_o joint_n to_o tremble_v as_o he_o do_v belshazzar_n when_o he_o can_v find_v nothing_o else_o to_o carouse_v in_o but_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o when_o man_n say_v in_o the_o prophet_n zephany_n chap._n 1._o 12._o that_o god_n neither_o 15._o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a present_o it_o follow_v therefore_o their_o good_n shall_v become_v a_o booty_n and_o their_o house_n a_o desolation_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o a_o day_n of_o wrath_n a_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o distress_n a_o day_n of_o wasteness_n and_o desolation_n as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o sad_a the_o parallel_n have_v be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o sin_n likewise_o which_o have_v make_v those_o judgement_n so_o severe_a 4._o the_o severity_n of_o the_o judgement_n appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o cause_n but_o from_o the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o god_n overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n god_n challenge_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o himself_o not_o only_o in_o the_o great_a day_n but_o in_o his_o judgement_n here_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v there_o be_v evil_a in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o 6._o lord_n have_v not_o do_v it_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o punish_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n now_o as_o it_o will_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o all_o know_v that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o if_o he_o please_v and_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v and_o will_v do_v it_o and_o we_o know_v withal_o that_o without_o such_o remarkable_a severity_n the_o world_n will_v hardly_o be_v keep_v in_o any_o awe_n of_o he_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o love_n do_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n as_o fear_n do_v there_o be_v so_o very_a few_o person_n of_o tractable_a and_o ingenuous_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a of_o too_o many_o what_o lactantius_n 11._o observe_v of_o the_o roman_n nunquam_fw-la dei_fw-la meminerunt_fw-la nisi_fw-la dum_fw-la in_o malis_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o seldom_o think_v of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o there_o be_v not_o only_o this_o reason_n as_o to_o particular_a person_n why_o god_n shall_v punish_v they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a as_o to_o community_n and_o body_n of_o man_n for_o although_o god_n suffer_v wicked_a man_n to_o escape_v punishment_n here_o as_o he_o often_o do_v yet_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o community_n of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v punish_v but_o in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v often_o discover_v itself_o in_o these_o common_a calamity_n to_o keep_v the_o
that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n to_o amend_v they_o but_o no_o soon_o do_v our_o fear_n abate_v but_o our_o devotion_n do_v so_o too_o we_o have_v soon_o forget_v the_o promise_n we_o make_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n too_o true_a of_o we_o which_o be_v say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v escape_v the_o several_a plague_n which_o so_o many_o have_v be_v destroy_v by_o and_o the_o 20._o rest_n of_o the_o man_n which_o be_v not_o kill_v by_o these_o plague_n yet_o repent_v not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o greedy_o suck_v in_o again_o the_o poison_n we_o have_v only_o lay_v down_o while_o we_o be_v beg_v for_o our_o life_n if_o we_o have_v not_o return_v with_o as_o great_a fury_n and_o violence_n as_o ever_o to_o our_o former_a lust_n the_o remove_n of_o one_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v as_o it_o be_v only_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o come_n on_o of_o another_o for_o the_o grave_n seem_v to_o close_v up_o her_o mouth_n and_o death_n by_o degree_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o that_o the_o fire_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o act_v its_o part_n too_o in_o the_o tragedy_n our_o sin_n have_v make_v among_o we_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n this_o may_v be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o then_o provoke_v god_n to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n of_o vengeance_n and_o make_v experiment_n upon_o we_o of_o what_o other_o unheard_a of_o severity_n may_v do_v for_o our_o cure_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o meet_v god_n now_o by_o our_o repentance_n and_o return_v to_o he_o by_o our_o serious_a humiliation_n for_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o our_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o that_o that_o much_o more_o dangerous_a infection_n of_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v cure_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o our_o body_n that_o the_o impure_a flame_n which_o burn_v within_o may_v be_v extinguish_v that_o all_o our_o luxury_n may_v be_v retrench_v our_o debauchery_n punish_v our_o vanity_n take_v away_o our_o careless_a indifferency_n in_o religion_n turn_v into_o a_o great_a seriousness_n both_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o so_o will_v god_n make_v we_o a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a when_o he_o find_v we_o a_o more_o righteous_a and_o holy_a nation_n so_o will_v god_n succeed_v all_o your_o endeavour_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o that_o people_n who_o you_o represent_v so_o may_v he_o add_v that_o other_o title_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o you_o have_v deserve_v for_o your_o country_n good_a to_o make_v you_o repairer_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o city_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o nation_n and_o restorer_n of_o path_n to_o dwell_v in_o so_o may_v that_o city_n which_o now_o sit_v solitary_a like_o a_o widow_n have_v her_o tear_n wipe_v off_o and_o her_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n restore_v unto_o she_o yea_o so_o may_v her_o present_a ruin_n in_o which_o she_o now_o lie_v bury_v be_v only_o the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o more_o joyful_a resurrection_n in_o which_o though_o the_o body_n may_v remain_v the_o same_o the_o quality_n may_v be_v so_o alter_v that_o its_o present_a desolation_n may_v be_v only_o the_o put_n off_o its_o former_a inconvenience_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n that_o it_o may_v rise_v with_o great_a glory_n strength_n and_o proportion_n and_o to_o all_o her_o other_o quality_n may_v that_o of_o incorruption_n be_v add_v too_o at_o least_o till_o the_o general_a conflagration_n and_o i_o know_v your_o great_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n will_v take_v care_n that_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o ruin_n may_v not_o likewise_o suffer_v by_o the_o rise_n of_o it_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o city_n may_v not_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o tear_n of_o the_o orphan_n and_o widow_n but_o that_o its_o foundation_n may_v be_v settle_v upon_o justice_n and_o piety_n that_o there_o be_v no_o complain_v in_o the_o street_n for_o want_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n for_o want_v of_o church_n nor_o in_o the_o church_n for_o want_n of_o a_o settle_a maintenance_n that_o those_o who_o attend_v upon_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o they_o may_v never_o be_v tempt_v to_o betray_v their_o conscience_n to_o gain_v a_o livelihood_n nor_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o factious_a humour_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o live_v among_o they_o and_o thus_o when_o the_o city_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o may_v it_o be_v a_o habitation_n of_o holiness_n towards_o god_n of_o loyalty_n towards_o our_o gracious_a king_n and_o his_o successor_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n of_o sobriety_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n till_o not_o city_n and_o country_n only_o but_o the_o world_n and_o time_n itself_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n march_z 13._o 1666_o 7._o by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n b._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n print_a by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n the_o four_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o r._n white_n for_o henry_n mortlock_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o westminster_n hall_n 1669._o proverb_n 14._o 9_o fool_n make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n when_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v contrive_v and_o by_o a_o power_n and_o goodness_n as_o infinite_a as_o his_o wisdom_n have_v perfect_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o but_o a_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v comprehend_v the_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o employ_v itself_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o power_n the_o being_n pure_o intellectual_a be_v too_o high_o raise_v by_o their_o own_o order_n and_o creation_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o this_o inferior_a world_n and_o those_o who_o nature_n can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o discover_v the_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n of_o his_o praise_n and_o service_n but_o a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o these_o together_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o being_n which_o may_v at_o once_o command_v this_o low_a world_n and_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o as_o though_o this_o great_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n be_v mere_o raise_v for_o man_n to_o please_v his_o fancy_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o or_o to_o exercise_v his_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n design_v for_o his_o use_n and_o service_n but_o that_o by_o frequent_a reflection_n on_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o great_a love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o most_o natural_a part_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n we_o owe_v to_o that_o excellent_a and_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v show_v so_o particular_a a_o kindness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o great_a and_o unexpressible_a that_o some_o have_v think_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o pride_n and_o affectation_n of_o a_o great_a height_n as_o envy_v at_o the_o felicity_n and_o power_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o apostate_n spirit_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o the_o state_n of_o man_n be_v occasion_n enough_o for_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o spirit_n above_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o kindness_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o great_a in_o it_o as_o can_v not_o but_o lay_v a_o indispensable_a obligation_n on_o all_o mankind_n to_o perpetual_a gratitude_n and_o obedience_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o suppose_v that_o affront_v and_o injury_n be_v the_o most_o suitable_a return_n for_o the_o most_o oblige_a favour_n that_o the_o first_o duty_n of_o a_o child_n shall_v be_v to_o destroy_v his_o parent_n that_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o kindness_n receive_v be_v to_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n as_o that_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o be_v and_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o attend_v it_o from_o god_n and_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o most_o universal_a obedience_n to_o
he_o and_o as_o the_o reflection_n on_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v lead_v he_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o god_n so_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o design_n of_o it_o will_v more_o easy_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o have_v man_n be_v design_v only_o to_o act_v a_o short_a part_n here_o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o have_v be_v require_v of_o he_o have_v be_v only_o to_o express_v his_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o be_v and_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o the_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o the_o due_a preservation_n of_o himself_o the_o do_v nothing_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n nothing_o injurious_a to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o himself_o but_o since_o he_o be_v design_v for_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n and_o his_o present_a state_n be_v but_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o future_a happiness_n and_o misery_n the_o reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v mere_o from_o his_o present_n but_o from_o the_o respect_n which_o thing_n have_v to_o that_o eternal_a state_n he_o be_v design_v for_o from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v root_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o being_n and_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequent_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o each_o other_o and_o our_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o these_o measure_n the_o estimation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v while_o they_o do_v preserve_v any_o veneration_n for_o god_n or_o themselves_o wisdom_n and_o folly_n be_v not_o measure_v so_o much_o by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o curiosity_n of_o man_n speculation_n by_o the_o fineness_n of_o their_o thought_n or_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o design_n as_o by_o their_o endeavour_n to_o uphold_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n by_o their_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n by_o their_o sobriety_n and_o due_a government_n of_o their_o action_n by_o the_o equality_n and_o justice_n the_o charity_n and_o kindness_n of_o their_o deal_n to_o one_o another_o wisdom_n be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o goodness_n and_o folly_n for_o sin_n than_o it_o be_v a_o man_n glory_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o be_v profane_a and_o vicious_a be_v to_o be_v base_a and_o mean_a then_o there_o be_v no_o god_n worship_v because_o they_o be_v bad_a nor_o any_o man_n disgrace_v because_o they_o be_v good_a then_o there_o be_v no_o temple_n erect_v to_o the_o mean_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n nor_o man_n become_v idolater_n to_o their_o own_o infirmity_n then_o to_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n be_v account_v weakness_n to_o contrive_v it_o dishonour_n and_o baseness_n to_o justify_v and_o defend_v it_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o it_o a_o mark_n of_o the_o high_a folly_n and_o incorrigibleness_n so_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v fool_n and_o those_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o degree_n of_o folly_n who_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o that_o we_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o former_a age_n to_o appeal_v to_o and_o of_o those_o person_n in_o they_o who_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n be_v yet_o unquestionable_a for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v be_v bear_v down_o by_o that_o spiteful_a enemy_n to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n the_o impudence_n of_o such_o who_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o they_o show_v it_o more_o in_o commit_v sin_n or_o in_o defend_v it_o man_n who_o manner_n be_v so_o bad_a that_o scarce_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v imagine_v worse_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o wit_n they_o use_v to_o excuse_v they_o with_o such_o who_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o man_n perfection_n downward_o and_o the_o near_o they_o approach_v to_o beast_n the_o more_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o act_v like_o man_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o among_o such_o as_o these_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v laugh_v at_o and_o no_o sin_n be_v think_v so_o unpardonable_a as_o the_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o at_o all_o nay_o the_o utmost_a they_o will_v allow_v in_o the_o description_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o some_o live_v by_o declaim_v against_o and_o other_o can_v live_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o but_o be_v the_o chair_n of_o scorner_n at_o last_o prove_v the_o only_a chair_n of_o infallibility_n must_v those_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o mankind_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v little_o leave_v of_o humane_a nature_n but_o laughter_n and_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n do_v they_o think_v that_o we_o be_v all_o become_v such_o fool_n to_o take_v scoff_v for_o argument_n and_o raillery_n for_o demonstration_n he_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o goodness_n that_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o laugh_v at_o it_o than_o to_o practice_v it_o and_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n if_o the_o do_v so_o will_v make_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o vary_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o man_n sin_n become_v not_o at_o all_o the_o less_o dangerous_a because_o man_n have_v so_o little_a wit_n to_o think_v it_o so_o nor_o religion_n the_o less_o excellent_a and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o world_n because_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o that_o be_v so_o much_o to_o themselves_o too_o that_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o despise_v it_o but_o although_o that_o scorn_n to_o be_v defend_v by_o such_o weapon_n whereby_o her_o enemy_n assault_v she_o nothing_o more_o unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o make_v itself_o cheap_a by_o make_v other_o laugh_v yet_o if_o they_o can_v but_o obtain_v so_o much_o of_o themselves_o to_o attend_v with_o patience_n to_o what_o be_v serious_a there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o possibility_n of_o persuade_v they_o that_o no_o fool_n be_v so_o great_a as_o those_o who_o laugh_v themselves_o into_o misery_n and_o none_o so_o certain_o do_v so_o as_o those_o who_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n but_o if_o our_o authority_n be_v too_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a to_o be_v rely_v on_o in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o they_o think_v we_o so_o much_o concern_v and_o so_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n we_o dare_v with_o confidence_n appeal_v to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a debate_n let_v they_o name_n but_o any_o one_o person_n in_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o former_a age_n to_o who_o but_o the_o bare_a suspicion_n of_o vice_n be_v not_o a_o diminution_n to_o a_o esteem_n that_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o bare_a suspicion_n will_v do_v so_o much_o among_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n what_o will_v open_v and_o profess_a wickedness_n do_v among_o the_o more_o know_v and_o civil_a humane_a nature_n retain_v a_o abhorrency_n of_o sin_n so_o far_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o same_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o be_v give_v over_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n though_o otherwise_o of_o great_a sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o of_o such_o who_o natural_a ability_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o other_o but_o yet_o do_v govern_v their_o action_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o general_a sense_n oâ—…_n mankind_n can_v be_v by_o any_o thing_n better_o know_v than_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o express_v their_o value_n and_o esteem_v of_o other_o what_o they_o all_o agree_v on_o as_o the_o best_a character_n of_o a_o person_n worthy_a to_o be_v love_v and_o honour_v we_o may_v well_o think_v be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v universal_o think_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o disgrace_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o do_v ever_o any_o yet_o though_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o profane_a themselves_o serious_o commend_v another_o person_n for_o his_o rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n be_v any_o man_n lust_n or_o intemperance_n ever_o reckon_v among_o the_o title_n of_o his_o honour_n who_o ever_o yet_o raise_v trophy_n to_o his_o vice_n or_o think_v to_o perpetuate_v his_o memory_n by_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o know_v that_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n justice_n and_o charity_n be_v think_v the_o mark_n of_o reproach_n and_o infamy_n who_o ever_o suffer_v in_o their_o reputation_n by_o be_v think_v to_o be_v real_o good_a nay_o
at_o which_o more_o enemy_n may_v come_v in_o still_o so_o that_o when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o their_o power_n we_o be_v content_v for_o our_o own_o ease_n to_o call_v they_o friend_n which_o be_v the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o too_o easy_a yield_n at_o first_o till_o at_o last_o the_o great_a slavery_n to_o sin_n be_v account_v but_o good_a humour_n and_o a_o gentile_a compliance_n with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o man_n be_v peâ—_n swade_v either_o through_o fear_n or_o too_o greâ—…_n easiness_n to_o disuse_n that_o strict_a eye_n which_o theâ—_n have_v before_o to_o their_o action_n it_o ofttime_n fall_v out_o with_o they_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o soul_n dier_z in_o the_o roman_a history_n who_o blind_a hiâ—_n appiano_n eye_n so_o long_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o civil_a wanâ—…_n that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v use_v it_o agaiâ—…_n he_o can_v not_o and_o when_o custom_n have_v bâ—_n degree_n take_v away_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n froâ—_n their_o conscience_n they_o grow_v as_o hard_o as_o hâ—…_n rodotus_fw-la 77._o tell_v we_o the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a egyptâ—_n ans_fw-fr be_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o nothing_o will_v ever_o enter_v they_o if_o man_n wilâ—…_n with_o nabuchadnezzar_n herd_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n no_o wonder_n if_o their_o reason_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v as_o savage_a as_o the_o company_n they_o keep_v so_o powerful_a a_o thing_n be_v custom_n to_o debauch_v mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o do_v the_o great_a vice_n by_o degree_n obtain_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o be_v retainer_n to_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o phrase_n through_o the_o power_n of_o self-flattery_n and_o man_n ignorance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a action_n make_v to_o be_v of_o so_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o sense_n that_o the_o most_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o do_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o it_o do_v find_v rather_o than_o make_v friend_n enough_o to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o they_o but_o such_o a_o protection_n it_o be_v which_o be_v neither_o allow_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n nor_o will_v ever_o secure_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n from_o the_o arrest_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n will_v make_v no_o defalcation_n at_o all_o for_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n or_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o command_n or_o rather_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o when_o neither_o of_o the_o former_a plea_n will_v effect_v their_o design_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o pretend_a necessity_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o the_o more_o than_o pretend_v common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n their_o conscience_n still_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o for_o their_o sin_n then_o in_o a_o a_o mighty_a rage_n and_o fury_n they_o charge_v god_n himself_o with_o tyranny_n in_o lay_v impossible_a law_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o if_o we_o either_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o command_n or_o the_o promise_n which_o accompany_v it_o or_o the_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o this_o pretence_n be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o god_n require_v of_o man_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v judge_v impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o 12._o world_n for_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v so_o but_o who_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o intemperance_n not_o to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v his_o neighbour_n or_o to_o pay_v that_o reverence_n and_o sincere_a devotion_n to_o god_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o be_v it_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o yet_o that_o have_v be_v judge_v by_o stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o most_o exact_a measure_n of_o humane_a conversation_n be_v it_o to_o maintain_v a_o universal_a kindness_n and_o good_a will_n to_o man_n that_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o so_o strict_o require_v it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a farewell_n all_o good_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o suppose_v few_o will_v own_v this_o charge_n lest_o they_o be_v suspect_v be_v it_o to_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n moderate_a in_o our_o desire_n circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n content_v in_o all_o condition_n yet_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o those_o have_v pretend_v to_o who_o never_o own_a christianity_n and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o never_o think_v they_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a compassionate_a to_o those_o in_o misery_n be_v it_o to_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n as_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v forgive_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o we_o but_o will_v say_v they_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n already_o and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o impossible_a the_o like_a answer_n i_o may_v give_v to_o all_o the_o other_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o as_o to_o these_o too_o if_o we_o charge_v man_n with_o they_o they_o either_o deny_v their_o commit_v they_o and_o then_o say_v they_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n or_o if_o they_o confess_v it_o they_o promise_v amendment_n for_o the_o future_a but_o in_o neither_o respect_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o think_v the_o command_n impossible_a thus_o we_o see_v their_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v they_o when_o they_o charge_v god_n with_o lay_v impossible_a law_n on_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o inquire_v further_o then_o into_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o it_o may_v be_v never_o concern_v themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o nay_o if_o we_o yield_v they_o more_o than_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o inquire_v after_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o viz._n that_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n they_o can_v never_o do_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o unlimited_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o know_v the_o weakness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n when_o he_o give_v these_o command_n to_o man_n he_o make_v a_o large_a and_o free_a offer_n of_o assistance_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n as_o to_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o and_o can_v man_n then_o say_v the_o command_n be_v impossible_a when_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o assistance_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o difficult_a to_o we_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v he_o have_v sweeten_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o will_v not_o the_o proposal_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o reward_n make_v we_o swallow_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a hardship_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v it_o have_v he_o not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o most_o oblige_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o require_v by_o the_o infinite_a discovery_n of_o his_o own_o love_n the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o then_o be_v want_v but_o only_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o serious_a obedience_n of_o they_o to_o make_v his_o command_n not_o only_o not_o impossible_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o but_o our_o grand_a fault_n be_v we_o make_v impossibility_n ourselves_o where_o we_o find_v none_o and_o then_o we_o complain_v of_o they_o we_o be_v first_o resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v the_o command_n and_o then_o nothing_o more_o easy_a than_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o we_o first_o pass_v sentence_n and_o then_o examine_v evidence_n first_o condemn_v and_o then_o inquire_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n yet_o sure_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v account_v impossible_a which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a christian_n
and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v all_o guilty_a of_o hypocrisy_n who_o have_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o to_o this_o day_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o they_o have_v not_o only_o do_v they_o but_o profess_v to_o have_v that_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o exchange_v for_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o not_o only_o be_v patient_a but_o rejoice_v in_o suffering_n who_o account_v it_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o endure_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n who_o be_v so_o assure_v of_o a_o future_a happiness_n by_o it_o that_o they_o value_v martyrdom_n above_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n but_o god_n be_v thank_v we_o may_v hope_v to_o come_v to_o heaven_n on_o easy_a term_n than_o these_o or_o else_o many_o other_o may_v never_o come_v thither_o beside_o those_o who_o think_v to_o make_v this_o a_o pretence_n for_o their_o sin_n that_o now_o when_o with_o encouragement_n and_o honour_n we_o may_v practice_v our_o religion_n the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a by_o they_o thus_o we_o have_v make_v good_a the_o general_a charge_n here_o employ_v against_o wicked_a man_n in_o that_o they_o be_v call_v fool_n by_o examine_v the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o bring_v for_o themselves_o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a impeachment_n of_o their_o folly_n because_o they_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v especial_o by_o two_o thing_n 1._o because_o this_o argue_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n 2._o because_o it_o betray_v the_o great_a weakness_n of_o judgement_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n 1._o because_o it_o argue_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n if_o to_o sin_n be_v tolly_a to_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o it_o be_v little_a short_a of_o madness_n it_o be_v such_o a_o height_n of_o impiety_n that_o few_o but_o those_o who_o be_v of_o very_o profligate_v conscienence_n can_v attain_v to_o without_o a_o long_a custom_n in_o sin_v for_o conscience_n be_v at_o first_o modest_a and_o start_v and_o boggle_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o great_a wickedness_n till_o it_o be_v use_v to_o it_o and_o grow_v familiar_a with_o it_o it_o be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o get_v the_o mastery_n of_o his_o conscience_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n must_v be_v use_v to_o one_o self_n before_o he_o do_v it_o the_o natural_a impression_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v such_o curb_n and_o check_n in_o a_o sinner_n way_n that_o he_o must_v first_o sin_v himself_o beyond_o all_o feel_n of_o these_o before_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scorner_n and_o we_o may_v just_o wonder_v how_o any_o shall_v ever_o come_v thither_o when_o they_o must_v break_v through_o all_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o modest_a all_o that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a all_o that_o be_v tender_a and_o apprehensive_a in_o humane_a nature_n before_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o it_o they_o must_v first_o deny_v a_o god_n and_o despise_v a_o immortal_a soul_n they_o must_v conquer_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o cancel_v the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o must_v hate_v all_o that_o be_v serious_a and_o yet_o sober_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v before_o man_n can_v come_v to_o make_v a_o scoff_n at_o religion_n and_o a_o mock_n at_o sin_n and_o who_o now_o can_v ever_o imagine_v that_o in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n among_o a_o people_n who_o genius_n incline_v they_o to_o civility_n and_o religion_n yea_o among_o those_o who_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o behaviour_n and_o education_n and_o who_o be_v to_o give_v the_o law_n of_o civility_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n there_o shall_v any_o be_v find_v who_o shall_v deride_v religion_n make_v sport_n with_o their_o own_o profaneness_n and_o make_v so_o light_a of_o nothing_o as_o be_v damn_v i_o come_v not_o here_o to_o accuse_v any_o and_o least_o of_o all_o those_o who_o show_v so_o much_o regard_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o place_n devote_v to_o sacred_a purpose_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o here_o who_o conscience_n accuse_v themselves_o for_o any_o degree_n of_o so_o great_a impiety_n i_o beseech_v they_o by_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o precious_a to_o they_o by_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a and_o serious_a by_o the_o vow_n of_o their_o baptism_n and_o their_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n by_o all_o the_o kindness_n of_o heaven_n which_o they_o either_o enjoy_v or_o hope_v for_o by_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o they_o will_v now_o consider_v how_o great_a folly_n and_o wickedness_n they_o betray_v in_o it_o and_o what_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o timely_o repent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o among_o any_o here_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o no_o they_o be_v sure_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v serious_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v certain_o no_o jest_v matter_n to_o affront_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o power_n and_o he_o judge_v every_o wilful_a sinner_n to_o do_v so_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o in_o his_o wit_n think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v regard_v whether_o he_o be_v eternal_o happy_a or_o miserable_a methinks_v then_o among_o person_n of_o civility_n and_o honour_n above_o all_o other_o religion_n may_v at_o least_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o respect_n and_o reverence_v due_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v the_o sport_n of_o entertainment_n nor_o the_o common_a subject_n of_o play_n and_o comedy_n for_o be_v there_o nothing_o to_o trifle_v with_o but_o god_n and_o his_o service_n be_v wit_n grow_v so_o schismatical_a and_o sacrilegious_a that_o it_o can_v please_v itself_o with_o nothing_o but_o holy_a ground_n be_v profaneness_n and_o wit_n grow_v such_o inseparable_a companion_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o pretend_v to_o the_o one_o but_o such_o as_o dare_v be_v high_o guilty_a of_o the_o other_o far_o be_v it_o from_o those_o who_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n either_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n themselves_o or_o to_o be_v please_v with_o they_o that_o do_v they_o especial_o in_o such_o time_n as_o we_o of_o late_o have_v be_v when_o god_n have_v use_v so_o many_o way_n to_o make_v we_o serious_a if_o any_o thing_n will_v ever_o do_v it_o if_o man_n have_v only_o slight_v god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n when_o they_o have_v grow_v wanton_a through_o the_o abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o see_v no_o severity_n of_o god_n justice_n use_v upon_o such_o who_o do_v it_o yet_o the_o fault_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o may_v have_v do_v enough_o to_o have_v interrupt_v their_o peace_n and_o destroy_v that_o plenty_n which_o make_v they_o out_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o wantonness_n to_o kick_v against_o heaven_n but_o to_o do_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o god_n judgement_n to_o laugh_v in_o his_o face_n when_o his_o rod_n be_v upon_o our_o back_n when_o neither_o pestilence_n nor_o fire_n can_v make_v we_o more_o afraid_a of_o he_o exceed_o aggravate_v the_o impiety_n and_o make_v it_o more_o unpardonable_a when_o like_o the_o old_a german_n we_o dance_v among_o naked_a german_n sword_n when_o man_n shall_v defy_v and_o reproach_v heaven_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o city_n ruin_n and_o over_o the_o grave_n of_o those_o who_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v heap_v together_o what_o can_v be_v think_v of_o such_o but_o that_o nothing_o will_v make_v they_o serious_a but_o eternal_a misery_n and_o be_v they_o so_o sure_o there_o be_v nâ—…_n such_o thing_n to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o neveâ—_n think_v of_o it_o but_o when_o by_o their_o execrablâ—_n oath_n they_o call_v upon_o god_n to_o damn_v they_o foâ—_n fear_v he_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o thus_o while_o man_n abuse_v his_o patience_n and_o provoke_v his_o justice_n while_o they_o trample_v upon_o his_o kindness_n and_o slight_a his_o severity_n while_o they_o despise_v his_o law_n and_o mock_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o what_o can_v be_v add_v more_o to_o their_o impiety_n or_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v by_o such_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v quick_o discover_v their_o mighty_a
or_o wish_v for_o the_o most_o impossiblâ—_n thing_n than_o believe_v they_o shall_v ever_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o impiety_n if_o the_o apostate_n spirit_n can_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o present_a restraint_n and_o expectation_n of_o future_a punishment_n be_v as_o pleasant_a in_o behold_v the_o folliâ—…_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v malicious_a to_o suggest_v they_o it_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a diversion_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o see_v how_o active_a and_o witty_a man_n be_v in_o contrive_v their_o own_o ruin_n to_o see_v with_o what_o greediness_n they_o catch_v at_o every_o bait_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v swallow_v the_o most_o deadly_a poison_n what_o art_n they_o use_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o healthful_a potion_n no_o doubt_n nothing_o can_v more_o gratify_v they_o than_o to_o see_v man_n sport_v themselves_o into_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o go_v down_o so_o pleasant_o to_o hell_n when_o eternal_a flame_n become_v their_o first_o awakener_n and_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v wise_a when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o be_v so_o when_o nothing_o but_o insupportable_a torment_n can_v convince_v they_o that_o god_n be_v in_o earnest_n with_o they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o always_o bear_v the_o affront_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o that_o those_o who_o deride_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o life_n shall_v have_v leisure_n enough_o to_o repent_v their_o folly_n when_o their_o repentance_n shall_v only_o increase_v their_o sorrow_n without_o hope_n of_o pardon_n by_o it_o 3._o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o present_a felicity_n or_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o be_v gain_v by_o this_o mock_n at_o sin_n and_o undervalue_a religion_n there_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o pretence_n though_o nothing_o of_o true_a reason_n for_o it_o yet_o that_o which_o heighten_v this_o folly_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o imaginable_a consideration_n think_v on_o which_o may_v look_v like_o a_o plausible_a temptation_n to_o it_o the_o covetous_a man_n when_o he_o have_v defraud_v his_o neighbour_n and_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o art_n to_o compass_v a_o estate_n have_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o bag_n to_o answer_v for_o he_o and_o whatever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o another_o world_n he_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v do_v much_o in_o this_o the_o voluptuous_a man_n have_v the_o strong_a propensity_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o force_n of_o temptation_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o charm_n of_o beauty_n to_o excuse_v his_o unlawful_a pleasure_n by_o the_o ambitious_a man_n have_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o advantage_n of_o authority_n the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v great_a before_o he_o and_o the_o envy_n of_o those_o who_o condemn_v he_o to_o plead_v for_o the_o height_n he_o aim_v at_o but_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o person_n who_o despise_v religion_n and_o laugh_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v serious_a propose_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o do_v but_o alas_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v much_o more_o serious_a than_o he_o be_v if_o he_o do_v propound_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o action_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a kindness_n to_o other_o though_o none_o to_o himself_o i_o can_v imagine_v any_o unless_o it_o may_v be_v to_o make_v they_o thankful_a they_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o folly_n or_o out_o of_o perfect_a good_a nature_n lest_o they_o shall_v take_v he_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v the_o psalmist_n fool_n despise_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v religion_n for_o he_o only_o say_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o this_o though_o he_o dare_v not_o think_v there_o be_v none_o yet_o show_v he_o not_o near_o so_o much_o outward_a respect_n and_o reverence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v even_o the_o atheist_n himself_o think_v he_o a_o fool_n and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o affront_v he_o and_o trifle_n with_o he_o and_o although_o the_o atheist_n folly_n be_v unaccountable_a in_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n yet_o so_o far_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o it_o so_o that_o of_o all_o hand_n the_o scoffer_n at_o religion_n be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o forsake_v of_o that_o little_a reason_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o uphold_v a_o slender_a reputation_n of_o be_v above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o therein_o his_o condition_n be_v worse_a than_o they_o that_o as_o they_o understand_v not_o religion_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v punish_v for_o despise_v it_o which_o such_o a_o person_n can_v never_o secure_v himself_o from_o consider_v the_o power_n the_o justice_n the_o severity_n of_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v god_n grant_v that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o this_o danger_n may_v make_v we_o so_o serious_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o by_o slight_v that_o and_o mock_v at_o sin_n provoke_v he_o to_o laugh_v at_o our_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o our_o fear_n come_v but_o that_o by_o behold_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o the_o heartiness_n of_o our_o devotion_n to_o he_o he_o may_v turn_v his_o anger_n away_o from_o we_o and_o rejoice_v over_o we_o to_o do_v we_o good_a finis_fw-la luke_n 7._o 35._o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n appearance_n and_o preach_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v none_o which_o to_o our_o first_o view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a than_o that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v then_o think_v of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o he_o for_o since_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v go_v before_o concern_v he_o and_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a prophet_n foretell_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n none_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n have_v be_v judge_v more_o likely_a to_o have_v receive_v and_o honour_v he_o than_o those_o to_o who_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o thing_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v and_o who_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o any_o else_o can_v be_v thus_o indeed_o it_o may_v have_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o doubtless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o if_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n have_v not_o have_v a_o far_o more_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o they_o than_o they_o have_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n if_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n if_o reason_n and_o religion_n nay_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n can_v have_v prevail_v over_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o among_o they_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n may_v have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v be_v all_o proselyte_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o see_v with_o what_o a_o jealous_a eye_n power_n and_o interest_n look_v on_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o offer_v at_o any_o disturbance_n of_o it_o how_o much_o great_a sway_n partiality_n and_o prejudice_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o true_a reason_n and_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v convince_v we_o find_v none_o more_o furious_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n none_o more_o obstinate_a in_o their_o infidelity_n as_o to_o his_o doctrine_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o great_a reputation_n among_o they_o for_o their_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n as_o often_o as_o he_o meet_v with_o either_o check_n for_o their_o ignorance_n or_o rebuke_n for_o their_o pride_n or_o denounce_v woe_n against_o for_o their_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n these_o be_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o believe_v in_o christ_n persecute_v he_o instead_o of_o follow_v he_o seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o compass_v it_o they_o reproach_n and_o defame_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v real_o as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o although_o the_o people_n may_v not_o present_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v concern_v he_o yet_o that_o they_o may_v at_o least_o be_v keep_v in_o suspense_n by_o it_o they_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v the_o black_a
preserve_v its_o primitive_a honour_n in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o far_o be_v man_n then_o from_o make_v their_o zeal_n for_o religion_n a_o pretence_n to_o rebellion_n that_o though_o christianity_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o religion_n then_o in_o vogue_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o know_v of_o no_o other_o way_n of_o promote_a it_o but_o by_o patience_n humility_n meekness_n prayer_n for_o their_o persecutor_n and_o tear_n when_o they_o see_v they_o obstinate_a so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o foment_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v the_o prince_n and_o governor_n they_o live_v under_o that_o though_o they_o be_v general_o know_v to_o be_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o prince_n yet_o they_o charge_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o strict_a manner_n as_o they_o love_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o as_o they_o value_v their_o soul_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o they_o so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o give_v the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o prince_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o power_n give_v to_o a_o head_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o any_o to_o think_v they_o mean_v it_o unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n such_o mighty_a politician_n that_o it_o be_v because_o they_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a bid_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n though_o a_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n whatever_o he_o be_v as_o the_o father_n interpret_v it_o yea_o so_o constant_a and_o uniform_a be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o obedience_n in_o all_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o no_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o any_o usurpation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o prince_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o title_n from_o christ_n or_o any_o disobedience_n to_o their_o authority_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o promote_a christianity_n through_o all_o those_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n the_o most_o flourish_v or_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o most_o persecute_a and_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o we_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v be_v christian_n on_o the_o same_o term_n which_o they_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o scandal_n raise_v by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o peaceable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o though_o that_o be_v unquiet_a and_o troublesome_a because_o so_o many_o have_v be_v so_o who_o have_v make_v show_n of_o it_o but_o let_v their_o pretence_n be_v never_o so_o great_a to_o infallibility_n on_o one_o side_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o other_o so_o far_o as_o man_n encourage_v faction_n and_o disobedience_n so_o far_o they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o be_v none_o of_o he_o for_o he_o show_v his_o great_a wisdom_n in_o contrive_v such_o a_o method_n of_o save_v man_n soul_n in_o another_o world_n as_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o this_o and_o though_o this_o wisdom_n may_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o by_o man_n of_o restless_a and_o unpeaceable_a mind_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v still_o justify_v by_o all_o who_o have_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o who_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a as_o that_o wisdom_n be_v and_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v the_o child_n of_o it_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n appearance_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o mean_n be_v very_o suitable_a and_o effectual_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o that_o design_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n 1._o that_o the_o design_n itself_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n what_o can_v we_o imagine_v more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o to_o contrive_v a_o way_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a mankind_n who_o more_o fit_a to_o employ_v upon_o such_o a_o message_n as_o this_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o his_o come_n give_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o god_n be_v serious_a in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o design_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v give_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o himself_o and_o withal_o of_o the_o purpose_n he_o come_v about_o than_o he_o do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o power_n of_o miracle_n show_v who_o he_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversation_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o suffering_n show_v what_o his_o design_n be_v in_o appear_v among_o man_n for_o they_o be_v all_o manage_v with_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o the_o convince_a mankind_n that_o god_n be_v upon_o term_n of_o mercy_n with_o they_o and_o have_v therefore_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o those_o who_o repent_v but_o eternal_a life_n for_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o what_o be_v there_o now_o we_o can_v imagine_v so_o great_a and_o desirable_a as_o this_o for_o god_n to_o manifest_a hiâ—_n wisdom_n in_o it_o be_v true_a we_o see_v a_o great_a discovery_n of_o it_o in_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o may_v do_v in_o the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n if_o partiality_n and_o interest_n do_v not_o blind_v our_o eye_n but_o both_o these_o though_o great_a in_o themselves_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o contrivance_n of_o bring_v to_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n man_n who_o have_v fall_v from_o his_o maker_n and_o be_v perish_v in_o his_o own_o folly_n yet_o this_o be_v that_o which_o man_n in_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n either_o think_v not_o worth_a consider_v or_o consider_v as_o little_a as_o if_o they_o think_v so_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n think_v themselves_o very_o wise_a too_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o tradition_n which_o they_o glory_v in_o and_o despise_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o alter_v they_o the_o greek_n have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o philosophy_n which_o they_o so_o passionate_o admire_v that_o whatever_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o that_o though_o infinite_o more_o certain_a and_o useful_a be_v on_o that_o account_n reject_v by_o they_o the_o roman_n after_o the_o conquest_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v all_o such_o politician_n and_o statesman_n that_o few_o of_o they_o can_v have_v leisure_n to_o think_v of_o another_o world_n who_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o and_o some_o of_o all_o these_o sort_n do_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o world_n which_o maâ—â—_n so_o many_o so_o little_o think_v of_o or_o admire_v tâ—…s_n infinite_a discovery_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o who_o can_v mix_v all_o these_o together_o join_v a_o jewisâ—_n obstinacy_n with_o the_o pride_n and_o self-opinion_n of_o the_o greek_n to_o a_o roman_a unconcernedness_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o another_o life_n and_o yet_o upon_o a_o true_a and_o just_a enquiry_n never_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v find_v which_o can_v more_o full_o satisfy_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o greek_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o roman_n than_o that_o which_o be_v make_v know_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v find_v his_o messiah_n come_v and_o the_o promise_v fulfil_v which_o relate_v to_o he_o here_o the_o greek_a may_v find_v his_o long_a and_o vain_o look_v for_o certainty_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o it_o here_o the_o roman_a may_v see_v a_o religion_n serviceable_a to_o another_o world_n and_o this_o together_o here_o be_v precept_n more_o holy_a promise_v more_o certain_a reward_v more_o desirable_a than_o ever_o the_o wit_n or_o invention_n of_o man_n can_v have_v attain_v to_o here_o be_v institution_n far_o more_o pious_a useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o mankind_n than_o the_o most_o admire_a law_n of_o the_o famous_a legislator_n of_o greece_n or_o rome_n here_o be_v no_o popular_a design_n carry_v on_o no_o vice_n indulge_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n which_o solon_n lyourgus_fw-la and_o plato_n be_v charge_v with_o here_o be_v no_o make_v religion_n a_o mere_a trick_n of_o state_n and_o a_o thing_n only_o
useful_a for_o govern_v the_o people_n which_o numa_n and_o the_o great_a man_n at_o rome_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o here_o be_v no_o wrap_v up_o religion_n in_o strange_a figure_n and_o mysterious_a nonsense_n which_o the_o egyptians_n be_v so_o much_o give_v to_o here_o be_v no_o inhumanity_n and_o cruelty_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n offer_v no_o looseness_n and_o profaneness_n allow_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a mystery_n no_o worship_v of_o such_o for_o god_n who_o have_v not_o be_v fit_a to_o live_v if_o they_o have_v be_v man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n so_o common_o practise_v in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o become_v that_o god_n who_o we_o profess_v to_o serve_v pure_a and_o holy_a grave_a and_o serious_a solemn_a and_o devout_a without_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n vanity_n or_o ostentation_n the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o high_o tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o practise_v they_o both_o in_o this_o and_o a_o better_a life_n the_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o powerful_a and_o of_o as_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n can_v be_v to_o man_n and_o wherein_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o religion_n defective_a when_o the_o end_n be_v so_o desirable_a the_o mean_n so_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o 2._o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o degenerate_a estate_n of_o man_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o those_o be_v repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a now_o both_o these_o the_o gospel_n give_v man_n the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o effect_v the_o design_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o for_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n can_v there_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v than_o for_o god_n to_o let_v man_n know_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n but_o without_o that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v their_o folly_n and_o therefore_o to_o repent_v be_v to_o grow_v wise_a that_o he_o require_v no_o more_o from_o man_n but_o what_o every_o considerative_a man_n know_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v do_v whenever_o he_o reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a ingratitude_n or_o disingenuity_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o to_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o god_n when_o he_o have_v shed_v his_o blood_n to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n to_o each_o other_o that_o every_o step_n of_o his_o humiliation_n every_o part_n of_o the_o tragedy_n of_o his_o life_n every_o wound_n at_o his_o death_n every_o groan_n and_o sigh_v which_o he_o utter_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v design_v by_o he_o as_o the_o most_o prevail_a rhetoric_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v happy_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o unaccountable_a folly_n than_o by_o impenitency_n to_o lose_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o certain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o every_o wise_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v of_o that_o to_o continue_v in_o sin_n with_o the_o hope_n to_o repent_v be_v to_o stab_v a_o man_n self_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o cure_n that_o the_o soon_o man_n do_v it_o the_o soon_o they_o will_v find_v their_o mind_n at_o ease_n and_o that_o the_o pleasure_n they_o enjoy_v in_o forsake_v their_o sin_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a and_o manly_a than_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o commit_v they_o but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o argument_n will_v prevail_v with_o they_o perish_v they_o must_v and_o that_o avoidable_a insupportable_o and_o irrecoverable_o and_o if_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v 2._o for_o holiness_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v for_o we_o mere_o that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o what_o be_v past_a by_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o 12._o what_o he_o do_v expect_v he_o have_v give_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o perform_v by_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o precept_n the_o excellency_n of_o his_o own_o example_n the_o promise_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o proposition_n of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n whereby_o he_o take_v off_o all_o the_o objection_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n because_o his_o law_n be_v so_o clear_a the_o pretence_n of_o impossibility_n by_o his_o own_o example_n the_o pretence_n of_o infirmity_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o unnecessariness_n of_o so_o great_a care_n of_o our_o action_n by_o make_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o then_o reflect_v upon_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v how_o admirable_o it_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o good_a be_v design_v by_o it_o and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o great_a contriver_n and_o manager_n of_o it_o and_o let_v not_o we_o by_o our_o impenitency_n and_o the_o unholiness_n of_o our_o life_n dishonour_n god_n and_o our_o saviour_n reproach_n our_o religion_n and_o condemn_v that_o by_o our_o life_n which_o we_o justify_v by_o our_o word_n for_o when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o we_o can_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a vindication_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o but_o oh_o then_o how_o unhappy_a be_v we_o that_o live_v in_o such_o a_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v that_o man_n be_v christian_n unless_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v their_o word_n against_o the_o tenor_n and_o course_n of_o their_o action_n what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o purity_n the_o innocency_n the_o candour_n the_o peaceableness_n the_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n what_o be_v become_v of_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o man_n to_o make_v our_o religion_n a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o jew_n mahometan_n and_o heathen_n can_v they_o do_v it_o by_o more_o effectual_a mean_n than_o they_o have_v do_v who_o be_v there_o that_o look_n into_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n can_v ever_o think_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o incomparable_o beyond_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o now_o christian_a rome_n so_o much_o beyond_o what_o it_o be_v while_o it_o be_v heathen_a nay_o be_v it_o not_o then_o remarkable_a in_o its_o first_o time_n for_o justice_n sincerity_n contempt_n of_o riches_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o generous_a honesty_n and_o who_o do_v not_o though_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n leave_v lament_v the_o want_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n there_o now_o will_v not_o the_o sobriety_n of_o the_o very_a turk_n upbraid_v our_o excess_n and_o debauchery_n and_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o defence_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o religion_n condemn_v our_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o we_o if_o we_o have_v then_o any_o tenderness_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o any_o kindness_n for_o our_o own_o soul_n let_v we_o not_o only_o have_v the_o name_n but_o let_v we_o lead_v the_o live_v of_o christian_n let_v we_o make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o reproach_n which_o our_o religion_n have_v suffer_v by_o the_o faction_n and_o disobedience_n of_o some_o by_o the_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n the_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n of_o other_o by_o the_o too_o great_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n of_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a christianity_n may_v appear_v in_o its_o true_a glory_n which_o will_v then_o only_o be_v when_o those_o who_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o live_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n finis_fw-la rom._n 1._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o
ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a these_o word_n be_v utter_v by_o one_o who_o be_v himself_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o viz._n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v else_o shall_v make_v he_o now_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o not_o long_o before_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o persecute_v all_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o one_o who_o spirit_n be_v ferment_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o enrage_v with_o fury_n against_o all_o who_o own_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o sudden_a turn_v quite_o into_o another_o temper_n to_o the_o confusion_n of_o those_o who_o employ_v he_o and_o the_o amazement_n of_o they_o who_o he_o design_v to_o persecute_v nay_o so_o great_a be_v the_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o that_o from_o a_o bigot_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n he_o become_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o from_o breathe_a flame_n against_o the_o christian_n none_o more_o ready_a than_o he_o to_o undergo_v they_o for_o christ._n if_o he_o have_v only_o give_v over_o his_o persecution_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o he_o have_v mere_o run_v himself_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o former_a fury_n as_o great_a person_n than_o he_o do_v afterward_o but_o to_o retain_v the_o same_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o preach_v christ_n which_o he_o have_v before_o in_o oppose_v he_o to_o have_v as_o great_a zeal_n for_o make_v christian_n as_o he_o have_v for_o destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o some_o great_a and_o unusual_a cause_n while_o the_o jew_n think_v he_o have_v too_o much_o learning_n and_o interest_n to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o the_o christian_n find_v he_o have_v too_o much_o rage_n and_o fury_n to_o be_v their_o friend_n even_o then_o when_o they_o least_o expect_v it_o instead_o of_o continue_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o punish_v the_o christian_n he_o declare_v himself_o a_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o that_o no_o ordinary_a one_o neither_o for_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a word_n saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o that_o they_o not_o only_o present_o allay_v his_o former_a heat_n but_o quicken_v and_o animate_v he_o to_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o who_o he_o have_v persecute_v before_o and_o the_o fast_o he_o have_v run_v when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o way_n the_o great_a diligence_n he_o use_v when_o he_o find_v it_o there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n who_o outstrip_v he_o in_o his_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o advance_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o promote_v it_o a_o uncessant_a care_n for_o preserve_v it_o a_o universal_a concern_v for_o all_o who_o own_v it_o and_o a_o undaunted_a spirit_n in_o bear_v the_o affront_n and_o injury_n he_o undergo_v for_o it_o be_v any_o persuasive_a argument_n of_o the_o love_n a_o man_n bear_v to_o his_o religion_n there_o be_v never_o any_o person_n who_o make_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n than_o s._n paul_n do_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o his_o sincerity_n in_o embrace_v it_o for_o his_o endeavour_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o spirit_n his_o care_n as_o large_a as_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n his_o courage_n as_o great_a as_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n for_o he_o be_v neither_o afraid_a of_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n or_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n but_o he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o a_o sphere_n as_o large_a as_o his_o mind_n be_v and_o with_o a_o zeal_n only_o parallel_v with_o his_o former_a fury_n he_o encounter_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o synagogue_n he_o dispute_v with_o the_o greek_n in_o their_o most_o famous_a city_n at_o athens_n corinth_n ephesus_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o everywhere_o raise_v some_o trophy_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o at_o rome_n also_o and_o for_o this_o he_o want_v not_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n for_o he_o even_o long_v to_o be_v there_o vers_n 11._o nay_o he_o have_v often_o purpose_v to_o go_v thither_o but_o wait_v for_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n v_o 13._o but_o while_o god_n be_v please_v otherwise_o to_o dispose_v of_o he_o he_o can_v not_o conceal_v the_o joy_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v grow_v as_o famous_a as_o the_o city_n wherein_o they_o dwell_v v_o 8._o first_o i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o you_o all_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o he_o further_o manifest_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o that_o without_o cease_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o always_o in_o his_o prayer_n v_o 9_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o blessing_n he_o pray_v for_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o forget_v his_o come_n to_o they_o v_o 10._o not_o out_o of_o a_o ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a humour_n that_o he_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o that_o great_a and_o imperial_a city_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v instrumental_a in_o do_v they_o service_n as_o he_o have_v do_v other_o v_o 11_o 13._o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o tell_v they_o what_o a_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o to_o spread_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o place_n and_o to_o all_o person_n v_o 14._o i_o be_o debtor_n both_o to_o the_o greek_n and_o to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a so_o that_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n nor_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o barbarian_n can_v hinder_v s._n paul_n from_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o contrivance_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o the_o excellent_a method_n of_o divine_a goodness_n in_o order_n to_o man_n eternal_a welfare_n and_o although_o rome_n now_o think_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n and_o power_n yet_o our_o apostle_n declare_v his_o readiness_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o too_o v_o 15._o for_o which_o he_o give_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o have_v considerable_a these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o apostle_n boldness_n and_o freeness_n in_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o ground_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n 1._o the_o apostle_n boldness_n and_o freeness_n in_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v neither_o the_o gallantry_n of_o the_o roman_a court_n nor_o the_o splendour_n of_o the_o city_n not_o the_o greatness_n of_o her_o power_n or_o wisdom_n of_o her_o statesman_n can_v make_v s._n paul_n entertain_v the_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o hope_v to_o preach_v among_o they_o have_v christ_n come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o state_n into_o the_o world_n subdue_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n under_o he_o have_v s._n paul_n be_v a_o general_n for_o the_o gospel_n instead_o of_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o it_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v then_o allow_v he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a either_o of_o his_o master_n or_o of_o his_o employment_n but_o to_o preach_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n among_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o rome_n and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o so_o much_o simplicity_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n among_o those_o who_o be_v the_o master_n of_o it_o and_o manage_v it_o with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o cunning_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o can_v not_o be_v like_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v unless_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a debauchery_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o employment_n so_o liable_a to_o the_o great_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n that_o none_o but_o a_o great_a and_o resolve_a spirit_n will_v ever_o undertake_v it_o for_o when_o we_o consider_v after_o
themselves_o seek_v to_o make_v the_o world_n any_o thing_n the_o better_a for_o their_o be_v in_o it_o what_o infinite_o great_a esteem_n do_v those_o bless_a apostle_n deserve_v who_o account_v not_o their_o life_n dear_a to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v even_o their_o enemy_n happy_a if_o those_o man_n memory_n be_v dear_a to_o we_o who_o sacrifice_n their_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o country_n they_o belong_v to_o shall_v not_o those_o be_v much_o more_o so_o who_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o who_o cheerful_o suffer_v death_n while_o they_o be_v teach_v man_n the_o way_n to_o a_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o patient_o endure_v the_o flame_n if_o they_o may_v but_o give_v the_o great_a light_n to_o the_o world_n by_o they_o such_o who_o do_v as_o far_o out-go_v any_o of_o the_o admire_a hero_n of_o the_o heathen_n as_o the_o purge_v the_o world_n from_o sin_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o cleanse_v a_o augaean_a stable_a from_o the_o filth_n of_o it_o and_o rescue_v man_n from_o eternal_a flame_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a design_n than_o clear_v a_o country_n from_o pirate_n and_o robber_n nay_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n who_o be_v so_o solemn_o worship_v in_o greece_n and_o at_o rome_n owe_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o such_o slender_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n that_o sure_a the_o world_n be_v very_o barbarous_a or_o huge_o grateful_a when_o they_o can_v think_v they_o no_o less_o than_o god_n who_o find_v out_o such_o thing_n for_o man_n if_o a_o smith_n forge_n and_o a_o woman_n distaff_n if_o teach_v man_n the_o noble_a art_n of_o fight_v and_o cheat_v one_o another_o be_v such_o rare_a invention_n that_o they_o only_o become_v some_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a deity_n which_o the_o grave_n and_o demure_a roman_n think_v fit_a to_o worship_n sure_a s._n paul_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o religion_n among_o they_o who_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o own_o since_o his_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o vanity_n and_o foolery_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a and_o ever_o live_a god_n who_o have_v discover_v so_o much_o goodness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o make_v his_o son_n a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o discovery_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o any_o which_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o greek_n or_o wisdom_n of_o the_o roman_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o concern_v any_o of_o their_o deity_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellent_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o make_v s._n paul_n so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v do_v all_o we_o too_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o value_v it_o as_o s._n paul_n do_v but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o they_o be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o their_o religion_n than_o they_o be_v of_o their_o sin_n if_o to_o talk_v bold_o against_o heaven_n to_o affront_n god_n in_o call_v he_o to_o witness_v their_o great_a impiety_n by_o frequent_a oath_n to_o sin_v brave_o and_o with_o the_o high_a confidence_n to_o mock_v at_o such_o who_o be_v yet_o more_o modest_a in_o their_o debauchery_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v find_v s._n paul_n enough_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n to_o be_v apostle_n but_o this_o be_v rather_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o put_v religion_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o make_v the_o gospel_n itself_o blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a that_o ever_o such_o boldfaced_a impiety_n shall_v be_v commit_v by_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o though_o they_o believe_v nothing_o so_o damnable_a as_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o no_o sin_n so_o unpardonable_a as_o modesty_n in_o commit_v it_o but_o to_o use_v s._n paul_n language_n when_o he_o have_v be_v describe_v such_o person_n hâ—mself_n heb._n 6._o 9_o we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v that_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o though_o we_o thus_o speak_v for_o certain_o nothing_o can_v argue_v a_o great_a meanness_n of_o spirit_n than_o while_o wicked_a and_o profane_a person_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o that_o which_o unavoidable_o tend_v to_o their_o ruin_n any_o shall_v be_v shy_a of_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o that_o magnanimity_n and_o generous_a spirit_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o remarkable_a for_o if_o while_o some_o be_v impudent_a in_o sin_v other_o be_v ashamed_a of_o be_v or_o do_v good_a if_o we_o have_v that_o value_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o a_o future_a life_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o much_o with_o the_o atheistical_a scoff_v and_o drollery_n of_o prosane_a person_n who_o while_o they_o deride_v and_o despise_v religion_n do_v but_o laugh_v themselves_o into_o eternal_a misery_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o s._n paul_n confidence_n viz._n the_o excellent_a end_n the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o 2._o the_o effectualness_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n wherein_o two_o thing_n be_v employ_v 1._o the_o inefficacy_n of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n for_o that_o end_n 2._o the_o effectualness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o the_o inefficacy_n of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n for_o this_o end_n of_o promote_a the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o any_o doctrine_n before_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o purpose_n the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o propagate_a it_o among_o man_n nor_o have_v there_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o have_v justify_v the_o apostle_n in_o expose_v themselves_o to_o so_o great_a hazard_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a god_n and_o providence_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n happy_a it_o have_v not_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o have_v employ_v so_o many_o person_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n to_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o christianity_n be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o case_n of_o those_o particular_a person_n who_o have_v no_o mean_n or_o opportunity_n to_o know_v god_n reveal_v will_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n do_v reform_v their_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a felicity_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v but_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o for_o some_o very_o few_o person_n either_o through_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o advantage_n of_o their_o education_n or_o some_o cause_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n may_v have_v lead_v more_o virtuous_a life_n than_o other_o do_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o what_o aim_v at_o the_o general_a good_a of_o mankind_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o enforce_v with_o argument_n which_o may_v prevail_v on_o any_o but_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a person_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o christianity_n be_v first_o make_v know_v to_o it_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v how_o insufficient_a the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v from_o work_v a_o reformation_n in_o it_o when_o notwithstanding_o they_o mankind_n be_v so_o general_o lapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o vice_n that_o hardly_o any_o can_v be_v instance_a in_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o have_v escape_v both_o of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v so_o near_o a_o affinity_n between_o both_o these_o that_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o idolatry_n can_v hardly_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o vice_n not_o only_o because_o many_o of_o their_o villainy_n be_v practise_v as_o part_v of_o their_o religion_n
and_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n certain_o of_o their_o be_v good_a who_o can_v not_o be_v religious_a without_o be_v bad_a but_o because_o the_o very_a god_n they_o worship_v be_v represent_v to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o can_v they_o take_v any_o better_a measure_n of_o virtue_n than_o from_o the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v so_o divine_a a_o excellency_n in_o they_o as_o to_o deserve_v their_o adoration_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o design_n of_o plant_v wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n which_o need_v not_o be_v for_o it_o grow_v fast_o enough_o without_o it_o it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v more_o successful_o than_o by_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n who_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o good_a man_n will_v abhor_v to_o think_v of_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n then_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o not_o only_o of_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n but_o of_o the_o most_o civilise_a and_o know_a people_n as_o the_o roman_n themselves_o as_o our_o apostle_n at_o large_a prove_v in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o he_o show_v that_o though_o they_o have_v mean_n enough_o of_o know_v the_o eternal_a god_n and_o providence_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o most_o vicious_a practice_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o recover_v they_o but_o by_o a_o full_a discovery_n both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o object_v that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v bad_a then_o as_o when_o be_v they_o otherwise_o yet_o the_o heathen_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o apostle_n among_o they_o viz._n the_o philosopher_n who_o seek_v to_o amend_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n by_o the_o moral_a instruction_n they_o give_v they_o so_o that_o if_o man_n be_v bad_a it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o good_a counsel_n but_o for_o not_o observe_v it_o which_o be_v all_o they_o say_v we_o have_v to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o great_a debauchery_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o our_o business_n be_v not_o now_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o incomparable_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n by_o christianity_n in_o the_o reform_a man_n life_n than_o ever_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a moral_n but_o whether_o these_o take_v they_o in_o the_o fair_a dress_n be_v so_o sufficient_a for_o the_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o there_o need_v not_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n be_v publish_v for_o that_o end_n and_o there_o be_v two_o great_a thing_n we_o may_v charge_v the_o best_a of_o their_o discourse_n with_o a_o insufficiency_n in_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o end_n which_o be_v certainty_n and_o motive_n or_o the_o want_n of_o argument_n to_o believe_v and_o encouragement_n to_o practice_v 1._o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a certainty_n for_o what_o a_o man_n venture_v his_o eternal_a state_n upon_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o world_n to_o be_v reform_v by_o such_o wise_a apostle_n if_o they_o must_v be_v call_v so_o who_o be_v perpetual_o dispute_v among_o themselves_o about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n as_o though_o the_o best_a argument_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o soul_n immortal_a be_v because_o their_o dispute_n about_o they_o be_v so_o and_o those_o seem_v among_o they_o to_o gain_v the_o great_a reputation_n for_o wit_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o dispute_v against_o common_a principle_n and_o they_o manage_v their_o business_n with_o great_a advantage_n who_o only_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o other_o principle_n but_o establish_v none_o of_o their_o own_o which_o be_v a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o way_n they_o proceed_v in_o for_o offer_v at_o no_o such_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o christianity_n do_v they_o rather_o teach_v man_n to_o dispute_v than_o to_o live_v eternal_o beside_o their_o discourse_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o intricate_a for_o the_o common_a capacity_n of_o man_n how_o long_o may_v a_o man_n live_v before_o a_o entelechia_fw-la will_v make_v he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o better_a or_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v its_o immortality_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o hinder_v assent_n than_o persuade_v to_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o honest_a mind_v illiterate_a heathen_n believe_v those_o thing_n more_o firm_o than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n for_o plain_a truth_n lose_v much_o of_o their_o weight_n when_o they_o be_v ratify_v into_o subtlety_n and_o their_o strength_n be_v impair_v when_o they_o be_v spin_v into_o too_o fine_a a_o thread_n the_o argument_n which_o must_v prevail_v with_o mankind_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o evident_a easy_a and_o yet_o powerful_a the_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o man_n be_v ofttimes_o dull_v by_o dispute_n and_o only_o awaken_v by_o a_o powerful_a representation_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o all_o person_n be_v equal_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o validity_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o argument_n certain_a and_o suitable_a yet_o what_o sufficient_a motive_n or_o encouragement_n can_v they_o give_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n who_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v other_o remain_v so_o uncertain_a themselves_o as_o to_o a_o future_a happiness_n so_o tully_n tell_v we_o of_o socrates_n himself_n when_o he_o be_v just_a die_v that_o he_o tell_v his_o friend_n that_o only_o the_o god_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o live_v or_o die_v but_o he_o think_v no_o man_n do_v and_o although_o some_o will_v excuse_v this_o as_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o dispute_v yet_o of_o all_o time_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o then_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n not_o only_o for_o the_o full_a vindication_n of_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o his_o friend_n we_o be_v sure_a christianity_n proceed_v on_o those_o term_n that_o if_o a_o future_a happiness_n be_v suppose_v uncertain_a it_o declare_v express_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n give_v for_o man_n to_o part_n with_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o it_o suppose_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o other_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a reward_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 19_o 32._o again_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o they_o shall_v ever_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n when_o the_o severe_a of_o the_o philosopher_n make_v it_o lie_v in_o thing_n so_o repugnant_a to_o humane_a nature_n as_o goodness_n be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o as_o when_o they_o make_v it_o a_o equal_a fault_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v angry_a and_o to_o murder_v his_o sovereign_n and_o that_o all_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v that_o pain_n and_o grief_n be_v nothing_o that_o virtue_n in_o all_o condition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o itself_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v first_o to_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v not_o man_n so_o that_o he_o be_v certain_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o conclude_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v a_o high_a master_n to_o teach_v we_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o hereby_o a_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o porphyry_n grand_a objection_n against_o christian_a religion_n viz._n if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n why_o be_v it_o so_o long_o before_o it_o be_v discover_v because_o god_n will_v thereby_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v find_v out_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n without_o this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n may_v see_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o dispensation_n they_o be_v under_o but_o the_o gentile_a world_n may_v groan_v with_o a_o expectation_n of_o some_o more_o powerful_a mean_n to_o goodness_n than_o be_v yet_o among_o they_o for_o when_o philosophy_n have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o its_o height_n and_o have_v so_o little_a influence_n upon_o
mankind_n it_o be_v time_n for_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o arise_v and_o with_o the_o soften_a and_o heal_a influence_n of_o his_o beam_n to_o bring_v the_o world_n to_o a_o more_o virtuous_a temper_n and_o that_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n employ_v which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o promote_a man_n salvation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v in_o it_o these_o three_o especial_o 1._o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o the_o admirable_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n 3._o in_o the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o 1._o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v so_o uncertain_a as_o to_o the_o grand_a foundation_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o same_o power_n be_v requisite_a now_o to_o settle_v the_o world_n which_o be_v at_o first_o for_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v pure_a and_o easy_a holy_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n though_o the_o promise_n be_v great_a and_o excellent_a proportionable_a to_o our_o want_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o business_n though_o the_o reward_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o desire_v than_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o all_o these_o will_v but_o seem_v to_o baffle_v the_o more_o the_o expectation_n of_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v build_v on_o some_o extraordinary_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o such_o we_o assert_v there_o be_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o we_o not_o only_o in_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o continual_a series_n of_o unparalleled_a miracle_n in_o his_o life_n not_o only_o in_o the_o most_o oblige_a circumstance_n of_o his_o death_n nor_o only_o in_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o divine_a gift_n upon_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o strange_a propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n by_o they_o against_o all_o humane_a power_n but_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v particular_o instance_n in_o as_o the_o great_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o as_o our_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1._o 4._o christ_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a no_o way_n of_o evidence_n can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o than_o this_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n none_o ever_o better_a attest_v than_o this_o be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o witness_n but_o by_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o it_o cost_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o their_o life_n and_o no_o great_a evidence_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n since_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v but_o by_o a_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o think_v a_o resurrection_n possible_a by_o the_o juice_n of_o herb_n or_o a_o infusion_n of_o warm_a blood_n into_o the_o vein_n or_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o live_a creature_n as_o the_o great_a martyr_n for_o atheism_n will_v seem_v from_o pliny_n to_o persuade_v we_o when_o yet_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o high_a concernment_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v not_o another_o life_n than_o to_o have_v try_v this_o experiment_n long_o ere_o now_o and_o since_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n have_v ever_o happen_v since_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n it_o only_o let_v we_o know_v what_o credulous_a man_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o great_a infidel_n as_o to_o religion_n be_v but_o so_o far_o be_v they_o at_o that_o time_n from_o so_o fond_a a_o imagination_n that_o they_o ready_o yield_v that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v it_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o question_v whether_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v it_o or_o no._n as_o appear_v by_o the_o apostle_n interrogation_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a act_n 26._o 8._o this_o be_v therefore_o judge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o all_o the_o dispute_v concern_v christian_n religion_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o whether_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n urge_v and_o insist_v on_o upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a part_n of_o their_o commission_n for_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v not_o design_v by_o god_n as_o a_o thing_n strange_a and_o incredible_a to_o puzzle_v mankind_n with_o but_o to_o give_v the_o high_a assurance_n imaginable_a to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o christianity_n since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o power_n in_o so_o high_a a_o manner_n to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o 2._o god_n power_n be_v see_v in_o the_o admirable_a effect_n of_o christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v most_o discernible_a by_o the_o strange_a alteration_n it_o soon_o make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o judea_n soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n some_o of_o his_o crucifyer_n become_v christian_n 3000_o convert_v make_v at_o one_o sermon_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o great_a accession_n make_v afterward_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o other_o place_n yea_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n where_o the_o christian_n come_v they_o so_o increase_v and_o multiply_v that_o thereby_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o benediction_n to_o his_o new_a creation_n suitable_a to_o what_o he_o give_v to_o the_o first_o so_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o not_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n the_o world_n may_v admire_v to_o see_v itself_o so_o strange_o change_v from_o what_o it_o be_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n destroy_v and_o the_o jew_n under_o a_o sad_a dispersion_n than_o ever_o and_o render_v uncapable_a of_o continue_v their_o former_a worship_n of_o god_n there_o the_o heathen_a temple_n unfrequented_a the_o god_n deride_v the_o oracle_n cease_v the_o philosopher_n puzzle_v the_o magistrate_n dishearten_v by_o their_o fruitless_a cruelty_n and_o all_o this_o do_v by_o a_o few_o christian_n who_o come_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n righteousness_n temperance_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v whereof_o god_n have_v give_v assurance_n to_o the_o world_n by_o raise_v one_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o all_o this_o effect_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n not_o by_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n of_o rebellious_a subject_n not_o by_o man_n of_o hot_a and_o giddy_a brain_n but_o by_o man_n sober_a just_a humble_a and_o meek_a in_o all_o their_o carriage_n but_o withal_o such_o as_o may_v never_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n make_v they_o famous_a what_o can_v this_o than_o be_v impute_v to_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n which_o by_o effectual_a and_o secret_a way_n carry_v on_o its_o own_o design_n against_o all_o the_o force_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n so_o that_o the_o wise_a gamaliel_n at_o who_o foot_n s._n paul_n be_v breed_v seem_v to_o have_v the_o true_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o tell_v the_o sanhedrin_n if_o this_o counsel_n or_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o haply_o you_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n act_n 5._o 38_o 39_o 3._o in_o the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v proper_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o therein_o far_o beyond_o what_o the_o philosopher_n can_v promise_v to_o any_o who_o embrace_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o discover_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o principle_n superior_a to_o nature_n which_o we_o call_v grace_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v our_o soul_n for_o their_o future_a happiness_n but_o likewise_o show_v on_o what_o term_n god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v it_o on_o man_n viz._n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v
lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v to_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 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 so_o that_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o be_v the_o great_a testimony_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n that_o these_o be_v the_o person_n employ_v by_o himself_o to_o declare_v that_o doctrine_n whereon_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n do_v depend_v and_o since_o we_o have_v so_o late_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o solemn_a celebration_n of_o that_o glorious_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n that_o which_o natural_o follow_v from_o it_o be_v the_o great_a care_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v lest_o we_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o neglect_v that_o great_a salvation_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o in_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o danger_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n wherein_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o the_o care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a by_o offer_v so_o great_a salvation_n to_o we_o 2._o the_o care_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o happiness_n not_o to_o neglect_v the_o offer_n which_o god_n have_v make_v we_o 3._o the_o unavoidable_a punishment_n which_o those_o do_v incur_v who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o neglect_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v this_o auditory_a how_o forcible_a the_o negative_a be_v which_o be_v express_v by_o such_o a_o interrogation_n which_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o who_o hear_v it_o and_o so_o rely_v not_o upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o other_o be_v judge_n of_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v if_o you_o slight_a and_o disesteem_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n upon_o whatever_o ground_n you_o do_v it_o if_o either_o through_o too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n you_o despise_v it_o as_o vain_a and_o useless_a if_o through_o too_o mean_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n you_o reject_v it_o either_o as_o uncertain_a in_o its_o theory_n or_o impossible_a in_o its_o practice_n or_o if_o through_o too_o great_a a_o love_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n or_o a_o secure_a and_o careless_a temper_n of_o mind_n you_o regard_v not_o the_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v to_o make_v you_o happy_a think_v with_o yourselves_o what_o way_n you_o can_v find_v to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o my_o part_n i_o know_v of_o none_o for_o if_o god_n be_v so_o severe_a against_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o far_o mean_a institution_n viz._n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n insomuch_o that_o every_o contempt_n and_o disobedience_n do_v receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v who_o neglect_n so_o great_a salvation_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o argue_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o that_o despise_a moses_n 29._o law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a subject_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a too_o necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o wherein_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v inapprehensive_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o inward_o despise_v the_o religion_n they_o profess_v to_o own_o and_o the_o neglect_v of_o that_o which_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o much_o more_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v think_v to_o do_v so_o and_o not_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o gross_a and_o open_a sinner_n that_o defy_v heaven_n and_o by_o his_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n dare_v god_n to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o justice_n upon_o he_o but_o the_o sly_a and_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n that_o hate_v religion_n while_o he_o think_v he_o love_v it_o that_o in_o his_o heart_n contemn_v it_o but_o be_v afraid_a to_o know_v that_o he_o do_v so_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a dread_n of_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o appearance_n of_o ingenuity_n in_o a_o open_a enmity_n but_o none_o so_o dangerous_a as_o that_o which_o hide_v itself_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o friendship_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o those_o who_o show_v their_o disesteem_a of_o he_o some_o that_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o he_o that_o they_o contrive_v all_o way_n for_o his_o disgrace_n and_o punishment_n other_o can_v hear_v he_o with_o patience_n but_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o 19_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n choke_v and_o stifle_v all_o good_a apprehension_n of_o he_o that_o they_o become_v weak_a and_o ineffectual_a and_o those_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v light_n of_o the_o marriage-feast_n because_o of_o other_o business_n which_o they_o have_v to_o mind_n matth._n 22._o 5._o as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o offer_v all_o the_o injury_n and_o affront_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o invite_v they_o v_o 6._o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o it_o be_v now_o some_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o vain_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n some_o be_v buy_v and_o sell_v so_o busy_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o some_o be_v deride_v and_o blaspheme_v but_o all_o these_o too_o wise_a or_o too_o vain_a or_o too_o profane_a to_o mind_v the_o offer_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v otherwise_o now_o that_o a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a a_o easy_a and_o a_o careless_a life_n in_o some_o that_o ambition_n and_o the_o restless_a pursuit_n after_o the_o honour_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n in_o other_o that_o a_o profane_a wit_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o that_o be_v serious_a in_o those_o that_o think_v themselves_o too_o great_a to_o be_v religious_a do_v not_o enervate_a the_o force_n of_o christianity_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o all_o though_o upon_o different_a ground_n agree_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o be_v the_o case_n of_o such_o man_n grow_v so_o desperate_a that_o no_o remedy_n can_v work_v upon_o they_o have_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n so_o far_o intoxicate_v they_o that_o no_o reason_n or_o consideration_n whatever_o can_v awaken_v they_o have_v they_o harden_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a truth_n with_o a_o resolution_n as_o strong_a as_o death_n and_o as_o cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n whither_o they_o be_v go_v will_v neither_o the_o love_n of_o happiness_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o danger_n the_o dread_a of_o the_o majesty_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n prevail_v at_o least_o so_o far_o on_o man_n to_o consider_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o be_v what_o unspeakable_a solly_n it_o be_v to_o neglect_v they_o and_o the_o better_a to_o make_v that_o appear_v i_o shall_v prove_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v so_o great_a care_n of_o man_n happiness_n that_o nothing_o but_o a_o gross_a neglect_n can_v make_v they_o miserable_a 2._o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o when_o god_n have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o it_o man_n shall_v neglect_v it_o themselves_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o vindicate_v himself_o against_o so_o gross_a a_o neglect_n by_o the_o severe_a punishment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v 1._o that_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v so_o great_a care_n of_o man_n salvation_n that_o nothing_o but_o a_o gross_a neglect_n can_v make_v they_o
and_o suspicion_n of_o god_n what_o distrust_v of_o humane_a nature_n what_o unspeakable_a ingratitude_n and_o unaccountable_a folly_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o this_o uncertainty_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v not_o only_o what_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v but_o what_o our_o lord_n have_v declare_v god_n himself_o have_v give_v testimony_n to_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v confirm_v 3._o but_o be_v not_o your_o interest_n concern_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v it_o all_o one_o to_o you_o whether_o your_o soul_n be_v immortal_a or_o no_o whether_o they_o live_v in_o eternal_a felicity_n or_o unchangeable_a misery_n be_v it_o no_o more_o to_o you_o than_o to_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o babble_n be_v in_o request_n at_o the_o indies_n or_o whether_o the_o custom_n of_o china_n or_o japan_n be_v the_o wise_a i._n e._n than_o the_o most_o trifle_a thing_n and_o the_o remote_a from_o our_o knowledge_n but_o this_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o show_v so_o much_o distrust_n of_o their_o understanding_n to_o speak_v any_o long_o to_o it_o 3._o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n our_o neglect_n still_o continue_v than_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a look_v 27._o for_o of_o judgement_n and_o the_o fiery_a indignation_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o escape_v if_o we_o continue_v to_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n all_o hope_n of_o escape_n be_v take_v away_o which_o be_v only_o in_o that_o which_o man_n neglect_v and_o those_o who_o neglect_v their_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n must_v needs_o be_v miserable_a how_o can_v that_o man_n ever_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o who_o blood_n he_o despise_v and_o trample_v under_o foot_n what_o grace_n and_o favour_n can_v he_o expect_v from_o god_n who_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o have_v cast_v away_o with_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n the_o great_a kindness_n and_o offer_n of_o heaven_n what_o can_v save_v he_o that_o resolve_v to_o be_v damn_v and_o every_o one_o do_v so_o who_o know_v he_o shall_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o god_n himself_o in_o who_o only_a pity_n our_o hope_n be_v have_v irreversible_o decree_v that_o he_o will_v have_v no_o pity_n upon_o those_o who_o despise_v his_o goodness_n slight_a his_o threaten_n abuse_v his_o patience_n and_o sin_v the_o more_o because_o he_o offer_v to_o pardon_v it_o be_v not_o any_o delight_n that_o god_n take_v in_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o make_v he_o punish_v they_o but_o shall_v not_o god_n vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n against_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n he_o declare_v beforehand_o that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o delight_v in_o their_o ruin_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o have_v make_v such_o large_a offer_n and_o use_v so_o many_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a but_o if_o man_n resolve_v to_o despise_v his_o offer_n and_o slight_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n shall_v not_o god_n be_v just_a without_o be_v think_v to_o be_v cruel_a and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o none_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v beyond_o the_o just_a desert_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o punishment_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o word_n before_o the_o text_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o proportionable_a to_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n deliver_v by_o angel_n how_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o escape_v who_o neglect_n a_o more_o excellent_a mean_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o if_o god_n do_v not_o hate_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o punishment_n belong_v to_o it_o why_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o it_o and_o if_o his_o death_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o expiation_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o those_o who_o neglect_v that_o shall_v escape_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o their_o other_o sin_n but_o of_o that_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o he_o let_v we_o not_o then_o think_v to_o trifle_v with_o god_n as_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o be_v so_o merciful_a and_o kind_a shall_v ever_o punish_v his_o creature_n with_o the_o misery_n of_o another_o life_n for_o however_o we_o may_v deceive_v ourselves_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o 8._o reap_v for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a i_o shall_v only_o propound_v some_o few_o consideration_n to_o prevent_v so_o great_a a_o neglect_n as_o that_o of_o your_o salvation_n be_v 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v you_o neglect_v the_o offer_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o great_a kindness_n that_o ever_o be_v express_v to_o the_o world_n the_o foundation_n of_o your_o present_a peace_n the_o end_n of_o your_o being_n the_o stay_n of_o your_o mind_n the_o great_a desire_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o utmost_a felicity_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o neglect_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o prince_n the_o kindness_n of_o great_a man_n the_o offers_z of_o a_o large_a and_o plentiful_a estate_n but_o these_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o his_o son_n and_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o you_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a neglect_n but_o it_o imply_v in_o it_o a_o mighty_a contempt_n not_o only_o of_o the_o thing_n offer_v but_o of_o the_o kindness_n of_o he_o who_o offer_v they_o if_o man_n have_v any_o due_a regard_n for_o god_n or_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v any_o esteem_n for_o his_o love_n or_o their_o own_o welfare_n they_o will_v be_v much_o more_o serious_a in_o religion_n than_o they_o be_v when_o i_o see_v a_o person_n whole_o immerse_v in_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n or_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o luxury_n and_o vanity_n can_v i_o possible_o think_v that_o man_n have_v any_o esteem_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o own_o soul_n when_o i_o find_v one_o very_o serious_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o design_n in_o the_o world_n thoughtful_a and_o busy_a subtle_a in_o contrive_v they_o careful_a in_o manage_v they_o but_o very_o formal_a remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o all_o affair_n of_o religion_n neither_o inquisitive_a about_o they_o nor_o serious_a in_o mind_v they_o what_o can_v we_o otherwise_o think_v but_o that_o such_o a_o one_o do_v real_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n better_a worth_n look_v after_o than_o those_o which_o concern_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o consider_v before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o repent_v of_o so_o great_a folly_n value_v a_o immortal_a soul_n as_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v think_v what_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v worth_a slight_a not_o the_o dear_a purchase_n which_o be_v buy_v at_o no_o mean_a a_o rate_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o you_o can_v but_o mind_v the_o great_a salvation_n which_o god_n have_v tender_v you_o 2._o consider_v on_o what_o term_n you_o neglect_v it_o or_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v for_o who_o sake_n you_o be_v so_o great_a enemy_n to_o your_o own_o salvation_n have_v you_o ever_o find_v that_o contentment_n in_o sin_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o all_o your_o debauchery_n and_o your_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o yourselves_o when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v what_o will_v you_o give_v then_o if_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o redeem_v your_o lose_a time_n that_o you_o have_v spend_v your_o time_n less_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o your_o sensual_a desire_n and_o more_o in_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n how_o uncomfortable_a will_v the_o remembrance_n be_v of_o all_o your_o excess_n oath_n injustice_n and_o profaneness_n when_o death_n approach_v and_o judgement_n follow_v it_o what_o peace_n of_o mind_n will_v there_o then_o be_v to_o those_o who_o have_v serve_v god_n with_o faithfulness_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n though_o it_o have_v be_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a but_o what_o will_v it_o then_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o have_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n nay_o what_o unspeakable_a loser_n must_v they_o
then_o be_v that_o lose_v their_o soul_n for_o that_o which_o have_v no_o value_n at_o all_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o world_n 3._o consider_v what_o follow_v upon_o this_o neglect_n not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o great_a salvation_n but_o the_o incur_v as_o great_a damnation_n for_o it_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v not_o mere_o by_o negative_n but_o by_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o painful_a thing_n if_o destruction_n be_v dreadful_a that_o be_v everlasting_a destruction_n if_o the_o anguish_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o body_n be_v so_o troublesome_a what_o will_v the_o destruction_n be_v both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n if_o a_o serpent_n gnaw_v in_o our_o bowel_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o a_o insupportable_a misery_n here_o what_o will_v that_o be_v of_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v if_o a_o rage_a and_o devour_a fire_n which_o can_v last_v but_o till_o it_o have_v consume_v a_o fade_a substance_n be_v in_o its_o appearance_n so_o amaze_a and_o in_o its_o pain_n so_o violent_a what_o then_o will_v the_o endure_a be_v of_o that_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v burn_v like_o fire_n and_o yet_o be_v everlasting_a consider_v then_o of_o these_o thing_n while_o god_n give_v you_o time_n to_o consider_v of_o they_o and_o think_v it_o a_o inestimable_a mercy_n that_o you_o have_v yet_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n to_o beg_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v your_o time_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n careful_a of_o your_o action_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o god_n will_v pardon_v your_o former_a neglect_n and_o grant_v you_o this_o great_a salvation_n finis_fw-la hebr._n 12._o 3._o for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n it_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v so_o well_o with_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o hope_v it_o ever_o will_v be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n or_o of_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o entertainment_n in_o it_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o excellency_n if_o it_o be_v once_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o all_o mankind_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o sober_a that_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o action_n suitable_a to_o their_o judgement_n we_o may_v then_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o nothing_o will_v be_v value_v so_o much_o as_o true_a goodness_n nothing_o so_o much_o in_o contempt_n and_o disgrace_n as_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n but_o if_o we_o find_v it_o much_o otherwise_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o we_o have_v so_o much_o the_o less_o cause_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o because_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o in_o those_o time_n we_o may_v have_v think_v will_v have_v be_v far_o better_a than_o our_o own_o i_o mean_v those_o time_n and_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o only_o great_a thing_n first_o speak_v and_o deliver_v to_o mankind_n but_o example_n as_o great_a as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o these_o do_v so_o little_o prevail_v on_o the_o stupid_a and_o unthankful_a world_n that_o they_o among_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v first_o manifest_v himself_o seem_v only_o solicitous_a to_o make_v good_a one_o prophesy_v concern_v he_o viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o they_o who_o suffer_v their_o malice_n to_o live_v as_o long_o as_o he_o do_v be_v not_o content_v to_o let_v it_o die_v with_o he_o but_o their_o fury_n increase_v as_o the_o gospel_n do_v and_o wherever_o it_o have_v spread_v itself_o they_o pursue_v it_o with_o all_o the_o rude_a clamour_n and_o violent_a persecution_n which_o themselves_o or_o their_o factor_n can_v raise_v against_o it_o this_o we_o have_v a_o large_a testimony_n of_o in_o those_o jewish_a christian_n to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v who_o have_v no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o they_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o a_o whole_a army_n of_o persecution_n heb._n 10._o 32._o but_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n as_o though_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o of_o christian_n have_v watch_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o make_v the_o strong_a impression_n upon_o they_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o young_a and_o unexperienced_a and_o therefore_o less_o able_a to_o resist_v so_o sharp_a a_o encounter_n he_o have_v find_v how_o unsuccessfull_a the_o offer_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v with_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o try_v what_o a_o severe_a course_n will_v do_v with_o all_o his_o follower_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o despise_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n which_o the_o tempter_n will_v have_v make_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o disposer_n of_o enable_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a courage_n and_o strange_a transport_n of_o joy_n not_o only_o to_o bear_v their_o own_o share_n of_o reproach_n and_o affliction_n but_o a_o part_n of_o they_o who_o suffer_v with_o they_o v_o 33_o 34._o but_o least_o through_o continual_a duty_n occasion_v by_o the_o hatred_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o affliction_n their_o courage_n shall_v abate_v and_o their_o spirit_n saint_n the_o apostle_n find_v it_o necessary_a not_o only_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a magnanimity_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v powerful_a with_o they_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n in_o bear_v their_o suffering_n which_o they_o have_v at_o first_o for_o he_o well_o know_v how_o much_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o own_o discomfort_n if_o after_o such_o a_o early_a proof_n of_o a_o great_a and_o undaunted_a spirit_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o be_v once_o of_o a_o great_a roman_a captain_n ultima_fw-la primis_fw-la cedebant_fw-la that_o they_o shall_v decline_v in_o their_o reputation_n as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o year_n and_o at_o last_o sink_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o duty_n which_o they_o have_v bear_v with_o so_o much_o honour_n before_o therefore_o as_o a_o general_n in_o the_o field_n after_o a_o sharp_a and_o fierce_a encounter_n at_o first_o with_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n by_o his_o soldier_n when_o he_o find_v by_o the_o number_n and_o fresh_a recruit_n of_o the_o enemy_n that_o his_o small_a force_n be_v like_a to_o be_v bear_v down_o before_o they_o and_o through_o mere_a weariness_n of_o fight_v be_v ready_a to_o turn_v their_o back_n or_o yield_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o enemy_n mercy_n he_o conjure_v they_o by_o the_o honour_n they_o have_v gain_v and_o the_o courage_n they_o have_v already_o express_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o example_n of_o their_o leader_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v the_o last_o shock_n of_o their_o enemy_n force_n and_o rather_o be_v the_o trophy_n of_o their_o courage_n than_o of_o their_o triumph_n so_o do_v our_o apostle_n when_o he_o find_v some_o among_o they_o begin_v to_o debate_v whether_o they_o have_v best_a to_o stand_v it_o out_o or_o no_o he_o conjure_v they_o 1._o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o own_o former_a courage_n whereby_o they_o do_v bear_v as_o sharp_a trial_n as_o these_o can_v be_v with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o yield_v at_o last_o but_o great_a dishonour_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v suffer_v so_o long_o to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n 2._o by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n which_o will_v sure_o follow_v their_o faithfulness_n v._n 35_o 36._o cast_v not_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n for_o you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o after_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o time_n will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o you_o come_v to_o enjoy_v it_o v_o 37._o but_o if_o you_o draw_v back_o you_o lose_v all_o your_o former_a labour_n for_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o recompense_v you_o have_v say_v that_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o v_o 38._o and_o then_o from_o the_o example_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o christ_n but_o
we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o who_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n but_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n v_o 39_o but_o least_o these_o example_n shall_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v they_o he_o conjure_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v as_o eminent_a for_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o have_v despise_v the_o frown_n as_o well_o as_o the_o smile_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o discourage_v by_o the_o severe_a trial_n from_o place_v their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o their_o hope_n in_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o all_o this_o do_v by_o person_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o promise_n heb._n 11._o 39_o and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o light_n we_o enjoy_v above_o they_o if_o we_o only_o grow_v faint_a by_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o encourage_v they_o by_o that_o army_n of_o martyr_n which_o have_v go_v before_o they_o by_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n which_o do_v both_o direct_a and_o refresh_v they_o that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o oppress_v or_o dishearten_v they_o but_o especial_o their_o sinful_a fear_n which_o they_o be_v so_o easy_o betray_v by_o and_o so_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o v_o 1._o but_o say_v he_o if_o none_o of_o these_o will_v prevail_v with_o you_o there_o be_v a_o example_n yet_o behind_o which_o ought_v above_o all_o other_o to_o heighten_v your_o courage_n and_o that_o be_v of_o the_o captain_n of_o your_o salvation_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o your_o faith_n under_o who_o you_o serve_v and_o from_o who_o you_o expect_v your_o reward_n and_o as_o caesar_n once_o say_v to_o his_o soldier_n when_o he_o see_v they_o ready_a to_o retreat_v out_o of_o the_o field_n videte_fw-la quem_fw-la &_o quo_fw-la loco_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la deserturi_fw-la estis_fw-la remember_v what_o kind_n of_o general_n you_o forsake_v and_o in_o what_o place_n you_o leave_v he_o one_o who_o you_o have_v vow_v your_o life_n and_o your_o service_n to_o one_o who_o have_v think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o your_o good_a one_o that_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o reward_v the_o least_o service_n you_o can_v do_v for_o he_o one_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v you_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o what_o you_o undertake_v one_o that_o have_v already_o undergo_v far_o more_o for_o your_o sake_n than_o ever_o you_o can_v do_v for_o he_o therefore_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v represent_v to_o we_o the_o unparalleled_a example_n of_o courage_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n in_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o the_o great_a influence_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o will_v not_o dishonour_v so_o excellent_a a_o pattern_n of_o endure_a suffering_n by_o weakness_n or_o dejection_n of_o mind_n christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n which_o above_o all_o other_o do_v arm_n man_n against_o all_o the_o contingency_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n yea_o it_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o the_o most_o advantageous_a purpose_n that_o the_o great_a blessing_n can_v be_v design_v for_o it_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n high_o than_o bare_o to_o consider_v the_o common_a condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o power_n and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o torment_v ourselves_o about_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o and_o that_o most_o man_n condition_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o their_o contentment_n depend_v more_o upon_o their_o mind_n than_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n though_o these_o be_v thing_n very_o fit_a for_o we_o as_o man_n to_o consider_v and_o make_v use_n of_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o reach_v to_o that_o height_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o tendency_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n here_o to_o the_o inhancement_n of_o our_o future_a glory_n may_v raise_v we_o to_o especial_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o argument_n in_o themselves_o but_o the_o force_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o example_n of_o he_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mighty_a instance_n we_o find_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o joy_n of_o another_o that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v perfect_a through_o suffering_n 10._o and_o therefore_o none_o of_o his_o follower_n have_v cause_n to_o be_v deject_v under_o they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o shall_v consider_v 1._o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o he_o endure_v 2._o from_o who_o he_o suffer_v they_o it_o be_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o 3._o in_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n he_o undergo_v they_o 4._o for_o what_o end_v he_o do_v it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v consider_v these_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o influence_n this_o example_n of_o christ_n suffering_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o constancy_n and_o patience_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o useful_a improvement_n of_o it_o to_o we_o 1._o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o christ_n endure_v which_o be_v here_o comprehend_v under_o those_o word_n the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v agree_v by_o the_o best_a expositor_n both_o greek_a and_o latin_a that_o under_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n be_v comprehend_v all_o the_o injury_n reproach_n false_a accusation_n all_o the_o cruelty_n indignity_n and_o violence_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o public_a appearance_n to_o his_o expire_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v undergo_v by_o he_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n may_v be_v call_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o word_n extend_v as_o well_o to_o action_n as_o word_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v from_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o these_o head_n 1._o the_o ill_a entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 2._o the_o disparagement_n of_o his_o miracle_n 3._o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o his_o person_n 1._o the_o ill_a entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o these_o who_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o a_o difficult_a accâ—…s_v the_o clear_a reason_n have_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o who_o be_v govern_v by_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n though_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o though_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v great_a at_o that_o time_n concern_v the_o appearance_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o redeem_v his_o people_n though_o all_o the_o character_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n do_v full_o agree_v to_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n though_o his_o doctrine_n be_v as_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v though_o the_o unspotted_a innocency_n of_o his_o life_n be_v so_o great_a as_o make_v he_o weary_a of_o his_o own_o that_o betray_v he_o yet_o because_o he_o come_v not_o with_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n which_o they_o expect_v they_o despise_v his_o person_n revile_v his_o doctrine_n persecute_v his_o follower_n and_o contrive_v his_o ruin_n what_o can_v have_v be_v imagine_v more_o probable_a than_o that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n which_o have_v wait_v long_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v shall_v have_v welcome_v his_o approach_n with_o the_o great_a joy_n and_o receive_v the_o message_n he_o bring_v with_o a_o kindness_n only_o short_a of_o that_o which_o he_o show_v in_o come_v among_o they_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o be_v ease_v of_o that_o heavy_a burden_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o that_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o exchange_v the_o chargeable_a and_o troublesome_a service_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o the_o more_o reasonable_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o himself_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o land_n which_o now_o groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o oppression_n turn_v into_o those_o of_o a_o eternal_a state_n
great_a rule_n assign_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o without_o 22._o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n if_o we_o yield_v crellius_n what_o he_o so_o often_o urge_v viz._n that_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v 14._o understand_v of_o what_o be_v do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o will_v not_o be_v the_o less_o serviceable_a to_o our_o purpose_n for_o thereby_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o expiation_n lay_v in_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n which_o show_v that_o the_o very_a mactation_n of_o the_o beast_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v be_v design_v in_o order_n to_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a person_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o slay_v such_o multitude_n of_o beast_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v appear_v far_o less_o evident_a than_o now_o it_o do_v since_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v give_v we_o so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o they_o for_o it_o have_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o have_v think_v that_o they_o have_v be_v mere_o institute_v out_o of_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n since_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v to_o separate_v they_o from_o they_o and_o on_o such_o a_o supposition_n the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v very_o little_a which_o do_v far_o more_o explain_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o use_n among_o they_o that_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n than_o all_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n or_o the_o commentary_n of_o the_o latter_a jew_n but_o i_o intend_v not_o now_o to_o discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_n of_o sacrifice_n either_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o institution_n of_o they_o in_o general_a or_o with_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n since_o a_o learned_a person_n of_o our_o church_n have_v already_o undertake_v crellius_n upon_o this_o argument_n and_o we_o hope_v ere_o long_o will_v oblige_v the_o world_n with_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o pain_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o insist_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o purpose_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v the_o substitution_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o stead_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v represent_v in_o the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v institute_v among_o the_o jew_n if_o we_o yield_v crellius_n what_o he_o 13._o after_o socinus_n contend_v for_o viz._n that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n be_v only_o represent_v in_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o people_n and_o especial_o those_o on_o the_o day_n of_o atonement_n we_o may_v have_v enough_o from_o they_o to_o indicate_v all_o that_o we_o assert_v concern_v â—he_n expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n for_o that_o those_o be_v design_v by_o way_n of_o law_n â—…bstitution_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o offender_n will_v â—…pear_v from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o reason_n â—…f_o their_o institution_n but_o before_o we_o come_v 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o show_v what_o â—…at_a expiation_n be_v which_o the_o sacrifice_n â—…der_v the_o law_n be_v design_v for_o the_o â—…ot_a understanding_n of_o which_o give_v a_o great_a â—…rce_n to_o our_o adversary_n argument_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v for_o while_o â—…en_o assert_v that_o the_o expiation_n be_v whole_o â—…pical_a and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o â—…piation_n which_o be_v real_o obtain_v by_o the_o â—…eath_n of_o christ_n they_o easy_o prove_v that_o all_o â—…e_a expiation_n then_o be_v only_o declarative_a and_o â—…d_v no_o more_o depend_v on_o the_o sacrifice_n offer_v â—…an_v on_o a_o condition_n require_v by_o god_n the_o negâ—…t_n of_o which_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n in_o â—…em_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o can_v represent_v â—…y_o they_o no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o expiation_n to_o by_o christ_n viz._n god_n declare_v that_o sin_n â—…e_v expiate_v by_o he_o on_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o condition_n require_v in_o order_n thereto_o as_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n be_v but_o we_o assert_v anothâ—…_n kind_a of_o expiation_n of_o sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o tâ—…_n sacrifice_n be_v slay_v and_o offer_v whâ—…_n be_v real_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o sacrifiâ—…_n and_o this_o be_v twofold_a a_o civil_a and_o a_o riâ—…_n expiation_n according_a to_o the_o double_a 〈◊〉_d pacity_n in_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o iâ—…_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o member_n oâ—…_n society_n subsist_v by_o a_o body_n of_o lâ—…_n which_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a sanction_n 〈…〉_z it_o make_v death_n the_o penalty_n of_o disobedâ—…_n ence_n deut._n 27._o 26._o but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o 〈◊〉_d legislator_n do_v admit_v of_o a_o relaxation_n 〈◊〉_d many_o case_n allow_v by_o himself_o in_o whiâ—…_n he_o declare_v that_o the_o death_n of_o the_o beâ—…_n design_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v 〈…〉_z cept_v instead_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o offeâ—…_n der_fw-mi and_o so_o the_o offence_n shall_v be_v fuâ—…_n expiate_v as_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o peâ—…_n law_n upon_o he_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o free_o 〈◊〉_d mit_fw-ge wat_fw-mi grotius_n assert_n upon_o this_o subjeâ—…_n 10._o and_o do_v yield_v that_o no_o other_o offence_n coâ—…_n be_v expiate_v in_o this_o manner_n but_o such_o whiâ—…_n god_n himself_o do_v particular_o declare_v shoâ—…_n be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o sin_n which_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v punish_v by_o cut_v off_o be_v to_o 〈◊〉_d expiate_v by_o sacrifice_n as_o wilful_a idolaâ—…_n murder_n etc._n etc._n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a fâ—…_n those_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o who_o makeâ—…_n expiation_n whole_o typical_a for_o why_o thâ—…_n shall_v not_o the_o great_a sin_n much_o rather_o â—…ave_v have_v sacrifice_n of_o expiation_n appoint_v â—…or_v they_o because_o the_o conscience_n of_o â—…en_n will_v be_v more_o solicitous_a for_o the_o â—…ardon_n of_o great_a then_o lesser_a sin_n and_o the_o â—…lood_n of_o christ_n represent_v by_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o all_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a typical_a expiation_n but_o it_o do_v relate_v â—o_o the_o civil_a constitution_n among_o they_o but_o â—esides_v this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o people_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o that_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v purify_v from_o the_o legal_a impurity_n which_o they_o contract_v which_o hinder_v they_o from_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o many_o sacrifice_n be_v appoint_v purposely_o for_o the_o expiate_a this_o legal_a guilt_n as_o particular_o the_o ash_n of_o the_o red_a heifer_n numb_a 19_o 9_o which_o be_v there_o call_v a_o purification_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o apostle_n put_v the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n 13._o and_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o heifer_n sprinkle_v the_o unclean_a together_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o both_o of_o they_o he_o say_v be_v to_o sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o proper_a and_o immediate_a effect_n of_o these_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o people_n at_o that_o time_n though_o infinite_o short_a of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o conscienâ—…_n of_o man_n by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostâ—…_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o expiâ—…tion_n in_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o one_o wâ—…_n bare_o typical_a of_o the_o other_o but_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n of_o expiation_n as_o far_o as_o purify_n the_o flesh_n be_v from_o purge_v the_o conscienâ—…_n but_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n be_v typical_a and_o that_o the_o law_n 〈◊〉_d a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 1._o very_a image_n of_o the_o thing_n i._n e._n a_o dark_a aâ—â—_n obscure_a representation_n and_o not_o the_o perfect_a resemblance_n of_o they_o there_o be_v twâ—_n thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n assert_n conceâ—â—ing_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n first_o thâ—…_n they_o have_v a_o effect_n upon_o the_o body_n of_o mâ—…_n which_o he_o call_v purify_n the_o flesh_n the_o othâ—…_n be_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o expiate_v foâ—_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o soul_n consider_v with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o another_o lifâ—_n which_o he_o call_v purge_v the_o conscience_n frâ—â—_n dead_a work_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o gift_n and_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n coâ—…_n 4._o not_o make_v