most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o read_v this_o text_n which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v of_o they_o present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o their_o case_n whereas_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o probable_o none_o but_o those_o that_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o except_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a as_o for_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o that_o here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o these_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o and_o though_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n commit_v by_o christian_n may_v come_v near_o to_o this_o and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o open_a way_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v many_o time_n forgive_v to_o we_o upon_o a_o general_n repentance_n so_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o these_o which_o be_v common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o despair_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_o many_o time_n for_o such_o person_n to_o receive_v comfort_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v it_o and_o that_o upon_o sure_a ground_n and_o as_o clear_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o such_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o judge_v thus_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o possible_a be_v this_o that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v themselves_o than_o their_o own_o imagination_n which_o be_v so_o distemper_a that_o it_o can_v make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o where_o melancholy_a do_v mighty_o prevail_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o persuade_v people_n of_o this_o but_o till_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o four_o this_o shall_v make_v man_n afraid_a of_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o come_v near_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n such_o as_o deliberate_v murder_n adultery_n gross_a fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n for_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o whether_o man_n renounce_v christianity_n or_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v in_o their_o work_n deny_v it_o some_o of_o these_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v particular_o murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v rank_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o apostasy_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o severe_a be_v the_o discipline_n of_o many_o church_n that_o person_n guilty_a of_o these_o crime_n be_v never_o admit_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o whatever_o testimony_n they_o give_v of_o their_o repentance_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o this_o be_v too_o rigorous_a but_o this_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n these_o crime_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o heinousness_n be_v in_o those_o day_n think_v to_o be_v they_o do_v not_o indeed_o as_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o think_v such_o person_n absolute_o incapable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o after_o such_o a_o fall_n so_o notorious_a a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n they_o think_v it_o unfit_a afterward_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n 5th_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o we_o upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o in_o case_n of_o some_o great_a crime_n after_o baptism_n as_o apostasy_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n murder_n and_o adultery_n never_o to_o admit_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o all_o church_n be_v so_o strict_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v those_o who_o fall_v after_o baptism_n into_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a course_n of_o penance_n after_o the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a testimony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n after_o long_o fast_v and_o tear_n and_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o humiliation_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o case_n of_o the_o great_a offence_n they_o be_v seldom_o reconcile_v till_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n and_o in_o case_n of_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n not_o till_o after_o the_o humiliation_n of_o many_o year_n this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v think_v too_o great_a severity_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v as_o much_o too_o remiss_a now_o as_o they_o be_v over_o rigorous_a then_o but_o be_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o degree_n put_v in_o practice_n now_o what_o case_n will_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o in_o what_o herd_n and_o shoal_n will_v man_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o christian_n have_v long_o since_o break_v these_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o revive_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n in_o any_o measure_n till_o the_o world_n grow_v better_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n upon_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sad_o to_o consider_v how_o few_o among_o we_o will_v in_o those_o day_n have_v be_v account_v christian_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n to_o be_v provoke_v to_o a_o emulation_n of_o those_o better_a time_n and_o to_o a_o reformation_n of_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o in_o the_o best_a day_n of_o christianity_n be_v reckon_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o now_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o yet_o the_o judgement_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n though_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n six_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o now_o in_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o lewdness_n there_o be_v many_o who_o daily_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n do_v too_o near_o resemble_v the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v of_o the_o apostate_n of_o his_o time_n be_v proportionable_o true_a of_o those_o of_o our_o day_n that_o they_o who_o thus_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o apostasy_n have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o for_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o agony_n and_o fill_v with_o such_o terror_n as_o if_o the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o in_o that_o fearful_a despair_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o horror_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o contradict_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o our_o
the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o be_v once_o true_o so_o they_o can_v never_o fall_v from_o that_o state_n so_o as_o final_o to_o miscarry_v last_o other_o venture_v all_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n and_o their_o import_n unity_n with_o god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n at_o the_o last_o i_o shall_v brief_o go_v over_o these_o particular_n which_o be_v the_o several_a way_n whereby_o man_n seek_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o hope_v to_o get_v thither_o at_o last_o and_o shall_v show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v something_o beyond_o all_o this_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o mere_a external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a badge_n of_o it_o circumcision_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n make_v in_o baptism_n rom._n 2._o 17_o 25_o 28_o 29._o behold_v thou_o be_v call_v a_o jew_n and_o rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o god_n circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o of_o those_o who_o make_v only_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n baptism_n very_o profit_v if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o enter_v into_o by_o baptism_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v one_o outward_o nor_o be_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o baptism_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o water_n only_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o body_n with_o water_n and_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o sincere_a and_o real_a practice_n of_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o say_v he_o that_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o that_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o a_o great_a many_o christian_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o show_v for_o their_o christianity_n but_o their_o name_n who_o best_a title_n to_o heaven_n be_v their_o baptism_n a_o engagement_n enter_v into_o by_o other_o in_o their_o name_n but_o never_o confirm_v and_o make_v good_a by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o they_o remember_v and_o which_o have_v no_o other_o effect_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n than_o if_o it_o be_v quite_o forget_v two_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o hope_v that_o will_v save_v they_o but_o if_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o great_a do_v not_o descend_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 7._o 26._o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand._n and_o john_n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a cheat_n in_o religion_n nothing_o wherein_o man_n do_v more_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o than_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n how_o diligent_a be_v many_o in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o life_n like_o those_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 33._o 31._o of_o who_o god_n complain_v they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v my_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o none_o do_v so_o foolish_o and_o yet_o so_o deserve_o miss_v of_o happiness_n as_o those_o who_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v will_v take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o to_o get_v thither_o three_o there_o be_v other_o who_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o take_v for_o a_o very_a good_a sign_n that_o it_o have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o happen_v very_o frequent_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v considerable_a impression_n upon_o man_n for_o the_o present_a and_o they_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o trouble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o afraid_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n and_o upon_o this_o they_o take_v up_o some_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n which_o after_o a_o little_a while_n vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o delight_v to_o hear_v the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n ezek._n 33._o 32._o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o upon_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o mark_v 6._o 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o herod_n have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o he_o observe_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o glad_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o continue_v the_o same_o cruel_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o he_o be_v before_o and_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o 20._o there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o hearer_n mention_v who_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v it_o with_o joy_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o have_v sudden_a motion_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v mighty_o affect_v for_o the_o present_a but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o root_a and_o fix_v principle_n that_o will_v endure_v and_o hold_v out_o against_o great_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n act_n 24._o 25._o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n reason_v of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v mighty_o strartle_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n when_o their_o judgement_n be_v convince_v and_o bear_v down_o and_o their_o conscience_n touch_v to_o the_o quick_a a_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n may_v stir_v up_o the_o passion_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o dart_v such_o sting_n into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o may_v make_v they_o extreme_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a and_o work_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n in_o they_o towards_o a_o better_a course_n and_o yet_o like_o metal_n when_o the_o heat_n be_v over_o they_o may_v be_v the_o hard_a for_o have_v be_v melt_v down_o four_o other_o show_v great_a strictness_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v will_v be_v accept_v and_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n
testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o eye-witness_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o be_v true_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o 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yet_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o as_o credible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o 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what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v reflect_v more_o upon_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o indulge_v and_o allow_v man_n in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o these_o it_o show_v man_n be_v glad_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o objection_n against_o christianity_n when_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o that_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v make_v ten_o time_n more_o clamour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o contrary_n 3._o as_o for_o most_o of_o those_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n so_o much_o both_o for_o our_o private_a and_o public_a advantage_n that_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n they_o be_v real_o 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own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o wrought_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o have_v clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n from_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v concern_v the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o plant_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o hearty_a unity_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o private_a estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o common_a support_n of_o their_o brethren_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o city_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o account_n which_o strabo_n give_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o luxurious_a place_n as_o most_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v by_o st._n paul_n what_o a_o strange_a reformation_n the_o christian_a religion_n make_v in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o such_o a_o profligate_v course_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o crime_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n from_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n tertullian_n tell_v the_o roman_a governor_n that_o their_o prison_n be_v full_a of_o malefactor_n commit_v for_o several_a crime_n but_o they_o be_v all_o heathen_n de_fw-fr vestris_fw-la semper_fw-la aestuat_fw-la carcer_fw-la their_o prison_n be_v throng_v with_o criminal_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v commit_v there_o for_o such_o crime_n nemo_fw-la illic_fw-la christianus_n nisi_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantùm_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o their_o prison_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o malefactor_n that_o have_v be_v christian_n they_o leave_v their_o religion_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o those_o enormity_n and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v irregular_a in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v no_o long_o account_v christian_n but_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o communion_n as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n what_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n christianity_n have_v make_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a person_n and_o what_o a_o visible_a reformation_n there_o present_o appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n after_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o these_o testimony_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v public_a appeal_n to_o our_o adversary_n which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o hate_v as_o the_o christian_n be_v will_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v notorious_o true_a even_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o i_o shall_v produce_v two_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o have_v pliny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n give_v he_o a_o account_n that_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_n set_v aside_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o way_n he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o day_n and_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n or_o sacrament_n not_o to_o any_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o not_o to_o steal_v nor_o rob_v nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o break_v their_o faith_n nor_o detain_v the_o pledge_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n be_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n against_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o judge_n one_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v julian_n the_o emperor_n and_o apostate_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o the_o christian_n do_v severe_o punish_v sedition_n and_o impiety_n and_o afterward_o exhort_v the_o heathen_a priest_n to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o especial_o alm_n towards_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o mend_v this_o fault_n because_o say_v he_o the_o galilean_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o neglect_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v very_o much_o strengthen_v their_o impiety_n for_o so_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n by_o be_v very_a intent_n upon_o these_o office_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a whereby_o they_o gain_v many_o over_o to_o they_o and_o in_o his_o 49th_o epist_n to_o arsacius_n the_o highpriest_n of_o galatia_n he_o recommend_v to_o he_o among_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o paganism_n the_o build_n of_o hospital_n and_o great_a liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o other_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o the_o impious_a galilean_n shall_v not_o only_o maintain_v their_o own_o poor_a but_o we_o also_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o outdo_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v extort_a so_o full_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o so_o bitter_a a_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o julian_n be_v if_o he_o own_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o any_o religion_n the_o force_n of_o any_o institution_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o primitive_a effect_n of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o dispirited_a by_o those_o corruption_n which_o in_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v common_o more_o vigorous_a and_o have_v great_a effect_n at_o first_o than_o afterward_o and_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v apt_a in_o time_n to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o contract_v soil_n and_o rust_n and_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v bewail_v and_o by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v resist_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o christianity_n in_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o first_o strength_n and_o vigour_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n that_o give_v christianity_n mighty_a advantage_n at_o first_o especial_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o conviction_n to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o suffer_a state_n that_o christian_n be_v general_o in_o which_o make_v those_o who_o embrace_v the_o profession_n to_o be_v general_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o it_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a heat_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v
so_o much_o and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n against_o it_o do_v natural_o inflame_v their_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o one_o another_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a endearment_n among_o man_n than_o common_a suffering_n in_o a_o common_a cause_n so_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o secular_a interest_n and_o by_o deny_v all_o for_o christ_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n the_o great_a root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o she_o be_v black_a yet_o she_o be_v comely_a and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n she_o be_v all_o this_o while_n in_o a_o excellent_a posture_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n but_o after_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o christianity_n be_v countenance_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o water_v with_o secular_a preferment_n and_o encouragement_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o tare_n begin_v to_o grow_v up_o with_o the_o wheat_n then_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o to_o grow_v cold_a when_o the_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n begin_v to_o shine_v upon_o the_o christian_a profession_n than_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o vermin_n breed_v and_o swarm_v every_o where_n when_o it_o grow_v creditable_a and_o advantageous_a for_o man_n to_o be_v christian_n this_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n make_v a_o world_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o counterfeit_a professor_n these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v must_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o which_o have_v follow_v since_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o real_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o several_a state_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o unequal_a for_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o persecution_n of_o any_o religion_n natural_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o real_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o do_v as_o natural_o allure_v and_o draw_v in_o hypocrite_n beside_o that_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v more_o corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n than_o affliction_n but_o though_o christian_n be_v best_o under_o persecution_n yet_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a always_o to_o continue_v they_o in_o that_o state_n because_o he_o will_v not_o tempt_v they_o and_o tire_v they_o out_o with_o perpetual_a suffering_n and_o after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o sufficient_a experiment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o maintain_v and_o propagate_a itself_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o he_o than_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o more_o human_a way_n and_o such_o as_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o man._n be_v once_o establish_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o equal_a term_n of_o advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o pious_a education_n and_o diligent_a instruction_n and_o good_a law_n and_o government_n without_o miracle_n and_o without_o persecution_n and_o without_o those_o extraordinary_a and_o overpower_a communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o man_n may_v see_v what_o effect_n christianity_n have_v have_v upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o proper_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o may_v not_o wonder_v so_o much_o that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n now_o though_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a shame_n to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o 2._o though_o the_o disproportion_n be_v very_o great_a between_o the_o effect_n of_o christianity_n at_o first_o and_o what_o it_o have_v now_o upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v but_o it_o have_v still_o some_o good_a effect_n upon_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v our_o great_a shame_n and_o fault_n that_o it_o have_v no_o better_a if_o we_o will_v speak_v just_o of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o general_a civility_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n freedom_n from_o tyranny_n and_o barbarousness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o some_o other_o enormous_a vice_n yea_o and_o as_o to_o the_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o great_a number_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o several_a nation_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o general_a state_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o pagan_a and_o mahometan_a part_n of_o the_o world_n next_o to_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n philosophy_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a instrument_n to_o reform_v mankind_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o have_v very_o considerable_a effect_n upon_o some_o particular_a person_n both_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n it_o do_v very_o little_a in_o either_o of_o these_o respect_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o absurd_a and_o impious_a opinion_n of_o the_o people_n concern_v god_n and_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v universal_o wherever_o it_o come_v set_v man_n free_a from_o those_o gross_a impiety_n and_o superstition_n and_o teach_v man_n to_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n though_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o the_o eternal_a reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o western_a church_n have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n relap_v into_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o paganism_n out_o of_o which_o degeneracy_n that_o god_n have_v rescue_v we_o as_o we_o have_v infinite_a cause_n to_o adore_v his_o goodness_n so_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dread_v and_o detest_v a_o return_n into_o this_o spiritual_a egypt_n this_o house_n of_o darkness_n and_o bondage_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o our_o neck_n again_o under_o that_o yoke_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v still_o very_o considerable_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_v because_o they_o still_o retain_v the_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v not_o quite_o lose_v their_o force_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o as_o god_n know_v and_o every_o man_n see_v it_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o bad_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a man_n will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o for_o though_o very_a many_o who_o have_v entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o many_o be_v otherwise_o and_o those_o that_o be_v bad_a have_v this_o advantage_n by_o their_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n apt_a to_o reduce_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a course_n and_o sometime_o do_v whereas_o the_o case_n of_o those_o person_n will_v have_v be_v desperate_a be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o they_o by_o christian_a education_n and_o though_o they_o be_v long_o suppress_v yet_o do_v at_o last_o awaken_v they_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o prove_v the_o happy_a mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n 3._o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n as_o bad_a nay_o perhaps_o worse_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o be_v common_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o paganism_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o those_o who_o have_v resist_v so_o great_a a_o light_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v be_v like_a to_o prove_v the_o most_o desperate_o wicked_a of_o all_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o man_n make_v worse_a use_n of_o than_o of_o light_n and_o liberty_n two_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n knowledge_n be_v many_o time_n abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n and_o liberty_n into_o licentiousness_n and_o sedition_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n for_o all_o that_o think_v ignorance_n desirable_a or_o will_v wish_v a_o perpetual_a night_n and_o darkness_n to_o
here_o speak_v of_o this_o may_v be_v bad_a enough_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n any_o man_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o more_o notorious_o he_o contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o danger_n there_o threaten_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o four_o but_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o occasion_n and_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v new_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o apostatise_v from_o it_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v that_o profession_n it_o please_v god_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o raise_v a_o vehement_a persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o many_o out_o of_o base_a fear_n do_v apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o renounce_n it_o be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o caution_n and_o arm_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 2._o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v fall_v away_o and_o chap._n 3._o 12._o it_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n and_o chap._n 10._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o that_o be_v not_o decline_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o v._o 26._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o v._o 39_o a_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n and_o ch._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v the_o sin_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o and_o call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o do_v not_o require_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o it_o with_o any_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o and_o then_o v._o 21._o he_o add_v this_o caution_n little_a chrildren_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o that_o sin_n be_v which_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o namely_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 5th_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n by_o repentance_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o because_o it_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a apostasy_n from_o god_n a_o direct_a renounce_n of_o he_o and_o reject_v of_o his_o truth_n after_o man_n have_v own_v it_o and_o be_v inward_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n call_v it_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o have_v all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o a_o crime_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o renounce_v against_o the_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n receive_v and_o a_o miraculous_a power_n confer_v for_o a_o witness_n and_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o effect_n a_o expression_n of_o as_o high_a malice_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o so_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a a_o death_n now_o a_o sin_n of_o this_o heinous_a nature_n be_v apt_a natural_o either_o to_o plunge_v man_n into_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n or_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v and_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v effectual_a barrs_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o both_o these_o danger_n the_o apostle_n warn_v man_n of_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 3._o 12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o else_o the_o reflection_n upon_o so_o horrid_a a_o crime_n be_v apt_a to_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o despair_n as_o it_o do_v judas_n who_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o ease_n but_o by_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n fill_v he_o with_o such_o terror_n that_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o apostasy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o total_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o purity_n and_o reformation_n of_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o desperation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o this_o danger_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v ch._n 12._o 15._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o then_o he_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n to_o esau_n who_o when_o he_o have_v renounce_v his_o birthright_n to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v annex_v be_v afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n reject_v and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n two_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n do_v renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o afford_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o renounce_v the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n be_v in_o
in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v the_o initiate_a of_o man_n by_o this_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o solemn_a stipulation_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o promise_n of_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v likewise_o make_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v testify_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v particular_a notice_n what_o use_v the_o anabaptist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n so_o as_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v all_o infant_n even_o those_o of_o christian_a parent_n who_o be_v themselves_o already_o admit_v into_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v here_o say_v by_o our_o saviour_n go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o infer_v and_o very_o clear_o and_o strong_o as_o they_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v disciple_n which_o infant_n be_v not_o but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v to_o some_o maturity_n of_o year_n and_o understanding_n but_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o this_o inference_n at_o least_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o constant_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o institution_n admit_v infant_n into_o that_o church_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n and_o likewise_o the_o infant_n of_o proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o intend_v by_o any_o consequence_n from_o this_o text_n to_o exclude_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o debar_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o capable_a of_o be_v take_v into_o this_o new_a covenant_n and_o of_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o old_a unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v which_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n child_n be_v in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o plain_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o express_a prohibition_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o a_o exception_n of_o child_n from_o baptism_n can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o privilege_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a be_v capable_a for_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o go_v and_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o solemn_o into_o it_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o their_o religion_n by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n by_o which_o rite_n also_o they_o take_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o proselyte_n upon_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v any_o more_o exclude_v than_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o except_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o favourable_a case_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o debar_v child_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o obscure_a consequence_n from_o a_o text_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v never_o so_o understand_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o disciple_n or_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o you_o see_v how_o their_o commission_n bound_n and_o limit_n they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v the_o publisher_n but_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o corinthian_n consult_v he_o about_o several_a thing_n relate_v to_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n he_o only_o give_v his_o advice_n but_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o law_n in_o those_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christian_n do_v general_o at_o this_o day_n think_v themselves_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v make_v even_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o all_o those_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v now_o cease_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n under_o such_o officer_n and_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o most_o fit_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o without_o this_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o commission_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o constitution_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o they_o do_v appoint_v temporary_a officer_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n so_o they_o constitute_v other_o that_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruct_n and_o govern_v of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o subordination_n of_o governor_n have_v not_o only_o be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n but_o in_o all_o the_o well_o regulate_v civil_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o work_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v though_o i_o be_v go_v from_o you_o in_o person_n yet_o i_o will_v still_o be_v present_a with_o you_o by_o my_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o have_v he_o engage_v for_o their_o assistance_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o as_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v primary_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o
6._o 5._o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v of_o the_o gospel_n age._n so_o that_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v the_o age_n those_o that_o go_v before_o be_v constant_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o age_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o we_o find_v eph._n 3._o 9_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n and_o you_o have_v the_o same_o phrase_n col._n 1._o 26._o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o time_n and_o the_o last_o day_n heb._n 1._o 2._o but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 9_o 26._o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n that_o be_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n which_o have_v go_v before_o in_o the_o last_o age._n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n by_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o scripture_n the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v suppose_v now_o to_o give_v our_o adversary_n their_o utmost_a scope_n that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n reach_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o age_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o qualify_v and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o speedy_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o till_o this_o work_n be_v do_v now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o intend_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o this_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o trouble_v we_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v extend_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v assist_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o such_o fit_a and_o necessary_a assistance_n as_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n shall_v require_v for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o plant_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o it_o afterward_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o design_n will_v let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v not_o also_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o thus_o extend_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o particular_a promise_n beyond_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o for_o heb._n 13._o 5_o 6._o he_o there_o extend_v two_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o conversation_n say_v he_o be_v without_o cove_n tousness_n and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o particulur_v person_n the_o first_o of_o they_o to_o joshua_n and_o the_o other_o to_o david_n but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n because_o the_o general_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o extend_v so_o far_o he_o who_o give_v joshua_n and_o david_n this_o encouragement_n to_o their_o duty_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n mention_v in_o this_o promise_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o age_n even_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v second_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v with_o they_o and_o here_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n shall_v always_o be_v infallible_a and_o never_o err_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o promise_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o understand_v this_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n so_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v commissionated_a the_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o promise_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o any_o man_n can_v construe_v this_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o signify_v the_o perpetual_a infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n devise_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a text_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v that_o old_a and_o totter_a fabric_n of_o their_o infallibility_n here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n or_o colour_n for_o it_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a sagacity_n that_o can_v find_v out_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o a_o promise_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o joshua_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n with_o this_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o yet_o sure_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n every_o christian_a and_o every_o
that_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o thither_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n that_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n or_o argument_n whereby_o this_o exhortation_n be_v enforce_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a every_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o will_v not_o gain_v our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v strive_v for_o man_n may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v several_a faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o we_o must_v make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o set_v about_o it_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o persevere_v and_o hold_v out_o in_o it_o if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v that_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o now_o what_o this_o seek_n be_v which_o be_v here_o oppose_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n our_o saviour_n declare_v after_o the_o text_n v._o 25._o when_o once_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n be_v rise_v up_o and_o have_v shut_v to_o the_o door_n and_o you_o begin_v to_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o he_o shall_v answer_v and_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v then_o shall_v you_o begin_v to_o say_v we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o tell_v you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n st._n matth._n mention_n some_o other_o pretence_n which_o they_o shall_v make_v upon_o which_o they_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n mat._n 7._o 21_o 22_o 23._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n after_o all_o their_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretence_n they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o doom_n which_o will_v be_v much_o the_o heavy_a because_o of_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o confident_a expectation_n and_o hope_n so_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o v._o 28._o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o you_o yourselves_o thrust_v out_o and_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o st._n matthew_n add_v chap._n 8._o v._n 12._o but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o utter_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v luke_o 13._o 30._o behold_v there_o be_v last_o that_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o first_o which_o shall_v be_v last_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v with_o what_o confidence_n many_o man_n upon_o these_o false_a pretence_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o strange_o they_o shall_v be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o expectation_n and_o hope_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o cast_v out_o of_o heaven_n who_o they_o think_v have_v outdo_v all_o other_o in_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v see_v other_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o exclude_v from_o all_o term_n of_o salvation_n come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o find_v free_a admission_n into_o heaven_n and_o shall_v find_v themselves_o so_o gross_o and_o wide_o mistake_v that_o those_o very_a person_n who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v last_o and_o of_o all_o other_o far_a from_o salvation_n shall_v be_v first_o and_o they_o themselves_o who_o they_o take_v for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o first_o place_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o cast_v out_o so_o that_o by_o seek_v to_o enter_v we_o may_v understand_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n may_v do_v in_o religion_n upon_o which_o they_o shall_v pretend_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n nay_o and_o confident_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o and_o yet_o shall_v be_v shameful_o disappoint_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o whatever_o man_n think_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o privilege_n soever_o man_n pretend_v what_o way_n and_o mean_n soever_o man_n endeavour_v to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n all_o this_o be_v but_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o be_v not_o that_o strive_v which_o our_o saviour_n require_v if_o man_n do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o will_v all_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n here_o instance_v in_o man_n profession_n of_o his_o religion_n call_v he_o lord_n lord_n in_o their_o personal_a familiarity_n and_o conversation_n with_o he_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n in_o their_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n in_o their_o have_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o power_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v do_v if_o man_n do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o by_o a_o plain_a parity_n of_o reason_n whatever_o else_o man_n do_v in_o religion_n what_o attempt_v soever_o man_n may_v make_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n upon_o what_o privilege_n or_o pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o eternal_a life_n they_o will_v certain_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n my_o business_n therefore_o at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o discover_v the_o several_a false_a claim_n and_o pretence_n which_o man_n may_v make_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a particular_n by_o one_o or_o more_o of_o which_o man_n common_o delude_v themselves_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v vain_a and_o ill-grounded_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n two_o other_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o rely_v much_o upon_o that_o three_o there_o be_v other_o that_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o four_o other_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o devout_a in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n 5th_o other_o confide_v much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o therein_o they_o have_v above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n six_o other_o think_v their_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n eight_o other_o rely_v much_o upon_o
and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v very_o eminent_a for_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v far_a than_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o bad_a under_z so_o great_a a_o pretence_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n not_o but_o that_o external_n devotion_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o religion_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n and_o when_o man_n be_v real_o such_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o their_o external_a devotion_n represent_v they_o to_o be_v but_o when_o the_o outward_a garb_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o show_n that_o we_o see_v without_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n these_o be_v mere_a engine_n and_o puppet_n in_o religion_n all_o the_o motion_n we_o see_v without_o proceed_v from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n and_o not_o from_o any_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o as_o no_o creature_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o ape_n because_o the_o beast_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o human_a shape_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o this_o hypocritical_a devotion_n because_o it_o look_v like_o religion_n but_o be_v the_o far_a from_o it_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 5th_o other_o confide_v very_o much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n thus_o the_o jew_n confine_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o exclude_v from_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o believe_v that_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o every_o israelite_n shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o they_o be_v the_o jewish_a catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o any_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v make_v by_o some_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n and_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o hardly_o any_o that_o be_v in_o it_o can_v miscarry_v they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n which_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v not_o only_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o christ_n presence_n but_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v his_o very_a corporal_n presence_n the_o natural_a substance_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o have_v not_o only_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o innumerable_a other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o only_o their_o own_o merit_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v defective_a they_o may_v have_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o infinite_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v challenge_v eternal_a life_n as_o of_o right_a and_o due_a belong_v to_o they_o and_o by_o a_o due_a course_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n may_v quit_v score_n with_o god_n for_o all_o their_o sin_n from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o if_o they_o have_v neglect_v all_o this_o they_o may_v after_o the_o most_o flagitious_a course_n of_o life_n upon_o attrition_n that_o be_v upon_o some_o trouble_n for_o sin_n out_o of_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n join_v with_o confession_n and_o absolution_n get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o provide_v the_o priest_n mean_v honest_o and_o do_v not_o for_o want_v of_o intention_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o save_a benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a man_n can_v be_v delude_v at_o this_o rate_n as_o to_o think_v that_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o other_o will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n that_o any_o church_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o save_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o they_o be_v real_o impenitent_a who_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n plain_o require_v and_o if_o man_n die_v in_o this_o state_n whatever_o church_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o will_v bid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o because_o they_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n six_o other_o think_v that_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o but_o zeal_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o object_n or_o be_v irregular_a and_o excessive_a in_o the_o degree_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o fault_n and_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o charity_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o be_v nothing_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o sure_a willdo_o the_o business_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a and_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o religion_n may_v have_v a_o considerable_a awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o happiness_n man_n may_v in_o many_o considerable_a instance_n perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o the_o retain_v of_o one_o lust_n the_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o know_v sin_n may_v hinder_v they_o from_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n herod_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v john_n glad_o but_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a man._n the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n a_o extortioner_n or_o unjust_a or_o a_o adulterer_n and_o yet_o the_o penitent_a publican_n be_v justify_v before_o he_o the_o young_a man_n who_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o enter_v into_o life_n and_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o want_v but_o one_o thing_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o that_o he_o miscarry_v and_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o if_o we_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n in_o any_o one_o kind_a christ_n will_v disow_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o eight_o other_o rely_v upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v they_o do_v once_o very_o hearty_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o do_v change_v their_o course_n and_o be_v real_o reform_v and_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o that_o good_a course_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v certain_o true_a but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v relapse_v into_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o if_o so_o the_o prophet_n have_v tell_v we_o their_o doom_n that_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o righteousness_n his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v but_o in_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o shall_v he_o die_v so_o that_o a_o righteous_a man_n may_v turn_v from_o his_o righteousress_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o here_o as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v put_v a_o case_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o fact_n shall_v happen_v unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o other_o case_n which_o he_o put_v together_o with_o it_o of_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a be_v likewise_o impossible_a which_o god_n forbid_v and_o that_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o good_a man_n but_o a_o good_a caution_n against_o security_n and_o a_o argument_n
let_v every_o man_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v and_o slow_a to_o wrath_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n sermon_n ii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o i_o have_v from_o these_o word_n propound_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o ii_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n when_o this_o great_a teacher_n of_o mankind_n come_v from_o god_n though_o he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v mighty_o offend_v at_o he_o and_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v show_v 〈◊〉_d unreasonableness_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o to_o consider_v the_o 〈…〉_o those_o exception_n which_o 〈…〉_o and_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v mention_v these_o four_o first_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n second_o they_o object_v against_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n three_o that_o it_o want_v demonstration_n four_o that_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o heathen_a and_o especial_o their_o philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n first_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v condemn_v the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o education_n and_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o violent_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o absurd_a soever_o it_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o propound_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o not_o prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o may_v then_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v entertain_v it_o with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o world_n have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o inure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o this_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o man_n sequimur_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la qui_fw-la feliciter_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la suos_fw-la as_o one_o of_o the_o heathen_n say_v in_o those_o day_n we_o follow_v our_o ancestor_n who_o happy_o follow_v they_o man_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n and_o custom_n in_o religion_n which_o themselves_o and_o their_o forefather_n have_v always_o embrace_v and_o follow_v and_o wise_a man_n especial_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n as_o religion_n be_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n but_o yet_o upon_o a_o through_o examination_n this_o will_v not_o be_v find_v sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v christianity_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o no_o prudent_a person_n think_v that_o the_o example_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o forefather_n oblige_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o pernicious_a to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a no_o danger_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o undo_n for_o ever_o a_o man_n may_v better_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o his_o forefather_n to_o justify_v his_o error_n and_o folly_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o in_o this_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o pernicious_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o a_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o a_o reformation_n that_o it_o make_v a_o change_n when_o thing_n be_v amiss_o it_o be_v always_o fit_a to_o amend_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o change_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a do_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v mix_v with_o very_o great_a folly_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_a and_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o dare_v to_o reform_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o oppose_v a_o effectual_a reformation_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o change_n a_o change_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o better_a though_o it_o be_v usual_o hard_a to_o be_v effect_v be_v always_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o 3._o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n design_v be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o can_v be_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o but_o the_o reduce_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o bring_n of_o man_n back_o to_o such_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n mind_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o design_n to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o then_o for_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o precept_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n add_v beyond_o this_o be_v mean_n and_o help_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n for_o our_o direction_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o our_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n he_o offer_v
of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o most_o case_n urge_v we_o to_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n beside_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o happen_v so_o frequent_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n nay_o very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a both_o because_o religion_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a suffering_n a_o happiness_n unspeakable_o great_a than_o that_o which_o we_o forego_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n do_v extraordinary_o enable_v man_n to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o courage_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o great_a number_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o age_n do_v voluntary_o choose_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o these_o suffering_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o but_o fair_a term_n of_o retreat_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o by_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o can_v help_v it_o and_o another_o thing_n when_o man_n may_v avoid_v suffer_v in_o the_o former_a case_n man_n submit_v to_o necessity_n and_o bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n if_o man_n suffer_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o suffer_v cheerful_o and_o with_o joy_n as_o most_o of_o the_o martyr_n do_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n afford_v they_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o then_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o hard_a when_o religion_n put_v they_o upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o it_o give_v they_o cause_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o the_o like_a this_o objection_n have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n and_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o machiavelli_n and_o very_o likely_a it_o may_v though_o i_o think_v that_o elsewhere_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v with_o term_n of_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o contradict_v the_o other_o he_o say_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o livy_n ch._n 11._o that_o the_o greatness_n and_o success_n of_o rome_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o rome_n be_v more_o indebt_v to_o numa_n pompilius_n for_o settle_v religion_n among_o they_o than_o to_o romulus_n the_o founder_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o say_v he_o without_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o military_a discipline_n religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o good_a law_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o particular_o he_o commend_v the_o samnite_n who_o betake_v themselves_o to_o religion_n as_o their_o last_o and_o best_a remedy_n to_o make_v man_n courageous_a nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v man_n spirit_n than_o religion_n but_o howsoever_o this_o objection_n be_v i_o dare_v appeal_n both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o 1._o to_o reason_n and_o that_o as_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n principle_n of_o the_o great_a resolution_n and_o true_a courage_n it_o teach_v man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a ground_n to_o despise_v danger_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v likely_a to_o inspire_v man_n with_o the_o great_a courage_n for_o what_o need_n he_o fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n who_o fear_v not_o death_n after_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v fear_v and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v by_o give_v man_n the_o assurance_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o happiness_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o this_o happiness_n it_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o inward_a and_o torment_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o after_o death_n this_o make_v the_o righteous_a man_n to_o be_v as_o solomon_n say_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n nothing_o render_v a_o man_n more_o undaunted_a as_o to_o death_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o than_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o have_v wilful_o displease_v he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n reasonable_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a happiness_n after_o death_n than_o other_o man_n whereas_o a_o bad_a man_n if_o he_o be_v sober_a and_o have_v his_o sense_n awake_v to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extreme_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o in_o another_o world_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a man_n breathe_v afraid_a to_o venture_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o see_v hell_n beyond_o it_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o monster_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v so_o far_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n as_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o have_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o happen_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o as_o the_o poet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a fellix_fw-la qui_fw-la potuit_fw-la rerum_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la causas_fw-la atque_fw-la metus_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o inexorabile_fw-la fatum_fw-la subjecit_fw-la pedibus_fw-la strepitumque_fw-la acherontis_fw-la avari_fw-la there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o attain_v to_o this_o temper_n and_o but_o at_o some_o time_n so_o that_o if_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n do_v general_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o man_n spirit_n it_o remain_v that_o nothing_o but_o religion_n can_v general_o give_v man_n courage_n against_o death_n and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v eminent_o to_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o it_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o conquer_a death_n for_o we_o and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n 2._o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o such_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o in_o reason_n tend_v to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o break_v their_o true_a courage_n but_o only_o to_o regulate_v it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o fierceness_n and_o brutishness_n of_o it_o this_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o man_n of_o the_o true_a courage_n have_v many_o time_n lest_o of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o passion_n and_o fierceness_n those_o who_o be_v better_o breed_v be_v common_o of_o more_o gentle_a and_o civil_a disposition_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o want_v true_a courage_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o roughness_n and_o foolhardiness_n of_o man_n of_o rude_a breed_n so_o in_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v very_o courageous_a there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o man_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o quite_o alter_v but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o maintain_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o man_n courage_n and_o that_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la suppose_v man_n of_o equal_a temper_n no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v valiant_a as_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o bluster_a and_o boisterous_a and_o rash_a courage_n but_o a_o sober_a and_o
the_o world_n and_o conclude_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o abuse_a liberty_n that_o the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motiyes_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christiane_n religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o these_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o hiwself_n a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o
sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n as_o to_o keep_v the_o balance_n of_o their_o judgement_n even_o and_o to_o suffer_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o reason_n to_o weigh_v with_o they_o we_o general_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v all_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n but_o few_o of_o we_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o traveller_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o the_o fair_a and_o the_o easy_a way_n but_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o go_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o our_o end_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v choose_v our_o way_n only_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o not_o consider_v our_o inclination_n so_o much_o as_o our_o design_n nor_o choose_v those_o principle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o present_a desire_n but_o those_o which_o will_v most_o certain_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o the_o last_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n firm_o believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o will_v do_v let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o hope_v you_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n satisfy_v that_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o aught_o much_o to_o move_v a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man._n if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o certain_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v whether_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o christian_a and_o with_o half_a that_o reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n that_o christianity_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o itself_o whether_o we_o 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be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o most_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v predestinate_v decree_v determine_v but_o it_o likewise_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v define_v declare_v demonstrate_v put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o translation_n render_v it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o according_a to_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manifest_v itself_o in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n that_o be_v mighty_o powerful_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o follow_v our_o own_o translation_n i_o shall_v handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o contain_v this_o proposition_n in_o they_o that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o proposition_n to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v this_o proposition_n and_o the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o it_o first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o way_n or_o other_o eminent_o manifest_v in_o he_o i_o say_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n as_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o man_n be_v natural_o say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o life_n and_o be_v so_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v life_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o at_o his_o conception_n which_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a 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the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n such_o as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o great_a offender_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o church_n do_v refuse_v to_o admit_v apostate_n and_o some_o other_o great_a offender_n as_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n to_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n this_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n neque_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la neque_fw-la sanguini_fw-la pax_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la redditur_fw-la they_o admit_v neither_o idolater_n nor_o murderer_n to_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o penitent_a and_o shed_v never_o so_o many_o tear_n yet_o he_o say_v they_o be_v jejunae_fw-la pacis_fw-la lacrimae_fw-la their_o tear_n be_v in_o vain_a to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v indeed_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o pronounce_v their_o case_n desperate_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n sed_fw-la de_fw-la veniâ_fw-la deo_fw-la reservamus_fw-la for_o that_o they_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v admit_v again_o into_o the_o church_n so_o strict_a be_v many_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o moderate_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n into_o question_n but_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o word_n shall_v primary_o be_v understand_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o penance_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o 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ignominy_n which_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o and_o therefore_o in_o account_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o by_o their_o action_n they_o do_v approve_v so_o that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o use_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ignominious_a manner_n even_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ch._n 10_o 29._o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o clear_o i_o can_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o several_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o amount_n to_o this_o that_o if_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o imagine_v how_o such_o person_n shall_v recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o if_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o have_v put_v to_o death_n and_o ignominious_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o reject_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o suffer_v deserve_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a vindication_n of_o they_o from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o five_o thing_n one_a that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o only_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v recover_v to_o repentance_n with_o great_a difficulty_n three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n four_o that_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 5th_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n one_a that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o discourse_v of_o and_o show_v wherein_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o do_v remarkable_o distinguish_v the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n from_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v by_o our_o saviour_n one_a the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v evident_o such_o as_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o whereas_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v such_o as_o constant_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o resist_v the_o evidence_n he_o offer_v for_o it_o two_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consist_v in_o blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o say_v he_o do_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o malicious_a and_o unreasonable_a impute_v of_o the_o plain_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v but_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2d_o thing_n namely_o that_o this_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o man_n have_v commit_v be_v capable_a of_o pardon_n except_v only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v a_o very_a severe_a expression_n that_o if_o such_o person_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v this_o phrase_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n impossible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o use_v for_o that_o which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a nor_o indeed_o will_v our_o saviour_n declaration_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o that_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o be_v pardonable_a except_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suffer_v we_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o the_o most_o rigorous_a sense_n three_o the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o sin_n plain_o forbid_v by_o the_o christian_a law_n may_v be_v say_v so_o far_o to_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fall_v away_o which_o the_o apostle_n
in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n two_o this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v 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weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12._o 47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o 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industrious_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v they_o be_v rather_o hypocrite_n the_o other_o way_n and_o will_v conceal_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o seem_v to_o aspire_v after_o riches_n and_o honour_n so_o much_o as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o better_a thing_n how_o cold_a and_o remiss_a be_v we_o with_o what_o a_o careless_a indifference_n do_v most_o man_n mind_v their_o soul_n how_o negligent_a and_o formal_a and_o many_o time_n hypocritical_a be_v they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n with_o what_o a_o pitiful_a courage_n and_o with_o what_o faint_a spirit_n do_v they_o resist_v sin_n and_o encounter_v the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o how_o often_o and_o how_o easy_o be_v they_o foil_v and_o baffle_v by_o they_o 4thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o invincible_o constant_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v birb_v or_o take_v off_o by_o favour_n or_o fair_a word_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o difficulty_n or_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o frown_n and_o reproach_n of_o men._n offer_v a_o ambitious_a man_n any_o thing_n short_a of_o his_o end_n and_o aim_n to_o take_v he_o off_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o he_o scorn_v the_o motion_n and_o think_v you_o go_v about_o to_o fool_v he_o out_o of_o his_o interest_n bait_v a_o covetous_a man_n with_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n to_o get_v his_o money_n from_o he_o how_o generous_o will_v this_o mean_v spirit_v man_n trample_v upon_o pleasure_n when_o it_o will_v tempt_v he_o from_o his_o design_n of_o be_v rich_a difficulty_n do_v not_o daunt_v they_o but_o whet_v their_o courage_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o their_o spirit_n give_v a_o ambitious_a man_n almost_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o his_o attempt_n contrà _fw-la audentior_fw-la ibit_fw-la he_o will_v go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o bold_o and_o resolute_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n but_o a_o covetous_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v jeer_v and_o flirt_v out_o of_o his_o money_n and_o estate_n he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o give_v leave_v to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o to_o laugh_v at_o he_o populus_fw-la mihi_fw-la sibilat_fw-la at_o mihi_fw-la plaudo_fw-la the_o rich_a worldling_n can_v hug_v himself_o and_o his_o bag_n when_o the_o world_n hiss_v at_o he_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v and_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n speak_v against_o he_o for_o money_n sake_n and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o design_n man_n will_v with_o great_a resolution_n encounter_n enmity_n and_o opposition_n and_o endure_v great_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n how_o many_o have_v be_v martyr_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o ease_n and_o health_n and_o even_o their_o life_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o ambitious_a and_o covetous_a and_o voluptuous_a design_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o easy_o be_v man_n check_v and_o divert_v from_o a_o good_a course_n by_o the_o temptation_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n how_o many_o be_v cold_a in_o their_o zeal_n for_o religion_n by_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o this_o world_n and_o as_o their_o good_n and_o estate_n have_v grow_v great_a their_o devotion_n have_v grow_v less_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o to_o be_v terrify_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o suffering_n and_o by_o their_o fearful_a imagination_n to_o make_v they_o great_a than_o they_o be_v and_o with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v dishearten_v from_o all_o further_a attempt_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o giant_n and_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n how_o easy_o be_v peter_n fright_v into_o the_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v apprehend_v how_o do_v his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o fly_v from_o he_o and_o though_o they_o be_v constant_a afterward_o to_o the_o death_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o be_v perfect_o arm_v and_o steel_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_v 5thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o which_o be_v their_o great_a end_n and_o design_n their_o end_n rule_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_z gives_z law_n to_o all_o their_o action_n they_o will_v make_v a_o advantage_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o end_n one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o if_o a_o ambitious_a man_n seek_v wealth_n it_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o design_n to_o purchase_v friend_n and_o strengthen_v his_o interest_n and_o make_v his_o rise_n the_o easy_a he_o will_v lay_v his_o whole_a estate_n at_o the_o stake_n rather_o than_o miss_v of_o his_o end_n the_o covetous_a man_n will_v quit_v his_o pleasure_n when_o it_o lie_v cross_v to_o his_o interest_n if_o he_o have_v any_o expensive_a lust_n and_o chargeable_a vice_n he_o will_v turn_v it_o off_o or_o exchange_v it_o for_o some_o more_o frugal_a and_o profitable_a sin_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o frequent_o do_v man_n act_v without_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o great_a end_n and_o instead_o of_o make_v other_o thing_n submit_v to_o it_o they_o often_o bow_v and_o bend_v it_o to_o their_o inferior_a interest_n they_o make_v heaven_n stoop_v to_o earth_n and_o religion_n to_o serve_v a_o worldly_a design_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o give_v way_n to_o gain_v and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o temporal_a profit_n and_o advantage_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o true_a to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o pay_v it_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o to_o take_v place_n of_o it_o in_o their_o esteem_n and_o affection_n and_o if_o man_n be_v as_o wise_a for_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o another_o world_n they_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o make_v all_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n to_o yield_v and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o consider_v what_o advantage_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n above_o what_o good_a man_n have_v as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o four_o or_o five_o of_o the_o chief_a one_a the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v present_a and_o sensible_a and_o because_o of_o their_o nearness_n to_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o strike_v powerful_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o to_o affect_v we_o mighty_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n after_o they_o and_o to_o work_v strong_o upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o be_v lessen_v by_o their_o distance_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v invisible_a to_o we_o and_o only_o discern_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o more_o obscure_a and_o less_o certain_a perception_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o have_v of_o those_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v not_o see_v god_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n see_v mammon_n two_o the_o sensual_a delight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a nature_n of_o man_n than_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v regenerate_v in_o this_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n appetite_n and_o sense_n be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v above_o reason_n and_o therefore_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o delightful_a to_o sense_n we_o savour_v and_o mind_n and_o love_n to_o busy_v ourselves_o about_o they_o because_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o animal_n life_n which_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o