himself_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o then_o they_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o live_n with_o as_o great_a violence_n and_o cruelty_n as_o ever_o be_v use_v by_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n towards_o one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o heresy_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n too_o as_o st._n paul_n witness_v after_o the_o way_n which_o you_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n so_o they_o call_v we_o heretic_n though_o we_o receive_v and_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o reject_v their_o addition_n whereby_o they_o will_v make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o as_o rome_n be_v parallel_v with_o jerusalem_n in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o especial_o in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o as_o jerusalem_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n of_o all_o age_n so_o st._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n say_v of_o rome_n that_o in_o she_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o prophet_n and_o of_o saint_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v slay_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n 18.24_o which_o be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o rome_n christian_n than_o of_o rome_n pagan_a in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o perhaps_o in_o rome_n pagan_a herself_o have_v not_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v as_o in_o rome_n christian_n and_o catholic_n and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o heavy_a account_n for_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o prophet_n because_o god_n have_v avenge_v they_o on_o she_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o danger_n of_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n preach_v on_o november_n 5._o 1682._o rom_n x._o 2._o i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_o cry_v up_o than_o zeal_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o man_n do_v more_o frequent_o and_o fatal_o mistake_v and_o miscarry_v and_o in_o the_o expression_n and_o effect_n whereof_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v themselves_o with_o more_o care_n and_o caution_n ii_o vol._n ii_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n zeal_n be_v as_o all_o other_o passion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o itself_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a to_o the_o object_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o earnest_a concernment_n for_o or_o against_o something_o and_o a_o violent_a pursuit_n and_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o right_a object_n so_o as_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o good_a and_o against_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o evil_a and_o in_o a_o due_a degree_n that_o be_v if_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o less_o or_o great_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a quality_n or_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v wrong_v place_v and_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o about_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a or_o doubtful_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o notorious_o exceed_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v about_o thing_n than_o they_o deserve_v and_o zealous_o concern_v about_o lesser_a thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o great_a in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n it_o be_v so_o for_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n xiii_o serm._n xiii_o of_o a_o most_o pernicious_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n and_o many_o time_n have_v as_o bad_a effect_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o worst_a principle_n or_o disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o religion_n as_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o profaneness_n john_n 2.17_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o for_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o those_o gift_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.31_o but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n be_v zealous_a of_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o forwardness_n and_o readiness_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 2_o cor._n 9.2_o i_o know_v the_o forwardness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o your_o zeal_n have_v provoke_v very_o many_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o expression_n tit._n 2.14_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o for_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o be_o zealous_a of_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a zeal_n but_o the_o word_n be_v much_o more_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n for_o a_o malicious_a and_o furious_a rage_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n act_v 5.17_o 18._o then_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n the_o word_n be_v zeal_n and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v they_o in_o prison_n and_o chap._n 13.45_o it_o be_v say_v the_o jew_n be_v fill_v with_o zeal_n and_o speak_v against_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o chap._n 17.5_o the_o jew_n which_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o zeal_n gather_v a_o company_n and_o set_v all_o the_o city_n in_o a_o uproar_n it_o be_v frequent_o reckon_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o mention_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n wrath_n contention_n division_n sedition_n murder_n tumult_n confusion_n rom._n 13.13_o let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o zeal_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o zeal_n and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 2_o cor._n 12.20_o lest_o there_o be_v debate_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a among_o which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v hatred_n variance_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o bitter_a zeal_n jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o zeal_n most_o frequent_o go_v under_o a_o bad_a name_n and_o character_n in_o scripture_n zeal_n i_o mean_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o of_o that_o most_o of_o the_o text_n i_o have_v mention_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n mean_v here_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o zeal_n about_o religion_n and_o divine_a thing_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v desirous_a to_o say_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n he_o commend_v the_o good_a meaning_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o blame_v the_o ill_a conduct_n of_o it_o i_o bear_v they_o record_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o give_v this_o testimony_n on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o by_o all_o this_o fierceness_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o intend_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o think_v they_o do_v he_o service_n but_o yet_o this_o zeal_n be_v great_o to_o be_v condemn_v because_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_v and_o misguide_a zeal_n not_o at_o all_o direct_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n ii_o
by_o what_o mark_v and_o character_n we_o may_v know_v that_o zeal_n which_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n be_v condemn_v as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o knowledge_n iii_o how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n when_o i_o have_v handle_v these_o three_o particular_n i_o shall_v apply_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n i_o shall_v mention_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v right_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n 2._o that_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a 3._o that_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v right_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n i_o mean_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v zealous_a for_o be_v certain_o and_o considerable_o good_a and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v zealous_a against_o be_v certain_o and_o considerable_o evil._n a_o mistake_n in_o any_o of_o these_o quite_o mar_v our_o zeal_n and_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o intend_v for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a and_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o the_o hot_a the_o worse_a it_o be_v not_o a_o heavenly_a fire_n that_o come_v down_o from_o above_o but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n heat_v without_o light_n if_o we_o mistake_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v zealous_o concern_v against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a the_o great_a our_o zeal_n be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o fault_n and_o instead_o of_o do_v god_n and_o religion_n service_n and_o credit_n we_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n and_o dishonour_v we_o can_v to_o they_o both_o or_o if_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o our_o zeal_n be_v conversant_a be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o object_n of_o zeal_n man_n shall_v never_o be_v earnest_a for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n but_o upon_o clear_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o what_o we_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o be_v undoubted_o good_a and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v so_o violent_a against_o be_v undoubted_o evil_a if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o be_v zealous_a for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o we_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o it_o must_v also_o be_v considerable_o so_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v our_o be_v zealous_a about_o it_o all_o truth_n be_v good_a and_o all_o error_n bad_a but_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n so_o inconsiderable_a and_o which_o have_v so_o small_a a_o influence_n upon_o practice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v our_o zeal_n and_o earnest_a contention_n about_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o be_v there_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_v of_o so_o slight_a and_o inconsiderarable_a a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v better_a man_n shall_v be_v let_v alone_o in_o they_o than_o provoke_v to_o quarrel_v and_o contend_v about_o they_o thus_o that_o great_a heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o the_o time_n of_o observe_v easter_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n they_o be_v on_o both_o side_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a which_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n but_o there_o be_v different_a custom_n about_o the_o time_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o such_o consideration_n as_o to_o deserve_v so_o much_o heat_n and_o zeal_n about_o it_o especial_o consider_v the_o uncharitable_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o that_o difference_n 2._o that_o our_o zeal_n may_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a that_o be_v a_o ignorant_a zeal_n which_o be_v conversant_a about_o lesser_a thing_n and_o unconcern_v for_o great_a such_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n who_o be_v mighty_o concern_v about_o external_a and_o lesser_a matter_n but_o take_v little_a or_o no_o care_n of_o inward_a purity_n and_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n they_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashed_a hand_n and_o to_o make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n but_o then_o they_o be_v full_a of_o extortion_n and_o all_o unrighteousness_n they_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cumin_fw-la but_o omit_v the_o weighty_a thing_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o fidelity_n or_o as_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o they_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n a_o zealous_a strictness_n about_o external_a rite_n and_o matter_n of_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a neglect_n of_o the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v either_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o fulsome_a hypocrisy_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v a_o loud_a and_o zealous_a outcry_n against_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n when_o man_n can_v release_v themselves_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o pass_v over_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n 3._o a_o zeal_n that_o be_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n must_v be_v pursue_v and_o prosecute_v by_o lawful_a and_o warantable_a mean_n no_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n for_o his_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n will_v justify_v the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o and_o in_o itself_o evil_a will_v you_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n and_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o think_v to_o promote_v his_o glory_n by_o mean_n so_o dishonourable_a and_o offensive_a to_o he_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v it_o a_o damnable_a sin_n for_o any_o to_o charge_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o christianity_n that_o evil_a may_v be_v do_v for_o a_o good_a end_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.8_o as_o we_o he_o slanderous_o report_v and_o as_o some_o affirm_v that_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o a_o man_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n to_o overlook_a the_o evil_n and_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o mean_v they_o use_v for_o the_o advance_v so_o good_a a_o end_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v sanctify_v those_o refine_a art_n of_o lie_v and_o perjury_n by_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n those_o seditious_a way_n of_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n by_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n by_o the_o excommunicate_a and_o dispose_v of_o prince_n upon_o pray_fw-mi tense_n of_o heresy_n of_o extirpate_v those_o who_o they_o please_v to_o call_v heretic_n by_o inquisition_n and_o croisado_n and_o massacre_n and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a person_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o pope_n and_o of_o general_a council_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o show_v by_o what_o mark_n and_o character_n we_o may_v know_v the_o contrary_a zeal_n that_o which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o be_v condemn_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o very_o frequent_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o the_o contrary_a mark_n and_o property_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v yet_o to_o discover_v it_o more_o full_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o very_a gross_a and_o sensible_a sign_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n that_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o that_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a a_o zeal_n for_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n plain_o contrary_a either_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o to_o common_a sense_n any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n for_o pray_v
other_o term_n than_o of_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o of_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o consideration_n we_o have_v the_o best_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o unblameable_a life_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o their_o profess_a enemy_n who_o do_v not_o persecute_v they_o for_o any_o personal_a crime_n which_o they_o charge_v particular_a person_n withal_o but_o only_o for_o their_o religion_n acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o good_a people_n particulary_a pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n who_o have_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n to_o make_v particular_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o christian_n give_v this_o honourable_a report_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o beside_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n that_o at_o their_o religious_a meeting_n it_o be_v a_o 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meet_v withal_o from_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n
we_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v have_v so_o eminent_a a_o confirmation_n give_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n and_o do_v at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o so_o strange_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n against_o all_o humane_a probability_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n can_v well_o suppose_v a_o religion_n in_o circumstance_n of_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o upon_o all_o humane_a account_n more_o unlikely_a to_o sustain_v and_o bear_v up_o itself_o than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o its_o beginning_n so_o small_a that_o no_o man_n but_o will_v have_v think_v it_o will_v present_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o strange_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o 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it_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a make_v some_o virtuous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a saint_n under_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a institution_n what_o degree_n then_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v so_o bright_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n sermon_n vi_o the_o nature_n office_n and_o employment_n of_o good_a angel_n preach_v on_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n heb._n 1.14_o be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o good_a angel_n who_o existence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o take_v for_o grant_v no_o less_o than_o they_o do_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o well_o they_o may_v since_o they_o be_v all_o found_v upon_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n ii_o vol._n ii_o derive_v down_o to_o
necessary_a if_o we_o expect_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o hope_v for_o the_o same_o happy_a end_n which_o they_o have_v for_o none_o but_o they_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v 4._o we_o shall_v imitate_v they_o in_o the_o efficacy_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o practice_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n that_o be_v their_o perseverance_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n to_o the_o end_n and_o these_o must_v never_o be_v separate_v a_o sound_a faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n without_o this_o our_o faith_n be_v barren_a and_o dead_a as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o ch_n 2._o v._n 17._o our_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n must_v manifest_v itself_o in_o a_o good_a conversation_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o same_o st._n james_n ch_z 3._o v._n 13._o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endow_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o shew-out_a of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n say_v st._n paul_n to_o titus_n ch_z 3._o v._n 8._o and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v eminent_a example_n they_o live_v as_o they_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v so_o st._n paul_n strict_o charge_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o hereby_o chief_o false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n matth._n 7.20_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o excellent_a person_n if_o we_o do_v not_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v viz._n the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o pattern_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o in_o another_o world_n consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o egress_n or_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n into_o a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a state_n where_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o pious_a conversation_n in_o this_o world_n or_o else_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o consider_v the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o life_n with_o what_o patience_n and_o comfort_n they_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o with_o what_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o the_o happy_a condition_n they_o be_v go_v to_o and_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o see_v with_o what_o cheerfulness_n and_o comfort_n good_a man_n die_v and_o with_o what_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a persuasion_n of_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v enter_v upon_o for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n in_o that_o calmness_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n bad_a man_n wish_v this_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o balaam_n let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o last_o end_n be_v like_o he_o but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o such_o a_o death_n we_o must_v live_v such_o life_n and_o imitate_v the_o faith_n and_o good_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o we_o desire_v to_o resemble_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n and_o to_o go_v into_o the_o same_o happy_a state_n that_o they_o be_v in_o after_o death_n if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v their_o life_n our_o pattern_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o to_o they_o in_o the_o happy_a manner_n of_o their_o death_n when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o eminent_a good_a man_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v happy_a and_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o will_v meet_v with_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o goodness_n in_o another_o world_n if_o we_o believe_v this_o of_o he_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n which_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o and_z as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v ch_n 6.12_o let_v we_o not_o be_v slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n let_v we_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n that_o they_o do_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n which_o they_o have_v the_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o show_v what_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o these_o excellent_a example_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o the_o first_o founder_n and_o teacher_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a honour_n and_o respect_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v to_o their_o memory_n not_o invocation_n and_o adoration_n but_o a_o zealous_a imitation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o good_a conversation_n the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v they_o the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o most_o grateful_a to_o they_o and_o the_o most_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o they_o not_o to_o make_v any_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o they_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o they_o and_o worship_v they_o but_o to_o form_n the_o image_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o virtue_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o but_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o such_o bright_a and_o glorious_a example_n and_o to_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o may_v to_o imitate_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o piety_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o those_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v so_o resplendent_a in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v to_o remember_v the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n have_v the_o christian_a religion_n require_v or_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v as_o easy_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v say_v remember_v they_o that_o have_v be_v your_o guide_v and_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o erect_v image_n to_o they_o and_o to_o worship_v they_o with_o due_a veneration_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o intercession_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v say_v or_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v of_o it_o either_o in_o this_o text_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n but_o very_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_n their_o example_n indeed_o be_v frequent_o recommend_v to_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n and_o encouragement_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v take_v particular_a care_n that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o many_o primitive_a christian_n and_o martyr_n shall_v be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n that_o christian_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n may_v propound_v these_o pattern_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v perpetual_o before_o their_o eye_n the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o life_n and_o their_o patient_a and_o constant_a suffering_n for_o the_o truth_n that_o when_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o like_a trial_n we_o may_v not_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n but_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n have_v so_o many_o example_n in_o our_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v now_o as_o it_o be_v look_v down_o from_o their_o happy_a state_n upon_o we_o here_o below_o who_o be_v combat_v with_o manifold_a temptation_n to_o see_v how_o we_o behave_v and_o acquit_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o may_v take_v encouragement_n to_o ourselves_o from_o such_o example_n and_o such_o spectator_n to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o other_o use_v than_o this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n make_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o former_a age_n very_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o
against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o often_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n gal._n 1.13_o 14._o you_o have_v hear_v say_v he_o of_o my_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o jew_n religion_n how_o that_o beyond_o measure_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o be_v exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o injurious_a so_o that_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o a_o most_o furious_a and_o outrageous_a persecution_n of_o good_a man_n for_o which_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a sin_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v kill_v man_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o downright_a murder_n act_n 2.23_o speak_v of_o their_o put_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n who_o you_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v and_o act_v 7.52_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o sin_n be_v of_o this_o high_a nature_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n that_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n and_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n for_o they_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n peter_n also_o plead_v the_o same_o in_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n act_v 3.17_o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o his_o repentance_n on_o this_o account_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n but_o still_o for_o all_o this_o wicked_a thing_n do_v out_o of_o conscience_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n be_v damnable_a and_o will_v prove_v so_o without_o repentance_n i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o application_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o our_o zeal_n be_v direct_v by_o knowledge_n this_o show_v we_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n zeal_n be_v in_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n zeal_n be_v a_o edg-tool_n which_o child_n in_o understanding_n shall_v not_o meddle_v withal_o and_o yet_o it_o must_v frequent_o possess_v the_o weak_a mind_n and_o common_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o know_a people_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a they_o be_v and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o knowledge_n be_v profess_o discourage_v and_o suppress_v in_o the_o common_a people_n zeal_n be_v mighty_o countenance_v and_o cherish_v and_o they_o make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o for_o this_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n be_v that_o which_o inspire_v diem_fw-la to_o do_v such_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n as_o be_v hardly_o ever_o act_v among_o the_o heathen_a zeal_n be_v only_o fit_a for_o wise_a man_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o in_o fashion_n among_o fool_n nay_o it_o be_v dangerous_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o keep_v in_o with_o a_o strict_a rein_n otherwise_o it_o will_v transport_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o undue_a and_o irregular_a thing_n moses_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o man_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o govern_v and_o manage_v his_o zeal_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o keep_v aloof_o from_o all_o excess_n and_o extravagance_n be_v the_o meek_a man_n upon_o earth_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o surprise_v upon_o a_o sudden_a occasion_n that_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n he_o let_v fall_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v but_o just_a receive_v from_o god_n and_o dash_v they_o in_o piece_n a_o true_a emblem_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a zeal_n in_o the_o transport_v whereof_o even_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o let_v they_o fall_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o break_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n 2._o from_o hence_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v take_v copy_n by_o they_o as_o in_o a_o arrogant_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o so_o in_o the_o blindness_n and_o fury_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o zeal_n towards_o all_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o authority_n and_o direction_n and_o as_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v of_o old_a so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o they_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o people_n and_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o suffer_v those_o that_o will_v to_o enter_v in_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n those_o who_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o his_o time_n act_v 24.14_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o establish_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n anathematise_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o persecute_v they_o to_o the_o death_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o and_o kill_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o many_o age_n use_v the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n 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they_o may_v do_v any_o thing_n and_o that_o whosoever_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o so_o ancient_a and_o good_a a_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o bad_a man_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o in_o the_o severe_a manner_n as_o if_o any_o pretence_n of_o piety_n can_v give_v a_o privilege_n to_o do_v wicked_o and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a any_o man_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v he_o may_v do_v so_o much_o the_o worse_a thing_n there_o be_v another_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o st._n paul_n who_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n by_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n and_o all_o this_o while_n he_o very_o think_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o in_o a_o 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end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n and_o murder_n for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o in_o kill_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o to_o make_v a_o action_n good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o goodness_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o of_o all_o circumstance_n must_v concur_v and_o any_o one_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o do_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a action_n and_o spoil_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a mind_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o which_o sense_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o we_o must_v do_v it_o for_o a_o good_a end_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o men._n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n want_v yet_o which_o be_v often_o forget_v but_o be_v main_o considerable_a viz._n what_o we_o do_v with_o a_o good_a mind_n and_o to_o a_o good_a end_n must_v be_v good_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o command_v or_o allow_v or_o at_o least_o not_o forbid_v by_o god_n if_o it_o be_v what_o good_a circumstance_n soever_o may_v belong_v to_o the_o action_n the_o whole_a action_n be_v stark_o naught_o because_o the_o very_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a and_o damnable_a though_o do_v for_o never_o so_o good_a a_o end_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o say_v they_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v their_o damnation_n be_v just_a he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o some_o will_v have_v charge_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o christian_n and_o particular_o upon_o himself_o but_o he_o reject_v it_o with_o the_o great_a detestation_n and_o which_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o observation_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o time_n be_v present_a have_v particular_o direct_v he_o to_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o that_o church_n that_o in_o future_a age_n they_o may_v be_v warn_v against_o so_o pernicious_a a_o principle_n and_o all_o wicked_a practice_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o and_o we_o find_v that_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n do_v think_v it_o no_o sufficient_a plea_n and_o excuse_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o persecution_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v out_o of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n as_o he_o be_v very_o persuade_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o murderer_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sinner_n for_o which_o without_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n he_o have_v perish_v everlasting_o 6._o and_o last_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v certain_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n a_o excellent_a quality_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n our_o saviour_n compare_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o salt_n and_o light_n the_o most_o useful_a and_o delightful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n religion_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v go_v it_o season_v the_o spirit_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o be_v putrify_a and_o corrupt_v but_o if_o the_o salt_n lose_v its_o savour_n if_o that_o which_o shall_v season_v other_o thing_n be_v taint_v itself_o it_o be_v thenceforth_o the_o most_o insipid_a and_o offensive_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n mistake_v and_o false_a principle_n be_v not_o where_o so_o pernicious_a and_o of_o such_o mischievous_a consequence_n as_o in_o religion_n a_o blind_a and_o misguide_a zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o best_a nature_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n for_o aught_o appear_v be_v of_o himself_o of_o a_o very_a kind_n and_o compassionate_a nature_n and_o yet_o what_o a_o fury_n do_v his_o mistake_a zeal_n make_v he_o it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a how_o mad_o he_o lay_v about_o he_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o it_o act_n 26.9_o 10_o 11._o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o say_v he_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n which_o thing_n i_o also_o do_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n have_v receive_v authority_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n i_o may_v descend_v low_a and_o give_v instance_n both_o of_o former_a and_o late_a time_n of_o emperor_n and_o prince_n both_o heathen_a and_o christian_n that_o of_o themselves_o be_v mild_a and_o gentle_a and_o yet_o through_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o the_o instigation_n of_o their_o chief_a priest_n have_v be_v carry_v to_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a thing_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o give_v so_o keen_a a_o edge_n even_o to_o the_o mild_a temper_n as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o wild_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v like_a quicksilver_n in_o the_o back_n of_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v not_o very_o sharp_a of_o itself_o which_o give_v a_o mighty_a force_n and_o weight_n to_o its_o blow_n and_o make_v it_o to_o cut_v terrible_o and_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o zealous_a prosecution_n of_o mistake_v in_o religion_n have_v produce_v sad_a and_o more_o barbarous_a effect_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o frequent_o than_o the_o ordinary_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v as_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o most_o generous_a wine_n make_v the_o sowere_v vinegar_n so_o that_o the_o pasquil_n or_o libel_n against_o pope_n vrban_n the_o viii_o upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o take_n off_o the_o brazen_a roof_n of_o the_o old_a capitol_n which_o have_v hold_v out_o so_o many_o age_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o rome_n have_v be_v so_o often_o sack_v by_o barbarous_a