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 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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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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
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
salvation_n of_o mankind_n i_o judge_v nothing_o more_o needful_a to_o be_v add_v to_o what_o have_v fall_v in_o concern_v that_o subject_a in_o my_o handle_n the_o second_o proposition_n in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a sermon_n sermon_n v._o the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v on_o ascension-day_n 1688._o mark_v xvi_o 19_o 20._o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n i._o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o effect_n or_o consequence_n of_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o both_o these_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o this_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n handle_v the_o latter_a point_n namely_o the_o effect_n open_fw-mi consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o these_o word_n contain_v two_o thing_n in_o they_o i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o it_o v._n serm._n v._n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n and_o indeed_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n in_o publish_v the_o gospel_n be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o pain_n do_v they_o take_v what_o hazard_n do_v they_o run_v what_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n do_v they_o contend_v withal_o in_o this_o work_n and_o yet_o their_o success_n be_v great_a than_o their_o industry_n and_o beyond_o all_o humane_a expectation_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n 2._o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n 3._o the_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n 4._o the_o powerful_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o 5._o the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n this_o be_v represent_v rev._n 14.6_o by_o a_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n and_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o every_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v ready_o embrace_v by_o great_a number_n almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o come_v and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 49.10_o that_o when_o shiloh_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v and_o isa_n 2.2_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o isa_n 60.8_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o man_n ready_a submission_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v to_o fly_v as_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n so_o quick_a and_o strange_a a_o progress_n do_v this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o about_o 30_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n it_o be_v not_o only_o diffuse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o have_v reach_v as_o far_o as_o parthia_n and_o india_n in_o which_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n full_o verify_v that_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n math._n 24.14_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o man_n be_v not_o only_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 2._o this_o doctrine_n have_v likewise_o a_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n be_v obedient_a to_o it_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n rom._n 15.18_o upon_o the_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n follow_v also_o the_o change_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o of_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thenceforth_o not_o walk_v as_o other_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o according_a to_o the_o vicious_a course_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v put_v off_o concern_v their_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o do_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o strange_a a_o effect_n have_v the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o that_o i_o remember_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n challenge_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o christian_a that_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n or_o a_o sacrilegious_a person_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o gross_a enormity_n for_o which_o so_o many_o pagan_n be_v every_o day_n make_v example_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o punish_v and_o execute_v among_o they_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a admirable_a and_o happy_a effect_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o work_v so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o change_n in_o the_o live_v of_o those_o who_o entertain_v this_o doctrine_n to_o take_v they_o quite_o off_o from_o those_o vicious_a practice_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o accustom_a to_o to_o change_v their_o spirit_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o of_o lewd_a and_o dishonest_a to_o make_v they_o sober_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n of_o proud_a and_o fierce_a contentious_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a to_o make_v they_o humble_a and_o meek_a kind_a and_o tender-hearted_a peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v general_o good_a man_n and_o of_o virtuous_a life_n be_v credible_a because_o their_o religion_n do_v teach_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v such_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a now_o to_o make_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o it_o require_v they_o shall_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a argument_n then_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v for_o christianity_n be_v a_o hate_a and_o persecute_a profession_n no_o man_n can_v then_o have_v any_o inducement_n to_o embrace_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o it_o offer_v man_n no_o reward_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a threaten_a man_n with_o the_o great_a temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n and_o it_o promise_v no_o happiness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n upon_o any_o
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meet_v withal_o from_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n
the_o infirmity_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o the_o example_n of_o mere_a man_n liable_a to_o sin_n as_o we_o be_v may_v in_o many_o respect_n be_v more_o suitable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v think_v fit_a likewise_o to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o high_a example_n of_o that_o kind_n the_o first_o teacher_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o of_o these_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o those_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o who_o be_v now_o depart_v this_o life_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v dead_a when_o he_o say_v remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o or_o those_o 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endeavour_v to_o show_v why_o among_o all_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v more_o especial_o propose_v to_o our_o imitation_n the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o faith_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v and_o to_o imitate_v the_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o conversation_n for_o these_o certain_o come_v near_o to_o that_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o all_o goodness_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o be_v the_o fair_a transcript_n of_o that_o unblemished_a original_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n so_o frequent_o exhort_v christian_n to_o imitate_v his_o example_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v that_o they_o come_v near_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n phil._n 3.17_o brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o first_o in_o every_o kind_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o of_o all_o that_o follow_v after_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o best_a institution_n be_v apt_a to_o decline_v and_o by_o insensible_a degree_n to_o swerve_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o first_o state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o preserve_v thing_n from_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n often_o to_o look_v back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o by_o that_o to_o correct_v those_o imperfection_n and_o error_n which_o will_v almost_o unavoidable_o creep_v in_o with_o time_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v that_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o our_o religion_n require_v we_o shall_v have_v frequent_a recourse_n to_o the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o christianity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o belief_n and_o life_n to_o as_o near_o a_o conformity_n with_o they_o as_o be_v possible_a who_o so_o likely_a to_o deliver_v the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a as_o the_o primitive_a teacher_n of_o it_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n secure_v from_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o who_o so_o likely_a to_o bring_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o a_o exact_a conformity_n with_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n as_o they_o who_o be_v so_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o it_o by_o the_o best_a master_n and_o show_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a example_n
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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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 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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