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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n degree_n error_n great_a 63 3 2.0921 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62642 Sixteen sermons preached on several subjects and occasions by the most reverend John Tillotson ... ; being the second volume, published from the originals, by Ralph Barker ...; Sermons. Selections Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1700 (1700) Wing T1269; ESTC R18542 169,737 479

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to_o saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o sacrilegious_a deprive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o half_a the_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n plain_a institution_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n a_o zeal_n for_o that_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v in_o any_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o dostrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n not_o only_o without_o any_o sufficient_a authority_n from_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a gross_a error_n and_o practice_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n the_o degree_n whereof_o be_v manifest_o disproportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a when_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o great_a and_o fierce_a zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n than_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a severity_n than_o for_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o omission_n and_o neglect_v of_o some_o senseless_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n than_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a immorality_n and_o against_o the_o denyer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o great_a zeal_n i_o be_o sure_a a_o more_o severe_a prosecution_n than_o against_o those_o who_o deny_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a te_fw-la knowledge_n nor_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v prosecute_v by_o unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o warrant_v the_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o violate_v of_o truth_n and_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o break_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n nor_o 4._o a_o uncharitable_a zeal_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o think_v itself_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o every_o scruple_n and_o upon_o every_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o unlawful_a imposition_n though_o in_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o upon_o this_o single_a point_n because_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o i_o think_v ever_o be_v avow_v among_o christian_n not_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v only_o because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o fancy_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v comes_z present_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v do_v it_o or_o not_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n nor_o 5._o a_o furious_a and_o cruel_a zeal_n which_o st._n james_n call_v a_o bitter_a or_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v blind_a with_o its_o own_o rage_n and_o make_v man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n exceed_o mad_a against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a zeal_n 6._o and_o last_o a_o zeal_n for_o ignorance_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v a_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o such_o strict_a law_n to_o forbid_v people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o they_o without_o let_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o read_v lesson_n to_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o all_o this_o under_o pretence_n of_o increase_v their_o devotion_n as_o if_o the_o less_o man_n understand_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v than_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n nothing_o they_o hive_n oppose_v with_o more_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o quit_v their_o religion_n which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v i_o who_o be_v once_o act_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o now_o possess_v they_o and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o outrageous_a manner_n as_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o very_a good_a conscience_n as_o i_o think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o act_v 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o that_o his_o zeal_n be_v sincere_a and_o with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v very_o faulty_a and_o sinful_a and_o if_o he_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o damnable_a so_o that_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n he_o do_v out_o of_o this_o zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o render_v he_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o this_o furious_a and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n give_v of_o his_o own_o do_n and_o what_o load_n he_o lay_v upon_o himself_o notwithstanding_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n act_n viij_o and_o ix_o you_o have_v the_o history_n at_o large_a of_o his_o outrageous_a do_n how_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n how_o he_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n act_v 22.4_o i_o persecute_v say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o ch._n 26.10_o 11._o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n
the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v likewise_o strong_o combine_v against_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n do_v with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o malice_n endeavour_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o to_o suppress_v it_o in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v then_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o whole_a strength_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o and_o raise_v such_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n against_o it_o as_o sweep_v away_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o war_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o yet_o this_o religion_n bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o opposition_n and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o all_o the_o resistance_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n arm_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o consideration_n i_o mention_v the_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o invite_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o it_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n threaten_v every_o one_o that_o take_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o he_o whoever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o reproach_n and_o ruin_n to_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n to_o banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o confiscation_n of_o estate_n but_o these_o be_v slight_a and_o tolerable_a evil_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o that_o be_v common_o inflict_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o the_o lion_n and_o all_o imaginable_a cruelty_n be_v exercise_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v and_o death_n in_o all_o its_o fearful_a shape_n be_v present_v to_o they_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o embrace_v this_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o quit_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o persist_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n but_o the_o most_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o their_o person_n and_o demean_v themselves_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n and_o courage_n but_o with_o exultation_n and_o triumph_n under_o those_o torture_n which_o no_o man_n can_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o without_o horror_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v up_o thus_o manful_o for_o one_o brunt_n but_o when_o these_o violent_a persecution_n be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v upon_o they_o christianity_n support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o daunt_a discouragement_n for_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o hold_v out_o till_o the_o very_a malice_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v out_o of_o breath_n and_o their_o cruelty_n have_v tire_v itself_o nay_o it_o do_v not_o only_o support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o opposition_n but_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n spring_v up_o fast_o than_o any_o persecution_n can_v mow_v they_o down_o for_o man_n by_o degree_n become_v curious_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o upon_o enquiry_n be_v satisfy_v and_o become_v christian_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n their_o very_a persecutor_n be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n the_o next_o day_n for_o that_o very_a cause_n for_o which_o but_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v put_v other_o to_o death_n and_o it_o can_v here_o be_v reasonable_o object_v that_o christian_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o these_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o some_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o country_n namely_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n in_o after-age_n this_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n because_o these_o sufferer_n be_v not_o the_o great_a and_o ambitious_a spirit_n the_o flower_n and_o select_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o common_a people_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o the_o tender_a sex_n and_o age_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o pain_n than_o of_o glory_n and_o yet_o so_o be_v they_o animate_v by_o their_o religion_n and_o transport_v beyond_o themselves_o as_o not_o only_o to_o submit_v but_o many_o time_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o those_o suffering_n by_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o no_o man_n accuse_v they_o and_o when_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v for_o make_v that_o profession_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o justify_v their_o forwardness_n to_o suffer_v than_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o suffering_n beside_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o man_n to_o hope_n to_o get_v a_o name_n by_o suffer_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o remember_v to_o posterity_n when_o they_o die_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sufferer_n you_o see_v then_o how_o strong_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v how_o soon_o this_o new_a religion_n overran_a the_o world_n how_o sudden_o it_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_a and_o despicable_a instrument_n to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n this_o great_a work_n be_v do_v and_o how_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o discouragement_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o can_v any_o one_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o establish_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n mere_o by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v bear_v up_o and_o sustain_v themselves_o so_o long_o under_o such_o fierce_a assault_n as_o christanity_n have_v do_v as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n it_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o force_n at_o first_o and_o to_o hau●_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o violent_a mean_n so_o that_o great_a impostor_n open_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o plant_v his_o religion_n by_o miracle_n but_o the_o sword_n and_o as_o for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a they_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n by_o insensible_a degree_n and_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n but_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o vicious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mankind_n they_o easy_o gain_v upon_o their_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n by_o custom_n and_o example_n they_o be_v just_o such_o a_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o such_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o such_o insensible_a step_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o all_o know_v but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v out_o upon_o the_o world_n but_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a fall_v before_o it_o like_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n on_o its_o side_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o prop_n take_v away_o which_o be_v the_o only_a support_n of_o it_o but_o it_o present_o sink_v and_o vanish_v it_o be_v not_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n but_o upon_o the_o break_n in_o of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n it_o silent_o withdraw_v as_o be_v ashamed_a of_o itself_o and_o when_o afterward_o the_o emperor_n julian_n endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v it_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o authority_n and_o use_v all_o imaginable_a art_n and_o stratagem_n to_o suppress_v and_o extinguish_v christianity_n he_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v neither_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v its_o ground_n and_o paganism_n after_o it_o have_v make_v a_o little_a blaze_n die_v with_o he_o now_o to_o what_o cause_n shall_v we_o ascribe_v this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n there_o can_v but_o these_o two_o be_v imagine_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n accompany_v it_o 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o its_o reward_n have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n
solomon_n temple_n which_o some_o that_o be_v then_o alive_a have_v see_v in_o its_o glory_n yet_o in_o other_o respect_n it_o shall_v far_o excel_v it_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o this_o second_o temple_n shall_v be_v grace_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a glory_n to_o it_o than_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o solomon_n temple_n and_o this_o be_v full_o express_v in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n yet_o once_o it_o be_v a_o little_a while_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v all_o nation_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o i_o will_v fill_v this_o house_n with_o glory_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o silver_n be_v i_o and_o the_o gold_n be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o latter_a house_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o former_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o in_o this_o place_n will_v i_o give_v peace_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n now_o that_o it_o be_v some_o very_a great_a thing_n which_o be_v here_o foretell_v and_o promise_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o second_o temple_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v in_o what_o a_o solemn_a manner_n it_o be_v here_o express_v this_o great_a and_o glorious_a title_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v no_o less_o than_o five_o several_a time_n use_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o four_o verse_n the_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o perhaps_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n yet_o once_o it_o be_v a_o little_a while_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n verse_n 6._o and_o i_o will_v fill_v this_o house_n with_o glory_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n verse_n 7._o the_o silver_n be_v i_o and_o the_o gold_n be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n ver_fw-la 8._o and_o twice_o ver_fw-la 9_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o latter_a house_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o former_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o in_o this_o place_n will_v i_o give_v peace_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n so_o that_o by_o the_o solemn_a manner_n of_o express_v of_o it_o we_o may_v imagine_v that_o it_o be_v some_o very_a great_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o such_o as_o the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v before_o and_o such_o be_v the_o incarnation_n and_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n i_o know_v that_o the_o modern_a jew_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v this_o text_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o not_o without_o cause_n for_o he_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o second_o temple_n which_o have_v now_o be_v destroy_v above_o 1600_o year_n ago_o and_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v yet_o come_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o shift_n they_o make_v they_o must_v interpret_v this_o text_n of_o some_o other_o person_n than_o the_o messiah_n but_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a for_o what_o reason_n they_o do_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o talmud_n that_o the_o ancient_a jew_n do_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n but_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o unbelief_n they_o pervert_v all_o those_o text_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o indeed_o whoever_o careful_o consider_v the_o several_a expression_n and_o circumstance_n of_o this_o prediction_n can_v understand_v it_o of_o any_o other_o to_o make_v this_o evident_a i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n yet_o once_o it_o be_v a_o little_a while_n yet_o a_o little_a while_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n yet_o once_o more_o so_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v quote_v from_o the_o lxx_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n heb._n 12.26_o and_o this_o sense_n the_o hebrew_n word_n may_v likewise_o bear_v and_o our_o translation_n of_o the_o text_n take_v they_o both_o in_o yet_o once_o it_o be_v a_o little_a while_n if_o we_o take_v the_o word_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n yet_o a_o little_a while_n they_o signify_v that_o god_n be_v then_o begin_v those_o change_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o precede_v and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n this_o indeed_o be_v not_o till_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o but_o a_o great_a while_n before_o that_o time_n god_n begin_v those_o change_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o his_o come_n and_o consider_v the_o long_a time_n which_o be_v pass_v from_o the_o first_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n four_o hundred_o year_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o may_v seem_v but_o a_o little_a while_n but_o i_o rather_o choose_v the_o latter_a sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n yet_o once_o more_o because_o the_o hebrew_n will_v bear_v it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o quote_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o if_o the_o prophet_n have_v say_v that_o god_n have_v before_o do_v a_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o accompany_v with_o great_a miracle_n viz._n the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a commotion_n both_o in_o egypt_n by_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o from_o thence_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o destroy_v the_o nation_n before_o they_o who_o land_n god_n give_v they_o for_o a_o possession_n but_o now_o he_o will_v do_v one_o great_a thing_n more_o the_o send_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n whereunto_o there_o shall_v be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o universal_a commotion_n and_o change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o and_o great_a miracle_n wrought_v yet_o once_o more_o and_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v all_o nation_n from_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n argue_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o another_o that_o shall_v be_v unalterable_a heb._n 12.27_o and_o this_o word_n yet_o once_o more_o say_v the_o apostle_n signify_v the_o remove_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v shake_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v way_n remain_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n yet_o once_o more_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o understanding_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o one_o word_n whereby_o to_o express_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v it_o by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o so_o gen._n 1._o when_o moses_n will_v express_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o will_v express_v the_o revolution_n of_o all_o thing_n after_o the_o universal_a conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n call_v it_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n 2_o pet._n 3.13_o nevertheless_o we_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n that_o be_v a_o new_a world_n a_o quite_o other_o frame_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n than_o that_o which_o we_o now_o see_v and_o so_o the_o prophet_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o express_v the_o great_a commotion_n and_o change_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n say_v that_o god_n will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n that_o be_v he_o will_v cause_v great_a revolution_n in_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v great_a war_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v pass_v from_o one_o hand_n to_o another_o and_o thus_o we_o find_v this_o very_a expression_n interpret_v ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o of_o this_o chapter_n i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o i_o will_v overthrow_v the_o throne_n of_o kingdom_n and_o i_o will_v destroy_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o by_o shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v mean_v great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a commotion_n of_o it_o he_o add_v in_o the_o text_n by_o way_n of_o far_a explication_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v all_o nation_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n
his_o will_n which_o he_o deny_v to_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n who_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v but_o can_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o hear_v but_o can_v not_o hear_v they_o there_o be_v good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n under_o those_o imperfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o they_o but_o we_o have_v far_o great_a advantage_n and_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o be_v good_a than_o ever_o they_o have_v and_o as_o we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v these_o bless_a advantage_n so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o improve_v they_o and_o now_o how_o do_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o condemn_v all_o impenitent_a sinner_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o persuade_v to_o goodness_n by_o all_o that_o god_n can_v do_v by_o the_o most_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o most_o perfect_a precept_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n by_o the_o most_o encourage_v promise_n to_o obedience_n and_o by_o the_o most_o severe_a threaten_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unutterable_a ruin_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n by_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n by_o the_o wonderful_a and_o amaze_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n by_o his_o merciful_a undertake_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a and_o sinful_a man_n by_o his_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o kind_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o by_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n what_o can_v god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o we_o than_o he_o have_v do_v what_o great_a concernment_n can_v he_o show_v for_o our_o salvation_n than_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n to_o seek_v and_o save_v we_o and_o what_o great_a demonstration_n can_v he_o give_v of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o than_o to_o give_v the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n to_o die_v for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o last_o effort_n that_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n will_v make_v upon_o mankind_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n chap._n 1.1_o that_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o he_o will_v speak_v no_o more_o after_o this_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v any_o far_a attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n he_o can_v send_v no_o great_a and_o dear_a person_n to_o we_o than_o his_o own_o son_n if_o we_o despise_v he_o who_o will_v we_o reverence_n if_o we_o reject_v he_o and_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o he_o bring_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o if_o we_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o it_o in_o our_o life_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o our_o condemnation_n shall_v be_v far_o heavy_a than_o they_o for_o since_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n especial_o against_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v against_o those_o who_o entertain_v the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v its_o proper_a effect_n and_o influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o make_v that_o a_o prisoner_n which_o will_v make_v they_o free_a so_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v we_o free_a but_o if_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v still_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n our_o condemnation_n be_v much_o worse_o than_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v never_o come_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v do_v nothing_o if_o it_o do_v not_o take_v man_n off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o live_v well_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o we_o be_v celebrate_v the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o find_v guilty_a of_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n because_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o the_o appearance_n whereof_o we_o do_v at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v for_o that_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_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o we_o can_v gratify_v the_o devil_n more_o than_o by_o show_v ourselves_o more_o diligent_a than_o ordinary_a to_o uphold_v his_o work_n at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v on_o purpose_n to_o dissolve_v they_o we_o can_v possible_o choose_v a_o worse_a a_o more_o improper_a season_n to_o sin_n in_o than_o when_o we_o be_v celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o sick_a man_n for_o joy_n that_o a_o famous_a physician_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n shall_v run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n and_o so_o do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o inflame_v his_o disease_n and_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a not_o but_o that_o our_o inward_a joy_n may_v lawful_o be_v accompany_v with_o all_o outward_a innocent_a expression_n of_o it_o but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o thankful_a if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o at_o this_o time_n in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o just_a and_o sad_a complaint_n be_v of_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n that_o such_o irregular_a and_o extravagant_a thing_n be_v at_o this_o time_n common_o cone_n by_o many_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o do_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v honour_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n birth_n as_o if_o because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v at_o this_o time_n make_v man_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o make_v themselves_o beast_n if_o we_o will_v honour_v he_o indeed_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o joy_n do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o express_v it_o by_o lewdness_n and_o luxury_n by_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n by_o prodigal_a game_n and_o profuse_a waste_n of_o our_o estate_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v as_o if_o we_o intend_v literal_o to_o requite_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n and_o become_v poor_a for_o his_o sake_n for_o which_o he_o will_v never_o thank_v nor_o reward_v we_o this_o be_v not_o to_o commemorate_v the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n but_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o open_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v uphold_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o destroy_v they_o it_o be_v for_o all_o the_o world_n like_o that_o lewd_a and_o senseless_a piece_n of_o loyalty_n too_o much_o in_o fashion_n some_o year_n ago_o of_o be_v drink_v for_o the_o king_n good_a god_n that_o ever_o it_o shall_v pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n to_o run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n for_o twelve_o day_n together_o in_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n can_v easy_o be_v imagine_v than_o to_o abuse_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n into_o a_o opportunity_n of_o commit_v it_o this_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o a_o patron_n of_o sin_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o treat_v he_o more_o contumelious_o than_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o he_o and_o mock_v he_o and_o call_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
other_o term_n than_o of_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o of_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o consideration_n we_o have_v the_o best_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o unblameable_a life_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o their_o profess_a enemy_n who_o do_v not_o persecute_v they_o for_o any_o personal_a crime_n which_o they_o charge_v particular_a person_n withal_o but_o only_o for_o their_o religion_n acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o good_a people_n particulary_a pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n who_o have_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n to_o make_v particular_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o christian_n give_v this_o honourable_a report_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o beside_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n that_o at_o their_o religious_a meeting_n it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a sacrament_n against_o murder_n and_o theft_n and_o adultery_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n no_o christian_a historian_n can_v have_v give_v a_o better_a character_n of_o they_o than_o this_o heathen_a writer_n do_v but_o 3._o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o strange_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n a_o company_n of_o plain_a and_o illiterate_a man_n most_o of_o they_o destitute_a of_o the_o advantage_n of_o education_n go_v forth_o upon_o this_o great_a design_n weak_a and_o unarmed_a unassisted_a by_o any_o worldy_a interest_n have_v no_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n on_o their_o side_n to_o give_v countenance_n and_o authority_n to_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o but_o they_o remain_v under_o these_o disadvantage_n for_o three_o age_n together_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v violence_n to_o no_o man_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v any_o by_o force_n to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o to_o listen_v themselves_o of_o their_o number_n they_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o legion_n of_o arm_a man_n to_o dispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o plunder_n and_o freequarter_n by_o violence_n and_o torture_n this_o modern_a method_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o then_o think_v of_o nor_o do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o tempt_v and_o allure_v man_n to_o their_o way_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o temporal_a reward_n and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n nor_o do_v they_o use_v any_o artificial_a insinuation_n of_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o steal_v their_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o deliver_v themselves_o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o without_o any_o study_a ornament_n of_o speech_n or_o fine_a art_n of_o persuasion_n declare_v plain_o to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n promise_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v his_o doctrine_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a woe_n and_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n to_o the_o despiser_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o contemptible_a instrument_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n do_v their_o work_n effectual_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o they_o gainded_z numbers_z every_o day_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n draw_v the_o world_n after_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o only_o win_v over_o the_o common_a people_n but_o also_o several_a person_n considerable_a for_o their_o dignity_n and_o eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o afterward_o become_v zealous_a assertor_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o such_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o they_o see_v something_o in_o they_o more_o divine_a and_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a power_n and_o persuasion_n than_o humane_a learning_n and_o eloquence_n 4._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o mighty_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o gospel_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o it_o must_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o it_o do_v so_o plain_o and_o so_o severe_o declare_v against_o and_o likewise_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n no_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o that_o which_o be_v found_v in_o education_n and_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o obstinate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o little_a ground_n and_o reason_n soever_o there_o be_v for_o it_o the_o be_v train_v up_o in_o it_o and_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o it_o implant_v in_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n supply_v all_o other_o defect_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a in_o religion_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v they_o not_o have_v their_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v enure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v they_o at_o that_o time_n be_v weary_a of_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o be_v inquire_v after_o a_o better_a way_n of_o religion_n then_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v appear_v with_o great_a advantage_n and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v entertain_v with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v violent_o prejudice_v against_o it_o and_o fix_v in_o their_o several_a religion_n the_o jew_n indeed_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v very_o prone_a to_o relinquish_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o after_o god_n have_v punish_v they_o severe_o for_o that_o sin_n by_o a_o long_a captivity_n they_o continue_v ever_o after_o very_o strict_a and_o firm_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a 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meet_v withal_o from_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n
of_o any_o religion_n that_o ever_o yet_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n indeed_o but_o by_o this_o alone_a it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v break_v through_o all_o that_o mighty_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n which_o be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v this_o with_o success_n 2._o god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o it_o with_o a_o mighty_a and_o sensible_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o wonderful_a efficacy_n and_o success_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_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 which_o word_n express_v to_o we_o that_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n 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power_n of_o inflict_v corporal_a disease_n and_o punishment_n upon_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a christian_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o apostle_n authority_n and_o government_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n or_o torment_v of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v nay_o in_o some_o case_n this_o power_n extend_v to_o the_o inflict_v of_o death_n itself_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n not_o that_o all_o these_o miraculous_a power_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o can_v exercise_v they_o at_o all_o time_n some_o be_v bestow_v upon_o one_o and_o some_o upon_o another_o according_a to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o as_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o most_o subservient_fw-fr to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v they_o only_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v common_a to_o every_o christian_a and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o other_o gift_n be_v cease_v as_o tertul._n arnob._n and_o min._n felix_n do_v testify_v even_o of_o their_o own_o time_n but_o ii_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n now_o beside_o the_o particular_a use_v and_o end_v of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n do_v evident_o serve_v for_o the_o more_o speedy_a plant_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o inflict_v corporeal_a punishment_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n upon_o scandalous_a and_o disobedient_a christian_n do_v maintain_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v instead_o of_o a_o ordinary_a magistratical_a power_n which_o christian_n be_v destitute_a of_o whilst_o the_o roman_a empire_n continue_v heathen_a i_o say_v beside_o the_o particular_a end_n and_o use_v of_o all_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o do_v all_o in_o general_n as_o they_o be_v miracle_n serve_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o great_a miracle_n whereby_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v they_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o a_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n for_o who_o can_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o raise_v other_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o many_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v give_v such_o clear_a testimony_n that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o never_o have_v any_o religion_n few_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v it_o and_o so_o little_a temporal_a countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o but_o what_o it_o want_v from_o man_n it_o have_v from_o god_n for_o he_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n seem_v on_o purpose_n to_o have_v strip_v it_o of_o all_o secular_a advantage_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o owe_v its_o establishment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o arm_n and_o power_n of_o god_n the_o inference_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a make_v from_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v these_o i._o to_o give_v
we_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v have_v so_o eminent_a a_o confirmation_n give_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n and_o do_v at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o so_o strange_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n against_o all_o humane_a probability_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n can_v well_o suppose_v a_o religion_n in_o circumstance_n of_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o upon_o all_o humane_a account_n more_o unlikely_a to_o sustain_v and_o bear_v up_o itself_o than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o its_o beginning_n so_o small_a that_o no_o man_n but_o will_v have_v think_v it_o will_v present_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o strange_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v overthrow_v ii_o this_o discourse_n may_v likewise_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o be_v now_o cease_v because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v at_o first_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a then_o to_o introduce_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v a_o sensible_a evidence_n to_o man_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o that_o new_a doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o now_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_o entertain_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n why_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v still_o be_v continue_v acquisito_fw-la sine_fw-la cessant_fw-la media_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la when_o the_o end_n be_v once_o obtain_v the_o mean_n cease_v and_o the_o wise_a god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v in_o what_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v lavish_a in_o that_o which_o be_v superfluous_a now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v propagate_v and_o advance_v by_o its_o own_o rational_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v reconcile_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o now_o that_o it_o stand_v upon_o equal_a advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o more_o humane_a and_o ordinary_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o level_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n that_o miracle_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o father_n who_o live_v a_o age_n or_o two_o after_o the_o cease_n of_o they_o particular_o by_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o give_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o i_o have_v just_a now_o assign_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v still_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o their_o church_n and_o according_a to_o bellarmine_n must_v always_o continue_v because_o he_o make_v it_o a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o we_o pretend_v to_o no_o such_o power_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v because_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v great_a occasion_n and_o need_n of_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o new_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v reason_n they_o usual_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o new_a doctrine_n some_o to_o confirm_v purgatory_n and_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o indulgence_n other_o to_o encourage_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n other_o to_o confirm_v that_o which_o all_o the_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o confirm_v i_o mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o because_o it_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o peculiar_o incapable_a of_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o miracle_n iii_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v do_v just_o upbraid_v we_o that_o this_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o powerful_a at_o first_o and_o have_v such_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o come_v down_o to_o we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n shall_v yet_o have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o most_o of_o we_o who_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n we_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v less_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prejudice_v and_o who_o manner_n be_v deprave_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v reduce_v from_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n do_v on_o the_o sudden_a become_v better_a man_n and_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a in_o their_o life_n than_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o who_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o train_v up_o all_o our_o life_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o heathen_n because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o in_o it_o but_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v as_o powerful_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v we_o also_o be_v christian_n not_o only_o by_o custom_n but_o by_o choice_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o to_o obey_v and_o practise_v it_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o religion_n but_o only_o counterfeit_v the_o choice_n of_o it_o we_o have_v beyond_o comparison_n the_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o religion_n that_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o contain_v the_o best_a precept_n and_o give_v man_n the_o great_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o now_o the_o better_a our_o religion_n be_v the_o worse_a be_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v good_a by_o it_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a make_v some_o virtuous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a saint_n under_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a institution_n what_o degree_n then_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v so_o bright_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n sermon_n vi_o the_o nature_n office_n and_o employment_n of_o good_a angel_n preach_v on_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n heb._n 1.14_o be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o good_a angel_n who_o existence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o take_v for_o grant_v no_o less_o than_o they_o do_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o well_o they_o may_v since_o they_o be_v all_o found_v upon_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n ii_o vol._n ii_o derive_v down_o to_o
the_o angel_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o all_o modesty_n reverence_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v there_o present_a and_o observe_v our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o have_v respect_n in_o that_o place_n which_o by_o interpreter_n have_v be_v think_v so_o difficult_a 1_o corinth_n 11.10_o where_o he_o say_v that_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o woman_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o veil_n upon_o her_o head_n in_o token_n of_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o be_v decent_o and_o modest_o attire_v in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n before_o who_o we_o shall_v compose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o great_a external_a gravity_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o angel_n behold_v and_o observe_v but_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o god_n only_o can_v do_v and_o therefore_o with_o regard_n to_o he_o who_o see_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v more_o particular_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a sincerity_n and_o seriousness_n our_o devotion_n which_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o will_v all_o due_o consider_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o chief_o regard_v our_o heart_n but_o we_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o our_o external_a behaviour_n with_o a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v present_a there_o to_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o outward_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n of_o which_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o the_o presence_n even_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n when_o he_o either_o speak_v to_o we_o or_o we_o make_v any_o address_n to_o he_o and_o sure_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a angel_n every_o one_o of_o who_o be_v a_o much_o great_a prince_n and_o of_o great_a power_n than_o any_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n but_o how_o little_a be_v this_o consider_v i_o speak_v to_o our_o shame_n and_o by_o how_o few_o among_o we_o and_o as_o angel_n be_v helpful_a to_o good_a man_n in_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n throughout_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n so_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o stand_v by_o they_o to_o comfort_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o that_o needful_a and_o dismal_a time_n in_o that_o last_o and_o great_a conflict_n of_o frail_a mortality_n with_o death_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o receive_v their_o expire_a spirit_n into_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o conduct_v they_o safe_o into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n also_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n that_o the_o angel_n wait_v upon_o good_a man_n at_o their_o death_n to_o convey_v their_o soul_n into_o paradise_n which_o be_v very_o much_o countenance_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.22_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o lazarus_n die_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n nay_o that_o the_o angel_n have_v some_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n may_v not_o improbable_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o passage_n m_o st._n judas_n v._o 9_o where_o michael_n the_o archangel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v contend_v with_o the_o devil_n about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n what_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o be_v may_v be_v most_o probable_o explain_v by_o a_o passage_n deut._n 34.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n take_v particular_a care_n probable_o by_o a_o angel_n concern_v the_o bury_n so_o moses_n in_o a_o certain_a valley_n and_o it_o be_v add_v but_o no_o man_n know_v of_o his_o sepulchre_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o devil_n it_o seem_v have_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o moses_n after_o his_o death_n if_o he_o can_v have_v get_v the_o disposal_n of_o his_o body_n to_o have_v bury_v it_o in_o some_o know_v and_o public_a place_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v hare_n gratify_v he_o not_o a_o little_a to_o have_v make_v he_o who_o be_v so_o declare_v a_o enemy_n to_o idolatry_n all_o his_o life_n a_o occasion_n of_o it_o after_o his_o death_n but_o this_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o prevent_v in_o pity_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o he_o see_v upon_o all_o occasion_n so_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n commit_v it_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o michael_n the_o archangel_n to_o bury_v his_o body_n secret_o and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o michael_n the_o archangel_n contend_v with_o the_o devil_n about_o but_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o memorable_a circumstance_n in_o this_o contest_v mention_v likewise_o by_o st._n judas_n in_o these_o word_n yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n his_o duty_n restrain_v he_o from_o it_o and_o probable_o his_o discretion_n too_o as_o he_o dare_v not_o offend_v god_n in_o do_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o he_o can_v not_o but_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o at_o rail_v a_o thing_n to_o which_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v no_o disposition_n so_o i_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v no_o talon_n no_o faculty_n at_o it_o the_o cool_a consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n especial_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o divine_v and_o especial_o in_o controversy_n about_o religion_n ashamed_a and_o afraid_a of_o this_o manner_n of_o dispute_v since_o michael_n the_o archangel_n even_o when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o devil_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o to_o proceed_v this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o reunion_n of_o they_o to_o our_o soul_n for_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o matt._n 24.30_o 31._o that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n he_o shall_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o gather_v the_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n from_o one_o end_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v go_v before_o we_o to_o give_v we_o light_v in_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o several_a way_n wherein_o good_a angel_n do_v minister_n in_o behalf_n of_o t_o hem_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o abundant_o prove_v from_o scripture_n may_v serve_v to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o it_o that_o the_o angel_n be_v invisible_a to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v seldom_o sensible_a of_o their_o presence_n and_o the_o good_a office_n they_o do_v we_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o by_o other_o argument_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v almost_o as_o well_o call_v in_o question_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n neither_o of_o which_o do_v fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o yet_o by_o other_o argument_n we_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o they_o both_o so_o in_o this_o case_n the_o general_a consent_n and_o tradition_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o angel_n and_o their_o ministry_n about_o we_o especial_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o clear_a and_o express_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o so_o general_a a_o consent_n must_v have_v a_o proportionable_a cause_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o general_a tradition_n ground_v at_o first_o upon_o revelation_n and_o derive_v down_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o mankind_n and_o since_o confirm_v by_o manifold_a revelation_n of_o
god_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o all_o this_o be_v no_o conviction_n to_o the_o perverse_a and_o contentious_a man_n will_v not_o believe_v even_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n itself_o when_o they_o be_v strong_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v great_a number_n of_o man_n even_o so_o many_o as_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n either_o to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v further_o about_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o angel_n be_v not_o a_o peculiar_a doctrine_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v object_v against_o by_o any_o but_o the_o atheist_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o i_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v so_o comfortable_a to_o mankind_n be_v so_o very_o little_o consider_v by_o we_o perhaps_o the_o corruption_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n may_v have_v run_v we_o so_o far_o into_o the_o other_o extreme_a as_o scarce_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o they_o but_o sure_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o do_v we_o good_a without_o any_o obligation_n to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o may_v own_v they_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n i_o confess_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a odd_a thing_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o influence_n upon_o man_n and_o the_o particular_a vigilancy_n and_o activity_n of_o evil_a spirit_n to_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n shall_v be_v so_o ready_o own_v and_o so_o sensible_o talk_v of_o among_o christian_n and_o yet_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a angel_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o consider_v by_o we_o the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_o of_o both_o and_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v both_o be_v equal_a for_o god_n forbid_v but_o that_o good_a angel_n shall_v be_v as_o officious_a and_o forward_a to_o do_v we_o good_a as_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n be_v malicious_a and_o busy_a to_o do_v we_o mischief_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a with_o mankind_n if_o we_o have_v not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o hope_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o protection_n of_o good_a spirit_n as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o bad_a good_a angel_n be_v certain_o as_o powerful_a and_o have_v as_o strong_a a_o propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o devil_n have_v to_o do_v harm_n and_o the_o number_n of_o good_a angel_n be_v probable_o much_o great_a than_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o big_a number_n that_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n be_v apply_v to_o good_a angel_n dan._n 7.10_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o angel_n about_o god_n throne_n that_o thousand_o thousand_o minister_v unto_o he_o and_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o revelation_n 5.11_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 12.22_o call_v they_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n what_o then_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o apt_a to_o own_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n which_o the_o devil_n lay_v before_o we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n but_o take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o the_o attendance_n and_o good_a office_n do_v to_o we_o by_o good_a spirit_n i_o can_v imagine_v but_o these_o two_o reason_n and_o i_o be_o sorry_a i_o can_v find_v no_o better_o that_o we_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o injury_n than_o of_o benefit_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v in_o other_o for_o the_o excuse_n of_o our_o fault_n but_o be_v loath_a any_o shall_v come_v in_o for_o a_o share_n in_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v by_o we_o and_o yet_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a consideration_n to_o we_o against_o the_o enmity_n and_o cunning_a of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n be_v as_o intent_n and_o industrious_a to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o to_o help_v forward_o our_o salvation_n as_o evil_a spirit_n can_v be_v to_o work_v our_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v we_o second_o we_o shall_v with_o great_a thankfulness_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o who_o take_v such_o care_n of_o we_o as_o to_o appoint_v his_o angel_n and_o to_o give_v they_o particular_a commission_n and_o charge_n concern_v we_o to_o protect_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o 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success_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o for_o the_o security_n and_o furtherance_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v thus_o mindful_a of_o he_o that_o when_o thou_o make_v he_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thou_o shall_v yet_o make_v the_o angel_n to_o minister_v unto_o he_o three_o if_o the_o angel_n have_v particular_a charge_n of_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o despise_v or_o be_v any_o way_n injurious_a to_o they_o for_o how_o despicable_a so_o ever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o they_o be_v certain_o very_o dear_a to_o god_n since_o he_o deem_v they_o so_o considerable_a be_v to_o employ_v his_o chief_a minister_n about_o they_o and_o to_o commit_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o by_o their_o office_n do_v more_o immediate_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 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capable_a of_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v low_a if_o god_n have_v make_v no_o express_a promise_n and_o declaration_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o reward_n to_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o and_o suffer_v for_o he_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n out_o of_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o awful_a regard_n to_o his_o law_n endure_v trouble_v and_o affliction_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v assurance_n enough_o to_o we_o that_o our_o service_n and_o suffering_n shall_v one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v consider_v and_o reward_v for_o as_o sure_a as_o any_o man_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n regard_v the_o action_n of_o man_n so_o sure_o be_v we_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v final_o be_v a_o loser_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o he_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v now_o bring_v to_o this_o plain_a issue_n that_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n regard_v and_o consider_v the_o action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v also_o reasonable_a to_o endure_v present_a suffering_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o there_o be_v certain_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o govern_v and_o determine_v a_o prudent_a man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n persuade_v of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o have_v any_o tolerable_a consideration_n of_o and_o regard_n to_o his_o eternal_a interest_n indeed_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o if_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o happiness_n or_o misery_n beyond_o this_o world_n the_o wise_a thing_n that_o any_o man_n can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o the_o present_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o can_v fair_o come_v at_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n to_o another_o life_n the_o apostle_n allow_v the_o reason_v of_o the_o epicure_n to_o be_v very_o good_a let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o be_v design_v for_o immortality_n and_o that_o another_o state_n remain_v for_o we_o after_o this_o life_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a or_o intolerable_o and_o eternal_o miserable_a according_a as_o we_o have_v behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v then_o evident_o reasonable_a that_o man_n shall_v take_v the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o long_a duration_n and_o be_v content_a to_o bear_v and_o dispense_v with_o some_o present_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n for_o a_o felicity_n that_o will_v have_v no_o end_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n and_o deny_v our_o present_a ease_n and_o comfort_n for_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o this_o be_v reckon_v prudence_n in_o the_o account_n of_o this_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o a_o present_n possession_n and_o enjoyment_n for_o a_o much_o great_a advantage_n in_o reversion_n but_o sure_o the_o disproportion_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v so_o vast_a that_o do_v man_n but_o firm_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v too_o good_a to_o part_v withal_o or_o too_o grievous_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v fortify_v against_o all_o that_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v against_o they_o and_o they_o think_v they_o make_v a_o very_a wise_a bargain_n if_o thorugh_v many_o tribulation_n they_o may_v at_o last_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n will_v abundant_o recompense_n all_o their_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n upon_o earth_n and_o so_o confident_a be_v they_o of_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o special_a favour_n and_o regard_v of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n so_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o phil._n 1.29_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n yea_o they_o account_v they_o happy_a who_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v miserable_a in_o this_o world_n so_o st._n james_n express_o pronounce_v of_o they_o jam._n 1.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n mean_v the_o temptation_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o which_o keep_v up_o their_o spirit_n from_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o great_a suffering_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.14_o 16._o know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n the_o suffering_n of_o their_o body_n do_v but_o help_v to_o raise_v and_o fortify_v their_o spirit_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o faint_v under_o those_o affliction_n that_o they_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o they_o so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 5.2_o 3._o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n they_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n as_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o heb._n 10.34_o that_o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n james_n chap._n 1.2_o exhort_v christian_n to_o account_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n that_o be_v various_a kind_n of_o suffering_n because_o of_o the_o manifold_a advantage_n which_o from_o thence_o will_v redound_v to_o they_o now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o inspire_a they_o to_o all_o this_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n far_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n and_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v vast_a gainer_n by_o they_o at_o the_o last_o this_o consideration_n st._n paul_n urge_v with_o great_a force_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n just_o and_o attentive_o regard_v and_o consider_v the_o invisible_a glory_n of_o another_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v now_o speak_v brief_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remarkable_a say_v in_o the_o text_n if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v if_o we_o believe_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o deal_v unfaithful_o with_o he_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v constant_a to_o his_o word_n and_o make_v good_a that_o solemn_a threaten_v which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v shall_v deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n before_o man_n matt._n 10.33_o whosoever_o faith_n our_o lord_n there_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mark_v 8.38_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v a_o terrible_a threaten_v to_o be_v disow_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o threaten_v will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o though_o we_o may_v renounce_v he_o and_o break_v our_o faith_n with_o he_o yet_o
he_o remain_v faithful_a who_o have_v threaten_v and_o can_v deny_v himself_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a terror_n and_o serious_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o by_o those_o who_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n either_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o temporal_a suffering_n what_o worldly_a advantage_n can_v we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o by_o quit_v our_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v think_v a_o equal_a price_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o eternity_n suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v offer_v we_o in_o consideration_n yet_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n matt._n 16.26_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o fear_n of_o temporal_a suffer_v be_v such_o a_o terror_n to_o man_n as_o to_o shake_v their_o constancy_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v it_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a torment_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o powerful_a to_o keep_v they_o steadfast_a to_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o if_o fear_n will_v move_v we_o then_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o which_o be_v most_o terrible_a aught_o to_o prevail_v most_o with_o we_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n shall_v be_v most_o dread_a by_o we_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n most_o friendly_a and_o reasonable_a advice_n luke_n 12.4_o 5._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o my_o friend_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o to_o be_v dread_v there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o case_n of_o such_o a_o temptation_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 first_o if_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o but_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o inference_n the_o apostle_n make_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v fix_v man_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o serious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v then_o give_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a powerful_a influence_n upon_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n exhort_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n god_n will_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n if_o under_o the_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n good_a man_n show_v so_o much_o courage_n and_o constancy_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o we_o read_v in_o that_o long_a catalogue_n of_o hero_n heb._n 11._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v christian_n who_o faith_n be_v support_v much_o more_o strong_o than_o they_o be_v by_o a_o much_o clear_a evidence_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n than_o they_o have_v by_o more_o express_a promise_n of_o divine_a comfort_n and_o assistance_n under_o suffering_n than_o be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o by_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o encourage_v example_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n that_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v in_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v this_o glorious_a example_n of_o suffer_v and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o how_o can_v we_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o saint_n and_o apostle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v such_o great_a thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o faith_n which_o rely_v chief_o upon_o the_o attribute_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v who_o have_v the_o security_n of_o god_n express_a promise_n for_o our_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n we_o certain_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n more_o cheerful_o and_o to_o bear_v it_o more_o patient_o than_o they_o do_v second_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v prepare_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o call_v we_o to_o it_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o a_o qualification_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o so_o that_o we_o be_v to_o reckon_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o that_o if_o it_o come_v we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o we_o and_o may_v not_o be_v unresolved_a what_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o god_n know_v when_o we_o may_v be_v call_v to_o it_o however_o it_o be_v wise_a to_o forecast_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o preparation_n and_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v that_o if_o it_o come_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v out_o in_o a_o evil_a day_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o come_v god_n will_v accept_v the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o reward_v it_o according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o he_o that_o know_v what_o we_o will_v have_v do_v will_v consider_v it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v do_v it_o three_o the_o less_o we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o god_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v for_o he_o the_o less_o god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o patience_n we_o shall_v abound_v so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o the_o active_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o cheerful_a and_o we_o more_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o our_o blood_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v it_o by_o our_o life_n four_o and_o last_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n will_v bear_v man_n up_o under_o the_o extremity_n of_o suffer_v and_o torment_n and_o give_v man_n courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o all_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v much_o more_o to_o make_v we_o victorious_a over_o the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o it_o for_o certain_o it_o be_v in_o reason_n much_o easy_a to_o forego_v pleasure_n than_o to_o endure_v pain_n to_o refuse_v or_o lay_v down_o a_o good_a place_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o his_o religion_n when_o he_o will_v not_o rule_v a_o appetite_n nor_o restrain_v a_o lust_n nor_o subdue_v a_o passion_n nor_o cross_v his_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o and_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v he_o that_o refuse_v to_o do_v the_o less_o be_v not_o like_a to_o do_v the_o great_a it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o a_o man_n will_v die_v
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
it_o and_o keep_v it_o within_o bound_n it_o be_v like_a fire_n a_o good_a servant_n but_o a_o bad_a master_n if_o it_o once_o get_v head_n it_o consume_v and_o devour_v all_o before_o it_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v most_o common_o find_v where_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o possess_v those_o most_o who_o be_v least_o fit_a to_o govern_v it_o and_o most_o frequent_o employ_v about_o what_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o ten_o to_o one_o but_o it_o be_v either_o mistake_v in_o the_o object_n or_o in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o even_o when_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o nice_a and_o dangerous_a one_o for_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o mingle_v their_o own_o passion_n and_o interest_n with_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o man_n be_v act_v by_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o do_v sincere_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n but_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n and_o not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v violent_o transport_v and_o hurry_v on_o by_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o by_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o what_o then_o will_v we_o have_v man_n not_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n or_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o though_o conscience_n be_v not_o our_o rule_n yet_o it_o be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n and_o he_o do_v ill_a who_o do_v act_n against_o his_o conscience_n but_o man_n must_v be_v careful_a how_o they_o settle_v their_o practical_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o conclude_v thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a duty_n or_o sin_n without_o reason_n and_o good_a ground_n god_n have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v thing_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o this_o trial_n and_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v rash_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v by_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n the_o error_n of_o our_o judgement_n become_v fault_n of_o our_o life_n for_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v afford_v we_o light_a enough_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o we_o shall_v careful_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v suspicious_a of_o ourselves_o when_o our_o zeal_n carry_v we_o to_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v furious_a and_o cruel_a false_a and_o treacherous_a and_o have_v a_o horrid_a appearance_n even_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o shall_v question_v that_o zeal_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o christian_a goodness_n and_o meekness_n to_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o excellent_a passage_n of_o st._n james_n which_o will_v show_v we_o how_o little_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o many_o man_n pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n jam._n 3.13_o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n 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 but_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_o in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n sermon_n fourteen_o the_o best_a man_n liable_a to_o the_o worst_a treatment_n from_o mistake_v zealot_n preach_v on_o november_n 5._o 1686._o john_n xvi_o 2._o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n at_o the_o thought_n whereof_o find_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v exceed_o trouble_v ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o comfort_v they_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o from_o thence_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o their_o admission_n there_o and_o withal_o promise_v that_o his_o father_n will_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o shall_v abundant_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o but_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o very_o ill_a entertainment_n and_o usage_n from_o the_o world_n but_o so_o have_v he_o ch._n 15.18_o if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o and_o why_o shall_v they_o expect_v to_o be_v better_o treat_v than_o he_o be_v v._o 20._o remember_v the_o word_n that_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o have_v persecute_v i_o they_o will_v also_o persecute_v you_o and_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o do_v on_o purpose_n forewarn_v they_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o prepare_v their_o mind_n beforehand_o and_o to_o arm_v they_o against_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v v._n 1._o these_o thing_n have_v i_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o fourteen_o serm._n fourteen_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v and_o then_o he_o declare_v more_o particular_o how_o far_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n shall_v proceed_v against_o they_o and_o in_o what_o kind_n they_o shall_v suffer_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n here_o fortell_n two_o sort_n of_o persecution_n which_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exercise_v withal_o excommunication_n they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o excision_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n and_o these_o perhaps_o be_v but_o several_a kind_n and_n degree_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a brief_o to_o explain_v the_o three_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o first_o call_v niddui_n be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o mean_v by_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o which_o he_o elsewhere_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o separation_n luke_n 6.22_o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v hate_v you_o and_o when_o they_o shall_v separate_v yond_o from_o their_o company_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o excommunication_n be_v to_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o from_o his_o service_n which_o be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n because_o after_o this_o sentence_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o converse_v with_o they_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n the_o second_o degree_n of_o this_o censure_n be_v call_v cherem_n which_o include_v the_o first_o but_o extend_v far_o to_o the_o confiscation_n of_o good_n into_o the_o sacred_a treasury_n and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n after_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o we_o find_v express_v mention_n ezra_n 10.7_o 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o make_v proclamation_n throughout_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n unto_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o captivity_n that_o they_o shall_v gather_v themselves_o together_o unto_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o come_v within_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o elder_n all_o his_o substance_n shall_v be_v devote_v and_o himself_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v carriy_v away_o the_o three_o degree_n w_v shammatha_n when_o the_o rebellious_a and_o contumacious_a person_n be_v anathematise_v and_o devote_v and_o as_o some_o conceive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n levit._n 27.29_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n though_o other_o very_a konw_a man_n in_o the_o jewish_a learning_n think_v it_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o final_a sentence_n whereby_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n by_o some_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o
the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o first_o and_o last_o of_o these_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n our_o saviour_n seem_v here_o to_o speak_v but_o whether_o in_o both_o instance_n in_o the_o text_n he_o allude_v in_o the_o one_o to_o the_o low_a and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o high_v degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o the_o first_o he_o plain_o do_v when_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v much_o high_a against_o they_o even_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o kill_v they_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n as_o a_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n well-pleasing_a to_o god_n for_o so_o indeed_o the_o word_n do_v not_o only_o import_v but_o most_o proper_o signify_v whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v necessary_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o that_o sense_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v make_v these_o follow_a observation_n very_o proper_a for_o our_o consideration_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n yea_o and_o suffer_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n here_o foretell_v of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o from_o uncharitable_a censure_n man_n do_v easy_o and_o almost_o natural_o proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o they_o have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagoguse_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n they_o present_o proceed_v to_o kill_v they_o as_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o after_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o good_a service_n to_o god_n to_o kill_v you_o 4._o that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o wicked_a not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o out_o of_o a_o real_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v religious_o murder_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v his_o disciple_n to_o death_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o offer_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n 5._o that_o such_o action_n be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o impious_a and_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a 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 6._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a tiling_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v 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 horrible_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 as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o before_o we_o in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o these_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o true_a church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v in_o the_o text_n shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o what_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v be_v too_o frequent_o practise_v since_o by_o some_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o very_o good_a man_n have_v in_o several_a age_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n by_o those_o who_o have_v arrogate_a to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o true_a church_n and_o have_v get_v the_o external_a power_n and_o management_n of_o religion_n into_o their_o hand_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n and_o other_o in_o the_o reign_n and_o prevalency_n of_o arianism_n and_o the_o ill_a treatment_n that_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n but_o whole_a church_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n from_o that_o haughty_a and_o uncharitable_a church_n which_o make_v nothing_o of_o thunder_v out_o this_o most_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o person_n and_o church_n much_o better_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o herself_o and_o against_o all_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o pretend_a infallibility_n and_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o it_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v thus_o use_v by_o a_o church_n that_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n that_o they_o do_v and_o upon_o ground_n every_o whit_n as_o plausible_a as_o i_o can_v clear_o show_v if_o i_o be_v mind_v to_o pursue_v and_o make_v out_o this_o comparison_n 2._o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a only_o true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o this_o to_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o call_v heretic_n first_o that_o prove_v they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o be_v no_o heretic_n or_o acquit_v they_o from_o the_o same_o or_o great_a crime_n than_o those_o which_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o charge_v upon_o other_o man_n nor_o will_v god_n condemn_v all_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o man_n and_o deny_v salvation_n to_o every_o one_o who_o they_o shall_v please_v to_o separate_v from_o their_o society_n and_o to_o call_v by_o some_o odious_a name_n man_n may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o yet_o receive_v into_o heaven_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o man_n but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v certain_o very_o dreadful_a where_o it_o be_v due_o inflict_v and_o next_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o just_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o censure_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v upon_o very_o plain_a and_o evident_a ground_n that_o man_n either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o endanger_v their_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o if_o
that_o church_n will_v impose_v her_o error_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v of_o her_o communion_n then_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o comply_v do_v not_o sepavate_v themselves_o but_o be_v cut_v off_o do_v not_o depart_v but_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n and_o separation_n in_o that_o case_n be_v as_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v become_v such_o that_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n can_v have_v no_o salvation_n if_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o communion_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a their_o salvation_n will_v not_o be_v endanger_v by_o leave_v it_o or_o be_v excommunicate_v out_o of_o it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v the_o hard_a case_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v for_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o damn_v likewise_o for_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v terrify_v because_o of_o the_o boldness_n and_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o so_o little_a charity_n damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n for_o we_o see_v plain_o from_o the_o text_n that_o man_n may_v be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o the_o true_a church_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v salvation_n to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v certain_o very_o good_a man_n and_o in_o a_o safe_a way_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n by_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 3._o observation_n which_o be_v this_o that_o from_o uncharitable_a censure_n man_n do_v by_o a_o easy_a step_n and_o almost_o natural_o proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o the_o jew_n have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n no_o wonder_v they_o shall_v proceed_v to_o kill_v those_o who_o they_o think_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a and_o a_o good_a piece_n of_o service_n do_v to_o god_n to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n uncharitableness_n natural_o draw_v on_o cruelty_n and_o harden_v humane_a nature_n towards_o those_o of_o who_o we_o have_v once_o conceive_v so_o hard_a a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n witness_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o heathen_a perfection_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o justify_v itself_o by_o the_o uncharitable_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v despiser_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o god_n and_o consequent_o atheist_n that_o they_o be_v pertinacious_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opinion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o modern_a style_n they_o be_v heretic_n and_o the_o like_a uncharitable_a conceit_n among_o christian_n have_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o infallible_a chair_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o several_a bloody_a massacre_n and_o the_o cruel_a proceed_n of_o the_o inquisition_n against_o person_n suspect_v of_o heresy_n for_o after_o man_n be_v once_o sentence_v to_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o seem_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o torment_v and_o destroy_v their_o body_n 4._o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o wicked_a thing_n not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o out_o of_o a_o real_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o do_v religious_o murder_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v his_o disciple_n to_o death_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v offer_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o but_o that_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o so_o be_v the_o contrray_n sin_n and_o vice_n but_o then_o they_o be_v only_o plain_a to_o a_o teachable_a and_o honest_a and_o well-disposed_a mind_n to_o those_o who_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o meekness_n and_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o wrath_n and_o furious_a zeal_n to_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o truth_n into_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o entertain_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o they_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a for_o the_o humble_a god_n will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n such_o as_o these_o god_n seldom_o suffer_v to_o fall_v into_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o their_o sin_n or_o duty_n so_o as_o to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a to_o call_v light_a darkness_n and_o darkness_n light_n to_o think_v uncharitableness_n a_o virtue_n and_o downright_a murder_n a_o great_a duty_n but_o if_o man_n will_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o self-love_n and_o self-conceit_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o base_a or_o corrupt_a interest_n to_o be_v blind_v by_o prejudice_n and_o intoxicate_v by_o pride_n to_o be_v transport_v and_o hurry_v away_o by_o violent_a and_o furious_a passion_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o mistake_v the_o nature_n and_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o palpable_a case_n no_o wonder_n if_o god_n give_v up_o person_n of_o such_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o if_o such_o man_n bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o their_o will_n and_o interest_n and_o bend_v their_o judgement_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la make_v they_o to_o stoop_v to_o their_o pride_n and_o blind_o to_o follow_v their_o passion_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o lead_v they_o for_o god_n usual_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o themselves_o as_o run_v away_o from_o he_o and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o secure_v those_o from_o split_v upon_o the_o most_o dangerous_a rock_n who_o will_v steer_v their_o course_n by_o no_o compass_n but_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o wind_n and_o tide_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n in_o these_o case_n man_n may_v take_v the_o wrong_a way_n and_o yet_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n they_o may_v oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o persecute_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o black_a crime_n and_o the_o most_o horrid_a impiety_n malice_n and_o hatred_n blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v serve_v god_n and_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o full_a instance_n in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o because_o they_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v from_o god_n and_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o condition_n and_o have_v upon_o false_a ground_n though_o as_o they_o think_v upon_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o of_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o tradition_n entertain_v quite_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o what_o he_o real_o be_v to_o be_v because_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o think_v themselves_o too_o wise_a to_o learn_v of_o he_o and_o because_o his_o doctrine_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n do_v thwart_v their_o interest_n and_o bring_v down_o their_o authority_n and_o credit_n among_o the_o people_n therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o he_o with_o all_o their_o may_v oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o blast_v his_o reputation_n and_o persecute_v he_o to_o the_o death_n and_o all_o this_o while_n do_v bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o church_n and_o their_o profound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a external_n show_v of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o a_o arrogant_a pretence_n and_o usurpation_n of_o be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o advantage_n they_o think_v
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 miraculous_a manner_n check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n and_o change_v his_o mind_n he_o will_v have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o that_o course_n of_o persecution_n and_o cruelty_n and_o will_v with_o pope_n paul_n the_o iv_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n have_v recommend_v the_o inquisition_n or_o if_o he_o can_v have_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n more_o severe_a to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o near_a instance_n though_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v not_o the_o only_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v countenance_v the_o destruction_n and_o extirpation_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o very_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n and_o meritorious_a of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n 5._o i_o observe_v that_o such_o action_n as_o these_o be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o wicked_a and_o impious_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a 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
evening_n how_o that_o we_o pray_v for_o all_o the_o world_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n second_o for_o who_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o general_n for_o all_o man_n our_o prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o best_a expression_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o large_a and_o extensive_a as_o our_o charity_n be_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o common_a charity_n to_o love_v all_o man_n and_o to_o wish_v well_o to_o they_o but_o our_o bare_a wish_n signify_v nothing_o unless_o we_o direct_v they_o to_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o confer_v upon_o they_o the_o blessing_n and_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o wish_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o charity_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o every_o man_n power_n and_o which_o the_o poor_a man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a be_v capable_a of_o exercise_v at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n if_o open_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o rich_a and_o they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o prevalent_a with_o he_o nay_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o more_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v liberal_a and_o bountiful_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o those_o to_o who_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v nothing_o else_o and_o when_o our_o hand_n can_v reach_v to_o relieve_v they_o we_o may_v pour_v out_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n for_o they_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o their_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a good_a and_o we_o may_v praise_v god_n for_o the_o good_a which_o befall_v they_o though_o it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o be_v any_o way_n instrumental_a to_o procure_v it_o for_o they_o three_o for_o who_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o pray_v viz._n for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a influence_n of_o all_o other_o upon_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o be_v for_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o for_o all_o inferior_a magistrate_n who_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o supreme_a government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o guard_n of_o its_o peace_n and_o the_o security_n of_o every_o man_n person_n and_o property_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v concern_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a both_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o governor_n and_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o because_o without_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o most_o wretched_a condition_n mankind_n will_v be_v unavoidable_o miserable_a without_o government_n humane_a society_n will_v present_o disband_v and_o all_o thing_n will_v run_v into_o confusion_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a say_v of_o one_o of_o the_o jewish_a master_n pray_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o government_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o man_n will_v devour_v one_o another_o alive_a and_o josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o jew_n be_v make_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_n though_o it_o be_v by_o conquest_n twice_o a_o day_n they_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o life_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v command_v that_o people_n by_o his_o prophet_n in_o a_o much_o like_a case_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v conquer_a by_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o carry_v away_o captive_n jer._n 29.7_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o city_n whither_o i_o have_v cause_v you_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_n and_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o peace_n thereof_o shall_v you_o have_v peace_n and_o sure_o the_o reason_n be_v much_o strong_a why_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o our_o natural_a prince_n and_o governor_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n consider_v in_o the_o text_n and_o which_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o reason_n or_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o prince_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v live_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o manifold_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o redound_v to_o we_o from_o our_o governor_n be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n why_o we_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o praise_v he_o likewise_o for_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o exhort_v therefore_o first_o of_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n express_v two_o great_a advantage_n of_o government_n which_o upon_o the_o matter_n do_v comprehend_v all_o the_o rest_n 1._o that_o by_o government_n we_o be_v secure_v in_o our_o civil_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o what_o be_v our_o own_o 2._o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v protect_v in_o the_o free_a practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a and_o most_o desirable_a thing_n to_o man_n and_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v have_v without_o government_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v these_o two_o particular_n and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o consideration_n of_o they_o lay_v upon_o we_o both_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o likewise_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o they_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o brief_a application_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n to_o the_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n first_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o government_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n namely_o these_o two_n 1._o that_o by_o it_o we_o be_v secure_v in_o our_o civil_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o what_o be_v our_o own_o without_o government_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o property_n in_o any_o thing_n beyond_o our_o own_o person_n for_o nothing_o but_o law_n can_v make_v property_n and_o law_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o government_n and_o authority_n nay_o without_o government_n we_o have_v no_o security_n of_o our_o person_n and_o life_n much_o less_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o be_v at_o present_a in_o our_o possession_n be_v we_o not_o protect_v by_o law_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o government_n we_o can_v have_v no_o safety_n no_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n must_v be_v perpetual_o upon_o his_o guard_n against_o all_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v to_o continual_a violence_n and_o injury_n from_o those_o who_o be_v too_o many_o and_o too_o strong_a for_o he_o so_o that_o all_o our_o quiet_a and_o security_n from_o fear_n and_o danger_n from_o the_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o crafty_a and_o powerful_a than_o ourselves_o from_o endless_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n and_o from_o a_o state_n of_o perpetual_a feud_n and_o war_n with_o all_o mankind_n be_v entire_o due_a and_o owe_v to_o civil_a government_n and_o this_o alone_a be_v so_o unspeakable_a a_o benefit_n that_o without_o it_o man_n of_o all_o creature_n will_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a because_o all_o that_o wit_n and_o sagacity_n all_o that_o cunning_a and_o contrivance_n which_o mankind_n have_v above_o the_o bruit_n creature_n will_v but_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o mischief_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o devise_v and_o find_v out_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n and_o instrument_n to_o harm_n and_o destroy_v one_o another_o in_o short_a that_o we_o live_v and_o that_o we_o live_v well_o in_o any_o tolerable_a condition_n either_o of_o safety_n or_o plenty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o call_v any_o thing_n our_o own_o for_o one_o day_n or_o for_o one_o hour_n that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o perpetual_a terror_n and_o apprehension_n of_o mortal_a danger_n and_o that_o we_o be_v at_o any_o time_n free_a from_o the_o invasion_n of_o what_o we_o at_o present_a possess_v by_o the_o fraud_n and_o force_n of_o other_o be_v sole_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n and_o divine_a appointment_n of_o government_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o by_o wise_a and_o wholesome_a law_n to_o tie_v up_o man_n hand_n from_o mutual_a injury_n and_o violence_n upon_o this_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o all_o the_o security_n of_o humane_a law_n do_v depend_v from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o
we_o may_v sit_v down_o every_o man_n under_o his_o own_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o own_o figtree_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o make_v we_o afraid_a so_o that_o if_o security_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n then_o government_n be_v so_o too_o for_o without_o this_o the_o society_n of_o man_n will_v present_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o thing_n will_v run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n 2._o another_o great_a benefit_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o government_n though_o it_o do_v always_o so_o happen_v be_v that_o man_n be_v protect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o free_a exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o men._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n find_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o the_o edge_n and_o authority_n of_o law_n may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v turn_v upon_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o but_o even_o then_o though_o good_a man_n may_v receive_v great_a harm_n and_o injury_n from_o persecute_v prince_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v from_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o than_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o good_a man_n have_v some_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n preserve_v from_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o multitude_n so_o that_o though_o particular_a person_n undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o cruel_a suffering_n yet_o much_o great_a number_n do_v escape_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n against_o several_a of_o the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o never_o be_v any_o humane_a law_n make_v as_o against_o the_o inward_a love_n honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o worship_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o secret_a of_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n humane_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n nay_o far_a yet_o against_o humility_n and_o meekness_n against_o modesty_n and_o patience_n against_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n against_o peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n against_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n against_o charity_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n against_o these_o and_o such_o like_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o law_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o without_o some_o of_o which_o government_n can_v not_o possible_o subsist_v no_o perfection_n be_v ever_o raise_v no_o not_o by_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n good_a man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n protect_v by_o law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o good_a man_n have_v many_o time_n be_v grievous_o perfect_v by_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o their_o protection_n they_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n st._n paul_n know_v very_o well_o when_o he_o give_v this_o injunction_n to_o they_o that_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n favour_n christianity_n but_o he_o know_v likewise_o that_o government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n do_v enjoy_v many_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perpetual_o expose_v to_o popular_a rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n which_o will_v not_o only_o have_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v endanger_v the_o extinguish_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o government_n the_o christian_n have_v many_o considerable_a interval_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n which_o give_v christianity_n a_o breathe_a time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o recover_v itself_o and_o though_o the_o secular_a authority_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n discountenance_n christianity_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o hatch_n that_o be_v but_o a_o accidental_a effect_n and_o abuse_v of_o government_n and_o obedience_n be_v still_o due_a and_o prayer_n for_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a yea_o and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o it_o very_o reasonable_a upon_o account_n of_o the_o common_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o to_o humane_a society_n beside_o that_o christian_n do_v hope_n and_o believe_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n may_v in_o time_n be_v gain_v to_o give_v its_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o christianity_n and_o that_o king_n and_o prince_n may_v become_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o in_o god_n due_a time_n be_v remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n christian_n be_v patient_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v in_o expectation_n of_o those_o glorious_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o power_n that_o persecute_v they_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o may_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o protection_n of_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o for_o the_o continuance_n and_o support_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v afterward_o the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a age_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mighty_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o government_n lay_v upon_o we_o both_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o likewise_o to_o praise_v god_n for_o they_o because_o in_o their_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o public_a peace_n and_o happiness_n do_v chief_o consist_v and_o in_o the_o public_a good_a consist_v the_o good_a of_o particular_a person_n and_o above_o all_o the_o piety_n and_o goodness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v in_o high_a place_n of_o authority_n have_v a_o general_a good_a influence_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o discountenance_v of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n a_o king_n sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 20.8_o scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n the_o pattern_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o good_a prince_n be_v a_o live_a law_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o more_o than_o the_o example_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o to_o mould_n and_o fashion_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v as_o one_o express_v a_o kind_a of_o moral_a connexion_n and_o communication_n of_o evil_a and_o of_o gild_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n so_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n mutual_o reward_v for_o the_o virtue_n and_o good_a action_n and_o punish_v for_o the_o sin_n and_o fault_n of_o one_o another_o of_o which_o proceed_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n where_o god_n reward_v the_o piety_n of_o good_a prince_n with_o great_a blessing_n upon_o their_o people_n and_o punish_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o their_o king_n with_o public_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o prince_n and_o governor_n because_o our_o welfare_n be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o we_o suffer_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o but_o many_o time_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n quicquid_fw-la delirant_fw-la reges_fw-la plectuntur_fw-la achivi_fw-la the_o extravagance_n of_o prince_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o subject_n thus_o david_n