of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o most_o case_n urge_v we_o to_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n beside_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o happen_v so_o frequent_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n nay_o very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a both_o because_o religion_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a suffering_n a_o happiness_n unspeakable_o great_a than_o that_o which_o we_o forego_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n do_v extraordinary_o enable_v man_n to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o courage_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o great_a number_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o age_n do_v voluntary_o choose_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o these_o suffering_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o but_o fair_a term_n of_o retreat_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o by_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o can_v help_v it_o and_o another_o thing_n when_o man_n may_v avoid_v suffer_v in_o the_o former_a case_n man_n submit_v to_o necessity_n and_o bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n if_o man_n suffer_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o suffer_v cheerful_o and_o with_o joy_n as_o most_o of_o the_o martyr_n do_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n afford_v they_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o then_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o hard_a when_o religion_n put_v they_o upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o it_o give_v they_o cause_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o the_o like_a this_o objection_n have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n and_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o machiavelli_n and_o very_o likely_a it_o may_v though_o i_o think_v that_o elsewhere_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v with_o term_n of_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o contradict_v the_o other_o he_o say_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o livy_n ch._n 11._o that_o the_o greatness_n and_o success_n of_o rome_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o rome_n be_v more_o indebt_v to_o numa_n pompilius_n for_o settle_v religion_n among_o they_o than_o to_o romulus_n the_o founder_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o say_v he_o without_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o military_a discipline_n religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o good_a law_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o particular_o he_o commend_v the_o samnite_n who_o betake_v themselves_o to_o religion_n as_o their_o last_o and_o best_a remedy_n to_o make_v man_n courageous_a nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v man_n spirit_n than_o religion_n but_o howsoever_o this_o objection_n be_v i_o dare_v appeal_n both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o 1._o to_o reason_n and_o that_o as_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n principle_n of_o the_o great_a resolution_n and_o true_a courage_n it_o teach_v man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a ground_n to_o despise_v danger_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v likely_a to_o inspire_v man_n with_o the_o great_a courage_n for_o what_o need_n he_o fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n who_o fear_v not_o death_n after_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v fear_v and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v by_o give_v man_n the_o assurance_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o happiness_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o this_o happiness_n it_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o inward_a and_o torment_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o after_o death_n this_o make_v the_o righteous_a man_n to_o be_v as_o solomon_n say_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n nothing_o render_v a_o man_n more_o undaunted_a as_o to_o death_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o than_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o have_v wilful_o displease_v he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n reasonable_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a happiness_n after_o death_n than_o other_o man_n whereas_o a_o bad_a man_n if_o he_o be_v sober_a and_o have_v his_o sense_n awake_v to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extreme_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o in_o another_o world_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a man_n breathe_v afraid_a to_o venture_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o see_v hell_n beyond_o it_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o monster_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v so_o far_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n as_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o have_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o happen_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o as_o the_o poet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a fellix_fw-la qui_fw-la potuit_fw-la rerum_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la causas_fw-la atque_fw-la metus_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o inexorabile_fw-la fatum_fw-la subjecit_fw-la pedibus_fw-la strepitumque_fw-la acherontis_fw-la avari_fw-la there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o attain_v to_o this_o temper_n and_o but_o at_o some_o time_n so_o that_o if_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n do_v general_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o man_n spirit_n it_o remain_v that_o nothing_o but_o religion_n can_v general_o give_v man_n courage_n against_o death_n and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v eminent_o to_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o it_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o conquer_a death_n for_o we_o and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n 2._o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o such_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o in_o reason_n tend_v to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o break_v their_o true_a courage_n but_o only_o to_o regulate_v it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o fierceness_n and_o brutishness_n of_o it_o this_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o man_n of_o the_o true_a courage_n have_v many_o time_n lest_o of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o passion_n and_o fierceness_n those_o who_o be_v better_o breed_v be_v common_o of_o more_o gentle_a and_o civil_a disposition_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o want_v true_a courage_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o roughness_n and_o foolhardiness_n of_o man_n of_o rude_a breed_n so_o in_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v very_o courageous_a there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o man_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o quite_o alter_v but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o maintain_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o man_n courage_n and_o that_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la suppose_v man_n of_o equal_a temper_n no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v valiant_a as_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o bluster_a and_o boisterous_a and_o rash_a courage_n but_o a_o sober_a and_o
to_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o withstand_v its_o temptation_n to_o be_v harmless_a and_o blameless_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n not_o to_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o eminent_a and_o frequent_a example_n of_o vice_n and_o carry_v down_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerare_fw-la age._n so_o that_o though_o our_o difficulty_n be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o and_o equal_a to_o those_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v our_o best_a resolution_n and_o care_n though_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n be_v break_v and_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n be_v destroy_v out_o of_o the_o land_n yet_o some_o of_o the_o old_a inhabitant_n be_v still_o leave_v to_o be_v thorn_n in_o our_o side_n and_o prick_v in_o our_o eye_n that_o true_a religion_n may_v always_o have_v something_o to_o exercise_v its_o force_n and_o vigour_n upon_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a course_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o the_o earnest_a endeavour_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o conquer_a of_o these_o difficulty_n and_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o will_v set_v upon_o it_o in_o good_a earnest_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v one_a a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n two_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o carry_v we_o on_o in_o it_o three_o a_o invincible_a constancy_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o it_o and_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n one_a a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n for_o want_v of_o this_o most_o man_n miscarry_v and_o stumble_v at_o the_o very_a threshold_n and_o never_o get_v through_o the_o strait_a gate_n never_o master_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n many_o be_v well_o dispose_v towards_o religion_n and_o have_v fit_n of_o good_a inclination_n that_o way_n especial_o in_o their_o young_a and_o tender_a year_n but_o they_o want_v firmness_n of_o resolution_n to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n like_o the_o young_a man_n that_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n well_o incline_v to_o do_v some_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o give_v back_o he_o be_v divide_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o resolution_n enough_o to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o he_o many_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o have_v frequent_a thought_n and_o deliberation_n about_o a_o better_a course_n of_o life_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a mind_n to_o take_v up_o and_o break_v off_o that_o lewd_a and_o riotous_a course_n they_o be_v in_o but_o they_o can_v bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n there_o must_v be_v no_o indifferency_n and_o irresoluteness_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o will_v be_v christian_n we_o must_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o gate_n but_o resolve_v to_o press_v in_o we_o see_v that_o man_n can_v take_v up_o peremptory_a resolution_n in_o other_o matter_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o can_v be_v true_a and_o steadfast_a to_o these_o resolution_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o man_n resolve_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a and_o stand_v to_o these_o resolution_n and_o make_v they_o good_a god_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v these_o kind_n of_o resolution_n than_o any_o other_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o resolve_v upon_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n no_o other_o resolution_n can_v do_v a_o man_n that_o good_a and_o bring_v he_o that_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n that_o this_o will_n two_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o require_v a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n so_o likewise_o a_o great_a diligence_n to_o carry_v we_o on_o in_o it_o when_o we_o be_v get_v through_o the_o strait_a gate_n we_o must_v account_v to_o meet_v with_o many_o difficulty_n in_o our_o way_n there_o be_v in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n many_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v which_o require_v great_a pain_n and_o care_n many_o temptation_n to_o be_v resist_v which_o will_v keep_v we_o continual_o upon_o our_o guard_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o way_n be_v up_o hill_n and_o not_o to_o be_v climb_v without_o labour_n and_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a to_o follow_v holiness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o pursue_v it_o with_o great_a earnestness_n nothing_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v of_o value_n be_v to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o we_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o think_v any_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o get_v thither_o three_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n require_v a_o invincible_a constancy_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o it_o and_o to_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n resolution_n may_v make_v a_o good_a entrance_n but_o it_o require_v great_a constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o good_a course_n a_o good_a resolution_n may_v be_v take_v up_o upon_o a_o present_a heat_n and_o may_v cool_v again_o but_o nothing_o but_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v make_v a_o man_n persevere_v and_o yet_o without_o this_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o reach_v heaven_n he_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o god_n put_v this_o case_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o determine_v it_o ezekiel_n 18._o 24._o when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v he_o live_v all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v die_v nay_o so_o far_o will_v his_o righteousness_n be_v from_o avail_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o persevere_v in_o it_o that_o it_o will_v render_v his_o condition_n much_o worse_o to_o have_v go_v so_o far_o towards_o heaven_n and_o at_o last_o to_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o it_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o discouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v with_o no_o design_n to_o damp_n but_o rather_o to_o quicken_v our_o industry_n for_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a no_o not_o this_o commandment_n of_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v manifest_a by_o take_v these_o four_o thing_n into_o consideration_n 1._o the_o assistance_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o god_n have_v there_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o conquer_v all_o those_o difficulty_n indeed_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o cope_v with_o these_o difficulty_n every_o temptation_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o every_o little_a opposition_n will_v discourage_v we_o
appear_v once_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o 3._o he_o do_v appear_v at_o that_o time_n in_o which_o the_o world_n stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v even_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n this_o be_v the_o needful_a time_n when_o it_o be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o this_o great_a physician_n to_o come_v and_o show_v his_o pity_n and_o skill_n in_o our_o recovery_n god_n can_v have_v send_v his_o son_n many_o age_n before_o but_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o try_v other_o way_n first_o and_o to_o reserve_v this_o powerful_a remedy_n to_o the_o last_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n 4._o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v be_v of_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o his_o come_v whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o fit_a season_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o propagate_a of_o this_o religion_n i_o assign_v these_o reason_n as_o tend_v to_o give_v man_n some_o satisfaction_n why_o this_o great_a blessing_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o of_o the_o want_n of_o either_o to_o defer_v thing_n to_o that_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o have_v their_o effect_n not_o but_o that_o perhaps_o other_o and_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o be_v sure_a god_n have_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o this_o dispensation_n whether_o we_o can_v hit_v upon_o they_o or_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v altogether_o inconsiderable_a 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n all_o the_o while_o our_o saviour_n come_v be_v delay_v god_n providence_n be_v dispose_v thing_n for_o it_o and_o train_v up_o mankind_n for_o the_o entertain_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v always_o very_o burdensome_a but_o much_o more_o so_o towards_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n partly_o by_o the_o intolerable_a multitude_n of_o external_a observance_n which_o be_v daily_o multiply_v upon_o they_o under_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_n which_o make_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o many_o respect_n more_o difficult_a and_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a measure_n prepare_v for_o christianity_n by_o be_v civilise_a about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n philosophy_n and_o learning_n have_v be_v so_o diffuse_v by_o the_o roman_a conquest_n as_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o barbarism_n to_o civility_n beside_o that_o their_o philosophy_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o man_n to_o refine_v their_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o good_a degree_n to_o detect_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o learning_n and_o philosophy_n flourish_v a_o great_a while_n before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o grecian_a empire_n and_o perhaps_o before_o that_o in_o some_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v very_o speedy_a and_o of_o vast_a extent_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o universal_a nor_o so_o well_o settle_v nor_o do_v they_o propagate_v their_o philosophy_n and_o civility_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n as_o the_o roman_n do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o mankind_n be_v so_o general_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v 2._o this_o be_v likewise_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o roman_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n do_v very_o much_o propagate_v their_o language_n which_o make_v the_o way_n of_o communication_n far_o more_o easy_a and_o by_o the_o long_a and_o frequent_a correspondence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o that_o empire_n one_o with_o another_o the_o way_n of_o travel_n and_o passage_n from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o be_v more_o ready_a and_o open_a so_o that_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instanced_a in_o all_o respect_n so_o convenient_a for_o the_o speedy_a propagate_a of_o a_o new_a religion_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v viz._n when_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v at_o its_o height_n and_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o the_o brave_a and_o most_o virtuous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n infinite_o beyond_o either_o the_o persian_n or_o grecian_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o god_n as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a mean_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v to_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o have_v not_o now_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o main_a argument_n for_o it_o rely_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o at_o this_o distance_n we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o man_n not_o only_o may_v have_v but_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n ancient_a than_o these_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o distance_n of_o they_o from_o our_o time_n create_v no_o manner_n of_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o that_o he_o conquer_v darius_n and_o the_o persian_n that_o julius_n caesar_n invade_v our_o nation_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v it_o and_o that_o he_o overcome_v pompey_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o pharsalia_n and_o innumerable_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o that_o be_v do_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v firm_o believe_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v do_v so_o long_o ago_o so_o that_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v equal_a evidence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a belief_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o argument_n but_o in_o the_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v 2._o we_o have_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a assurance_n nay_o great_a if_o it_o can_v or_o need_v to_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n rely_v as_o of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n rely_v be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n at_o jerusalem_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n that_o he_o bestow_v miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o make_v they_o competent_a witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o publish_v in_o his_o name_n that_o according_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n without_o any_o human_a advantage_n do_v propagate_v it_o and_o gain_v entertainment_n for_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n now_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v the_o same_o testimony_n of_o history_n write_v in_o those_o time_n and_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o general_a and_o uncontrole_v a_o tradition_n as_o the_o conquest_n of_o alexander_n and_o julius_n caesar_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o afford_v equal_a belief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v some_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n against_o the_o one_o more_o than_o against_o the_o other_o though_o the_o evidence_n for_o both_o be_v equal_a nay_o i_o go_v further_o that_o the_o evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o that_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o mankind_n be_v more_o oblige_v to_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o it_o for_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o have_v the_o
6._o 5._o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v of_o the_o gospel_n age._n so_o that_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v the_o age_n those_o that_o go_v before_o be_v constant_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o age_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o we_o find_v eph._n 3._o 9_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n and_o you_o have_v the_o same_o phrase_n col._n 1._o 26._o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o time_n and_o the_o last_o day_n heb._n 1._o 2._o but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 9_o 26._o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n that_o be_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n which_o have_v go_v before_o in_o the_o last_o age._n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n by_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o scripture_n the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v suppose_v now_o to_o give_v our_o adversary_n their_o utmost_a scope_n that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n reach_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o age_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o qualify_v and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o speedy_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o till_o this_o work_n be_v do_v now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o intend_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o this_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o trouble_v we_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v extend_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v assist_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o such_o fit_a and_o necessary_a assistance_n as_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n shall_v require_v for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o plant_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o it_o afterward_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o design_n will_v let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v not_o also_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o thus_o extend_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o particular_a promise_n beyond_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o for_o heb._n 13._o 5_o 6._o he_o there_o extend_v two_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o conversation_n say_v he_o be_v without_o cove_n tousness_n and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o particulur_v person_n the_o first_o of_o they_o to_o joshua_n and_o the_o other_o to_o david_n but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n because_o the_o general_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o extend_v so_o far_o he_o who_o give_v joshua_n and_o david_n this_o encouragement_n to_o their_o duty_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n mention_v in_o this_o promise_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o age_n even_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v second_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v with_o they_o and_o here_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n shall_v always_o be_v infallible_a and_o never_o err_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o promise_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o understand_v this_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n so_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v commissionated_a the_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o promise_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o any_o man_n can_v construe_v this_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o signify_v the_o perpetual_a infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n devise_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a text_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v that_o old_a and_o totter_a fabric_n of_o their_o infallibility_n here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v conclude_v from_o 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follower_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o work_v they_o but_o among_o his_o enemy_n to_o convince_v those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o this_o not_o do_v once_o and_o in_o one_o place_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o come_v and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o after_o his_o death_n he_o endow_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n with_o the_o same_o power_n which_o last_v for_o some_o age_n and_o then_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o they_o they_o be_v miracle_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n those_o of_o they_o which_o in_o themselves_o may_v have_v be_v perform_v by_o natural_a mean_n as_o heal_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o the_o deaf_a he_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n by_o a_o word_n or_o a_o touch_n yea_o and_o many_o time_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o other_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 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than_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n that_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o that_o we_o may_v still_o put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o one_o another_o when_o christ_n come_v when_o the_o messiah_n who_o you_o expect_v come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v but_o second_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o the_o correspondency_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n not_o to_o mention_v innumerable_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n together_o with_o the_o success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v punctual_o foretell_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o particular_n here_o in_o the_o text._n first_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v work_v miraculous_a cure_n isa_n 35._o 4_o 5_o 6._o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n he_o will_v come_v and_o save_v you_o then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v be_v unstopped_a then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb_a sing_v this_o you_o see_v be_v fulfil_v here_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o text_n mention_n another_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o if_o god_n do_v more_o than_o he_o promise_v and_o foretell_v this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o argument_n if_o all_o that_o he_o foretell_v be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o
his_o own_o kingdom_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o though_o he_o do_v many_o great_a work_n yet_o he_o give_v they_o no_o sign_n from_o heaven_n matt._n 16._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v they_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n it_o seem_v they_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v some_o immediate_a testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o elias_n when_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v his_o enemy_n and_o particular_o they_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v down_o and_o save_v himself_o and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v their_o expectation_n in_o this_o they_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o other_o and_o great_a miracle_n perverse_o to_o insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a kind_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o fancy_v as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o 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reject_v he_o as_o well_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o do_v matth._n 11._o 16._o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n he_o live_v in_o a_o more_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a way_n he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n use_v great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n and_o diet_n and_o this_o they_o take_v exception_n at_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n so_o that_o let_v our_o saviour_n have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o have_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n so_o peevish_o and_o perverse_o dispose_v 2._o that_o he_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o which_o exception_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o our_o saviour_n own_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o physician_n to_o the_o world_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a or_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o patient_n among_o who_o his_o proper_a employment_n lay_v 3._o they_o object_v to_o he_o profaneness_n in_o break_v the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o sure_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n if_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v heal_v one_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n that_o that_o be_v but_o a_o positive_a institution_n but_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v even_o his_o own_o institution_n to_o give_v way_n to_o those_o great_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o refreshment_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v intend_v to_o his_o prejudice_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n five_o another_o great_a prejudice_n against_o he_o be_v that_o person_n of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7._o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n against_o he_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o guide_n ought_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o we_o and_o over-rule_v we_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o not_o against_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a corruption_n in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o they_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n at_o that_o time_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o more_o endanger_v nor_o never_o more_o corrupt_v than_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o great_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v understand_v religion_n best_o and_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a support_n of_o it_o man_n may_v err_v but_o god_n can_v so_o that_o when_o god_n send_v a_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o word_n do_v plain_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o human_a example_n and_o authority_n cease_v and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o last_o prejudice_n i_o shall_v mention_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o it_o do_v abolish_v and_o supersede_n their_o religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n this_o have_v be_v a_o very_a specious_a pretence_n indeed_o have_v not_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o their_o own_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o perfect_v what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o their_o institution_n it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o their_o law_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v unto_o they_o another_o prophet_n like_v to_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v he_o when_o he_o come_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o false_a but_o as_o imperfect_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v but_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o the_o chief_a exception_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o now_o time_n to_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o see_v upon_o what_o slight_a and_o unreasonable_a ground_n man_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o best_a person_n and_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o confident_a all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o so_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v on_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n that_o we_o way_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o thing_n and_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v preserve_v free_a and_o indifferent_a to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o otherwise_o self-conceit_n and_o passion_n will_v so_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o bias_n our_o judgement_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v unable_a to_o discern_v and_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n we_o see_v here_o by_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o give_v way_n to_o passion_n and_o cherish_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n man_n may_v be_v so_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o resist_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o reject_v even_o salvation_n itself_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o scripture_n say_v
let_v every_o man_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v and_o slow_a to_o wrath_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n sermon_n ii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o i_o have_v from_o these_o word_n propound_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o ii_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n when_o this_o great_a teacher_n of_o mankind_n come_v from_o god_n though_o he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v mighty_o offend_v at_o he_o and_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v show_v 〈◊〉_d unreasonableness_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o to_o consider_v the_o 〈…〉_o those_o exception_n which_o 〈…〉_o and_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v mention_v these_o four_o first_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n second_o they_o object_v against_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n three_o that_o it_o want_v demonstration_n four_o that_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o heathen_a and_o especial_o their_o philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n first_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v condemn_v the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o education_n and_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o violent_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o absurd_a soever_o it_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o propound_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o not_o prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o may_v then_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v entertain_v it_o with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o world_n have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o inure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o this_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o man_n sequimur_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la qui_fw-la feliciter_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la suos_fw-la as_o one_o of_o the_o heathen_n say_v in_o those_o day_n we_o follow_v our_o ancestor_n who_o happy_o follow_v they_o man_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n and_o custom_n in_o religion_n which_o themselves_o and_o their_o forefather_n have_v always_o embrace_v and_o follow_v and_o wise_a man_n especial_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n as_o religion_n be_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n but_o yet_o upon_o a_o through_o examination_n this_o will_v not_o be_v find_v sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v christianity_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o no_o prudent_a person_n think_v that_o the_o example_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o forefather_n oblige_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o pernicious_a to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a no_o danger_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o undo_n for_o ever_o a_o man_n may_v better_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o his_o forefather_n to_o justify_v his_o error_n and_o folly_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o in_o this_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o pernicious_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o a_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o a_o reformation_n that_o it_o make_v a_o change_n when_o thing_n be_v amiss_o it_o be_v always_o fit_a to_o amend_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o change_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a do_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v mix_v with_o very_o great_a folly_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_a and_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o dare_v to_o reform_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o oppose_v a_o effectual_a reformation_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o change_n a_o change_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o better_a though_o it_o be_v usual_o hard_a to_o be_v effect_v be_v always_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o 3._o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n design_v be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o can_v be_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o but_o the_o reduce_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o bring_n of_o man_n back_o to_o such_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n mind_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o design_n to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o then_o for_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o precept_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n add_v beyond_o this_o be_v mean_n and_o help_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n for_o our_o direction_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o our_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n he_o offer_v
to_o we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v a_o short_a sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o 4._o god_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v of_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o remove_v and_o conquer_v this_o prejudice_n he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o this_o religion_n by_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o because_o the_o report_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o bring_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o they_o have_v not_o see_v these_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o he_o enable_v those_o who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n to_o work_v as_o great_a miracle_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o when_o they_o see_v those_o who_o give_v testimony_n to_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n do_v as_o great_a and_o strange_a thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o testify_v of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o long_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o though_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o evidence_n which_o god_n give_v to_o it_o be_v strong_a enough_o to_o remove_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v recommend_v itself_o to_o impartial_a man_n by_o its_o own_o reasonableness_n but_o meet_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la in_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o a_o confirmation_n to_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v down_o those_o prejudices_fw-la second_o another_o objection_n against_o christianity_n be_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o expect_v some_o deep_a speculation_n in_o natural_a or_o moral_a philosophy_n they_o make_v full_a account_n a_o teacher_n send_v from_o heaven_n will_v have_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o profound_a point_n and_o discourse_v to_o they_o about_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o man_n with_o a_o subtlety_n and_o eloquence_n infinite_o beyond_o that_o of_o their_o great_a sophister_n and_o able_a to_o bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o be_v tell_v a_o plain_a story_n of_o the_o life_n and_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o his_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o a_o few_o plain_a precept_n of_o life_n and_o all_o this_o deliver_v without_o any_o ornament_n of_o art_n or_o insinuation_n of_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n and_o applause_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o relate_v these_o thing_n but_o now_o this_o true_o consider_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o real_a objection_n against_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a commendation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n ought_v to_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a and_o unaffected_a manner_n and_o the_o less_o art_n and_o eloquence_n be_v use_v in_o the_o tell_n of_o a_o story_n the_o more_o likely_a it_o be_v to_o gain_v belief_n and_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n precept_n how_o plain_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o reasonable_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o free_a from_o all_o vanity_n and_o folly_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o more_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o than_o so_o plain_a and_o useful_a a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o the_o language_n of_o law_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v fine_a and_o persuasive_a but_o short_a and_o plain_a and_o full_a of_o authority_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v much_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v thus_o to_o man_n than_o for_o man_n to_o one_o another_o three_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n want_v demonstration_n they_o seem_v to_o impose_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o deliver_v thing_n too_o magisterial_o not_o demonstrate_v thing_n from_o intrinsical_a argument_n but_o require_v belief_n and_o assent_n without_o proof_n this_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n ready_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heathen_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o human_a eloquence_n and_o demonstration_n but_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n do_v not_o want_v its_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n though_o of_o another_o kind_n they_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bewitch_v man_n by_o eloquence_n nor_o to_o entangle_v their_o mind_n by_o subtle_a reason_n the_o force_n of_o which_o very_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n a_o sensible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v in_o those_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a operation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sensible_a evidence_n even_o to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n go_v along_o with_o they_o and_z giving_z testimony_n to_o they_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o more_o level_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o the_o fine_a and_o subtle_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o immaterial_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o power_n of_o reflection_n upon_o itself_o and_o independency_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o to_o some_o of_o its_o operation_n which_o yet_o be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n that_o philosophy_n afford_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n four_o the_o heathen_n object_v that_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o appear_v in_o such_o mean_a circumstance_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o one_o who_o himself_o be_v put_v to_o death_n shall_v be_v rely_v upon_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v heretofore_o consider_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o it_o beside_o those_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n assign_v of_o our_o saviour_n humiliation_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o example_n to_o we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o by_o suffer_v himself_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o commiserate_v we_o that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o fantastry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v love_v those_o who_o he_o afflict_v and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v innocent_a and_o virtuous_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v have_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n his_o influence_n and_o example_n may_v possible_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o will_v not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o
to_o be_v inward_o good_a and_o virtuous_a the_o great_a argument_n that_o must_v do_v that_o must_v be_v fetch_v not_o from_o the_o pomp_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o beside_o have_v he_o appear_v in_o any_o great_a power_n and_o splendour_n the_o christian_a religion_n can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o acquit_v from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o far_o great_a objection_n against_o it_o than_o this_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v to_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v teach_v that_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v but_o despise_v by_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a and_o dear_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v liable_a to_o great_a misery_n and_o suffering_n and_o whoever_o suffer_v unjust_o and_o bear_v it_o patient_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n to_o goodness_n and_o do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v virtue_n to_o the_o world_n that_o a_o good_a man_n under_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o misery_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v be_v the_o fit_a person_n of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o apostle_n and_o preacher_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o sure_o they_o who_o say_v such_o thing_n which_o the_o heathen_a have_v do_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o object_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o he_o who_o promise_v immortality_n to_o other_o can_v not_o save_v himself_o from_o death_n and_o suffer_v consider_v that_o he_o who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rescue_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ridiculous_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o hope_n of_o immortality_n who_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o conquer_a death_n give_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o promise_v i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v many_o first_o some_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n second_o to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n three_o that_o we_o have_v not_o now_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o main_a argument_n for_o it_o rely_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o at_o this_o distance_n we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v expect_v to_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n four_o that_o the_o term_n of_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n five_o that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o vigour_n and_o courage_n of_o their_o mind_n six_o the_o division_n and_o faction_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n seven_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianty_n in_o answer_n to_o all_o which_o i_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o say_v all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v but_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o offer_v so_o much_o as_o may_v if_o not_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n yet_o be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o to_o free_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o any_o great_a perplexity_n about_o they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o second_o to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n i_o know_v that_o these_o and_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v urge_v by_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n but_o they_o be_v now_o more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o both_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o objection_n against_o his_o incarnation_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o consider_v and_o therefore_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o john_n 1._o 14._o serm._n iii_o next_o viz._n second_o as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n it_o be_v object_v if_o he_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n why_o do_v he_o come_v no_o soon_o into_o the_o world_n but_o suffer_v mankind_n so_o long_o without_o any_o hope_n or_o mean_n of_o be_v save_v this_o be_v object_v by_o porphyry_n of_o old_a and_o still_o stick_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v i._o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o creature_n to_o call_v their_o creator_n to_o too_o strict_a a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n goodness_n be_v free_a and_o may_v act_v when_o and_o how_o it_o please_v and_o as_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n so_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n at_o what_o time_n he_o please_v and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n this_o be_v much_o like_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v he_o will_v sure_o have_v make_v the_o world_n soon_o and_o not_o have_v be_v without_o all_o employment_n for_o so_o long_a a_o duration_n such_o another_o objection_n be_v this_o against_o our_o saviour_n that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o will_v have_v begin_v this_o great_a and_o merciful_a work_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n soon_o and_o not_o have_v delay_v it_o so_o long_o and_o suffer_v mankind_n to_o perish_v for_o four_o thousand_o year_n together_o but_o it_o seem_v in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o god_n take_v his_o own_o time_n and_o he_o best_o know_v what_o time_n be_v fit_a the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n god_n send_v his_o son_n when_o thing_n be_v ripe_a for_o it_o and_o all_o thing_n accomplish_v that_o god_n think_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o it_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o action_n of_o our_o earthly_a governor_n those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o council_n what_o conjecture_n soever_o they_o may_v make_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o will_v neverthe_o less_o if_o they_o have_v that_o respect_n for_o their_o wisdom_n which_o they_o ought_v believe_v that_o how_o strange_a soever_o some_o of_o their_o action_n may_v seem_v yet_o they_o be_v do_v upon_o good_a reason_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o if_o they_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o their_o counsel_n shall_v think_v so_o much_o more_o do_v we_o owe_v that_o reverence_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n be_v ground_v upon_o very_o good_a reason_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v many_o time_n what_o it_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n before_o our_o saviour_n come_n before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v give_v man_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n both_o before_o and_o under_o the_o law_n without_o any_o particular_a and_o express_a knowledge_n of_o he_o there_o be_v good_a man_n in_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n also_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o every_o nation_n they_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n look_v back_o as_o well_o as_o forward_o and_o god_n be_v reconcileable_a to_o man_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o great_a propitiation_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o which_o sense_n perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n heb._n 9_o 25_o 26_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o if_o this_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v available_a in_o former_a age_n christ_n must_v have_v often_o suffer_v since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o have_v he_o
testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o eye-witness_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o be_v true_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n through_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o effect_n beyond_o all_o denial_n so_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n do_v depend_v here_o be_v great_a and_o more_o advantageous_a evidence_n of_o history_n than_o for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o equal_a antiquity_n whatsoever_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n that_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o particular_o of_o celsus_n and_o porphyry_n and_o julian_n who_o be_v the_o particular_a and_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o they_o whatever_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o they_o or_o whatever_o consequence_n we_o may_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o i_o presume_v it_o agree_v by_o all_o objector_n that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o unequal_a to_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n never_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v 4._o and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o recompense_v the_o disadvantage_n which_o we_o have_v of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o evidence_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o advantage_n which_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n of_o the_o success_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o contempt_n which_o they_o every_o where_n suffer_v and_o that_o now_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n they_o have_v continue_v a_o distinct_a people_n and_o a_o spectacle_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o severity_n for_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o a_o last_a and_o stand_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o though_o we_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o as_o credible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o a_o future_a state_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a evidence_n for_o it_o that_o can_v be_v wish_v or_o expect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o man_n have_v for_o those_o adventure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n which_o they_o frequent_o make_v in_o this_o world_n and_o think_v themselves_o reasonable_a in_o so_o do_v 2._o the_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o they_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v against_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o restraint_n what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v reflect_v more_o upon_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o indulge_v and_o allow_v man_n in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o these_o it_o show_v man_n be_v glad_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o objection_n against_o christianity_n when_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o that_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v make_v ten_o time_n more_o clamour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o contrary_n 3._o as_o for_o most_o of_o those_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n so_o much_o both_o for_o our_o private_a and_o public_a advantage_n that_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n they_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v they_o upon_o we_o we_o ought_v in_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o our_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o have_v lay_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n i_o know_v man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o strong_a and_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o these_o duty_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o order_n to_o temporal_a end_n to_o their_o health_n and_o quiet_v and_o reputation_n and_o safety_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o the_o private_a and_o public_a prosperity_n of_o mankind_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o kind_a and_o oblige_v to_o one_o another_o rather_o than_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o religion_n do_v not_o create_v those_o restraint_n arbitrary_o but_o require_v those_o thing_n
calm_a and_o fix_v valour_n 2._o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v ever_o great_a courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n appear_v in_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n comparable_a to_o the_o christian_a legion_n for_o resolution_n and_o courage_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v judges_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o fierceness_n and_o desperateness_n of_o resolution_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o general_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o equality_n for_o number_n the_o christian_n have_v be_v superior_a to_o they_o in_o valour_n and_o have_v give_v great_a instance_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v do_v so_o that_o i_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n this_o objection_n have_v be_v take_v up_o against_o christianity_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o religion_n or_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a countenance_n to_o it_o and_o sure_o the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v what_o effect_v any_o religion_n be_v likely_a to_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o effect_n it_o have_v have_v in_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n there_o remain_v the_o other_o two_o objection_n which_o i_o mention_v but_o i_o must_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n iii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o jesus_n and_o his_o religion_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o from_z these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n at_o first_o have_v and_o many_o still_o have_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o escape_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v consider_v those_o objection_n which_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o ii_o those_o which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v insist_v upon_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o i_o mention_v seven_o the_o two_o last_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v to_o six_o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v many_o division_n and_o faction_n among_o christian_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o our_o religion_n but_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o it_o and_o 1._o to_o lessen_v and_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v about_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o bring_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n which_o all_o agree_v in_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v very_o undecent_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o above_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v strict_o require_v love_n and_o unity_n they_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n destroy_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 2._o how_o many_o and_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v with_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o give_v any_o cause_n and_o encouragement_n to_o they_o however_o by_o accident_n it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o for_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o bad_a man_n and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o innocent_a of_o all_o that_o mischief_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o so_o far_o as_o christian_n be_v factious_a and_o unpeaceable_a so_o far_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o except_o against_o philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o question_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o except_o against_o law_n and_o government_n because_o notwithstanding_o they_o there_o be_v frequent_a sedition_n and_o rebellion_n infinite_a suit_n and_o controversy_n occasion_v even_o by_o the_o very_a law_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n against_o law_n and_o government_n 3._o the_o division_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v christianity_n more_o hearty_o and_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a animosity_n which_o be_v among_o they_o will_v present_o cease_v if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_o entertain_v and_o man_n do_v serious_o mind_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o its_o law_n difference_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o commence_v nor_o so_o vehement_o prosecute_v nor_o so_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o as_o they_o be_v man_n will_v not_o upon_o every_o slight_a reason_n and_o little_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o piece_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v their_o christianity_n if_o man_n serious_o consider_v and_o true_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o little_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n they_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o think_v themselves_o christian_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o these_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a practice_n if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v or_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o act_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o objection_n the_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v a_o heavy_a objection_n indeed_o and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o though_o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o fill_v all_o our_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o blush_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n not_o so_o strong_a against_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o christian_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v and_o save_v man_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n however_o they_o may_v detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o attend_v to_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n have_v have_v once_o very_o great_a and_o marvellous_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o
own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o wrought_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o have_v clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n from_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v concern_v the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o plant_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o hearty_a unity_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o private_a estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o common_a support_n of_o their_o brethren_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o city_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o account_n which_o strabo_n give_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o luxurious_a place_n as_o most_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v by_o st._n paul_n what_o a_o strange_a reformation_n the_o christian_a religion_n make_v in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o such_o a_o profligate_v course_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o crime_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n from_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n tertullian_n tell_v the_o roman_a governor_n that_o their_o prison_n be_v full_a of_o malefactor_n commit_v for_o several_a crime_n but_o they_o be_v all_o heathen_n de_fw-fr vestris_fw-la semper_fw-la aestuat_fw-la carcer_fw-la their_o prison_n be_v throng_v with_o criminal_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v commit_v there_o for_o such_o crime_n nemo_fw-la illic_fw-la christianus_n nisi_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantùm_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o their_o prison_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o malefactor_n that_o have_v be_v christian_n they_o leave_v their_o religion_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o those_o enormity_n and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v irregular_a in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v no_o long_o account_v christian_n but_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o communion_n as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n what_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n christianity_n have_v make_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a person_n and_o what_o a_o visible_a reformation_n there_o present_o appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n after_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o these_o testimony_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v public_a appeal_n to_o our_o adversary_n which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o hate_v as_o the_o christian_n be_v will_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v notorious_o true_a even_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o i_o shall_v produce_v two_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o have_v pliny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n give_v he_o a_o account_n that_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_n set_v aside_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o way_n he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o day_n and_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n or_o sacrament_n not_o to_o any_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o not_o to_o steal_v nor_o rob_v nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o break_v their_o faith_n nor_o detain_v the_o pledge_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n be_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n against_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o judge_n one_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v julian_n the_o emperor_n and_o apostate_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o the_o christian_n do_v severe_o punish_v sedition_n and_o impiety_n and_o afterward_o exhort_v the_o heathen_a priest_n to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o especial_o alm_n towards_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o mend_v this_o fault_n because_o say_v he_o the_o galilean_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o neglect_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v very_o much_o strengthen_v their_o impiety_n for_o so_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n by_o be_v very_a intent_n upon_o these_o office_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a whereby_o they_o gain_v many_o over_o to_o they_o and_o in_o his_o 49th_o epist_n to_o arsacius_n the_o highpriest_n of_o galatia_n he_o recommend_v to_o he_o among_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o paganism_n the_o build_n of_o hospital_n and_o great_a liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o other_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o the_o impious_a galilean_n shall_v not_o only_o maintain_v their_o own_o poor_a but_o we_o also_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o outdo_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v extort_a so_o full_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o so_o bitter_a a_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o julian_n be_v if_o he_o own_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o any_o religion_n the_o force_n of_o any_o institution_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o primitive_a effect_n of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o dispirited_a by_o those_o corruption_n which_o in_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v common_o more_o vigorous_a and_o have_v great_a effect_n at_o first_o than_o afterward_o and_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v apt_a in_o time_n to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o contract_v soil_n and_o rust_n and_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v bewail_v and_o by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v resist_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o christianity_n in_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o first_o strength_n and_o vigour_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n that_o give_v christianity_n mighty_a advantage_n at_o first_o especial_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o conviction_n to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o suffer_a state_n that_o christian_n be_v general_o in_o which_o make_v those_o who_o embrace_v the_o profession_n to_o be_v general_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o it_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a heat_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v
so_o much_o and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n against_o it_o do_v natural_o inflame_v their_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o one_o another_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a endearment_n among_o man_n than_o common_a suffering_n in_o a_o common_a cause_n so_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o secular_a interest_n and_o by_o deny_v all_o for_o christ_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n the_o great_a root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o she_o be_v black_a yet_o she_o be_v comely_a and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n she_o be_v all_o this_o while_n in_o a_o excellent_a posture_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n but_o after_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o christianity_n be_v countenance_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o water_v with_o secular_a preferment_n and_o encouragement_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o tare_n begin_v to_o grow_v up_o with_o the_o wheat_n then_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o to_o grow_v cold_a when_o the_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n begin_v to_o shine_v upon_o the_o christian_a profession_n than_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o vermin_n breed_v and_o swarm_v every_o where_n when_o it_o grow_v creditable_a and_o advantageous_a for_o man_n to_o be_v christian_n this_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n make_v a_o world_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o counterfeit_a professor_n these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v must_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o which_o have_v follow_v since_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o real_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o several_a state_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o unequal_a for_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o persecution_n of_o any_o religion_n natural_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o real_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o do_v as_o natural_o allure_v and_o draw_v in_o hypocrite_n beside_o that_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v more_o corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n than_o affliction_n but_o though_o christian_n be_v best_o under_o persecution_n yet_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a always_o to_o continue_v they_o in_o that_o state_n because_o he_o will_v not_o tempt_v they_o and_o tire_v they_o out_o with_o perpetual_a suffering_n and_o after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o sufficient_a experiment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o maintain_v and_o propagate_a itself_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o he_o than_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o more_o human_a way_n and_o such_o as_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o man._n be_v once_o establish_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o equal_a term_n of_o advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o pious_a education_n and_o diligent_a instruction_n and_o good_a law_n and_o government_n without_o miracle_n and_o without_o persecution_n and_o without_o those_o extraordinary_a and_o overpower_a communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o man_n may_v see_v what_o effect_n christianity_n have_v have_v upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o proper_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o may_v not_o wonder_v so_o much_o that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n now_o though_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a shame_n to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o 2._o though_o the_o disproportion_n be_v very_o great_a between_o the_o effect_n of_o christianity_n at_o first_o and_o what_o it_o have_v now_o upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v but_o it_o have_v still_o some_o good_a effect_n upon_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v our_o great_a shame_n and_o fault_n that_o it_o have_v no_o better_a if_o we_o will_v speak_v just_o of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o general_a civility_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n freedom_n from_o tyranny_n and_o barbarousness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o some_o other_o enormous_a vice_n yea_o and_o as_o to_o the_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o great_a number_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o several_a nation_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o general_a state_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o pagan_a and_o mahometan_a part_n of_o the_o world_n next_o to_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n philosophy_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a instrument_n to_o reform_v mankind_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o have_v very_o considerable_a effect_n upon_o some_o particular_a person_n both_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n it_o do_v very_o little_a in_o either_o of_o these_o respect_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o absurd_a and_o impious_a opinion_n of_o the_o people_n concern_v god_n and_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v universal_o wherever_o it_o come_v set_v man_n free_a from_o those_o gross_a impiety_n and_o superstition_n and_o teach_v man_n to_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n though_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o the_o eternal_a reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o western_a church_n have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n relap_v into_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o paganism_n out_o of_o which_o degeneracy_n that_o god_n have_v rescue_v we_o as_o we_o have_v infinite_a cause_n to_o adore_v his_o goodness_n so_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dread_v and_o detest_v a_o return_n into_o this_o spiritual_a egypt_n this_o house_n of_o darkness_n and_o bondage_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o our_o neck_n again_o under_o that_o yoke_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v still_o very_o considerable_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_v because_o they_o still_o retain_v the_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v not_o quite_o lose_v their_o force_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o as_o god_n know_v and_o every_o man_n see_v it_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o bad_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a man_n will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o for_o though_o very_a many_o who_o have_v entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o many_o be_v otherwise_o and_o those_o that_o be_v bad_a have_v this_o advantage_n by_o their_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n apt_a to_o reduce_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a course_n and_o sometime_o do_v whereas_o the_o case_n of_o those_o person_n will_v have_v be_v desperate_a be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o they_o by_o christian_a education_n and_o though_o they_o be_v long_o suppress_v yet_o do_v at_o last_o awaken_v they_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o prove_v the_o happy_a mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n 3._o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n as_o bad_a nay_o perhaps_o worse_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o be_v common_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o paganism_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o those_o who_o have_v resist_v so_o great_a a_o light_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v be_v like_a to_o prove_v the_o most_o desperate_o wicked_a of_o all_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o man_n make_v worse_a use_n of_o than_o of_o light_n and_o liberty_n two_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n knowledge_n be_v many_o time_n abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n and_o liberty_n into_o licentiousness_n and_o sedition_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n for_o all_o that_o think_v ignorance_n desirable_a or_o will_v wish_v a_o perpetual_a night_n and_o darkness_n to_o
the_o world_n and_o conclude_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o abuse_a liberty_n that_o the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motiyes_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christiane_n religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o these_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o hiwself_n a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o
tell_v we_o so_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o put_v off_o all_o these_o and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a do_v man_n read_v and_o hear_v these_o thing_n every_o day_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v false_a what_o can_v we_o conclude_v from_o hence_o but_o either_o that_o this_o be_v not_o christianity_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o if_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o converse_v among_o we_o how_o will_v he_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o face_n and_o complexion_n of_o christianity_n alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o we_o bear_v will_v soon_o guess_v we_o to_o be_v any_o thing_n than_o christian_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o quit_v ourselves_o of_o this_o objection_n and_o to_o wash_v away_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o but_o to_o mend_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o the_o vicious_a manner_n of_o man_n will_v affect_v our_o religion_n with_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n and_o derive_v a_o ill_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o it_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o christianity_n can_v ever_o gain_v much_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v better_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o nay_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n to_o awaken_v the_o world_n out_o of_o this_o stupid_a lethargy_n that_o christianity_n will_v every_o day_n decline_v and_o the_o world_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n be_v overrun_v with_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o vice_n and_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a disease_n of_o christendom_n when_o they_o have_v run_v their_o course_n and_o sinisht_v their_o circle_n do_v all_o natural_o end_n and_o meet_v in_o atheism_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n to_o appear_v and_o effectual_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o that_o which_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v by_o any_o other_o mean_v and_o of_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o terrible_a and_o fearful_a intimation_n in_o that_o question_n of_o he_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o positive_o affirm_v it_o and_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v not_o make_v it_o and_o find_v it_o true_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o god_n assistance_n give_v the_o best_a satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o most_o material_a exception_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n the_o ii_o thing_n remain_v brief_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o prejudice_n do_v many_o time_n sway_v and_o bias_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n we_o see_v in_o daily_a experience_n what_o a_o false_a byass_n prejudice_n put_v upon_o man_n understanding_n man_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o with_o what_o difficulty_n be_v they_o persuade_v of_o their_o mistake_n nay_o they_o have_v hardly_o the_o patience_n to_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n much_o less_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o how_o do_v the_o passion_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n blind_v they_o and_o lead_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n how_o partial_o do_v man_n lean_v to_o that_o part_n which_o make_v most_o for_o their_o advantage_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v a_o great_a slavery_n of_o the_o understanding_n if_o there_o be_v no_o worse_a consequence_n of_o our_o error_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v excellent_o that_o the_o truth_n make_v man_n free_a you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a second_o prejudice_n do_v not_o only_o by_o ass_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a truth_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n occasion_n mistake_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o may_v lead_v man_n to_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n nay_o many_o time_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o another_o concernment_n than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o the_o writer_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o eloquence_n or_o any_o other_o human_a art_n or_o science_n if_o a_o man_n prejudice_n make_v he_o err_v in_o these_o matter_n the_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n three_o the_o consequence_n of_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la in_o these_o thing_n prove_v many_o time_n fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o they_o man_n may_v upon_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n man_n may_v oppose_v the_o truth_n so_o obstinate_o and_o perverse_o as_o to_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v certain_a ruin_n and_o swift_a destruction_n upon_o themselves_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o by_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n till_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n and_o by_o consider_v only_o the_o wrong_a side_n of_o thing_n to_o fortify_v our_o prejudices_fw-la to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o entrench_v ourselves_o so_o strong_o in_o our_o error_n that_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o convince_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o have_v any_o access_n to_o we_o or_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o we_o but_o all_o this_o while_n we_o do_v in_o truth_n undermine_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v secret_o work_v our_o own_o ruin_n and_o while_o we_o think_v we_o be_v oppose_v a_o enemy_n we_o be_v destroy_v ourselves_o for_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o prosper_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a rock_n against_o which_o the_o more_o violent_o we_o dash_v ourselves_o the_o more_o miserable_o we_o shall_v be_v split_v and_o shatter_v our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v to_o many_o and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n but_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v break_v but_o upon_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o shall_v grind_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v he_o say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o four_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o among_o we_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o education_n be_v remove_v yet_o there_o be_v still_o many_o who_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n few_o man_n be_v so_o impartial_a in_o consider_v thing_n as_o not_o to_o be_v
lay_v the_o main_a stress_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v condemn_v he_o by_o their_o law_n they_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o in_o his_o life-time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 10._o 36._o say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o the_o chief_a priest_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o this_o and_o he_o own_v this_o charge_n that_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o they_o judge_v he_o guilty_a of_o death_n matth._n 26._o 65_o 66._o then_o the_o highpriest_n rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o say_v he_o have_v speak_v blasphemy_n what_o further_a need_n have_v we_o of_o witness_n behold_v now_o you_o have_v hear_v his_o blasphemy_n what_o think_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o when_o pilate_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o they_o still_o instance_n in_o this_o as_o his_o crime_n john_n 19_o 7._o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o our_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v because_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o put_v to_o death_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v he_o up_o into_o heaven_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o vain_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o mighty_a demonstration_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n but_o he_o be_v most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o justify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n hereby_o bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o that_o he_o assume_v nothing_o to_o himself_o but_o what_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v to_o he_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v more_o remarkable_o vindicate_v and_o more_o clear_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o than_o by_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o two_o god_n do_v consequent_o hereby_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v by_o he_o and_o that_o what_o he_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o this_o none_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o know_v and_o to_o report_v true_o to_o mankind_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o article_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o a_o man_n salvation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v condemn_v and_o put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o real_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v be_v true_a and_o from_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v brief_o to_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n one_a to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o great_a a_o confirmation_n and_o therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o one_o article_n be_v mention_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n for_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n 2_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a assure_v we_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o ever_o doubt_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n so_o that_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o more_o especial_o to_o these_o three_o purpose_n one_a to_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o man_n convince_v of_o this_o great_a and_o obvious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o a_o few_o day_n and_o everlasting_a age_n will_v we_o but_o sometime_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n die_v man_n have_v of_o this_o world_n how_o vain_a and_o empty_a a_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o they_o how_o like_o a_o pageant_n and_o shadow_n it_o look_v as_o it_o pass_v away_o from_o they_o methinks_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a delight_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o intent_n upon_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n this_o vast_a and_o howl_a wilderness_n this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n which_o we_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v through_o which_o shall_v detain_v and_o entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o our_o everlasting_a habitation_n from_o that_o better_a and_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o 2_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v comfort_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a consideration_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o the_o evil_n and_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o hope_v for_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n hereafter_o we_o may_v be_v content_v to_o bear_v some_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n because_o the_o blessedness_n which_o we_o expect_v will_v so_o abundant_o recompense_v and_o outweigh_v our_o present_a suffering_n so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 8._o 18._o we_o know_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o
here_o speak_v of_o this_o may_v be_v bad_a enough_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n any_o man_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o more_o notorious_o he_o contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o danger_n there_o threaten_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o four_o but_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o occasion_n and_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v new_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o apostatise_v from_o it_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v that_o profession_n it_o please_v god_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o raise_v a_o vehement_a persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o many_o out_o of_o base_a fear_n do_v apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o renounce_n it_o be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o caution_n and_o arm_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 2._o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v fall_v away_o and_o chap._n 3._o 12._o it_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n and_o chap._n 10._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o that_o be_v not_o decline_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o v._o 26._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o v._o 39_o a_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n and_o ch._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v the_o sin_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o and_o call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o do_v not_o require_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o it_o with_o any_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o and_o then_o v._o 21._o he_o add_v this_o caution_n little_a chrildren_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o that_o sin_n be_v which_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o namely_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 5th_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n by_o repentance_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o because_o it_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a apostasy_n from_o god_n a_o direct_a renounce_n of_o he_o and_o reject_v of_o his_o truth_n after_o man_n have_v own_v it_o and_o be_v inward_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n call_v it_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o have_v all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o a_o crime_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o renounce_v against_o the_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n receive_v and_o a_o miraculous_a power_n confer_v for_o a_o witness_n and_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o effect_n a_o expression_n of_o as_o high_a malice_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o so_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a a_o death_n now_o a_o sin_n of_o this_o heinous_a nature_n be_v apt_a natural_o either_o to_o plunge_v man_n into_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n or_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v and_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v effectual_a barrs_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o both_o these_o danger_n the_o apostle_n warn_v man_n of_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 3._o 12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o else_o the_o reflection_n upon_o so_o horrid_a a_o crime_n be_v apt_a to_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o despair_n as_o it_o do_v judas_n who_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o ease_n but_o by_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n fill_v he_o with_o such_o terror_n that_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o apostasy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o total_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o purity_n and_o reformation_n of_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o desperation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o this_o danger_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v ch._n 12._o 15._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o then_o he_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n to_o esau_n who_o when_o he_o have_v renounce_v his_o birthright_n to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v annex_v be_v afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n reject_v and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n two_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n do_v renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o afford_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o renounce_v the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n be_v in_o
a_o very_a sad_a and_o desperate_a condition_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o who_o disease_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o remedy_n that_o shall_v cure_v he_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o gospel_n chap._n 10._o 26_o 27._o for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o renounce_v he_o what_o way_n of_o expiation_n can_v they_o hope_v for_o afterward_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o a_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v reject_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o then_o three_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n provoke_v god_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n so_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v those_o to_o themselves_o who_o have_v so_o unworthy_o forsake_v he_o and_o whole_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v so_o notorious_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n always_o do_v this_o he_o be_v sometime_o better_a to_o such_o person_n than_o they_o have_v deserve_v from_o he_o and_o save_v those_o who_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o merciful_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o recover_v they_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o yield_v to_o it_o not_o deliberate_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o mere_o through_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o do_v return_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a fear_n deny_v christ_n but_o be_v admonish_v of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o signal_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o he_o be_v recover_v by_o a_o speedy_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o so_o likewise_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v at_o first_o overcome_v by_o fear_n to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n do_v afterward_o recover_v themselves_o and_o die_v resolute_a martyr_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n out_o of_o which_o but_o few_o recover_v and_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o five_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o make_v out_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o text_n from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o hence_o by_o way_n of_o application_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o do_v concern_v ourselves_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o one_a from_o the_o supposition_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v namely_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o this_o shall_v caution_n we_o all_o against_o confidence_n and_o security_n when_o those_o that_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o may_v fall_v let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v that_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o total_o so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o caution_n christian_n against_o apostasy_n because_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v away_o their_o recovery_n will_v be_v so_o exceed_v difficult_a which_o argument_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v away_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v other_o who_o think_v the_o person_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v hypocritical_a christian_n who_o for_o some_o base_a end_n have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o not_o be_v sincere_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n will_v forsake_v it_o when_o persecution_n come_v but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o description_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n these_o be_v blessing_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o hypocrite_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o they_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v such_o person_n when_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o hypocrite_n in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v man_n to_o dissemble_v christianity_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o profession_n or_o what_o worldly_a end_n can_v man_n have_v in_o take_v that_o profession_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v real_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o such_o may_v fall_v away_o for_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o firm_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o that_o persuasion_n as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n to_o be_v able_a to_o quit_v all_o for_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v real_a christian_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_o establish_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o sincere_o resolve_v as_o many_o other_o they_o be_v not_o like_o st._n paul_n and_o those_o try_a person_n who_o he_o speak_v of_o rom._n 8._o 35_o 37._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n they_o have_v be_v try_v by_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o have_v hold_v out_o upon_o which_o he_o break_v out_o into_o those_o triumphant_a expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n they_o may_v not_o i_o say_v be_v like_o those_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v real_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o short_a i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o our_o saviour_n describe_v he_o to_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n namely_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receceive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v this_o be_v no_o description_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n but_o of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o come_v to_o such_o a_o confirm_a state_n as_o resolute_o to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v true_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v secure_a nor_o confident_a
in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n two_o this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12._o 47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o
most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o read_v this_o text_n which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v of_o they_o present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o their_o case_n whereas_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o probable_o none_o but_o those_o that_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o except_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a as_o for_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o that_o here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o these_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o and_o 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be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n six_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o now_o in_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o lewdness_n there_o be_v many_o who_o daily_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n do_v too_o near_o resemble_v the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v of_o the_o apostate_n of_o his_o time_n be_v proportionable_o true_a of_o those_o of_o our_o day_n that_o they_o who_o thus_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o apostasy_n have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o for_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o agony_n and_o fill_v with_o such_o terror_n as_o if_o the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o in_o that_o fearful_a despair_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o horror_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o contradict_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o our_o
save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o these_o qualification_n our_o high_a priest_n be_v describe_v in_o this_o epistle_n and_o by_o these_o he_o be_v every_o way_n suit_v to_o all_o our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n to_o instruct_v our_o ignorance_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n by_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o exemplary_a life_n to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o procure_v grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o we_o by_o his_o prevalent_a intercession_n on_o our_o behalf_n by_o all_o these_o way_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n one_a by_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whereby_o we_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n 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recompense_n of_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v better_o suit_v to_o its_o end_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a unto_o salvation_n both_o by_o instruct_v they_o perfect_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o urge_v they_o powerful_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o two_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v likewise_o another_o excellent_a mean_n to_o this_o end_n the_o law_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o a_o pattern_n give_v life_n and_o encouragement_n and_o render_v our_o duty_n more_o easy_a and_o practicable_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o for_o here_o we_o see_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n practise_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o perform_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o exception_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o very_o much_o from_o the_o encourage_v force_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o example_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n perform_v all_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o where_o be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o this_o example_n that_o our_o nature_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a support_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o divinity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v unite_v shall_v be_v perfect_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o force_n and_o encouragement_n in_o it_o which_o a_o example_n more_o suit_v to_o our_o weakness_n may_v have_v have_v but_o then_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o perfection_n which_o a_o pattern_n ought_v to_o have_v and_o to_o which_o though_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v yet_o we_o may_v always_o be_v aspire_v towards_o it_o and_o certain_o we_o can_v better_o learn_v
obedience_n and_o good_a work_n chap._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v be_v a_o faithful_a say_n 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 all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n first_o of_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o empty_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n how_o specious_a and_o glorious_a soever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n avail_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n no_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n no_o subjection_n to_o he_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n though_o we_o have_v make_v a_o constant_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v go_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v join_v in_o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n with_o great_a appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v hear_v his_o word_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o all_o imaginable_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n nay_o though_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n and_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n none_o of_o all_o these_o will_n thing_n signify_v any_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n but_o we_o can_v plead_v so_o much_o for_o ourselves_o as_o those_o do_v of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v none_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v allege_v all_o this_o it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a all_o that_o such_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v call_v he_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v they_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v pay_v a_o outward_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o declare_v a_o mighty_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o but_o they_o have_v not_o do_v his_o will_n but_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v cast_v his_o commandment_n behind_o their_o back_n they_o have_v only_o bear_v the_o leave_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n that_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o when_o these_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o those_o vain_a word_n lord_n lord_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v answer_v in_o that_o day_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n when_o you_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o subjection_n to_o i_o you_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v purchase_v or_o the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v one_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v salvation_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o our_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o comprehend_v the_o end_n our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o happiness_n upon_o we_o a_o great_a and_o last_a happiness_n great_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o immortal_a as_o our_o soul_n all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v in_o eternal_a salvation_n two_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o great_a benefit_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n in_o the_o low_a humiliation_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n in_o his_o take_n upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o his_o become_a obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o vile_a slave_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a malefactor_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n into_o this_o low_a world_n this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v content_v himself_o to_o suffer_v to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n to_o be_v the_o most_o despicable_a and_o the_o most_o miserable_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o suppose_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o be_v by_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o which_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v real_o best_a for_o our_o present_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o have_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v our_o choice_n if_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o gracious_a than_o to_o make_v one_o benefit_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o to_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o account_n be_v real_o best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o present_a life_n three_o here_o be_v abundant_a encouragement_n give_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n promise_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o for_o our_o further_a encouragement_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n in_o case_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v
unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o see_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n even_o of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o all_o they_o have_v entertain_v a_o new_a religion_n yet_o they_o retain_v the_o old_a pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o their_o nation_n against_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o none_o but_o themselves_o have_v any_o share_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o be_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o messiah_n our_o saviour_n do_v so_o far_o consider_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o that_o he_o never_o in_o his_o life_n time_n acquaint_v they_o with_o this_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o full_o to_o understand_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v john_n 16._o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o then_o capable_a and_o though_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o have_v declare_v this_o sufficient_o to_o they_o yet_o by_o their_o practice_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o understand_v all_o this_o only_a of_o the_o jew_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o then_o to_o those_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o history_n of_o their_o first_o preach_v record_v in_o the_o act_n that_o they_o preach_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o prejudice_n that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o this_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o heathen_a world_n nor_o be_v they_o convince_v to_o the_o contrary_a till_o st._n peter_n have_v a_o special_a vision_n and_o revelation_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o upon_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v they_o into_o this_o truth_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o to_o this_o st._n peter_n plain_o refer_v act_v 10._o 42._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o preach_v unto_o the_o people_n so_o likewise_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v 13._o 46._o where_o they_o speak_v thus_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v first_o he_o preach_v to_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v we_o now_o he_o not_o where_o command_v this_o but_o in_o this_o commission_n which_o he_o give_v they_o before_o his_o ascension_n second_o you_o have_v here_o a_o particular_a declaration_n how_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v this_o work_n of_o make_v disciple_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n 2._o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v here_o call_v baptise_v they_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a rite_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o initiate_a of_o person_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n in_o use_n before_o both_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o heathen_a observe_v it_o at_o the_o initiate_a person_n into_o their_o religious_a mystery_n and_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o admit_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n at_o which_o time_n the_o male_n as_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o baptize_v the_o woman_n be_v only_o baptize_v one_o circumstance_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o grow_v person_n be_v that_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n up_o to_o the_o neck_n they_o recite_v several_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o the_o jewish_a writer_n further_a tell_v we_o this_o ceremony_n do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o grow_v year_n but_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n if_o it_o be_v desire_v upon_o condition_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o religious_a ceremony_n use_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o without_o any_o divine_a institution_n that_o we_o know_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o none_o of_o his_o institution_n seem_v to_o have_v favour_v unnecessary_a innovation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o superstition_n of_o decline_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o religious_a use_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o seem_v the_o rather_o to_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n for_o see_v it_o be_v a_o common_a rite_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o in_o itself_o very_o significant_a of_o that_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v the_o easy_a acceptance_n and_o to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o plain_o refer_v to_o that_o short_a creed_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v answerable_a to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n at_o the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o the_o article_n of_o this_o creed_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contain_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v each_o of_o these_o and_o this_o probable_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n heb._n 6._o 2._o viz._n a_o short_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v at_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n call_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n indeed_o before_o christian_n tie_v themselves_o strict_o to_o that_o very_a form_n of_o word_n which_o we_o now_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o though_o every_o one_o express_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n nay_o the_o same_o father_n recite_v it_o upon_o several_a occasion_n do_v not_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n a_o plain_a indication_n that_o they_o be_v not_o then_o strict_o bind_v up_o to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n but_o retain_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o article_n every_o one_o express_v they_o as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o to_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o perform_v this_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o and_o with_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n whereof_o solemn_a profession_n be_v then_o make_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o form_n in_o baptism_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n compare_v with_o what_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v principal_o found_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n i_o mean_v in_o that_o simplicity_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v deliver_v it_o and_o not_o as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o confound_v and_o entangle_v in_o the_o cobweb_n and_o nicety_n of_o the_o school_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o no_o where_n call_v they_o person_n but_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v of_o several_a person_n and_o therefore_o that_o word_n be_v not_o unfit_o use_v to_o express_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o do_v not_o know_v a_o fit_a word_n for_o that_o purpose_n by_o baptise_v then_o
their_o commission_n if_o they_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o condition_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o next_o to_o they_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n that_o they_o will_v be_v diligent_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o respective_a station_n teach_v man_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v this_o our_o great_a work_n to_o instruct_v our_o respective_a charge_n in_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v have_v far_o less_o trouble_n with_o they_o about_o other_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o work_n effectual_o we_o must_v be_v serious_a in_o our_o instruction_n and_o exemplary_a in_o our_o life_n serious_n in_o our_o instruction_n this_o certain_o the_o apostle_n require_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n when_o he_o charge_v minister_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a than_o to_o trifle_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o so_o slight_a and_o indecent_a a_o manner_n as_o be_v not_o only_o beneath_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o pulpit_n but_o even_o of_o a_o well_o regulate_v stage_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o unsuitable_a than_o to_o hear_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n from_o this_o solemn_a place_n to_o break_v jest_n upon_o sin_n and_o to_o quibble_n upon_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n this_o be_v to_o shoot_v without_o a_o bullet_n and_o as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v execution_n but_o only_o to_o make_v man_n smile_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o their_o fault_n this_o be_v so_o nauseous_a a_o folly_n and_o of_o so_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o religion_n that_o hardly_o any_o thing_n too_o severe_a can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o and_o then_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o instruction_n effectual_a we_o must_v be_v exemplary_a in_o our_o life_n aristotle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o speaker_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o sovereign_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o therefore_o cato_n put_v it_o into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o orator_n that_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la bone_fw-la dicendi_fw-la peritus_fw-la a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o eloquent_a speaker_n this_o be_v true_a as_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n the_o good_a opinion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o speaker_n give_v great_a weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o do_v strange_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o entertain_v his_o counsel_n but_o the_o reputation_n of_o goodness_n be_v more_o especial_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o those_o who_o proper_a work_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o have_v charge_v titus_n to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n he_o immediate_o add_v in_o all_o thing_n show_v thyself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n none_o so_o fit_a to_o teach_v other_o their_o duty_n and_o none_o so_o likely_a to_o gain_v man_n to_o it_o as_o those_o who_o practise_v it_o themselves_o because_o hereby_o we_o convince_v man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o they_o see_v that_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o choose_v to_o do_v ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o man_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o malice_n by_o a_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o by_o well_o do_v you_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n sermon_n ix_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n consider_v luke_n xiii_o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a there_o be_v two_o great_a mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n equal_o false_a and_o equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o devil_n who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n by_o any_o mean_n make_v use_n of_o both_o these_o mistake_v to_o serve_v his_o own_o purpose_n and_o design_n upon_o the_o several_a temper_n of_o men._n those_o who_o be_v melancholy_a and_o serious_a he_o dishearten_v and_o discourage_v from_o attempt_v it_o by_o the_o extreme_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o it_o represent_v it_o in_o so_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a a_o shape_n encumber_v with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o attend_v with_o such_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n as_o be_v insuperable_a and_o intolerable_a to_o human_a nature_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o have_v better_o never_o attempt_v it_o since_o they_o may_v despair_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o be_v sanguine_a and_o full_a of_o hope_n he_o possess_v with_o a_o quite_o contrary_a apprehension_n that_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o short_a and_o easy_a a_o work_n that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n and_o if_o need_v be_v at_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o to_o put_v it_o upon_o the_o last_o hazard_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v lull_v in_o security_n and_o adjourn_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o much_o in_o their_o power_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o indeterminate_a resolution_n to_o set_v about_o that_o business_n some_o time_n or_o other_o before_o they_o die_v and_o so_o to_o repent_v and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n once_o for_o all_o these_o pretence_n contradict_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v both_o true_a but_o they_o may_v both_o be_v false_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v and_o truth_n lie_v between_o they_o religion_n be_v neither_o so_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o work_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o nor_o so_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o intolerable_a as_o other_o will_v represent_v it_o to_o confute_v the_o false_a apprehension_n which_o some_o have_v of_o the_o easiness_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v some_o strive_v and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o some_o will_v make_v they_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o strive_v shall_v succeed_v and_o enter_v in_o but_o those_o who_o only_o seek_v that_o be_v do_v not_o vigorous_o set_v about_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v in_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a the_o occasion_n of_o which_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o question_n that_o be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v v._o 23._o one_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v to_o which_o curious_a question_n our_o saviour_n according_a to_o his_o manner_n when_o such_o kind_n of_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a for_o his_o hearer_n to_o be_v resolve_v in_o it_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v what_o number_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o what_o course_n they_o shall_v take_v that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n he_o put_v they_o upon_o their_o duty_n admonish_v they_o instead_o of_o concern_v themselves_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o other_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o but_o few_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o some_o have_v presumptuous_o venture_v to_o determine_v but_o only_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o many_o that_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n second_o the_o reason_n or_o
but_o god_n be_v with_o we_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v only_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o own_o resolution_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v bear_v down_o but_o they_o be_v from_o god_n of_o a_o heavenly_a birth_n and_o original_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n john_n 1._o 12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o privilege_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n god_n consider_v the_o impotency_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o deprave_a and_o degenerate_a state_n into_o which_o we_o be_v sink_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o but_o when_o he_o command_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o he_o himself_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v he_o do_v not_o bid_v we_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o he_o know_v we_o have_v no_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o but_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o what_o may_v not_o even_o a_o weak_a creature_n do_v that_o be_v so_o powerful_o assist_v if_o we_o will_v but_o make_v use_n of_o this_o strength_n nothing_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v comply_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v as_o sincere_a in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o offer_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v at_o first_o it_o be_v but_o make_v one_o manful_a onset_n and_o sustain_v the_o first_o brunt_n and_o the_o difficulty_n will_v abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o our_o strength_n will_v every_o day_n increase_v and_o grow_v more_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o but_o when_o we_o have_v once_o get_v through_o it_o our_o foot_n will_v be_v set_v in_o a_o open_a place_n after_o some_o struggle_v to_o get_v through_o we_o shall_v every_o day_n find_v ourselves_o at_o more_o ease_n and_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a at_o first_o to_o master_v our_o vicious_a inclination_n to_o change_v the_o habit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v but_o this_o trouble_n last_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n these_o pang_n of_o the_o new-birth_n though_o they_o be_v sharp_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o usual_o of_o long_a continuance_n it_o do_v indeed_o require_v great_a resolution_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n to_o encounter_v the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o can_v but_o stand_v it_o out_o for_o one_o brunt_n our_o enemy_n will_v give_v way_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o victory_n will_v tempt_v we_o on_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o conflict_n with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o but_o when_o we_o be_v engage_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prevail_v and_o conquer_v many_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o go_v to_o war_n but_o after_o a_o little_a success_n they_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o give_v over_o that_o which_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o they_o at_o first_o turn_v into_o a_o pleasure_n 3._o consider_v that_o custom_n will_v make_v any_o course_n of_o life_n tolerable_a and_o most_o thing_n easy_a religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v difficult_a at_o first_o but_o after_o we_o be_v once_o habituate_v to_o it_o the_o trouble_n will_v wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o that_o which_o be_v grievous_a will_v become_v easy_a nay_o by_o degree_n much_o more_o pleasant_a than_o ever_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v we_o see_v the_o daily_a experience_n of_o this_o in_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o laborious_a employment_n of_o this_o world_n a_o little_a pain_n tire_v a_o man_n at_o first_o but_o when_o he_o be_v once_o season_v and_o enure_v to_o labour_n idleness_n become_v more_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o than_o the_o hard_a work_n custom_n will_v make_v any_o thing_n easy_a though_o it_o be_v a_o little_a unnatural_a nothing_o be_v more_o unnatural_a than_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o original_a nature_n and_o frame_n but_o it_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o it_o a_o second_o nature_n superinduce_v upon_o we_o by_o custom_n whereas_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o original_a and_o primitive_a state_n and_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v the_o pervert_n of_o nature_n contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o the_o design_n of_o our_o being_n and_o to_o all_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o interest_n but_o by_o return_v to_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n we_o return_v to_o our_o primitive_a state_n we_o act_n natural_o and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o being_n and_o when_o the_o force_n of_o a_o contrary_a custom_n be_v take_v off_o and_o the_o bias_n clap_v on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o shall_v run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o more_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o ever_o we_o find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o violence_n upon_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v always_o uneasy_a yet_o it_o be_v make_v more_o tolerable_a by_o custom_n but_o religion_n restore_v man_n to_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o then_o we_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o rest_n religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o yoke_n and_o burden_n but_o unless_o we_o take_v this_o upon_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v rest_n to_o our_o soul_n four_o and_o last_o consider_v the_o reward_n that_o religion_n propound_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o sweeten_v and_o mitigate_v all_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o this_o strait_a gate_n through_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v and_o this_o craggy_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o climb_v up_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o he_o be_v a_o lazy_a man_n indeed_o that_o will_v not_o strive_v and_o struggle_v for_o life_n all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v he_o will_v do_v for_o his_o life_n for_o this_o miserable_a life_n which_o be_v so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o a_o life_n not_o worth_a the_o have_v nor_o worth_a the_o keep_n with_o any_o great_a care_n and_o trouble_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a and_o happy_a life_n but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o life_n which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o indeed_o be_v not_o worth_a all_o this_o strive_v for_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n a_o state_n of_o perfect_a and_o endless_a happiness_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o who_o will_v not_o not_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o that_o gate_n which_o lead_v to_o so_o much_o felicity_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o take_v too_o much_o pain_n be_v at_o too_o much_o trouble_v for_o a_o few_o day_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o so_o often_o as_o i_o consider_v what_o incredible_a industry_n man_n use_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o get_v a_o small_a portion_n of_o this_o world_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o else_o they_o can_v not_o think_v much_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o pain_n for_o heaven_n that_o they_o can_v cheerful_o bestow_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o these_o corruptible_a thing_n can_v we_o be_v so_o unconscionable_a as_o to_o think_v god_n unreasonable_a when_o he_o offer_v heaven_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o we_o upon_o as_o easy_a term_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v not_o we_o very_o foolish_a and_o unwise_a to_o put_v away_o eternal_a life_n from_o we_o when_o we_o may_v have_v it_o upon_o term_n so_o infinite_o below_o the_o true_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n by_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o
that_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o thither_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n that_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n or_o argument_n whereby_o this_o exhortation_n be_v enforce_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a every_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o will_v not_o gain_v our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v strive_v for_o man_n may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v several_a faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o we_o must_v make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o set_v about_o it_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o persevere_v and_o hold_v out_o in_o it_o if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v that_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o now_o what_o this_o seek_n be_v which_o be_v here_o oppose_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n our_o saviour_n declare_v after_o the_o text_n v._o 25._o when_o once_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n be_v rise_v up_o and_o have_v shut_v to_o the_o door_n and_o you_o begin_v to_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o he_o shall_v answer_v and_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v then_o shall_v you_o begin_v to_o say_v we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o tell_v you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n st._n matth._n mention_n some_o other_o pretence_n which_o they_o shall_v make_v upon_o which_o they_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n mat._n 7._o 21_o 22_o 23._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n after_o all_o their_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretence_n they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o doom_n which_o will_v be_v much_o the_o heavy_a because_o of_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o confident_a expectation_n and_o hope_n so_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o v._o 28._o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o you_o yourselves_o thrust_v out_o and_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o st._n matthew_n add_v chap._n 8._o v._n 12._o but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o utter_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v luke_o 13._o 30._o behold_v there_o be_v last_o that_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o first_o which_o shall_v be_v last_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v with_o what_o confidence_n many_o man_n upon_o these_o false_a pretence_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o strange_o they_o shall_v be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o expectation_n and_o hope_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o cast_v out_o of_o heaven_n who_o they_o think_v have_v outdo_v all_o other_o in_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v see_v other_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o exclude_v from_o all_o term_n of_o salvation_n come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o find_v free_a admission_n into_o heaven_n and_o shall_v find_v themselves_o so_o gross_o and_o wide_o mistake_v that_o those_o very_a person_n who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v last_o and_o of_o all_o other_o far_a from_o salvation_n shall_v be_v first_o and_o they_o themselves_o who_o they_o take_v for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o first_o place_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o cast_v out_o so_o that_o by_o seek_v to_o enter_v we_o may_v understand_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n may_v do_v in_o religion_n upon_o which_o they_o shall_v pretend_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n nay_o and_o confident_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o and_o yet_o shall_v be_v shameful_o disappoint_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o whatever_o man_n think_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o privilege_n soever_o man_n pretend_v what_o way_n and_o mean_n soever_o man_n endeavour_v to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n all_o this_o be_v but_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o be_v not_o that_o strive_v which_o our_o saviour_n require_v if_o man_n do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o will_v all_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n here_o instance_v in_o man_n profession_n of_o his_o religion_n call_v he_o lord_n lord_n in_o their_o personal_a familiarity_n and_o conversation_n with_o he_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n in_o their_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n in_o their_o have_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o power_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v do_v if_o man_n do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o by_o a_o plain_a parity_n of_o reason_n whatever_o else_o man_n do_v in_o religion_n what_o attempt_v soever_o man_n may_v make_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n upon_o what_o privilege_n or_o pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o eternal_a life_n they_o will_v certain_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n my_o business_n therefore_o at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o discover_v the_o several_a false_a claim_n and_o pretence_n which_o man_n may_v make_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a particular_n by_o one_o or_o more_o of_o which_o man_n common_o delude_v themselves_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v vain_a and_o ill-grounded_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n two_o other_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o rely_v much_o upon_o that_o three_o there_o be_v other_o that_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o four_o other_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o devout_a in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n 5th_o other_o confide_v much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o therein_o they_o have_v above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n six_o other_o think_v their_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n eight_o other_o rely_v much_o upon_o
the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o be_v once_o true_o so_o they_o can_v never_o fall_v from_o that_o state_n so_o as_o final_o to_o miscarry_v last_o other_o venture_v all_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n and_o their_o import_n unity_n with_o god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n at_o the_o last_o i_o shall_v brief_o go_v over_o these_o particular_n which_o be_v the_o several_a way_n whereby_o man_n seek_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o hope_v to_o get_v thither_o at_o last_o and_o shall_v show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v something_o beyond_o all_o this_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o mere_a external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a badge_n of_o it_o circumcision_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n make_v in_o baptism_n rom._n 2._o 17_o 25_o 28_o 29._o behold_v thou_o be_v call_v a_o jew_n and_o rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o god_n circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o of_o those_o who_o make_v only_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n baptism_n very_o profit_v if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o enter_v into_o by_o baptism_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v one_o outward_o nor_o be_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o baptism_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o water_n only_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o body_n with_o water_n and_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o sincere_a and_o real_a practice_n of_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o say_v he_o that_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o that_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o a_o great_a many_o christian_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o show_v for_o their_o christianity_n but_o their_o name_n who_o best_a title_n to_o heaven_n be_v their_o baptism_n a_o engagement_n enter_v into_o by_o other_o in_o their_o name_n but_o never_o confirm_v and_o make_v good_a by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o they_o remember_v and_o which_o have_v no_o other_o effect_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n than_o if_o it_o be_v quite_o forget_v two_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o hope_v that_o will_v save_v they_o but_o if_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o great_a do_v not_o descend_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 7._o 26._o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand._n and_o john_n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a cheat_n in_o religion_n nothing_o wherein_o man_n do_v more_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o than_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n how_o diligent_a be_v many_o in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o life_n like_o those_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 33._o 31._o of_o who_o god_n complain_v they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v my_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o none_o do_v so_o foolish_o and_o yet_o so_o deserve_o miss_v of_o happiness_n as_o those_o who_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v will_v take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o to_o get_v thither_o three_o there_o be_v other_o who_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o take_v for_o a_o very_a good_a sign_n that_o it_o have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o happen_v very_o frequent_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v considerable_a impression_n upon_o man_n for_o the_o present_a and_o they_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o trouble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o afraid_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n and_o upon_o this_o they_o take_v up_o some_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n which_o after_o a_o little_a while_n vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o delight_v to_o hear_v the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n ezek._n 33._o 32._o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o upon_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o mark_v 6._o 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o herod_n have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o he_o observe_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o glad_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o continue_v the_o same_o cruel_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o he_o be_v before_o and_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o 20._o there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o hearer_n mention_v who_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v it_o with_o joy_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o have_v sudden_a motion_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v mighty_o affect_v for_o the_o present_a but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o root_a and_o fix_v principle_n that_o will_v endure_v and_o hold_v out_o against_o great_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n act_n 24._o 25._o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n reason_v of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v mighty_o strartle_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n when_o their_o judgement_n be_v convince_v and_o bear_v down_o and_o their_o conscience_n touch_v to_o the_o quick_a a_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n may_v stir_v up_o the_o passion_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o dart_v such_o sting_n into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o may_v make_v they_o extreme_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a and_o work_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n in_o they_o towards_o a_o better_a course_n and_o yet_o like_o metal_n when_o the_o heat_n be_v over_o they_o may_v be_v the_o hard_a for_o have_v be_v melt_v down_o four_o other_o show_v great_a strictness_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v will_v be_v accept_v and_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n
and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v very_o eminent_a for_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v far_a than_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o bad_a under_z so_o great_a a_o pretence_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n not_o but_o that_o external_n devotion_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o religion_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n and_o when_o man_n be_v real_o such_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o their_o external_a devotion_n represent_v they_o to_o be_v but_o when_o the_o outward_a garb_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o show_n that_o we_o see_v without_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n these_o be_v mere_a engine_n and_o puppet_n in_o religion_n all_o the_o motion_n we_o see_v without_o proceed_v from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n and_o not_o from_o any_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o as_o no_o creature_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o ape_n because_o the_o beast_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o human_a shape_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o this_o hypocritical_a devotion_n because_o it_o look_v like_o religion_n but_o be_v the_o far_a from_o it_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 5th_o other_o confide_v very_o much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n thus_o the_o jew_n confine_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o exclude_v from_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o believe_v that_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o every_o israelite_n shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o they_o be_v the_o jewish_a catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o any_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v make_v by_o some_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n and_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o hardly_o any_o that_o be_v in_o it_o can_v miscarry_v they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n which_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v not_o only_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o christ_n presence_n but_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v his_o very_a corporal_n presence_n the_o natural_a substance_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o have_v not_o only_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o innumerable_a other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o only_o their_o own_o merit_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v defective_a they_o may_v have_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o infinite_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v challenge_v eternal_a life_n as_o of_o right_a and_o due_a belong_v to_o they_o and_o by_o a_o due_a course_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n may_v quit_v score_n with_o god_n for_o all_o their_o sin_n from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o if_o they_o have_v neglect_v all_o this_o they_o may_v after_o the_o most_o flagitious_a course_n of_o life_n upon_o attrition_n that_o be_v upon_o some_o trouble_n for_o sin_n out_o of_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n join_v with_o confession_n and_o absolution_n get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o provide_v the_o priest_n mean_v honest_o and_o do_v not_o for_o want_v of_o intention_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o save_a benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a man_n can_v be_v delude_v at_o this_o rate_n as_o to_o think_v that_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o other_o will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n that_o any_o church_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o save_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o they_o be_v real_o impenitent_a who_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n plain_o require_v and_o if_o man_n die_v in_o this_o state_n whatever_o church_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o will_v bid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o because_o they_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n six_o other_o think_v that_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o but_o zeal_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o object_n or_o be_v irregular_a and_o excessive_a in_o the_o degree_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o fault_n and_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o charity_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o be_v nothing_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o sure_a willdo_o the_o business_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a and_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o religion_n may_v have_v a_o considerable_a awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o happiness_n man_n may_v in_o many_o considerable_a instance_n perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o the_o retain_v of_o one_o lust_n the_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o know_v sin_n may_v hinder_v they_o from_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n herod_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v john_n glad_o but_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a man._n the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n a_o extortioner_n or_o unjust_a or_o a_o adulterer_n and_o yet_o the_o penitent_a publican_n be_v justify_v before_o he_o the_o young_a man_n who_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o enter_v into_o life_n and_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o want_v but_o one_o thing_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o that_o he_o miscarry_v and_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o if_o we_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n in_o any_o one_o kind_a christ_n will_v disow_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o eight_o other_o rely_v upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v they_o do_v once_o very_o hearty_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o do_v change_v their_o course_n and_o be_v real_o reform_v and_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o that_o good_a course_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v certain_o true_a but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v relapse_v into_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o if_o so_o the_o prophet_n have_v tell_v we_o their_o doom_n that_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o righteousness_n his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v but_o in_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o shall_v he_o die_v so_o that_o a_o righteous_a man_n may_v turn_v from_o his_o righteousress_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o here_o as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v put_v a_o case_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o fact_n shall_v happen_v unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o other_o case_n which_o he_o put_v together_o with_o it_o of_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a be_v likewise_o impossible_a which_o god_n forbid_v and_o that_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o good_a man_n but_o a_o good_a caution_n against_o security_n and_o a_o argument_n
ourselves_o towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a difference_n of_o religion_n none_o sure_a can_v be_v at_o great_a distance_n than_o abraham_n in_o paradise_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o represent_v they_o as_o at_o term_n of_o defiance_n with_o one_o another_o one_o may_v have_v expect_v that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v revile_v this_o poor_a wretch_n and_o disdain_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o temper_n of_o heaven_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v of_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n even_o towards_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n how_o do_v this_o condemn_v our_o rudeness_n and_o impatience_n with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o religious_a difference_n we_o think_v no_o term_n bad_a enough_o to_o use_v towards_o one_o another_o and_o yet_o one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a dispute_n that_o we_o find_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o between_o the_o most_o opposite_a party_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v be_v manage_v after_o another_o fashion_n i_o mean_v that_o record_v by_o st._n judas_n between_o michael_n the_o archangel_n and_o the_o devil_n v._o 9_o 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 a_o rail_a accusation_n he_o dare_v not_o allow_v himself_o this_o no_o not_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n when_o person_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o fly_v out_o into_o passion_n because_o it_o be_v indecent_a and_o will_v have_v be_v displease_v to_o god_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v say_v he_o dare_v not_o bring_v a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o yet_o i_o may_v add_v another_o which_o be_v not_o improper_a for_o our_o consideration_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o have_v a_o good_a moral_a the_o devil_n will_v have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o at_o rail_v he_o be_v better_o skilled_a at_o that_o weapon_n and_o more_o expert_a at_o that_o kind_n of_o dispute_n which_o consideration_n may_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o we_o against_o revile_v any_o man._n if_o we_o revile_v the_o good_a we_o be_v unjust_a because_o they_o deserve_v it_o not_o if_o we_o revile_v the_o bad_a we_o be_v unwise_a because_o we_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o i_o can_v almost_o envy_v the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o one_o of_o the_o roman_n nescivit_fw-la quid_fw-la esset_fw-la malè_fw-la dicere_fw-la he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v bad_a language_n i_o proceed_v son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n thy_o good_a thing_n those_o which_o thou_o do_v value_n and_o esteem_v so_o high_o and_o do_v place_v thy_o chief_a happiness_n in_o as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o good_a to_o be_v seek_v after_o thy_o good_a thing_n and_o indeed_o so_o he_o use_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o sole_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o they_o and_o they_o have_v not_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o as_o a_o steward_n to_o be_v dispense_v for_o his_o master_n use_n for_o the_o clothing_n of_o the_o naked_a and_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o hungry_a and_o the_o relieve_n of_o those_o in_o distress_n ver._n 27_o 28._o then_o he_o say_v i_o pray_v thou_o therefore_o father_n that_o thou_o will_v send_v he_o to_o my_o father_n house_n for_o i_o have_v five_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n here_o the_o rich_a man_n though_o in_o hell_n be_v represent_v as_o retain_v some_o tenderness_n for_o his_o relation_n as_o solicitous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o misery_n with_o himself_o the_o last_o piece_n of_o that_o which_o common_o remain_v in_o man_n be_v natural_a affection_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o virtue_n as_o a_o natural_a principle_n and_o be_v common_a to_o many_o brute_n beast_n when_o a_o man_n put_v off_o this_o we_o may_v give_v he_o up_o for_o lose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o goodness_n to_o be_v without_o natural_a affection_n be_v the_o worst_a character_n can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o man._n our_o saviour_n represent_v this_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n as_o not_o so_o total_o degenerate_a as_o to_o be_v quite_o destitute_a of_o this_o i_o think_v some_o attribute_n this_o motion_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n concern_v his_o brethren_n to_o another_o cause_n as_o if_o he_o have_v desire_v it_o not_o out_o of_o kindness_n to_o they_o but_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o himself_o as_o be_v afraid_a that_o if_o his_o brethren_n who_o probable_o be_v corrupt_v by_o his_o example_n have_v perish_v by_o that_o mean_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o his_o torment_n but_o this_o conjecture_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o without_o any_o good_a ground_n for_o every_o man_n carry_v his_o burden_n of_o gild_n with_o he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o increase_v by_o any_o consequence_n of_o our_o action_n here_o for_o the_o crime_n of_o a_o bad_a example_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o man_n follow_v it_o or_o not_o because_o he_o that_o give_v bad_a example_n to_o other_o do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o draw_v they_o into_o sin_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o that_o be_v no_o mitigation_n of_o his_o fault_n i_o have_v but_o one_o observation_n more_o and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o mention_n of_o his_o brethren_n as_o his_o near_a relation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o richman_n uncharitableness_n because_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o have_v no_o child_n to_o take_v care_n for_o and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o consider_v the_o poor_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o parable_n and_o have_v make_v such_o observation_n from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o instruction_n but_o as_o i_o premise_v at_o first_o i_o will_v not_o warrant_v all_o these_o observation_n to_o be_v certain_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o parable_n be_v not_o to_o be_v press_v too_o far_o the_o moral_a accommodation_n do_v chief_o belong_v to_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o many_o circumstance_n be_v only_o bring_v in_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o parable_n and_o to_o make_v handsome_a way_n for_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a and_o principal_o intend_v but_o so_o long_o as_o the_o observation_n be_v true_a and_o useful_a and_o have_v a_o fair_a colour_n and_o occasion_n from_o the_o circumstance_n it_o be_v well_o enough_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o harm_n do_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o observation_n namely_o such_o as_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o parable_n which_o i_o promise_v to_o speak_v more_o large_o to_o and_o they_o be_v six_o which_o i_o shall_v handle_v in_o order_n first_o i_o observe_v that_o uncharitableness_n and_o unmercifulness_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o great_a and_o damn_v sin_n we_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n impute_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n but_o this_o that_o he_o take_v no_o care_n out_o of_o his_o superfluity_n and_o abundance_n to_o relieve_v this_o poor_a man_n that_o lie_v at_o his_o gate_n he_o be_v not_o charge_v for_o want_v of_o justice_n but_o of_o charity_n not_o for_o have_v get_v a_o great_a estate_n by_o fraud_n or_o oppression_n but_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o abundance_n he_o have_v no_o consideration_n and_o pity_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o this_o observation_n by_o the_o part_n of_o it_o one_a that_o unmercifulness_n and_o uncharitableness_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o great_a sin_n two_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o alone_o and_o without_o any_o other_o guilt_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ruin_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o several_o one_a that_o unmercifulness_n and_o uncharitableness_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n it_o contain_v in_o its_o very_a nature_n two_o black_a crime_n inhumanity_n and_o impiety_n 1._o inhumanity_n it_o be_v a_o argrment_n of_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o misery_n and_o he_o do_v not_o true_o pity_v the_o misery_n of_o other_o that_o do_v not_o relieve_v they_o when_o he_o have_v ability_n and_o opportunity_n in_o his_o hand_n tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o be_v a_o virtue_n so_o proper_a to_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v humanity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o as_o if_o without_o this_o we_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o men._n to_o see_v a_o man_n like_o
ourselves_o bone_n of_o our_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o our_o flesh_n labour_v under_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v move_v to_o commiserate_v he_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v put_v off_o our_o own_o nature_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v pity_v the_o suffering_n of_o it_o in_o other_o for_o whenever_o we_o behold_v a_o man_n like_o our_o own_o self_n groan_v under_o want_n and_o press_v with_o necessity_n and_o do_v not_o relent_v towards_o he_o and_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o relieve_v he_o we_o be_v hard-hearted_a to_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n ever_o do_v that_o be_v none_o retain_v the_o temper_n and_o affection_n of_o a_o man_n hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o a_o most_o barbarous_a sort_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o call_v it_o murder_n 1_o john_n 3._o 15._o whoso_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o not_o to_o relieve_v our_o brother_n in_o want_n be_v to_o hate_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o instance_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v at_o the_o 17_o verse_n whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n in_o want_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o whoso_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o poor_a be_v a_o manslayer_n and_o a_o murderer_n he_o be_v cruel_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n nay_o be_v he_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v cruel_a to_o himself_o see_v thou_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o great_a misery_n and_o want_n there_o be_v nothing_o have_v befall_v he_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n what_o may_v have_v be_v thy_o lot_n and_o portion_n as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o thou_o or_o thou_o another_o time_n make_v it_o therefore_o thy_o own_o case_n for_o so_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v it_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o thou_o provoke_v he_o to_o make_v it_o so_o speedy_o by_o thy_o unmerciful_a disposition_n towards_o the_o poor_a i_o say_v make_v it_o thy_o own_o case_n if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o poor_a man_n condition_n and_o he_o in_o thou_o consult_v thy_o own_o bowel_n and_o tell_v i_o how_o thou_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o be_v affect_v towards_o thou_o will_v thou_o be_v willing_a that_o he_o shall_v slight_v and_o repulse_v thou_o and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o thou_o if_o not_o then_o do_v not_o thou_o deal_v so_o with_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o own_o case_n therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o give_v the_o world_n any_o bad_a example_n in_o this_o kind_n do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v unmerciful_a lest_o they_o learn_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o find_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v thy_o own_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o first_o aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o inhumanity_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o beside_o the_o inhumanity_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a impiety_n towards_o god_n unmercifulness_n to_o the_o poor_a have_v this_o fourfold_a impiety_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n a_o usurpation_n upon_o his_o right_n a_o slight_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v not_o love_n god_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o religion_n be_v hypocritical_a and_o insincere_a 1._o it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o a_o reproach_v of_o he_o so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o pro._n 14._o 31._o he_o that_o oppress_v the_o poor_a not_o only_o he_o that_o deal_v unjust_o with_o a_o poor_a man_n but_o he_o that_o be_v uncharitable_a towards_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n but_o he_o that_o honour_v he_o have_v mercy_n on_o the_o poor_a here_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v oppose_v to_o want_v of_o charity_n towards_o he_o he_o that_o oppress_v the_o poor_a reproach_v his_o maker_n how_o be_v that_o he_o despise_v god_n who_o make_v he_o after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n for_o the_o poor_a man_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a so_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o oppress_v or_o neglect_v he_o without_o some_o reflection_n upon_o god_n who_o image_n he_o bear_v 2._o the_o uncharitable_a man_n be_v a_o usurper_n upon_o god_n right_a the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o and_o he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n not_o absolute_o to_o dispose_v of_o as_o they_o please_v but_o in_o trust_n and_o with_o certain_a reservation_n so_o as_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o for_o the_o disposal_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o man_n we_o be_v indeed_o true_a proprietor_n of_o our_o estate_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n we_o be_v but_o steward_n and_o he_o will_v call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n how_o we_o have_v lay_v they_o out_o so_o much_o as_o we_o need_v be_v we_o but_o beyond_o what_o will_v support_v we_o and_o be_v a_o convenient_a provision_n for_o our_o family_n in_o the_o rank_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v we_o all_o that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v give_v it_o to_o other_o and_o if_o god_n have_v be_v liberal_a to_o we_o in_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o a_o opportunity_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o be_v so_o to_o other_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v false_a to_o our_o trust_n if_o we_o keep_v those_o thing_n to_o ourselves_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o god_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o we_o may_v distribute_v they_o to_o other_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o ability_n and_o their_o necessity_n this_o be_v to_o hide_v our_o lord_n talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o that_o which_o thou_o store_v up_o in_o this_o case_n be_v unjust_o detain_v by_o thou_o for_o god_n intend_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o bread_n for_o the_o hungry_a and_o for_o clothes_n for_o the_o naked_a for_o the_o relief_n and_o support_v of_o those_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v 3._o the_o uncharitable_a man_n be_v impious_a in_o slight_v of_o god_n providence_n he_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o riches_n and_o poverty_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o can_v soon_o change_v our_o condition_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o make_v a_o rich_a man_n poor_a we_o do_v not_o sufficient_o reverence_v the_o providence_n which_o rule_v the_o world_n if_o when_o god_n have_v blessed_v we_o with_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n we_o have_v no_o pity_n and_o regard_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o need_n god_n can_v soon_o turn_v the_o wheel_n and_o lay_v thou_o as_o low_a as_o the_o poor_a man_n who_o thou_o do_v neglect_v he_o can_v cast_v down_o the_o mighty_a from_o their_o seat_n and_o exalt_v the_o humble_a and_o meek_a fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n and_o send_v the_o rich_a empty_a away_o god_n providence_n can_v easy_o have_v dispose_v of_o thing_n otherwise_o to_o have_v secure_v every_o man_n from_o want_n but_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n order_v this_o variety_n of_o condition_n high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a not_o that_o some_o man_n may_v have_v a_o advantage_n to_o insult_v over_o and_o despise_v other_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o several_a virtue_n that_o the_o poor_a may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o exercise_v their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o their_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o the_o rich_a may_v show_v their_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n and_o charity_n 4._o unmercifulness_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v not_o love_n god_n and_o that_o all_o our_o other_o pretence_n to_o religion_n be_v hypocritical_a and_o insincere_a st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n ja._n 1._o 27._o that_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n ch_n 3._o 17._o st._n john_n represent_v this_o uncharitable_a disposition_n as_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n 1_o john_n 3._o 17._o but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o in_o vain_a do_v such_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o love_n god_n nay_o ch_n 4._o v._n 20._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o a_o man_n shall_v love_v god_n if_o a_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n
salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n as_o the_o action_n of_o a_o worldly_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v to_z the_o advancing_z of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n the_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a man_n seldom_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o their_o end_n much_o less_o contrary_a to_o it_o through_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v one_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o end_n they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o they_o be_v always_o true_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o best_a man_n do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_o cross_v and_o contrary_a to_o their_o end_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o which_o have_v no_o relatjoin_n to_o it_o and_o when_o they_o mind_v it_o it_o be_v rather_o by_o fit_n and_o start_v than_o in_o any_o even_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o action_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o that_o worldly_a and_o secular_a church_n which_o now_o for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n have_v more_o steady_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o secular_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n than_o any_o other_o church_n have_v do_v the_o end_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n peculiar_a to_o that_o church_n and_o differ_v from_o our_o common_a christianity_n but_o it_o have_v a_o direct_a and_o visible_a tendency_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o other_o for_o instance_n why_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o people_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o can_v understand_v but_o that_o by_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n they_o may_v have_v they_o in_o more_o perfect_a slavery_n and_o subjection_n to_o they_o why_o do_v they_o forbid_v their_o priest_n to_o marry_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o interest_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o their_o church_n and_o leave_n all_o to_o it_o when_o they_o die_v to_o what_o end_n be_v auricular_a confession_n but_o to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o secret_n why_o must_v the_o laity_n only_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o one_o kind_n but_o to_o draw_v a_o great_a reverence_n to_o the_o priest_n who_o privilege_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o receive_v in_o both_o and_o why_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n necessary_a to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o gracious_a intention_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n they_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n be_v a_o plain_a device_n to_o make_v their_o market_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n i_o may_v instance_n in_o a_o hundred_o thing_n more_o in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o tendency_n this_o st._n john_n foretell_v shall_v be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o worldly_a spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o shall_v serve_v a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n 1_o john_n 4._o 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o speak_v from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o what_o church_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n so_o true_a throughout_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o this_o worldly_a church_n have_v be_v to_o its_o own_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n 2_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o end_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o wisdom_n for_o some_o mean_n will_v bring_v about_o a_o end_n with_o less_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n and_o expense_n of_o time_n than_o other_o and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ingenious_a in_o discern_v the_o fitness_n 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life_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n between_o the_o secular_a priest_n and_o and_o the_o regular_a between_o the_o jansenist_n and_o the_o jesuit_n but_o they_o still_o unite_v in_o a_o common_a interest_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o antichrist_n their_o common_a head_n they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o and_o excommunicate_a one_o another_o and_o declare_v against_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n satan_n never_o cast_v out_o satan_n and_o though_o he_o love_v division_n among_o christian_n yet_o he_o always_o take_v care_n that_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v not_o divide_v against_o itself_o so_o as_o to_o endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o and_o whenever_o they_o have_v any_o hopeful_a design_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o protestant_n they_o can_v lay_v aside_o their_o enmity_n and_o be_v reconcile_v in_o such_o a_o design_n then_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o like_o herod_n and_o pilate_n when_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v crucify_v can_v be_v make_v friend_n at_o a_o day_n warning_n whereas_o the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v pernicious_a to_o it_o and_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o ourselves_o our_o senseless_a difference_n and_o wild_a heat_n on_o both_o side_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o popery_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o persuasion_n no_o experience_n can_v make_v we_o wise_a 3_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v common_o more_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n they_o will_v sweat_v and_o toil_n and_o take_v any_o pain_n rise_v up_o early_o and_o lie_v down_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n their_o thought_n be_v continual_o run_v upon_o their_o business_n and_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o opportunity_n of_o promote_a it_o they_o will_v pinch_v nature_n and_o harass_n it_o and_o rob_v themselves_o of_o their_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n and_o estate_n what_o drudge_n be_v caesar_n and_o alexander_n in_o the_o way_n of_o fame_n and_o ambition_n how_o do_v they_o tire_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o long_a and_o tedious_a march_n to_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n do_v they_o expose_v themselves_o and_o thousand_o more_o what_o havoc_n and_o destruction_n do_v they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v to_o themselves_o the_o empty_a title_n of_o conqueror_n of_o it_o when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v in_o any_o design_n how_o intent_n be_v they_o upon_o it_o and_o with_o what_o vigour_n do_v they_o prosecute_v it_o they_o do_v not_o counterfeit_v a_o diligence_n and_o see_v to_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o
industrious_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v they_o be_v rather_o hypocrite_n the_o other_o way_n and_o will_v conceal_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o seem_v to_o aspire_v after_o riches_n and_o honour_n so_o much_o as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o better_a thing_n how_o cold_a and_o remiss_a be_v we_o with_o what_o a_o careless_a indifference_n do_v most_o man_n mind_v their_o soul_n how_o negligent_a and_o formal_a and_o many_o time_n hypocritical_a be_v they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n with_o what_o a_o pitiful_a courage_n and_o with_o what_o faint_a spirit_n do_v they_o resist_v sin_n and_o encounter_v the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o how_o often_o and_o how_o easy_o be_v they_o foil_v and_o baffle_v by_o they_o 4thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o invincible_o constant_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v birb_v or_o take_v off_o by_o favour_n or_o fair_a word_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o difficulty_n or_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o frown_n and_o reproach_n of_o men._n offer_v a_o ambitious_a man_n any_o thing_n short_a of_o his_o end_n and_o aim_n to_o take_v he_o off_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o he_o scorn_v the_o motion_n and_o think_v you_o go_v about_o to_o fool_v he_o out_o of_o his_o interest_n bait_v a_o covetous_a man_n with_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n to_o get_v his_o money_n from_o he_o how_o generous_o will_v this_o mean_v spirit_v man_n trample_v upon_o pleasure_n when_o it_o will_v tempt_v he_o from_o his_o design_n of_o be_v rich_a difficulty_n do_v not_o daunt_v they_o but_o whet_v their_o courage_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o their_o spirit_n give_v a_o ambitious_a man_n almost_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o his_o attempt_n contrà _fw-la audentior_fw-la ibit_fw-la he_o will_v go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o bold_o and_o resolute_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n but_o a_o covetous_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v jeer_v and_o flirt_v out_o of_o his_o money_n and_o estate_n he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o give_v leave_v to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o to_o laugh_v at_o he_o populus_fw-la mihi_fw-la sibilat_fw-la at_o mihi_fw-la plaudo_fw-la the_o rich_a worldling_n can_v hug_v himself_o and_o his_o bag_n when_o the_o world_n hiss_v at_o he_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v and_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n speak_v against_o he_o for_o money_n sake_n and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o design_n man_n will_v with_o great_a resolution_n encounter_n enmity_n and_o opposition_n and_o endure_v great_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n how_o many_o have_v be_v martyr_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v 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denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v apprehend_v how_o do_v his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o fly_v from_o he_o and_o though_o they_o be_v constant_a afterward_o to_o the_o death_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o be_v perfect_o arm_v and_o steel_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_v 5thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o which_o be_v their_o great_a end_n and_o design_n their_o end_n rule_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_z gives_z law_n to_o all_o their_o action_n they_o will_v make_v a_o advantage_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o end_n one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o if_o a_o ambitious_a man_n seek_v wealth_n it_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o design_n to_o purchase_v friend_n and_o strengthen_v his_o interest_n and_o make_v his_o rise_n the_o easy_a he_o will_v lay_v his_o whole_a estate_n at_o the_o stake_n rather_o than_o miss_v of_o his_o end_n the_o covetous_a man_n will_v quit_v his_o pleasure_n when_o it_o lie_v cross_v to_o his_o interest_n if_o he_o have_v any_o expensive_a lust_n and_o chargeable_a vice_n he_o will_v turn_v it_o off_o or_o exchange_v it_o for_o some_o more_o frugal_a and_o profitable_a sin_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o frequent_o do_v man_n act_v without_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o great_a end_n and_o instead_o of_o make_v other_o thing_n submit_v to_o it_o they_o often_o bow_v and_o bend_v it_o to_o their_o inferior_a interest_n they_o make_v heaven_n stoop_v to_o earth_n and_o religion_n to_o serve_v a_o worldly_a design_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o give_v way_n to_o gain_v and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o temporal_a profit_n and_o advantage_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o true_a to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o pay_v it_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o to_o take_v place_n of_o it_o in_o their_o esteem_n and_o affection_n and_o if_o man_n be_v as_o wise_a for_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o another_o world_n they_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o make_v all_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n to_o yield_v and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o consider_v what_o advantage_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n above_o what_o good_a man_n have_v as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o four_o or_o five_o of_o the_o chief_a one_a the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v present_a and_o sensible_a and_o because_o of_o their_o nearness_n to_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o strike_v powerful_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o to_o affect_v we_o mighty_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n after_o they_o and_o to_o work_v strong_o upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o be_v lessen_v by_o their_o distance_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v invisible_a to_o we_o and_o only_o discern_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o more_o obscure_a and_o less_o certain_a perception_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o have_v of_o those_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v not_o see_v god_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n see_v mammon_n two_o the_o sensual_a delight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a nature_n of_o man_n than_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v regenerate_v in_o this_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n appetite_n and_o sense_n be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v above_o reason_n and_o therefore_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o delightful_a to_o sense_n we_o savour_v and_o mind_n and_o love_n to_o busy_v ourselves_o about_o they_o because_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o animal_n life_n which_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o
the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n such_o as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o great_a offender_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o church_n do_v refuse_v to_o admit_v apostate_n and_o some_o other_o great_a offender_n as_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n to_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n this_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n neque_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la neque_fw-la sanguini_fw-la pax_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la redditur_fw-la they_o admit_v neither_o idolater_n nor_o murderer_n to_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o penitent_a and_o shed_v never_o so_o many_o tear_n yet_o he_o say_v they_o be_v jejunae_fw-la pacis_fw-la lacrimae_fw-la their_o tear_n be_v in_o vain_a to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v indeed_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o pronounce_v their_o case_n desperate_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n sed_fw-la de_fw-la veniâ_fw-la deo_fw-la reservamus_fw-la for_o that_o they_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v admit_v again_o into_o the_o church_n so_o strict_a be_v many_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o moderate_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n into_o question_n but_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o word_n shall_v primary_o be_v understand_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o penance_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n of_o which_o indeed_o their_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o good_a sign_n this_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n and_o the_o several_a benefit_n of_o it_o do_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o be_v recover_v again_o to_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n this_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o aggravation_n of_o the_o crime_n of_o apostasy_n that_o they_o who_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n do_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n over_o again_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o reproach_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o by_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o worthy_a of_o that_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v and_o that_o ignominy_n which_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o and_o therefore_o in_o account_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o by_o their_o action_n they_o do_v approve_v so_o that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o use_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ignominious_a manner_n even_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ch._n 10_o 29._o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o clear_o i_o can_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o several_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o amount_n to_o this_o that_o if_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o imagine_v how_o such_o person_n shall_v recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o if_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o have_v put_v to_o death_n and_o ignominious_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o reject_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o suffer_v deserve_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a vindication_n of_o they_o from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o five_o thing_n one_a that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o only_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v recover_v to_o repentance_n with_o great_a difficulty_n three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n four_o that_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 5th_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n one_a that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o discourse_v of_o and_o show_v wherein_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o do_v remarkable_o distinguish_v the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n from_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v by_o our_o saviour_n one_a the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v evident_o such_o as_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o whereas_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v such_o as_o constant_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o resist_v the_o evidence_n he_o offer_v for_o it_o two_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consist_v in_o blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o say_v he_o do_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o malicious_a and_o unreasonable_a impute_v of_o the_o plain_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v but_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2d_o thing_n namely_o that_o this_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o man_n have_v commit_v be_v capable_a of_o pardon_n except_v only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v a_o very_a severe_a expression_n that_o if_o such_o person_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o 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