dictate_v as_o essentiael_v to_o christianity_n which_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o ancient_n and_o venerable_a write_n do_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o have_v often_o prove_v we_o so_o as_o clear_o as_o fire_n and_o faggot_n can_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n as_o to_o believe_v but_o just_a so_o many_o truth_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o for_o several_a age_n and_o in_o several_a council_n have_v decree_v the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n i.e._n the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o fair_o recommend_v it_o as_o a_o eminent_a test_n of_o catholic_n zeal_n other_o at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v who_o with_o mighty_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o secret_a motion_n and_o immediate_a warrant_n from_o heaven_n to_o worry_v and_o destroy_v all_o that_o shall_v withstand_v they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n i_o may_v tire_v you_o with_o instance_n of_o both_o kind_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o christian_n against_o one_o another_o have_v in_o point_n of_o fierceness_n and_o cruelty_n far_o exceed_v the_o pattern_n in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o may_v but_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v a_o short_a review_n of_o the_o ruin_n which_o romish_n zeal_n have_v make_v in_o protestant_a country_n from_o our_o own_o to_o the_o very_a border_n of_o the_o ottoman_a empire_n to_o keep_v near_a home_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o holy_a league_n of_o france_n for_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o more_o than_o many_o thousand_o christian_n in_o the_o unite_a province_n 1._o grot._n annal_n lib._n 1._o i_o mean_v before_o the_o quarrel_n begin_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o inquisition_n invasion_n and_o massacre_n to_o the_o burn_a zeal_n of_o the_o marian_n day_n and_o the_o powder_n conspiracy_n here_o in_o england_n that_o masterpiece_n of_o inhumanity_n design_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o long_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n we_o enjoy_v under_o the_o pious_a and_o gentle_a reign_n of_o our_o immortal_a virgin_n queen_n after_o these_o it_o be_v cold_a and_o endless_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o impious_a and_o unnatural_a artifices_fw-la of_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o life_n of_o our_o prince_n the_o felicity_n of_o our_o government_n usurp_v foulis_n hist_o of_o romish_a treason_n and_o usurp_v and_o the_o vital_n of_o our_o religion_n one_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a you_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v lose_v any_o thing_n by_o dint_n of_o argument_n she_o have_v present_o betake_v herself_o to_o sharp_a and_o deadly_a weapon_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o and_o methinks_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o wonder_n that_o a_o churchpampered_a with_o power_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n that_o think_v herself_o fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v her_o unquestionable_a right_n and_o duty_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o do_v it_o shall_v not_o wave_v her_o principle_n and_o content_v herself_o to_o admonish_v and_o weep_v over_o obstinate_a heretic_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v over_o jerusalem_n when_o her_o design_n call_v for_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v make_v obedient_a without_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o refine_v the_o reformation_n have_v shameful_o violate_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o the_o wicked_a outrage_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n at_o munster_n and_o the_o terrible_a battle_n which_o have_v be_v fight_v for_o little_a fancy_n and_o affect_v singularity_n in_o religion_n i_o may_v call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o many_o insurrection_n and_o what_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n in_o scotland_n i_o may_v desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a attempt_n which_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v manage_v upon_o the_o five_o monarchy_n principles_n in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v carry_v you_o to_o the_o tomb_n of_o king_n nobles_z and_o prelate_n of_o worthy_a patriot_n and_o minister_n of_o justice_n of_o preacher_n and_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n who_o by_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o use_v the_o apostle_n phrase_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o your_o faith_n which_o some_o call_v heresy_n and_o according_a to_o which_o we_o now_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n now_o to_o apply_v these_o allusion_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o chief_a actor_n and_o party_n in_o they_o have_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o confess_v that_o they_o very_o think_v they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n many_o apology_n have_v be_v make_v and_o many_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v for_o they_o yea_o many_o have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o their_o last_o breath_n that_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o die_v for_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o look_v towards_o the_o world_n be_v do_v out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o thonght_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v they_o as_o contrary_a and_o dishonourable_a as_o they_o real_o be_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o show_v whece_n it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o man_n to_o be_v warm_a and_o zealous_a for_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o sentimest_n ill_o so_o much_o that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n have_v not_o always_o the_o charity_n and_o good-nature_n that_o shall_v attend_v it_o but_o that_o this_o inclination_n shall_v so_o mighty_o raise_v the_o spleen_n and_o fire_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v grow_v so_o violent_a quarrelsome_a and_o impetuous_a as_o to_o scorn_v the_o restraint_n of_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o break_v down_o all_o the_o fonce_n of_o government_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n foe_fw-mi christ_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o so_o meek_a a_o master_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o so_o charitable_a and_o oblige_a so_o holy_a and_o healing_n a_o institution_n as_o christianity_n be_v shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o promote_v every_o crude_a opinion_n with_o the_o sword_n nay_o that_o inspire_v and_o as_o they_o call_v themselves_o infallible_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o exceed_o fierce_a and_o angry_a with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o present_v and_o eternal_a ruin_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o extreme_o full_a of_o scandal_n and_o contradiction_n that_o without_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v scarce_o charity_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o they_o but_o let_v we_o do_v that_o right_n to_o christianity_n and_o ourselves_o as_o to_o see_v where_o the_o fault_n lie_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n have_v wrought_v so_o much_o misery_n and_o coufusion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o assign_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n will_v require_v more_o time_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o present_a occasion_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o such_o as_o i_o think_v have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v bad_a education_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o change_v the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n into_o the_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a temper_n the_o great_a spring_n and_o mover_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o education_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o impression_n we_o receive_v of_o thing_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n be_v
of_o christianity_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a trouble_n and_o dishonour_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v you_o one_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o germany_n 10._o sleid._n come_v lib._n 10._o they_o who_o first_o scruple_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infant_n baptism_n by_o degree_n so_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o new_a and_o great_a error_n that_o in_o a_o few_o year_n they_o grow_v the_o high_a enthusiast_n vent_v the_o rank_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o most_o fulsome_a opinion_n and_o after_o the_o fair_a show_n of_o sanctity_n and_o self-denial_n throw_v off_o all_o humanity_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o most_o beastial_a and_o impudent_a vice_n in_o fine_a they_o renounce_v all_o allegiance_n to_o their_o lawful_a superior_n set_v up_o a_o puppet_n king_n of_o their_o own_o dignify_v he_o with_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a monarch_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o tragedy_n baptise_a one_o another_o with_o their_o own_o blood_n 3._o that_o the_o great_a zeal_n be_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n or_o principle_n while_o some_o contend_v as_o earnest_o against_o as_o other_o do_v for_o the_o truth_n their_o zeal_n can_v determine_v nothing_o on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o principle_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n that_o can_v only_o justify_v our_o zeal_n for_o they_o if_o they_o be_v want_v zeal_n be_v no_o better_a than_o rage_n and_o frenzy_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 4.18_o gal._n 4.18_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o a_o good_a thing_n which_o imply_v that_o when_o our_o zeal_n be_v not_o thus_o qualify_v it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o or_o if_o it_o rise_v above_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o object_n it_o so_o far_o overshoots_a itself_o and_o degenerate_v into_o vice_n and_o folly_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n upon_o slender_a thing_n that_o can_v find_v nothing_o to_o spend_v their_o zeal_n upon_o but_o a_o innocent_a phrase_n or_o ceremony_n that_o despise_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n that_o do_v not_o hit_v their_o fancy_n in_o every_o punctilio_n and_o seem_v almost_o content_v the_o protestant_a religion_n shall_v fink_v rather_o than_o the_o best_a support_n of_o it_o shall_v stand_v i_o mean_v the_o union_n of_o protestant_n in_o our_o establish_v national_a religion_n these_o be_v humour_n that_o charity_n itself_o can_v hardly_o excuse_v in_o they_o or_o look_v upon_o as_o any_o other_o than_o the_o excess_n of_o a_o mistake_v and_o intemperate_a zeal_n in_o short_a zeal_n be_v either_o the_o best_a friend_n or_o the_o keen_a enemy_n to_o religion_n for_o which_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v narrow_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o 4._o we_o see_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v aware_a of_o those_o person_n who_o teach_v and_o promote_v such_o principle_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o interest_n of_o christianity_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v worse_o of_o any_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o inspire_v man_n with_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekmess_n and_o represent_v god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n a_o humourous_a and_o discontent_a be_v that_o be_v never_o please_v long_o with_o his_o own_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v soothe_v and_o flatter_v with_o something_o that_o be_v new_a and_o fanciful_a that_o look_v like_o a_o excess_n or_o transport_v of_o devotion_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o goodwill_n or_o iii-nature_n of_o man_n such_o religion_n as_o this_o can_v never_o reconcile_v itself_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v be_v supplant_n it_o wherever_o it_o come_v and_o the_o zeal_n it_o infuse_v into_o man_n will_v if_o not_o effectual_o restrain_v act_n over_o all_o those_o dismal_a tragedy_n again_o of_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v almost_o the_o constant_a scene_n ever_o since_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v jealous_a of_o it_o in_o all_o shape_n whether_o it_o plead_v for_o unity_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v who_o take_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o therefore_o reprobate_n all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o she_o or_o whether_o it_o declare_v for_o freegrace_n i.e._n a_o gospel_n without_o a_o sanction_n as_o the_o german_a antinomian_o and_o ranter_n do_v who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o live_v as_o if_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o no_o ungodliness_n or_o worldly_a lust_n whether_o it_o pretend_v to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o deliver_v by_o his_o apostle_n from_o he_o or_o whether_o it_o set_v up_o for_o purity_n of_o worship_n in_o mistake_v or_o doubtful_a instance_n against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v not_o peevish_a or_o implacable_a not_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v with_o shadow_n and_o much_o less_o to_o put_v three_o kingdom_n into_o a_o flame_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o three_o harmless_a ceremony_n 5._o last_o since_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o have_v endure_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o man_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o adore_v god_n infinite_a widsom_a and_o goodness_n in_o preserve_v his_o truth_n and_o protect_v his_o church_n against_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o stifle_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o certain_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v see_v as_o extraordinary_a evidence_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o ever_o any_o christian_a nation_n do_v our_o deliverance_n have_v have_v so_o many_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o peculiar_a providence_n upon_o they_o that_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o once_o clear_a the_o nation_n of_o all_o atheistical_a dotage_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o its_o divide_a inhabitant_n and_o discourage_v its_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n from_o dare_v any_o long_a that_o all-seeing_a eye_n that_o have_v so_o often_o discover_v from_o struggle_v any_o more_o with_o that_o omnipotent_a hand_n that_o have_v so_o seasonable_o baffle_v their_o closet_n and_o most_o perfidious_a design_n and_o practice_n and_o doubtless_o be_v we_o as_o sensible_a as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o god_n singular_a goodness_n towards_o we_o in_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o church_n where_o we_o have_v all_o advantage_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o in_o lengthen_v out_o our_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o despite_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o out_o interest_n to_o leave_v ourselves_o still_o in_o his_o hand_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o sit_v still_o and_o neglect_v our_o guard_n but_o by_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a by_o attempt_v nothing_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o our_o excellent_a religion_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o genuine_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n by_o our_o unfeigned_a thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n by_o confide_v in_o his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n by_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n with_o he_o and_o by_o mutual_a exchange_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n to_o one_o another_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v true_o promote_v our_o common_a interest_n in_o a_o word_n by_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o avoid_v the_o two_o dangerous_a rock_n of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o what_o ever_o else_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n grant_v o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o that_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n may_v be_v so_o peaceable_o order_v by_o thy_o governance_n that_o thy_o church_n may_v joyful_o serve_v thou_o in_o all_o godly_a quietness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n matthew_z 11.21_o 22._o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n be_v city_n of_o galilee_n situate_v on_o the_o sea-shore_n not_o very_o far_o from_o the_o coast_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o profess_v the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o hear_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o behold_v his_o miracle_n but_o
sect_n in_o his_o childhood_n and_o live_v till_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a exact_o according_a to_o they_o as_o he_o tell_v king_n agrippa_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o what_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o as_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n only_o but_o rather_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o general_a sentiment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o natural_a brood_n and_o issue_n of_o pharisaical_a superstition_n by_o superstition_n i_o mean_v a_o groundless_a apprehension_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v or_o forbear_v those_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o lead_a error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o add_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v more_o duty_n and_o sin_n than_o ever_o the_o law_n have_v make_v their_o tradition_n which_o have_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o father_n they_o esteem_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o the_o divine_a commandment_n nay_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n as_o if_o they_o think_v to_o please_v he_o better_o in_o their_o own_o way_n than_o in_o his_o and_o reckon_v they_o advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o by_o what_o they_o do_v over_o and_o above_o their_o duty_n as_o much_o in_o his_o asthey_v do_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o hence_o conformity_n to_o their_o traditional_a rite_n be_v their_o measure_n of_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n in_o religion_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n character_n of_o himself_o gal._n 1.14_o i_o profit_v in_o the_o jew_n religion_n above_o many_o of_o my_o equal_n in_o my_o own_o nation_n be_v more_o exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n which_o word_n if_o we_o observe_v their_o connexion_n with_o those_o immediate_o before_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v in_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o beyond_o measure_n as_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o i.e._n his_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o his_o bitter_a and_o furious_a zeal_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o it_o show_v we_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o that_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o bring_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o cross_n and_o first_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o matter_n i_o will_v crave_v leave_n to_o propose_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n be_v this_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o a_o affectation_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v as_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n to_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o that_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n under_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a my_o design_n be_v 1._o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o observation_n 2._o to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o felve_n 1._o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v thus_o misguide_v and_o their_o spirit_n inflame_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n against_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o he_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n and_o from_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o this_o of_o the_o confessor_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o his_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n our_o bless_a lord_n foreseeing_a what_o a_o zealous_a opposition_n his_o church_n and_o doctrine_n will_v assure_o meet_v withal_o after_o his_o decease_n take_v occasion_n a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o forewarn_a his_o disciple_n of_o it_o he_o have_v often_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o general_n that_o they_o must_v look_v for_o troulbe_n and_o persecution_n from_o men._n now_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n draw_v on_o to_o prevent_v the_o damp_n of_o a_o surprisal_n he_o describe_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o show_v they_o what_o hard_a measure_n they_o and_o their_o follower_n must_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n i.e._n excommunicate_a and_o curse_v you_o for_o heretic_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n john_n 16.2_o it_o seem_v to_o kill_v a_o disciple_n for_o his_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n like_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o sacrifice_n they_o shall_v think_v by_o it_o say_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o perform_v a_o grateful_a service_n or_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o better_a way_n of_o please_v he_o than_o by_o take_v a_o lamb_n out_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o make_v it_o a_o oblation_n to_o he_o now_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a strange_a way_n of_o servig_a god_n and_o such_o as_o man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o if_o they_o have_v not_o deify_v something_o more_o than_o he_o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a god_n into_o a_o direful_a image_n of_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n who_o they_o worship_n instead_o of_o he_o and_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v primary_o intend_v in_o this_o prophecy_n so_o to_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v unanswerable_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o that_o shelter_n themselves_o under_o the_o sacred_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v very_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o same_o religious_a zeal_n express_v by_o the_o same_o rage_n rancour_n and_o cruelty_n be_v very_o fresh_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v see_v upon_o they_o 2._o by_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o text._n the_o apostle_n confession_n be_v indeed_o a_o sinular_a thing_n but_o for_o the_o crime_n which_o he_o tax_v himself_o with_o he_o may_v as_o just_o have_v charge_v his_o nation_n with_o they_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n especial_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o it_o be_v strange_o leaven_v with_o this_o sour_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o they_o know_v not_o his_o immense_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o mankind_n nor_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n when_o he_o be_v among_o they_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n but_o so_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v what_o ever_o they_o have_v make_v law_n by_o their_o gloss_n and_o tradition_n and_o direct_v it_o against_o those_o that_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o they_o and_o a_o very_a fierce_a and_o fatal_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n that_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n that_o throw_v the_o apostle_n into_o prison_n that_o clear_v the_o synagogue_n of_o they_o and_o their_o disciple_n that_o cramp_v and_o load_v they_o with_o chain_n and_o fetter_n and_o for_o a_o good_a work_n give_v forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o a_o zeal_n that_o suborn_v witness_n and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o man_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a a_o zeal_n that_o list_v man_n into_o conspiracy_n and_o bind_v they_o under_o a_o oath_n to_o kill_v a_o innocent_a person_n a_o outrageous_a zeal_n it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n exceed_o mad_a as_o one_o that_o have_v too_o much_o experience_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o v._n 11_o of_o this_o chapter_n so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o d_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v be_v think_v the_o only_a good_a christian_n who_o roundly_o excommunicate_a all_o other_o church_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o
common_o the_o deep_a most_o lasting_a and_o indelible_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o apt_a to_o stick_v to_o their_o first_o principle_n be_v they_o true_a or_o false_a and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a enquiry_n how_o they_o come_v by_o they_o to_o take_v they_o for_o divine_a impression_n and_o eternal_a truth_n and_o thus_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o guide_n the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o which_o be_v a_o zealous_a opposition_n against_o all_o that_o standin_fw-mi its_o way_n or_o presume_v to_o check_v and_o disturb_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o for_o what_o ever_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n present_a thought_n and_o principle_n be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n and_o that_o the_o worse_a any_o principle_n be_v and_o the_o early_o they_o be_v instil_v into_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o more_o strong_o they_o impregnate_n their_o mind_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o pursue_v the_o tendency_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o commandment_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o be_v teach_v from_o their_o cradle_n to_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o to_o break_v their_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o to_o mark_v we_o out_o for_o destruction_n if_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o grow_v expert_a in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o confusion_n and_o with_o undaunted_a courage_n undertake_v the_o bold_a crime_n which_o their_o party_n and_o principle_n do_v countenance_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v true_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v not_o invincible_a if_o man_n will_v take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o overcome_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v to_o enjoy_v their_o error_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o our_o green_a and_o tender_a mind_n be_v once_o warp_a by_o false_a and_o pernicious_a principle_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v they_o straight_o and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o right_a posture_n again_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o bottom_n of_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n want_v ability_n of_o mind_n other_o leisure_n humility_n patience_n and_o integrity_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o and_o the_o want_n of_o any_o of_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v for_o their_o obstinate_a persist_v in_o their_o first_o error_n and_o unreasonable_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o affect_a ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n natural_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o evil_a principle_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o approve_v of_o any_o rugged_a and_o violent_a course_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o ever_o man_n enjoy_v of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o a_o ill_a education_n 1.18_o i_o pet._n 1.18_o or_o as_o st._n peter_n call_v it_o from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n they_o have_v the_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n that_o ever_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o those_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o their_o own_o messiah_n who_o they_o have_v long_o expect_v in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_v concern_v that_o infinite_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v who_o wrought_v the_o great_a and_o most_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n behold_v who_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a comment_n on_o the_o law_n which_o have_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v by_o the_o gloss_n of_o their_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n and_o lay_v open_v their_o hypocrisy_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o so_o blind_a and_o sottish_a be_v they_o as_o to_o reject_v all_o his_o admonition_n with_o spite_n and_o scorn_n to_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n to_o admire_v their_o deluder_n and_o to_o crucify_v their_o guide_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o he_o 23.34_o luke_n 23.34_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o have_v be_v teach_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o glorious_a king_n and_o conqueror_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o must_v have_v or_o none_o they_o have_v be_v long_o wont_v to_o a_o pompous_a and_o ceremonious_a service_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o have_v the_o stately_a fabric_n of_o their_o religion_n erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o support_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n take_v down_o by_o the_o carpenter_n son_n as_o they_o style_v our_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o fatal_a chain_n that_o hold_v they_o fast_o in_o that_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o paradise_n itself_o can_v not_o tempt_v they_o nor_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v not_o redeem_v they_o from_o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o wilful_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n still_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n some_o think_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a and_o universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o will_v have_v what_o ever_o it_o cost_v they_o other_o that_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o christ_n personal_a reign_n upon_o earth_n think_v they_o ought_v to_o fight_v for_o king_n jesus_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o why_o be_v ignorance_n so_o much_o cherish_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o it_o give_v the_o guide_n of_o that_o church_n a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o mislead_v the_o people_n and_o embolden_v they_o to_o act_v any_o illth_v they_o be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a use_n they_o make_v of_o it_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o invert_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o cross_a name_n they_o can_v devise_v upon_o they_o and_o then_o prosecute_v they_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a merit_n just_o as_o the_o heathen_n clothe_v the_o christian_n in_o beast_n skin_n and_o then_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v worry_v by_o wild_a beast_n to_o death_n they_o first_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v our_o religion_n on_o heresy_n which_o natural_o create_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o it_o and_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o they_o easy_o persuade_v they_o they_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a to_o suppress_v it_o the_o next_o step_n to_o which_o persuasion_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o will_v do_v it_o or_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v meritorious_a and_o then_o to_o destroy_v heretic_n follow_v of_o course_n to_o be_v a_o glorious_a work_n but_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o confess_v the_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n think_v so_o when_o he_o reprove_v the_o rash_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v consume_v the_o samaritan_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o and_o after_o this_o 9.55_o luke_n 9.55_o shall_v i_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v manage_v with_o invincible_a strength_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o our_o side_n or_o shall_v i_o say_v that_o no_o cause_n since_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o that_o of_o our_o common_a christianity_n be_v ever_o better_a defend_v than_o our_o departure_n from_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o confidence_n of_o boast_v 3._o secular_a interest_n have_v great_a power_n to_o distort_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o to_o inflame_v their_o passion_n against_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o place_v their_o chief_a satisfaction_n in_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o port_n of_o gain_n or_o honour_n or_o liberty_n we_o common_o find_v they_o make_v all_o the_o sail_n that_o ever_o they_o can_v to_o come_v speedy_o to_o it_o if_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v stout_o for_o this_o or_o that_o party_n or_o persuasion_n they_o will_v ready_o do_v it_o and_o serve_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o utmost_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o thrive_v by_o it_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a
the_o jew_n who_o be_v not_o call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v over_o and_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n many_o age_n after_o it_o be_v ratify_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n shall_v yet_o enjoy_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o it_o and_o assure_o receive_v the_o same_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a israelite_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o whenever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v in_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o never_o yet_o behold_v the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o late_a entrance_n into_o the_o vineyard_n shall_v not_o bar_v they_o of_o a_o equal_a reward_n with_o those_o that_o have_v finish_v their_o work_n and_o be_v long_o since_o go_v to_o heaven_n before_o they_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o importance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o to_o have_v in_o many_o respect_v the_o advanvantage_n of_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o try_v they_o by_o the_o rule_v before_o mention_v and_o consider_v 1._o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o parable_n or_o the_o dependence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o word_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v immediate_o before_o it_o ult_n chap._n 19_o ult_n many_o that_o be_v first_o shall_v be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o whereupon_o it_o follow_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n that_o go_v out_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n 16._o chap._n 20._o 16._o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n close_v his_o parable_n with_o the_o same_o say_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o it_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o can_v be_v no_o good_a interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o square_a with_o this_o say_n and_o certain_o the_o true_a if_o any_o choice_n there_o be_v be_v that_o which_o sall_n in_o most_o natural_o with_o it_o now_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n by_o the_o labourer_n we_o understand_v the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n tell_v that_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_o so_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v hire_v last_o into_o the_o vineyard_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v first_o call_v will_v be_v the_o last_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o reject_v the_o son_n 21.38_o mat._n 21.38_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n send_v to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o their_o season_n 25._o rom._n 11_o 25._o till_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o and_o thus_o our_o lord_n himself_o interpret_v this_o very_a passage_n mat._n 8.11_o 12._o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o reject_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n thus_o far_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a congruity_n between_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o this_o text_n and_o that_o remarkable_a sentence_n which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v place_v at_o both_o end_n of_o the_o parable_n purposely_o to_o guide_v we_o through_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o that_o expound_v it_o of_o die_v penitent_n will_v suit_v with_o their_o be_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o christian_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o judas_n be_v who_o be_v traitor_n to_o he_o till_o their_o last_o hour_n or_o do_v they_o do_v he_o better_o or_o long_a service_n than_o other_o that_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o ask_v his_o forgiveness_n for_o what_o they_o have_v always_o do_v in_o contradiction_n to_o he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o there_o be_v man_n that_o for_o many_o year_n from_o their_o youth_n to_o their_o die_a day_n have_v live_v in_o the_o sear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o best_a of_o these_o come_v behind_o those_o who_o live_v as_o long_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o very_a edge_n and_o point_n of_o eternity_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v imagine_v what_o construction_n these_o man_n can_v make_v of_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n so_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_v unless_o they_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o begin_v not_o to_o look_v towards_o god_n and_o religion_n till_o their_o last_o sickness_n be_v before_o other_o in_o his_o faviour_n and_o may_v therefore_o expect_v a_o great_a reward_n than_o such_o as_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o his_o service_n which_o be_v it_o true_a i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o mighty_a credit_n and_o encouragement_n to_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n 2._o if_o we_o view_v the_o context_n and_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n 12._o v._o 11_o 12._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o labourer_n that_o come_v first_o into_o the_o vineyard_n murmur_v at_o the_o goodman_n of_o the_o house_n for_o make_v the_o last_o equal_a with_o themselves_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n now_o this_o be_v exact_o true_a of_o the_o jew_n who_o repine_v mighty_o at_o the_o gentile_n come_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o all_o advantage_n imaginable_a be_v entitele_v to_o the_o same_o reward_n without_o observe_v the_o rite_n or_o feel_v any_o of_o the_o burden_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v so_o many_o age_n labour_v under_o nay_o this_o raise_v their_o envy_n so_o high_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a impediment_n to_o their_o conversion_n the_o main_a thing_n that_o hinder_v their_o effectual_a close_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o what_o be_v do_v suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v the_o early_a and_o the_o gentile_n the_o late_a comer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v old_a when_o the_o gentile_n be_v call_v yet_o be_v we_o general_o call_v as_o young_a as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v and_o may_v work_v as_o long_o in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o perform_v as_o much_o and_o as_o faithful_a service_n as_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o our_o come_n after_o they_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o great_a master_n shall_v not_o reward_v we_o as_o liberal_o to_o the_o full_a as_o they_o he_o that_o do_v a_o days-work_n the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o year_n if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o no_o soon_o deserve_v a_o days-wage_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o be_v hire_v the_o first_o but_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v say_v there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o a_o deathbed_n sorrow_n after_o ten_o thousand_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v equal_o reward_v with_o the_o long_a holy_a and_o most_o religious_a life_n however_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n may_v appear_v 3._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o plain_a scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o other_o parable_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o want_v oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n at_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v 12._o mat._n 25.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v be_v bar_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n which_o the_o wise_a be_v admit_v into_o and_o when_o they_o cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o methinks_v i_o hear_v the_o sorrowful_a deathbed_n cry_v receive_v this_o dreadful_a answer_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o as_o little_a coherence_n will_v be_v find_v between_o a_o die_a penitent_n be_v equal_o reward_v with_o the_o most_o eminent_a christian_n as_o he_o must_v be_v if_o we_o rank_v he_o with_o the_o labourer_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o talent_n the_o moral_a of_o which_o be_v apparent_o this_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o several_a advantage_n they_o be_v entrust_v with_o and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v none_o but_o squander_v away_o their_o life_n and_o opportuity_n of_o grace_n shall_v feel_v the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n let_v man_n impartial_o
in_o favour_n of_o st._n peter_n or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n to_o understend_v it_o and_o more_o than_o it_o imply_v as_o these_o man_n will_v have_v we_o of_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o why_o may_v not_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o rock_n and_o pope_n honorius_n a_o monothelite_n and_o liberius_n the_o arrian_n no_o better_a than_o wave_n must_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n need_v prevail_v against_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o one_o diocese_n prove_v not_o so_o orthodox_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v and_o why_o may_v not_o christ_n be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o he_o take_v no_o great_a care_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o error_n than_o from_o sinful_a practice_n and_o be_v it_o not_o modest_o do_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o engross_v all_o the_o promise_n to_o herself_o which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o to_o argue_v all_o along_o as_o she_o do_v upon_o the_o ciedit_n of_o this_o no_o tabel_n principle_n that_o a_o part_n be_v the_o whole_a which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n now_o since_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o our_o guide_n we_o must_v do_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v for_o ourselves_o wemu_v judge_n of_o thing_n by_o such_o faculity_n as_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v fallible_a be_v not_o help_v that_o but_o find_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o judge_v at_o all_o if_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a either_o till_o we_o be_v infallible_a or_o till_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o a_o infallible_a judge_n but_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v we_o may_v shift_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o have_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o plasn_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o that_o be_v due_o instruct_v by_o it_o in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o doubtful_a case_n as_o they_o require_v a_o narrow_a search_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o better_a judgement_n perhaps_o than_o our_o own_o so_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o destitute_a of_o these_o advantage_n he_o have_v appoint_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o be_v our_o guide_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v both_o they_o and_o we_o in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v direct_v by_o they_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o our_o level_n we_o may_v satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o we_o take_v the_o best_a course_n we_o can_v to_o meek_a our_o path_n straight_o and_o to_o secure_v our_o progress_n tcward_v heaven_n in_o a_o word_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o bless_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o either_o he_o will_v not_o fuffer_v we_o to_o err_v or_o he_o will_v not_o lay_v our_o involuntary_a error_n to_o our_o charge_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o observation_n which_o be_v this_o 3._o obs_n that_o have_v find_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o not_o yield_v to_o any_o temptation_n to_o forsake_v it_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o advantage_n we_o have_v of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o may_v ready_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o we_o stop_v at_o it_o be_v we_o certain_o lose_v all_o our_o labour_n in_o inquire_v after_o it_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v reach_v to_o heaven_n mere_o by_o know_v the_o straight_a way_n or_o beginning_n to_o walk_v in_o it_o unless_o we_o hold_v on_o our_o course_n and_o maintain_v it_o to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o we_o be_v all_o satisfy_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o we_o know_v why_o we_o be_v so_o have_v measure_v the_o several_a doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o by_o the_o line_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o have_v do_v this_o with_o good_a care_n and_o judgement_n let_v those_o that_o take_v another_o course_n be_v as_o confident_a as_o they_o will_v there_o will_v be_v confident_a man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a the_o while_n that_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n nad_z hope_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o but_o then_o i_o can_v promise_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o discouragement_n in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o road_n upon_o earth_n more_o infest_a with_o treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a man_n that_o with_o great_a civility_n will_v offer_v to_o show_v you_o a_o ready_a and_o a_o fine_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o tell_v you_o if_o you_o will_v but_o step_v a_o little_a out_o of_o your_o way_n to_o a_o friend_n house_n of_o they_o they_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o a_o infallible_a man_n that_o will_v save_v you_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n and_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o error_n provide_v you_o will_v but_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o suffer_v he_o first_o to_o pull_v out_o your_o eye_n which_o they_o say_v only_o serve_v to_o mislead_v you_o but_o if_o you_o will_v be_v so_o unreason_n able_a as_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o you_o must_v look_v to_o yourselves_o for_o though_o the_o good_a man_n prosess_v a_o very_a deep_a compassion_n for_o the_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a yet_o they_o do_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o keep_v faith_n with_o man_n that_o have_v their_o eye_n in_o their_o head_n i_o wish_v we_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o understand_v the_o moral_a of_o this_o but_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o profess_v a_o religion_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o trial_n and_o have_v past_o the_o ordeal_o already_o wherefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o your_o faith_n without_o waver_v look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o it_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o it_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o like_a child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o tbose_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n that_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v straight_a pat_n for_o your_o foot_n look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n sail_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o way_n to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o will_v give_v it_o a_o grace_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o perhaps_o convince_v the_o adversary_n of_o it_o soon_o than_o the_o best_a argument_n we_o can_v urge_v they_o with_o and_o this_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o sail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o our_o great_a trial_n and_o exigency_n and_o from_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o reveal_v i_o shall_v therefore_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n as_o it_o reser_n to_o our_o practice_n with_o these_o two_o consideration_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o the_o protestant_a religion_n stand_v upon_o its_o reputation_n at_o this_o day_n and_o how_o watchful_a the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n against_o it_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o will_v all_o serious_o consider_v this_o and_o not_o betray_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n by_o the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o afford_v we_o all_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o direct_a and_o perfect_a way_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n we_o enjoy_v the_o just_a freedom_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o have_v as_o much_o liberty_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v to_o consult_v the_o scripture_n ourselves_o we_o may_v go_v to_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o try_v the_o purity_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o even_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o a_o whole_a stream_n of_o interpreter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o our_o religio_fw-la have_v approve_v itself_o to_o our_o judgement_n and_o that_o we_o call_v it_o we_o not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o father_n or_o have_v the_o good_a turn_n to_o be_v the_o
and_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o material_a what_o church_n we_o live_v or_o dye_v in_o communion_n with_o while_o we_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o our_o lust_n all_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v we_o not_o good_n if_o we_o study_v to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n we_o need_v not_o any_o indulgency_n from_o man_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o change_v our_o religion_n to_o leave_v the_o straight_a path_n we_o be_v in_o and_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o saint_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o by_o purgatory_n to_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o legend_n and_o story_n of_o saint_n which_o a_o serious_a man_n will_v think_v be_v compose_v only_o for_o merriment_n and_o diversion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o change_v our_o religion_n yet_o sure_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o many_o of_o we_o to_o make_v considerable_a alteration_n in_o our_o life_n to_o change_v almost_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o and_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o who_o call_v ourselves_o the_o reform_a it_o be_v not_o only_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o our_o life_n be_v uniform_a to_o it_o but_o our_o immortal_a honour_n and_o interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o we_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o escape_v everlasting_a death_n than_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n eternal_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v tempt_v you_o to_o renounce_v your_o faith_n i_o very_o hope_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o your_o eternal_a salvation_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o harken_v to_o he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o danger_n in_o a_o profane_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n to_o deny_v every_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o be_v cautious_a of_o our_o step_n and_o have_v find_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o keep_v a_o straight_a and_o even_a course_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v it_o not_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o no_o unrighteous_a man_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a jar_n and_o contradiction_n to_o ourselves_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v as_o good_a pin_n our_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o other_o man_n or_o bestow_v it_o upon_o any_o body_n that_o will_v take_v it_o off_o our_o hand_n as_o keep_v it_o only_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o sermon_n vi_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o of_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a piety_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sensible_a decay_n of_o it_o in_o the_o present_a age_n a_o age_n much_o addict_v to_o talk_v and_o wrangle_v about_o religion_n very_o stout_a and_o zealous_a in_o oppose_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n but_o very_o cold_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o practice_n without_o which_o the_o best_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o two_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o ourselves_o and_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n to_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o bad_a opinion_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o man_n fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o excellent_a advice_n as_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o fatal_a a_o apostasy_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n grace_n be_v a_o term_n of_o various_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o take_v for_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o those_o good_a disposition_n and_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n and_o product_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v most_o proper_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v whenever_o as_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_a of_o a_o exhortation_n now_o in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o imply_v 1._o a_o root_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n actual_o implant_v in_o we_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v make_v any_o progress_n or_o proficiency_n in_o it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o stock_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o increase_n a_o quickness_n in_o the_o root_n before_o the_o branch_n will_v sprout_v or_o flourish_v a_o spring_a of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n before_o a_o abound_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o show_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n belong_v namely_o to_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a 2._o it_o be_v here_o imply_v that_o good_a man_n be_v nor_o mere_o passive_a in_o grow_v better_a but_o may_v and_o must_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o themselves_o nay_o the_o text_n suppose_v they_o must_v do_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o act_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n must_v cease_v if_o they_o refuse_v their_o endeavour_n to_o far_o and_o promote_v it_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v do_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o make_v we_o better_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o our_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o counsel_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n but_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n both_o in_o order_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o he_o know_v therefore_o that_o by_o his_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v we_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o perfection_n in_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v frequent_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o endeavour_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o as_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o they_o be_v our_o proficiency_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o they_o now_o to_o make_v this_o exhortation_n as_o useful_a and_o effectual_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v aim_v at_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v it_o 3._o to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o impediment_n of_o it_o 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v neither_o begin_v nor_o carry_v on_o by_o natural_a principle_n without_o the_o mighty_a aid_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o inable_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o do_v a_o christian_a grow_v like_o a_o plant_n mere_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n but_o by_o improve_n the_o assistance_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v to_o he_o for_o obtain_v new_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v both_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o grow_v in_o it_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o it_o be_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_n and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o subordinate_a to_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n dispose_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o obtain_v and_o excite_v to_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o