salvation_n of_o mankind_n i_o judge_v nothing_o more_o needful_a to_o be_v add_v to_o what_o have_v fall_v in_o concern_v that_o subject_a in_o my_o handle_n the_o second_o proposition_n in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a sermon_n sermon_n v._o the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v on_o ascension-day_n 1688._o mark_v xvi_o 19_o 20._o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n i._o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o effect_n or_o consequence_n of_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o both_o these_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o this_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n handle_v the_o latter_a point_n namely_o the_o effect_n open_fw-mi consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o these_o word_n contain_v two_o thing_n in_o they_o i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o it_o v._n serm._n v._n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n and_o indeed_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n in_o publish_v the_o gospel_n be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o pain_n do_v they_o take_v what_o hazard_n do_v they_o run_v what_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n do_v they_o contend_v withal_o in_o this_o work_n and_o yet_o their_o success_n be_v great_a than_o their_o industry_n and_o beyond_o all_o humane_a expectation_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n 2._o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n 3._o the_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n 4._o the_o powerful_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o 5._o the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n this_o be_v represent_v rev._n 14.6_o by_o a_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n and_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o every_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v ready_o embrace_v by_o great_a number_n almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o come_v and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 49.10_o that_o when_o shiloh_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v and_o isa_n 2.2_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o isa_n 60.8_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o man_n ready_a submission_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v to_o fly_v as_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n so_o quick_a and_o strange_a a_o progress_n do_v this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o about_o 30_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n it_o be_v not_o only_o diffuse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o have_v reach_v as_o far_o as_o parthia_n and_o india_n in_o which_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n full_o verify_v that_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n math._n 24.14_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o man_n be_v not_o only_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 2._o this_o doctrine_n have_v likewise_o a_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n be_v obedient_a to_o it_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n rom._n 15.18_o upon_o the_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n follow_v also_o the_o change_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o of_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thenceforth_o not_o walk_v as_o other_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o according_a to_o the_o vicious_a course_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v put_v off_o concern_v their_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o do_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o strange_a a_o effect_n have_v the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o that_o i_o remember_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n challenge_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o christian_a that_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n or_o a_o sacrilegious_a person_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o gross_a enormity_n for_o which_o so_o many_o pagan_n be_v every_o day_n make_v example_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o punish_v and_o execute_v among_o they_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a admirable_a and_o happy_a effect_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o work_v so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o change_n in_o the_o live_v of_o those_o who_o entertain_v this_o doctrine_n to_o take_v they_o quite_o off_o from_o those_o vicious_a practice_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o accustom_a to_o to_o change_v their_o spirit_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o of_o lewd_a and_o dishonest_a to_o make_v they_o sober_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n of_o proud_a and_o fierce_a contentious_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a to_o make_v they_o humble_a and_o meek_a kind_a and_o tender-hearted_a peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v general_o good_a man_n and_o of_o virtuous_a life_n be_v credible_a because_o their_o religion_n do_v teach_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v such_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a now_o to_o make_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o it_o require_v they_o shall_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a argument_n then_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v for_o christianity_n be_v a_o hate_a and_o persecute_a profession_n no_o man_n can_v then_o have_v any_o inducement_n to_o embrace_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o it_o offer_v man_n no_o reward_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a threaten_a man_n with_o the_o great_a temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n and_o it_o promise_v no_o happiness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n upon_o any_o
the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v likewise_o strong_o combine_v against_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n do_v with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o malice_n endeavour_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o to_o suppress_v it_o in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v then_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o whole_a strength_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o and_o raise_v such_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n against_o it_o as_o sweep_v away_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o war_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o yet_o this_o religion_n bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o opposition_n and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o all_o the_o resistance_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n arm_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o consideration_n i_o mention_v the_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o invite_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o it_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n threaten_v every_o one_o that_o take_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o he_o whoever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o reproach_n and_o ruin_n to_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n to_o banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o confiscation_n of_o estate_n but_o these_o be_v slight_a and_o tolerable_a evil_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o that_o be_v common_o inflict_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o the_o lion_n and_o all_o imaginable_a cruelty_n be_v exercise_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v and_o death_n in_o all_o its_o fearful_a shape_n be_v present_v to_o they_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o embrace_v this_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o quit_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o persist_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n but_o the_o most_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o their_o person_n and_o demean_v themselves_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n and_o courage_n but_o with_o exultation_n and_o triumph_n under_o those_o torture_n which_o no_o man_n can_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o without_o horror_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v up_o thus_o manful_o for_o one_o brunt_n but_o when_o these_o violent_a persecution_n be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v upon_o they_o christianity_n support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o daunt_a discouragement_n for_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o hold_v out_o till_o the_o very_a malice_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v out_o of_o breath_n and_o their_o cruelty_n have_v tire_v itself_o nay_o it_o do_v not_o only_o support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o opposition_n but_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n spring_v up_o fast_o than_o any_o persecution_n can_v mow_v they_o down_o for_o man_n by_o degree_n become_v curious_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o upon_o enquiry_n be_v satisfy_v and_o become_v christian_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n their_o very_a persecutor_n be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n the_o next_o day_n for_o that_o very_a cause_n for_o which_o but_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v put_v other_o to_o death_n and_o it_o can_v here_o be_v reasonable_o object_v that_o christian_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o these_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o some_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o country_n namely_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n in_o after-age_n this_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n because_o these_o sufferer_n be_v not_o the_o great_a and_o ambitious_a spirit_n the_o flower_n and_o select_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o common_a people_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o the_o tender_a sex_n and_o age_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o pain_n than_o of_o glory_n and_o yet_o so_o be_v they_o animate_v by_o their_o religion_n and_o transport_v beyond_o themselves_o as_o not_o only_o to_o submit_v but_o many_o time_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o those_o suffering_n by_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o no_o man_n accuse_v they_o and_o when_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v for_o make_v that_o profession_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o justify_v their_o forwardness_n to_o suffer_v than_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o suffering_n beside_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o man_n to_o hope_n to_o get_v a_o name_n by_o suffer_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o remember_v to_o posterity_n when_o they_o die_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sufferer_n you_o see_v then_o how_o strong_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v how_o soon_o this_o new_a religion_n overran_a the_o world_n how_o sudden_o it_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_a and_o despicable_a instrument_n to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n this_o great_a work_n be_v do_v and_o how_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o discouragement_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o can_v any_o one_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o establish_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n mere_o by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v bear_v up_o and_o sustain_v themselves_o so_o long_o under_o such_o fierce_a assault_n as_o christanity_n have_v do_v as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n it_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o force_n at_o first_o and_o to_o hauâ—_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o violent_a mean_n so_o that_o great_a impostor_n open_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o plant_v his_o religion_n by_o miracle_n but_o the_o sword_n and_o as_o for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a they_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n by_o insensible_a degree_n and_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n but_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o vicious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mankind_n they_o easy_o gain_v upon_o their_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n by_o custom_n and_o example_n they_o be_v just_o such_o a_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o such_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o such_o insensible_a step_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o all_o know_v but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v out_o upon_o the_o world_n but_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a fall_v before_o it_o like_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n on_o its_o side_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o prop_n take_v away_o which_o be_v the_o only_a support_n of_o it_o but_o it_o present_o sink_v and_o vanish_v it_o be_v not_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n but_o upon_o the_o break_n in_o of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n it_o silent_o withdraw_v as_o be_v ashamed_a of_o itself_o and_o when_o afterward_o the_o emperor_n julian_n endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v it_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o authority_n and_o use_v all_o imaginable_a art_n and_o stratagem_n to_o suppress_v and_o extinguish_v christianity_n he_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v neither_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v its_o ground_n and_o paganism_n after_o it_o have_v make_v a_o little_a blaze_n die_v with_o he_o now_o to_o what_o cause_n shall_v we_o ascribe_v this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n there_o can_v but_o these_o two_o be_v imagine_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n accompany_v it_o 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o its_o reward_n have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n
of_o any_o religion_n that_o ever_o yet_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n indeed_o but_o by_o this_o alone_a it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v break_v through_o all_o that_o mighty_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n which_o be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v this_o with_o success_n 2._o god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o it_o with_o a_o mighty_a and_o sensible_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o wonderful_a efficacy_n and_o success_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v which_o word_n express_v to_o we_o that_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o exclude_v the_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n secret_o move_v and_o incline_v those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v it_o which_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o speak_v frequent_o of_o and_o may_v possible_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o expression_n the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o the_o latter_a may_v only_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o regard_n to_o which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v or_o accompany_v it_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v they_o be_v both_o intend_a to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v only_o add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o the_o former_a to_o show_v more_o particular_o how_o the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o namely_o by_o give_v confirmation_n to_o their_o doctrine_n by_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o be_v endow_v withal_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v that_o be_v with_o those_o miracle_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o these_o word_n do_v plain_o refer_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o 17_o verse_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v here_o call_v sign_n follow_v that_o be_v miracle_n which_o accompany_v the_o word_n that_o be_v preach_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o text_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o one_o or_o two_o more_o rom._n 15.18_o 19_o where_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v wrought_v by_o he_o to_o make_v the_o gentile_n obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n he_o say_v they_o be_v do_v through_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v work_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v so_o likewise_o heb._n 2.3_o 4._o the_o apostle_n there_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v first_o speak_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o the_o great_a confirmation_n which_o be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n in_o speak_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o of_o the_o use_n and_o end_v to_o which_o they_o serve_v and_o then_o show_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n how_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o i._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o the_o use_n and_o end_v to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v they_o be_v those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o apostle_n be_v endow_v withal_o to_o qualify_v they_o to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n with_o more_o speed_n and_o success_n such_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a language_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n thing_n speak_v in_o divers_a language_n and_o these_o two_o gift_n be_v not_o necessary_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o person_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o some_o have_v the_o one_o and_o some_o the_o other_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v always_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o person_n divine_o inspire_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o heal_v disease_n of_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o of_o cast_v out_o devil_n a_o power_n of_o inflict_v corporal_a disease_n and_o punishment_n upon_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a christian_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o apostle_n authority_n and_o government_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n or_o torment_v of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v nay_o in_o some_o case_n this_o power_n extend_v to_o the_o inflict_v of_o death_n itself_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n not_o that_o all_o these_o miraculous_a power_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o can_v exercise_v they_o at_o all_o time_n some_o be_v bestow_v upon_o one_o and_o some_o upon_o another_o according_a to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o as_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o most_o subservient_fw-fr to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v they_o only_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v common_a to_o every_o christian_a and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o other_o gift_n be_v cease_v as_o tertul._n arnob._n and_o min._n felix_n do_v testify_v even_o of_o their_o own_o time_n but_o ii_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n now_o beside_o the_o particular_a use_v and_o end_v of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n do_v evident_o serve_v for_o the_o more_o speedy_a plant_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o inflict_v corporeal_a punishment_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n upon_o scandalous_a and_o disobedient_a christian_n do_v maintain_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v instead_o of_o a_o ordinary_a magistratical_a power_n which_o christian_n be_v destitute_a of_o whilst_o the_o roman_a empire_n continue_v heathen_a i_o say_v beside_o the_o particular_a end_n and_o use_v of_o all_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o do_v all_o in_o general_n as_o they_o be_v miracle_n serve_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o great_a miracle_n whereby_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v they_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o a_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n for_o who_o can_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o raise_v other_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o many_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v give_v such_o clear_a testimony_n that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o never_o have_v any_o religion_n few_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v it_o and_o so_o little_a temporal_a countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o but_o what_o it_o want_v from_o man_n it_o have_v from_o god_n for_o he_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n seem_v on_o purpose_n to_o have_v strip_v it_o of_o all_o secular_a advantage_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o owe_v its_o establishment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o arm_n and_o power_n of_o god_n the_o inference_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a make_v from_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v these_o i._o to_o give_v
john_n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o may_v dissolve_v or_o demolish_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o st._n john_n do_v more_o especial_o mean_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o god_n and_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n whereby_o they_o worship_v they_o and_o likewise_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v also_o esteem_v by_o they_o a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o deity_n both_o these_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n have_v strange_o prevail_v and_o overrun_v the_o world_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o deliver_v mankind_n from_o the_o horrible_a superstition_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o pull_v down_o this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o demolish_v that_o fabric_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o rear_n and_o to_o beat_v he_o out_o of_o those_o strong_a hold_n which_o he_o think_v have_v be_v impregnable_a god_n indeed_o give_v some_o check_n to_o these_o many_o age_n before_o and_o not_o long_o after_o their_o first_o appearance_n by_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v on_o purpose_n introduce_v and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o mighty_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v alive_a in_o the_o world_n the_o primitive_a tradition_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v some_o shadow_n and_o rude_a draught_n of_o that_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o by_o one_o sacrifice_n once_o offer_v and_o by_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o infinite_a superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o to_o the_o idolatry_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o power_n between_o the_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o address_v themselves_o to_o they_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n and_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n this_o be_v plain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v christian_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o any_o specious_a pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o bring_v these_o thing_n back_o again_o into_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o ruin_n and_o extirpation_n whereof_o it_o be_v purposely_o design_v and_o intend_v and_o this_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o caution_n wherewith_o st._n john_n conclude_v his_o catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n namely_o that_o christian_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v not_o carry_v back_o again_o into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n by_o the_o confident_a pretence_n of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n to_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and._n illumination_n than_o other_o christian_n have_v that_o be_v by_o their_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a church_n and_o the_o only_a true_a and_o genuine_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v against_o this_o sect_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v plain_a design_v which_o st._n john_n thus_o conclude_v chap._n 5._o from_o ver._n 18._o to_o the_o end_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o mean_v that_o he_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o just_a before_o viz._n apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n or_o that_o which_o be_v very_o like_o it_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v this_o sin_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 that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o idolatry_n into_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o busy_a to_o seduce_v mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v do_v belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o the_o power_n or_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a we_o know_v that_o be_v we_o christian_n be_v better_o teach_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a in_o or_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v we_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n intimate_v hereby_o that_o the_o worship_v of_o any_o other_o beside_o this_o only_a true_a god_n and_o by_o any_o other_o mediator_n than_o jesus_n christ_n be_v idolatry_n there_o be_v indeed_o two_o very_o ancient_a and_o common_a notion_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o original_a whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v any_o certain_a account_n only_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o do_v prevail_v very_o early_o and_o do_v very_o general_o possess_v mankind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appease_v towards_o sinner_n mere_o upon_o their_o repentance_n without_o the_o death_n and_o suffer_v of_o some_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o this_o vicarious_a punishment_n and_o suffer_v instead_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n himself_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v the_o original_a to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o live_a creature_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n do_v proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o superstition_n and_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n that_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n man_n offer_v up_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o child_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n second_o another_o common_a notion_n which_o have_v likewise_o possess_v mankind_n be_v that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v immediate_o approach_v by_o sinful_a man_n but_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o the_o deity_n by_o certain_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n that_o be_v to_o procure_v for_o they_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o god_n and_o the_o gracious_a answer_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o that_o other_o sort_n of_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o demon_n and_o hero_n that_o be_v of_o angel_n and_o soul_n depart_v viz._n of_o such_o eminent_a person_n as_o have_v be_v great_a benefactor_n to_o mankind_n and_o for_o their_o worthy_a deed_n upon_o earth_n be_v canonize_v and_o translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o inferior_a go_n by_o these_o as_o the_o chief_a courtier_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n they_o address_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o the_o superior_a go_n now_o with_o these_o notion_n which_o have_v general_o possess_v mankind_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v design_v for_o a_o type_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o preparation_n for_o it_o i_o say_v god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o with_o these_o notion_n as_o to_o appoint_v sacrifice_n to_o be_v slay_v and_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o sinner_n and_o likewise_o a_o high_a priest_n that_o once_o a_o year_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o the_o people_n to_o make_v expiation_n for_o they_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n shall_v intercede_v for_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v declare_v at_o large_a and_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v likewise_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v alter_v to_o have_v so_o much_o regard_n to_o these_o common_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o
other_o term_n than_o of_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o of_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o consideration_n we_o have_v the_o best_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o unblameable_a life_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o their_o profess_a enemy_n who_o do_v not_o persecute_v they_o for_o any_o personal_a crime_n which_o they_o charge_v particular_a person_n withal_o but_o only_o for_o their_o religion_n acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o good_a people_n particulary_a pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n who_o have_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n to_o make_v particular_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o christian_n give_v this_o honourable_a report_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o beside_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n that_o at_o their_o religious_a meeting_n it_o be_v a_o 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none_o so_o obstinate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o little_a ground_n and_o reason_n soever_o there_o be_v for_o it_o the_o be_v train_v up_o in_o it_o and_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o it_o implant_v in_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n supply_v all_o other_o defect_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a in_o religion_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v they_o not_o have_v their_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v enure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v they_o at_o that_o time_n be_v weary_a of_o the_o 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god_n and_o never_o be_v they_o more_o tenacious_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n than_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o be_v foretell_v in_o their_o law_n and_o most_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o authentic_a book_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a groundless_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o interpreter_n of_o their_o law_n that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n they_o conceive_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v and_o upon_o this_o prejudice_n they_o reject_v he_o and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o persecute_v his_o follower_n and_o though_o their_o religion_n be_v much_o near_o to_o the_o christian_a than_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n mean_a appearance_n they_o be_v much_o more_o averse_a to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o than_o the_o gross_a idolater_n among_o the_o nation_n not_o but_o that_o their_o prejudice_n also_o be_v very_o great_a the_o common_a people_n be_v strong_o addict_v to_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o their_o several_a country_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o learned_a who_o they_o call_v their_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o eloquence_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o rudeness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o ridiculous_a and_o the_o story_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o beside_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v withal_o from_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n