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
against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o often_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n gal._n 1.13_o 14._o you_o have_v hear_v say_v he_o of_o my_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o jew_n religion_n how_o that_o beyond_o measure_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o be_v exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o injurious_a so_o that_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o a_o most_o furious_a and_o outrageous_a persecution_n of_o good_a man_n for_o which_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a sin_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v kill_v man_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o downright_a murder_n act_n 2.23_o speak_v of_o their_o put_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n who_o you_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v and_o act_v 7.52_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o sin_n be_v of_o this_o high_a nature_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n that_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n and_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n for_o they_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n peter_n also_o plead_v the_o same_o in_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n act_v 3.17_o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o his_o repentance_n on_o this_o account_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n but_o still_o for_o all_o this_o wicked_a thing_n do_v out_o of_o conscience_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n be_v damnable_a and_o will_v prove_v so_o without_o repentance_n i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o application_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o our_o zeal_n be_v direct_v by_o knowledge_n this_o show_v we_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n zeal_n be_v in_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n zeal_n be_v a_o edg-tool_n which_o child_n in_o understanding_n shall_v not_o meddle_v withal_o and_o yet_o it_o must_v frequent_o possess_v the_o weak_a mind_n and_o common_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o know_a people_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a they_o be_v and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o knowledge_n be_v profess_o discourage_v and_o suppress_v in_o the_o common_a people_n zeal_n be_v mighty_o countenance_v and_o cherish_v and_o they_o make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o for_o this_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n be_v that_o which_o inspire_v diem_fw-la to_o do_v such_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n as_o be_v hardly_o ever_o act_v among_o the_o heathen_a zeal_n be_v only_o fit_a for_o wise_a man_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o in_o fashion_n among_o fool_n nay_o it_o be_v dangerous_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o keep_v in_o with_o a_o strict_a rein_n otherwise_o it_o will_v transport_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o undue_a and_o irregular_a thing_n moses_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o man_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o govern_v and_o manage_v his_o zeal_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o keep_v aloof_o from_o all_o excess_n and_o extravagance_n be_v the_o meek_a man_n upon_o earth_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o surprise_v upon_o a_o sudden_a occasion_n that_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n he_o let_v fall_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v but_o just_a receive_v from_o god_n and_o dash_v they_o in_o piece_n a_o true_a emblem_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a zeal_n in_o the_o transport_v whereof_o even_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o let_v they_o fall_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o break_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n 2._o from_o hence_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v take_v copy_n by_o they_o as_o in_o a_o arrogant_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o so_o in_o the_o blindness_n and_o fury_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o zeal_n towards_o all_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o authority_n and_o direction_n and_o as_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v of_o old_a so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o they_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o people_n and_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o suffer_v those_o that_o will_v to_o enter_v in_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n those_o who_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o his_o time_n act_v 24.14_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o establish_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n anathematise_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o persecute_v they_o to_o the_o death_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o and_o kill_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o many_o age_n use_v the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n persecute_v they_o first_o with_o excommunication_n and_o then_o with_o fire_n and_o faggot_n and_o with_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o fury_n in_o the_o world_n endeavour_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n and_o ruin_n of_o they_o by_o bloody_a croisado_n and_o a_o barbarous_a inquisition_n by_o treacherous_a massacre_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o hellish_a plot_n and_o machination_n witness_v the_o monstrous_a design_n of_o this_o day_n never_o to_o be_v remember_v or_o mention_v without_o horror_n to_o have_v destroy_v at_o one_o blow_n and_o have_v swallow_v up_o in_o one_o common_a ruin_n our_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o noble_n and_o the_o represent_v ative_a body_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n witness_v the_o bloody_a massacre_n of_o ireland_n and_o all_o their_o wicked_a design_n and_o practice_n continue_v to_o this_o very_a day_n 3._o and_o last_o that_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o action_n do_v upon_o that_o account_n persecution_n and_o murder_n of_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v damnable_a sin_n and_o no_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v they_o or_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o zeal_n for_o god_n will_v justify_v no_o action_n that_o we_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v discretion_n to_o justify_v our_o zeal_n there_o be_v nothing_o often_o mislead_v man_n than_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la a_o false_a fire_n which_o often_o lead_v man_n into_o boggs_n and_o precipice_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o night_n in_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a mind_n and_o offer_v itself_o a_o guide_n to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ungovernable_a passion_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o require_v great_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n to_o manage_v
they_o may_v do_v any_o thing_n and_o that_o whosoever_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o so_o ancient_a and_o good_a a_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o bad_a man_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o in_o the_o severe_a manner_n as_o if_o any_o pretence_n of_o piety_n can_v give_v a_o privilege_n to_o do_v wicked_o and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a any_o man_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v he_o may_v do_v so_o much_o the_o worse_a thing_n there_o be_v another_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o st._n paul_n who_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n by_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n and_o all_o this_o while_n he_o very_o think_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n and_o change_v his_o mind_n he_o will_v have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o that_o course_n of_o persecution_n and_o cruelty_n and_o will_v with_o pope_n paul_n the_o iv_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n have_v recommend_v the_o inquisition_n or_o if_o he_o can_v have_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n more_o severe_a to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o near_a instance_n though_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v not_o the_o only_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v countenance_v the_o destruction_n and_o extirpation_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o very_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n and_o meritorious_a of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n 5._o i_o observe_v that_o such_o action_n as_o these_o be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o wicked_a and_o impious_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n and_o murder_n for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o in_o kill_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o to_o make_v a_o action_n good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o goodness_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o of_o all_o circumstance_n must_v concur_v and_o any_o one_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o do_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a action_n and_o spoil_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a mind_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o which_o sense_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o we_o must_v do_v it_o for_o a_o good_a end_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o men._n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n want_v yet_o which_o be_v often_o forget_v but_o be_v main_o considerable_a viz._n what_o we_o do_v with_o a_o good_a mind_n and_o to_o a_o good_a end_n must_v be_v good_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o command_v or_o allow_v or_o at_o least_o not_o forbid_v by_o god_n if_o it_o be_v what_o good_a circumstance_n soever_o may_v belong_v to_o the_o action_n the_o whole_a action_n be_v stark_o naught_o because_o the_o very_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a and_o damnable_a though_o do_v for_o never_o so_o good_a a_o end_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o say_v they_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v their_o damnation_n be_v just_a he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o some_o will_v have_v charge_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o christian_n and_o particular_o upon_o himself_o but_o he_o reject_v it_o with_o the_o great_a detestation_n and_o which_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o observation_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o time_n be_v present_a have_v particular_o direct_v he_o to_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o that_o church_n that_o in_o future_a age_n they_o may_v be_v warn_v against_o so_o pernicious_a a_o principle_n and_o all_o wicked_a practice_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o and_o we_o find_v that_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n do_v think_v it_o no_o sufficient_a plea_n and_o excuse_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o persecution_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v out_o of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n as_o he_o be_v very_o persuade_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o murderer_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sinner_n for_o which_o without_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n he_o have_v perish_v everlasting_o 6._o and_o last_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v certain_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n a_o excellent_a quality_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n our_o saviour_n compare_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o salt_n and_o light_n the_o most_o useful_a and_o delightful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n religion_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v go_v it_o season_v the_o spirit_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o be_v putrify_a and_o corrupt_v but_o if_o the_o salt_n lose_v its_o savour_n if_o that_o which_o shall_v season_v other_o thing_n be_v taint_v itself_o it_o be_v thenceforth_o the_o most_o insipid_a and_o offensive_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n mistake_v and_o false_a principle_n be_v not_o where_o so_o pernicious_a and_o of_o such_o mischievous_a consequence_n as_o in_o religion_n a_o blind_a and_o misguide_a zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o best_a nature_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n for_o aught_o appear_v be_v of_o himself_o of_o a_o very_a kind_n and_o compassionate_a nature_n and_o yet_o what_o a_o fury_n do_v his_o mistake_a zeal_n make_v he_o it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a how_o mad_o he_o lay_v about_o he_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o it_o act_n 26.9_o 10_o 11._o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o say_v he_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n which_o thing_n i_o also_o do_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n have_v receive_v authority_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n i_o may_v descend_v low_a and_o give_v instance_n both_o of_o former_a and_o late_a time_n of_o emperor_n and_o prince_n both_o heathen_a and_o christian_n that_o of_o themselves_o be_v mild_a and_o gentle_a and_o yet_o through_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o the_o instigation_n of_o their_o chief_a priest_n have_v be_v carry_v to_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a thing_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o give_v so_o keen_a a_o edge_n even_o to_o the_o mild_a temper_n as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o wild_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v like_a quicksilver_n in_o the_o back_n of_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v not_o very_o sharp_a of_o itself_o which_o give_v a_o mighty_a force_n and_o weight_n to_o its_o blow_n and_o make_v it_o to_o cut_v terrible_o and_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o zealous_a prosecution_n of_o mistake_v in_o religion_n have_v produce_v sad_a and_o more_o barbarous_a effect_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o frequent_o than_o the_o ordinary_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v as_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o most_o generous_a wine_n make_v the_o sowere_v vinegar_n so_o that_o the_o pasquil_n or_o libel_n against_o pope_n vrban_n the_o viii_o upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o take_n off_o the_o brazen_a roof_n of_o the_o old_a capitol_n which_o have_v hold_v out_o so_o many_o age_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o rome_n have_v be_v so_o often_o sack_v by_o barbarous_a
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
himself_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o then_o they_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o live_n with_o as_o great_a violence_n and_o cruelty_n as_o ever_o be_v use_v by_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n towards_o one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o heresy_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n too_o as_o st._n paul_n witness_v after_o the_o way_n which_o you_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n so_o they_o call_v we_o heretic_n though_o we_o receive_v and_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o reject_v their_o addition_n whereby_o they_o will_v make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o as_o rome_n be_v parallel_v with_o jerusalem_n in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o especial_o in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o as_o jerusalem_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n of_o all_o age_n so_o st._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n say_v of_o rome_n that_o in_o she_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o prophet_n and_o of_o saint_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v slay_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n 18.24_o which_o be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o rome_n christian_n than_o of_o rome_n pagan_a in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o perhaps_o in_o rome_n pagan_a herself_o have_v not_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v as_o in_o rome_n christian_n and_o catholic_n and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o heavy_a account_n for_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o prophet_n because_o god_n have_v avenge_v they_o on_o she_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o danger_n of_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n preach_v on_o november_n 5._o 1682._o rom_n x._o 2._o i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_o cry_v up_o than_o zeal_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o man_n do_v more_o frequent_o and_o fatal_o mistake_v and_o miscarry_v and_o in_o the_o expression_n and_o effect_n whereof_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v themselves_o with_o more_o care_n and_o caution_n ii_o vol._n ii_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n zeal_n be_v as_o all_o other_o passion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o itself_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a to_o the_o object_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o earnest_a concernment_n for_o or_o against_o something_o and_o a_o violent_a pursuit_n and_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o right_a object_n so_o as_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o good_a and_o against_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o evil_a and_o in_o a_o due_a degree_n that_o be_v if_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o less_o or_o great_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a quality_n or_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v wrong_v place_v and_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o about_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a or_o doubtful_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o notorious_o exceed_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v about_o thing_n than_o they_o deserve_v and_o zealous_o concern_v about_o lesser_a thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o great_a in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n it_o be_v so_o for_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n xiii_o serm._n xiii_o of_o a_o most_o pernicious_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n and_o many_o time_n have_v as_o bad_a effect_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o worst_a principle_n or_o disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o religion_n as_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o profaneness_n john_n 2.17_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o for_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o those_o gift_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.31_o but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n be_v zealous_a of_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o forwardness_n and_o readiness_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 2_o cor._n 9.2_o i_o know_v the_o forwardness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o your_o zeal_n have_v provoke_v very_o many_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o expression_n tit._n 2.14_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o for_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o be_o zealous_a of_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a zeal_n but_o the_o word_n be_v much_o more_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n for_o a_o malicious_a and_o furious_a rage_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n act_v 5.17_o 18._o then_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n the_o word_n be_v zeal_n and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v they_o in_o prison_n and_o chap._n 13.45_o it_o be_v say_v the_o jew_n be_v fill_v with_o zeal_n and_o speak_v against_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o chap._n 17.5_o the_o jew_n which_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o zeal_n gather_v a_o company_n and_o set_v all_o the_o city_n in_o a_o uproar_n it_o be_v frequent_o reckon_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o mention_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n wrath_n contention_n division_n sedition_n murder_n tumult_n confusion_n rom._n 13.13_o let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o zeal_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o zeal_n and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 2_o cor._n 12.20_o lest_o there_o be_v debate_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a among_o which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v hatred_n variance_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o bitter_a zeal_n jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o zeal_n most_o frequent_o go_v under_o a_o bad_a name_n and_o character_n in_o scripture_n zeal_n i_o mean_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o of_o that_o most_o of_o the_o text_n i_o have_v mention_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n mean_v here_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o zeal_n about_o religion_n and_o divine_a thing_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v desirous_a to_o say_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n he_o commend_v the_o good_a meaning_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o blame_v the_o ill_a conduct_n of_o it_o i_o bear_v they_o record_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o give_v this_o testimony_n on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o by_o all_o this_o fierceness_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o intend_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o think_v they_o do_v he_o service_n but_o yet_o this_o zeal_n be_v great_o to_o be_v condemn_v because_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_v and_o misguide_a zeal_n not_o at_o all_o direct_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n ii_o
by_o what_o mark_v and_o character_n we_o may_v know_v that_o zeal_n which_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n be_v condemn_v as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o knowledge_n iii_o how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n when_o i_o have_v handle_v these_o three_o particular_n i_o shall_v apply_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n i_o shall_v mention_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v right_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n 2._o that_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a 3._o that_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v right_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n i_o mean_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v zealous_a for_o be_v certain_o and_o considerable_o good_a and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v zealous_a against_o be_v certain_o and_o considerable_o evil._n a_o mistake_n in_o any_o of_o these_o quite_o mar_v our_o zeal_n and_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o intend_v for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a and_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o the_o hot_a the_o worse_a it_o be_v not_o a_o heavenly_a fire_n that_o come_v down_o from_o above_o but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n heat_v without_o light_n if_o we_o mistake_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v zealous_o concern_v against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a the_o great_a our_o zeal_n be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o fault_n and_o instead_o of_o do_v god_n and_o religion_n service_n and_o credit_n we_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n and_o dishonour_v we_o can_v to_o they_o both_o or_o if_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o our_o zeal_n be_v conversant_a be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o object_n of_o zeal_n man_n shall_v never_o be_v earnest_a for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n but_o upon_o clear_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o what_o we_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o be_v undoubted_o good_a and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v so_o violent_a against_o be_v undoubted_o evil_a if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o be_v zealous_a for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o we_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o it_o must_v also_o be_v considerable_o so_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v our_o be_v zealous_a about_o it_o all_o truth_n be_v good_a and_o all_o error_n bad_a but_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n so_o inconsiderable_a and_o which_o have_v so_o small_a a_o influence_n upon_o practice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v our_o zeal_n and_o earnest_a contention_n about_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o be_v there_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_v of_o so_o slight_a and_o inconsiderarable_a a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v better_a man_n shall_v be_v let_v alone_o in_o they_o than_o provoke_v to_o quarrel_v and_o contend_v about_o they_o thus_o that_o great_a heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o the_o time_n of_o observe_v easter_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n they_o be_v on_o both_o side_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a which_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n but_o there_o be_v different_a custom_n about_o the_o time_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o such_o consideration_n as_o to_o deserve_v so_o much_o heat_n and_o zeal_n about_o it_o especial_o consider_v the_o uncharitable_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o that_o difference_n 2._o that_o our_o zeal_n may_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a that_o be_v a_o ignorant_a zeal_n which_o be_v conversant_a about_o lesser_a thing_n and_o unconcern_v for_o great_a such_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n who_o be_v mighty_o concern_v about_o external_a and_o lesser_a matter_n but_o take_v little_a or_o no_o care_n of_o inward_a purity_n and_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n they_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashed_a hand_n and_o to_o make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n but_o then_o they_o be_v full_a of_o extortion_n and_o all_o unrighteousness_n they_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cumin_fw-la but_o omit_v the_o weighty_a thing_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o fidelity_n or_o as_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o they_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n a_o zealous_a strictness_n about_o external_a rite_n and_o matter_n of_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a neglect_n of_o the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v either_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o fulsome_a hypocrisy_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v a_o loud_a and_o zealous_a outcry_n against_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n when_o man_n can_v release_v themselves_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o pass_v over_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n 3._o a_o zeal_n that_o be_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n must_v be_v pursue_v and_o prosecute_v by_o lawful_a and_o warantable_a mean_n no_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n for_o his_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n will_v justify_v the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o and_o in_o itself_o evil_a will_v you_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n and_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o think_v to_o promote_v his_o glory_n by_o mean_n so_o dishonourable_a and_o offensive_a to_o he_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v it_o a_o damnable_a sin_n for_o any_o to_o charge_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o christianity_n that_o evil_a may_v be_v do_v for_o a_o good_a end_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.8_o as_o we_o he_o slanderous_o report_v and_o as_o some_o affirm_v that_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o a_o man_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n to_o overlook_a the_o evil_n and_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o mean_v they_o use_v for_o the_o advance_v so_o good_a a_o end_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v sanctify_v those_o refine_a art_n of_o lie_v and_o perjury_n by_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n those_o seditious_a way_n of_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n by_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n by_o the_o excommunicate_a and_o dispose_v of_o prince_n upon_o pray_fw-mi tense_n of_o heresy_n of_o extirpate_v those_o who_o they_o please_v to_o call_v heretic_n by_o inquisition_n and_o croisado_n and_o massacre_n and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a person_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o pope_n and_o of_o general_a council_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o show_v by_o what_o mark_n and_o character_n we_o may_v know_v the_o contrary_a zeal_n that_o which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o be_v condemn_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o very_o frequent_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o the_o contrary_a mark_n and_o property_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v yet_o to_o discover_v it_o more_o full_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o very_a gross_a and_o sensible_a sign_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n that_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o that_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a a_o zeal_n for_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n plain_o contrary_a either_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o to_o common_a sense_n any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n for_o pray_v
to_o saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o sacrilegious_a deprive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o half_a the_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n plain_a institution_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n a_o zeal_n for_o that_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v in_o any_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o dostrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n not_o only_o without_o any_o sufficient_a authority_n from_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a gross_a error_n and_o practice_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n the_o degree_n whereof_o be_v manifest_o disproportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a when_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o great_a and_o fierce_a zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n than_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a severity_n than_o for_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o omission_n and_o neglect_v of_o some_o senseless_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n than_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a immorality_n and_o against_o the_o denyer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o great_a zeal_n i_o be_o sure_a a_o more_o severe_a prosecution_n than_o against_o those_o who_o deny_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a te_fw-la knowledge_n nor_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v prosecute_v by_o unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o warrant_v the_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o violate_v of_o truth_n and_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o break_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n nor_o 4._o a_o uncharitable_a zeal_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o think_v itself_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o every_o scruple_n and_o upon_o every_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o unlawful_a imposition_n though_o in_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o upon_o this_o single_a point_n because_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o i_o think_v ever_o be_v avow_v among_o christian_n not_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v only_o because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o fancy_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v comes_z present_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v do_v it_o or_o not_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n nor_o 5._o a_o furious_a and_o cruel_a zeal_n which_o st._n james_n call_v a_o bitter_a or_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v blind_a with_o its_o own_o rage_n and_o make_v man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n exceed_o mad_a against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a zeal_n 6._o and_o last_o a_o zeal_n for_o ignorance_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v a_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o such_o strict_a law_n to_o forbid_v people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o they_o without_o let_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o read_v lesson_n to_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o all_o this_o under_o pretence_n of_o increase_v their_o devotion_n as_o if_o the_o less_o man_n understand_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v than_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n nothing_o they_o hive_n oppose_v with_o more_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o quit_v their_o religion_n which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v i_o who_o be_v once_o act_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o now_o possess_v they_o and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o outrageous_a manner_n as_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o very_a good_a conscience_n as_o i_o think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o act_v 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o that_o his_o zeal_n be_v sincere_a and_o with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v very_o faulty_a and_o sinful_a and_o if_o he_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o damnable_a so_o that_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n he_o do_v out_o of_o this_o zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o render_v he_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o this_o furious_a and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n give_v of_o his_o own_o do_n and_o what_o load_n he_o lay_v upon_o himself_o notwithstanding_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n act_n viij_o and_o ix_o you_o have_v the_o history_n at_o large_a of_o his_o outrageous_a do_n how_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n how_o he_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n act_v 22.4_o i_o persecute_v say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o ch._n 26.10_o 11._o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n
it_o and_o keep_v it_o within_o bound_n it_o be_v like_a fire_n a_o good_a servant_n but_o a_o bad_a master_n if_o it_o once_o get_v head_n it_o consume_v and_o devour_v all_o before_o it_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v most_o common_o find_v where_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o possess_v those_o most_o who_o be_v least_o fit_a to_o govern_v it_o and_o most_o frequent_o employ_v about_o what_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o ten_o to_o one_o but_o it_o be_v either_o mistake_v in_o the_o object_n or_o in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o even_o when_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o nice_a and_o dangerous_a one_o for_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o mingle_v their_o own_o passion_n and_o interest_n with_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o man_n be_v act_v by_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o do_v sincere_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n but_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n and_o not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v violent_o transport_v and_o hurry_v on_o by_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o by_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o what_o then_o will_v we_o have_v man_n not_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n or_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o though_o conscience_n be_v not_o our_o rule_n yet_o it_o be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n and_o he_o do_v ill_a who_o do_v act_n against_o his_o conscience_n but_o man_n must_v be_v careful_a how_o they_o settle_v their_o practical_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o conclude_v thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a duty_n or_o sin_n without_o reason_n and_o good_a ground_n god_n have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v thing_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o this_o trial_n and_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v rash_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v by_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n the_o error_n of_o our_o judgement_n become_v fault_n of_o our_o life_n for_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v afford_v we_o light_a enough_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o we_o shall_v careful_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v suspicious_a of_o ourselves_o when_o our_o zeal_n carry_v we_o to_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v furious_a and_o cruel_a false_a and_o treacherous_a and_o have_v a_o horrid_a appearance_n even_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o shall_v question_v that_o zeal_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o christian_a goodness_n and_o meekness_n to_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o excellent_a passage_n of_o st._n james_n which_o will_v show_v we_o how_o little_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o many_o man_n pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n jam._n 3.13_o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n but_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_o in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n sermon_n fourteen_o the_o best_a man_n liable_a to_o the_o worst_a treatment_n from_o mistake_v zealot_n preach_v on_o november_n 5._o 1686._o john_n xvi_o 2._o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n at_o the_o thought_n whereof_o find_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v exceed_o trouble_v ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o comfort_v they_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o from_o thence_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o their_o admission_n there_o and_o withal_o promise_v that_o his_o father_n will_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o shall_v abundant_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o but_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o very_o ill_a entertainment_n and_o usage_n from_o the_o world_n but_o so_o have_v he_o ch._n 15.18_o if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o and_o why_o shall_v they_o expect_v to_o be_v better_o treat_v than_o he_o be_v v._o 20._o remember_v the_o word_n that_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o have_v persecute_v i_o they_o will_v also_o persecute_v you_o and_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o do_v on_o purpose_n forewarn_v they_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o prepare_v their_o mind_n beforehand_o and_o to_o arm_v they_o against_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v v._n 1._o these_o thing_n have_v i_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o fourteen_o serm._n fourteen_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v and_o then_o he_o declare_v more_o particular_o how_o far_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n shall_v proceed_v against_o they_o and_o in_o what_o kind_n they_o shall_v suffer_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n here_o fortell_n two_o sort_n of_o persecution_n which_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exercise_v withal_o excommunication_n they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o excision_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n and_o these_o perhaps_o be_v but_o several_a kind_n and_n degree_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a brief_o to_o explain_v the_o three_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o first_o call_v niddui_n be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o mean_v by_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o which_o he_o elsewhere_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o separation_n luke_n 6.22_o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v hate_v you_o and_o when_o they_o shall_v separate_v yond_o from_o their_o company_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o excommunication_n be_v to_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o from_o his_o service_n which_o be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n because_o after_o this_o sentence_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o converse_v with_o they_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n the_o second_o degree_n of_o this_o censure_n be_v call_v cherem_n which_o include_v the_o first_o but_o extend_v far_o to_o the_o confiscation_n of_o good_n into_o the_o sacred_a treasury_n and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n after_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o we_o find_v express_v mention_n ezra_n 10.7_o 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o make_v proclamation_n throughout_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n unto_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o captivity_n that_o they_o shall_v gather_v themselves_o together_o unto_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o come_v within_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o elder_n all_o his_o substance_n shall_v be_v devote_v and_o himself_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v carriy_v away_o the_o three_o degree_n w_v shammatha_n when_o the_o rebellious_a and_o contumacious_a person_n be_v anathematise_v and_o devote_v and_o as_o some_o conceive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n levit._n 27.29_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n though_o other_o very_a konw_a man_n in_o the_o jewish_a learning_n think_v it_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o final_a sentence_n whereby_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n by_o some_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o
the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o first_o and_o last_o of_o these_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n our_o saviour_n seem_v here_o to_o speak_v but_o whether_o in_o both_o instance_n in_o the_o text_n he_o allude_v in_o the_o one_o to_o the_o low_a and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o high_v degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o the_o first_o he_o plain_o do_v when_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v much_o high_a against_o they_o even_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o kill_v they_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n as_o a_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n well-pleasing_a to_o god_n for_o so_o indeed_o the_o word_n do_v not_o only_o import_v but_o most_o proper_o signify_v whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v necessary_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o that_o sense_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v make_v these_o follow_a observation_n very_o proper_a for_o our_o consideration_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n yea_o and_o suffer_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n here_o foretell_v of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o from_o uncharitable_a censure_n man_n do_v easy_o and_o almost_o natural_o proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o they_o have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagoguse_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n they_o present_o proceed_v to_o kill_v they_o as_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o after_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o good_a service_n to_o god_n to_o kill_v you_o 4._o that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o wicked_a not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o out_o of_o a_o real_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v religious_o murder_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v his_o disciple_n to_o death_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o offer_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n 5._o that_o such_o action_n be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o impious_a and_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n and_o murder_n for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o in_o kill_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a tiling_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n a_o excellent_a quality_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o more_o horrible_a impiety_n than_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o before_o we_o in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o these_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o true_a church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v in_o the_o text_n shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o what_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v be_v too_o frequent_o practise_v since_o by_o some_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o very_o good_a man_n have_v in_o several_a age_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n by_o those_o who_o have_v arrogate_a to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o true_a church_n and_o have_v get_v the_o external_a power_n and_o management_n of_o religion_n into_o their_o hand_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n and_o other_o in_o the_o reign_n and_o prevalency_n of_o arianism_n and_o the_o ill_a treatment_n that_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n but_o whole_a church_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n from_o that_o haughty_a and_o uncharitable_a church_n which_o make_v nothing_o of_o thunder_v out_o this_o most_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o person_n and_o church_n much_o better_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o herself_o and_o against_o all_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o pretend_a infallibility_n and_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o it_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v thus_o use_v by_o a_o church_n that_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n that_o they_o do_v and_o upon_o ground_n every_o whit_n as_o plausible_a as_o i_o can_v clear_o show_v if_o i_o be_v mind_v to_o pursue_v and_o make_v out_o this_o comparison_n 2._o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a only_o true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o this_o to_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o call_v heretic_n first_o that_o prove_v they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o be_v no_o heretic_n or_o acquit_v they_o from_o the_o same_o or_o great_a crime_n than_o those_o which_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o charge_v upon_o other_o man_n nor_o will_v god_n condemn_v all_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o man_n and_o deny_v salvation_n to_o every_o one_o who_o they_o shall_v please_v to_o separate_v from_o their_o society_n and_o to_o call_v by_o some_o odious_a name_n man_n may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o yet_o receive_v into_o heaven_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o man_n but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v certain_o very_o dreadful_a where_o it_o be_v due_o inflict_v and_o next_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o just_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o censure_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v upon_o very_o plain_a and_o evident_a ground_n that_o man_n either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o endanger_v their_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o if_o
that_o church_n will_v impose_v her_o error_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v of_o her_o communion_n then_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o comply_v do_v not_o sepavate_v themselves_o but_o be_v cut_v off_o do_v not_o depart_v but_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n and_o separation_n in_o that_o case_n be_v as_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v become_v such_o that_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n can_v have_v no_o salvation_n if_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o communion_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a their_o salvation_n will_v not_o be_v endanger_v by_o leave_v it_o or_o be_v excommunicate_v out_o of_o it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v the_o hard_a case_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v for_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o damn_v likewise_o for_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v terrify_v because_o of_o the_o boldness_n and_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o so_o little_a charity_n damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n for_o we_o see_v plain_o from_o the_o text_n that_o man_n may_v be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o the_o true_a church_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v salvation_n to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v certain_o very_o good_a man_n and_o in_o a_o safe_a way_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n by_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 3._o observation_n which_o be_v this_o that_o from_o uncharitable_a censure_n man_n do_v by_o a_o easy_a step_n and_o almost_o natural_o proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o the_o jew_n have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n no_o wonder_v they_o shall_v proceed_v to_o kill_v those_o who_o they_o think_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a and_o a_o good_a piece_n of_o service_n do_v to_o god_n to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n uncharitableness_n natural_o draw_v on_o cruelty_n and_o harden_v humane_a nature_n towards_o those_o of_o who_o we_o have_v once_o conceive_v so_o hard_a a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n witness_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o heathen_a perfection_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o justify_v itself_o by_o the_o uncharitable_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v despiser_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o god_n and_o consequent_o atheist_n that_o they_o be_v pertinacious_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opinion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o modern_a style_n they_o be_v heretic_n and_o the_o like_a uncharitable_a conceit_n among_o christian_n have_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o infallible_a chair_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o several_a bloody_a massacre_n and_o the_o cruel_a proceed_n of_o the_o inquisition_n against_o person_n suspect_v of_o heresy_n for_o after_o man_n be_v once_o sentence_v to_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o seem_v a_o small_a thing_n to_o torment_v and_o destroy_v their_o body_n 4._o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o wicked_a thing_n not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o out_o of_o a_o real_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o do_v religious_o murder_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v his_o disciple_n to_o death_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v offer_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o but_o that_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o so_o be_v the_o contrray_n sin_n and_o vice_n but_o then_o they_o be_v only_o plain_a to_o a_o teachable_a and_o honest_a and_o well-disposed_a mind_n to_o those_o who_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o meekness_n and_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o wrath_n and_o furious_a zeal_n to_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o truth_n into_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o entertain_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o they_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a for_o the_o humble_a god_n will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n such_o as_o these_o god_n seldom_o suffer_v to_o fall_v into_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o their_o sin_n or_o duty_n so_o as_o to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a to_o call_v light_a darkness_n and_o darkness_n light_n to_o think_v uncharitableness_n a_o virtue_n and_o downright_a murder_n a_o great_a duty_n but_o if_o man_n will_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o self-love_n and_o self-conceit_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o base_a or_o corrupt_a interest_n to_o be_v blind_v by_o prejudice_n and_o intoxicate_v by_o pride_n to_o be_v transport_v and_o hurry_v away_o by_o violent_a and_o furious_a passion_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o mistake_v the_o nature_n and_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o palpable_a case_n no_o wonder_n if_o god_n give_v up_o person_n of_o such_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o if_o such_o man_n bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o their_o will_n and_o interest_n and_o bend_v their_o judgement_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la make_v they_o to_o stoop_v to_o their_o pride_n and_o blind_o to_o follow_v their_o passion_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o lead_v they_o for_o god_n usual_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o themselves_o as_o run_v away_o from_o he_o and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o secure_v those_o from_o split_v upon_o the_o most_o dangerous_a rock_n who_o will_v steer_v their_o course_n by_o no_o compass_n but_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o wind_n and_o tide_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n in_o these_o case_n man_n may_v take_v the_o wrong_a way_n and_o yet_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n they_o may_v oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o persecute_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o black_a crime_n and_o the_o most_o horrid_a impiety_n malice_n and_o hatred_n blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v serve_v god_n and_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o full_a instance_n in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o because_o they_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v from_o god_n and_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o condition_n and_o have_v upon_o false_a ground_n though_o as_o they_o think_v upon_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o of_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o tradition_n entertain_v quite_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o what_o he_o real_o be_v to_o be_v because_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o think_v themselves_o too_o wise_a to_o learn_v of_o he_o and_o because_o his_o doctrine_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n do_v thwart_v their_o interest_n and_o bring_v down_o their_o authority_n and_o credit_n among_o the_o people_n therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o he_o with_o all_o their_o may_v oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o blast_v his_o reputation_n and_o persecute_v he_o to_o the_o death_n and_o all_o this_o while_n do_v bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o church_n and_o their_o profound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a external_n show_v of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o a_o arrogant_a pretence_n and_o usurpation_n of_o be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o advantage_n they_o think_v