of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_n a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lie_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o while_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith._n and_o they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church-authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o
pretence_n it_o be_v true_a god_n see_v the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o infallible_a judgement_n but_o we_o not_o so_o certain_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o tell_v what_o degree_n of_o faith_n or_o fear_n be_v proper_a to_o god_n child_n be_v justify_v or_o save_v but_o if_o in_o the_o hard_a trial_n of_o thy_o obedience_n thou_o do_v keep_v god_n commandment_n than_o thou_o be_v sure_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o because_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o try_v thyself_o by_o this_o rule_n he_o be_v please_v to_o testify_v his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o abraham_n fear_v he_o upon_o abraham_n ready_a obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v it_o before_o 2._o another_o point_n of_o instruction_n and_o of_o good_a use_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v some_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n who_o be_v not_o hire_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o serve_v he_o by_o the_o worldly_a ease_n profit_n and_o security_n that_o religion_n bring_v and_o who_o when_o that_o expectation_n fail_v they_o will_v not_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o to_o choose_v another_o master_n the_o devil_n insinuate_v against_o job_n that_o he_o serve_v god_n because_o god_n have_v make_v a_o hedge_n about_o he_o and_o about_o his_o house_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v on_o every_o side_n because_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o increase_v his_o substance_n in_o the_o land_n but_o if_o god_n will_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o touch_v all_o that_o he_o have_v than_o he_o will_v curse_v he_o to_o his_o face_n i._n e._n that_o then_o he_o will_v be_v as_o prosane_a as_o he_o be_v before_o godly_a in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o upon_o trial_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o and_o he_o retain_v his_o integrity_n say_v shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a job_n 2.10_o such_o another_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v abraham_n god_n have_v bless_v he_o with_o great_a increase_n and_o prosperity_n upon_o the_o leave_n of_o his_o country_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o complete_a his_o desire_n but_o a_o heir_n to_o his_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v a_o long_a time_n deny_v he_o and_o at_o length_n give_v he_o but_o it_o may_v be_v hitherto_o object_v against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o abraham_n fear_n of_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o perceive_v how_o much_o for_o the_o better_a it_o be_v that_o he_o leave_v his_o country_n at_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o find_v now_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o he_o do_v therefore_o make_v profession_n of_o serve_v the_o only_a true_a god_n because_o he_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o compass_v all_o that_o his_o heart_n can_v desire_v in_o the_o world_n how_o therefore_o shall_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o behave_v himself_o religious_o out_o of_o conscience_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o god_n sovereign_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v out_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n so_o effectual_a no_o demonstration_n so_o clear_a as_o this_o that_o abraham_n without_o murmur_v and_o dispute_v shall_v let_v go_v the_o dear_a of_o all_o his_o possession_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n god_n make_v of_o his_o sincerity_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o hold_v more_o dear_a to_o he_o than_o his_o only_a son_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v set_v a_o value_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o possession_n well_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v upon_o his_o ready_a compliance_n with_o this_o severe_a command_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v now_o thy_o sincerity_n be_v put_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o thou_o have_v all_o along_o pretend_v to_o be_v one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o who_o therefore_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a not_o for_o worldly_a and_o mercenary_a end_n but_o because_o thou_o be_v absolute_o resolve_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o require_v and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v brethren_n that_o this_o testimony_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o sincerity_n be_v give_v he_o only_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o shall_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n faith_n viz._n that_o all_o religious_a man_n be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o for_o worldly_a respect_n but_o for_o conscience_n towards_o god._n and_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n do_v not_o only_o vindicate_v he_o but_o all_o god_n faithful_a servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o pretend_v religion_n for_o worldly_a end_n indeed_o he_o be_v try_v in_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o there_o be_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o great_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o it_o well_o become_v he_o who_o be_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n confer_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o age_n to_o undergo_v such_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v a_o stand_a example_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o a_o mean_n to_o vindicate_v our_o sincerity_n against_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n though_o we_o be_v not_o try_v as_o abraham_n be_v for_o if_o religion_n in_o the_o general_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o compass_v worldly_a advantage_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o conscience_n we_o desire_v they_o to_o look_v to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o proof_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o god_n testimony_n concern_v he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n and_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o abraham_n child_n that_o they_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a estate_n that_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o just_a not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v that_o they_o serve_v god_n not_o because_o he_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o all_o they_o have_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v under_o no_o unusual_a temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o like_a but_o because_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v persuade_v they_o ought_v so_o to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o favour_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o of_o his_o reward_n in_o a_o better_a world._n in_o short_a abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v therefore_o try_v in_o this_o manner_n that_o there_o may_v be_v in_o he_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n who_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n not_o expect_v the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o religion_n will_v secure_v their_o body_n from_o sickness_n their_o good_n from_o rapine_n their_o name_n from_o reproach_n their_o person_n from_o affront_v and_o their_o course_n of_o life_n from_o common_a or_o from_o unusual_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n abraham_n and_o his_o child_n do_v not_o traffic_v with_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o charity_n to_o secure_v or_o increase_v their_o possession_n on_o earth_n and_o though_o god_n have_v often_o bless_v good_a man_n as_o he_o do_v abraham_n with_o strange_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o their_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o wrought_v righteousness_n heb._n 11.33_o i._n e._n they_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v because_o they_o expect_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o without_o fail_n with_o those_o pure_a and_o ravish_a joy_n of_o a_o better_a world_n which_o will_v short_o begin_v and_o never_o end_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n it_o have_v be_v very_o often_o the_o charge_n
be_v inferior_a to_o none_o and_o as_o to_o their_o degree_n when_o enoch_n live_v they_o be_v at_o the_o height_n and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o he_o have_v bad_a example_n enough_o and_o probable_o but_o very_o few_o that_o be_v good_a so_o that_o piety_n lie_v under_o great_a disadvantage_n in_o the_o common_a opinion_n and_o likely_a enough_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o reproach_n to_o observe_v rule_n for_o that_o generation_n of_o man_n be_v now_o begin_v of_o who_o we_o find_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n that_o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o they_o set_v themselves_o at_o no_o time_n to_o do_v any_o good_a all_o their_o business_n be_v to_o follow_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n from_o one_o day_n to_o another_o without_o restraint_n the_o world_n be_v hasten_v apace_o to_o that_o condition_n when_o enoch_n live_v and_o yet_o he_o live_v so_o pious_o set_v so_o good_a a_o example_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o see_v any_o but_o good_a one_o himself_n and_o whilst_o almost_o all_o man_n be_v busy_a to_o fill_v themselves_o with_o the_o excess_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n his_o only_a business_n in_o comparison_n be_v to_o please_v god_n he_o look_v up_o every_o day_n to_o his_o maker_n out_o of_o who_o hand_n so_o late_o come_v that_o beautiful_a fabric_n which_o be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o instead_o of_o surfeit_v himself_o with_o those_o delightful_a entertainment_n of_o sense_n that_o be_v round_o about_o he_o he_o raise_v his_o mind_n above_o they_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n he_o offer_v to_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n he_o resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n he_o believe_v his_o promise_n of_o a_o better_a world_n and_o in_o that_o faith_n he_o wrought_v righteousness_n and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v why_o we_o who_o can_v reasonable_o count_v our_o temptation_n great_a than_o those_o he_o be_v under_o why_o we_o i_o say_v shall_v not_o also_o live_v as_o he_o do_v why_o shall_v the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o order_n of_o our_o conversation_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n be_v hard_o to_o we_o than_o it_o be_v to_o he_o what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o adore_v and_o praise_v our_o maker_n every_o day_n and_o from_o offer_v our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v present_a with_o we_o every_o where_o and_o see_v we_o in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v always_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n may_v we_o not_o with_o as_o much_o advantage_n as_o he_o possible_o can_v have_v look_v beyond_o this_o world_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o immortality_n in_o a_o far_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n than_o this_o and_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o upon_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v not_o here_o a_o continue_a place_n i_o mean_v since_o we_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o live_v hardly_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o that_o time_n upon_o earth_n which_o the_o patriarch_n do_v before_o the_o flood_n but_o all_o our_o day_n be_v few_o and_o evil_a and_o our_o life_n short_a and_o troublesome_a and_o therefore_o do_v of_o itself_o admonish_v we_o to_o look_v after_o another_o and_o to_o provide_v better_o for_o ourselves_o hereafter_o than_o we_o can_v possible_o do_v here_o let_v no_o man_n say_v that_o the_o bait_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o care_n of_o life_n and_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o his_o worldly_a affair_n that_o the_o evil_a manner_n of_o other_o and_o the_o snare_n of_o conversation_n and_o his_o unavoidable_a engagement_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o permit_v that_o justice_n and_o purity_n that_o devotion_n and_o sobriety_n which_o religion_n require_v nor_o that_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v we_o unspotted_a from_o this_o present_a world_n that_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o must_v retire_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o live_v in_o cell_n or_o in_o house_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o watch_n and_o pray_v where_o the_o care_n of_o life_n can_v follow_v they_o where_o evil_a example_n and_o where_o temptation_n can_v find_v they_o out_o all_o this_o be_v but_o unreasonable_a and_o vain_a pretence_n for_o i_o beseech_v you_o what_o be_v enoch_n and_o his_o profession_n and_o order_n of_o life_n in_o the_o world_n be_v he_o shut_v up_o from_o any_o part_n of_o common_a conversation_n or_o ease_v from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o common_a care_n of_o this_o life_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n he_o in_o all_o respect_n of_o secular_a conversation_n and_o civil_a relation_n be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o condition_n that_o other_o man_n be_v as_o you_o will_v confess_v if_o you_o look_v back_o to_o verse_n 21._o and_o so_o on_o till_o you_o come_v to_o the_o text_n and_o enoch_n live_v sixty_o and_o five_o year_n and_o beget_v methusaleh_n and_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n after_o he_o beget_v methusaleh_n three_o hundred_o year_n and_o beget_v son_n and_o daughter_n and_o all_o the_o day_n of_o enoch_n be_v three_o hundred_o sixty_o and_o five_o year_n and_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v that_o enoch_n who_o have_v this_o testimony_n be_v a_o marry_a man_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n engage_v as_o much_o in_o the_o necessary_a affair_n of_o civil_a conversation_n as_o any_o other_o and_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o after_o he_o beget_v methusaleh_n his_o elder_a son_n he_o leave_v his_o wife_n and_o his_o family_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o any_o retirement_n and_o be_v from_o that_o time_n forward_o under_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n after_o he_o beget_v methusaleh_n three_o hundred_o year_n and_o beget_v son_n and_o daughter_n so_o that_o all_o this_o time_n viz._n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n enoch_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o a_o wife_n the_o father_n of_o child_n the_o master_n of_o a_o numerous_a family_n nay_o he_o be_v a_o prince_n in_o his_o generation_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n in_o the_o line_n of_o seth_n the_o elder_a son_n by_o descent_n from_o the_o elder_a house_n of_o seth_n one_o therefore_o who_o in_o his_o time_n make_v no_o little_a figure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o government_n beyond_o all_o other_o except_v his_o father_n and_o grandfather_n and_o the_o patriarch_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a enoch_n then_o differ_v not_o from_o other_o man_n in_o any_o respect_n of_o civil_a affair_n he_o have_v such_o relation_n and_o common_a engagement_n as_o other_o man_n have_v and_o in_o some_o respect_n more_o be_v descend_v from_o seth_n in_o the_o patriarchal_a line_n which_o some_o believe_v be_v the_o regal_a line_n too_o in_o one_o division_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o in_o these_o circumstance_n he_o differ_v not_o from_o other_o man_n otherwise_o than_o that_o his_o affair_n may_v be_v more_o cumbersome_a than_o those_o of_o ordinary_a person_n yet_o with_o respect_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n to_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n he_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o business_n and_o conversation_n which_o his_o place_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v he_o in_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n and_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reward_v so_o eminent_a a_o person_n with_o translate_n he_o alive_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n a_o plain_a demonstration_n against_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o retirement_n in_o monastery_n and_o a_o single_a life_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o piety_n that_o the_o best_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v coop_v up_o in_o a_o cloister_n but_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o man_n that_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o devotion_n that_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o exercise_v and_o improve_v in_o a_o state_n of_o worldly_a relation_n and_o engagement_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pretend_v in_o our_o excuse_n for_o not_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o enoch_n do_v let_v i_o therefore_o add_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o we_o have_v the_o
seventeen_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n never_o before_o print_v by_o william_n clagett_n d._n d._n late_a preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o gray_n inn_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a with_o the_o sum_n of_o a_o conference_n on_o february_n 21_o 1686_o between_o dr._n clagett_n and_o father_n gooden_o about_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n london_n print_v for_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n in_o fleetstreet_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n 1689._o the_o preface_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o to_o recommend_v the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o the_o reader_n than_o only_o to_o assure_v he_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o the_o title_n page_n but_o what_o be_v here_o present_v to_o he_o as_o dr._n claget_n sermon_n be_v real_o so_o be_v publish_v from_o his_o own_o paper_n and_o by_o his_o own_o brother_n and_o indeed_o the_o sermon_n themselves_o do_v sufficient_o speak_v their_o author_n for_o they_o every_o where_n express_v the_o spirit_n the_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_v of_o that_o excellent_a man_n though_o some_o of_o they_o perhaps_o want_v that_o finish_n which_o his_o masterly_a hand_n will_v have_v give_v they_o have_v he_o be_v to_o have_v publish_v they_o himself_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sermon_n he_o mean_v to_o have_v print_v if_o god_n have_v give_v he_o life_n be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o several_a of_o his_o friend_n who_o then_o judge_v it_o very_o seasonable_a the_o last_o in_o this_o collection_n be_v the_o last_o sermon_n he_o preach_v it_o be_v preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n on_o the_o day_n of_o his_o lent-course_n there_o and_o that_o very_a evening_n he_o fall_v into_o that_o sickness_n which_o put_v a_o period_n to_o his_o life_n twelve_o day_n after_o no_o man_n perhaps_o in_o this_o age_n of_o so_o private_a a_o condition_n die_v more_o lament_v for_o as_o he_o have_v all_o the_o amiable_a charm_a quality_n to_o procure_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o every_o one_o that_o know_v he_o so_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o he_o so_o many_o great_a and_o useful_a talent_n for_o the_o do_v service_n to_o religion_n to_o the_o church_n to_o all_o about_o he_o and_o he_o so_o faithful_o and_o industrious_o employ_v those_o talent_n to_o those_o purpose_n that_o he_o be_v real_o a_o public_a blessing_n and_o he_o have_v that_o right_o do_v he_o as_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o he_o be_v bear_v at_o st._n edmunds-bury_a sept._n 24._o 1646._o be_v the_o son_n of_o mr._n nicholas_n claget_fw-ge then_o minister_v there_o his_o vniversity-education_n be_v at_o emanuel_n college_n in_o cambridge_n his_o first_o public_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o his_o own_o native_a town_n of_o bury_n where_o he_o be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o preacher_n which_o office_n he_o discharge_v for_o several_a year_n with_o so_o universal_a a_o reputation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v as_o to_o he_o that_o a_o prophet_n have_v honour_n in_o his_o own_o country_n from_o thence_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o some_o considerable_a man_n of_o the_o long_a robe_n who_o business_n at_o the_o assize_n there_o give_v they_o opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o great_a worth_n and_o ability_n he_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o remove_v to_o grays-inn_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o small_a testimony_n give_v to_o his_o merit_n that_o he_o be_v think_v worthy_a by_o that_o honourable_a society_n to_o succeed_v the_o eminent_a dr._n cradock_n as_o their_o preacher_n in_o this_o place_n he_o continue_v all_o the_o remainder_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o behave_v himself_o worthy_o in_o it_o and_o the_o gentleman_n of_o that_o house_n take_v all_o occasion_n of_o declare_v that_o he_o do_v so_o by_o the_o constant_a kindness_n they_o express_v to_o he_o while_o he_o live_v and_o the_o respect_n they_o pay_v he_o at_o his_o death_n he_o have_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n two_o other_o preferment_n beside_o that_o of_o grays-inn_n the_o lord_n keeper_n north_n his_o wife_n kinsman_n have_v give_v he_o a_o live_n in_o buckingham-shire_n but_o the_o other_o place_n be_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o most_o value_v next_o to_o grays-inn_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lecture_n of_o bassishaw_n to_o which_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o that_o parish_n about_o two_o year_n before_o his_o death_n it_o be_v the_o lecture_n which_o dr._n calamy_n have_v immediate_o hold_v before_o he_o never_o be_v there_o two_o great_a man_n successive_o lecturer_n of_o one_o parish_n nor_o ever_o be_v any_o parish_n kind_a to_o two_o lecturer_n dr._n claget_fw-ge die_v of_o the_o smallpox_n march_v 28_o and_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n michael_n bassishaw_n his_o wife_n mrs._n thomasin_n north_n a_o most_o virtuous_a and_o accomplish_v woman_n die_v eighteen_o day_n after_o he_o of_o the_o same_o disease_n and_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o same_o grave_a with_o he_o there_o be_v this_o little_a passage_n not_o unfit_a to_o be_v mention_v here_o the_o last_o sermon_n dr._n claget_fw-ge made_n though_o not_o the_o last_o he_o preach_v be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o sixteenth_o in_o this_o collection_n upon_o this_o text_n shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a this_o sermon_n he_o make_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o child_n of_o his_o that_o happen_v a_o little_a before_o and_o he_o have_v write_v it_o fair_o out_o i_o suppose_v for_o this_o end_n that_o his_o wife_n may_v read_v it_o and_o according_o she_o do_v so_o but_o upon_o a_o much_o sad_a occasion_n for_o it_o be_v after_o his_o death_n that_o she_o get_v this_o sermon_n into_o her_o hand_n and_o then_o she_o make_v it_o her_o continual_a enter_n ainment_n and_o a_o seasonable_a one_o it_o be_v as_o long_o as_o her_o strength_n will_v suffer_v she_o but_o to_o return_v to_o dr._n claget_fw-ge we_o owe_v it_o to_o the_o society_n of_o grays-inn_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o city_n but_o after_o he_o come_v hither_o his_o own_o merit_n in_o a_o little_a time_n render_v he_o sufficient_o conspicuous_a for_o so_o innocent_a and_o unblameable_a be_v his_o life_n such_o a_o unaffected_a honesty_n and_o simplicity_n appear_v in_o all_o his_o conversation_n so_o oblige_v he_o be_v in_o his_o temper_n so_o sincere_a in_o all_o his_o friendship_n so_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o sort_n of_o good_a office_n that_o come_v in_o his_o way_n and_o withal_o so_o prudent_a a_o man_n so_o good_a a_o preacher_n so_o dexterous_a in_o untie_v knot_n and_o make_v hard_a thing_n plain_a so_o happy_a in_o treat_v of_o common_a subject_n in_o a_o uncommon_a and_o yet_o useful_a way_n so_o able_a a_o champion_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n against_o all_o opposer_n whatsoever_o and_o last_o so_o ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o advise_v to_o direct_v to_o encourage_v any_o work_n that_o be_v undertake_v for_o the_o promote_a or_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o god._n i_o say_v all_o these_o quality_n be_v so_o eminent_a in_o dr._n claget_fw-ge that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v hide_v the_o town_n soon_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o and_o none_o that_o intimate_o know_v he_o can_v forbear_v to_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o and_o scarce_o any_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o to_o esteem_v and_o honour_v he_o if_o the_o reader_n will_v know_v more_o of_o doctor_n claget_fw-ge let_v he_o peruse_v those_o write_n of_o his_o which_o he_o publish_v himself_o by_o they_o he_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o genius_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o man._n if_o a_o friend_n can_v speak_v without_o partiality_n there_o do_v in_o those_o write_n appear_v so_o strong_a a_o judgement_n such_o a_o admirable_a faculty_n of_o reason_v so_o much_o honesty_n and_o candour_n of_o temper_n so_o great_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n and_o withal_o so_o much_o spirit_n and_o quickness_n and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o quality_n that_o can_v recommend_v a_o author_n or_o render_v his_o book_n excellent_a in_o their_o kind_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o give_v dr._n claget_fw-ge a_o place_n among_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o celebrate_a writer_n of_o this_o church_n and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o honour_n as_o can_v be_v do_v he_o for_o perhaps_o from_o the_o inspire_a age_n to_o this_o the_o world_n do_v never_o see_v more_o accurate_a and_o more_o judicious_a composure_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v produce_v in_o our_o day_n the_o discourse_n write_v and_o publish_v by_o dr._n claget_fw-ge be_v these_o that_o follow_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o
have_v in_o store_n for_o all_o honest_a mind_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o it_o show_v a_o infallible_a way_n to_o single_a person_n and_o to_o community_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o bless_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o will_v rather_o have_v expect_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v foretell_v that_o no_o man_n in_o any_o age_n will_v ever_o set_v himself_o to_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n if_o likewise_o we_o observe_v what_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n god_n approve_v and_o own_v it_o by_o how_o high_o reasonable_a the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v and_o how_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v do_v satisfy_v our_o reason_n and_o approve_v themselves_o to_o it_o how_o evident_a the_o design_n thereof_o be_v how_o plain_a the_o precept_n how_o few_o the_o positive_a institution_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o significant_a and_o profitable_a they_o be_v and_o how_o full_a of_o instruction_n final_o how_o manifest_a those_o necessary_a doctrine_n be_v the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a and_o what_o that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v which_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v confess_v and_o without_o controversy_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o no_o far_o we_o shall_v rather_o have_v expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v never_o have_v be_v gainsay_v never_o pervert_v never_o mingle_v with_o error_n never_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o wrangle_v and_o discord_n and_o never_o have_v become_v the_o matter_n of_o nice_a and_o angry_a dispute_n but_o only_o of_o a_o unblamable_a faith_n and_o practice_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v undoubted_o a_o faithful_a say_v or_o doctrine_n clear_o reveal_v and_o stand_v upon_o evident_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v also_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n why_o then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v that_o offence_n come_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o plain_a answer_n in_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicodemus_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a joh._n 3.18_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o always_o seek_v to_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o the_o defect_n but_o the_o exceed_a excellence_n and_o purity_n of_o true_a christianity_n that_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o world_n to_o oppose_v it_o to_o pervert_v it_o and_o to_o discourage_v the_o profession_n or_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o wise_a and_o too_o good_a for_o they_o that_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a themselves_o and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o great_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o god_n will_v not_o over-bear_a by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n but_o cure_n by_o rational_a mean_n and_o method_n no_o wonder_n that_o offence_n have_v come_v nay_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v to_o argue_v more_o particular_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o manner_n lay_v a_o severe_a restraint_n upon_o all_o the_o unreasonable_a lust_n of_o man_n and_o make_v a_o great_a many_o liberty_n unlawful_a which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n violent_o incline_v to_o take_v and_o therefore_o every_o carnal_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v carry_v within_o himself_o a_o terrible_a prejudice_n a_o secret_a enemy_n against_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o his_o heart_n rise_v with_o as_o much_o anger_n against_o that_o doctrine_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o pursue_v his_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a desire_n as_o he_o will_v but_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v they_o as_o herod_n when_o he_o take_v his_o brother_n wife_n express_v against_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o have_v she_o man_n nature_n affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v confine_v it_o be_v disease_v and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o likely_a enough_o that_o very_o many_o will_v reject_v the_o physician_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o very_a remedy_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v send_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n my_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v can_v but_o make_v we_o very_o uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a while_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v reform_v because_o it_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o all_o our_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n it_o forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o a_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o venture_v in_o which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o man_n that_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n and_o lover_n of_o gain_n can_v easy_o admit_v a_o doctrine_n which_o give_v they_o as_o much_o uneasiness_n and_o disturbance_n as_o if_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n be_v always_o turn_v towards_o their_o very_a heart_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o endure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v it_o by_o find_v out_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n than_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god._n it_o be_v this_o that_o have_v make_v way_n for_o satisfactory_a commutation_n merit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o those_o device_n which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o entangle_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o rain_n fall_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o that_o be_v it_o suffer_v a_o irreparable_a ruin._n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v no_o way_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambitious_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o pursue_v those_o end_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o will_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o mould_v for_o that_o purpose_n when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o world_n no_o other_o principle_n of_o morality_n no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v a_o common_a good_a and_o a_o equal_a benefit_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o for_o let_v they_o prevail_v without_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n be_v secure_v and_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n to_o subject_n neighbour-nation_n shall_v give_v strength_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o create_v jealousy_n to_o one_o another_o the_o master_n shall_v be_v better_o serve_v and_o the_o servant_n better_o use_v the_o church_n by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o spiritual_a authority_n will_v be_v a_o guard_n to_o the_o state_n and_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n protection_n from_o it_o here_o be_v no_o design_n in_o christianity_n to_o set_v up_o any_o nation_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o but_o it_o plain_o aim_v at_o a_o general_a good_a and_o under_o its_o penalty_n require_v all_o its_o professor_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o too_o and_o condemn_v those_o who_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o among_o the_o great_a offender_n and_o this_o
religion_n as_o machiavelli_n well_o observe_v be_v not_o calculate_v for_o the_o inspire_a of_o man_n with_o great_a design_n such_o i_o suppose_v as_o his_o caesar_n borgia_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a too_o philosophical_a too_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a to_o raise_v a_o ambitious_a heat_n or_o to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v out_o by_o other_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o swell_n of_o worldly_a pride_n into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o african_a father_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o celestine_n call_v it_o and_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o depress_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o true_a christianity_n serve_v no_o such_o design_n therefore_o be_v our_o saviour_n oppose_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o doctrine_n do_v not_o tend_v at_o all_o that_o way_n viz._n to_o make_v jerusalem_n the_o mistress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o shall_v depend_v upon_o she_o it_o do_v not_o minister_v to_o their_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a hope_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n 3._o if_o we_o look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v still_o hold_v true_a that_o offence_n must_v needs_o come_v because_o the_o worship_n it_o prescribe_v be_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o two_o or_o three_o positive_a institution_n of_o divine_a authority_n viz._n the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o holy_a son_n jesus_n now_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o love_n rather_o a_o pompous_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o nice_a observation_n than_o a_o grave_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o former_a do_v amuse_n the_o sense_n and_o entertain_v the_o imagination_n the_o latter_a do_v that_o but_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n and_o rather_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n but_o most_o people_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o thing_n that_o touch_v their_o fancy_n than_o their_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o time_n their_o will_v grow_v very_o great_a excess_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o there_o do_v even_o in_o st._n augustine_n day_n who_o complain_v of_o it_o not_o a_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o januarius_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o excess_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n for_o whereas_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o appoint_v so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o external_a observation_n leave_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o decency_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n be_v this_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o pretence_n of_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o by_o their_o very_a worship_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v without_o those_o thing_n whereas_o he_o do_v hereby_o effectual_o declare_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o pious_a heart_n and_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v express_v in_o a_o good_a life_n the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v as_o averse_a from_o this_o as_o it_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o other_o and_o desire_n to_o please_v god_n by_o so_o easy_a a_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o run_v out_o into_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n and_o show_v and_o observation_n and_o seem_v to_o save_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n by_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a to_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o have_v so_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o one_o altar_n but_o one_o mediator_n no_o tutelar_a deity_n and_o patron_n no_o throng_n of_o petty_a god_n but_o one_o or_o two_o mystery_n and_o those_o too_o plain_a and_o instruct_v without_o pomp_n and_o amuzement_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o these_o they_o reckon_v the_o christian_n little_o better_a than_o atheist_n believe_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v no_o stately_a show_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o consist_v of_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o ceremony_n but_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o type_n to_o discover_v the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v there_o be_v another_o end_n of_o divine_a providence_n observable_a in_o that_o constitution_n which_o be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o stately_a and_o mystical_a form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v less_o under_o a_o temptation_n of_o learning_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o numerous_a and_o gaudy_a ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v have_v bewitch_v the_o jew_n ten_o time_n more_o than_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v with_o they_o but_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o consider_v the_o time_n the_o best_a for_o they_o for_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o worship_n the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o nation_n from_o idolatry_n the_o scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n be_v take_v down_o and_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o nothing_o but_o prayer_n and_o praise_n two_o sacrament_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o that_o offence_n be_v ready_a to_o come_v upon_o this_o account_n also_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o good_a for_o a_o wicked_a world_n too_o wise_a for_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a world_n i_o mean_v it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o escape_v opposition_n and_o all_o change_n the_o world_n will_v either_o try_v to_o keep_v it_o out_o or_o when_o that_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v any_o long_o to_o square_v and_o form_v it_o better_o to_o its_o own_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n that_o a_o peculiar_a temper_n be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o his_o doctrine_n a_o spirit_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n willingness_n to_o learn_v patience_n of_o reproof_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o disposition_n the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n will_v certain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o be_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o over-rule_v they_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o of_o all_o great_o oppose_v as_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o insincere_o handle_v as_o it_o have_v be_v and_o this_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peculiar_o furnish_v with_o mean_n to_o infuse_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a disposition_n into_o they_o that_o want_v it_o for_o those_o mean_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o after_o all_o man_n may_v be_v the_o worse_o and_o not_o the_o better_a for_o they_o nothing_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o awaken_v man_n to_o consideration_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o conquer_v all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la than_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mend_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n consist_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n that_o can_v be_v do_v man_n may_v choose_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v and_o consider_v and_o it_o well_o become_v divine_a providence_n
resolve_v well_o and_o to_o fix_v their_o resolution_n not_o upon_o a_o sudden_a heat_n only_o not_o mere_o upon_o the_o general_a disposition_n of_o a_o honest_a mind_n but_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a judgement_n what_o they_o must_v lose_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v get_v by_o do_v as_o become_v they_o final_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o maintain_v a_o constant_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o be_v find_v unprovided_a on_o the_o sudden_a all_o this_o be_v imply_v in_o watch_v a_o work_n which_o the_o disciple_n be_v bid_v more_o strict_o to_o attend_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o the_o hour_n be_v at_o hand_n when_o a_o terrible_a trial_n will_v befall_v they_o and_o therefore_o upon_o their_o neglect_n to_o do_v according_o he_o just_o upbraid_v they_o afterward_o what_o can_v you_o not_o watch_v with_o i_o one_o hour_n and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v into_o consequence_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o life_n that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n of_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n of_o the_o fearful_a consequence_n of_o yield_v to_o these_o temptation_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v maintain_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n present_a to_o our_o mind_n by_o a_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v incumbent_a upon_o we_o all_o since_o our_o saviour_n think_v it_o needful_a for_o all_o for_o say_v he_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v to_o all_o watch_z mark_v 13.37_o but_o to_o watchfulness_n our_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o add_v prayer_n watch_n and_o pray_v and_o prayer_n imply_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o just_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n that_o if_o god_n he_o absent_v from_o we_o our_o purpose_n be_v uncertain_a our_o resolution_n waver_v and_o inconstant_a and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n alterable_a by_o every_o blast_n of_o temptation_n though_o we_o may_v be_v provide_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n of_o constancy_n in_o do_v well_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o mere_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o argument_n and_o motive_n though_o they_o be_v necessary_a but_o have_v promise_v moreover_o the_o supernatural_a help_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o former_a but_o know_v that_o we_o need_v far_a assistance_n we_o shall_v daily_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o prayer_n for_o it_o 2._o it_o imply_v not_o only_o a_o consciousness_n of_o our_o inability_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v but_o moreover_o a_o steady_a belief_n of_o and_o trust_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o that_o he_o who_o be_v good_a to_o all_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o help_v they_o especial_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a such_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n which_o concern_v the_o mean_n watch_n and_o pray_v now_o 2._o the_o end_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n be_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o temptation_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v by_o temptation_n not_o as_o the_o word_n at_o first_o hear_v seem_v to_o import_v that_o no_o temptation_n may_v befall_v we_o for_o as_o to_o that_o temptation_n which_o require_v the_o vigilance_n and_o devotion_n of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n at_o this_o time_n he_o plain_o tell_v they_o it_o will_v happen_v and_o therefore_o by_o enter_v into_o temptation_n must_v be_v mean_v fall_v into_o that_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n be_v a_o inducement_n and_o so_o the_o exhortation_n run_v as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v you_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o you_o ought_v as_o if_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o tell_v you_o beforehand_o that_o this_o confidence_n of_o you_o be_v a_o dangerous_a presumption_n and_o you_o will_v find_v yourselves_o deceive_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n if_o you_o take_v no_o more_o care_n than_o you_o be_v now_o dispose_v to_o take_v i_o advise_v you_o therefore_o to_o consider_v what_o will_v happen_v better_a than_o you_o have_v do_v and_o to_o call_v together_o all_o those_o instruction_n you_o have_v hear_v from_o i_o and_o make_v they_o present_v to_o your_o mind_n and_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o they_o as_o to_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n that_o be_v thus_o arm_v not_o with_o a_o hasty_a but_o a_o prudent_a resolution_n and_o with_o dependence_n upon_o god_n you_o may_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n when_o it_o happen_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a meaning_n of_o the_o exhortation_n watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n i_o proceed_v next_o to_o explain_v the_o reason_n which_o our_o saviour_n add_v to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o now_o i_o doubt_v when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v these_o word_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o interpret_v they_o as_o if_o jesus_n have_v mean_v to_o excuse_v the_o sluggishness_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o have_v indeed_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v well_o if_o you_o will_v watch_v and_o pray_v that_o you_o may_v not_o fall_v by_o temptation_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o you_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v yet_o you_o be_v not_o very_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o some_o part_n to_o be_v excuse_v if_o you_o do_v not_o and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o not_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v these_o word_n for_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n true_a nor_o in_o the_o least_o worthy_a of_o our_o saviour_n wisdom_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o doctrine_n let_v we_o not_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o our_o lord_n as_o if_o he_o give_v his_o disciple_n necessary_a direction_n and_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n excuse_v they_o whether_o they_o fulfil_v his_o direction_n or_o not_o these_o word_n i_o say_v do_v not_o contain_v a_o excuse_n of_o their_o neglect_n to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v do_v both_o and_o such_o a_o reason_n too_o as_o leave_v they_o without_o all_o excuse_n if_o they_o fail_v in_o either_o for_o thus_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o run_v watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n for_o though_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a yet_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o so_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o you_o watch_v and_o pray_v which_o interpretation_n as_o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a meaning_n of_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v clear_o warrant_v by_o the_o circumstance_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o person_n at_o present_a to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v use_v and_o by_o what_o befall_v they_o afterward_o and_o this_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a if_o we_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n by_o these_o rule_n for_o than_o you_o will_v see_v 1._o that_o by_o a_o willing_a spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o forwardness_n to_o watch_n and_o pray_v but_o a_o present_a resolution_n to_o overcome_v temptation_n and_o that_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n too_o such_o a_o resolution_n as_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o if_o we_o look_v back_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o upon_o their_o master_n forewarn_v they_o what_o occasion_n of_o offence_n they_o will_v meet_v with_o that_o very_a night_n st._n peter_n brisk_o step_v forward_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o agree_v to_o what_o he_o say_v v._o 33._o though_o all_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o never_o be_v offend_v thus_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n show_v itself_o that_o be_v a_o forwardness_n to_o do_v all_o that_o
to_o build_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v what_o those_o sin_n be_v which_o manifest_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v these_o rule_n and_o they_o may_v i_o think_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n first_o atheism_n of_o which_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n proper_o so_o call_v either_o i._n not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o ii_o not_o worship_v he_o 1._o not_o believe_v a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o invisible_a spiritual_n be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o atheism_n to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a stupidity_n and_o the_o great_a corruption_n imaginable_a of_o a_o man_n understanding_n so_o it_o be_v fundamental_o opposite_a to_o all_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n which_o suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n of_o god_n i_o say_v that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a be_v which_o know_v and_o understand_v which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o thing_n depend_v but_o 2._o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o atheism_n true_o so_o call_v which_o consist_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o a_o direct_a denial_n of_o his_o be_v and_o that_o be_v not_o worship_v he_o he_o that_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n before_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n to_o the_o world_n and_o he_o that_o worship_v he_o not_o at_o all_o be_v a_o atheist_n before_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n too_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o he_o that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o other_o too_o every_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o profess_v religion_n and_o worship_n god_n may_v indeed_o be_v call_v a_o practical_a atheist_n because_o he_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o god._n but_o he_o that_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o make_v no_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o by_o appear_v in_o his_o worship_n be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n renounce_v his_o maker_n before_o the_o world_n and_o it_o can_v be_v more_o true_o say_v of_o any_o one_o than_o of_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world._n and_o therefore_o although_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n yet_o because_o they_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o worship_v he_o they_o be_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n call_v atheist_n this_o however_o be_v also_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o be_v upon_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god._n but_o 2._o idolatry_n be_v oppose_v to_o it_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v that_o impiety_n which_o the_o rule_n be_v chief_o design_v against_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v idolatry_n be_v a_o term_n in_o religion_n or_o divinity_n to_o which_o we_o must_v give_v that_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o and_o i_o think_v all_o be_v agree_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o there_o that_o it_o be_v the_o give_v of_o any_o divine_a worship_n to_o a_o creature_n i._n e._n any_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o these_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n against_o all_o idolatry_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o 1._o all_o honour_n which_o be_v do_v to_o any_o invisible_a be_v beside_o god_n by_o formal_a invocation_n of_o it_o or_o call_v upon_o it_o must_v therefore_o necessary_o be_v idolatry_n because_o it_o ascribe_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o act_n omnipresence_n to_o it_o which_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n 2._o all_o the_o external_a honour_n do_v to_o any_o such_o being_n which_o refer_v to_o that_o service_n be_v also_o idolatrous_a because_o they_o be_v signification_n of_o divine_a honour_n also_o and_o therefore_o dedicate_a church_n and_o altar_n to_o they_o bowing_n kneel_v prostrate_v burn_a incense_n and_o the_o like_a religious_a rite_n perform_v to_o they_o be_v idolatry_n 3._o any_o service_n pay_v to_o a_o create_v be_v that_o be_v either_o visible_a or_o invisible_a see_v or_o not_o see_v present_a or_o absent_a which_o service_n do_v imply_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v god_n or_o ascribe_v any_o divine_a attribute_n to_o it_o or_o much_o more_o that_o service_n which_o in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o be_v give_v to_o god_n himself_o this_o also_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a service_n 4._o the_o worship_n of_o a_o image_n or_o any_o visible_a representation_n of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v idolatrous_a for_o if_o it_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o creature_n it_o can_v can_v escape_v be_v so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o than_o that_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o original_a but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o pretend_a image_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o worship_n of_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v set_v there_o to_o receive_v that_o external_a worship_n at_o least_o which_o be_v due_a to_o that_o invisible_a be_v who_o it_o be_v say_v to_o represent_v but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o to_o none_o but_o he_o i_o pass_v by_o two_o material_a thing_n one_o be_v that_o the_o image-worship_n of_o the_o people_n be_v know_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o expectation_n of_o receive_v benefit_n from_o the_o image_n itself_o which_o make_v the_o idolatry_n to_o be_v very_o gross_a in_o they_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o image_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o outward_a act_n of_o divine_a honour_n by_o all_o that_o worship_v they_o they_o give_v to_o the_o image_n that_o worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n only_o another_o be_v this_o that_o to_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o gross_a dishonour_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o do_v to_o he_o because_o that_o suppose_v the_o godhead_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o wood_n or_o to_o stone_n and_o the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n and_o tend_v to_o corrupt_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n in_o all_o that_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v his_o image_n or_o representation_n but_o i_o do_v not_o place_v idolatry_n in_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o actual_a worship_v of_o it_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o only_o but_o to_o worship_v image_n be_v not_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o god_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o pretend_a image_n of_o he_o be_v another_o all_o this_o i_o make_v bold_a to_o lay_v down_o peremptory_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o worship_n be_v prohibit_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o serve_v god_n only_o and_o that_o these_o prohibit_v worship_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o more_o particular_o prove_v against_o a_o certain_a pretence_n that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n be_v this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o viz._n the_o worship_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o sun_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n or_o any_o other_o visible_a and_o corporeal_a deity_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a godhead_n the_o plain_a english_a of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o idolater_n that_o be_v not_o such_o a_o sot_n as_o to_o take_v something_o which_o he_o know_v can_n neither_o understand_v any_o thing_n nor_o choose_v one_o thing_n before_o another_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n and_o as_o such_o to_o worship_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o must_v take_v something_o which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o it_o than_o a_o piece_n of_o stone_n or_o a_o log_n of_o wood_n and_o exclude_v all_o reference_n that_o it_o can_v have_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o he_o must_v fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n to_o it_o and_o speak_v to_o it_o and_o desire_v it_o to_o bless_v he_o and_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v do_v so_o and_o he_o must_v withal_o take_v it_o for_o his_o supreme_a deity_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o pass_v for_o a_o idolater_n nay_o more_o for_o one_o that_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n as_o those_o israelite_n be_v
divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o any_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n only_o give_v that_o i_o say_v to_o any_o other_o be_v how_o excellent_a soever_o although_o they_o that_o do_v so_o do_v believe_v and_o worship_v the_o supreme_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n all_o the_o while_n for_o by_o idolatry_n they_o can_v understand_v nothing_o but_o what_o go_v for_o idolatry_n under_o the_o law_n see_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o alter_v but_o it_o continue_v just_a the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v before_o as_o these_o very_a word_n do_v witness_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v but_o as_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o argument_n by_o distinguish_v between_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n so_o i_o shall_v now_o close_v it_o by_o compare_v they_o together_o idolatry_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n because_o it_o give_v away_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o another_o but_o atheism_n be_v a_o worse_o because_o that_o be_v a_o renounce_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n they_o who_o do_v not_o serve_v the_o lord_n only_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a impiety_n but_o they_o who_o do_v not_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o at_o all_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a impiety_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o worship_v angel_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o saint_n to_o adore_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o adore_v the_o virgin_n be_v in_o part_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o our_o saviour_n but_o neither_o to_o worship_n or_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n no_o nor_o to_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v utter_o to_o forsake_v he_o and_o to_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o extenuate_v the_o crime_n of_o idolatry_n but_o to_o give_v every_o thing_n its_o due_a and_o to_o leave_v this_o impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o we_o inveigh_v against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o other_o because_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o give_v some_o of_o god_n glory_n to_o his_o creature_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o devout_a and_o in_o very_o good_a earnest_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n least_o by_o degree_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o spirit_n of_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n and_o be_v whole_o estrange_v from_o god_n which_o be_v a_o worse_a case_n than_o solomon_n be_v who_o fall_v into_o the_o idolatry_n of_o his_o neighbour_n fall_v under_o this_o character_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o go_v not_o full_o after_o he_o to_o conclude_v since_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o go_v on_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o and_o to_o be_v sure_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o worship_v he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a in_o religion_n but_o earnest_n and_o fervent_a lest_o we_o forsake_v god_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o irreligion_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o damnable_a as_o idolatry_n let_v it_o appear_v by_o our_o whole_a conversation_n that_o we_o do_v indeed_o worship_v the_o god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o only_o have_v power_n to_o bless_v we_o to_o protect_v and_o keep_v we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o reward_v we_o with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o forever_o the_o six_o sermon_n gen._n xxii_o 12._o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n i._o god_n testimony_n concern_v abraham_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n ii_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o this_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o be_v ground_v which_o be_v his_o offering_n his_o son_n isaac_n to_o god_n because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n this_o i_o say_v be_v god_n testimony_n concern_v he_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n it_o seem_v plain_a that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o do_v sometime_o appear_v to_o the_o patriarch_n for_o the_o word_n be_v see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o i._n e._n from_o god_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o who_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n the_o matter_n god_n testify_v of_o he_o be_v that_o he_o fear_v god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o that_o he_o be_v affect_v suitable_o thereunto_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o phrase_n use_v to_o comprehend_v all_o pious_a affection_n towards_o he_o and_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o same_o latitude_n with_o faith_n the_o praise_n whereof_o be_v ascribe_v to_o abraham_n by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hehrew_n the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v add_v be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o to_o fear_n god_n be_v to_o fear_v he_o as_o god_n that_o be_v before_o and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o consequent_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o incomparable_o and_o infinite_o more_o than_o upon_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o other_o be_v finite_a god_n only_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n testify_v of_o abraham_n in_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v this_o testimony_n of_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n wherein_o we_o find_v he_o do_v now_o know_v i_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n now_o i._n e._n now_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o for_o do_v not_o god_n know_v the_o integrity_n of_o abraham_n heart_n before_o be_v not_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o do_v he_o need_v our_o outward_a action_n that_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o temper_n and_o intention_n by_o they_o it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o one_o another_o thought_n but_o by_o our_o word_n and_o deed_n but_o have_v god_n no_o other_o way_n yes_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o that_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o even_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v within_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v but_o why_o then_o do_v he_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o say_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o speak_n and_o converse_v with_o one_o another_o for_o we_o with_o great_a propriety_n use_v such_o expression_n as_o these_o upon_o such_o extraordinary_a occasion_n if_o from_o my_o friend_n that_o have_v always_o profess_v great_a kindness_n to_o i_o i_o receive_v some_o notable_a benefit_n in_o my_o distress_n not_o without_o hazard_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o i_o to_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o he_o love_v i_o now_o i_o know_v he_o be_v indeed_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a friend_n though_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o before_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o confirmation_n and_o strengthen_n of_o my_o belief_n that_o in_o comparison_n thereto_o i_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o it_o before_o in_o allusion_n to_o such_o expression_n it_o be_v that_o god_n use_v these_o word_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n not_o in_o intimation_n of_o his_o have_v now_o gain_v great_a assurance_n of_o abraham_n integrity_n than_o he_o have_v before_o abraham_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o have_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o worship_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o god_n see_v all_o along_o that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_a man_n and_o this_o no_o less_o before_o he_o be_v bid_v to_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n than_o after_o he_o have_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o slay_v he_o upon_o the_o
come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o casual_a hit_n of_o atom_n to_o name_v these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o confute_v they_o 2._o all_o that_o can_v be_v far_o desire_v be_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n but_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a write_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n by_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v most_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o doctrine_n be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n 4_o and_o last_o whereas_o these_o prediction_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o more_o convince_a testimony_n to_o jesus_n than_o any_o other_o take_v by_o its_o self_n they_o be_v indeed_o a_o more_o permanent_a testimony_n and_o withal_o less_o liable_a to_o cavil_v and_o objection_n i_o can_v stand_v to_o show_v this_o by_o make_v particular_a comparison_n but_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o prophecy_n include_v all_o other_o testimony_n and_o add_v strength_n to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o comprehend_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n because_o these_o be_v all_o foretold_a it_o include_v all_o other_o proof_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n prove_v and_o those_o proof_n be_v the_o more_o convince_a because_o they_o also_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n from_o all_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o allow_v the_o scripture_n that_o tradition_n which_o other_o good_a history_n have_v and_o which_o they_o have_v more_o of_o than_o any_o other_o ancient_a write_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o well_o be_v it_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o christianity_n must_v never_o look_v a_o infidel_n in_o the_o face_n since_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o i_o will_v make_v bold_a to_o add_v that_o when_o all_o those_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v put_v into_o this_o form_n of_o book_n from_o the_o light_a oversight_n of_o transcriber_n from_o various_a reading_n and_o all_o the_o cavil_n upon_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v put_v together_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o run_v through_o it_o all_o will_v bear_v all_o this_o reckon_n and_o still_o remain_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o first_o author_n be_v inspire_v that_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o that_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n well_o therefore_o might_n st._n peter_n commend_v the_o jewish_a convert_v for_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n since_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o well-grounded_n faith_n indeed_o and_o to_o grow_v every_o day_n to_o great_a assurance_n and_o steadfastness_n therein_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v exhort_v to_o like_a diligence_n in_o converse_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o doubt_n if_o any_o there_o be_v that_o shake_v our_o faith_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o exhortation_n be_v so_o needful_a that_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n in_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o who_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o exclude_v all_o but_o the_o clergy_n and_o those_o that_o have_v special_a licence_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o promiscuous_a liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n lead_v the_o people_n into_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n make_v they_o insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o ready_a to_o throw_v off_o all_o respect_n to_o their_o lawful_a guide_n that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v from_o misinterpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o to_o translate_v the_o bible_n into_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o read_v it_o be_v to_o betray_v they_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o infinite_a error_n which_o they_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o fall_v into_o by_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o we_o will_v keep_v child_n from_o meddle_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o lay_v sword_n out_o of_o mad-men_n way_n now_o if_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a the_o bible_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o that_o pretend_v this_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o the_o bible_n i_o shall_v omit_v several_a advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v against_o this_o flourish_n because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v show_v very_o brief_o that_o it_o pretend_v thing_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n hang_v well_o together_o that_o it_o take_v thing_n for_o grant_v that_o be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o it_o conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v by_o the_o clergy_n as_o by_o the_o laity_n it_o pretend_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o hang_v well_o together_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o bible_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o people_n throw_v off_o all_o dependence_n upon_o the_o priest_n as_o to_z instruction_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o there_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o it_o by_o mistake_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o they_o will_v be_v lead_v into_o heresy_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o way_n of_o damnation_n now_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n say_v this_o of_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o they_o which_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a man_n have_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o modest_a dependence_n upon_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o not_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o they_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o their_o pastor_n in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n than_o the_o several_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o warning_n that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o have_v give_v of_o the_o danger_n that_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n be_v in_o of_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v make_v people_n modest_a if_o they_o be_v geneal_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n i_o add_v 2._o that_o this_o argue_v take_v thing_n for_o grant_v which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o point_n of_o fact_n all_o the_o faithful_n ancient_o have_v the_o scripture_n but_o we_o find_v little_a complaint_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n then_o of_o the_o wantonness_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o people_n so_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n that_o all_o will_v diligent_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o christian_n people_n that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v then_o but_o require_v to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o yet_o they_o modest_o attend_v upon_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o far_a instruction_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o man_n in_o late_a age_n have_v gross_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o be_v set_v right_o by_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o interpret_v they_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o people_n ungovernable_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v
prescription_n and_o authority_n when_o it_o have_v stand_v long_o enough_o to_o have_v some_o colour_n for_o antiquity_n and_o have_v obtain_v interest_n enough_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o universality_n than_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n god_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v that_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v that_o prefer_v truth_n before_o glorious_a name_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o applause_n and_o flattery_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world._n god_n bear_v long_o with_o all_o the_o provocation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o permit_v heresy_n which_o be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o these_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n bear_v with_o infinite_a patience_n those_o provocation_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o which_o he_o can_v be_v avenge_v of_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o which_o he_o utter_o abominate_v which_o be_v the_o first_o observation_n upon_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o second_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o just_a in_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o incurable_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n when_o their_o iniquity_n be_v full_a and_o ripe_a for_o vengeance_n for_o as_o there_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n see_v for_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o while_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v grow_v from_o bad_a to_o worse_o so_o at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o period_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v see_v when_o their_o iniquity_n be_v full_a to_o grow_v worse_o for_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o criminal_a presumption_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o man_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o quite_o to_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o he_o either_o approve_v or_o at_o least_o connive_n at_o their_o impiety_n then_o the_o same_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o hitherto_o have_v keep_v off_o their_o punishment_n will_v bring_v they_o on_o swift_o and_o sudden_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n if_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o the_o impudence_n of_o sinner_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o flourish_n long_o there_o will_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o honest_a man_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o last_v always_o the_o temptation_n will_v at_o length_n grow_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o god_n exercise_v his_o own_o patience_n that_o good_a man_n may_v exercise_v they_o at_o length_n he_o show_v his_o justice_n to_o reward_v their_o patience_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v a_o forbearance_n guide_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o severity_n that_o be_v also_o guide_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o have_v any_o mixture_n of_o that_o selfishness_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o sometime_o be_v and_o sometime_o be_v not_o severe_a with_o those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o this_o be_v the_o true_a justice_n of_o punishment_n to_o respect_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v commit_v and_o to_o punish_v for_o that_o reason_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o no_o instance_n more_o than_o when_o god_n punish_v after_o long_o spare_v for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o selfish_n or_o a_o passionate_a be_v he_o have_v never_o suffer_v man_n to_o go_v on_o so_o long_o together_o in_o the_o most_o provoke_v way_n of_o wickedness_n because_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v they_o long_o before_o as_o he_o punish_v they_o at_o last_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o punish_v they_o at_o last_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o common_a good_a require_v it_o and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a good_a end_n to_o which_o god_n patience_n tend_v in_o bear_v with_o general_a impiety_n so_o long_o as_o he_o often_o do_v so_o there_o be_v as_o many_o to_o which_o his_o justice_n tend_v in_o take_v vengeance_n of_o they_o at_o last_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o his_o providence_n be_v not_o asleep_o before_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o clear_a instruction_n that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o presume_v upon_o god_n favour_n mere_o because_o they_o prosper_v in_o their_o way_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v measure_v his_o love_n or_o his_o anger_n by_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o by_o what_o happen_v to_o they_o since_o they_o who_o do_v the_o same_o wicked_a thing_n may_v go_v unpunished_a from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o and_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o generation_n may_v suffer_v for_o they_o 3._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o forget_v to_o call_v our_o past_a sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o they_o since_o if_o god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n in_o this_o life_n the_o like_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o our_o riper_n year_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o our_o life_n 4._o that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n to_o ourselves_o to_o prevent_v his_o anger_n from_o flame_v out_o against_o we_o because_o otherwise_o we_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god._n the_o truth_n be_v these_o be_v the_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o both_o those_o consideration_n that_o i_o lay_v before_o you_o from_o the_o text_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inculcate_v again_o and_o 1._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v either_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o god_n providence_n or_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o error_n the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o wickedness_n be_v so_o different_a from_o one_o another_o as_o be_v pretend_v in_o religion_n we_o have_v i_o say_v no_o reason_n to_o perplex_v ourselves_o about_o these_o thing_n because_o for_o many_o generation_n god_n have_v suffer_v deceit_n and_o violence_n to_o prevail_v to_o spread_v and_o to_o flourish_v in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o as_o a_o man_n his_o way_n be_v above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n when_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o so_o many_o past_a age_n wherein_o religion_n have_v be_v make_v a_o formal_a pretence_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n upon_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n support_v by_o fraud_n and_o force_n it_o be_v foolish_o do_v of_o we_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o with_o doubt_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o not_o since_o it_o please_v god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o suffer_v the_o contrary_a to_o prevail_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o some_o age_n to_o baffle_v all_o opposition_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o impatient_a of_o high_a indignity_n and_o great_a provocation_n ready_a to_o kindle_v upon_o any_o notable_a affront_n or_o however_o unable_a to_o bear_v repeat_v and_o long_o continue_a injury_n no_o doubt_n if_o our_o opinion_n have_v be_v ask_v the_o luxury_n of_o the_o old_a world_n shall_v have_v be_v mortify_v by_o some_o amaze_a judgement_n and_o the_o flood_n shall_v have_v be_v spare_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o new_a race_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v prevent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n banish_v long_o before_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o mahomet_n shall_v either_o have_v never_o appear_v or_o he_o shall_v have_v glare_v only_o like_o a_o comet_n and_o so_o go_v out_o instead_o of_o sound_v so_o vast_a and_o so_o long_a a_o empire_n as_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v do_v but_o let_v we_o leave_v god_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o be_v content_a that_o he_o shall_v rule_v we_o we_o be_v too_o angry_a and_o too_o passionate_a to_o say_v how_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v and_o never_o more_o foolish_a than_o when_o we_o will_v from_o god_n providence_n make_v conclusion_n contrary_a to_o his_o word_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o say_v what_o the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n the_o god_n of_o patience_n the_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o goodness_n and_o of_o infinite_a power_n shall_v do_v it_o be_v the_o least_o honour_n we_o can_v give_v he_o to_o allow_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v best_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o
all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_n judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_n come_v to_o judge_n the_o world._n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_n other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o scandalous_a way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o immorality_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o god_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o use_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o those_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o oppression_n violence_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n error_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o scandalous_a example_n shall_v for_o some_o age_n reign_v no_o less_o than_o before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o shake_v the_o faith_n even_o of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o amaze_a consideration_n and_o though_o the_o noble_a example_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affure_v expectation_n of_o a_o large_a progress_n that_o christianity_n will_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o better_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v answer_v the_o objection_n yet_o that_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o bad_a under_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v what_o may_v raise_v some_o admiration_n but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o establish_v a_o religion_n which_o shall_v either_o by_o its_o truth_n convince_v or_o by_o its_o power_n reform_v mankind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o both_o purpose_n if_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o suffer_v the_o concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o above_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o universal_a reformation_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o man_n will_v not_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o the_o gospel_n be_v furnish_v with_o no_o irresistible_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o natural_a liberty_n they_o have_v before_o with_o a_o provision_n of_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o likely_a that_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o corrupt_v by_o other_o and_o by_o many_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n that_o several_a to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v will_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o several_a that_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o time_n that_o it_o will_v be_v mix_v with_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o frame_v to_o the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n nay_o the_o better_a and_o more_o divine_a a_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o violent_o it_o will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o the_o more_o certain_o corrupt_v by_o other_o so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n not_o to_o overbear_v the_o world_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o by_o force_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n it_o have_v rather_o be_v much_o more_o strange_a if_o it_o have_v escape_v opposition_n and_o corruption_n than_o to_o have_v be_v both_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v as_o it_o have_v thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o it_o
will_v be_v take_v heed_n lest_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thus_o he_o foretell_v how_o christianity_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o imposture_n and_o fraud_n again_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o shall_v many_o be_v offend_v and_o shall_v betray_v one_o another_o and_o shall_v hate_v one_o another_o thus_o he_o foretell_v the_o violence_n that_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o extinguish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n again_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o thes_n 2._o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o fearful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n again_o say_v he_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n trucebreaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a highminded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o terrible_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o again_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanskgiving_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o here_o be_v as_o plain_a warning_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a time_n even_o after_o christ_n first_o come_v and_o so_o that_o be_v express_o foretell_v which_o the_o text_n evident_o suppose_v for_o here_o will_v be_v glorious_a pretence_n to_o deceive_v violence_n to_o compel_v and_o wicked_a example_n to_o offend_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o provision_n have_v our_o lord_n leave_v to_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v mislead_v where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v we_o at_o first_o by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v they_o must_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a example_n and_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v when_o they_o shall_v happen_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o either_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o or_o at_o least_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v neglect_v all_o care_n of_o it_o since_o because_o it_o do_v so_o little_a good_a as_o yet_o in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o error_n and_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o oppose_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o
faith_n they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v esteem_v heretic_n because_o they_o undertake_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o instead_o of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n that_o have_v betray_v and_o murder_v the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o sedition_n too_o as_o if_o they_o design_v to_o make_v stir_v and_o commotion_n and_o to_o alienate_v the_o people_n from_o their_o governor_n thus_o when_o paul_n and_o silas_n have_v convert_v a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a greek_n and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n at_o thessalonica_n the_o jew_n who_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o envy_n take_v unto_o they_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n and_o draw_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o ruler_n cry_v these_o that_o have_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o be_v come_v hither_o also_o who_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o caesar_n say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o king_n one_o jesus_n act_v 17.5_o 6._o and_o yet_o they_o never_o make_v one_o step_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n towards_o depose_v prince_n and_o change_a government_n jesus_n indeed_o who_o have_v command_v they_o to_o pay_v tribute_n unto_o caesar_n have_v also_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n which_o caesar_n be_v then_o of_o and_o this_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o accusation_n of_o faction_n and_o disloyalty_n thus_o also_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n be_v bring_v before_o foelix_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n complain_v by_o tertullian_n their_o orator_n that_o they_o have_v find_v he_o a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o all_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n act_v 24.5_o 3._o they_o conclude_v they_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v do_v it_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v it_o think_v so_o impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v save_v that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o they_o still_o ought_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o will_v have_v mingle_v judaisme_n and_o christianity_n together_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 15.1_o 4._o as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n to_o damn_v first_o and_o then_o to_o kill_v they_o deliver_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o death_n and_o pretend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o it_o for_o which_o we_o may_v take_v those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n describe_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o and_o what_o his_o own_o once_o be_v say_v he_o i_o be_v teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v zealous_a towards_o god_n as_o you_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 22.3_o 4._o and_o in_o chap._n 26._o v._n 10_o 11._o he_o declare_v that_o he_o persecute_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 he_o persecute_v they_o even_o into_o strange_a city_n such_o be_v the_o entertainment_n they_o have_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v first_o deliver_v but_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v among_o the_o gentile_n they_o condemn_v it_o too_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v run_v down_o as_o if_o it_o have_v bring_v irreligion_n and_o atheism_n into_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o ancient_a apologist_n be_v fain_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o this_o absurd_a accusation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o and_o not_o to_o serve_v many_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v devotion_n without_o bow_v down_o to_o image_n and_o religion_n and_o worship_n without_o idolatry_n and_o better_o a_o great_a deal_n without_o these_o thing_n than_o with_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v exclaim_v against_o as_o a_o late_a upstart_n religion_n that_o begin_v but_o yesterday_o and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v hiss_v than_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o world._n they_o use_v to_o ask_v the_o christian_n what_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o can_v name_v either_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n that_o make_v their_o profession_n and_o have_v their_o rite_n and_o worship_n before_o jesus_n appear_v you_o have_v forsake_v say_v they_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o father_n that_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o old_a time_n in_o all_o city_n and_o country_n you_o have_v revolt_v from_o a_o worship_n which_o have_v have_v the_o tradition_n of_o all_o age_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o king_n and_o people_n law_n maker_n and_o philosopher_n and_o by_o almost_o all_o the_o world_n till_o such_o as_o you_o appear_v who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o 3._o they_o try_v to_o overwhelm_v it_o with_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a untruth_n they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o sun_n nay_o that_o they_o adore_v a_o asses-head_n and_o sometime_o a_o cross_n they_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n they_o kill_v a_o child_n and_o commit_v incest_n they_o also_o upon_o no_o occasion_n in_o the_o world_n disarm_v they_o as_o a_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a people_n and_o accuse_v they_o of_o treason_n though_o none_o ever_o set_v better_a example_n of_o fidelity_n to_o their_o governor_n to_o conclude_v our_o predecessor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v now_o and_o then_o condemn_v to_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n and_o it_o be_v often_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o safe_a to_o be_v some_o notorious_a malefactor_n than_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o a_o word_n the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o that_o opposition_n which_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n new_a god_n every_o day_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o temple_n at_o rome_n with_o some_o formality_n and_o without_o trouble_n but_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n come_v to_o call_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v jew_n and_o gentile_n conspire_v to_o extinguish_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o their_o name_n for_o ever_o insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n can_v tell_v st._n paul_n as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o those_o therefore_o who_o god_n justify_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v condemn_v by_o man_n which_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o of_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v for_o instance_n 1._o that_o hatred_n of_o truth_n which_o reign_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n they_o can_v bear_v sound_a doctrine_n nor_o can_v they_o therefore_o bear_v those_o that_o profess_v and_o practice_v it_o truth_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v be_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o so_o long_o as_o pride_n lust_n avarice_n revenge_n luxury_n and_o such_o thing_n remain_v there_o will_v be_v so_o many_o cause_n of_o condemn_v that_o which_o god_n approve_v to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o inflexibleness_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o of_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o to_o the_o design_n of_o worldly_a man_n christianity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v suffer_v no_o addition_n or_o alteration_n it_o be_v stiff_a and_o will_v not_o bend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o priest_n or_o of_o statesman_n as_o all_o that_o will_v which_o the_o heathen_n call_v religion_n among_o themselves_o whilst_o it_o be_v keep_v in_o wise_a and_o honest_a hand_n and_o true_o represent_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o cheat_v no_o allowance_n for_o pious_a fraud_n no_o place_n for_o convenient_a invention_n innovatiou_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o they_o will_v be_v corruption_n of_o both_o without_o tamper_n with_o it_o it_o can_v not_o serve_v the_o ambition_n of_o a_o few_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o while_o it_o be_v pure_a they_o can_v not_o bear_v it_o who_o gain_n be_v their_o godliness_n and_o who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o tell_v lie_v in_o hypocrifie_n 3._o the_o proneness_n of_o mankind_n to_o superstition_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o disapprove_v what_o god_n approve_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v according_a to_o their_o religion_n for_o a_o