of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n great_a reason_n there_o be_v therefore_o why_o all_o christian_n shall_v follow_v their_o faith_n and_o make_v their_o conversation_n more_o especial_o the_o pattern_n of_o their_o life_n the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o these_o fountain_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a pattern_n of_o christian_a practice_n have_v be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o foul_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o father_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n but_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n and_o trent_n thus_o have_v they_o forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v hew_v to_o themselves_o break_v cistern_n that_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n nay_o they_o have_v stop_v 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in_o these_o four_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o stability_n of_o it_o 3._o of_o their_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o it_o 4._o of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o it_o in_o a_o good_a conversation_n all_o these_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o expression_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v these_o primitive_a pattern_n in_o the_o sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v be_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n free_a from_o all_o mixture_n of_o humane_a addition_n and_o invention_n and_o not_o make_v up_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n not_o like_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv_o which_o be_v now_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n consist_v of_o the_o 12_o old_a aricles_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o as_o many_o new_a one_o coin_a and_o stamp_v by_o their_o late_a council_n this_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o pattern_n of_o christianity_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o st._n judas_n call_v it_o this_o be_v to_o have_v our_o faith_n stand_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o not_o on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereas_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o guide_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o speak_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_o charge_v here_o in_o the_o text._n 2._o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v they_o in_o the_o stability_n and_o firmness_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v shake_v and_o remove_v from_o it_o by_o every_o wind_n of_o new_a doctrine_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v unchangeable_a as_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o by_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a guide_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o follow_v immediate_o after_o the_o text_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v frequent_o call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v they_o in_o the_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o discountenance_n and_o opposition_n the_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v which_o attend_v the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n sufficient_o intimate_v in_o this_o epistle_n to_o have_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o therefore_o he_o propose_v so_o many_o example_n to_o they_o of_o constant_a and_o patient_a suffer_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o primitive_a martyr_n as_o well_o as_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n he_o have_v before_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o live_a example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o actual_a persecution_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o gospel_n v._o 3._o remember_v those_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n and_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n and_o here_o in_o the_o 7._o v._n he_o seem_v to_o propose_v the_o pattern_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o dye_v for_o the_o faith_n remember_v those_o who_o have_v be_v your_o guide_n and_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v render_v the_o last_o act_n of_o their_o life_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n perhaps_o by_o martyrdom_n as_o if_o have_v say_v imitate_v they_o in_o their_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n even_o to_o the_o last_o in_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o it_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v if_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o aopstle_n mean_v their_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o last_o and_o their_o die_v in_o if_o not_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v
that_o i_o be_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n you_o shall_v put_v up_o all_o your_o prayer_n and_o request_n to_o god_n in_o my_o name_n and_o i_o say_v not_o unto_o you_o that_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o that_o be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o though_o i_o shall_v certain_o do_v it_o that_o i_o will_v intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o he_o of_o himself_o be_v kind_o dispose_v and_o affect_v towards_o you_o for_o my_o sake_n the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o because_o you_o have_v love_v we_o st._n paul_n likewise_o command_v christian_n to_o perform_v all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n col._n 3.16_o 17._o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o this_o precept_n of_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o it_o be_v give_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o to_o that_o superstition_n which_o have_v begin_v so_o early_o to_o prevail_v among_o some_o christian_n at_o calosse_n and_o laodicea_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o angel_n against_o which_o he_o have_v caution_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n ver._n 18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n beguile_v you_o of_o your_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n intimate_v that_o for_o christian_n to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o be_v a_o defection_n from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n theodoret_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o this_o place_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o who_o maintain_v a_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n assert_v also_o that_o angel_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o they_o and_o this_o custom_n he_o tell_v we_o remain_v a_o long_a time_n in_o phrygia_n and_o pisidia_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n in_o phrygia_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n forbid_v christian_n by_o a_o law_n to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o those_o word_n chap._n 3._o ver._n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o for_o because_o say_v he_o they_o mean_v those_o of_o who_o st._n paul_n warn_v the_o colossian_n to_o beware_v because_o they_o do_v command_v man_n to_o worship_n angel_n he_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a that_o they_o shall_v adorn_v both_o their_o word_n and_o action_n with_o the_o memory_n or_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o send_v you_o up_o say_v he_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o not_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o then_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n which_o say_v he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o cure_v that_o old_a disease_n make_v it_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v pray_v unto_o angel_n nor_o forsake_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o some_o relic_n of_o that_o impious_a custom_n of_o pray_v to_o angel_n which_o theodoret_n here_o call_v that_o old_a disease_n have_v continue_v from_o st._n paul_n time_n to_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o severe_a canon_n then_o make_v about_o that_o matter_n the_o very_a word_n whereof_o i_o will_v set_v down_o because_o they_o be_v remarkable_a viz._n that_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o go_v away_o from_o it_o and_o to_o invocate_v angel_n and_o to_o make_v conventicle_n all_o which_o be_v forbid_v if_o any_o therefore_o be_v find_v give_v himself_o to_o this_o secret_a idolatry_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n because_o he_o have_v forsake_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v go_v over_o to_o idolatry_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o secret_o and_o in_o their_o private_a devotion_n but_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a office_n of_o their_o church_n invocate_v angel_n and_o pray_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v pray_v to_o angel_n or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o which_o st_n paul_n here_o reprove_v so_o severe_o in_o the_o colossian_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o frequent_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a way_n to_o god_n and_o by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v all_o our_o request_n to_o god_n john_n 14.6_o jesus_n there_o say_v unto_o thomas_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n to_o the_o father_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n heb._n 10.19_o 20._o have_v therefore_o boldnenss_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holieft_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o that_o be_v we_o can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n or_o by_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o by_o he_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o eph._n 2.18_o for_o through_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n we_o both_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n we_o both_o that_o be_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n have_v access_n to_o god_n by_o their_o high_a priest_n who_o intercee_v with_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n the_o gentile_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o innumerable_a mediator_n by_o angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o depart_a hero_n which_o be_v the_o pagan_a saint_n instead_o of_o all_o these_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o all_o mankind_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n reason_n chap._n 7.24_o 25._o but_o this_o person_n speak_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o continue_v for_o ever_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o priesthood_n which_o do_v not_o pass_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o priesthood_n under_o the_o law_n do_v when_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o high_a priest_n another_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n but_o our_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n since_o he_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n and_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o and_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v any_o other_o so_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o since_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o second_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o one_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o st._n john_n call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o
heresy_n of_o the_o collyridians_n which_o he_o call_v the_o heresy_n of_o the_o woman_n because_o they_o first_o begin_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n declare_v most_o express_o against_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o for_o neither_o say_v he_o be_v elias_n to_o be_v worship_v though_o he_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o live_n meaning_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n body_n and_o soul_n nor_o john_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o as_o for_o the_o virgin_n mary_n he_o particular_o add_v that_o if_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o worship_v the_o angel_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o not_o have_v we_o to_o worship_v she_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o anna_n and_o conclude_v let_v mary_n be_v have_v in_o honour_n but_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v worship_v st._n chrysostom_n in_o a_o long_a discourse_n persuade_v man_n to_o address_v their_o prayer_n immediate_o to_o god_n and_o not_o as_o we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o great_a man_n by_o their_o officer_n and_o favourite_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o intercessor_n with_o god_n who_o be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o grant_v our_o petition_n when_o we_o entreat_v he_o by_o other_o as_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o he_o ourselves_o last_o st._n augustine_n because_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v he_o accurse_v that_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o man_n from_o thence_o he_o argue_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o ask_v of_o any_o other_o but_o of_o our_o lord_n god_n either_o the_o grace_n to_o do_v well_o or_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v do_v in_o several_a of_o the_o public_a prayer_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o l._n 12._o de_fw-la civ_o dei_fw-la he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v recite_v in_o their_o prayer_n at_o the_o altar_n but_o they_o be_v not_o invocate_v by_o the_o priest_n who_o do_v celebrate_v divine_a service_n and_o in_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o be_v in_o st._n augustin_n time_n it_o be_v enjoin_v can._n 33._o that_o all_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v at_o the_o altar_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o father_n which_o how_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o all_o know_v to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o prayer_n to_o saint_n in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n till_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eight_o century_n for_o in_o the_o year_n 754._o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v condemn_v by_o a_o council_n of_o 338_o bishop_n at_o constantinople_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o first_o establish_v this_o superstition_n in_o the_o year_n 787_o and_o this_o very_a council_n be_v condemn_v seven_o year_n after_o in_o a_o council_n at_o frankfort_n and_o declare_v void_a and_o to_o be_v no_o otherwise_o esteem_v of_o than_o the_o council_n of_o ariminum_n thus_o you_o see_v when_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v first_o establish_v namely_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o when_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v lay_v which_o as_o they_o begin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o they_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o go_v together_o i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v namely_o to_o answer_v the_o chief_a pretence_n which_o be_v make_v for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o of_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n sermon_n iu._n christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n the_o three_o sermon_n on_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o in_o the_o two_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text_n i_o have_v treat_v on_o the_o second_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o from_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n in_o treat_v on_o this_o proposition_n i_o show_v first_o that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n second_o ii_o vol._n ii_o that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o one_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v idolatry_n out_o of_o it_o three_o that_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n four_o i_o show_v how_o contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n this_o i_o endeavour_v to_o do_v by_o show_v one_a how_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2_o how_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o 3d._a place_n to_o answer_v the_o chief_a pretence_n and_o excuse_n which_o be_v make_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n iu._n serm._n iu._n for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o 1._o that_o they_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n but_o do_v not_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o in_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n if_o they_o go_v no_o far_a they_o say_v that_o which_o they_o can_v never_o make_v good_a because_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n angel_n or_o saint_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o scripture_n where_o our_o saviour_n command_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o direct_v and_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n only_o and_o st._n paul_n likewise_o forbid_v the_o worship_a angel_n by_o invocate_a of_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n which_o theodoret_n express_o interpret_v concern_v the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o they_o as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n declare_v this_o practice_n to_o be_v idolatry_n beside_o that_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n never_o speak_v of_o pray_v to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o and_o do_v express_o condemn_v the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n much_o more_o of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v inferior_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o always_o define_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o address_n to_o god_n a_o converse_v and_o discourse_v with_o god_n which_o will_v be_v a_o false_a definition_n of_o prayer_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o any_o but_o to_o god_n only_o all_o which_o consider_v one_o may_v just_o wonder_v at_o the_o confidence_n of_o some_o man_n who_o will_v have_v it_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o any_o proof_n that_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v lawful_a 2._o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v only_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a but_o do_v not_o require_v and_o enjoin_v it_o as_o some_o of_o their_o late_a writer_n pretend_v with_o what_o face_n can_v this_o be_v say_v when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o prayer_n to_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o their_o church_n in_o which_o all_o be_v suppose_v to_o join_v as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n by_o the_o priest_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o people_n understand_v neither_o but_o they_o be_v present_a at_o both_o and_o join_v in_o both_o alike_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o join_v in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v as_o that_o church_n suppose_v people_n may_v do_v and_o receive_v great_a edification_n
into_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n be_v frequent_o defraud_v of_o their_o due_a praise_n and_o reputation_n while_o alive_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o security_n good_a man_n have_v of_o a_o good_a name_n after_o death_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v give_v partly_o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v concern_v herein_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o any_o man_n concern_v himself_o to_o secure_v to_o good_a man_n the_o proper_a reward_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n now_o praise_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a recompense_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n this_o good_a man_n seldom_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o allay_n and_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o proper_a season_n when_o our_o work_n be_v do_v and_o when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o act_v their_o part_n well_o to_o see_v good_a man_n applaud_v when_o they_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o generosity_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a of_o fame_n and_o though_o man_n care_v not_o how_o soon_o it_o come_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o after_o death_n rather_o than_o not_o at_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n will_v be_v but_o very_o melancholy_a and_o uncomfortable_a thing_n if_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a as_o never_o to_o meet_v with_o due_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n but_o when_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o reward_n one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o experience_n this_o be_v a_o great_a spur_n and_o encouragement_n to_o do_v virtuous_o and_o a_o great_a mind_n that_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o reputation_n and_o a_o good_a name_n will_v be_v content_a to_o lay_v in_o for_o it_o beforehand_o and_o patient_o to_o wait_v the_o time_n which_o god_n know_v fit_a for_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v give_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n because_o death_n remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n of_o a_o good_a man_n reputation_n for_o than_o his_o defect_n be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o man_n be_v content_v that_o his_o imperfection_n shall_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o grave_n with_o he_o death_n have_v put_v he_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n his_o worth_n and_o excellency_n do_v now_o no_o long_o stand_v in_o other_o man_n light_n his_o great_a virtue_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o comparison_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o live_n mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la the_o example_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v not_o so_o cut_v a_o reproof_n to_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o live_n the_o good_a man_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o his_o example_n how_o bright_a soever_o be_v not_o so_o scorch_a and_o troublesome_a at_o a_o distance_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v general_o content_v to_o give_v he_o his_o due_a character_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a civility_n in_o humane_a nature_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o wrong_v the_o dead_a and_o to_o deny_v they_o the_o just_a commendation_n of_o their_o worth_n even_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o bad_a a_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v though_o they_o be_v just_a like_o their_o father_n in_o persecute_v and_o slay_v the_o prophet_n while_o they_o be_v alive_a yet_o have_v they_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o think_v no_o honour_n too_o great_a to_o be_v do_v to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o raise_v monument_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o their_o father_n have_v slay_v and_o who_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v use_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n have_v they_o either_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o prophet_n or_o those_o prophet_n have_v live_v in_o their_o day_n as_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n have_v pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n 3._o that_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n we_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o imitate_v their_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v for_o many_o age_n do_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o mean_v more_o especial_o to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o who_o honour_n the_o christian_a church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v apart_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o this_o certain_o can_v with_o no_o good_a colour_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o when_o david_n here_o say_v the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n he_o can_v certain_o be_v think_v to_o exclude_v the_o most_o solemn_a way_n of_o commemorate_n their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v this_o custom_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o where_o forbid_v nay_o it_o be_v rather_o require_v here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o best_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n be_v thus_o to_o commemorate_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n the_o set_n before_o our_o eye_n the_o holy_a life_n of_o excellent_a man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o though_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v so_o ancient_a as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v begin_v in_o some_o of_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n memoriae_fw-la martyrum_fw-la the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o tomb_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v practise_v long_o before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o western_a church_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v wont_v at_o those_o meeting_n solemn_o to_o commemorate_v the_o faith_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o good_a man_n and_o to_o encourage_v themselves_o from_o their_o example_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o gross_a superstition_n which_o afterward_o give_v colour_n and_o occasion_n to_o that_o gross_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o worship_v saint_n but_o this_o abuse_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o give_v over_o the_o celebrate_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o holy_a man_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o propound_v they_o to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o pattern_n we_o may_v still_o lawful_o give_v they_o their_o due_a honour_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v so_o overdo_v it_o as_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o he_o 2._o let_v this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n this_o to_o a_o generous_a nature_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n be_v no_o small_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n before_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n one_o of_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o worthy_a and_o virtuous_a deed_n be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n which_o man_n have_v of_o
very_o grievous_a to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o i_o mean_v to_o worship_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o great_a disparagement_n of_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o the_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n with_o god_n for_o we_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n but_o have_v express_o command_v the_o contrary_a to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o to_o serve_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o alone_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o romer_n the_o scripture_n no_o where_o propound_v the_o saint_n to_o we_o for_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n but_o for_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o great_a respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o we_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o pay_v to_o they_o and_o whatever_o be_v beyond_o this_o be_v a_o voluntary_a humility_n injurious_a to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o most_o certain_o displease_v to_o those_o who_o we_o pretend_v to_o honour_n if_o they_o know_v how_o man_n play_v the_o fool_n about_o they_o here_o below_o let_v we_o then_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a action_n of_o their_o life_n in_o their_o constant_a patience_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o thereto_o and_o we_o may_v be_v like_o they_o if_o we_o do_v but_o sincere_o endeavour_v it_o and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o end_n for_o these_o example_n be_v not_o leave_v for_o our_o admiration_n only_o but_o for_o our_o imitation_n we_o frequent_o read_v the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o choose_v rather_o lazy_o to_o admire_v they_o than_o vigorous_o to_o follow_v they_o as_o if_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v miraculous_a and_o not_o at_o all_o intend_a for_o the_o imitation_n of_o succeed_a age_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v alter_v since_o that_o time_n as_o if_o christianity_n be_v then_o in_o its_o youthful_a age_n and_o vigour_n but_o be_v since_o decay_v and_o grow_v old_a and_o have_v quite_o lose_v its_o power_n and_o virtue_n and_o indeed_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n live_v at_o such_o a_o faint_a and_o careless_a rate_n as_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o either_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v fable_n or_o else_o that_o the_o force_n of_o christianity_n be_v strange_o abate_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o be_v retire_v to_o the_o father_n but_o truth_n never_o grow_v old_a and_o those_o law_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o as_o reasonable_a and_o apt_a to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o ever_o god_n be_v the_o same_o he_o be_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v still_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n intercede_v powerful_o for_o sinner_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o as_o true_a and_o powerful_a as_o ever_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n like_o ourselves_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n that_o we_o be_v and_o compass_v about_o with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n so_o that_o although_o that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o god_n endow_v they_o withal_o for_o the_o first_o plant_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v now_o cease_v yet_o the_o sanctify_a power_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n do_v still_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o work_v the_o same_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a and_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v follow_v their_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o it_o even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o from_o a_o idle_a admire_v of_o those_o excellent_a pattern_n proceed_v to_o a_o vigorous_a imitation_n of_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v even_o that_o matter_n and_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o ourselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o tertullian_n admonetur_fw-la omnis_fw-la aet_fw-la as_o fieri_fw-la posse_fw-la quod_fw-la aliquando_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v he_o convince_v that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v there_o have_v be_v such_o holy_a and_o excellent_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v such_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n since_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v now_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n sermon_n ix_o the_o encouragement_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o deny_v he_o preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n st._n paul_n encourage_v timothy_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o verse_n 1_o thou_o therefore_o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o verse_n 3_o thou_o therefore_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o animate_v he_o in_o his_o resolution_n he_o quote_v a_o say_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v well_o know_v and_o firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n a_o say_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n full_a of_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n full_a of_o terror_n to_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v deny_v it_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n this_o be_v a_o preface_n use_v by_o this_o apostle_n to_o introduce_v some_o remarkable_a sentence_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n and_o concernment_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o chap._n 4.8_o 9_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n titus_n 3.8_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o ix_o serm._n ix_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o same_o preface_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o say_n he_o be_v about_o to_o mention_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o the_o first_o two_o sentence_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o suffer_v with_o christ_n and_o for_o he_o and_o
to_o saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o sacrilegious_a deprive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o half_a the_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n plain_a institution_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n a_o zeal_n for_o that_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v in_o any_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o dostrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n not_o only_o without_o any_o sufficient_a authority_n from_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a gross_a error_n and_o practice_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n the_o degree_n whereof_o be_v manifest_o disproportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a when_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o great_a and_o fierce_a zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n than_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a severity_n than_o for_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o omission_n and_o neglect_v of_o some_o senseless_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n than_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a immorality_n and_o against_o the_o denyer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o great_a zeal_n i_o be_o sure_a a_o more_o severe_a prosecution_n than_o against_o those_o who_o deny_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a te_fw-la knowledge_n nor_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v prosecute_v by_o unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o warrant_v the_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o violate_v of_o truth_n and_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o break_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n nor_o 4._o a_o uncharitable_a zeal_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o think_v itself_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o every_o scruple_n and_o upon_o every_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o unlawful_a imposition_n though_o in_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o upon_o this_o single_a point_n because_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o i_o think_v ever_o be_v avow_v among_o christian_n not_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v only_o because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o fancy_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v comes_z present_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v do_v it_o or_o not_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n nor_o 5._o a_o furious_a and_o cruel_a zeal_n which_o st._n james_n call_v a_o bitter_a or_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v blind_a with_o its_o own_o rage_n and_o make_v man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n exceed_o mad_a against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a zeal_n 6._o and_o last_o a_o zeal_n for_o ignorance_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v a_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o such_o strict_a law_n to_o forbid_v people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o they_o without_o let_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o read_v lesson_n to_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o all_o this_o under_o pretence_n of_o increase_v their_o devotion_n as_o if_o the_o less_o man_n understand_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v than_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n nothing_o they_o hive_n oppose_v with_o more_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o quit_v their_o religion_n which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v i_o who_o be_v once_o act_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o now_o possess_v they_o and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o outrageous_a manner_n as_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o very_a good_a conscience_n as_o i_o think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o act_v 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o that_o his_o zeal_n be_v sincere_a and_o with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v very_o faulty_a and_o sinful_a and_o if_o he_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o damnable_a so_o that_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n he_o do_v out_o of_o this_o zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o render_v he_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o this_o furious_a and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n give_v of_o his_o own_o do_n and_o what_o load_n he_o lay_v upon_o himself_o notwithstanding_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n act_n viij_o and_o ix_o you_o have_v the_o history_n at_o large_a of_o his_o outrageous_a do_n how_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n how_o he_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n act_v 22.4_o i_o persecute_v say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o ch._n 26.10_o 11._o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n
against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o often_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n gal._n 1.13_o 14._o you_o have_v hear_v say_v he_o of_o my_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o jew_n religion_n how_o that_o beyond_o measure_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o be_v exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o injurious_a so_o that_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o a_o most_o furious_a and_o outrageous_a persecution_n of_o good_a man_n for_o which_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a sin_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v kill_v man_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o downright_a murder_n act_n 2.23_o speak_v of_o their_o put_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n who_o you_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v and_o act_v 7.52_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o sin_n be_v of_o this_o high_a nature_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n that_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n and_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n for_o they_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n peter_n also_o plead_v the_o same_o in_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n act_v 3.17_o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o his_o repentance_n on_o this_o account_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n but_o still_o for_o all_o this_o wicked_a thing_n do_v out_o of_o conscience_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n be_v damnable_a and_o will_v prove_v so_o without_o repentance_n i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o application_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o our_o zeal_n be_v direct_v by_o knowledge_n this_o show_v we_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n zeal_n be_v in_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n zeal_n be_v a_o edg-tool_n which_o child_n in_o understanding_n shall_v not_o meddle_v withal_o and_o yet_o it_o must_v frequent_o possess_v the_o weak_a mind_n and_o common_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o know_a people_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a they_o be_v and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o knowledge_n be_v profess_o discourage_v and_o suppress_v in_o the_o common_a people_n zeal_n be_v mighty_o countenance_v and_o cherish_v and_o they_o make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o for_o this_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n be_v that_o which_o inspire_v diem_fw-la to_o do_v such_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n as_o be_v hardly_o ever_o act_v among_o the_o heathen_a zeal_n be_v only_o fit_a for_o wise_a man_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o in_o fashion_n among_o fool_n nay_o it_o be_v dangerous_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o keep_v in_o with_o a_o strict_a rein_n otherwise_o it_o will_v transport_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o undue_a and_o irregular_a thing_n moses_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o man_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o govern_v and_o manage_v his_o zeal_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o keep_v aloof_o from_o all_o excess_n and_o extravagance_n be_v the_o meek_a man_n upon_o earth_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o surprise_v upon_o a_o sudden_a occasion_n that_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n he_o let_v fall_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v but_o just_a receive_v from_o god_n and_o dash_v they_o in_o piece_n a_o true_a emblem_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a zeal_n in_o the_o transport_v whereof_o even_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o let_v they_o fall_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o break_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n 2._o from_o hence_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v take_v copy_n by_o they_o as_o in_o a_o arrogant_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o so_o in_o the_o blindness_n and_o fury_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o zeal_n towards_o all_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o authority_n and_o direction_n and_o as_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v of_o old_a so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o they_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o people_n and_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o suffer_v those_o that_o will_v to_o enter_v in_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n those_o who_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o his_o time_n act_v 24.14_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n 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