he_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v 9_o 1._o act._n 4._o 8_o 9_o come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samâ—…a_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o their_o successor_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v exercise_v by_o christian_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o regard_n to_o their_o different_a order_n and_o power_n but_o what_o be_v this_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o minister_n they_o have_v no_o rod_n nor_o axe_n as_o secular_a prince_n have_v to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o force_v their_o obedience_n no_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n if_o man_n will_v be_v infidel_n if_o they_o will_v be_v wicked_a we_o can_v help_v it_o for_o though_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o do_v not_o war_n after_o the_o flesh_n for_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a such_o as_o earthly_a prince_n use_v but_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n our_o saviour_n in_o my_o text_n acquaint_v we_o what_o this_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v he_o make_v they_o ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n this_o be_v the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o minister_n to_o instruct_v to_o exhort_v to_o advise_v to_o admonish_v to_o reprove_v and_o that_o with_o sharpness_n too_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o according_a to_o the_o power_n 10._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v but_o what_o authority_n be_v this_o may_v not_o every_o christian_a do_v the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o the_o duty_n of_o we_o all_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v one_o another_o yes_o it_o be_v and_o i_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v more_o general_o practise_v but_o yet_o every_o private_a christian_n can_v do_v this_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o gospel-minister_n the_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n of_o private_a christian_n be_v act_n of_o friendship_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v that_o mutual_a concernment_n and_o sympathy_n which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n ought_v to_o have_v for_o each_o other_o in_o gospel-minister_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n like_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o father_n a_o magistrate_n or_o a_o judge_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v indeed_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v to_o have_v dominion_n over_o 24._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o your_o faith_n to_o exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o oblige_v you_o to_o belive_o any_o thing_n mere_o because_o we_o say_v it_o but_o yet_o our_o authority_n be_v such_o that_o if_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o office_n we_o explain_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n to_o you_o it_o lay_v a_o indispesanble_a obligation_n upon_o you_o careful_o to_o examine_v what_o we_o say_v and_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o without_o plain_a and_o manifest_a evidence_n that_o what_o we_o teach_v you_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o when_o we_o come_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n that_o man_n who_o reject_v our_o message_n without_o be_v sure_o that_o we_o exceed_v our_o commission_n reject_v the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o act_n and_o he_o that_o despise_v despise_v not_o man_n but_o god_n it_o be_v our_o work_n and_o our_o commission_n to_o instruct_v you_o and_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o be_v instruct_v and_o whoever_o shall_v wanton_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o his_o humour_n and_o interest_n or_o oppose_v some_o popular_a mistake_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o guide_n or_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o instruction_n and_o heap_n to_o himself_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n such_o a_o man_n must_v give_v a_o severe_a account_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n to_o the_o great_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n while_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o discharge_v our_o office_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o trust_v our_o great_a master_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o apostle_n be_v true_a of_o the_o 16._o 10._o luke_n 16._o mean_a of_o we_o all_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o exhortation_n and_o counsel_n and_o direction_n and_o reproof_n of_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n they_o carry_v great_a authority_n with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o private_a admonition_n of_o our_o friend_n who_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v out_o of_o kindness_n and_o their_o particular_a concernment_n for_o we_o to_o reject_v such_o counsel_n as_o these_o do_v mighty_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n and_o our_o condemnation_n as_o every_o thing_n do_v which_o make_v our_o sin_n more_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a but_o to_o reject_v the_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n of_o our_o guide_n be_v a_o new_a act_n of_o disobedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n whether_o you_o will_v hear_v or_o whether_o you_o will_v obey_v we_o must_v exhort_v reprove_v advise_v and_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v who_o will_v not_o obey_v our_o great_a master_n look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o contempt_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n we_o have_v we_o can_v force_v you_o to_o obey_v our_o counsel_n or_o reproof_n but_o we_o and_o your_o master_n will_v severe_o punish_v you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o in_o a_o word_n the_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o censure_n of_o christ_n minister_n carry_v such_o authority_n with_o they_o that_o they_o can_v receive_v into_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v have_v only_o in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o only_a authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o these_o ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o family_n be_v call_v a_o power_n of_o remit_v or_o retain_v sin_n because_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v have_v only_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n minister_n be_v to_o feed_v those_o who_o be_v of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n and_o to_o judge_v who_o shall_v belong_v to_o this_o household_n who_o shall_v be_v receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o christ_n family_n this_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o church-authority_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o only_a sanction_n of_o all_o our_o instruction_n counsel_n and_o reproof_n and_o therefore_o this_o authority_n be_v not_o entrust_v with_o every_o gospel-minister_n but_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v into_o the_o ordinary_a apostolical_a power_n ii_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o due_a qualification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o gospel-minister_n and_o they_o be_v two_o faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n who_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n first_o faithfulness_n now_o faithfulness_n in_o a_o servant_n consist_v in_o be_v true_a to_o his_o trust_n and_o when_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n it_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v extreme_o careful_a to_o publish_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o concern_v we_o in_o this_o age_n include_v these_o follow_a rule_n 1._o to_o be_v careful_a to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v scribe_n which_o be_v
i_o shall_v observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o gospel-bishop_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o household_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o qualification_n of_o gospel-minister_n which_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n iii_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o man_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n minister_n whether_o bishop_n or_o other_o and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o to_o feed_v 2._o to_o govern_v the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o christ._n they_o be_v appoint_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 1._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o command_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n 28._o 20._o acâ—…s_fw-la 28._o and_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jonas_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o 17._o 21._o john_n 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n now_o to_o feed_v signify_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o 2._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 2._o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o natural_a food_n be_v to_o the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n this_o be_v life_n 3._o 17._o john_n 3._o eternal_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n appoint_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o whole_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o divine_a will_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v teach_v nature_n may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v this_o to_o we_o and_o he_o instruct_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n instruct_v the_o church_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o leisure_n not_o opportunity_n for_o enquiry_n nor_o capacity_n to_o learn_v without_o a_o guide_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o such_o infinite_a dispute_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o be_v use_v to_o make_v the_o plain_a truth_n difficult_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o man_n sensual_a lust_n or_o secular_a interest_n a_o guide_n and_o instructor_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o man_n may_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o religion_n no_o difficulty_n in_o understand_v it_o though_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o the_o mean_a christian_n understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a divine_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v constant_a need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n while_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a but_o to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v to_o admonish_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v seasonable_a application_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o slothful_a and_o to_o encourage_v the_o fearful_a and_o timorous_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n how_o to_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n this_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o already_o know_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o heavenly_a food_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v make_v these_o minister_n and_o servant_n ruler_n over_o his_o household_n no_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v 14._o 5._o eph._n 23._o 10._o john_n 14._o without_o order_n and_o government_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o state_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o name_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o household_n and_o family_n which_o be_v name_n of_o subjection_n and_o denote_v a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a society_n but_o christ_n have_v now_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v among_o we_o to_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v a_o invisible_a power_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n he_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o minister_n for_o when_o he_o 13._o 4._o eph._n 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o ascend_v on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o 20._o 28._o mat._n 18_o 19_o 20._o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o commission_n to_o pâ—…ach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o personal_a commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o their_o successor_n as_o appear_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v 23._o 20._o john_n 21_o 22_o 23._o i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o as_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v this_o invest_v they_o with_o authority_n but_o then_o the_o actual_a communication_n of_o power_n which_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o say_v
prevail_v and_o like_o a_o irresistible_a torrent_n bear_v all_o before_o he_o as_o some_o kind_a friend_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o interest_n wish_v and_o pray_v he_o may_v it_o require_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o foretell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o protestant_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n be_v in_o god_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n shall_v never_o be_v root_v out_o and_o i_o be_o as_o certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o â—…s_v oppose_v to_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o i_o be_o â—…f_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o christiaâ—…ity_n itself_o and_o when_o i_o remember_v â—…y_n what_o little_a beginning_n and_o weak_a â—…nd_n contemptible_a mean_n god_n spread_v â—…he_v true_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n over_o great_a part_n of_o the_o european_a world_n when_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o unsupportable_a tyranny_n of_o popery_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o folly_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o protestant_n i_o can_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v cause_v our_o sun_n to_o set_v again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v final_o remove_v his_o gospel_n from_o we_o and_o that_o give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v â—…heck_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o â—…t_o a_o stop_v to_o the_o success_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o extirpation_n of_o his_o â—…rotestant_n subject_n and_o at_o once_o enâ—…aves_v both_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o challenge_v as_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n as_o over_o the_o estate_n of_o his_o vassal_n to_o fill_v his_o exchequer_n and_o purgatory_n together_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o ought_v hearty_o to_o â—…eg_v of_o god_n in_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o fast_n and_o those_o who_o scruple_n this_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o must_v never_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n more_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v which_o those_o who_o wish_v success_n to_o persecute_v and_o antichristian_a power_n do_v not_o and_o can_v pray_v ii_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o as_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o provocation_n can_v ever_o tempt_v he_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o so_o he_o never_o inflict_v any_o public_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n on_o they_o but_o when_o he_o be_v great_o provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v god_n express_a covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o levit._n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n than_o he_o will_v bestow_v all_o temporal_a blessing_n on_o they_o rain_v in_o its_o season_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o land_n in_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n peace_n at_o home_n and_o victory_n abroad_o and_o his_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n i_o will_v set_v my_o tabernacle_n among_o you_o and_o my_o soul_n shall_v not_o abhor_v you_o and_o i_o will_v walk_v among_o you_o and_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n â—…hen_o he_o threaten_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n â—…hould_v befall_v they_o sickness_n of_o body_n â—…o_o fly_v before_o their_o enemy_n the_o unâ—…ruitfulness_n and_o barrenness_n of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o wild_a beast_n that_o the_o sword_n shall_v devour_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v enslave_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o buy_v their_o own_o bread_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v famine_n to_o such_o extremity_n as_o to_o eat_v their_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o he_o will_v lay_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o make_v their_o country_n desolate_a and_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o that_o chapâ—…er_n this_o be_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o this_o he_o punctual_o observe_v whenever_o they_o do_v obey_v he_o they_o be_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a people_n their_o enemy_n crouch_v before_o they_o they_o enjoy_v plenty_n and_o peace_n â—…nlarged_v their_o border_n and_o make_v their_o neighbour_n subject_n and_o tributariâ—…s_n â—…o_v they_o and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o their_o â—…leserts_n yet_o he_o never_o do_v inflict_v any_o public_a or_o national_a judgement_n on_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o all_o the_o remarkable_a judgement_n god_n inflict_v on_o they_o now_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o we_o apply_v the_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a for_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o covenant_v with_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n heir_n of_o a_o earthly_a canaan_n and_o external_a prosperity_n but_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v heir_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o carnal_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v by_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o term_n ouâ—…_n saviour_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v if_o any_o mâ—…_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himsel_n and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o hâ—…_n that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o sincere_a believer_n and_o most_o exemplary_a christian_n may_v suffer_v very_o severe_o in_o this_o worlâ—…_n and_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n be_v that_o â—…hey_n shall_v be_v proportionable_o reward_v â—…n_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o great_a objeâ—…ction_n the_o jew_n make_v against_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n and_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o whereas_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o temporal_a prosperity_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o staâ—…utes_n and_o if_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v be_v the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o law_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n a_o objection_n which_o very_o much_o trouble_v many_o believe_a jew_n themselves_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a dispensation_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_o answer_v by_o st._n paul_n 8._o rom._n and_o in_o the_o 7._o heb._n but_o this_o show_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v with_o external_a prosperity_n and_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o that_o very_o severe_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n may_v befall_v christian_n not_o always_o for_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o make_v they_o conform_v to_o their_o suffer_a head_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o rich_a and_o bright_a crown_n to_o convince_v and_o convert_v their_o persecutor_n and_o to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o particular_o by_o st._n cyprian_n that_o god_n never_o send_v a_o general_a persecution_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o when_o their_o sin_n the_o general_a declension_n of_o piety_n and_o discipline_n their_o worldly-mindedness_a the_o formality_n and_o coldness_n of_o their_o devotion_n call_v for_o a_o scourge_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n while_o it_o sojourn_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n have_v no_o place_n of_o its_o own_o no_o earthly_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o support_v it_o but_o live_v under_o pagan_a power_n be_v intermix_v with_o they_o and_o oppress_v by_o they_o when_o they_o please_v but_o the_o case_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v christian_n seem_v very_o different_a and_o to_o come_v near_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n and_o
calamity_n upon_o nation_n but_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o publlick_n and_o national_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n correct_v and_o suppress_v vice_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o external_a prosperity_n for_o righteousness_n exâ—…alteth_v a_o nation_n it_o do_v so_o in_o its_o natural_a tendency_n and_o effect_n and_o it_o do_v so_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n bring_v any_o public_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v amiss_o among_o we_o what_o that_o accurse_a thing_n be_v which_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o make_v he_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n we_o have_v then_o reason_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o turn_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n that_o hem_n ay_o return_n and_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n worth_n observe_v which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n that_o god_n never_o deliver_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o oppress_v they_o never_o carry_v they_o away_o into_o captivity_n except_v the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n but_o only_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n a_o corruption_n of_o manner_n may_v bring_v other_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v general_o and_o i_o think_v always_o for_o their_o idolatry_n that_o god_n make_v their_o enemy_n rule_n over_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o a_o strange_a land_n this_o we_o have_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o judge_n 2._o how_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o those_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o that_o god_n do_v for_o they_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o they_o and_o god_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o spoiler_n who_o spoil_v they_o v._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n for_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o whoredom_n that_o be_v their_o idolatry_n 2_o 4_o 5._o ch_z of_o hosea_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n give_v of_o it_o like_a as_o you_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o your_o land_n so_o shall_v you_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o you_o 5._o jer._n 19_o now_o in_o proportion_n to_o god_n dealâ—…g_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o have_v â—…ason_n to_o hope_n that_o though_o a_o church_n â—…nd_v nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a â—…aith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v â—…everely_o punish_v for_o their_o other_o sin_n â—…et_o while_o they_o preserve_v themselves_o â—…lean_a from_o spiritual_a fornication_n from_o all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n god_n will_v not_o un-church_n they_o nor_o deliver_v they_o final_o up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o idolatrous_a oppressor_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o of_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o though_o god_n have_v make_v we_o smart_v severe_o for_o our_o other_o sin_n have_v yet_o always_o find_v a_o watchful_a providence_n defend_v we_o from_o all_o attempt_n though_o contrive_v with_o art_n and_o skill_n and_o back_v with_o power_n to_o reduce_v we_o again_o under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n still_o watch_v over_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o and_o neither_o suffer_v our_o popish_a enemy_n to_o rejoice_v over_o we_o nor_o delude_a protestant_n to_o make_v dangerous_a and_o fatal_a experiment_n 3_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o correct_v his_o people_n he_o always_o keep_v the_o rod_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o suffering_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a from_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o multiply_v particular_a instance_n there_o be_v no_o good_a not_o evil_a befall_v israel_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a providence_n god_n inflict_v judgement_n on_o they_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o he_o remove_v they_o again_o he_o give_v the_o commission_n to_o plague_n and_o sword_n and_o famine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o exceed_v in_o the_o 26._o levit._n we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n proportion_v his_o judgement_n to_o their_o sin_n when_o their_o sin_n be_v grow_v so_o public_a and_o national_a as_o to_o deserve_v some_o public_a judgement_n yet_o at_o first_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o some_o more_o light_a and_o gentle_a punishment_n but_o if_o they_o continue_v incorrigible_a he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v more_o terrible_a judgement_n in_o reserve_n for_o they_o which_o prove_v that_o god_n determine_v the_o kind_n degree_n and_o continuance_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o david_n for_o his_o sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n have_v that_o hard_a choice_n give_v he_o of_o seven_o year_n famine_n or_o to_o flee_v three_o month_n before_o his_o enemy_n or_o three_o day_n pestilence_n he_o answer_v let_v i_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o let_v i_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d sam._n 24._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o choose_v peâ—…ilence_n before_o the_o sword_n for_o pestiâ—…ence_n be_v god_n immediate_a hand_n and_o â—…ho_o the_o sword_n be_v god_n judgement_n too_o â—…et_v it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o gratify_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o rage_n and_o revenge_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o though_o god_n leave_v more_o to_o man_n in_o this_o than_o â—…n_o any_o other_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o â—…ut_o the_o sword_n whole_o out_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o he_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o give_v law_n to_o it_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o god_n send_v against_o jerusalem_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n howbeit_o he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v his_o heart_n think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n upon_o mount_n zion_n what_o he_o himself_o not_o what_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n intend_v to_o do_v i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o high_a look_n 10._o isa._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o now_o god_n have_v the_o same_o tender_a care_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n that_o he_o have_v of_o israel_n he_o mingle_v our_o cup_n for_o we_o he_o prescribe_v what_o we_o shall_v suffer_v and_o how_o long_o and_o he_o correct_v as_o a_o father_n not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o reform_v and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n that_o whatever_o man_n threaten_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n aâ—…_n his_o command_n who_o give_v salvation_n 〈◊〉_d king_n who_o deliver_v david_n his_o servaâ—…_n from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n psal._n 144._o 10._o the_o most_o powerful_a oppressor_n be_v but_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n the_o more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a instrument_n god_n employ_v to_o correct_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o more_o angry_a god_n be_v but_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o strike_v whâ—…_n know_v when_o to_o strike_v and_o when_o to_o spare_v we_o never_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o rage_n and_o vengeance_n be_v but_o aught_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v o_o lord_n correct_v i_o but_o with_o judgement_n not_o in_o thy_o anger_n lest_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o nothing_o jer._n 10._o 24._o o_o lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n neither_o chasten_v i_o in_o thy_o sore_a displeasure_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o weak_a o_o lord_n heal_v i_o for_o my_o bone_n be_v vex_v psal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o psal._n 56._o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v merciful_a to_o i_o o_o
bear_v this_o when_o so_o dear_a a_o interest_n be_v concern_v as_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n so_o often_o mention_n be_v to_o preserve_v man_n of_o different_a attainment_n and_o different_a apprehension_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o countenance_v their_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o yet_o since_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o such_o unhappy_a circumstance_n that_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n be_v in_o other_o respect_n very_o good_a christian_n and_o such_o as_o our_o common_a saviour_n will_v receive_v with_o all_o their_o infirmity_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o schism_n let_v we_o still_o treat_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n pay_v all_o that_o kindness_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n and_o the_o wholesome_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n must_v not_o be_v present_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o scruple_n of_o every_o good_a but_o it_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o indiscreet_a christian_a but_o yet_o in_o our_o treatment_n of_o they_o we_o must_v consider_v whether_o we_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v own_v they_o with_o all_o their_o fault_n and_o if_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n will_v own_v they_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o own_v they_o and_o pay_v such_o kindness_n to_o they_o as_o be_v due_a to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n though_o under_o some_o mistake_v now_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a after_o all_o the_o heat_n that_o have_v be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n neither_o of_o they_o will_v damn_v each_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o such_o difference_n as_o be_v between_o they_o no_o church_n of_o england-man_n will_v say_v that_o to_o pray_v extempore_o to_o baptise_v without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o officiate_v without_o a_o surplice_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n sit_v be_v damn_v sin_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v very_o few_o if_o any_o of_o our_o dissenter_n that_o will_v say_v that_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v damn_v and_o then_o there_o may_v be_v good_a christian_n on_o both_o side_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o aught_o to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o divide_v in_o their_o external_a communion_n by_o some_o unhappy_a difference_n schism_n indeed_o we_o do_v say_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n but_o there_o may_v be_v division_n where_o there_o be_v not_o always_o the_o guilt_n and_o formality_n of_o schism_n and_o we_o hope_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o good_a man_n who_o separate_z from_o the_o church_n through_o some_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n this_o show_v what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o love_v one_o another_o notwithstanding_o such_o divide_v dispute_n but_o if_o we_o will_v practice_v this_o true_a christian_a charity_n we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o grow_v up_o into_o personal_a hatred_n and_o animosity_n man_n opinion_n and_o practice_n may_v differ_v and_o while_o they_o dispute_v fair_o they_o may_v be_v friend_n still_o but_o when_o self-love_n honour_n reputation_n and_o interest_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o quarrel_n this_o make_v the_o enmity_n mortal_a and_o they_o must_v ruin_v one_o another_o though_o they_o both_o fall_v together_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o the_o zeal_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v treat_v 2._o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v its_o preservation_n from_o the_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n of_o its_o enemy_n for_o the_o church_n never_o want_v enemy_n though_o their_o power_n be_v not_o always_o equal_a and_o this_o i_o presume_v i_o need_v not_o persuade_v you_o to_o pray_v for_o for_o you_o be_v all_o sensible_a what_o a_o advantage_n this_o be_v there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o will_v choose_v rack_n and_o torture_n a_o gibbet_n or_o a_o stake_n these_o be_v grievous_a thing_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o very_a thought_n of_o which_o make_v we_o tremble_v though_o immortal_a life_n and_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n presence_n be_v a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a trial_n even_o to_o the_o best_a man_n who_o when_o they_o see_v it_o a_o come_n can_v but_o pray_v with_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o agony_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v lord_n let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o though_o good_a man_n prefer_v their_o future_a hope_n before_o all_o present_a thing_n yet_o their_o life_n their_o ease_n their_o liberty_n their_o estate_n be_v valuable_a thing_n too_o and_o all_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o meeting_n with_o such_o a_o storm_n by_o the_o way_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o storm_n as_o threaten_v the_o very_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o profess_a christian_n to_o entail_v ignorance_n infidelity_n or_o monstrous_a error_n on_o our_o posterity_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o love_n of_o our_o religion_n of_o our_o country_n of_o our_o posterity_n will_v make_v we_o raise_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o voice_n to_o heaven_n in_o our_o fervent_a and_o passionate_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n methinks_v we_o shall_v not_o sacrifice_v our_o religion_n to_o private_a animosity_n god_n forbid_v be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n and_o have_v i_o never_o so_o little_a kindness_n for_o dissenter_n that_o i_o shall_v ever_o embrace_v any_o proposal_n which_o will_v ruin_v all_o the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n into_o the_o bargain_n and_o i_o doubt_v they_o be_v no_o protestant_a dissenter_n who_o will_v be_v content_v to_o ruin_v the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o they_o introduce_v popery_n and_o set_v up_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o its_o stead_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o that_o peace_n be_v which_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o and_o i_o need_v not_o add_v many_o word_n in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v you_o how_o necessary_a prayer_n be_v to_o obtain_v these_o blessing_n for_o not_o to_o insist_v now_o on_o those_o common_a topic_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n and_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o obtain_v our_o request_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o only_o to_o consider_v that_o this_o peace_n be_v such_o a_o blessing_n as_o none_o but_o god_n can_v bestow_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o it_o 1._o as_o for_o unity_n and_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o this_o saint_n paul_n express_o pray_v for_o 15_o rom._n 5_o 6._o now_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v likeminded_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o a_o mind_n whoever_o consider_v the_o unruly_a passion_n of_o man_n their_o different_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n and_o different_a interest_n will_v not_o wonder_v that_o the_o best_a argument_n and_o the_o most_o oblige_a art_n do_v not_o always_o prevail_v but_o god_n can_v still_o our_o passion_n enlighten_v our_o mind_n over-rule_v our_o interest_n remove_v our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o unite_v and_o reconcile_v the_o most_o distant_a person_n and_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n now_o of_o that_o power_n he_o have_v over_o our_o will_n and_o his_o immediate_a application_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o many_o time_n effect_n this_o by_o some_o external_a and_o visible_a providence_n the_o gaol_n and_o the_o stake_n present_o reconcile_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o two_o excellent_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n ridley_n and_o hooper_n who_o before_o dispute_v fierce_o about_o some_o ceremony_n as_o we_o have_v do_v and_o i_o pray_v god_n grant_v we_o so_o much_o christian_a prudence_n and_o temper_n that_o we_o may_v not_o need_v such_o mean_n to_o reconcile_v we_o and_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v this_o since_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n already_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la on_o both_o side_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o each_o other_o as_o our_o enemy_n will_v have_v we_o and_o as_o it_o may_v be_v we_o think_v
of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o very_o useful_a to_o mankind_n that_o at_o least_o thus_o far_o popery_n will_v be_v think_v the_o better_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n to_o we_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n faith_n a_o clear_a and_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o excel_v in_o charity_n too_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o to_o renounce_v popery_n be_v not_o to_o renounce_v good_a work_n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o sunday_n april_n 25._o 1697._o coloss._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n have_v st._n paul_n live_v in_o our_o age_n it_o will_v have_v require_v little_o less_o than_o the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o have_v say_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n which_o though_o some_o man_n do_v not_o much_o value_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o despise_v can_v screen_n those_o who_o venture_v to_o say_v iâ—…_n after_o he_o what_o some_o man_n call_v philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o some_o man_n will_v not_o call_v so_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o those_o man_n adore_v who_o will_v either_o have_v no_o god_n or_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o what_o attempt_v some_o have_v make_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o other_o to_o corrupt_v and_o transform_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o contradict_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v a_o proof_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o future_a age_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o caution_n for_o we_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o any_o age_n since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n never_o more_o prevail_v and_o never_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a task_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o absurd_a hypothesis_n and_o wild_a inconsistent_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o â—…ny_a age_n wherein_o philosophy_n be_v in_o all_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n dispute_v â—…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v â—…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a enâ—…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o â—…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o â—…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o â—…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o â—…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v â—…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o pâ—…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a people_n think_v they_o very_o notable_a philosopher_n and_o that_o tempt_v some_o vain_a empty_a person_n to_o affect_v atheism_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v philosopher_n that_o this_o be_v vain_a deceit_n all_o man_n must_v own_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o pretend_v philosophy_n for_o atheism_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n but_o this_o plain_o show_v of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v philosophical_a dispute_n into_o religion_n which_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o may_v do_v any_o service_n to_o religion_n much_o often_o great_o corrupt_v it_o and_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o show_v you_o how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v that_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n
conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o enforceâ—…_n the_o reproof_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n with_o such_o sensible_a and_o smart_a proof_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o god_n anger_n against_o it_o as_o will_v make_v all_o man_n consider_v who_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o sense_n and_o many_o time_n restore_v sense_n and_o understanding_n to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v they_o but_o this_o to_o some_o man_n will_v seem_v a_o very_a dull_a account_n of_o god_n judgement_n which_o will_v neither_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n nor_o ill_a nature_n nor_o which_o they_o think_v worse_o leave_v they_o any_o excuse_n to_o palliate_v their_o hypocrisy_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n declare_v god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n this_o man_n will_v own_v but_o do_v not_o like_a to_o hear_v it_o express_v in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o if_o when_o god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o â—…s_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o call_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o all_o this_o they_o think_v hard_a that_o they_o must_v part_v with_o all_o their_o sin_n to_o remove_v these_o judgement_n nay_o this_o they_o think_v can_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n because_o the_o world_n be_v always_o very_o wicked_a and_o yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o suppose_v that_o when_o god_n do_v execute_v judgement_n it_o be_v not_o sin_n in_o general_n but_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o so_o high_o provoke_v he_o and_o can_v they_o learn_v what_o they_o be_v and_o reform_v they_o they_o may_v see_v happy_a day_n again_o and_o this_o set_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o favour_v what_o sin_n they_o please_v to_o reproach_n and_o accuse_v each_o other_o and_o to_o charge_v all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n they_o suffer_v upon_o one_o another_o without_o think_v of_o reform_v themselves_o thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o always_o be_v when_o there_o be_v differ_v party_n and_o faction_n in_o a_o nation_n who_o judge_n very_o different_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o will_v all_o confess_v they_o be_v great_a sinner_n and_o it_o may_v be_v too_o many_o of_o all_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n but_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o must_v pass_v for_o nothing_o because_o so_o far_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v but_o then_o there_o be_v peculiar_a party-sin_n which_o every_o party_n dislike_v in_o each_o other_o and_o what_o they_o dislike_v they_o conclude_v god_n dislike_v too_o and_o to_o these_o they_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v as_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o to_o decide_v some_o party-quarrel_n which_o will_v never_o be_v decide_v this_o way_n when_o every_o party_n will_v expound_v judgement_n in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o but_o all_o man_n see_v that_o this_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o a_o false_a and_o partial_a rule_n this_o be_v neither_o conscience_n nor_o scripture_n for_o conscience_n equal_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scripture_n too_o i_o grant_v though_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n god_n do_v not_o always_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n which_o be_v common_o execute_v when_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n be_v grow_v public_a too_o when_o public_a government_n be_v remiss_a in_o punish_v wickedness_n or_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o sinner_n be_v grow_v too_o great_a for_o the_o correction_n of_o public_a justice_n but_o we_o shall_v always_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o when_o god_n do_v inflict_v public_a judgement_n he_o call_v for_o a_o general_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n without_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o this_o deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n most_o common_o send_v his_o judgement_n when_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o execute_v a_o public_a vengeance_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o 1._o the_o most_o general_a account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o public_a judgement_n be_v a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n thus_o the_o prophet_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o god_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n against_o they_o ah_o â—…nful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquiry_n a_o seed_n of_o evil_a doer_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n they_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o oâ—…_n israel_n they_o be_v go_v away_o backward_o and_o the_o whole_a head_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o wholâ—…_n heart_n faint_a from_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n unto_o the_o head_n there_o be_v no_o soundnesâ—…_n in_o it_o but_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o puâ—…_n trify_v sore_n they_o have_v not_o be_v close_v nor_o bind_v up_o nor_o mollify_v with_o oint_n mean_v isa._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o in_o verse_n 10_o he_o call_v they_o the_o ruler_n of_o sodom_n anâ—…_n people_n of_o gomorrah_n when_o wickednesâ—…_n be_v grow_v universal_a and_o have_v infect_v alâ—…_n rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n such_o a_o nation_n be_v ripe_a for_o judgement_n but_o it_o addâ—…_n great_o to_o the_o gild_n and_o provocation_n when_o man_n be_v not_o content_v to_o bâ—…_n wicked_a without_o bid_v open_a defiane_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n wo_n untâ—…_n they_o who_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o cart-ropeâ—…_a who_o deride_v all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o even_o dare_v his_o power_n and_o justice_n that_o say_v let_v he_o make_v speed_n and_o haste_n en_fw-fr his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o and_o leâ—…_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n draâ—…_n nigh_o and_o come_v that_o we_o may_v know_v iâ—…_n who_o mock_v at_o the_o difference_n of_o gooâ—…_n and_o evil_n and_o value_v the_o reputation_n oâ—…_n their_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n too_o much_o to_o beâ—…_n cheat_v with_o such_o empty_a name_n wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darâ—…ss_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a 〈◊〉_d â—…itter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n who_o have_v first_o destroy_v the_o eternal_a and_o essential_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a change_v their_o name_n too_o at_o pleasure_n and_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o do_v so_o this_o take_v off_o all_o restraint_n and_o give_v the_o reins_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o live_v just_a as_o they_o believe_v without_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v mighty_a to_o drink_v wine_n and_o man_n if_o strength_n to_o mingle_v strong_a drink_n who_o justify_v the_o wicked_a for_o a_o reward_n and_o take_v â—…ay_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a from_o he_o therefore_o as_o the_o fire_n devouâ—…eth_v the_o stubble_n and_o the_o flame_n consume_v the_o chaff_n so_o their_o root_n shall_v be_v as_o rotâ—…nness_n and_o their_o blossom_n shall_v go_v up_o as_o the_o dust_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 5._o 18_o etc._n etc._n the_o like_a account_n we_o find_v in_o the_o other_o prophet_n and_o when_o the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v so_o corrupt_a we_o need_v not_o inquire_v for_o what_o particular_a sin_n god_n strike_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o god_n express_v 〈◊〉_d severe_a indignation_n against_o and_o seldoâ—…_n delay_v to_o punish_v such_o as_o their_o idâ—…_n latry_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o god_n oâ—…_n israel_n of_o his_o word_n and_o prophet_n profanation_n of_o his_o worship_n atheâ—…_n istical_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o 〈◊〉_d good_a and_o evil_a or_o their_o abominabâ—…_n hypocrisy_n in_o commit_v all_o the_o lewâ—…_n ness_n and_o villainy_n which_o man_n couâ—…_n commit_v and_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o aâ—…_n external_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o râ—…_n ligion_n which_o the_o prophet_n every_o wheâ—…_n complain_v of_o to_o these_o cause_n be_v oâ—…_n ing_z the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o maâ—…_n ner_z for_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o natiâ—…_n shall_v so_o universal_o degenerate_a tâ—…_n they_o have_v either_o corrupt_v their_o reâ—…_n gion_n by_o superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o tâ—…_n call_v for_o a_o speedy_a vengeance_n as_o for_o what_o more_o particular_o
coâ—…_n cern_v the_o christian_a church_n we_o maâ—…_n learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o seuâ—…_n church_n of_o asia_n what_o it_o be_v provokâ—…_n our_o lord_n either_o severe_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o we_o tâ—…_n church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o she_o have_v aâ—…_n quit_v herself_o well_o in_o many_o thing_n yet_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n have_v abate_v very_o much_o of_o her_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ._n the_o church_n of_o pergamâ—…s_n be_v threaten_v for_o suffer_v those_o among_o she_o who_o teach_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n likewise_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezaâ—…el_v to_o commit_v fornicatâ—…on_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n make_v a_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o without_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o â—…e_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n grow_v very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a even_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o she_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a 〈◊〉_d lukewarm_a all_o these_o our_o saviour_n summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o chap._n 2_o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n the_o application_n of_o all_o this_o to_o ourselves_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n about_o it_o we_o be_v that_o very_a nation_n wherein_o all_o these_o evil_n meet_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o name_v any_o vice_n which_o be_v not_o open_o commit_v among_o we_o without_o fear_n or_o shame_n nay_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o to_o be_v a_o modest_a sinner_n to_o boggle_v at_o any_o wickedness_n oâ—…_n to_o blush_v at_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n as_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o though_o somâ—…_n man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o themselveâ—…_n atheist_n yet_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o any_o reveal_v religion_n or_o tâ—…_n talk_v serious_o of_o providence_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o punishinâ—…_n city_n and_o nation_n for_o their_o wickeâ—…_n ness_n be_v think_v a_o jest_n and_o i_o wiâ—…_n it_o be_v a_o jest_n only_o among_o vile_a anâ—…_n mean_v people_n of_o no_o fortune_n or_o education_n whereas_o we_o often_o see_v that_o theâ—…_n condition_n make_v they_o modest_a and_o uâ—…_n teach_v nature_n teach_v they_o better_o tâ—…_n they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o example_n 〈◊〉_d man_n of_o wit_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o worlâ—…_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o relâ—…_n gion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a prospecâ—…_n to_o observe_v how_o little_a of_o the_o true_a liâ—…_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o there_o be_v indeed_o noiâ—…_n and_o zeal_n and_o faction_n enough_o amonâ—…_n some_o people_n and_o that_o make_v other_o 〈◊〉_d cold_a and_o indifferent_a the_o temper_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n thâ—…_n one_o that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o waâ—…_n dead_a the_o other_o that_o be_v lukewarmâ—…_n make_v much_o the_o great_a party_n amonâ—…_n we_o and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n i_o fear_v be_v too_o much_o incline_v to_o the_o state_n of_o ephesus_n which_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n those_o great_a passion_n and_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o christian_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o tremble_v see_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o these_o sin_n see_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o though_o we_o can_v say_v what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o we_o because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o wonderful_a design_n be_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o providence_n yet_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o how_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o we_o do_v which_o be_v too_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v deal_v so_o by_o we_o too_o unless_o we_o repent_v and_o reform_v which_o they_o do_v not_o for_o two_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v universal_a too_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o for_o a_o nation_n can_v never_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a man_n who_o make_v up_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v summon_v to_o repentance_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n summon_v we_o all_o every_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o what_o he_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o reform_v himself_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o national_a and_o personal_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o they_o serve_v very_o different_a ends._n a_o nation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o god_n may_v in_o great_a mercy_n remove_v his_o judgement_n though_o what_o be_v never_o to_o be_v expect_v every_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v himself_o but_o then_o such_o a_o national_a reformation_n require_v the_o execution_n of_o public_a justice_n against_o public_a wickedness_n to_o make_v sin_n public_o infamous_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerfuâ—…_n sinner_n modesty_n to_o banish_v if_o noâ—…_n sinner_n yet_o sin_n out_o of_o our_o court_n and_o out_o of_o our_o street_n and_o to_o make_v it_o once_o more_o seek_v for_o night_n and_o darkness_n foâ—…_n a_o cover_v that_o virtue_n may_v no_o long_o blush_v in_o company_n or_o need_v apology_n nor_o vice_n dare_v to_o brave_v it_o at_o noonday_n there_o have_v indeed_o of_o late_o be_v some_o care_n take_v by_o public_a law_n and_o royal_a proclamation_n to_o punish_v the_o profanation_n of_o god_n name_n by_o accurse_a oath_n but_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n man_n may_v be_v as_o vile_a as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o public_o so_o as_o they_o please_v and_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o nay_o they_o may_v talk_v and_o write_v what_o they_o please_v against_o god_n and_o religion_n ridicule_fw-la the_o history_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o gain_v credit_n and_o reputation_n by_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o many_o christian_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n permit_v these_o thing_n we_o have_v talk_v of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n to_o good_a purpose_n if_o the_o only_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o ridicul_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o may_v make_v one_o suspect_v that_o all_o the_o zeal_n some_o man_n have_v express_v against_o popery_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o a_o zeal_n for_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o the_o discipline_n of_o popery_n as_o bad_a a_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v will_v not_o endure_v it_o be_v indeed_o well_o fit_v to_o make_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n but_o will_v make_v man_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o profess_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n will_v prove_v a_o backdoor_n to_o let_v in_o popery_n again_o upon_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o thought_n with_o those_o who_o proper_a care_n and_o business_n it_o be_v whether_o a_o nation_n will_v be_v reform_v or_o not_o it_o concern_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n warn_v we_o of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n nor_o improve_v judgement_n to_o their_o true_a end_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o repent_v and_o reform_v as_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v be_v a_o personal_n and_o a_o universal_a reformation_n and_o yet_o even_o with_o respect_n to_o present_a judgement_n a_o personal_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v public_a and_o national_a god_n many_o time_n make_v a_o remarkable_a distinction_n between_o person_n say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o for_o they_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o which_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o public_a judgement_n isa._n 3._o 10_o 11._o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o particular_a man_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o life_n whatever_o other_o do_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v to_o the_o