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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
son_n everlasting_a former_a great_a 36 3 2.1413 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62570 Of sincerity and constancy in the faith and profession of the true religion, in several sermons by the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson ... ; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker. ... Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1695 (1695) Wing T1204; ESTC R17209 175,121 492

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than_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n always_o hear_v the_o petition_n which_o we_o put_v up_o to_o he_o and_o so_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o put_v they_o up_o to_o the_o father_n because_o he_o also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o omniscient_a nor_o omnipresent_v and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a nor_o probable_o certain_a that_o our_o prayer_n be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o any_o other_o way_n there_o be_v no_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a but_o that_o prayer_n be_v part_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o our_o make_n so_o frequent_a use_n of_o those_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n and_o from_o grant_v our_o desire_n the_o soon_o upon_o that_o account_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v high_o offend_v when_o he_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o our_o petition_n and_o have_v appoint_v a_o great_a mediator_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o see_v more_o address_n make_v to_o and_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o bless_a virgin_n than_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o to_o see_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o almost_o jostle_v out_o by_o the_o devotion_n of_o people_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n a_o thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v and_o which_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o scripture_n 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great_a and_o conspicuous_a be_v we_o very_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v one_o day_n be_v verify_v and_o make_v good_a what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n how_o will_v the_o lively_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o set_v we_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a temptation_n that_o this_o world_n can_v assault_v we_o withal_o and_o make_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n and_o to_o that_o solemn_a and_o dreadful_a account_n which_o we_o must_v one_o day_n make_v to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o want_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v our_o devotion_n so_o dead_a and_o heartless_a and_o 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now_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o honour_n thanksgiving_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvii_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 24_o 25._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n the_o text_n set_v before_o we_o a_o great_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o i_o will_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o passage_n do_v refer_v when_o moses_n be_v bear_v his_o parent_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o cruel_a law_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v make_v that_o all_o the_o male_a child_n of_o the_o hebrew_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n after_o they_o have_v hide_v he_o three_o month_n do_v at_o last_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n upon_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o commit_v he_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o they_o despair_v to_o conceal_v any_o long_o by_o their_o own_o care_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v by_o the_o river_n side_n espy_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o guess_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hebrew_n child_n call_v for_o a_o hebrew_n nurse_n to_o take_v care_n of_o he_o who_o as_o the_o prviodence_n of_o god_n have_v order_v it_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o child_n be_v own_o mother_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v care_n of_o his_o education_n in_o all_o princely_a quality_n and_o adopt_v he_o for_o her_o son_n and_o pharaoh_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o be_v without_o son_n design_v he_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n moses_n refuse_v this_o great_a offer_n but_o why_o do_v he_o refuse_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v about_o in_o so_o strange_a a_o manner_n and_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v probable_o have_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v ease_v the_o israelite_n of_o their_o cruel_a bondage_n and_o perhaps_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o reduce_v that_o great_a kingdom_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n
why_o will_v he_o refuse_v a_o kingdom_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o with_o so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n of_o do_v so_o much_o good_a that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v prevail_v with_o moses_n be_v this_o that_o he_o can_v not_o accept_v the_o offer_n without_o forsake_v god_n and_o renounce_v his_o religion_n for_o consider_v how_o strange_o the_o egyptian_n be_v addict_v to_o idolatry_n he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v for_o heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n unless_o he_o will_v violate_v his_o conscience_n either_o by_o abandon_v or_o dissemble_v his_o religion_n and_o how_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n he_o may_v easy_o judge_v by_o the_o example_n of_o joseph_n who_o though_o he_o have_v so_o much_o authority_n and_o esteem_n among_o they_o by_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n to_o their_o nation_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o move_v they_o in_o the_o least_o in_o that_o matter_n now_o see_v he_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o attain_v or_o enjoy_v that_o dignity_n without_o sin_v grievous_o against_o god_n he_o will_v not_o purchase_v a_o kingdom_n at_o so_o unconscionable_a a_o price_n and_o as_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n he_o be_v content_a to_o trust_v the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o that_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o take_v a_o part_n in_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n people_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o moses_n self-denial_n in_o prefer_v and_o choose_v a_o state_n of_o afflict_a piety_n before_o any_o sinful_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o before_o the_o great_a earthly_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n when_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v and_o enjoy_v upon_o other_o term_n than_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v those_o circumstance_n of_o this_o self-denial_n of_o moses_n which_o do_v very_o much_o commend_v and_o set_v off_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o prudence_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n in_o prefer_v a_o state_n of_o afflict_a piety_n and_o virtue_n before_o the_o great_a prosperity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n iv._o suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v another_o choice_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v moses_n his_o self-denial_n in_o prefer_v a_o state_n of_o afflict_a piety_n before_o the_o great_a earthly_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n when_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v enjoy_v upon_o other_o term_n than_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n he_o be_v adopt_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o egypt_n one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n then_o in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o can_v not_o hope_v to_o attain_v to_o this_o dignity_n and_o to_o secure_v himself_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o upon_o other_o term_n than_o of_o comply_v with_o that_o nation_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a religion_n and_o worship_n now_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o mother_n to_o who_o pharaoh_n daughter_n have_v commit_v he_o he_o can_v not_o without_o great_a violence_n to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o education_n renounce_v the_o true_a god_n and_o fall_v off_o to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n than_o to_o have_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v without_o sin_n for_o so_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d than_o to_o have_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n so_o here_o be_v moses_n his_o self-denial_n that_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n than_o to_o gain_v a_o kingdom_n by_o the_o renounce_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n ii_o we_o will_v consider_v those_o circumstance_n of_o his_o self_n denial_n which_o do_v very_o much_o commend_v and_o set_v off_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n '_o s_o daughter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n a_o temptation_n so_o great_a that_o the_o devil_n himself_o can_v not_o find_v out_o one_o much_o great_a when_o he_o set_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o tempt_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o and_o when_o we_o consider_v for_o what_o inconsiderable_a thing_n some_o man_n sell_v their_o religion_n and_o their_o conscience_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o no_o small_a temptation_n which_o moses_n here_o resist_v si_fw-mi violandum_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o regnandi_fw-la causâ_fw-la violandum_fw-la est_fw-la if_o a_o man_n will_v do_v any_o unjust_a thing_n and_o violate_v his_o religion_n and_o conscience_n he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o less_o than_o a_o kingdom_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a bargain_n even_o upon_o those_o term_n 2._o consider_v not_o only_o what_o he_o refuse_v but_o what_o he_o choose_v in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o a_o state_n of_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n have_v he_o refuse_v a_o kingdom_n and_o choose_v the_o quiet_a condition_n of_o a_o subject_a of_o middle_a rank_n beneath_o envy_n and_o above_o contempt_n his_o self-denial_n have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a nay_o perhaps_o he_o have_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wisee_a man_n in_o prefer_v a_o plentiful_a and_o quiet_a retirement_n before_o the_o care_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o the_o burden_n of_o public_a government_n but_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v than_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o to_o have_v the_o sweet_a power_n to_o use_v other_o as_o he_o please_v 3._o consider_v how_o fair_a a_o prospect_n he_o have_v of_o enjoy_v this_o kingdom_n if_o he_o can_v but_o have_v come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o because_o he_o despair_v of_o attain_v it_o for_o he_o have_v all_o the_o right_a that_o a_o good_a title_n can_v give_v he_o be_v adopt_a heir_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o refuse_v it_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o his_o breed_n be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o kindle_v ambitious_a thought_n in_o he_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o it_o exceed_v beautiful_a as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o and_o learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n than_o which_o no_o two_o quality_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o puff_n up_o and_o swell_v a_o man_n with_o big_a thought_n of_o himself_o they_o that_o be_v breed_v in_o a_o low_a condition_n never_o think_v of_o a_o kingdom_n man_n not_o be_v apt_a to_o aspire_v to_o thing_n which_o be_v remote_a and_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o but_o nothing_o be_v more_o rare_a in_o person_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a mind_n than_o such_o a_o self-denial_n as_o this_o 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o this_o be_v a_o deliberate_a choice_n not_o any_o rash_a and_o sudden_a determination_n make_v by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v of_o incompetent_a age_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o text_n as_o a_o very_a memorable_a circumstance_n that_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o st._n stephen_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v full_o forty_o year_n old_a when_o he_o make_v this_o choice_n act_v 7._o 23._o when_o he_o be_v full_o forty_o year_n old_a it_o come_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o be_v of_o ripe_a judgement_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o prosperity_n and_o reputation_n he_o make_v this_o choice_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o that_o moses_n be_v learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n that_o be_v he_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o valour_n this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o other_o passage_n of_o his_o life_n which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n history_n but_o relate_v at_o large_a by_o josephus_n out_o of_o historian_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n for_o he_o tell_v that_o when_o
word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a 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 through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o en●●●ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o these_o teacher_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n quit_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n v._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o they_o who_o quit_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v thus_o pervert_v christianity_n be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a state_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n remove_v unto_o another_o gospel_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o heinous_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o contempt_n of_o he_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o send_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o do_v it_o and_o have_v give_v such_o testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o so_o faithful_a a_o record_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o ourselves_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v our_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o revelation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o embrace_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n to_o declare_v that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v or_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o he_o can_v do_v so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o ep._n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o all_o along_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o to_o aggravate_v this_o sin_n call_v it_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n ch._n 3_o 12._o and_o he_o frequent_o call_v it_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a ch._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o have_v exhort_v they_o before_o v_o 23._o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o he_o immediate_o add_v for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o ch._n 12_o 1._o 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 that_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o strong_o tempt_v by_o that_o fierce_a persecution_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o suffering_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o it_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v but_o to_o desert_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n may_v proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n which_o be_v a_o great_a extenuation_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o his_o violent_a persecution_n of_o christianity_n he_o find_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n the_o apostle_n make_v wilfulness_n a_o usual_a ingredient_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o this_o sin_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o effectual_a disparagement_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n speak_v against_o it_o because_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o and_o of_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n but_o he_o that_o fall_v off_o from_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v try_v it_o and_o dislike_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o leave_v it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o find_v that_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o which_o he_o expect_v and_o upon_o long_a experience_n of_o it_o see_v reason_n to_o prefer_v another_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o despiteful_a to_o religion_n than_o this_o and_o more_o likely_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n v._n 29._o of_o this_o chapter_n call_v it_o a_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o profane_a thing_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v put_v a_o great_a scorn_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o upon_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o come_v down_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o than_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o to_o renounce_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o forsake_v this_o religion_n but_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o which_o be_v the_o iv._o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o terrible_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o this_o epistle_n but_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o sin_n be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o pardonable_a sin_n and_o next_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a severe_a manner_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o the_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o gospel
the_o iv._o and_o last_o particular_a which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a and_o this_o precept_n can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o he_o who_o require_v this_o of_o we_o have_v himself_o give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a in_o itself_o in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o do_v and_o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n ii_o if_o we_o cosider_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o therein_o iii_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o a_o glorious_a reward_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o self-denial_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o if_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o unwelcome_a this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v must_v needs_o be_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o how_o hardly_o this_o precept_n will_v go_v down_o with_o they_o to_o sweeten_v it_o a_o little_a and_o take_v off_o the_o harshness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v their_o mind_n the_o better_a for_o it_o he_o tell_v they_o first_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n reconcile_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o what_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o undergo_v himself_o and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o example_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n v._o 21._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n begin_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n how_o that_o he_o must_v go_v unto_o jerusalem_n and_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o be_v kill_v then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v immediate_o upon_o this_o discourse_n of_o his_o own_o suffering_n as_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o it_o he_o take_v the_o opportunity_n to_o tell_v they_o plain_o of_o their_o own_o suffering_n and_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v let_v he_o reckon_v and_o resolve_v upon_o follow_v that_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o which_o i_o will_v go_v before_o he_o now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o have_v great_a force_n in_o it_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o this_o difficult_a duty_n and_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o 2._o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n 1._o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v he_o bear_v the_o insupportable_a load_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n due_a to_o they_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n his_o visage_n be_v mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n and_o his_o form_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i._n e._n he_o undergo_v more_o affliction_n and_o have_v more_o contempt_n pour_v upon_o he_o than_o ever_o be_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o he_o endure_v all_o this_o with_o incredible_a patience_n and_o meekness_n with_o the_o great_a evenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o most_o perfect_a submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o animate_v we_o with_o the_o like_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o lesser_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n to_o see_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n go_v before_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o on_o so_o brave_o and_o make_v perfect_a by_o great_a suffering_n than_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o undergo_v be_v no_o small_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unknown_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o great_a as_o we_o can_v well_o conceive_v of_o they_o shall_v make_v all_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n animate_v christian_n to_o patience_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n that_o attend_v it_o heb._n 12._o 2._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 endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o consider_v he_o who_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o also_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n be_v more_o powerful_a for_o our_o encouragement_n because_o therein_o we_o see_v the_o world_n conquer_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o baffle_v and_o subdue_v and_o thereby_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a victory_n over_o it_o obtain_v for_o we_o by_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n endeavour_v to_o inspire_v his_o disciple_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n in_o this_o great_a conflict_n john_n 16._o 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n 2._o this_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v such_o as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n in_o pity_n and_o kindness_n to_o we_o and_o whole_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a regard_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o mighty_a benefit_n this_o pattern_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o religion_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o esteem_n and_o love_n and_o imitate_v above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o sure_o such_o a_o example_n must_v needs_o carry_v authority_n with_o it_o and_o command_v our_o imitation_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o seal_v his_o love_n to_o we_o with_o his_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o when_o we_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n
this_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n mat._n 5._o 10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o small_a value_n for_o thing_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a to_o forego_v the_o transient_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o solid_a and_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a happiness_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o to_o exchange_v a_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v drive_v home_o to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o our_o own_o native_a country_n and_o to_o be_v violent_o thrust_v out_o of_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n into_o those_o region_n of_o bliss_n where_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n this_o consideration_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o support_v the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o their_o sharp_a and_o heavy_a suffering_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a so_o that_o our_o suffering_n bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o than_o finite_a do_v to_o infinite_a than_o temporal_a to_o eternal_a between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v concern_v this_o great_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o follow_v 1._o to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o that_o all_o these_o law_n and_o command_n even_o the_o hard_a and_o severe_a of_o they_o be_v so_o reasonable_a god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o give_v we_o our_o being_n have_v a_o entire_a and_o sovereign_a right_n over_o we_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o right_n may_v have_v impose_v very_o hard_a thing_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o without_o the_o give_a account_n to_o we_o of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n and_o without_o propound_v any_o reward_n to_o we_o so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o he_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o right_n the_o most_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o gainer_n by_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o if_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a not_o only_o far_o beyond_o what_o it_o can_v deserve_v but_o beyond_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v for_o this_o perish_a life_n and_o the_o transitory_a trifle_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o uncorruptible_a crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n for_o these_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o we_o shall_v infallible_o find_v they_o true_a that_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n great_a shall_v be_v our_o reward_n in_o heaven_n if_o we_o part_v with_o our_o temporal_a life_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o that_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n and_o believe_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reveal_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v at_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n so_o long_o as_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n will_v work_v for_o he_o a_o for_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o see_v this_o be_v require_v of_o every_o christian_a to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n 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serious_o beforehand_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n of_o it_o luke_o 14._o 28._o which_o of_o you_o say_v he_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o war_n with_o another_o king_n do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consult_v whether_o with_o 10000_o he_o be_v able_a to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o 20000._o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o forsake_v not_o all_o he_o have_v can_v be_v my_o disciple_n you_o see_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v christian_n we_o must_v always_o be_v prepare_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o put_v upon_o this_o trial_n 3._o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o all_o those_o who_o deny_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o account_n 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terrible_a soever_o their_o suffering_n be_v they_o do_v but_o tread_v in_o the_o step_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v their_o great_a example_n in_o suffer_v will_v likewise_o be_v their_o support_n and_o their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n so_o that_o though_o suffer_v for_o christ_n be_v account_v great_a self-denial_n and_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v so_o to_o accept_v it_o because_o in_o deny_v thing_n present_a and_o sensible_a for_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a we_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v our_o affection_n to_o he_o but_o our_o great_a faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o by_o show_v that_o we_o rely_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o venture_v all_o upon_o the_o security_n which_o he_o offer_v we_o in_o
among_o who_o we_o shall_v shame_v as_o light_n the_o same_o argument_n st._n peter_n use_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 11_o 12._o i_o beseech_v you_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v consider_v that_o you_o be_v among_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o bring_v no_o scandal_n upon_o your_o holy_a profession_n among_o those_o who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n against_o you_o particular_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o heavenly_a country_n must_v be_v kind_a to_o one_o another_o and_o whilst_o we_o live_v among_o stranger_n have_v no_o quarrel_n among_o ourselves_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n it_o use_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o country_n and_o fellow_n citizen_n and_o this_o alone_a be_v common_o sufficient_a to_o unite_v their_o 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a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o be_v a_o wise_a be_v in_o truth_n a_o illnatured_n man._n for_o most_o certain_o in_o proportion_n to_o our_o love_n of_o any_o thing_n will_v be_v our_o trouble_n and_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o so_o that_o under_o these_o great_a and_o heavy_a stroke_n we_o have_v need_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v a_o man_n in_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n and_o to_o sustain_v his_o spirit_n under_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n but_o this_o full_o answer_v all_o that_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o nay_o that_o if_o we_o bear_v these_o 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at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a place_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o bear_v himself_o towards_o it_o with_o the_o most_o indifferent_a mind_n and_o affection_n that_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o patient_a to_o stay_v in_o it_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v and_o as_o for_o death_n though_o the_o dread_a of_o it_o be_v natural_a yet_o why_o shall_v the_o terror_n of_o it_o be_v so_o very_o surprise_v and_o amaze_a to_o we_o after_o we_o have_v consider_v that_o to_o a_o good_a and_o pious_a soul_n it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o entrance_n into_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o wonder_v to_o see_v a_o man_n undaunted_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o content_v but_o cheerful_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n this_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o vale_n of_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n whereas_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o man_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o live_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o glad_a of_o any_o fair_a excuse_n and_o opportunity_n of_o get_v out_o of_o this_o strange_a country_n and_o retire_v home_o and_o of_o rid_v themselves_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o life_n for_o consider_v the_o numerous_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o a_o long_a pilgrimage_n there_o be_v real_o but_o three_o consideration_n that_o i_o can_v ready_o think_v of_o that_o can_v make_v this_o world_n and_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o it_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n tolerable_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n viz._n that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o to_o stay_v in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o happiness_n design_v