own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o wrought_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o have_v clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n from_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v concern_v the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o plant_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o hearty_a unity_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o private_a estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o common_a support_n of_o their_o brethren_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o city_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o account_n which_o strabo_n give_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o luxurious_a place_n as_o most_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v by_o st._n paul_n what_o a_o strange_a reformation_n the_o christian_a religion_n make_v in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o such_o a_o profligate_v course_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o crime_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n from_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n tertullian_n tell_v the_o roman_a governor_n that_o their_o prison_n be_v full_a of_o malefactor_n commit_v for_o several_a crime_n but_o they_o be_v all_o heathen_n de_fw-fr vestris_fw-la semper_fw-la aestuat_fw-la carcer_fw-la their_o prison_n be_v throng_v with_o criminal_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v commit_v there_o for_o such_o crime_n nemo_fw-la illic_fw-la christianus_n nisi_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantùm_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o their_o prison_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o malefactor_n that_o have_v be_v christian_n they_o leave_v their_o religion_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o those_o enormity_n and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v irregular_a in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v no_o long_o account_v christian_n but_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o communion_n as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n what_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n christianity_n have_v make_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a person_n and_o what_o a_o visible_a reformation_n there_o present_o appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n after_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o these_o testimony_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v public_a appeal_n to_o our_o adversary_n which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o hate_v as_o the_o christian_n be_v will_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v notorious_o true_a even_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o i_o shall_v produce_v two_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o have_v pliny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n give_v he_o a_o account_n that_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_n set_v aside_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o way_n he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o day_n and_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n or_o sacrament_n not_o to_o any_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o not_o to_o steal_v nor_o rob_v nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o break_v their_o faith_n nor_o detain_v the_o pledge_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n be_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n against_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o judge_n one_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v julian_n the_o emperor_n and_o apostate_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o the_o christian_n do_v severe_o punish_v sedition_n and_o impiety_n and_o afterward_o exhort_v the_o heathen_a priest_n to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o especial_o alm_n towards_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o mend_v this_o fault_n because_o say_v he_o the_o galilean_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o neglect_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v very_o much_o strengthen_v their_o impiety_n for_o so_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n by_o be_v very_a intent_n upon_o these_o office_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a whereby_o they_o gain_v many_o over_o to_o they_o and_o in_o his_o 49th_o epist_n to_o arsacius_n the_o highpriest_n of_o galatia_n he_o recommend_v to_o he_o among_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o paganism_n the_o build_n of_o hospital_n and_o great_a liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o other_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o the_o impious_a galilean_n shall_v not_o only_o maintain_v their_o own_o poor_a but_o we_o also_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o outdo_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v extort_a so_o full_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o so_o bitter_a a_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o julian_n be_v if_o he_o own_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o any_o religion_n the_o force_n of_o any_o institution_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o primitive_a effect_n of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o dispirited_a by_o those_o corruption_n which_o in_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v common_o more_o vigorous_a and_o have_v great_a effect_n at_o first_o than_o afterward_o and_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v apt_a in_o time_n to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o contract_v soil_n and_o rust_n and_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v bewail_v and_o by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v resist_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o christianity_n in_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o first_o strength_n and_o vigour_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n that_o give_v christianity_n mighty_a advantage_n at_o first_o especial_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o conviction_n to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o suffer_a state_n that_o christian_n be_v general_o in_o which_o make_v those_o who_o embrace_v the_o profession_n to_o be_v general_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o it_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a heat_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v
obedience_n and_o good_a work_n chap._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n first_o of_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o empty_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n how_o specious_a and_o glorious_a soever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n avail_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n no_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n no_o subjection_n to_o he_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n though_o we_o have_v make_v a_o constant_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v go_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v join_v in_o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n with_o great_a appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v hear_v his_o word_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o all_o imaginable_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n nay_o though_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n and_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n none_o of_o all_o these_o will_n thing_n signify_v any_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n but_o we_o can_v plead_v so_o much_o for_o ourselves_o as_o those_o do_v of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v none_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v allege_v all_o this_o it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a all_o that_o such_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v call_v he_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v they_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v pay_v a_o outward_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o declare_v a_o mighty_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o but_o they_o have_v not_o do_v his_o will_n but_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v cast_v his_o commandment_n behind_o their_o back_n they_o have_v only_o bear_v the_o leave_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n that_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o when_o these_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o those_o vain_a word_n lord_n lord_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v answer_v in_o that_o day_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n when_o you_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o subjection_n to_o i_o you_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v purchase_v or_o the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v one_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v salvation_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o our_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o comprehend_v the_o end_n our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o happiness_n upon_o we_o a_o great_a and_o last_a happiness_n great_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o immortal_a as_o our_o soul_n all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v in_o eternal_a salvation_n two_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o great_a benefit_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n in_o the_o low_a humiliation_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_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 in_o his_o take_n upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o his_o become_a obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o vile_a slave_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a malefactor_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n into_o this_o low_a world_n this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v content_v himself_o to_o suffer_v to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n to_o be_v the_o most_o despicable_a and_o the_o most_o miserable_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o suppose_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o be_v by_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o which_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v real_o best_a for_o our_o present_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o have_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v our_o choice_n if_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o gracious_a than_o to_o make_v one_o benefit_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o to_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o account_n be_v real_o best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o present_a life_n three_o here_o be_v abundant_a encouragement_n give_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n promise_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o for_o our_o further_a encouragement_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n in_o case_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v
in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v the_o initiate_a of_o man_n by_o this_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o solemn_a stipulation_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o promise_n of_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v likewise_o make_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v testify_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v particular_a notice_n what_o use_v the_o anabaptist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n so_o as_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v all_o infant_n even_o those_o of_o christian_a parent_n who_o be_v themselves_o already_o admit_v into_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v here_o say_v by_o our_o saviour_n go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o infer_v and_o very_o clear_o and_o strong_o as_o they_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v disciple_n which_o infant_n be_v not_o but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v to_o some_o maturity_n of_o year_n and_o understanding_n but_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o this_o inference_n at_o least_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o constant_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o institution_n admit_v infant_n into_o that_o church_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n and_o likewise_o the_o infant_n of_o proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o intend_v by_o any_o consequence_n from_o this_o text_n to_o exclude_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o debar_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o capable_a of_o be_v take_v into_o this_o new_a covenant_n and_o of_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o old_a unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v which_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n child_n be_v in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o plain_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o express_a prohibition_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o a_o exception_n of_o child_n from_o baptism_n can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o privilege_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a be_v capable_a for_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o go_v and_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o solemn_o into_o it_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o their_o religion_n by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n by_o which_o rite_n also_o they_o take_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o proselyte_n upon_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v any_o more_o exclude_v than_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o except_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o favourable_a case_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o debar_v child_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o obscure_a consequence_n from_o a_o text_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v never_o so_o understand_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o disciple_n or_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o you_o see_v how_o their_o commission_n bound_n and_o limit_n they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v the_o publisher_n but_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o corinthian_n consult_v he_o about_o several_a thing_n relate_v to_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n he_o only_o give_v his_o advice_n but_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o law_n in_o those_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christian_n do_v general_o at_o this_o day_n think_v themselves_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v make_v even_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o all_o those_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v now_o cease_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n under_o such_o officer_n and_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o most_o fit_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o without_o this_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o commission_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o constitution_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o they_o do_v appoint_v temporary_a officer_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n so_o they_o constitute_v other_o that_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruct_n and_o govern_v of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o subordination_n of_o governor_n have_v not_o only_o be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n but_o in_o all_o the_o well_o regulate_v civil_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o work_n 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 that_o be_v though_o i_o be_v go_v from_o you_o in_o person_n yet_o i_o will_v still_o be_v present_a with_o you_o by_o my_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o have_v he_o engage_v for_o their_o assistance_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o as_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v primary_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o
beside_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o proverb_n that_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o perform_v bare_o what_o he_o promise_v but_o he_o usual_o do_v something_o over_o and_o above_o his_o promise_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v heal_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o deaf_a and_o the_o lame_a isaiah_n prophesy_v and_o god_n make_v good_a this_o promise_n and_o prediction_n to_o the_o full_a the_o messiah_n do_v not_o only_o do_v these_o but_o which_o be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o any_o of_o these_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n second_o it_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a isa_n 61._o 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a so_o the_o lxx_o render_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a word_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o be_v no_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n of_o a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o a_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o beside_o it_o have_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o very_o different_a from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n will_v scarce_o instruct_v any_o but_o for_o great_a reward_n they_o will_v meddle_v with_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o requite_v their_o pain_n the_o ordinary_a and_o poor_a sort_n of_o people_n they_o have_v in_o great_a contempt_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o slight_a expression_n of_o they_o joh._n 7._o 48_o 49._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v and_o grotius_n upon_o this_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a master_n have_v this_o foolish_a and_o insolent_a proverb_n among_o they_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o rest_v but_o upon_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o which_o this_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v especial_o send_v to_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n but_o this_o great_a prophet_n come_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a none_o have_v so_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v proud_a as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o never_o be_v any_o so_o humble_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n whole_a life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n they_o think_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n the_o only_a happy_a person_n but_o he_o come_v to_o preach_v glad_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bring_v good_a news_n to_o they_o who_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o and_o therefore_o to_o confound_v their_o pride_n and_o folly_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o false_a opinion_n of_o thing_n he_o begin_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o he_o with_o this_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v offend_v at_o he_o isa_n 8._o 14._o he_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o for_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o both_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o isa_n 53._o 1_o 2_o 3._o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o when_o we_o see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o intimate_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a work_n that_o he_o do_v among_o they_o which_o testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o prediction_n of_o their_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o punctual_o accomplish_v in_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o will_v take_v offence_n at_o he_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o and_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o this_o that_o they_o reject_v he_o and_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o their_o messiah_n be_v another_o sign_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o be_v express_o predict_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o his_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n first_o the_o many_o and_o great_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v prove_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o second_o the_o correspondence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o second_o a_o intimation_n in_o the_o text_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n christ_n give_v of_o himself_o yet_o many_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o consider_v first_o how_o the_o poor_a come_v to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o second_o what_o those_o prejudices_fw-la be_v which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o those_o which_o man_n have_v at_o this_o day_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o three_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n first_o how_o the_o poor_a come_v to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v more_o especial_o apply_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o likewise_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o near_a disposition_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o do_v of_o all_o other_o give_v the_o most_o ready_a entertainment_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n when_o he_o pronounce_v the_o poor_a bless_a upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o other_o bless_v be_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o st._n james_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o poor_a be_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o in_o a_o near_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o this_o there_o be_v three_o account_n to_o be_v give_v first_o the_o poor_a have_v no_o earthly_a interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o reject_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n the_o high-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n they_o have_v a_o plain_a worldly_a interest_n which_o do_v engage_v they_o to_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n for_o if_o he_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n embrace_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n lose_v their_o sway_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n and_o all_o that_o which_o render_v they_o so_o considerable_a their_o pretend_a skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o tradition_n and_o observance_n of_o their_o father_n together_o with_o their_o external_a show_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o honest_a and_o sincere_a as_o to_o be_v content_a for_o truth_n sake_n to_o part_v
with_o their_o reputation_n and_o authority_n and_o to_o become_v less_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o man_n than_o they_o be_v before_o few_o be_v so_o impartial_a as_o to_o quit_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v once_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o and_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o because_o this_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o their_o zeal_n which_o few_o have_v the_o ingenuity_n to_o own_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o plain_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n meet_v with_o so_o much_o resistance_n from_o those_o who_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o make_v head_n against_o it_o and_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v we_o of_o their_o infidelity_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o come_v of_o god_n only_o and_o chap._n 12._o 43._o for_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o beside_o the_o point_n of_o reputation_n those_o that_o be_v rich_a be_v concern_v in_o point_n of_o interest_n to_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o unpleasant_a doctrine_n to_o rich_a man_n who_o have_v great_a estate_n and_o have_v set_v their_o heart_n upon_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v it_o so_o hard_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o difficult_a and_o human_o impossible_a i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o the_o poor_a be_v free_a from_o these_o encumbrance_n and_o temptation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o lose_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o they_o because_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v their_o interest_n as_o it_o do_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o who_o have_v great_a estate_n and_o possession_n second_o another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o enjoy_v little_a of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v good_a news_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o present_a misery_n and_o suffer_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o hereafter_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o listen_v to_o the_o good_a news_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o have_v pronounce_v the_o poor_a bless_a luke_n 6._o 20._o he_o add_v by_o way_n of_o opposition_n v._o 24._o but_o woe_n unto_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a for_o you_o have_v receive_v your_o consolation_n they_o be_v in_o so_o comfortable_a a_o condition_n at_o present_a that_o they_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o hereafter_o whereas_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o poor_a man_n have_v be_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a condition_n non_fw-la si_fw-la male_a nunc_fw-la &_o olim_fw-la sic_fw-la erit_fw-la that_o if_o it_o be_v bad_a now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o always_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o promise_v and_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n be_v very_o welcome_a to_o they_o three_o if_o by_o the_o poor_a we_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o such_o likewise_o as_o have_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n suitable_a to_o the_o poverty_n of_o their_o outward_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v meekness_n and_o humility_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o spirit_n be_v a_o great_a disposition_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o poverty_n be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n i_o cite_v before_o isa_n 61._o 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a and_o to_o bind_v up_o the_o the_o brokenhearted_a and_o likewise_o from_o our_o saviour_n description_n of_o these_o person_n in_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n matth._n 5._o 3._o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o by_o the_o poor_a who_o be_v so_o near_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n intend_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a thing_n be_v likewise_o meek_a and_o humble_a in_o their_o spirit_n now_o meekness_n and_o humility_n be_v great_a disposition_n to_o the_o entertain_v of_o truth_n these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n do_v prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o learning_n and_o instruction_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n he_o that_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o learn_v of_o other_o he_o who_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o pride_n or_o passion_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o to_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o proud_a and_o the_o passionate_a passion_n and_o pride_n be_v great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n passion_n do_v not_o only_o darken_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o put_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o our_o judgement_n which_o draw_v they_o off_o many_o time_n from_o truth_n and_o sway_v they_o that_o way_n which_o our_o passion_n incline_v they_o a_o man_n of_o a_o calm_a and_o meek_a temper_n stand_v always_o indifferent_a for_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o hold_v the_o balance_n of_o his_o judgement_n even_o but_o passion_n sway_v and_o incline_v it_o one_o way_n and_o that_o common_o against_o truth_n and_o reason_n so_o likewise_o pride_n be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o very_o worst_a quality_n that_o a_o learner_n can_v have_v it_o obstruct_v all_o the_o passage_n whereby_o knowledge_n shall_v enter_v into_o we_o it_o make_v man_n refuse_v instruction_n out_o of_o a_o conceit_n they_o need_v it_o not_o many_o man_n may_v have_v know_v more_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o vain_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v entertain_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o knowledge_n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n but_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n for_o god_n love_v to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n upon_o meek_a and_o humble_a mind_n so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o psa_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n and_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o poor_a be_v more_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n namely_o what_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n be_v which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n have_v at_o this_o day_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n they_o both_o take_v exception_n at_o he_o especial_o at_o his_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exception_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o as_o i_o find_v they_o disperse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o the_o exception_n
let_v every_o man_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v and_o slow_a to_o wrath_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n sermon_n ii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o i_o have_v from_o these_o word_n propound_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o ii_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n when_o this_o great_a teacher_n of_o mankind_n come_v from_o god_n though_o he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v mighty_o offend_v at_o he_o and_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v show_v 〈◊〉_d unreasonableness_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o to_o consider_v the_o 〈…〉_o those_o exception_n which_o 〈…〉_o and_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v mention_v these_o four_o first_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n second_o they_o object_v against_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n three_o that_o it_o want_v demonstration_n four_o that_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o heathen_a and_o especial_o their_o philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n first_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v condemn_v the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o education_n and_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o violent_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o absurd_a soever_o it_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o propound_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o not_o prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o may_v then_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v entertain_v it_o with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o world_n have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o inure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o this_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o man_n sequimur_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la qui_fw-la feliciter_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la suos_fw-la as_o one_o of_o the_o heathen_n say_v in_o those_o day_n we_o follow_v our_o ancestor_n who_o happy_o follow_v they_o man_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n and_o custom_n in_o religion_n which_o themselves_o and_o their_o forefather_n have_v always_o embrace_v and_o follow_v and_o wise_a man_n especial_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n as_o religion_n be_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n but_o yet_o upon_o a_o through_o examination_n this_o will_v not_o be_v find_v sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v christianity_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o no_o prudent_a person_n think_v that_o the_o example_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o forefather_n oblige_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o pernicious_a to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a no_o danger_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o undo_n for_o ever_o a_o man_n may_v better_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o his_o forefather_n to_o justify_v his_o error_n and_o folly_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o in_o this_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o pernicious_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o a_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o a_o reformation_n that_o it_o make_v a_o change_n when_o thing_n be_v amiss_o it_o be_v always_o fit_a to_o amend_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o change_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a do_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v mix_v with_o very_o great_a folly_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_a and_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o dare_v to_o reform_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o oppose_v a_o effectual_a reformation_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o change_n a_o change_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o better_a though_o it_o be_v usual_o hard_a to_o be_v effect_v be_v always_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o 3._o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n design_v be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o can_v be_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o but_o the_o reduce_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o bring_n of_o man_n back_o to_o such_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n mind_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o design_n to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o then_o for_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o precept_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n add_v beyond_o this_o be_v mean_n and_o help_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n for_o our_o direction_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o our_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n he_o offer_v
of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o most_o case_n urge_v we_o to_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n beside_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o happen_v so_o frequent_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n nay_o very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a both_o because_o religion_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a suffering_n a_o happiness_n unspeakable_o great_a than_o that_o which_o we_o forego_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n do_v extraordinary_o enable_v man_n to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o courage_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o great_a number_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o age_n do_v voluntary_o choose_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o these_o suffering_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o but_o fair_a term_n of_o retreat_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o by_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o can_v help_v it_o and_o another_o thing_n when_o man_n may_v avoid_v suffer_v in_o the_o former_a case_n man_n submit_v to_o necessity_n and_o bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n if_o man_n suffer_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o suffer_v cheerful_o and_o with_o joy_n as_o most_o of_o the_o martyr_n do_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n afford_v they_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o then_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o hard_a when_o religion_n put_v they_o upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o it_o give_v they_o cause_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o the_o like_a this_o objection_n have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n and_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o machiavelli_n and_o very_o likely_a it_o may_v though_o i_o think_v that_o elsewhere_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v with_o term_n of_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o contradict_v the_o other_o he_o say_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o livy_n ch._n 11._o that_o the_o greatness_n and_o success_n of_o rome_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o rome_n be_v more_o indebt_v to_o numa_n pompilius_n for_o settle_v religion_n among_o they_o than_o to_o romulus_n the_o founder_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o say_v he_o without_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o military_a discipline_n religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o good_a law_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o particular_o he_o commend_v the_o samnite_n who_o betake_v themselves_o to_o religion_n as_o their_o last_o and_o best_a remedy_n to_o make_v man_n courageous_a nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v man_n spirit_n than_o religion_n but_o howsoever_o this_o objection_n be_v i_o dare_v appeal_n both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o 1._o to_o reason_n and_o that_o as_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n principle_n of_o the_o great_a resolution_n and_o true_a courage_n it_o teach_v man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a ground_n to_o despise_v danger_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v likely_a to_o inspire_v man_n with_o the_o great_a courage_n for_o what_o need_n he_o fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n who_o fear_v not_o death_n after_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v fear_v and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v by_o give_v man_n the_o assurance_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o happiness_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o this_o happiness_n it_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o inward_a and_o torment_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o after_o death_n this_o make_v the_o righteous_a man_n to_o be_v as_o solomon_n say_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n nothing_o render_v a_o man_n more_o undaunted_a as_o to_o death_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o than_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o have_v wilful_o displease_v he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n reasonable_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a happiness_n after_o death_n than_o other_o man_n whereas_o a_o bad_a man_n if_o he_o be_v sober_a and_o have_v his_o sense_n awake_v to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extreme_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o in_o another_o world_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a man_n breathe_v afraid_a to_o venture_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o see_v hell_n beyond_o it_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o monster_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v so_o far_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n as_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o have_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o happen_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o as_o the_o poet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a fellix_fw-la qui_fw-la potuit_fw-la rerum_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la causas_fw-la atque_fw-la metus_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o inexorabile_fw-la fatum_fw-la subjecit_fw-la pedibus_fw-la strepitumque_fw-la acherontis_fw-la avari_fw-la there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o attain_v to_o this_o temper_n and_o but_o at_o some_o time_n so_o that_o if_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n do_v general_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o man_n spirit_n it_o remain_v that_o nothing_o but_o religion_n can_v general_o give_v man_n courage_n against_o death_n and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v eminent_o to_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o it_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o conquer_a death_n for_o we_o and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n 2._o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o such_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o in_o reason_n tend_v to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o break_v their_o true_a courage_n but_o only_o to_o regulate_v it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o fierceness_n and_o brutishness_n of_o it_o this_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o man_n of_o the_o true_a courage_n have_v many_o time_n lest_o of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o passion_n and_o fierceness_n those_o who_o be_v better_o breed_v be_v common_o of_o more_o gentle_a and_o civil_a disposition_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o want_v true_a courage_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o roughness_n and_o foolhardiness_n of_o man_n of_o rude_a breed_n so_o in_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v very_o courageous_a there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o man_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o quite_o alter_v but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o maintain_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o man_n courage_n and_o that_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la suppose_v man_n of_o equal_a temper_n no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v valiant_a as_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o bluster_a and_o boisterous_a and_o rash_a courage_n but_o a_o sober_a and_o
so_o much_o and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n against_o it_o do_v natural_o inflame_v their_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o one_o another_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a endearment_n among_o man_n than_o common_a suffering_n in_o a_o common_a cause_n so_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o secular_a interest_n and_o by_o deny_v all_o for_o christ_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n the_o great_a root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o she_o be_v black_a yet_o she_o be_v comely_a and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n she_o be_v all_o this_o while_n in_o a_o excellent_a posture_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n but_o after_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o christianity_n be_v countenance_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o water_v with_o secular_a preferment_n and_o encouragement_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o tare_n begin_v to_o grow_v up_o with_o the_o wheat_n then_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o to_o grow_v cold_a when_o the_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n begin_v to_o shine_v upon_o the_o christian_a profession_n than_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o vermin_n breed_v and_o swarm_v every_o where_n when_o it_o grow_v creditable_a and_o advantageous_a for_o man_n to_o be_v christian_n this_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n make_v a_o world_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o counterfeit_a professor_n these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v must_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o which_o have_v follow_v since_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o real_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o several_a state_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o unequal_a for_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o persecution_n of_o any_o religion_n natural_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o real_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o do_v as_o natural_o allure_v and_o draw_v in_o hypocrite_n beside_o that_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v more_o corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n than_o affliction_n but_o though_o christian_n be_v best_o under_o persecution_n yet_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a always_o to_o continue_v they_o in_o that_o state_n because_o he_o will_v not_o tempt_v they_o and_o tire_v they_o out_o with_o perpetual_a suffering_n and_o after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o sufficient_a experiment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o maintain_v and_o propagate_a itself_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o he_o than_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o more_o human_a way_n and_o such_o as_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o man._n be_v once_o establish_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o equal_a term_n of_o advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o pious_a education_n and_o diligent_a instruction_n and_o good_a law_n and_o government_n without_o miracle_n and_o without_o persecution_n and_o without_o those_o extraordinary_a and_o overpower_a communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o man_n may_v see_v what_o effect_n christianity_n have_v have_v upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o proper_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o may_v not_o wonder_v so_o much_o that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n now_o though_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a shame_n to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o 2._o though_o the_o disproportion_n be_v very_o great_a between_o the_o effect_n of_o christianity_n at_o first_o and_o what_o it_o have_v now_o upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v but_o it_o have_v still_o some_o good_a effect_n upon_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v our_o great_a shame_n and_o fault_n that_o it_o have_v no_o better_a if_o we_o will_v speak_v just_o of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o general_a civility_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n freedom_n from_o tyranny_n and_o barbarousness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o some_o other_o enormous_a vice_n yea_o and_o as_o to_o the_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o great_a number_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o several_a nation_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o general_a state_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o pagan_a and_o mahometan_a part_n of_o the_o world_n next_o to_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n philosophy_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a instrument_n to_o reform_v mankind_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o have_v very_o considerable_a effect_n upon_o some_o particular_a person_n both_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n it_o do_v very_o little_a in_o either_o of_o these_o respect_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o absurd_a and_o impious_a opinion_n of_o the_o people_n concern_v god_n and_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v universal_o wherever_o it_o come_v set_v man_n free_a from_o those_o gross_a impiety_n and_o superstition_n and_o teach_v man_n to_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n though_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o the_o eternal_a reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o western_a church_n have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n relap_v into_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o paganism_n out_o of_o which_o degeneracy_n that_o god_n have_v rescue_v we_o as_o we_o have_v infinite_a cause_n to_o adore_v his_o goodness_n so_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dread_v and_o detest_v a_o return_n into_o this_o spiritual_a egypt_n this_o house_n of_o darkness_n and_o bondage_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o our_o neck_n again_o under_o that_o yoke_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v still_o very_o considerable_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_v because_o they_o still_o retain_v the_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v not_o quite_o lose_v their_o force_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o as_o god_n know_v and_o every_o man_n see_v it_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o bad_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a man_n will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o for_o though_o very_a many_o who_o have_v entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o many_o be_v otherwise_o and_o those_o that_o be_v bad_a have_v this_o advantage_n by_o their_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n apt_a to_o reduce_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a course_n and_o sometime_o do_v whereas_o the_o case_n of_o those_o person_n will_v have_v be_v desperate_a be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o they_o by_o christian_a education_n and_o though_o they_o be_v long_o suppress_v yet_o do_v at_o last_o awaken_v they_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o prove_v the_o happy_a mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n 3._o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n as_o bad_a nay_o perhaps_o worse_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o be_v common_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o paganism_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o those_o who_o have_v resist_v so_o great_a a_o light_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v be_v like_a to_o prove_v the_o most_o desperate_o wicked_a of_o all_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o man_n make_v worse_a use_n of_o than_o of_o light_n and_o liberty_n two_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n knowledge_n be_v many_o time_n abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n and_o liberty_n into_o licentiousness_n and_o sedition_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n for_o all_o that_o think_v ignorance_n desirable_a or_o will_v wish_v a_o perpetual_a night_n and_o darkness_n to_o
in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n two_o this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12._o 47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_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 say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o
how_o god_n will_v have_v man_n to_o live_v than_o by_o see_v how_o god_n himself_o live_v when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o become_v man._n and_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o assume_v our_o nature_n in_o its_o high_a glory_n and_o perfection_n but_o compass_v with_o infirmity_n and_o liable_a in_o all_o point_n to_o be_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v but_o still_o it_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o exact_a from_o we_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v he_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a though_o very_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o after_o all_o this_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n and_o this_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o we_o and_o our_o pattern_n as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o this_o god_n offer_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o all_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n out_o our_o salvation_n god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v so_o that_o as_o to_o that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o quench_v and_o resist_v his_o bless_a spirit_n we_o may_v be_v as_o real_o assist_v as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v for_o in_o this_o respect_n all_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8._o 14._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a so_o in_o the_o main_a it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o can_v not_o have_v come_v near_o to_o we_o without_o want_v that_o perfection_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o complete_a and_o absolute_a pattern_n the_o son_n of_o god_n condescend_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v he_o the_o most_o familiar_a and_o equal_a example_n to_o we_o except_v that_o which_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o have_v be_v infinite_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o and_o will_v have_v spoil_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o example_n he_o come_v as_o near_o to_o we_o as_o be_v fit_a or_o possible_a be_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v that_o be_v abate_v that_o one_o thing_n which_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v and_o which_o will_v have_v destroy_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o come_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v without_o sin_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v a_o expiation_n for_o sin_n nor_o have_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n and_o as_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o absolute_a pattern_n so_o that_o by_o consider_v his_o temper_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n we_o may_v reform_v all_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o error_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a example_n and_o of_o great_a force_n to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o love_n above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o example_n of_o our_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o be_v content_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n together_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o it_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o instruct_v and_o lead_v mankind_n in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_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 in_o his_o blood_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v enemy_n do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v for_o his_o friend_n and_o sure_o these_o consideration_n can_v but_o mighty_o recommend_v and_o endear_v to_o we_o this_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o be_v ambitious_a to_o imitate_v those_o who_o we_o high_o esteem_v and_o reverence_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a veneration_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n and_o be_v always_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o those_o who_o we_o love_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o those_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a favour_n and_o who_o be_v continual_o heap_v great_a obligation_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o pattern_n or_o the_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o it_o to_o we_o by_o that_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o have_v express_v towards_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o temptation_n and_o all_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o who_o will_v not_o glad_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v who_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o example_n to_o which_o we_o stand_v indebt_v for_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v procure_v for_o mankind_n thus_o you_o see_v of_o what_o force_n and_o advantage_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n three_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o we_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n by_o which_o he_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o not_o only_a deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n when_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v substitute_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o offence_n by_o his_o own_o suffering_n he_o die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o in_o our_o place_n and_o stead_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o die_v we_o have_v eternal_o perrish_v and_o because_o he_o die_v we_o be_v save_v from_o that_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n or_o term_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n it_o be_v call_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n we_o be_v liable_a and_o indebt_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n have_v discharge_v this_o obligation_n which_o discharge_v since_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o we_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v there_o have_v be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n why_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o enough_o be_v call_v payment_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v not_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o son_n for_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v with_o he_o or_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o sinner_n shall_v have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o
proper_a pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o that_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o grievous_a suffering_n undergo_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o upon_o our_o account_n be_v of_o that_o value_n and_o esteem_n with_o god_n and_o his_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n of_o himself_o in_o our_o stead_n so_o high_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o that_o he_o thereupon_o be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o mankind_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o engage_v himself_o to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o who_o sincere_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o that_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n and_o not_o only_o the_o confirmation_n but_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n four_o and_o last_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o powerful_a and_o perpetual_a intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o intimate_v and_o intend_v in_o that_o expression_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o which_o word_n of_o his_o be_v perfect_v do_v as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o more_o immediate_o refer_v to_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o his_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n where_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o which_o perpetual_a and_o most_o prevalent_a intercession_n of_o he_o he_o procure_v all_o those_o benefit_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o death_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o perfect_a restitution_n to_o his_o favour_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o strengthen_v we_o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o to_o preserve_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o apostle_n call_v obtain_v of_o mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n ch_n 4._o v._n 16._o of_o this_o epist_n our_o bless_a saviour_n now_o that_o he_o be_v advance_v into_o heaven_n and_o exalt_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a do_v out_o of_o the_o tender_a affection_n and_o compassion_n to_o mankind_n still_o prosecute_v that_o great_a and_o merciful_a design_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v begin_v by_o he_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n do_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v plead_v our_o cause_n with_o god_n and_o represent_v to_o he_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o obtain_v a_o favourable_a answer_n of_o our_o petition_n put_v up_o to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o all_o necessary_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o our_o temptation_n and_o infirmity_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v upon_o our_o sincere_a repentance_n our_o prayer_n be_v gracious_o answer_v our_o want_n be_v abundant_o supply_v and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v plentiful_o afford_v to_o we_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o well_o do_v to_o comfort_v we_o in_o affliction_n to_o support_v we_o under_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o the_o purchase_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o perfect_a and_o finish_v of_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o we_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o ch_n 7._o v._n 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o he_o die_v once_o to_o purchase_v salvation_n for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o but_o receive_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o this_o purchase_n he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o thus_o he_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v as_o intent_n to_o procure_v our_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o tender_o concern_v for_o we_o as_o when_o he_o live_v here_o among_o we_o upon_o earth_n as_o when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n a_o offer_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o he_o appear_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o which_o he_o assume_v for_o our_o sake_n which_o be_v make_v subject_a to_o and_o sensible_a of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o which_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v as_o we_o be_v only_o without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o know_v how_o to_o pity_v and_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o own_o suffering_n be_v prompt_v to_o a_o compassionate_a sense_n of_o we_o and_o never_o cease_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o to_o plead_v our_o cause_n with_o god_n and_o to_o intercede_v powerful_o on_o our_o behalf_n so_o that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n intercession_n on_o our_o behalf_n be_v found_v in_o the_o redemption_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n he_o represent_v to_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n as_o the_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o law_n do_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n intercede_v for_o the_o people_n so_o christ_n by_o his_o own_o blood_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ch_z 9_o v._n 12._o he_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o v._o 24._o christ_n be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n but_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o ch_z 10._o v._n 12._o speak_v of_o christ_n appear_v for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o man_n say_v he_o after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o that_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o perpetual_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n be_v found_v in_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o he_o pay_v on_o earth_n in_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o we_o from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n reason_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o his_o mediation_n be_v found_v in_o his_o ransom_n or_o the_o price_n which_o he_o pay_v for_o our_o redemption_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o express_a word_n but_o sure_o he_o mean_v so_o if_o by_o say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n he_o mean_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n for_o they_o
to_o god_n he_o will_v grant_v we_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a by_o which_o be_v certain_o intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n spiritual_a good_a thing_n because_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o more_o especial_o mean_v these_o st._n luke_n do_v particular_o instance_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n lube_n 11._o 13._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v the_o continual_a presence_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o talent_n entrust_v with_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n matth._n 25_o i_o say_v what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o but_o this_o that_o god_n be_v beforehand_o with_o every_o man_n by_o afford_v the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o end_n which_o if_o he_o faithful_o improve_v he_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n do_v so_o earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o universal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o phil._n 2._o 12_o 13._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v with_o great_a care_n and_o concernment_n lest_o you_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assit_fw-la we_o and_o of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o put_v forth_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o so_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n to_o press_v man_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v have_v so_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o requisite_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v by_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n therein_o offer_v to_o we_o whereby_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o then_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o divine_a power_n convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o he_o exhort_v man_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n virtue_n and_o knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o godliness_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n and_o perseverance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o powerful_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 3._o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n in_o our_o power_n that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o though_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o that_o be_v by_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n yet_o we_o can_v do_v by_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o that_o assistance_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v because_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o they_o that_o seek_v it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o a_o man_n power_n which_o he_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v that_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o assistance_n of_o another_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v no_o way_n derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o he_o reckon_v himself_o able_a to_o do_v all_o that_o which_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o the_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o will_v all_o be_v not_o only_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o very_o unreasonable_a if_o we_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o power_n to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v but_o if_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o assist_v we_o by_o a_o grace_n sufficient_a for_o we_o if_o he_o cooperate_v with_o we_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n then_o be_v there_o abundant_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v whole_o our_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o not_o seek_v god_n grace_n more_o earnest_o or_o by_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v real_o all_o one_o both_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o the_o render_n of_o our_o disobedience_n inexcusable_a whether_o we_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o that_o purpose_n wherefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v heb._n 12._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v strait_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n lest_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o let_v it_o rather_o be_v heal_v follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v want_v of_o care_n and_o diligence_n on_o our_o part_n if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n fail_v of_o its_o end_n and_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n god_n do_v not_o withhold_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o but_o man_n may_v receive_v it_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v from_o these_o word_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o that_o be_v to_o such_o and_o only_o to_o such_o as_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n to_o they_o who_o frame_v the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n according_a to_o his_o
but_o god_n be_v with_o we_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v only_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o own_o resolution_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v bear_v down_o but_o they_o be_v from_o god_n of_o a_o heavenly_a birth_n and_o original_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n john_n 1._o 12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o privilege_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n god_n consider_v the_o impotency_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o deprave_a and_o degenerate_a state_n into_o which_o we_o be_v sink_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o but_o when_o he_o command_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o he_o himself_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v he_o do_v not_o bid_v we_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o he_o know_v we_o have_v no_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o but_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o what_o may_v not_o even_o a_o weak_a creature_n do_v that_o be_v so_o powerful_o assist_v if_o we_o will_v but_o make_v use_n of_o this_o strength_n nothing_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v comply_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v as_o sincere_a in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o offer_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v at_o first_o it_o be_v but_o make_v one_o manful_a onset_n and_o sustain_v the_o first_o brunt_n and_o the_o difficulty_n will_v abate_v and_o grow_v less_o and_o our_o strength_n will_v every_o day_n increase_v and_o grow_v more_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o but_o when_o we_o have_v once_o get_v through_o it_o our_o foot_n will_v be_v set_v in_o a_o open_a place_n after_o some_o struggle_v to_o get_v through_o we_o shall_v every_o day_n find_v ourselves_o at_o more_o ease_n and_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a at_o first_o to_o master_v our_o vicious_a inclination_n to_o change_v the_o habit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v but_o this_o trouble_n last_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n these_o pang_n of_o the_o new-birth_n though_o they_o be_v sharp_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o usual_o of_o long_a continuance_n it_o do_v indeed_o require_v great_a resolution_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n to_o encounter_v the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o can_v but_o stand_v it_o out_o for_o one_o brunt_n our_o enemy_n will_v give_v way_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o victory_n will_v tempt_v we_o on_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o conflict_n with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o but_o when_o we_o be_v engage_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prevail_v and_o conquer_v many_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o go_v to_o war_n but_o after_o a_o little_a success_n they_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o give_v over_o that_o which_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o they_o at_o first_o turn_v into_o a_o pleasure_n 3._o consider_v that_o custom_n will_v make_v any_o course_n of_o life_n tolerable_a and_o most_o thing_n easy_a religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v difficult_a at_o first_o but_o after_o we_o be_v once_o habituate_v to_o it_o the_o trouble_n will_v wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o that_o which_o be_v grievous_a will_v become_v easy_a nay_o by_o degree_n much_o more_o pleasant_a than_o ever_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v we_o see_v the_o daily_a experience_n of_o this_o in_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o laborious_a employment_n of_o this_o world_n a_o little_a pain_n tire_v a_o man_n at_o first_o but_o when_o he_o be_v once_o season_v and_o enure_v to_o labour_n idleness_n become_v more_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o than_o the_o hard_a work_n custom_n will_v make_v any_o thing_n easy_a though_o it_o be_v a_o little_a unnatural_a nothing_o be_v more_o unnatural_a than_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o original_a nature_n and_o frame_n but_o it_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o it_o a_o second_o nature_n superinduce_v upon_o we_o by_o custom_n whereas_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o original_a and_o primitive_a state_n and_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v the_o pervert_n of_o nature_n contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o the_o design_n of_o our_o being_n and_o to_o all_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o interest_n but_o by_o return_v to_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n we_o return_v to_o our_o primitive_a state_n we_o act_n natural_o and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o being_n and_o when_o the_o force_n of_o a_o contrary_a custom_n be_v take_v off_o and_o the_o bias_n clap_v on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o shall_v run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o more_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o ever_o we_o find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o violence_n upon_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v always_o uneasy_a yet_o it_o be_v make_v more_o tolerable_a by_o custom_n but_o religion_n restore_v man_n to_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o then_o we_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o rest_n religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o yoke_n and_o burden_n but_o unless_o we_o take_v this_o upon_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v rest_n to_o our_o soul_n four_o and_o last_o consider_v the_o reward_n that_o religion_n propound_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o sweeten_v and_o mitigate_v all_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o this_o strait_a gate_n through_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v and_o this_o craggy_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o climb_v up_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o he_o be_v a_o lazy_a man_n indeed_o that_o will_v not_o strive_v and_o struggle_v for_o life_n all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v he_o will_v do_v for_o his_o life_n for_o this_o miserable_a life_n which_o be_v so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o a_o life_n not_o worth_a the_o have_v nor_o worth_a the_o keep_n with_o any_o great_a care_n and_o trouble_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a and_o happy_a life_n but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o life_n which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o indeed_o be_v not_o worth_a all_o this_o strive_v for_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n a_o state_n of_o perfect_a and_o endless_a happiness_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o who_o will_v not_o not_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o that_o gate_n which_o lead_v to_o so_o much_o felicity_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o take_v too_o much_o pain_n be_v at_o too_o much_o trouble_v for_o a_o few_o day_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o so_o often_o as_o i_o consider_v what_o incredible_a industry_n man_n use_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o get_v a_o small_a portion_n of_o this_o world_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o else_o they_o can_v not_o think_v much_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o pain_n for_o heaven_n that_o they_o can_v cheerful_o bestow_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o these_o corruptible_a thing_n can_v we_o be_v so_o unconscionable_a as_o to_o think_v god_n unreasonable_a when_o he_o offer_v heaven_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o we_o upon_o as_o easy_a term_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v not_o we_o very_o foolish_a and_o unwise_a to_o put_v away_o eternal_a life_n from_o we_o when_o we_o may_v have_v it_o upon_o term_n so_o infinite_o below_o the_o true_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n by_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o
swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n i_o proceed_v to_o a_o six_o observation_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n be_v evidence_n sufficient_a for_o divine_a thing_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v these_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v or_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o their_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o know_v very_o well_o the_o text_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o of_o the_o new_a be_v not_o then_o extant_a when_o this_o parable_n be_v deliver_v but_o what_o be_v here_o say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o the_o new_a and_o though_o abraham_n do_v only_o recommend_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v have_v say_v the_o same_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v then_o extant_a so_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v upon_o this_o observation_n do_v indifferent_o concern_v the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v out_o this_o observation_n more_o full_o i_o shall_v take_v these_o five_o thing_n into_o consideration_n one_a what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n two_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o three_o show_v what_o advantage_n this_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v above_o any_o other_o way_n of_o convey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n four_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n 5th_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o our_o conviction_n than_o to_o afford_v such_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o one_a what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n or_o manifestation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o we_o i_o say_v supernatural_a because_o it_o may_v either_o be_v immediate_o by_o god_n or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n as_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n or_o manifestation_n either_o immediate_o to_o our_o mind_n by_o our_o understanding_n and_o inward_a faculty_n for_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o undestand_v the_o distinction_n between_o understanding_n and_o imagination_n as_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o or_o else_o mediate_o to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n as_o by_o a_o external_a appearance_n to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n or_o by_o a_o voice_n and_o sound_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v a_o discovery_n or_o manifestation_n of_o a_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v know_v at_o all_o by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o understanding_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o natural_a light_n but_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v or_o make_v know_v or_o we_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n to_o we_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n either_o to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v more_o obscure_o know_v and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v lie_v bury_v in_o our_o undestanding_n or_o else_o to_o quicken_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o lively_a consideration_n of_o those_o truth_n 2_o for_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o they_o be_v various_a the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o ch_n 1._o 1._o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o several_a manner_n speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n where_o by_o prophet_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v not_o only_o those_o who_o do_v foretell_v future_a thing_n but_o any_o person_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v any_o supernatural_a discovery_n of_o himself_o now_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o revelation_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o jew_n be_v vision_n dream_n prophesy_v oracle_n inspiration_n or_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n voice_n bath-col_a or_o that_o which_o be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o which_o they_o call_v gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n the_o degree_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o moses_n the_o jewish_a writer_n especial_o maimonides_n have_v many_o subtle_a observation_n about_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o revelation_n which_o depend_v upon_o subtle_a and_o philosophical_a distinction_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o perception_n as_o that_o some_o of_o these_o revelation_n be_v by_o impression_n only_o upon_o the_o understanding_n some_o only_a upon_o the_o imagination_n some_o upon_o both_o some_o upon_o the_o outward_a sense_n but_o the_o simple_a and_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o distinguish_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o vision_z be_v a_o representation_n of_o something_o to_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v wake_v in_o opposition_n to_o dream_n which_o be_v representation_n make_v to_o man_n in_o their_o sleep_n prophecy_n may_v be_v either_o dream_n or_o vision_n and_o the_o jew_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v always_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n which_o they_o ground_v upon_o numb_a 12._o 6._o if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o will_v speak_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o prophesy_v in_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o it_o have_v this_o peculiarly_a belong_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o monitory_a or_o instructive_a but_o do_v foretell_v some_o event_n of_o concernment_n to_o other_o and_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a revelation_n and_o carry_v great_a assurance_n along_o with_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o three_o that_o there_o be_v something_o of_o ecstasy_n and_o transport_v of_o mind_n in_o all_o these_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v by_o oracle_n which_o be_v call_v urim_n and_o thummim_n be_v a_o render_n of_o answer_n to_o question_n by_o the_o highpriest_n look_v upon_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o breastplate_n which_o how_o it_o be_v do_v be_v uncertain_a the_o five_o sort_n of_o revelation_n be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v a_o more_o calm_a and_o gentle_a inspiration_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a transport_v of_o mind_n or_o ecstasy_n such_o as_o david_n have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o low_a of_o all_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v bath-col_a which_o be_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o the_o jew_n observe_v do_v only_o continue_v among_o they_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n to_o our_o saviour_n the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n give_v several_a prerogative_n above_o all_o the_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n as_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o impression_n mere_o upon_o the_o understanding_n without_o ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n or_o transport_v when_o he_o be_v wake_v and_o in_o his_o ordinary_a temper_n and_o his_o sense_n not_o bind_v up_o either_o by_o ecstasy_n or_o sleep_n that_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o not_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n without_o any_o fear_n or_o amazement_n or_o faint_v which_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o prophet_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o can_v exert_v it_o arbitrary_o and_o put_v it_o forth_o when_o he_o will_v of_o which_o thus_o much_o be_v evident_o true_a from_o the_o story_n of_o he_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v rest_n more_o constant_o upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v exert_v it_o with_o great_a freedom_n and_o without_o any_o discernible_a amazement_n or_o transport_v from_o his_o ordinary_a temper_n but_o that_o it_o be_v by_o impression_n mere_o upon_o his_o understanding_n as_o that_o be_v a_o distinct_a faculty_n from_o the_o imagination_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v always_o by_o
reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o that_o principle_n in_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a man_n which_o pursue_v earthly_a thing_n be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v unregenerate_a entire_a and_o undivided_a and_o consequent_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n do_v all_o tend_v one_o way_n and_o run_v out_o towards_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o full_a and_o undivided_a stream_n whereas_o good_a man_n be_v but_o regenerate_v in_o part_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o yet_o their_o affection_n be_v divide_v and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a struggle_a and_o conslict_v between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o spiritual_a principle_n do_v clear_o prevail_v and_o get_v a_o perfect_a victory_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n man_n affection_n to_o the_o world_n be_v entire_a and_o unbroken_a and_o therefore_o they_o pursue_v these_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o might_n but_o the_o best_a man_n be_v but_o good_a in_o part_n and_o that_o heavenly_a principle_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v very_o much_o hinder_v in_o its_o operation_n by_o a_o contrary_a principle_n our_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a inclination_n which_o be_v hardly_o ever_o perfect_o subdue_v and_o bring_v under_o in_o this_o world_n three_o the_o worldly_a man_n faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n be_v common_o strong_a than_o a_o good_a man_n faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o thing_n future_a and_o eternal_a now_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o great_a principle_n which_o govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o men._n if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o and_o possess_v with_o good_a hope_n of_o obtain_v it_o and_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o miss_v it_o this_o man_n may_v almost_o be_v put_v upon_o any_o thing_n the_o merchant_n traffic_v and_o the_o husbandman_n blow_v and_o sow_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n because_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o bread_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o life_n and_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v so_o bless_v his_o labour_n that_o he_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o and_o plain_o see_v that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v this_o pain_n he_o must_v starve_v but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o believe_v and_o hope_v and_o fear_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n do_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o how_o i_o know_v this_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o visible_a in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n and_o endeavour_n of_o men._n good_a man_n be_v seldom_o so_o effectual_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o their_o own_o say_n and_o proverb_n man_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o honesty_n be_v the_o best_a policy_n or_o as_o solomon_n express_v it_o that_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n believe_v their_o own_o maxim_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v too_o honest_a to_o live_v that_o plain_o deal_v be_v a_o jewel_n but_o he_o that_o wear_v it_o shall_v die_v a_o beggar_n few_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a and_o have_v so_o sensible_a a_o effect_n upon_o their_o life_n as_o the_o worldly_a man_n hope_n of_o gain_n and_o advantage_n man_n be_v not_o so_o afraid_a to_o swear_v as_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v treason_n they_o ae_z not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o another_o world_n as_o of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o some_o crime_n against_o the_o law_n of_o man_n do_v expose_v their_o temporal_a life_n and_o safety_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v many_o time_n venture_v to_o offend_v god_n rather_o than_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o human_a law_n four_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o one_o design_n and_o be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n he_o that_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o mind_n may_v easy_o be_v skilled_a and_o excel_v it_o when_o a_o man_n make_v one_o thing_n his_o whole_a business_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o be_v very_o know_v and_o wise_a in_o that_o now_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n mind_n worldly_a thing_n and_o have_v no_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v a_o say_n i_o think_v of_o thomas_n aquinas_n cave_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la qui_fw-la unicum_fw-la legit_fw-la librum_fw-la he_o be_v a_o dangerous_a man_n that_o read_v but_o one_o book_n he_o that_o give_v his_o mind_n but_o to_o one_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o any_o man_n at_o that_o application_n to_o one_o thing_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n gain_v a_o man_n perfect_a experience_n in_o it_o and_o experience_n furnish_v he_o with_o observation_n about_o it_o and_o these_o make_v he_o wise_a and_o prudent_a in_o that_o thing_n but_o good_a man_n though_o they_o have_v a_o great_a affection_n for_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n yet_o the_o business_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n do_v very_o much_o divert_v and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o better_a thing_n they_o be_v divide_v between_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o and_o though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o comparison_n yet_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v our_o main_a care_n yet_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o our_o body_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o our_o soul_n some_o provision_n must_v be_v make_v for_o their_o present_a support_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o earthy_a tabernacle_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o can_v always_o and_o whole_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o mind_n they_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 5th_o and_o last_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a compass_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o worldly_a design_n than_o good_a man_n have_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o interest_n the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o their_o end_n but_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o straight_o lace_v quocunque_fw-la modo_fw-la rem_fw-la they_o be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o point_n and_o will_v stick_v at_o no_o mean_n to_o compass_v their_o end_n they_o do_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o nice_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n invent_v by_o speculative_a and_o scrupulous_a man_n to_o puzzle_v business_n and_o to_o hinder_v and_o disappoint_v great_a design_n if_o ahab_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o naboth_n vineyard_n and_o naboth_n will_v not_o let_v he_o be_v honest_a and_o have_v it_o for_o a_o valuable_a consideration_n he_o will_v try_v to_o get_v it_o a_o cheap_a way_n naboth_n shall_v by_o false_a witness_n be_v make_v a_o traitor_n and_o his_o vineyard_n by_o this_o mean_n shall_v be_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o the_o unjust_a steward_n in_o the_o parable_n provide_v for_o himself_o he_o wrong_v his_o lord_n to_o secure_v a_o retreat_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o one_a notwithstanding_o the_o commendation_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v value_v and_o admire_v it_o be_v indeed_o great_a in_o its_o way_n and_o kind_n but_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o little_a and_o low_a purpose_n employ_v about_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o short_a time_n and_o a_o few_o day_n about_o the_o worst_a and_o mean_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o accompany_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o great_a and_o better_a thing_n such_o as_o concern_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o whole_a duration_n even_o our_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o world_n admire_v and_o cry_v up_o for_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o truth_n but_o vanity_n and_o folly_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v