we_o from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o general_a consent_n and_o tradition_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v any_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o true_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o force_v my_o way_n into_o this_o argument_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o spirit_n and_o being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n by_o dint_n of_o dispute_n which_o perhaps_o will_v neither_o be_v so_o proper_a nor_o so_o profitable_a for_o this_o assembly_n but_o shall_v take_v the_o thing_n as_o i_o find_v it_o receive_v by_o a_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o the_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v nor_o be_v there_o reason_n to_o proceed_v in_o any_o other_o method_n than_o to_o suppose_v these_o thing_n and_o take_v they_o for_o grant_v as_o general_o assent_v to_o by_o mankind_n without_o either_o assert_v they_o for_o new_a discovery_n or_o attempt_v to_o prove_v what_o be_v so_o universal_o believe_v the_o scripture_n indeed_o have_v more_o particular_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o spirit_n as_o also_o their_o order_n and_o employment_n as_o in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o where_o the_o office_n and_o employment_n of_o good_a angel_n be_v more_o particular_o discover_v vi._n serm._n vi._n be_v they_o not_o all_o say_v the_o text_n minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v have_v occasion_n in_o compare_v the_o two_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o angel_n by_o who_o ministry_n the_o law_n be_v give_v do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o entertain_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v with_o any_o nice_a and_o curious_a speculation_n for_o school_n divinity_n be_v not_o then_o in_o fashion_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o angel_n but_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o concern_v we_o more_o to_o know_v namely_o what_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n be_v in_o regard_n to_o we_o concern_v their_o nature_n he_o only_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v spirit_n as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n he_o say_v in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n that_o be_v that_o they_o stand_v before_o god_n to_o attend_v upon_o he_o ready_a to_o receive_v his_o command_n and_o to_o execute_v his_o pleasure_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o be_v upon_o occasion_n appoint_v and_o send_v forth_o by_o god_n to_o minister_v on_o the_o behalf_n and_o to_o do_v good_a office_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n which_o last_o word_n be_v a_o description_n of_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n such_o as_o have_v sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v thereby_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n so_o that_o these_o word_n be_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o good_a angel_n and_o of_o what_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o which_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o their_o nature_n be_v they_o not_o spirit_n second_o their_o general_a office_n and_o employment_n be_v they_o not_o minister_a spirit_n three_o their_o special_a office_n and_o employment_n in_o regard_n to_o good_a man_n they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o that_o be_v in_o their_o behalf_n and_o for_o their_o benefit_n who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v concern_v they_o and_o all_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o scripture_n have_v very_o much_o clear_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o that_o which_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o less_o certain_a before_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v these_o three_o head_n and_o then_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v spirit_n this_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o order_n of_o being_n that_o they_o be_v spirit_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v pure_a spirit_n devest_v of_o matter_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o corporeal_a vehicle_n as_o the_o philosopher_n term_v it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a controversy_n but_o i_o think_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n not_o only_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n do_v believe_v angel_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o body_n consist_v of_o the_o pure_a and_o fine_a matter_n which_o they_o call_v aetherial_a and_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o pious_a belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o simple_a spirit_n whole_o separate_v from_o matter_n but_o the_o more_o current_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n especial_o of_o late_a time_n have_v be_v that_o angel_n be_v mere_a and_o pure_a spirit_n without_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a and_o corporeal_a belong_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o assume_v thin_a and_o airy_a body_n and_o can_v when_o they_o please_v appear_v in_o humane_a shape_n as_o they_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v do_v and_o this_o seem_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n account_v of_o they_o though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n either_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o devest_v of_o matter_n but_o however_o this_o be_v they_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o be_v say_v to_o excel_v in_o strength_n psal_n 103.20_o and_o in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o discern_v good_a and_o bad_a 2_o sam._n 14.17_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o angel_n v._o 20._o to_o be_v of_o great_a activity_n and_o swiftness_n in_o their_o motion_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o full_a of_o wing_n and_o to_o excel_v in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n hence_o be_v that_o title_n give_v they_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o several_a place_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o good_a angel_n and_o beyond_o this_o all_o our_o kowledge_v of_o they_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o nice_a speculation_n concern_v they_o idle_a and_o wanton_a curiosity_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n give_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n among_o they_o by_z calling_z michael_z a_o archangel_n and_o chief_a prince_n and_o by_o distingush_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o throne_n and_o dominion_n but_o what_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o name_n import_v though_o some_o have_v attempt_v to_o explain_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o have_v discover_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o beside_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o arrogance_n in_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n censure_v some_o in_o his_o time_n second_o we_o have_v here_o their_o general_a office_n and_o employment_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v domestic_a servant_n and_o constant_a attendant_n upon_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a king_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o who_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o they_o stand_v continual_o before_o he_o to_o behold_v his_o face_n expect_v his_o command_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o do_v his_o will._n for_o though_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfect_a power_n of_o act_v be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o by_o himself_o whatever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n can_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o steer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v they_o which_o way_n he_o think_v best_o by_o the_o least_o nod_n and_o beck_n of_o his_o will_n without_o any_o instrument_n or_o minister_n of_o his_o pleasure_n yet_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o honour_v his_o creature_n especial_o this_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a rank_n of_o being_n with_o his_o command_n and_o to_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a degree_n and_o capacity_n the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o affair_n in_o the_o
a_o rack_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o have_v they_o believe_v themselves_o and_o real_o esteem_v that_o which_o other_o account_v pain_n to_o be_v as_o happy_a a_o condition_n as_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v ease_n but_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o confute_v so_o stupid_a a_o principle_n which_o be_v confute_v by_o nature_n and_o by_o every_o man_n sense_n and_o experience_n i_o think_v we_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o freedom_n from_o misery_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o happiness_n otherwise_o heaven_n and_o hell_n if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o torment_n of_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o small_a endearment_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o next_o life_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o and_o by_o this_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v frequent_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n esai_n 57.2_o speak_v of_o the_o righteous_a man_n he_o shall_v enter_v into_o peace_n they_o shall_v rest_v in_o their_o bed_n 2_o thess_n 1.7_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n say_v he_o to_o recompense_v to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_v with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n frequent_o describe_v the_o happiness_n of_o christian_n by_o enter_v into_o rest_n and_o rev._n 21.4_o the_o state_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o deliverance_n from_o those_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n which_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o world_n and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n neither_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o pain_n for_o the_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o sorrow_n and_o pain_n and_o death_n but_o when_o we_o be_v once_o get_v to_o heaven_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v approach_v we_o the_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o that_o be_v the_o evil_n we_o former_o endure_v be_v past_a and_o over_o and_o shall_v never_o return_v to_o afflict_v we_o any_o more_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o be_v labour_v under_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n and_o conflict_a sore_o with_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v past_o all_o these_o and_o find_v a_o safe_a refuge_n and_o retreat_n from_o all_o these_o storm_n and_o tempest_n when_o we_o be_v load_v with_o affliction_n and_o even_o tire_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o faint_v and_o sink_v under_o it_o to_o think_v that_o there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o we_o into_o which_o we_o shall_v short_o enter_v how_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a consolation_n to_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o trouble_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n we_o feel_v some_o of_o they_o and_o we_o fear_v more_o our_o outward_a condition_n it_o may_v be_v be_v uncomfortable_a we_o be_v poor_a and_o persecute_v we_o be_v destitute_a of_o friend_n or_o have_v many_o enemy_n we_o be_v despoil_v of_o many_o of_o those_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o we_o once_o have_v our_o body_n perhaps_o be_v in_o pain_n or_o our_o spirit_n trouble_v or_o though_o we_o have_v no_o real_a cause_n of_o outward_a trouble_n yet_o our_o soul_n be_v ill_o lodge_v in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n of_o a_o body_n overpower_a with_o a_o melancholy_a humour_n which_o keep_v out_o all_o light_n and_o comfort_n from_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v it_o no_o revive_n to_o we_o to_o think_v of_o that_o happy_a hour_n when_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o remedy_n and_o redress_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n at_o once_a of_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o we_o shall_v take_v sanctuary_n from_o all_o those_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n which_o pursue_v we_o in_o this_o world_n where_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n be_v perfect_a stranger_n and_o into_o which_o nothing_o that_o can_v render_v man_n in_o the_o least_o unhappy_a can_v ever_o enter_v where_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v in_o perfect_a rest_n and_o contentment_n and_o our_o body_n after_o a_o while_n shall_v be_v restore_v and_o reunite_v to_o our_o soul_n not_o to_o cloud_n and_o clog_n they_o as_o they_o do_v here_o but_o so_o happy_o change_v and_o refine_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o disturbance_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v mighty_o add_v to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o be_v once_o land_a in_o those_o bless_a region_n what_o a_o comfort_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o stand_v on_o the_o shore_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o rough_a and_o dangerous_a sea_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v how_o pleasant_a to_o consider_v the_o manifold_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o be_v free_v from_o and_o for_o ever_o secure_v against_o to_o remember_v our_o past_a labour_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o defy_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o assault_v we_o in_o this_o world_n with_o so_o much_o violence_n and_o with_o too_o much_o success_n and_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o they_o find_v a_o perfect_a cessation_n of_o all_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for._n 2._o they_o be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n they_o be_v exercise_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n but_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o plentiful_a reward_n of_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v in_o it_o their_o work_n do_v accompany_v they_o when_o pious_a soul_n go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n they_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n behind_o they_o but_o they_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v to_o reap_v there_o the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o it_o just_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wicked_a man_n when_o they_o die_v leave_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n behind_o they_o but_o the_o gild_n and_o remorse_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n accompany_v they_o and_o stick_v close_o to_o they_o to_o torment_v they_o there_o and_o that_o there_o they_o may_v be_v torment_v for_o they_o thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n esai_n 3.10_o 11._o say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o which_o be_v many_o time_n true_a in_o this_o world_n but_o however_o that_o happen_v will_v most_o certain_o and_o remarkable_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v most_o emphatical_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.25_o where_o the_o rich_a man_n petition_n abraham_n for_o some_o ease_n and_o abraham_n return_v he_o this_o answer_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v what_o a_o change_n be_v here_o how_o comfortable_a to_o the_o one_o and_o how_o dismal_a to_o the_o other_o lazarus_n find_v rest_n from_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o suffering_n and_o his_o piety_n and_o patience_n accompany_v he_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o convey_v he_o into_o abraham_n bosom_n whereas_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v part_v from_o all_o his_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o his_o sin_n go_v along_o with_o he_o and_o lodge_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n but_o my_o text_n confine_v i_o to_o the_o bright_a side_n of_o this_o prospect_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o glorious_a recompense_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v for_o the_o good_a work_n which_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n indeed_o the_o text_n do_v not_o express_o say_v
that_o i_o be_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n you_o shall_v put_v up_o all_o your_o prayer_n and_o request_n to_o god_n in_o my_o name_n and_o i_o say_v not_o unto_o you_o that_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o that_o be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o though_o i_o shall_v certain_o do_v it_o that_o i_o will_v intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o he_o of_o himself_o be_v kind_o dispose_v and_o affect_v towards_o you_o for_o my_o sake_n the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o because_o you_o have_v love_v we_o st._n paul_n likewise_o command_v christian_n to_o perform_v all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n col._n 3.16_o 17._o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o this_o precept_n of_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o it_o be_v give_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o to_o that_o superstition_n which_o have_v begin_v so_o early_o to_o prevail_v among_o some_o christian_n at_o calosse_n and_o laodicea_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o angel_n against_o which_o he_o have_v caution_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n ver._n 18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n beguile_v you_o of_o your_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n intimate_v that_o for_o christian_n to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o be_v a_o defection_n from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n theodoret_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o this_o place_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o who_o maintain_v a_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n assert_v also_o that_o angel_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o they_o and_o this_o custom_n he_o tell_v we_o remain_v a_o long_a time_n in_o phrygia_n and_o pisidia_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n in_o phrygia_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n forbid_v christian_n by_o a_o law_n to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o those_o word_n chap._n 3._o ver._n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o for_o because_o say_v he_o they_o mean_v those_o of_o who_o st._n paul_n warn_v the_o colossian_n to_o beware_v because_o they_o do_v command_v man_n to_o worship_n angel_n he_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a that_o they_o shall_v adorn_v both_o their_o word_n and_o action_n with_o the_o memory_n or_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o send_v you_o up_o say_v he_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o not_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o then_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n which_o say_v he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o cure_v that_o old_a disease_n make_v it_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v pray_v unto_o angel_n nor_o forsake_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o some_o relic_n of_o that_o impious_a custom_n of_o pray_v to_o angel_n which_o theodoret_n here_o call_v that_o old_a disease_n have_v continue_v from_o st._n paul_n time_n to_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o severe_a canon_n then_o make_v about_o that_o matter_n the_o very_a word_n whereof_o i_o will_v set_v down_o because_o they_o be_v remarkable_a viz._n that_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o go_v away_o from_o it_o and_o to_o invocate_v angel_n and_o to_o make_v conventicle_n all_o which_o be_v forbid_v if_o any_o therefore_o be_v find_v give_v himself_o to_o this_o secret_a idolatry_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n because_o he_o have_v forsake_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v go_v over_o to_o idolatry_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o secret_o and_o in_o their_o private_a devotion_n but_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a office_n of_o their_o church_n invocate_v angel_n and_o pray_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v pray_v to_o angel_n or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o which_o st_n paul_n here_o reprove_v so_o severe_o in_o the_o colossian_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o frequent_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a way_n to_o god_n and_o by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v all_o our_o request_n to_o god_n john_n 14.6_o jesus_n there_o say_v unto_o thomas_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n to_o the_o father_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n heb._n 10.19_o 20._o have_v therefore_o boldnenss_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holieft_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o that_o be_v we_o can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n or_o by_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o by_o he_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o eph._n 2.18_o for_o through_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n we_o both_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n we_o both_o that_o be_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n have_v access_n to_o god_n by_o their_o high_a priest_n who_o intercee_v with_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n the_o gentile_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o innumerable_a mediator_n by_o angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o depart_a hero_n which_o be_v the_o pagan_a saint_n instead_o of_o all_o these_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o all_o mankind_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n reason_n chap._n 7.24_o 25._o but_o this_o person_n speak_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o continue_v for_o ever_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o priesthood_n which_o do_v not_o pass_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o priesthood_n under_o the_o law_n do_v when_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o high_a priest_n another_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n but_o our_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n since_o he_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n and_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o and_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v any_o other_o so_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o since_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o second_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o one_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o st._n john_n call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o
we_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v have_v so_o eminent_a a_o confirmation_n give_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n and_o do_v at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o so_o strange_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n against_o all_o humane_a probability_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n can_v well_o suppose_v a_o religion_n in_o circumstance_n of_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o upon_o all_o humane_a account_n more_o unlikely_a to_o sustain_v and_o bear_v up_o itself_o than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o its_o beginning_n so_o small_a that_o no_o man_n but_o will_v have_v think_v it_o will_v present_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o strange_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v overthrow_v ii_o this_o discourse_n may_v likewise_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o be_v now_o cease_v because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v at_o first_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a then_o to_o introduce_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v a_o sensible_a evidence_n to_o man_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o that_o new_a doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o now_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_o entertain_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n why_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v still_o be_v continue_v acquisito_fw-la sine_fw-la cessant_fw-la media_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la when_o the_o end_n be_v once_o obtain_v the_o mean_n cease_v and_o the_o wise_a god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v in_o what_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v lavish_a in_o that_o which_o be_v superfluous_a now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v propagate_v and_o advance_v by_o its_o own_o rational_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v reconcile_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o now_o that_o it_o stand_v upon_o equal_a advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o more_o humane_a and_o ordinary_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o level_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n that_o miracle_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o father_n who_o live_v a_o age_n or_o two_o after_o the_o cease_n of_o they_o particular_o by_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o give_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o i_o have_v just_a now_o assign_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v still_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o their_o church_n and_o according_a to_o bellarmine_n must_v always_o continue_v because_o he_o make_v it_o a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o we_o pretend_v to_o no_o such_o power_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v because_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v great_a occasion_n and_o need_n of_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o new_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v reason_n they_o usual_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o new_a doctrine_n some_o to_o confirm_v purgatory_n and_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o indulgence_n other_o to_o encourage_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n other_o to_o confirm_v that_o which_o all_o the_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o confirm_v i_o mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o because_o it_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o peculiar_o incapable_a of_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o miracle_n iii_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v do_v just_o upbraid_v we_o that_o this_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o powerful_a at_o first_o and_o have_v such_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o come_v down_o to_o we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n shall_v yet_o have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o most_o of_o we_o who_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n we_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v less_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prejudice_v and_o who_o manner_n be_v deprave_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v reduce_v from_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n do_v on_o the_o sudden_a become_v better_a man_n and_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a in_o their_o life_n than_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o who_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o train_v up_o all_o our_o life_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o heathen_n because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o in_o it_o but_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v as_o powerful_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v we_o also_o be_v christian_n not_o only_o by_o custom_n but_o by_o choice_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o to_o obey_v and_o practise_v it_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o religion_n but_o only_o counterfeit_v the_o choice_n of_o it_o we_o have_v beyond_o comparison_n the_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o religion_n that_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o contain_v the_o best_a precept_n and_o give_v man_n the_o great_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o now_o the_o better_a our_o religion_n be_v the_o worse_a be_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v good_a by_o it_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a make_v some_o virtuous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a saint_n under_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a institution_n what_o degree_n then_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v so_o bright_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n sermon_n vi_o the_o nature_n office_n and_o employment_n of_o good_a angel_n preach_v on_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n heb._n 1.14_o be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o good_a angel_n who_o existence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o take_v for_o grant_v no_o less_o than_o they_o do_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o well_o they_o may_v since_o they_o be_v all_o found_v upon_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n ii_o vol._n ii_o derive_v down_o to_o
the_o angel_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o all_o modesty_n reverence_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v there_o present_a and_o observe_v our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o have_v respect_n in_o that_o place_n which_o by_o interpreter_n have_v be_v think_v so_o difficult_a 1_o corinth_n 11.10_o where_o he_o say_v that_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o woman_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o veil_n upon_o her_o head_n in_o token_n of_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o be_v decent_o and_o modest_o attire_v in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n before_o who_o we_o shall_v compose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o great_a external_a gravity_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o angel_n behold_v and_o observe_v but_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o god_n only_o can_v do_v and_o therefore_o with_o regard_n to_o he_o who_o see_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v more_o particular_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a sincerity_n and_o seriousness_n our_o devotion_n which_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o will_v all_o due_o consider_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o chief_o regard_v our_o heart_n but_o we_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o our_o external_a behaviour_n with_o a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v present_a there_o to_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o outward_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n of_o which_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o the_o presence_n even_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n when_o he_o either_o speak_v to_o we_o or_o we_o make_v any_o address_n to_o he_o and_o sure_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a angel_n every_o one_o of_o who_o be_v a_o much_o great_a prince_n and_o of_o great_a power_n than_o any_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n but_o how_o little_a be_v this_o consider_v i_o speak_v to_o our_o shame_n and_o by_o how_o few_o among_o we_o and_o as_o angel_n be_v helpful_a to_o good_a man_n in_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n throughout_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n so_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o stand_v by_o they_o to_o comfort_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o that_o needful_a and_o dismal_a time_n in_o that_o last_o and_o great_a conflict_n of_o frail_a mortality_n with_o death_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o receive_v their_o expire_a spirit_n into_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o conduct_v they_o safe_o into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n also_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n that_o the_o angel_n wait_v upon_o good_a man_n at_o their_o death_n to_o convey_v their_o soul_n into_o paradise_n which_o be_v very_o much_o countenance_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.22_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o lazarus_n die_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n nay_o that_o the_o angel_n have_v some_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n may_v not_o improbable_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o passage_n m_o st._n judas_n v._o 9_o where_o michael_n the_o archangel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v contend_v with_o the_o devil_n about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n what_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o be_v may_v be_v most_o probable_o explain_v by_o a_o passage_n deut._n 34.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n take_v particular_a care_n probable_o by_o a_o angel_n concern_v the_o bury_n so_o moses_n in_o a_o certain_a valley_n and_o it_o be_v add_v but_o no_o man_n know_v of_o his_o sepulchre_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o devil_n it_o seem_v have_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o moses_n after_o his_o death_n if_o he_o can_v have_v get_v the_o disposal_n of_o his_o body_n to_o have_v bury_v it_o in_o some_o know_v and_o public_a place_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v hare_n gratify_v he_o not_o a_o little_a to_o have_v make_v he_o who_o be_v so_o declare_v a_o enemy_n to_o idolatry_n all_o his_o life_n a_o occasion_n of_o it_o after_o his_o death_n but_o this_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o prevent_v in_o pity_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o he_o see_v upon_o all_o occasion_n so_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n commit_v it_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o michael_n the_o archangel_n to_o bury_v his_o body_n secret_o and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o michael_n the_o archangel_n contend_v with_o the_o devil_n about_o but_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o memorable_a circumstance_n in_o this_o contest_v mention_v likewise_o by_o st._n judas_n in_o these_o word_n yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n his_o duty_n restrain_v he_o from_o it_o and_o probable_o his_o discretion_n too_o as_o he_o dare_v not_o offend_v god_n in_o do_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o he_o can_v not_o but_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o at_o rail_v a_o thing_n to_o which_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v no_o disposition_n so_o i_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v no_o talon_n no_o faculty_n at_o it_o the_o cool_a consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n especial_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o divine_v and_o especial_o in_o controversy_n about_o religion_n ashamed_a and_o afraid_a of_o this_o manner_n of_o dispute_v since_o michael_n the_o archangel_n even_o when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o devil_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o to_o proceed_v this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o reunion_n of_o they_o to_o our_o soul_n for_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o matt._n 24.30_o 31._o that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n he_o shall_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o gather_v the_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n from_o one_o end_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v go_v before_o we_o to_o give_v we_o light_v in_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o several_a way_n wherein_o good_a angel_n do_v minister_n in_o behalf_n of_o t_o hem_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o abundant_o prove_v from_o scripture_n may_v serve_v to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o it_o that_o the_o angel_n be_v invisible_a to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v seldom_o sensible_a of_o their_o presence_n and_o the_o good_a office_n they_o do_v we_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o by_o other_o argument_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v almost_o as_o well_o call_v in_o question_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n neither_o of_o which_o do_v fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o yet_o by_o other_o argument_n we_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o they_o both_o so_o in_o this_o case_n the_o general_a consent_n and_o tradition_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o angel_n and_o their_o ministry_n about_o we_o especial_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o clear_a and_o express_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o so_o general_a a_o consent_n must_v have_v a_o proportionable_a cause_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o general_a tradition_n ground_v at_o first_o upon_o revelation_n and_o derive_v down_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o mankind_n and_o since_o confirm_v by_o manifold_a revelation_n of_o
capable_a of_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v low_a if_o god_n have_v make_v no_o express_a promise_n and_o declaration_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o reward_n to_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o and_o suffer_v for_o he_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n out_o of_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o awful_a regard_n to_o his_o law_n endure_v trouble_v and_o affliction_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v assurance_n enough_o to_o we_o that_o our_o service_n and_o suffering_n shall_v one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v consider_v and_o reward_v for_o as_o sure_a as_o any_o man_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n regard_v the_o action_n of_o man_n so_o sure_o be_v we_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v final_o be_v a_o loser_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o he_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v now_o bring_v to_o this_o plain_a issue_n that_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n regard_v and_o consider_v the_o action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v also_o reasonable_a to_o endure_v present_a suffering_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o there_o be_v certain_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o govern_v and_o determine_v a_o prudent_a man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n persuade_v of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o have_v any_o tolerable_a consideration_n of_o and_o regard_n to_o his_o eternal_a interest_n indeed_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o if_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o happiness_n or_o misery_n beyond_o this_o world_n the_o wise_a thing_n that_o any_o man_n can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o the_o present_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o can_v fair_o come_v at_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n to_o another_o life_n the_o apostle_n allow_v the_o reason_v of_o the_o epicure_n to_o be_v very_o good_a let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o be_v design_v for_o immortality_n and_o that_o another_o state_n remain_v for_o we_o after_o this_o life_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a or_o intolerable_o and_o eternal_o miserable_a according_a as_o we_o have_v behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v then_o evident_o reasonable_a that_o man_n shall_v take_v the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o long_a duration_n and_o be_v content_a to_o bear_v and_o dispense_v with_o some_o present_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n for_o a_o felicity_n that_o will_v have_v no_o end_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n and_o deny_v our_o present_a ease_n and_o comfort_n for_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o this_o be_v reckon_v prudence_n in_o the_o account_n of_o this_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o a_o present_n possession_n and_o enjoyment_n for_o a_o much_o great_a advantage_n in_o reversion_n but_o sure_o the_o disproportion_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v so_o vast_a that_o do_v man_n but_o firm_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v too_o good_a to_o part_v withal_o or_o too_o grievous_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v fortify_v against_o all_o that_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v against_o they_o and_o they_o think_v they_o make_v a_o very_a wise_a bargain_n if_o thorugh_v many_o tribulation_n they_o may_v at_o last_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n will_v abundant_o recompense_n all_o their_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n upon_o earth_n and_o so_o confident_a be_v they_o of_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o special_a favour_n and_o regard_v of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n so_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o phil._n 1.29_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n yea_o they_o account_v they_o happy_a who_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v miserable_a in_o this_o world_n so_o st._n james_n express_o pronounce_v of_o they_o jam._n 1.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n mean_v the_o temptation_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o which_o keep_v up_o their_o spirit_n from_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o great_a suffering_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.14_o 16._o know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n the_o suffering_n of_o their_o body_n do_v but_o help_v to_o raise_v and_o fortify_v their_o spirit_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o faint_v under_o those_o affliction_n that_o they_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o they_o so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 5.2_o 3._o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n they_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n as_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o heb._n 10.34_o that_o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n james_n chap._n 1.2_o exhort_v christian_n to_o account_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n that_o be_v various_a kind_n of_o suffering_n because_o of_o the_o manifold_a advantage_n which_o from_o thence_o will_v redound_v to_o they_o now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o inspire_a they_o to_o all_o this_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n far_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n and_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v vast_a gainer_n by_o they_o at_o the_o last_o this_o consideration_n st._n paul_n urge_v with_o great_a force_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n just_o and_o attentive_o regard_v and_o consider_v the_o invisible_a glory_n of_o another_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v now_o speak_v brief_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remarkable_a say_v in_o the_o text_n if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v if_o we_o believe_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o deal_v unfaithful_o with_o he_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v constant_a to_o his_o word_n and_o make_v good_a that_o solemn_a threaten_v which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v shall_v deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n before_o man_n matt._n 10.33_o whosoever_o faith_n our_o lord_n there_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mark_v 8.38_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v a_o terrible_a threaten_v to_o be_v disow_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o threaten_v will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o though_o we_o may_v renounce_v he_o and_o break_v our_o faith_n with_o he_o yet_o