ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a these_o word_n be_v utter_v by_o one_o who_o be_v himself_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o viz._n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v else_o shall_v make_v he_o now_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o not_o long_o before_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o persecute_v all_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o one_o who_o spirit_n be_v ferment_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o enrage_v with_o fury_n against_o all_o who_o own_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o sudden_a turn_v quite_o into_o another_o temper_n to_o the_o confusion_n of_o those_o who_o employ_v he_o and_o the_o amazement_n of_o they_o who_o he_o design_v to_o persecute_v nay_o so_o great_a be_v the_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o that_o from_o a_o bigot_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n he_o become_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o from_o breathe_a flame_n against_o the_o christian_n none_o more_o ready_a than_o he_o to_o undergo_v they_o for_o christ._n if_o he_o have_v only_o give_v over_o his_o persecution_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o he_o have_v mere_o run_v himself_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o former_a fury_n as_o great_a person_n than_o he_o do_v afterward_o but_o to_o retain_v the_o same_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o preach_v christ_n which_o he_o have_v before_o in_o oppose_v he_o to_o have_v as_o great_a zeal_n for_o make_v christian_n as_o he_o have_v for_o destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o some_o great_a and_o unusual_a cause_n while_o the_o jew_n think_v he_o have_v too_o much_o learning_n and_o interest_n to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o the_o 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be_o debtor_n both_o to_o the_o greek_n and_o to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a so_o that_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n nor_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o barbarian_n can_v hinder_v s._n paul_n from_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o contrivance_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o the_o excellent_a method_n of_o divine_a goodness_n in_o order_n to_o man_n eternal_a welfare_n and_o although_o rome_n now_o think_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n and_o power_n yet_o our_o apostle_n declare_v his_o readiness_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o too_o v_o 15._o for_o which_o he_o give_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o have_v considerable_a these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o apostle_n boldness_n and_o freeness_n in_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o ground_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n 1._o the_o apostle_n boldness_n and_o freeness_n in_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v neither_o the_o gallantry_n of_o the_o roman_a court_n nor_o the_o splendour_n of_o the_o city_n not_o the_o greatness_n of_o her_o power_n or_o wisdom_n of_o her_o statesman_n can_v make_v s._n paul_n entertain_v the_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o hope_v to_o preach_v among_o they_o have_v christ_n come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o state_n into_o the_o world_n subdue_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n under_o he_o have_v s._n paul_n be_v a_o general_n for_o the_o gospel_n instead_o of_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o it_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v then_o allow_v he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a either_o of_o his_o master_n or_o of_o his_o employment_n but_o to_o preach_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n among_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o rome_n and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o so_o much_o simplicity_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n among_o those_o who_o be_v the_o master_n of_o it_o and_o manage_v it_o with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o cunning_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o can_v not_o be_v like_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v unless_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a debauchery_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o employment_n so_o liable_a to_o the_o great_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n that_o none_o but_o a_o great_a and_o resolve_a spirit_n will_v ever_o undertake_v it_o for_o when_o we_o consider_v after_o
that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n to_o amend_v they_o but_o no_o soon_o do_v our_o fear_n abate_v but_o our_o devotion_n do_v so_o too_o we_o have_v soon_o forget_v the_o promise_n we_o make_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n too_o true_a of_o we_o which_o be_v say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v escape_v the_o several_a plague_n which_o so_o many_o have_v be_v destroy_v by_o and_o the_o 20._o rest_n of_o the_o man_n which_o be_v not_o kill_v by_o these_o plague_n yet_o repent_v not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o greedy_o suck_v in_o again_o the_o poison_n we_o have_v only_o lay_v down_o while_o we_o be_v beg_v for_o our_o life_n if_o we_o have_v not_o return_v with_o as_o great_a fury_n and_o violence_n as_o ever_o to_o our_o former_a lust_n the_o remove_n of_o one_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v as_o it_o be_v only_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o come_n on_o of_o another_o for_o the_o grave_n seem_v to_o close_v up_o her_o mouth_n and_o death_n by_o degree_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o that_o the_o fire_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o act_v its_o part_n too_o in_o the_o tragedy_n our_o sin_n have_v make_v among_o we_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n this_o may_v be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o then_o provoke_v god_n to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n of_o vengeance_n and_o make_v experiment_n upon_o we_o of_o what_o other_o unheard_a of_o severity_n may_v do_v for_o our_o cure_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o meet_v god_n now_o by_o our_o repentance_n and_o return_v to_o he_o by_o our_o serious_a humiliation_n for_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o our_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o that_o that_o much_o more_o dangerous_a infection_n of_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v cure_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o our_o body_n that_o the_o impure_a flame_n which_o burn_v within_o may_v be_v extinguish_v that_o all_o our_o luxury_n may_v be_v retrench_v our_o debauchery_n punish_v our_o vanity_n take_v away_o our_o careless_a indifferency_n in_o religion_n turn_v into_o a_o great_a seriousness_n both_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o so_o will_v god_n make_v we_o a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a when_o he_o find_v we_o a_o more_o righteous_a and_o holy_a nation_n so_o will_v god_n succeed_v all_o your_o endeavour_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o that_o people_n who_o you_o represent_v so_o may_v he_o add_v that_o other_o title_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o you_o have_v deserve_v for_o your_o country_n good_a to_o make_v you_o repairer_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o city_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o nation_n and_o restorer_n of_o path_n to_o dwell_v in_o so_o may_v that_o city_n which_o now_o sit_v solitary_a like_o a_o widow_n have_v her_o tear_n wipe_v off_o and_o her_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n restore_v unto_o she_o yea_o so_o may_v her_o present_a ruin_n in_o which_o she_o now_o lie_v bury_v be_v only_o the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o more_o joyful_a resurrection_n in_o which_o though_o the_o body_n may_v remain_v the_o same_o the_o quality_n may_v be_v so_o alter_v that_o its_o present_a desolation_n may_v be_v only_o the_o put_n off_o its_o former_a inconvenience_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n that_o it_o may_v rise_v with_o great_a glory_n strength_n and_o proportion_n and_o to_o all_o her_o other_o quality_n may_v that_o of_o incorruption_n be_v add_v too_o at_o least_o till_o the_o general_a conflagration_n and_o i_o know_v your_o great_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n will_v take_v care_n that_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o ruin_n may_v not_o likewise_o suffer_v by_o the_o rise_n of_o it_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o city_n may_v not_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o tear_n of_o the_o orphan_n and_o widow_n but_o that_o its_o foundation_n may_v be_v settle_v upon_o justice_n and_o piety_n that_o there_o be_v no_o complain_v in_o the_o street_n for_o want_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n for_o want_v of_o church_n nor_o in_o the_o church_n for_o want_n of_o a_o settle_a maintenance_n that_o those_o who_o attend_v upon_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o they_o may_v never_o be_v tempt_v to_o betray_v their_o conscience_n to_o gain_v a_o livelihood_n nor_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o factious_a humour_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o live_v among_o they_o and_o thus_o when_o the_o city_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o may_v it_o be_v a_o habitation_n of_o holiness_n towards_o god_n of_o loyalty_n towards_o our_o gracious_a king_n and_o his_o successor_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n of_o sobriety_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n till_o not_o city_n and_o country_n only_o but_o the_o world_n and_o time_n itself_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n march_z 13._o 1666_o 7._o by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n b._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n print_a by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n the_o four_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o r._n white_n for_o henry_n mortlock_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o westminster_n hall_n 1669._o proverb_n 14._o 9_o fool_n make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n when_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v contrive_v and_o by_o a_o power_n and_o goodness_n as_o infinite_a as_o his_o wisdom_n have_v perfect_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o but_o a_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v comprehend_v the_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o employ_v itself_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o power_n the_o being_n pure_o intellectual_a be_v too_o high_o raise_v by_o their_o own_o order_n and_o creation_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o this_o inferior_a world_n and_o those_o who_o nature_n can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o discover_v the_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n of_o his_o praise_n and_o service_n but_o a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o these_o together_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o being_n which_o may_v at_o once_o command_v this_o low_a world_n and_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o as_o though_o this_o great_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n be_v mere_o raise_v for_o man_n to_o please_v his_o fancy_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o or_o to_o exercise_v his_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n design_v for_o his_o use_n and_o service_n but_o that_o by_o frequent_a reflection_n on_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o great_a love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o most_o natural_a part_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n we_o owe_v to_o that_o excellent_a and_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v show_v so_o particular_a a_o kindness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o great_a and_o unexpressible_a that_o some_o have_v think_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o pride_n and_o affectation_n of_o a_o great_a height_n as_o envy_v at_o the_o felicity_n and_o power_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o apostate_n spirit_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o the_o state_n of_o man_n be_v occasion_n enough_o for_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o spirit_n above_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o kindness_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o great_a in_o it_o as_o can_v not_o but_o lay_v a_o indispensable_a obligation_n on_o all_o mankind_n to_o perpetual_a gratitude_n and_o obedience_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o suppose_v that_o affront_v and_o injury_n be_v the_o most_o suitable_a return_n for_o the_o most_o oblige_a favour_n that_o the_o first_o duty_n of_o a_o child_n shall_v be_v to_o destroy_v his_o parent_n that_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o kindness_n receive_v be_v to_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n as_o that_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o be_v and_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o attend_v it_o from_o god_n and_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o most_o universal_a obedience_n to_o
that_o either_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o know_v when_o his_o choice_n be_v free_a or_o if_o it_o may_v be_v know_v the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o evil_a man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v testify_v that_o it_o be_v so_o now_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o most_o intemperate_a person_n to_o believe_v when_o the_o most_o please_a temptation_n to_o lust_n or_o gluttony_n be_v present_v to_o he_o that_o no_o consideration_n whatever_o can_v restrain_v his_o appetite_n or_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o brutish_a inclination_n will_v not_o the_o sudden_a though_o groundless_a apprehension_n of_o poison_n in_o the_o cup_n make_v the_o drunkard_n heart_n to_o ache_v and_o hand_n to_o tremble_v and_o to_o let_v fall_v the_o suppose_a fatal_a mixture_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o jollity_n and_o excess_n how_o often_o have_v person_n who_o have_v design_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o other_o when_o all_o opportunity_n have_v fall_v out_o beyond_o their_o expectation_n for_o accomplish_v their_o end_n through_o some_o sudden_a thought_n which_o have_v surprise_v they_o almost_o in_o the_o very_a act_n be_v divert_v from_o their_o intend_a purpose_n do_v ever_o any_o yet_o imagine_v that_o the_o charm_n of_o beauty_n and_o allurement_n of_o lust_n be_v so_o irresistible_a that_o if_o man_n know_v before_o hand_n they_o shall_v sure_o die_v in_o the_o embrace_n of_o a_o adulterous_a bed_n they_o can_v not_o yet_o withstand_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o if_o then_o some_o consideration_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n from_o all_o the_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o he_o may_v quite_o hinder_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o we_o see_v in_o joseph_n resist_v the_o importunate_a caress_n of_o his_o mistress_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a machine_n move_v only_o as_o outward_a object_n determine_v he_o and_o if_o the_o consideration_n of_o present_a fear_n and_o danger_n may_v divert_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o evil_a action_n shall_v not_o the_o far_o more_o weighty_a consideration_n of_o eternity_n have_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o far_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n mind_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o it_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n in_o our_o esteem_n and_o value_n that_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v ourselves_o those_o sensual_a pleasure_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o we_o will_v renounce_v for_o some_o present_a danger_n be_v the_o flame_n of_o another_o world_n such_o paint_a fire_n that_o they_o deserve_v only_o to_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o not_o serious_o consider_v by_o we_o fond_a man_n be_v thou_o only_o free_a to_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v thyself_o a_o strange_a fatality_n indeed_o when_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v mean_a and_o trivial_a shall_v determine_v thy_o choice_n when_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n be_v therefore_o less_o regard_v because_o they_o be_v such_o have_v thou_o no_o other_o plea_n for_o thyself_o but_o that_o thy_o sin_n be_v fatal_a thou_o have_v no_o reason_n then_o to_o believe_v but_o that_o thy_o misery_n shall_v be_v so_o too_o but_o if_o thou_o own_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n assure_v thyself_o that_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v not_o mere_a title_n of_o his_o honour_n but_o the_o real_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o he_o who_o have_v appoint_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o great_a day_n will_v then_o call_v the_o sinner_n to_o account_v not_o only_o for_o all_o his_o other_o sin_n but_o for_o offer_v to_o lay_v the_o imputation_n of_o they_o upon_o himself_o for_o if_o the_o great_a abhorrency_n of_o man_n evil_a way_n the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n the_o exactness_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o great_a care_n use_v to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o ruin_n may_v be_v any_o vindication_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n now_o and_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o our_o evil_a action_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o to_o attribute_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o our_o good_a unto_o himself_o alone_o 2._o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n those_o who_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_a enough_o to_o do_v their_o soul_n mischief_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o find_v nothing_o more_o ready_a to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o than_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o man_n composition_n and_o the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o world_n if_o god_n have_v design_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v lead_v a_o life_n free_a from_o sin_n why_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o a_o body_n so_o apt_a to_o taint_v and_o pollute_v it_o but_o who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o thus_o find_v fault_n with_o thy_o maker_n be_v not_o his_o kindness_n the_o great_a in_o not_o only_o give_v thou_o a_o soul_n capable_a of_o enjoy_v himself_o but_o such_o a_o habitation_n for_o it_o here_o which_o by_o the_o curiosity_n of_o its_o contrivance_n the_o number_n and_o usefulness_n of_o its_o part_n may_v be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o domestic_a testimony_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o its_o maker_n be_v not_o such_o a_o conjunction_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n necessary_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o dominion_n which_o god_n design_v man_n for_o over_o the_o creature_n endue_v only_o with_o sense_n and_o motion_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o life_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a as_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o proper_a to_o such_o a_o state_n than_o to_o have_v the_o soul_n constant_o employ_v in_o the_o government_n of_o those_o sensual_a inclination_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o that_o virtue_n consist_v which_o be_v make_v thâ—_n condition_n of_o future_a happiness_n have_v it_o noâ—_n be_v for_o such_o a_o composition_n the_o difference_n can_v never_o have_v be_v see_v between_o gooâ—_n and_o bad_a man_n i_o e._n between_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o empire_n of_o reason_n assist_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o religion_n over_o all_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n and_o such_o who_o dethrone_v their_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o slave_n to_o every_o lust_n that_o will_v command_v they_o and_o if_o man_n willing_o subject_v themselves_o to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v to_o rule_v they_o have_v none_o to_o blame_v but_o themselves_o for_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o excuse_n at_o all_o that_o this_o through_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n be_v grow_v the_o common_a custom_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o great_a a_o tyrant_n that_o there_o be_v no_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o it_o if_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v sober_a righteous_a and_o good_a we_o must_v have_v live_v in_o another_o age_n than_o we_o live_v in_o to_o have_v excuse_v these_o two_o command_n from_o a_o palpable_a contradiction_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o have_v forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v lead_v aside_o by_o the_o soft_a and_o easy_a compliance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v â—ensible_a of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n as_o we_o have_v â—ll_a reason_n to_o be_v he_o have_v offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o â—is_n which_o be_v great_a than_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v 4_o â—n_v the_o world_n he_o have_v promise_v we_o those_o weapon_n whereby_o we_o may_v withstand_v the_o â—orrent_n of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n with_o far_o great_a success_n than_o the_o old_a gaul_n be_v cragii_n wont_a to_o do_v the_o inundation_n of_o their_o country_n who_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v drown_v with_o their_o arm_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o we_o to_o be_v so_o because_o we_o have_v not_o only_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o resistance_n but_o we_o understand_v the_o danger_n before_o hand_n if_o we_o once_o forsake_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o whatever_o have_v get_v retainer_n enough_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o custom_n we_o may_v know_v where_o we_o begin_v but_o we_o can_v where_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o end_n for_o every_o fresh_a assault_n make_v the_o breach_n wide_o
or_o wish_v for_o the_o most_o impossiblâ—_n thing_n than_o believe_v they_o shall_v ever_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o impiety_n if_o the_o apostate_n spirit_n can_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o present_a restraint_n and_o expectation_n of_o future_a punishment_n be_v as_o pleasant_a in_o behold_v the_o folliâ—…_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v malicious_a to_o suggest_v they_o it_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a diversion_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o see_v how_o active_a and_o witty_a man_n be_v in_o contrive_v their_o own_o ruin_n to_o see_v with_o what_o greediness_n they_o catch_v at_o every_o bait_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v swallow_v the_o most_o deadly_a poison_n what_o art_n they_o use_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o healthful_a potion_n no_o doubt_n nothing_o can_v more_o gratify_v they_o than_o to_o see_v man_n sport_v themselves_o into_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o go_v down_o so_o pleasant_o to_o hell_n when_o eternal_a flame_n become_v their_o first_o awakener_n and_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v wise_a when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o be_v so_o when_o nothing_o but_o insupportable_a torment_n can_v convince_v they_o that_o god_n be_v in_o earnest_n with_o they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o always_o bear_v the_o affront_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o that_o those_o who_o deride_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o life_n shall_v have_v leisure_n enough_o to_o repent_v their_o folly_n when_o their_o repentance_n shall_v only_o increase_v their_o sorrow_n without_o hope_n of_o pardon_n by_o it_o 3._o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o present_a felicity_n or_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o be_v gain_v by_o this_o mock_n at_o sin_n and_o undervalue_a religion_n there_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o pretence_n though_o nothing_o of_o true_a reason_n for_o it_o yet_o that_o which_o heighten_v this_o folly_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o imaginable_a consideration_n think_v on_o which_o may_v look_v like_o a_o plausible_a temptation_n to_o it_o the_o covetous_a man_n when_o he_o have_v defraud_v his_o neighbour_n and_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o art_n to_o compass_v a_o estate_n have_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o bag_n to_o answer_v for_o he_o and_o whatever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o another_o world_n he_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v do_v much_o in_o this_o the_o voluptuous_a man_n have_v the_o strong_a propensity_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o force_n of_o temptation_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o charm_n of_o beauty_n to_o excuse_v his_o unlawful_a pleasure_n by_o the_o ambitious_a man_n have_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o advantage_n of_o authority_n the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v great_a before_o he_o and_o the_o envy_n of_o those_o who_o condemn_v he_o to_o plead_v for_o the_o height_n he_o aim_v at_o but_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o person_n who_o despise_v religion_n and_o laugh_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v serious_a propose_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o do_v but_o alas_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v much_o more_o serious_a than_o he_o be_v if_o he_o do_v propound_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o action_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a kindness_n to_o other_o though_o none_o to_o himself_o i_o can_v imagine_v any_o unless_o it_o may_v be_v to_o make_v they_o thankful_a they_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o folly_n or_o out_o of_o perfect_a good_a nature_n lest_o they_o shall_v take_v he_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v the_o psalmist_n fool_n despise_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v religion_n for_o he_o only_o say_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o this_o though_o he_o dare_v not_o think_v there_o be_v none_o yet_o show_v he_o not_o near_o so_o much_o outward_a respect_n and_o reverence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v even_o the_o atheist_n himself_o think_v he_o a_o fool_n and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o affront_v he_o and_o trifle_n with_o he_o and_o although_o the_o atheist_n folly_n be_v unaccountable_a in_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n yet_o so_o far_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o it_o so_o that_o of_o all_o hand_n the_o scoffer_n at_o religion_n be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o forsake_v of_o that_o little_a reason_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o uphold_v a_o slender_a reputation_n of_o be_v above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o therein_o his_o condition_n be_v worse_a than_o they_o that_o as_o they_o understand_v not_o religion_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v punish_v for_o despise_v it_o which_o such_o a_o person_n can_v never_o secure_v himself_o from_o consider_v the_o power_n the_o justice_n the_o severity_n of_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v god_n grant_v that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o this_o danger_n may_v make_v we_o so_o serious_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o by_o slight_v that_o and_o mock_v at_o sin_n provoke_v he_o to_o laugh_v at_o our_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o our_o fear_n come_v but_o that_o by_o behold_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o the_o heartiness_n of_o our_o devotion_n to_o he_o he_o may_v turn_v his_o anger_n away_o from_o we_o and_o rejoice_v over_o we_o to_o do_v we_o good_a finis_fw-la luke_n 7._o 35._o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n appearance_n and_o preach_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v none_o which_o to_o our_o first_o view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a than_o that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v then_o think_v of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o he_o for_o since_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v go_v before_o concern_v he_o and_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a prophet_n foretell_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n none_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n have_v be_v judge_v more_o likely_a to_o have_v receive_v and_o honour_v he_o than_o those_o to_o who_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o thing_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v and_o who_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o any_o else_o can_v be_v thus_o indeed_o it_o may_v have_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o doubtless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o if_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n have_v not_o have_v a_o far_o more_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o they_o than_o they_o have_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n if_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n if_o reason_n and_o religion_n nay_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n can_v have_v prevail_v over_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o among_o they_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n may_v have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v be_v all_o proselyte_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o see_v with_o what_o a_o jealous_a eye_n power_n and_o interest_n look_v on_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o offer_v at_o any_o disturbance_n of_o it_o how_o much_o great_a sway_n partiality_n and_o prejudice_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o true_a reason_n and_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v convince_v we_o find_v none_o more_o furious_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n none_o more_o obstinate_a in_o their_o infidelity_n as_o to_o his_o doctrine_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o great_a reputation_n among_o they_o for_o their_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n as_o often_o as_o he_o meet_v with_o either_o check_n for_o their_o ignorance_n or_o rebuke_n for_o their_o pride_n or_o denounce_v woe_n against_o for_o their_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n these_o be_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o believe_v in_o christ_n persecute_v he_o instead_o of_o follow_v he_o seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o compass_v it_o they_o reproach_n and_o defame_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v real_o as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o although_o the_o people_n may_v not_o present_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v concern_v he_o yet_o that_o they_o may_v at_o least_o be_v keep_v in_o suspense_n by_o it_o they_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v the_o black_a
preserve_v its_o primitive_a honour_n in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o far_o be_v man_n then_o from_o make_v their_o zeal_n for_o religion_n a_o pretence_n to_o rebellion_n that_o though_o christianity_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o religion_n then_o in_o vogue_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o know_v of_o no_o other_o way_n of_o promote_a it_o but_o by_o patience_n humility_n meekness_n prayer_n for_o their_o persecutor_n and_o tear_n when_o they_o see_v they_o obstinate_a so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o foment_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v the_o prince_n and_o governor_n they_o live_v under_o that_o though_o they_o be_v general_o know_v to_o be_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o prince_n yet_o they_o charge_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o strict_a manner_n as_o they_o love_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o as_o they_o value_v their_o soul_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o they_o so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o give_v the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o prince_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o power_n give_v to_o a_o head_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o any_o to_o think_v they_o mean_v it_o unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n such_o mighty_a politician_n that_o it_o be_v because_o they_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a bid_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n though_o a_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n whatever_o he_o be_v as_o the_o father_n interpret_v it_o yea_o so_o constant_a and_o uniform_a be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o obedience_n in_o all_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o no_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o any_o usurpation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o prince_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o title_n from_o christ_n or_o any_o disobedience_n to_o their_o authority_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o promote_a christianity_n through_o all_o those_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n the_o most_o flourish_v or_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o most_o persecute_a and_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o we_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v be_v christian_n on_o the_o same_o term_n which_o they_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o scandal_n raise_v by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o peaceable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o though_o that_o be_v unquiet_a and_o troublesome_a because_o so_o many_o have_v be_v so_o who_o have_v make_v show_n of_o it_o but_o let_v their_o pretence_n be_v never_o so_o great_a to_o infallibility_n on_o one_o side_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o other_o so_o far_o as_o man_n encourage_v faction_n and_o disobedience_n so_o far_o they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o be_v none_o of_o he_o for_o he_o show_v his_o great_a wisdom_n in_o contrive_v such_o a_o method_n of_o save_v man_n soul_n in_o another_o world_n as_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o this_o and_o though_o this_o wisdom_n may_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o by_o man_n of_o restless_a and_o unpeaceable_a mind_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v still_o justify_v by_o all_o who_o have_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o who_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a as_o that_o wisdom_n be_v and_o such_o and_o only_o such_o be_v the_o child_n of_o it_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n appearance_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o mean_n be_v very_o suitable_a and_o effectual_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o that_o design_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n 1._o that_o the_o design_n itself_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n what_o can_v we_o imagine_v more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o to_o contrive_v a_o way_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a mankind_n who_o more_o fit_a to_o employ_v upon_o such_o a_o message_n as_o this_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o his_o come_n give_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o god_n be_v serious_a in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o design_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v give_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o himself_o and_o withal_o of_o the_o purpose_n he_o come_v about_o than_o he_o do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o power_n of_o miracle_n show_v who_o he_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversation_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o suffering_n show_v what_o his_o design_n be_v in_o appear_v among_o man_n for_o they_o be_v all_o manage_v with_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o the_o convince_a mankind_n that_o god_n be_v upon_o term_n of_o mercy_n with_o they_o and_o have_v therefore_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o those_o who_o repent_v but_o eternal_a life_n for_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o what_o be_v there_o now_o we_o can_v imagine_v so_o great_a and_o desirable_a as_o this_o for_o god_n to_o manifest_a hiâ—_n wisdom_n in_o it_o be_v true_a we_o see_v a_o great_a discovery_n of_o it_o in_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o may_v do_v in_o the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n if_o partiality_n and_o interest_n do_v not_o blind_v our_o eye_n but_o both_o these_o though_o great_a in_o themselves_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o contrivance_n of_o bring_v to_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n man_n who_o have_v fall_v from_o his_o maker_n and_o be_v perish_v in_o his_o own_o folly_n yet_o this_o be_v that_o which_o man_n in_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n either_o think_v not_o worth_a consider_v or_o consider_v as_o little_a as_o if_o they_o think_v so_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n think_v themselves_o very_o wise_a too_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o tradition_n which_o they_o glory_v in_o and_o despise_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o alter_v they_o the_o greek_n have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o philosophy_n which_o they_o so_o passionate_o admire_v that_o whatever_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o that_o though_o infinite_o more_o certain_a and_o useful_a be_v on_o that_o account_n reject_v by_o they_o the_o roman_n after_o the_o conquest_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v all_o such_o politician_n and_o statesman_n that_o few_o of_o they_o can_v have_v leisure_n to_o think_v of_o another_o world_n who_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o and_o some_o of_o all_o these_o sort_n do_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o world_n which_o maâ—â—_n so_o many_o so_o little_o think_v of_o or_o admire_v tâ—…s_n infinite_a discovery_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o who_o can_v mix_v all_o these_o together_o join_v a_o jewisâ—_n obstinacy_n with_o the_o pride_n and_o self-opinion_n of_o the_o greek_n to_o a_o roman_a unconcernedness_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o another_o life_n and_o yet_o upon_o a_o true_a and_o just_a enquiry_n never_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v find_v which_o can_v more_o full_o satisfy_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o greek_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o roman_n than_o that_o which_o be_v make_v know_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v find_v his_o messiah_n come_v and_o the_o promise_v fulfil_v which_o relate_v to_o he_o here_o the_o greek_a may_v find_v his_o long_a and_o vain_o look_v for_o certainty_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o it_o here_o the_o roman_a may_v see_v a_o religion_n serviceable_a to_o another_o world_n and_o this_o together_o here_o be_v precept_n more_o holy_a promise_v more_o certain_a reward_v more_o desirable_a than_o ever_o the_o wit_n or_o invention_n of_o man_n can_v have_v attain_v to_o here_o be_v institution_n far_o more_o pious_a useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o mankind_n than_o the_o most_o admire_a law_n of_o the_o famous_a legislator_n of_o greece_n or_o rome_n here_o be_v no_o popular_a design_n carry_v on_o no_o vice_n indulge_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n which_o solon_n lyourgus_fw-la and_o plato_n be_v charge_v with_o here_o be_v no_o make_v religion_n a_o mere_a trick_n of_o state_n and_o a_o thing_n only_o
to_o punish_v it_o he_o remit_v the_o sinner_n as_o he_o assure_v he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o punish_v upon_o his_o repentance_n but_o he_o full_o remit_v both_o when_o he_o deliver_v the_o person_n upon_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o great_a day_n from_o all_o the_o penalty_n which_o he_o have_v deserve_v by_o his_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o complete_a justification_n and_o salvation_n go_v both_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o one_o must_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o other_o also_o what_o care_v then_o ought_v man_n to_o take_v lest_o by_o misunderstanding_n the_o notion_n of_o believe_v so_o much_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n they_o live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o that_o holy_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o so_o believe_v themselves_o into_o eternal_a misery_n but_o as_o long_o as_o man_n make_v their_o obedience_n necessary_a though_o but_o as_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n it_o shall_v not_o want_v its_o reward_n for_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o faith_n shall_v never_o be_v condemn_v for_o mistake_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o and_o they_o who_o live_v as_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n shall_v not_o miss_v their_o reward_n though_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o shall_v receive_v it_o for_o they_o but_o such_o who_o make_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o believe_v and_o will_v scarce_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v call_v a_o condition_n aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o keep_v their_o heart_n sound_a than_o their_o head_n for_o their_o only_a security_n will_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v good_a though_o they_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o be_v so_o and_o such_o of_o all_o other_o i_o grant_v have_v reason_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o judgement_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o abundant_o provide_v for_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o the_o large_a offer_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o though_o we_o meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n without_o and_o so_o much_o weakness_n within_o and_o so_o many_o discouragement_n on_o every_o side_n of_o we_o yet_o if_o we_o sincere_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n as_o may_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n finis_fw-la hebr._n 2._o 3._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n when_o the_o wise_a and_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o heaven_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v first_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o preach_v in_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_o expect_v than_o that_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v have_v persuade_v those_o who_o he_o appear_v among_o to_o such_o a_o admiration_n of_o his_o person_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o may_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o he_o in_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o if_o either_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o person_n or_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o message_n may_v prevail_v any_o thing_n towards_o a_o kind_n and_o honourable_a reception_n among_o man_n there_o be_v never_o any_o person_n appear_v in_o any_o degree_n comparable_a to_o he_o never_o any_o message_n declare_v which_o may_v challenge_v so_o welcome_a a_o entertainment_n from_o man_n as_o that_o be_v which_o he_o come_v upon_o if_o to_o give_v mankind_n the_o high_a assurance_n of_o a_o state_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n if_o to_o offer_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n upon_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n if_o to_o purge_v the_o degenerate_a world_n from_o all_o its_o impurity_n by_o a_o doctrine_n as_o holy_a as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n as_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unaccountable_a than_o that_o his_o person_n shall_v be_v despise_v his_o authority_n slight_v and_o his_o doctrine_n contemn_v and_o that_o by_o those_o who_o interest_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o himself_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o affront_n and_o injury_n he_o undergo_v from_o man_n for_o the_o more_o the_o indignity_n the_o great_a the_o shame_n the_o sharp_a the_o suffering_n which_o he_o do_v undergo_v the_o high_a be_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o but_o the_o more_o oblige_v the_o instance_n of_o his_o kindness_n be_v the_o great_a the_o salvation_n that_o be_v tender_v by_o he_o the_o more_o prevail_v the_o motive_n be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o more_o exemplary_a and_o severe_a will_v the_o punishment_n be_v of_o all_o those_o who_o reject_v it_o for_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o those_o eternal_a law_n of_o justice_n by_o which_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n that_o the_o punishment_n shall_v arise_v proportionable_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mercy_n despise_v and_o therefore_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o spare_v in_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o state_n of_o those_o person_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o life_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o for_o those_o who_o do_v and_o despise_v it_o it_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o a_o eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o just_a desert_n of_o those_o to_o who_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v offer_v and_o yet_o neglect_v by_o they_o and_o we_o be_v the_o rather_o tell_v of_o it_o that_o man_n may_v not_o think_v it_o a_o surprise_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v or_o that_o if_o they_o have_v know_v the_o danger_n they_o will_v have_v escape_v it_o and_o therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o never_o mention_v punishment_n but_o with_o a_o design_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o it_o declare_v it_o frequent_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o person_n and_o place_n will_v be_v most_o intolerable_a who_o have_v receive_v but_o not_o improve_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o the_o person_n who_o have_v offer_v violence_n to_o nature_n and_o have_v hell-fire_n 23._o burn_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o horrid_a impurity_n than_o for_o those_o who_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n and_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v much_o the_o worse_o rather_o than_o any_o thing_n the_o better_a for_o it_o but_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o all_o this_o black_a scene_n of_o misery_n be_v only_o design_v for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o actor_n in_o that_o doleful_a tragedy_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o those_o who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o that_o the_o same_o dismal_a consequence_n will_v attend_v all_o the_o affront_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o his_o own_o person_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o common_a flattery_n and_o self-deceit_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o make_v any_o imagine_v that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o now_o either_o believe_v or_o obey_v the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v have_v do_v both_o if_o they_o have_v hear_v our_o saviour_n speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o see_v he_o do_v what_o never_o man_n do_v for_o the_o same_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v they_o now_o slight_a that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o will_v have_v make_v they_o slight_v the_o person_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n 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and_o suspicion_n of_o god_n what_o distrust_v of_o humane_a nature_n what_o unspeakable_a ingratitude_n and_o unaccountable_a folly_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o this_o uncertainty_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v not_o only_o what_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v but_o what_o our_o lord_n have_v declare_v god_n himself_o have_v give_v testimony_n to_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v confirm_v 3._o but_o be_v not_o your_o interest_n concern_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v it_o all_o one_o to_o you_o whether_o your_o soul_n be_v immortal_a or_o no_o whether_o they_o live_v in_o eternal_a felicity_n or_o unchangeable_a misery_n be_v it_o no_o more_o to_o you_o than_o to_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o babble_n be_v in_o request_n at_o the_o indies_n or_o whether_o the_o custom_n of_o china_n or_o japan_n be_v the_o wise_a i._n e._n than_o the_o most_o trifle_a thing_n and_o the_o remote_a from_o our_o knowledge_n but_o this_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o 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it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o redeem_v your_o lose_a time_n that_o you_o have_v spend_v your_o time_n less_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o your_o sensual_a desire_n and_o more_o in_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n how_o uncomfortable_a will_v the_o remembrance_n be_v of_o all_o your_o excess_n oath_n injustice_n and_o profaneness_n when_o death_n approach_v and_o judgement_n follow_v it_o what_o peace_n of_o mind_n will_v there_o then_o be_v to_o those_o who_o have_v serve_v god_n with_o faithfulness_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n though_o it_o have_v be_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a but_o what_o will_v it_o then_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o have_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n nay_o what_o unspeakable_a loser_n must_v they_o
then_o be_v that_o lose_v their_o soul_n for_o that_o which_o have_v no_o value_n at_o all_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o world_n 3._o consider_v what_o follow_v upon_o this_o neglect_n not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o great_a salvation_n but_o the_o incur_v as_o great_a damnation_n for_o it_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v not_o mere_o by_o negative_n but_o by_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o painful_a thing_n if_o destruction_n be_v dreadful_a that_o be_v everlasting_a destruction_n if_o the_o anguish_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o body_n be_v so_o troublesome_a what_o will_v the_o destruction_n be_v both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n if_o a_o serpent_n gnaw_v in_o our_o bowel_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o a_o insupportable_a misery_n here_o what_o will_v that_o be_v of_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v if_o a_o rage_a and_o devour_a fire_n which_o can_v last_v but_o till_o it_o have_v consume_v a_o fade_a substance_n be_v in_o its_o appearance_n so_o amaze_a and_o in_o its_o pain_n so_o violent_a what_o then_o will_v the_o endure_a be_v of_o that_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v burn_v like_o fire_n and_o yet_o be_v everlasting_a consider_v then_o of_o these_o thing_n while_o god_n give_v you_o time_n to_o consider_v of_o they_o and_o think_v it_o a_o inestimable_a mercy_n that_o you_o have_v yet_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n to_o beg_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v your_o time_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n careful_a of_o your_o action_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o god_n will_v pardon_v your_o former_a neglect_n and_o grant_v you_o this_o great_a salvation_n finis_fw-la hebr._n 12._o 3._o for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n it_o have_v never_o yet_o 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of_o the_o world_n which_o the_o tempter_n will_v have_v make_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o disposer_n of_o enable_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a courage_n and_o strange_a transport_n of_o joy_n not_o only_o to_o bear_v their_o own_o share_n of_o reproach_n and_o affliction_n but_o a_o part_n of_o they_o who_o suffer_v with_o they_o v_o 33_o 34._o but_o least_o through_o continual_a duty_n occasion_v by_o the_o hatred_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o affliction_n their_o courage_n shall_v abate_v and_o their_o spirit_n saint_n the_o apostle_n find_v it_o necessary_a not_o only_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a magnanimity_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v powerful_a with_o they_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n in_o bear_v their_o suffering_n which_o they_o have_v at_o first_o for_o he_o well_o know_v how_o much_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o own_o discomfort_n if_o after_o such_o a_o early_a proof_n of_o a_o great_a and_o undaunted_a spirit_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o be_v once_o of_o a_o great_a roman_a captain_n ultima_fw-la primis_fw-la cedebant_fw-la that_o they_o shall_v decline_v in_o their_o reputation_n as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o year_n and_o at_o last_o sink_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o duty_n which_o they_o have_v bear_v with_o so_o much_o honour_n before_o therefore_o as_o a_o general_n in_o the_o field_n after_o a_o sharp_a and_o fierce_a encounter_n at_o first_o with_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n by_o his_o soldier_n when_o he_o find_v by_o the_o number_n and_o fresh_a recruit_n of_o the_o enemy_n that_o his_o small_a force_n be_v like_a to_o be_v bear_v down_o before_o they_o and_o through_o mere_a weariness_n of_o fight_v be_v ready_a to_o turn_v their_o back_n or_o yield_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o enemy_n mercy_n he_o conjure_v they_o by_o the_o honour_n they_o have_v gain_v and_o the_o courage_n they_o have_v already_o express_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o example_n of_o their_o leader_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v the_o last_o shock_n of_o their_o enemy_n force_n and_o rather_o be_v the_o trophy_n of_o their_o courage_n than_o of_o their_o triumph_n so_o do_v our_o apostle_n when_o he_o find_v some_o among_o they_o begin_v to_o debate_v whether_o they_o have_v best_a to_o stand_v it_o out_o or_o no_o he_o conjure_v they_o 1._o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o own_o former_a courage_n whereby_o they_o do_v bear_v as_o sharp_a trial_n as_o these_o can_v be_v with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o yield_v at_o last_o but_o great_a dishonour_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v suffer_v so_o long_o to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n 2._o by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n which_o will_v sure_o follow_v their_o faithfulness_n v._n 35_o 36._o cast_v not_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n for_o you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o after_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o time_n will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o you_o come_v to_o enjoy_v it_o v_o 37._o but_o if_o you_o draw_v back_o you_o lose_v all_o your_o former_a labour_n for_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o recompense_v you_o have_v say_v that_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o v_o 38._o and_o then_o from_o the_o example_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o christ_n but_o