of_o any_o religion_n that_o ever_o yet_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n indeed_o but_o by_o this_o alone_a it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v break_v through_o all_o that_o mighty_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n which_o be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v this_o with_o success_n 2._o god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o it_o with_o a_o mighty_a and_o sensible_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o wonderful_a efficacy_n and_o success_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v which_o word_n express_v to_o we_o that_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n 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the_o ii_o place_n how_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o i._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o the_o use_n and_o end_v to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v they_o be_v those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o apostle_n be_v endow_v withal_o to_o qualify_v they_o to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n with_o more_o speed_n and_o success_n such_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a language_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n thing_n speak_v in_o divers_a language_n and_o these_o two_o gift_n be_v not_o necessary_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o person_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o some_o have_v the_o one_o and_o some_o the_o other_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v always_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o person_n divine_o inspire_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o heal_v disease_n of_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o of_o cast_v out_o devil_n a_o power_n of_o inflict_v corporal_a disease_n and_o punishment_n upon_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a christian_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o apostle_n authority_n and_o government_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n or_o torment_v of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v nay_o in_o some_o case_n this_o power_n extend_v to_o the_o inflict_v of_o death_n itself_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n not_o that_o all_o these_o miraculous_a power_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o can_v exercise_v they_o at_o all_o time_n some_o be_v bestow_v upon_o one_o and_o some_o upon_o another_o according_a to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o as_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o most_o subservient_fw-fr to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v they_o only_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v common_a to_o every_o christian_a and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o other_o gift_n be_v cease_v as_o tertul._n arnob._n and_o min._n felix_n do_v testify_v even_o of_o their_o own_o time_n but_o ii_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n now_o beside_o the_o particular_a use_v and_o end_v of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n do_v evident_o serve_v for_o the_o more_o speedy_a plant_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o inflict_v corporeal_a punishment_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n upon_o scandalous_a and_o disobedient_a christian_n do_v maintain_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v instead_o of_o a_o ordinary_a magistratical_a power_n which_o christian_n be_v destitute_a of_o whilst_o the_o roman_a empire_n continue_v heathen_a i_o say_v beside_o the_o particular_a end_n and_o use_v of_o all_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o do_v all_o in_o general_n as_o they_o be_v miracle_n serve_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o great_a miracle_n whereby_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v they_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o a_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n for_o who_o can_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o raise_v other_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o many_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v give_v such_o clear_a testimony_n that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o never_o have_v any_o religion_n few_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v it_o and_o so_o little_a temporal_a countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o but_o what_o it_o want_v from_o man_n it_o have_v from_o god_n for_o he_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n seem_v on_o purpose_n to_o have_v strip_v it_o of_o all_o secular_a advantage_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o owe_v its_o establishment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o arm_n and_o power_n of_o god_n the_o inference_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a make_v from_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v these_o i._o to_o give_v
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
salvation_n of_o mankind_n i_o judge_v nothing_o more_o needful_a to_o be_v add_v to_o what_o have_v fall_v in_o concern_v that_o subject_a in_o my_o handle_n the_o second_o proposition_n in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a sermon_n sermon_n v._o the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v on_o ascension-day_n 1688._o mark_v xvi_o 19_o 20._o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n i._o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o effect_n or_o consequence_n of_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o both_o these_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o this_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n handle_v the_o latter_a point_n namely_o the_o effect_n open_fw-mi consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o these_o word_n contain_v two_o thing_n in_o they_o i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o it_o v._n serm._n v._n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n and_o indeed_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n in_o publish_v the_o gospel_n be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o pain_n do_v they_o take_v what_o hazard_n do_v they_o run_v what_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n do_v they_o contend_v withal_o in_o this_o work_n and_o yet_o their_o success_n be_v great_a than_o their_o industry_n and_o beyond_o all_o humane_a expectation_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n 2._o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n 3._o the_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n 4._o the_o powerful_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o 5._o the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n this_o be_v represent_v rev._n 14.6_o by_o a_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n and_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o every_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v ready_o embrace_v by_o great_a number_n almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o come_v and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 49.10_o that_o when_o shiloh_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v and_o isa_n 2.2_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o isa_n 60.8_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o man_n ready_a submission_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v to_o fly_v as_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n so_o quick_a and_o strange_a a_o progress_n do_v this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o about_o 30_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n it_o be_v not_o only_o diffuse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o have_v reach_v as_o far_o as_o parthia_n and_o india_n in_o which_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n full_o verify_v that_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n math._n 24.14_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o man_n be_v not_o only_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 2._o this_o doctrine_n have_v likewise_o a_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n be_v obedient_a to_o it_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n rom._n 15.18_o upon_o the_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n follow_v also_o the_o change_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o of_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thenceforth_o not_o walk_v as_o other_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o according_a to_o the_o vicious_a course_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v put_v off_o concern_v their_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o do_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o strange_a a_o effect_n have_v the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o that_o i_o remember_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n challenge_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o christian_a that_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n or_o a_o sacrilegious_a person_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o gross_a enormity_n for_o which_o so_o many_o pagan_n be_v every_o day_n make_v example_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o punish_v and_o execute_v among_o they_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a admirable_a and_o happy_a effect_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o work_v so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o change_n in_o the_o live_v of_o those_o who_o entertain_v this_o doctrine_n to_o take_v they_o quite_o off_o from_o those_o vicious_a practice_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o accustom_a to_o to_o change_v their_o spirit_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o of_o lewd_a and_o dishonest_a to_o make_v they_o sober_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n of_o proud_a and_o fierce_a contentious_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a to_o make_v they_o humble_a and_o meek_a kind_a and_o tender-hearted_a peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v general_o good_a man_n and_o of_o virtuous_a life_n be_v credible_a because_o their_o religion_n do_v teach_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v such_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a now_o to_o make_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o it_o require_v they_o shall_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a argument_n then_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v for_o christianity_n be_v a_o hate_a and_o persecute_a profession_n no_o man_n can_v then_o have_v any_o inducement_n to_o embrace_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o it_o offer_v man_n no_o reward_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a threaten_a man_n with_o the_o great_a temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n and_o it_o promise_v no_o happiness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n upon_o any_o
attend_v upon_o himself_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n own_o argument_n matth._n 18._o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o their_o angel_n do_v continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n with_o how_o much_o contempt_n soever_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o a_o poor_a good_a man_n he_o have_v friend_n and_o patron_n of_o a_o high_a sort_n than_o any_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n four_o if_o god_n appoint_v angel_n to_o be_v minister_a spirit_n on_o our_o behalf_n we_o may_v thence_o very_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v they_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a consequence_n if_o the_o reason_v of_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v good_a where_o he_o forbid_v st._n john_n to_o worship_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o fellow_n servant_n yea_o the_o consequence_n seem_v to_o be_v yet_o strong_a from_o the_o text_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o only_a fellow_n servant_n but_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n minister_n unto_o we_o then_o we_o be_v not_o to_o worship_v they_o and_o yet_o this_o practice_n be_v open_o avow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o it_o be_v reprove_v so_o very_o severe_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n colos_n 2.18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n say_v he_o deceive_v you_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o renounce_v of_o christ_n out_o of_o a_o pretend_a humility_n to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o mediator_n beside_o he_o to_o the_o father_n and_o notwithstanding_o also_o that_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n do_v so_o vehement_o forbid_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o no_o mean_n upon_o no_o term_n do_v it_o and_o he_o forbid_v it_o for_o such_o a_o reason_n as_o make_v it_o for_o ever_o unlawful_a namely_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o worship_v those_o who_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n together_o with_o we_o do_v it_o not_o say_v the_o angel_n i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n worship_n thou_o god_n in_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o sole_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o worship_n bellarmine_n the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o popish_a cause_n never_o use_v more_o gross_a and_o apparent_a shuffle_n than_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o text._n he_o say_v first_o why_o be_v we_o reprove_v for_o do_v what_o st._n john_n do_v to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v very_o easy_a because_o st._n john_n himself_o be_v reprove_v by_o a_o angel_n for_o do_v what_o he_o do_v and_o now_o that_o his_o question_n be_v answer_v one_o might_n methinks_v ask_v he_o a_o cross_a question_n or_o two_o why_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n presume_v to_o do_v that_o which_o a_o angel_n do_v so_o express_o forbid_v to_o be_v do_v or_o be_v it_o fit_a for_o st._n john_n to_o worship_v one_o who_o according_a to_o bellarmine_n be_v so_o ignorant_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o reprove_v he_o for_o do_v his_o duty_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o second_o crafty_a answer_n to_o this_o text_n that_o st._n john_n do_v well_o to_o give_v due_a worship_n to_o the_o angel_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o this_o text_n that_o the_o angel_n do_v not_o think_v the_o worship_n which_o st._n john_n give_v to_o he_o to_o be_v his_o due_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v but_o that_o a_o man_n of_o bellarmine_n understanding_n do_v intend_v to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o text_n but_o if_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n than_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o plain_a and_o short_a issue_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o cardinal_n of_o rome_n or_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n last_o we_o shall_v imitate_v the_o holy_a angel_n by_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o do_v in_o minister_a to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n though_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n with_o the_o same_o activity_n and_o vigour_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n do_v yet_o we_o may_v in_o the_o same_o sincerity_n and_o with_o the_o same_o true_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o we_o shall_v learn_v also_o of_o they_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o mean_a service_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o if_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v no_o way_n ally_v to_o we_o and_o do_v so_o much_o excel_v we_o in_o the_o dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o though_o david_n say_v that_o god_n make_v man_n little_o low_o than_o the_o angel_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o make_v he_o next_o below_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o rank_n of_o being_n but_o yet_o very_o distant_a from_o they_o in_o perfection_n i_o say_v if_o those_o glorious_a creature_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o god_n do_v not_o think_v much_o to_o humble_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n on_o our_o behalf_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o proud_a as_o to_o think_v much_o to_o stoop_v to_o the_o low_a office_n to_o serve_v one_o another_o you_o see_v my_o brethren_n what_o be_v the_o constant_a work_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n especial_o in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o charity_n and_o charity_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n so_o that_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o our_o may_v to_o help_v forward_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o be_v to_o be_v good_a angel_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n to_o men._n i_o hope_v that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o do_v hope_n one_o day_n to_o be_v like_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n now_o as_o they_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o happiness_n so_o let_v we_o make_v they_o the_o example_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o obedience_n according_a as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_n may_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n here_o on_o earth_n so_o far_o as_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o of_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v with_o the_o same_o readiness_n and_o diligence_n with_o the_o same_o cheerfulness_n and_o zeal_n that_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a angel_n do_v in_o heaven_n and_o let_v we_o aspire_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n after_o that_o bless_a time_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n from_o affliction_n and_o pain_n from_o disease_n and_o death_n when_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n without_o distraction_n and_o do_v his_o will_n without_o weariness_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n amid_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a final_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n as_o for_o all_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o merciful_a providence_n towards_o we_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o invisible_a aid_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o holy_a angel_n many_o time_n probable_o vouchsafe_v to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v but_o little_a aware_a of_o it_o but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o bless_v he_o for_o his_o son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v a_o mortal_a man_n that_o by_o the_o suffer_a of_o death_n for_o our_o sake_n he_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o that_o mighty_a power_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o may_v and_o dominion_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o also_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v to_o he_o o_o father_n with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o the_o reputation_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n preach_v on_o st._n luke_n day_n psal_n cxii_o 6._o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n as_o the_o desire_n and_o hope_n of_o immortality_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o humane_a nature_n
the_o infirmity_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o the_o example_n of_o mere_a man_n liable_a to_o sin_n as_o we_o be_v may_v in_o many_o respect_n be_v more_o suitable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v think_v fit_a likewise_o to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o high_a example_n of_o that_o kind_n the_o first_o teacher_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o of_o these_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o those_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o who_o be_v now_o depart_v this_o life_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v dead_a when_o he_o say_v remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o or_o those_o that_o have_v be_v your_o guide_n who_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n i_o say_v this_o be_v very_o probable_a because_o he_o mind_v they_o to_o remember_v they_o which_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v absent_a but_o especial_o because_o he_o mind_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o which_o sure_o he_o mean_v the_o bless_a state_n of_o those_o good_a man_n after_o death_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o so_o likewise_o rom._n 6.22_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n and_o it_o very_o much_o favour_v this_o interpretation_n that_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o speak_v of_o the_o live_a guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n v._o 17._o obey_v they_o which_o 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brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o first_o in_o every_o kind_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o of_o all_o that_o follow_v after_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o best_a institution_n be_v apt_a to_o decline_v and_o by_o insensible_a degree_n to_o swerve_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o first_o state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o preserve_v thing_n from_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n often_o to_o look_v back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o by_o that_o to_o correct_v those_o imperfection_n and_o error_n which_o will_v almost_o unavoidable_o creep_v in_o with_o time_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v that_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o our_o 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very_o grievous_a to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o i_o mean_v to_o worship_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o great_a disparagement_n of_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o the_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n with_o god_n for_o we_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n but_o have_v express_o command_v the_o contrary_a to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o to_o serve_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o alone_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o romer_n the_o 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christianity_n be_v strange_o abate_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o be_v retire_v to_o the_o father_n but_o truth_n never_o grow_v old_a and_o those_o law_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o as_o reasonable_a and_o apt_a to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o ever_o god_n be_v the_o same_o he_o be_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v still_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n intercede_v powerful_o for_o sinner_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o as_o true_a and_o powerful_a as_o ever_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n like_o ourselves_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n that_o we_o be_v and_o compass_v about_o with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n so_o that_o although_o that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o god_n endow_v they_o withal_o for_o the_o first_o plant_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v now_o cease_v yet_o the_o sanctify_a power_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n do_v still_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o work_v the_o same_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a and_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v follow_v their_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o it_o even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o from_o a_o idle_a admire_v of_o those_o excellent_a pattern_n proceed_v to_o a_o vigorous_a imitation_n of_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v even_o that_o matter_n and_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o ourselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o tertullian_n admonetur_fw-la omnis_fw-la aet_fw-la as_o fieri_fw-la posse_fw-la quod_fw-la aliquando_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v he_o convince_v that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v there_o have_v be_v such_o holy_a and_o excellent_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v such_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n since_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v now_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n sermon_n ix_o the_o encouragement_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o deny_v he_o preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n st._n paul_n encourage_v timothy_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o verse_n 1_o thou_o therefore_o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o verse_n 3_o thou_o therefore_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o animate_v he_o in_o his_o resolution_n he_o quote_v a_o say_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v well_o know_v and_o firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n a_o say_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n full_a of_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n full_a of_o terror_n to_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v deny_v it_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n this_o be_v a_o preface_n use_v by_o this_o apostle_n to_o introduce_v some_o remarkable_a sentence_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n and_o concernment_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o chap._n 4.8_o 9_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n titus_n 3.8_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o ix_o serm._n ix_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o same_o preface_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o say_n he_o be_v about_o to_o mention_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o the_o first_o two_o sentence_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o suffer_v with_o christ_n and_o for_o he_o and_o
that_o their_o work_n shall_v be_v reward_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bless_v upon_o this_o account_n and_o this_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o sure_a reward_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v our_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o how_o great_a and_o glorious_a that_o shall_v be_v i_o be_o not_o in_o any_o measure_n able_a to_o declare_v to_o you_o it_o may_v suffice_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v assure_v we_o in_o general_a that_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o good_a man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o happy_a not_o according_a to_o what_o can_v now_o enter_v into_o our_o narrow_a thought_n but_o according_a to_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n if_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v our_o reward_n from_o god_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o large_a and_o such_o as_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a of_o he_o to_o bestow_v for_o he_o be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o of_o great_a goodness_n and_o we_o may_v safe_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o confidence_n that_o he_o will_v consider_v we_o not_o according_a to_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o service_n but_o according_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o treasure_n and_o the_o infinite_a bounty_n of_o his_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a though_o he_o have_v not_o particular_o declare_v to_o we_o wherein_o this_o happiness_n shall_v consist_v yet_o we_o may_v trust_v he_o that_o make_v we_o to_o find_v out_o way_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o make_v we_o without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o desire_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a beyond_o they_o both_o only_o for_o the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o our_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n though_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v every_o good_a man_n far_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o any_o good_a he_o have_v or_o can_v do_v yet_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o these_o reward_n shall_v be_v proportionable_o great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o every_o man_n piety_n and_o virtue_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n great_a shall_v be_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n matt._n 5.12_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o a_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o one_o who_o be_v more_o public_o and_o eminent_o useful_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o and_o among_o those_o who_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o they_o that_o be_v more_o industrious_a and_o consequent_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v successful_a in_o this_o work_n shall_v have_v a_o more_o glorious_a reward_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.3_o and_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n render_v they_o that_o be_v teacher_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o so_o likewise_o we_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n that_o he_o that_o improve_v his_o talon_n to_o ten_o be_v make_v ruler_n over_o ten_o city_n and_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 9.6_o speak_v of_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n charity_n and_o liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a say_v express_o he_o that_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o but_o he_o that_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o which_o by_o proportion_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v extend_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n 1_o cor._n 15.41_o 42._o the_o apostle_n there_o represent_v the_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v invest_v with_o at_o the_o resurrection_n by_o the_o different_a glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o heavenly_a luminary_n there_o be_v one_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n another_o of_o the_o moon_n and_o another_o glory_n of_o the_o star_n for_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n so_o also_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o the_o more_o any_o man_n suffer_v for_o god_n and_o the_o more_o patient_o he_o suffer_v the_o more_o holy_o and_o virtuous_o the_o more_o charitable_o and_o useful_o he_o live_v in_o this_o world_n the_o more_o good_a work_n will_v accompany_v he_o into_o the_o next_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a reward_n he_o may_v hope_v to_o receive_v there_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o chapter_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o be_v fix_v and_o resolute_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o abound_v likewise_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n every_o degree_n of_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n will_v most_o certain_o one_o day_n turn_v to_o a_o happy_a account_n have_v therefore_o such_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o more_o perfect_o holy_a we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o more_o perfect_o happy_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o continue_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o two_o reason_n which_o be_v here_o give_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o happiness_n that_o good_a man_n such_o as_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v make_v partataker_n of_o in_o another_o life_n because_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n accompany_v they_o they_o be_v free_v from_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n but_o those_o i_o will_v reserve_v for_o another_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a all_o that_o i_o shall_v add_v at_o present_a as_o the_o application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v that_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o careful_a and_o zealous_a imitation_n of_o those_o bless_a person_n describe_v in_o the_o text_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v at_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n and_o who_o work_n do_v accompany_v they_o let_v we_o imitate_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o their_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n and_o in_o their_o constancy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o their_o life_n thus_o their_o virtue_n and_o suffering_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n chap._n 13.10_o here_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o chap._n 14.12_o here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n and_o chap._n 12.11_o and_o they_o overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n in_o this_o way_n and_o by_o these_o step_n all_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o all_o age_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o attain_v to_o that_o bless_a state_n which_o they_o be_v now_o possess_v of_o after_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n and_o all_o the_o good_a work_n which_o they_o have_v do_v be_v go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v now_o and_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v receive_v the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n by_o a_o zealous_a imitation_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o of_o the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o their_o suffering_n we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v translate_v into_o their_o bless_a society_n and_o make_v partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o glorious_a reward_n if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n if_o we_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n we_o shall_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n let_v we_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n exhort_v chap._n 6.11_o 12._o every_o one_o of_o we_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n