himself_o live_v when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o become_v man._n and_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o assume_v our_o nature_n in_o its_o high_a glory_n and_o perfection_n but_o compass_v with_o infirmity_n and_o liable_a in_o all_o point_n to_o be_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v but_o still_o it_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o exact_a from_o we_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v he_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a though_o very_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o after_o all_o this_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n and_o this_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o we_o and_o our_o pattern_n as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o assistance_n which_o be_v neceessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o this_o god_n offer_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o all_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n out_o our_o salvation_n god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v so_o that_o as_o to_o that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o quench_v and_o resist_v his_o bless_a spirit_n we_o may_v be_v as_o real_o assist_v as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v for_o in_o this_o respect_n all_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8.14_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a so_o in_o the_o main_a it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o can_v not_o have_v come_v near_o to_o we_o without_o want_v that_o perfection_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o complete_a and_o absolute_a pattern_n the_o son_n of_o god_n condescend_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v he_o the_o most_o familiar_a and_o equal_a example_n to_o we_o except_v that_o which_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o have_v be_v infinite_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o and_o will_v have_v spoil_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o example_n he_o come_v as_o near_o to_o we_o as_o be_v fit_a or_o possible_a be_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v that_o be_v abate_v that_o one_o thing_n which_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v and_o which_o will_v have_v destroy_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o come_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v without_o sin_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v a_o expiation_n for_o sin_n nor_o have_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n and_o as_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o absolute_a pattern_n so_o that_o by_o consider_v his_o temper_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n we_o may_v reform_v all_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o error_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a example_n and_o of_o great_a force_n to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o love_n above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o example_n of_o our_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o be_v content_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n together_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o it_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o instruct_v and_o lead_v mankind_n in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o seal_v his_o love_n to_o we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v enemy_n do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v for_o his_o friend_n and_o sure_o these_o consideration_n can_v but_o mighty_o recommend_v and_o endear_v to_o we_o this_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o be_v ambitious_a to_o imitate_v those_o who_o we_o high_o esteem_v and_o reverence_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a veneration_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n and_o be_v always_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o those_o who_o we_o love_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o those_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a favour_n and_o who_o be_v continual_o heap_v great_a obligation_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o pattern_n or_o the_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o it_o to_o we_o by_o that_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o have_v express_v towards_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o temptation_n and_o all_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o who_o will_v not_o glad_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v who_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o example_n to_o which_o we_o stand_v indebt_v for_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v procure_v for_o mankind_n thus_o you_o see_v of_o what_o force_n and_o advantage_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n 3_o dly_z he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o we_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n by_o which_o he_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o not_o only_a deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n when_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v substitute_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o offence_n by_o his_o own_o suffering_n he_o die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o in_o our_o place_n and_o stead_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o die_v we_o have_v eternal_o perish_v and_o because_o he_o die_v we_o be_v save_v from_o that_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n or_o term_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n it_o be_v call_v the_o prize_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n we_o be_v liable_a and_o indebt_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n have_v discharge_v this_o obligation_n which_o discharge_v since_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o we_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v there_o have_v be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n why_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o enough_o be_v call_v payment_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v not_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o son_n for_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v with_o he_o or_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o sinner_n shall_v have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o proper_a pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o that_o his_o perfect_a
will_v grant_v we_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a by_o which_o be_v certain_o intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n spiritual_a good_a thing_n because_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o more_o especial_o mean_v these_o st._n luke_n do_v particular_o instance_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n luke_n 11.13_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v the_o continual_a presence_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o talent_n entrust_v with_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n matth._n 25._o i_o say_v what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o but_o this_o that_o god_n be_v beforehand_o with_o every_o man_n by_o afford_v the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o end_n which_o if_o he_o faithful_o improve_v he_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n do_v so_o earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o universal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o phil._n 2.12_o 13._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v with_o great_a care_n and_o concernment_n lest_o you_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assist_v we_o and_o of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o put_v forth_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o so_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n to_o press_v man_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v have_v so_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o requisite_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v by_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n therein_o offer_v to_o we_o whereby_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o then_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o divine_a power_n convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o he_o exhort_v man_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n virtue_n and_o knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o godliness_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n and_o perseverance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o powerful_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 3._o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n in_o our_o power_n that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o though_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o that_o be_v by_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n yet_o we_o can_v do_v by_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o that_o assistance_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v because_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o they_o that_o seek_v it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o a_o man_n power_n which_o he_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v that_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o assistance_n of_o another_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v no_o way_n derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o he_o reckon_v himself_o able_a to_o do_v all_o that_o which_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o the_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o will_v all_o be_v not_o only_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o very_o unreasonable_a if_o we_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o power_n to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v but_o if_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o assist_v we_o by_o a_o grace_n sufficient_a for_o we_o if_o he_o cooperate_v with_o we_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n then_o be_v there_o abundant_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v whole_o our_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o not_o seek_v god_n grace_n more_o earnest_o or_o by_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v real_o all_o one_o both_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o the_o render_n of_o our_o disobedience_n inexcusable_a whether_o we_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o that_o purpose_n wherefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v heb._n 12.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v strait_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n lest_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o let_v it_o rather_o be_v heal_v follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v want_v of_o care_n and_o diligence_n on_o our_o part_n if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n fail_v of_o its_o end_n and_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n god_n do_v not_o withhold_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o but_o man_n may_v receive_v it_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v from_o these_o word_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o that_o be_v to_o such_o and_o only_o to_o such_o as_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n to_o they_o who_o frame_v the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n according_a to_o his_o law_n some_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v
bare_o what_o he_o promise_v but_o he_o usual_o do_v something_o over_o and_o above_o his_o promise_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v heal_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o deaf_a and_o the_o lame_a isaiah_n prophesy_v and_o god_n make_v good_a this_o promise_n and_o prediction_n to_o the_o full_a the_o messiah_n do_v not_o only_o do_v these_o but_o which_o be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o any_o of_o these_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n second_o it_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a isa_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a so_o the_o lxx_o render_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a word_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o be_v no_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n of_o a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o a_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o beside_o it_o have_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o very_o different_a from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n will_v scarce_o instruct_v any_o but_o for_o great_a reward_n they_o will_v meddle_v with_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o requite_v their_o pain_n the_o ordinary_a and_o poor_a sort_n of_o people_n they_o have_v in_o great_a contempt_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o slight_a expression_n of_o they_o john_n 7.48_o 49._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v and_o grotius_n upon_o this_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a master_n have_v this_o foolish_a and_o insolent_a proverb_n among_o they_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o rest_v but_o upon_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o which_o this_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v especial_o send_v to_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n but_o this_o great_a prophet_n come_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a none_o have_v so_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v proud_a as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o never_o be_v any_o so_o humble_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n whole_a life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n they_o think_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n the_o only_a happy_a person_n but_o he_o come_v to_o preach_v glad_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bring_v good_a news_n to_o they_o who_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o and_o therefore_o to_o confound_v their_o pride_n and_o folly_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o false_a opinion_n of_o thing_n he_o begin_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o he_o with_o this_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v offend_v at_o he_o isa_n 8.14_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o for_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o both_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o isa_n 53.1_o 2_o 3._o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o when_o we_o see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o intimate_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a work_n that_o he_o do_v among_o they_o which_o testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o prediction_n of_o their_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o punctual_o accomplish_v in_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o will_v take_v offence_n at_o he_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o and_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o this_o that_o they_o reject_v he_o and_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o their_o messiah_n be_v another_o sign_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o be_v express_o predict_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o his_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n first_o the_o many_o and_o great_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v prove_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o second_o the_o correspondence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o second_o a_o intimation_n in_o the_o text_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n christ_n give_v of_o himself_o yet_o many_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o consider_v first_o how_o the_o poor_a come_v to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o second_o what_o those_o prejudices_fw-la be_v which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o those_o which_o man_n have_v at_o this_o day_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o three_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n first_o how_o the_o poor_a come_v to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v more_o especial_o apply_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o likewise_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o near_a disposition_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o do_v of_o all_o other_o give_v the_o most_o ready_a entertainment_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n when_o he_o pronounce_v the_o poor_a bless_a upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o other_o bless_v be_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o st._n james_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o poor_a be_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o in_o a_o near_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o this_o there_o be_v three_o account_n to_o be_v give_v first_o the_o poor_a have_v no_o earthly_a interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o reject_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n the_o high-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n they_o have_v a_o plain_a worldly_a interest_n which_o do_v engage_v they_o to_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n for_o if_o he_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n embrace_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n lose_v their_o sway_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n and_o all_o that_o which_o render_v they_o so_o considerable_a their_o pretend_a skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o tradition_n and_o observance_n of_o their_o father_n together_o with_o their_o external_a show_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o honest_a and_o sincere_a as_o to_o be_v content_a for_o truth_n sake_n to_o part_v with_o their_o reputation_n and_o authority_n and_o to_o become_v less_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o man_n than_o they_o be_v
before_o few_o be_v so_o impartial_a as_o to_o quit_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v once_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o and_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o because_o this_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o their_o zeal_n which_o few_o have_v the_o ingenuity_n to_o own_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o plain_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n meet_v with_o so_o much_o resistance_n from_o those_o who_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o make_v head_n against_o it_o and_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v we_o of_o their_o infidelity_n john_n 5.44_o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o come_v of_o god_n only_o and_o chap._n 12.43_o for_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o beside_o the_o point_n of_o reputation_n those_o that_o be_v rich_a be_v concern_v in_o point_n of_o interest_n to_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o unpleasant_a doctrine_n to_o rich_a man_n who_o have_v great_a estate_n and_o have_v set_v their_o heart_n upon_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v it_o so_o hard_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o difficult_a and_o human_o impossible_a i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o the_o poor_a be_v free_a from_o these_o encumbrance_n and_o temptation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o lose_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o they_o because_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v their_o interest_n as_o it_o do_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o who_o have_v great_a estate_n and_o possession_n second_o another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o enjoy_v little_a of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v good_a news_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o present_a misery_n and_o suffer_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o hereafter_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o listen_v to_o the_o good_a news_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o have_v pronounce_v the_o poor_a bless_a luke_n 6.20_o he_o add_v by_o way_n of_o opposition_n v._o 24._o but_o woe_n unto_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a for_o you_o have_v receive_v your_o consolation_n they_o be_v in_o so_o comfortable_a a_o condition_n at_o present_a that_o they_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o hereafter_o whereas_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o poor_a man_n have_v be_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a condition_n non_fw-la si_fw-la male_a nunc_fw-la &_o olim_fw-la sic_fw-la erit_fw-la that_o if_o it_o be_v bad_a now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o always_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o promise_v and_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n be_v very_o welcome_a to_o they_o three_o if_o by_o the_o poor_a we_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o such_o likewise_o as_o have_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n suitable_a to_o the_o poverty_n of_o their_o outward_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v meekness_n and_o humility_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o spirit_n be_v a_o great_a disposition_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o poverty_n be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n i_o cite_v before_o isa_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a and_o to_o bind_v up_o the_o brokenhearted_a and_o likewise_o from_o our_o saviour_n description_n of_o these_o person_n in_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n matth._n 5.3_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o by_o the_o poor_a who_o be_v so_o near_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n intend_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a thing_n be_v likewise_o meek_a and_o humble_a in_o their_o spirit_n now_o meekness_n and_o humility_n be_v great_a disposition_n to_o the_o entertain_v of_o truth_n these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n do_v prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o learning_n and_o instruction_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n he_o that_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o learn_v of_o other_o he_o who_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o pride_n or_o passion_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o to_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o proud_a and_o the_o passionate_a passion_n and_o pride_n be_v great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n passion_n do_v not_o only_o darken_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o put_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o our_o judgement_n which_o draw_v they_o off_o many_o time_n from_o truth_n and_o sway_v they_o that_o way_n which_o our_o passion_n incline_v they_o a_o man_n of_o a_o calm_a and_o meek_a temper_n stand_v always_o indifferent_a for_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o hold_v the_o balance_n of_o his_o judgement_n even_o but_o passion_n sway_v and_o incline_v it_o one_o way_n and_o that_o common_o against_o truth_n and_o reason_n so_o likewise_o pride_n be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o very_o worst_a quality_n that_o a_o learner_n can_v have_v it_o obstruct_v all_o the_o passage_n whereby_o knowledge_n shall_v enter_v into_o we_o it_o make_v man_n refuse_v instruction_n out_o of_o a_o conceit_n they_o need_v it_o not_o many_o man_n may_v have_v know_v more_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o vain_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v entertain_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o knowledge_n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n but_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n for_o god_n love_v to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n upon_o meek_a and_o humble_a mind_n so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o psal_n 25.9_o the_o meek_n will_v be_v guide_n in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n and_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o poor_a be_v more_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n namely_o what_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n be_v which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n have_v at_o this_o day_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n they_o both_o take_v exception_n at_o he_o especial_o at_o his_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exception_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o as_o i_o find_v they_o disperse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o the_o exception_n which_o they_o take_v against_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o extraction_n and_o original_a second_o at_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n contrary_a to_o
their_o universal_a expectation_n three_o as_o to_o his_o miracle_n four_o his_o conversation_n five_o the_o prejudice_n that_o lie_v against_o he_o from_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o person_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o and_o last_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v do_v abolish_v and_o supersede_n their_o ancient_a religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v at_o first_o institute_v by_o god_n first_o the_o exception_n which_o they_o take_v at_o his_o extraction_n and_o original_a in_o relation_n to_o this_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o his_o original_a be_v know_v among_o they_o this_o you_o find_v urge_v against_o he_o john_n 7.27_o we_o know_v this_o man_n whence_o he_o be_v but_o when_o the_o messiah_n come_v no_o man_n know_v whence_o he_o be_v this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n in_o reason_n against_o he_o for_o what_o if_o his_o extraction_n be_v know_v may_v he_o not_o be_v from_o god_n for_o all_o that_o they_o own_v moses_n for_o the_o great_a prophet_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v from_o whence_o he_o be_v but_o they_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o some_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o do_v seem_v to_o assert_v so_o much_o if_o they_o mean_v that_o his_o extraction_n shall_v be_v altogether_o unknown_a they_o know_v very_o well_o and_o believe_v the_o contrary_a that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v of_o the_o line_n of_o david_n and_o to_o come_v out_o of_o bethlehem_n if_o they_o refer_v to_o that_o prophecy_n that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o so_o understand_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o father_n this_o be_v real_o true_a though_o they_o think_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o if_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v no_o father_n he_o do_v sufficient_o justify_v it_o by_o his_o miracle_n that_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v possible_a by_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v because_o they_o see_v they_o 2._o another_o prejudice_n against_o his_o extraction_n be_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o breed_n this_o you_o find_v mention_v matth._n 13.54_o 55._o whence_o have_v this_o man_n this_o wisdom_n and_o these_o mighty_a work_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n be_v not_o his_o mother_n call_v mary_n and_o his_o brethren_n james_n and_o jâ—ses_n and_o simon_n and_o judas_n and_o his_o sister_n be_v they_o not_o all_o with_o we_o whence_o then_o have_v this_o man_n these_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o and_o so_o likewise_o john_n 7.15_o how_o know_v this_o man_n letter_n have_v never_o learn_v a_o strange_a prejudice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n because_o his_o parent_n and_o relation_n his_o birth_n and_o breed_n be_v so_o mean_v he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o a_o trade_n and_o not_o bring_v up_o to_o learning_n whereas_o in_o reason_n this_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v a_o argument_n just_a the_o other_o way_n that_o he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o divine_o assist_v who_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o education_n give_v such_o evidence_n of_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o do_v such_o mighty_a work_n this_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o his_o breed_n for_o that_o be_v mean_a therefore_o there_o must_v be_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o divine_a in_o it_o thus_o another_o man_n who_o have_v be_v free_a from_o prejudice_n will_v have_v reason_v 3._o the_o most_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n of_o all_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o extraction_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o spiteful_a and_o malicious_a proverb_n concern_v the_o country_n where_o our_o saviour_n be_v bring_v up_o and_o they_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o that_o be_v galilee_n john_n 1.46_o can_v any_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n and_o john_n 7.41_o shall_v the_o messiah_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n and_o v._o 52._o search_v and_o look_v for_o out_o of_o galilee_n arise_v no_o prophet_n but_o it_o seem_v nathanael_n who_o be_v a_o good_a man_n be_v easy_o take_v off_o from_o this_o common_a prejudice_n when_o philip_n say_v to_o he_o come_v and_o see_v he_o bid_v he_o come_v and_o see_v the_o work_n he_o do_v and_o then_o refer_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v believe_v his_o own_o eye_n or_o a_o old_a proverb_n however_o it_o seem_v the_o jew_n lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o this_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o confute_v all_o his_o miracle_n and_o after_o they_o have_v shoot_v this_o bolt_n at_o he_o the_o business_n be_v conclude_v clear_o against_o he_o but_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o give_v much_o credit_n to_o ill-natured_a proverb_n the_o good_a or_o bad_a character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o country_n be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v universal_o true_a and_o without_o exception_n there_o be_v no_o place_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o some_o brave_a spirit_n and_o excellent_a person_n whatever_o the_o general_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n may_v be_v among_o the_o grecian_n the_o beotian_o be_v esteem_v a_o dull_a people_n even_o to_o a_o proverb_n and_o yet_o pindar_n one_o of_o their_o chief_a poet_n be_v one_o of_o they_o the_o scythian_n be_v a_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o one_o will_v have_v think_v no_o good_a can_v have_v come_v from_o thence_o and_o yet_o that_o country_n yield_v anacharsis_n a_o eminent_a philosopher_n the_o idumean_n be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o job_n one_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v come_v from_o thence_o god_n can_v raise_v up_o eminent_a person_n from_o any_o place_n abraham_n from_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n and_o a_o idolatrous_a people_n nay_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o can_v out_o of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n the_o wise_a god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o our_o foolish_a proverb_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o prophet_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v breed_v in_o a_o good_a air._n if_o god_n send_v a_o man_n it_o matter_n not_o from_o what_o place_n he_o come_v second_o another_o head_n of_o exception_n against_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o outward_a condition_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o jew_n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n to_o which_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v at_o this_o day_n pay_v a_o great_a reverence_n than_o to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o they_o expect_v be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a prince_n and_o conqueror_n and_o to_o subdue_v all_o nation_n to_o they_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a defeat_n to_o their_o expectation_n than_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n appear_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v almost_o universal_o offend_v at_o he_o but_o this_o prejudice_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o neither_o do_v their_o prophet_n foretell_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o temporal_a greatness_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n most_o express_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n and_o at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o expect_v from_o their_o ill-grounded_a tradition_n three_o against_o his_o miracle_n they_o make_v these_o two_o exception_n 1._o that_o he_o wrought_v they_o by_o magical_a skill_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v so_o exorbitant_o unreasonable_a and_o malicious_a that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o for_o answer_n to_o it_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o devil_n shall_v conspire_v against_o himself_o and_o assist_v any_o man_n to_o overthrow_v his_o own_o kingdom_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o devil_n design_n and_o therefore_o to_o assist_v he_o to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v apparent_o against_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o though_o he_o do_v many_o great_a work_n yet_o he_o give_v they_o no_o sign_n from_o heaven_n matt._n 16.1_o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v
any_o consideration_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o most_o case_n urge_v we_o to_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n beside_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o happen_v so_o frequent_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n nay_o very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a both_o because_o religion_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a suffering_n a_o happiness_n unspeakable_o great_a than_o that_o which_o we_o forego_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n do_v extraordinary_o enable_v man_n to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o courage_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o great_a number_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o age_n do_v voluntary_o choose_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o these_o suffering_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o but_o fair_a term_n of_o retreat_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o by_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o can_v help_v it_o and_o another_o thing_n when_o man_n may_v avoid_v suffer_v in_o the_o former_a case_n man_n submit_v to_o necessity_n and_o bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n if_o man_n suffer_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o suffer_v cheerful_o and_o with_o joy_n as_o most_o of_o the_o martyr_n do_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n afford_v they_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o then_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o hard_a when_o religion_n put_v they_o upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o it_o give_v they_o cause_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o the_o like_a this_o objection_n have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n and_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o machiavelli_n and_o very_o likely_a it_o may_v though_o i_o think_v that_o elsewhere_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v with_o term_n of_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o contradict_v the_o other_o he_o say_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o livy_n ch._n 11._o that_o the_o greatness_n and_o success_n of_o rome_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o rome_n be_v more_o indebt_v to_o numa_n pompilius_n for_o settle_v religion_n among_o they_o than_o to_o romulus_n the_o founder_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o say_v he_o without_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o military_a discipline_n religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o good_a law_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o particular_o he_o commend_v the_o samnite_n who_o betake_v themselves_o to_o religion_n as_o their_o last_o and_o best_a remedy_n to_o make_v man_n courageous_a nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v man_n spirit_n than_o religion_n but_o howsoever_o this_o objection_n be_v i_o dare_v appeal_n both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o 1._o to_o reason_n and_o that_o as_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n principle_n of_o the_o great_a resolution_n and_o true_a courage_n it_o teach_v man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a ground_n to_o despise_v danger_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v likely_a to_o inspire_v man_n with_o the_o great_a courage_n for_o what_o need_n he_o fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n who_o fear_v not_o death_n after_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v fear_v and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v by_o give_v man_n the_o assurance_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o happiness_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o this_o happiness_n it_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o inward_a and_o torment_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o after_o death_n this_o make_v the_o righteous_a man_n to_o be_v as_o solomon_n say_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n nothing_o render_v a_o man_n more_o undaunted_a as_o to_o death_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o than_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o have_v wilful_o displease_v he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n reasonable_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a happiness_n after_o death_n than_o other_o man_n whereas_o a_o bad_a man_n if_o he_o be_v sober_a and_o have_v his_o sense_n awaken_v to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extreme_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o in_o another_o world_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a man_n breathe_v afraid_a to_o venture_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o see_v hell_n beyond_o it_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o monster_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v so_o far_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n as_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o have_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o happen_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o as_o the_o poet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a fellix_fw-la qui_fw-la potuit_fw-la rerum_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la causas_fw-la atque_fw-la metus_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o inexorabile_fw-la fatum_fw-la subjecit_fw-la pedibus_fw-la strepitumque_fw-la acherontis_fw-la avari_fw-la there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o attain_v to_o this_o temper_n and_o but_o at_o some_o time_n so_o that_o if_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n do_v general_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o man_n spirit_n it_o remain_v that_o nothing_o but_o religion_n can_v general_o give_v man_n courage_n against_o death_n and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v eminent_o to_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o it_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o conquer_a death_n for_o we_o and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n 2._o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o such_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o in_o reason_n tend_v to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o break_v their_o true_a courage_n but_o only_o to_o regulate_v it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o fierceness_n and_o bruitishness_n of_o it_o this_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o man_n of_o the_o true_a courage_n have_v many_o time_n lest_o of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o passion_n and_o fierceness_n those_o who_o be_v better_o breed_v be_v common_o of_o more_o gentle_a and_o civil_a disposition_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o want_v true_a courage_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o roughness_n and_o fool-hardiness_n of_o man_n of_o rude_a breed_n so_o in_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v very_o courageous_a there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o man_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o quite_o alter_v but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o maintain_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o man_n courage_n and_o that_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la suppose_v man_n of_o equal_a temper_n no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v valiant_a as_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o bluster_a and_o boisterous_a and_o rash_a courage_n but_o a_o sober_a and_o calm_a and_o fix_v valour_n 2._o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v ever_o great_a courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n appear_v
another_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a endearment_n among_o man_n than_o common_a suffering_n in_o a_o common_a cause_n so_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o secular_a interest_n and_o by_o deny_v all_o for_o christ_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n the_o great_a root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o she_o be_v black_a yet_o she_o be_v comely_a and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n she_o be_v all_o this_o while_n in_o a_o excellent_a posture_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n but_o after_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o christianity_n be_v countenance_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o water_v with_o secular_a preferment_n and_o encouragement_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o tare_n begin_v to_o grow_v up_o with_o the_o wheat_n then_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o to_o grow_v cold_a when_o the_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n begin_v to_o shine_v upon_o the_o christian_a profession_n than_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o vermin_n breed_v and_o swarm_v every_o where_n when_o it_o grow_v creditable_a and_o advantageous_a for_o man_n to_o be_v christian_n this_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n make_v a_o world_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o counterfeit_a professor_n these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v must_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o which_o have_v follow_v since_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o real_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o several_a state_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o unequal_a for_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o persecution_n of_o any_o religion_n natural_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o real_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o do_v as_o natural_o allure_v and_o draw_v in_o hypocrite_n beside_o that_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v more_o corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n than_o affliction_n but_o though_o christian_n be_v best_o under_o persecution_n yet_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a always_o to_o continue_v they_o in_o that_o state_n because_o he_o will_v not_o tempt_v they_o and_o tire_v they_o out_o with_o perpetual_a suffering_n and_o after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o sufficient_a experiment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o maintain_v and_o propagate_a itself_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o he_o than_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o more_o human_a way_n and_o such_o as_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o man._n be_v once_o establish_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o equal_a term_n of_o advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o pious_a education_n and_o diligent_a instruction_n and_o good_a law_n and_o government_n without_o miracle_n and_o without_o persecution_n and_o without_o those_o extraordinary_a and_o overpower_a communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o man_n may_v see_v what_o effect_n christianity_n have_v have_v upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o proper_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o may_v not_o wonder_v so_o much_o that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n now_o though_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a shame_n to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o 2._o though_o the_o disproportion_n be_v very_o great_a between_o the_o effect_n of_o christianity_n at_o first_o and_o what_o it_o have_v now_o upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v but_o it_o have_v still_o some_o good_a effect_n upon_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v our_o great_a shame_n and_o fault_n that_o it_o have_v no_o better_a if_o we_o will_v speak_v just_o of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o general_a civility_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n freedom_n from_o tyranny_n and_o barbarousness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o some_o other_o enormous_a vice_n yea_o and_o as_o to_o the_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o great_a number_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o several_a nation_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o general_a state_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o pagan_a and_o mahometan_a part_n of_o the_o world_n next_o to_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n philosophy_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a instrument_n to_o reform_v mankind_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o have_v very_o considerable_a effect_n upon_o some_o particular_a person_n both_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n it_o do_v very_o little_a in_o either_o of_o these_o respect_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o absurd_a and_o impious_a opinion_n of_o the_o people_n concern_v god_n and_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v universal_o wherever_o it_o come_v set_v man_n free_a from_o those_o gross_a impiety_n and_o superstition_n and_o teach_v man_n to_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n though_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o the_o eternal_a reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o western_a church_n have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n relapse_v into_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o paganism_n out_o of_o which_o degeneracy_n that_o god_n have_v rescue_v we_o as_o we_o have_v infinite_a cause_n to_o adore_v his_o goodness_n so_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dread_v and_o detest_v a_o return_n into_o this_o spiritual_a egypt_n this_o house_n of_o darkness_n and_o bondage_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o our_o neck_n again_o under_o that_o take_v which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v still_o very_o considerable_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_v because_o they_o still_o retain_v the_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v not_o quite_o lose_v their_o force_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o as_o god_n know_v and_o every_o man_n see_v it_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o bad_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a man_n will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o for_o though_o very_a many_o who_o have_v entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o many_o be_v otherwise_o and_o those_o that_o be_v bad_a have_v this_o advantage_n by_o their_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n apt_a to_o reduce_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a course_n and_o sometime_o do_v whereas_o the_o case_n of_o those_o person_n will_v have_v be_v desperate_a be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o they_o by_o christian_a education_n and_o though_o they_o be_v long_o suppress_v yet_o do_v at_o last_o awaken_v they_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o prove_v the_o happy_a mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n 3._o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n as_o bad_a nay_o perhaps_o worse_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o be_v common_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o paganism_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o those_o who_o have_v resist_v so_o great_a a_o light_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v be_v like_a to_o prove_v the_o most_o desperate_o wicked_a of_o all_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o man_n make_v worse_a use_n of_o than_o of_o light_n and_o liberty_n two_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n knowledge_n be_v many_o time_n abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n and_o liberty_n into_o licentiousness_n and_o sedition_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n for_o all_o that_o think_v ignorance_n desirable_a or_o will_v wish_v a_o perpetual_a night_n and_o darkness_n to_o the_o world_n and_o conclude_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o abuse_a liberty_n that_o the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v
that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o those_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o tell_v we_o so_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o put_v off_o all_o these_o and_o that_o if_o any_o
they_o not_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o perpetual_a death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o condemnation_n these_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o child_n of_o perdition_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a be_v the_o full_a and_o final_a declaration_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n not_o only_o because_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o new_a life_n but_o because_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o that_o bless_a inheritance_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o promise_v to_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o believer_n in_o their_o regeneration_n and_o afterward_o dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o be_v the_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o final_a adoption_n by_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o future_a inheritance_n and_o the_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o eph._n 1.13_o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v by_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o christian_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o upon_o their_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o in_o that_o remarkable_a text_n rom._n 8.11_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o serve_v full_o to_o explain_v to_o we_o those_o obscure_a phrase_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o earnest_a and_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o many_o have_v mistake_v to_o import_v some_o particular_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n or_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n assure_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n intend_v no_o more_o by_o they_o but_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o believer_n enable_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n to_o we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o now_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v say_v v._o 16._o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o assure_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n now_o and_o consequent_o heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v also_o be_v glorify_v together_o and_o this_o be_v glorify_v together_o with_o christ_n at_o the_o resurrection_n he_o call_v v._o 19_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o elder_a brother_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v now_o regenerate_v and_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v raise_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o word_n namely_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v or_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o vindicate_v to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o hereby_o god_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 1._o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o expect_v at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o sufficient_o vindicate_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n and_o for_o our_o full_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o 2._o what_o the_o many_o crime_n be_v which_o they_o lay_v to_o our_o saviour_n charge_n and_o for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o 1._o what_o the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o evangelical_n history_n that_o they_o general_o apprehend_v these_o two_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n john_n 1.41_o andrew_n tell_v his_o brother_n simon_n we_o have_v find_v the_o messiah_n v._o 45._o philip_n tell_v nathanael_n we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v write_v that_o be_v the_o messiah_n v._o 49._o nathanael_n upon_o discourse_n with_o our_o saviour_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n own_v he_o in_o these_o term_n rabbi_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n john_n 6.69_o peter_n declare_v his_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n in_o these_o word_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n this_o appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o high-priest_n question_n to_o he_o matth._n 26.63_o be_v thou_o the_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o st._n mark_n the_o son_n of_o the_o bless_a compare_v with_o pilat_n question_n be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n some_o revile_v he_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n matth._n 27.40_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n v._o 42._o if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n let_v he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o jew_n expect_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o whoever_o be_v not_o so_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n but_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a do_v abundant_o vindicate_v he_o to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v all_o that_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o viz._n the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 2_o dly_a what_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o the_o jew_n lay_v to_o our_o saviour_n charge_n and_o for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o and_o they_o be_v main_o these_o two_o that_o by_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o make_v himself_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o accuse_v he_o to_o pilate_n hope_v by_o this_o accusation_n to_o make_v he_o guilty_a of_o sedition_n against_o the_o roman_a government_n for_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o other_o they_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n in_o that_o not_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o they_o lay_v the_o main_a stress_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v condemn_v he_o by_o their_o law_n they_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o in_o his_o life-time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o
duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n which_o word_n be_v metaphorical_a i_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o the_o metaphor_n that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o they_o now_o by_o this_o metaphor_n or_o rather_o allegory_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v plain_o intend_v 1_o st_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o way_n which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n must_v walk_v in_o for_o so_o st._n matth._n who_o express_v this_o more_o full_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o way_n as_o well_o as_o a_o gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o it_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n be_v necessary_o understand_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n that_o be_v into_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 2_o dly_z the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o strait_a gate_n for_o the_o gate_n at_o which_o we_o enter_v and_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o walk_v can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n 3_o dly_z our_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o this_o course_n be_v represent_v by_o strive_v a_o word_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n and_o emphasis_n in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o earnest_a contention_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o run_v or_o wrestle_v or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o exercise_n which_o be_v there_o use_v second_o here_o be_v a_o reason_n add_v to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n or_o duty_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o will_v do_v something_o in_o christianity_n and_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n who_o yet_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o they_o namely_o the_o duty_n or_o exhortation_n to_o handle_v these_o three_o point_n very_o useful_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o 1_o st_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n 2_o dly_z the_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o conquer_a of_o these_o difficulty_n 3_o dly_z that_o these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o to_o be_v a_o just_a discouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n if_o we_o will_v strive_v we_o may_v master_v they_o first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n and_o these_o be_v either_o from_o ourselves_o or_o from_o something_o without_o we_o 1._o from_o ourselves_o from_o the_o original_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n contract_v by_o vicious_a practice_n our_o nature_n be_v vitiate_a and_o deprave_a incline_v to_o evil_a and_o impotent_a to_o good_a beside_o that_o be_v habituate_v to_o sin_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a difficulty_n to_o break_v off_o a_o custom_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n another_o way_n now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n it_o be_v represent_v by_o a_o strait_a gate_n which_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v through_o 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o difficulty_n from_o without_o as_o namely_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v very_o rage_v and_o violent_a in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v by_o the_o ruggedness_n and_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n as_o st._n matth._n express_v it_o chap._n 7.14_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d confragosa_fw-la est_fw-la via_fw-la so_o grotius_n render_v it_o the_o way_n be_v craggy_a full_a of_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n so_o that_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a difficulty_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o opposition_n from_o without_o 1._o indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o this_o make_v religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a because_o it_o check_v we_o at_o our_o very_a first_o entrance_n upon_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o set_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o those_o vicious_a habit_n which_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v do_v strong_o incline_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v offer_v great_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o himself_o that_o will_v conquer_v this_o difficulty_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o next_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n chap._n 13.23_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a this_o require_v great_a strive_v indeed_o nothing_o show_v the_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o man_n more_o than_o to_o contend_v with_o a_o inveterate_a habit_n for_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n strive_v against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o set_v a_o man_n against_o all_o the_o world_n than_o to_o make_v he_o fight_v with_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o every_o man_n must_v do_v who_o from_o any_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n betake_v himself_o serious_o to_o religion_n he_o must_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o fight_v with_o the_o man_n he_o be_v before_o and_o this_o in_o scripture_n be_v emphatical_o express_v to_o we_o by_o crucify_a the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n of_o life_n be_v represent_v as_o two_o person_n or_o party_n at_o civil_a war_n one_o with_o another_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a man_n so_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n must_v put_v off_o himself_o and_o become_v another_o man_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v himself_o 2._o in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o must_v likewise_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n from_o without_o bless_a be_v god_n christianity_n have_v general_o be_v for_o many_o age_n free_a from_o this_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v the_o first_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o indeed_o a_o very_a steep_a and_o craggy_a way_n very_o rough_a and_o thorny_a not_o to_o be_v travel_v in_o without_o sweat_n and_o blood_n then_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o a_o mere_a moral_a resolution_n and_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o persecution_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v so_o hot_a and_o the_o torment_n which_o threaten_v it_o so_o terrible_a that_o the_o sensual_a and_o inconsiderate_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o venture_v hell_n at_o a_o distance_n than_o run_v themselves_o upon_o so_o present_a and_o evident_a a_o danger_n but_o since_o these_o age_n of_o persecution_n this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v not_o but_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v still_o its_o enemy_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v not_o let_v loose_a as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v still_o persecute_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o malice_n and_o reproach_n but_o not_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o unreasonable_a men._n in_o the_o calm_a time_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n can_v be_v a_o strict_a and_o sincere_a christian_a without_o be_v liable_a to_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n without_o deny_v himself_o many_o of_o those_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o christianity_n may_v make_v to_o themselves_o so_o that_o at_o all_o time_n it_o require_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o
be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o that_o principle_n in_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a man_n which_o pursue_v earthly_a thing_n be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v unregenerate_a entire_a and_o undivided_a and_o consequent_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n do_v all_o tend_v one_o way_n and_o run_v out_o towards_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o full_a and_o undivided_a stream_n whereas_o good_a man_n be_v but_o regenerate_v in_o part_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o yet_o their_o affection_n be_v divide_v and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a struggle_n and_o conflict_n between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o spiritual_a principle_n do_v clear_o prevail_v and_o get_v a_o perfect_a victory_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n man_n affection_n to_o the_o world_n be_v entire_a and_o unbroken_a and_o therefore_o they_o pursue_v these_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o might_n but_o the_o best_a man_n be_v but_o good_a in_o part_n and_o that_o heavenly_a principle_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v very_o much_o hinder_v in_o its_o operation_n by_o a_o contrary_a principle_n our_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a inclination_n which_o be_v hardly_o ever_o perfect_o subdue_v and_o bring_v under_o in_o this_o world_n 3_o dly_z the_o worldly_a man_n faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n be_v common_o strong_a than_o a_o good_a man_n faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o thing_n future_a and_o eternal_a now_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o great_a principle_n which_o govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o and_o possess_v with_o good_a hope_n of_o obtain_v it_o and_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o miss_v it_o this_o man_n may_v almost_o be_v put_v upon_o any_o thing_n the_o merchant_n traffic_v and_o the_o husbandman_n blow_v and_o sow_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n because_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o bread_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o life_n and_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v so_o bless_v his_o labour_n that_o he_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o and_o plain_o see_v that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v this_o pain_n he_o must_v starve_v but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o believe_v and_o hope_v and_o fear_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n do_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o how_o i_o know_v this_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o visible_a in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n good_a man_n be_v seldom_o so_o effectual_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o their_o own_o say_n and_o proverb_n man_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o honesty_n be_v the_o best_a policy_n or_o as_o solomon_n expressâ—th_v it_o that_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n believe_v their_o own_o maxim_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v too_o honest_a to_o live_v that_o plain_a deal_n be_v a_o jewel_n but_o he_o that_o wear_v it_o shall_v die_v a_o beggar_n few_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a and_o have_v so_o sensible_a a_o effect_n upon_o their_o life_n as_o the_o worldly_a man_n hope_n of_o gain_n and_o advantage_n man_n be_v not_o so_o afraid_a to_o swear_v as_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v treason_n they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o another_o world_n as_o of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o some_o crime_n against_o the_o law_n of_o man_n do_v expose_v their_o temporal_a life_n and_o safety_n therefore_o they_o will_v many_o time_n venture_v to_o offend_v god_n rather_o than_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o human_a law_n 4_o thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o one_o design_n and_o be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n he_o that_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o mind_n may_v easy_o be_v skilled_a and_o excel_v in_o it_o when_o a_o man_n make_v one_o thing_n his_o whole_a business_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o be_v very_o know_v and_o wise_a in_o that_o now_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n mind_n worldly_a thing_n and_o have_v no_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v a_o say_n i_o think_v of_o thomas_n aquinas_n cave_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la qui_fw-la unicum_fw-la legit_fw-la librum_fw-la he_o be_v a_o dangerous_a man_n that_o read_v but_o one_o book_n he_o that_o give_v his_o mind_n but_o to_o one_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o any_o man_n at_o that_o application_n to_o one_o thing_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n gain_v a_o man_n perfect_a experience_n in_o it_o and_o experience_n furnish_v he_o with_o observation_n about_o it_o and_o these_o make_v he_o wise_a and_o prudent_a in_o that_o thing_n but_o good_a man_n though_o they_o have_v a_o great_a affection_n for_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n yet_o the_o business_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n do_v very_o much_o divert_v and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o better_a thing_n they_o be_v divide_v between_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o and_o though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o comparison_n yet_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v our_o main_a care_n yet_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o our_o body_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sit_v for_o the_o service_n of_o our_o soul_n some_o provision_n must_v be_v make_v for_o their_o present_a support_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o earthly_a tabernacle_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o can_v always_o and_o whole_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o mind_n they_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 5_o thly_a and_o last_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a compass_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o worldly_a design_n than_o good_a man_n have_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o interest_n the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o their_o end_n but_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o straitlaced_n quocunque_fw-la modo_fw-la rem_fw-la they_o be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o point_n and_o will_v stick_v at_o no_o mean_n to_o compass_v their_o end_n they_o do_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o nice_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n invent_v by_o speculative_a and_o scrupulous_a man_n to_o puzzle_v business_n and_o to_o hinder_v and_o disappoint_v great_a design_n if_o ahab_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o naboth_n vineyard_n and_o naboth_n will_v not_o let_v he_o be_v honest_a and_o have_v it_o for_o a_o valuable_a consideration_n he_o will_v try_v to_o get_v it_o a_o cheap_a way_n naboth_n shall_v by_o false_a witness_n be_v make_v a_o traitor_n and_o his_o vineyard_n by_o this_o mean_n shall_v be_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o the_o unjust_a steward_n in_o the_o parable_n provide_v for_o himself_o he_o wrong_v his_o lord_n to_o secure_v a_o retreat_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o 1_o st_z notwithstanding_o the_o commendation_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v value_v and_o admire_v it_o be_v indeed_o great_a in_o its_o way_n and_o kind_n but_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o little_a and_o low_a purpose_n employ_v about_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o short_a time_n and_o a_o few_o day_n about_o the_o worst_a and_o mean_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o accompany_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o great_a and_o better_a thing_n such_o as_o concern_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o whole_a duration_n even_o our_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o world_n admire_v and_o cry_v up_o for_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o truth_n but_o vanity_n
of_o power_n that_o hinder_v we_o from_o do_v our_o duty_n but_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n for_o god_n have_v give_v we_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 3_o dly_a and_o last_o what_o a_o shame_n and_o reproach_n be_v this_o to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n our_o saviour_n speak_v this_o by_o way_n of_o upbraid_v as_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o term_n of_o comparison_n which_o he_o use_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o be_v than_o wisdom_n own_o child_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v for_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o short_a and_o inconsiderable_a time_n than_o the_o other_o be_v for_o all_o eternity_n how_o shall_v it_o make_v our_o blood_n to_o rise_v in_o our_o face_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o confusion_n that_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v more_o prudent_a and_o skilful_a in_o the_o contrivance_n and_o management_n of_o their_o little_a affair_n more_o resolute_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o than_o we_o be_v about_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o a_o worldly_a church_n shall_v use_v wise_a and_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v and_o uphold_v ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o superstition_n than_o we_o do_v to_o build_v up_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o charity_n that_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v toil_v and_o take_v more_o pain_n for_o the_o deceitful_a riches_n than_o we_o do_v for_o the_o true_a and_o be_v content_v to_o hazard_v more_o for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n than_o we_o for_o a_o incorruptible_a that_o they_o shall_v love_v pleasure_n more_o than_o we_o do_v god_n and_o mind_n their_o body_n and_o temporal_a estate_n more_o than_o we_o do_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v but_o observe_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n what_o a_o pace_n they_o go_v what_o large_a and_o nimble_a step_n they_o take_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o do_v not_o seek_v riches_n as_o if_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o and_o love_v the_o world_n as_o if_o they_o love_v it_o not_o and_o enjoy_v the_o present_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n as_o if_o they_o possess_v they_o not_o though_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o but_o we_o seek_v heaven_n as_o if_o we_o seek_v it_o not_o and_o love_n god_n as_o if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o and_o mind_n eternity_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v as_o if_o we_o mind_v they_o not_o and_o yet_o the_o fashion_n of_o that_o world_n do_v not_o pass_v away_o but_o to_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v say_v you_o have_v already_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o excel_v and_o outstrip_v they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o in_o many_o respect_v they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o they_o but_o if_o the_o child_n of_o light_n will_v look_v about_o they_o and_o take_v all_o thing_n into_o consideration_n they_o may_v see_v something_o very_o considerable_a to_o balance_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v true_a the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v present_a and_o sensible_a but_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o the_o greatness_n and_o eternity_n of_o these_o be_v such_o a_o amaze_a consideration_n that_o no_o distance_n can_v render_v they_o inconsiderable_a to_o a_o prudent_a and_o think_v man._n and_o though_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v a_o entire_a principle_n which_o be_v not_o divide_v between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n whereas_o in_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a conflict_n of_o contrary_a principle_n the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n yet_o this_o disadvantage_n be_v likewise_o balance_v by_o that_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o hearty_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o and_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o last_o though_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v many_o way_n to_o compass_v their_o end_n yet_o the_o child_n of_o light_n have_v one_o great_a and_o infallible_a one_o all_o the_o mean_n which_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n use_v to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n may_v fail_v and_o miscarry_v for_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a nor_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o all_o but_o he_o that_o sincere_o serve_v god_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n be_v sure_o to_o attain_v it_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o shall_v certain_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n which_o the_o child_n of_o light_n have_v above_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n that_o if_o we_o faithful_o use_v the_o mean_n we_o can_v fail_v of_o the_o end_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 which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v to_o we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n be_v sake_n finis_fw-la