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the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o for_o some_o very_o few_o person_n either_o through_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o advantage_n of_o their_o education_n or_o some_o cause_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n may_v have_v lead_v more_o virtuous_a life_n than_o other_o do_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o what_o aim_v at_o the_o general_a good_a of_o mankind_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o enforce_v with_o argument_n which_o e_o may_v prevail_v on_o any_o but_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a person_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o christianity_n be_v first_o make_v know_v to_o it_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v how_o insufficient_a the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v from_o work_v a_o reformation_n in_o it_o when_o notwithstanding_o they_o mankind_n a_o be_v so_o general_o lapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o vice_n that_o hardly_o any_o can_v be_v 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need_v not_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n be_v publish_v for_o that_o end_n and_o there_o be_v two_o great_a thing_n we_o may_v charge_v the_o best_a of_o their_o discourse_n with_o a_o insufficiency_n in_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o end_n which_o be_v certainty_n and_o motive_n or_o the_o want_n of_o argument_n a_o to_o believe_v and_o encouragement_n to_o practice_v 1._o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a certainty_n for_o what_o a_o man_n venture_v his_o eternal_a state_n upon_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o world_n to_o be_v reform_v by_o such_o wise_a apostle_n if_o they_o must_v be_v call_v so_o who_o be_v perpetual_o dispute_v among_o themselves_o about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n as_o though_o the_o best_a argument_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o soul_n immortal_a be_v because_o their_o dispute_n about_o they_o be_v so_o and_o those_o seem_v among_o they_o to_o gain_v the_o b_o great_a reputation_n for_o wit_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o dispute_v against_o common_a principle_n and_o they_o manage_v their_o business_n with_o great_a advantage_n who_o only_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o other_o principle_n but_o establish_v none_o of_o their_o own_o which_o be_v a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o way_n they_o proceed_v in_o for_o offer_v at_o no_o such_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o christianity_n do_v they_o rather_o teach_v man_n to_o dispute_v than_o to_o live_v eternal_o beside_o their_o discourse_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o intricate_a for_o the_o common_a capacity_n of_o man_n how_o long_o may_v a_o man_n live_v before_o a_o entelechia_fw-la will_v make_v he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o better_a c_o or_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v its_o immortality_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o hinder_v assent_n than_o persuade_v to_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o honest_a mind_v illiterate_a heathen_n believe_v those_o thing_n more_o firm_o than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n for_o plain_a truth_n lose_v much_o of_o their_o weight_n when_o they_o be_v rarify_v into_o subtlety_n and_o their_o strength_n be_v impair_v when_o they_o be_v spin_v into_o too_o fine_a a_o thread_n the_o argument_n which_o must_v prevail_v with_o mankind_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o evident_a easy_a and_o yet_o powerful_a the_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o man_n be_v d_o ofttimes_o dull_v by_o dispute_n and_o only_o awake_v by_o a_o powerful_a representation_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o all_o person_n be_v equal_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o validity_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o argument_n certain_a and_o suitable_a yet_o what_o sufficient_a motive_n or_o encouragement_n can_v they_o give_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n who_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v other_o remain_v so_o uncertain_a themselves_o as_o to_o a_o future_a happiness_n so_o tully_n tell_v we_o of_o socrates_n himself_n when_o he_o be_v e_o just_a die_v that_o he_o tell_v his_o friend_n that_o only_o the_o god_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o live_v or_o die_v but_o he_o think_v no_o man_n do_v and_o although_o some_o will_v excuse_v this_o as_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o dispute_v yet_o of_o all_o time_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o then_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n not_o a_o only_o for_o the_o full_a vindication_n of_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o his_o friend_n we_o be_v sure_a 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with_o remove_v these_o and_o such_o like_a prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o the_o discourse_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v speak_v and_o publish_v by_o we_o but_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v of_o so_o high_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n we_o desire_v nothing_o may_v be_v consider_v beside_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o weight_n of_o argument_n and_o sure_o none_o that_o own_o themselves_o to_o be_v man_n will_v despise_v that_o by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v bring_v it_o be_v not_o every_o ridiculous_a story_n or_o vulgar_a prejudice_n or_o common_a infirmity_n or_o different_a opinion_n in_o small_a thing_n which_o ought_v to_o render_v religion_n ridiculous_a or_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v think_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a but_o however_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o think_v of_o we_o let_v not_o religion_n suffer_v for_o our_o sake_n indeed_o if_o they_o do_v as_o true_o love_v religion_n as_o they_o despise_v we_o we_o may_v then_o have_v 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overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o god_n overthrow_v sodom_n c_o and_o gomorrah_n and_o you_o be_v as_o a_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o burn_a yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a time_n since_o you_o meet_v d_o together_o in_o this_o place_n to_o lament_v the_o remainder_n of_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n which_o the_o last_o year_n destroy_v so_o many_o thousand_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o late_a great_a and_o famous_a city_n and_o now_o god_n have_v give_v we_o another_o sad_a occasion_n for_o our_o faâ—â—â—ng_n and_o humiliation_n by_o suffer_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o break_v forth_o and_o consume_v so_o many_o of_o her_o habitation_n as_o though_o the_o infect_a air_n have_v be_v too_o kind_a and_o partial_a and_o like_o saul_n to_o the_o amalekite_n have_v e_o only_o destroy_v the_o vile_a and_o refuse_v and_o spare_v the_o great_a of_o the_o people_n as_o though_o the_o grave_n have_v surfeit_v with_o the_o 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of_o our_o inhabitant_n but_o a_o fire_n follow_v it_o to_o consume_v our_o habitation_n a_o fire_n so_o dreadful_a in_o its_o appearance_n in_o its_o rage_n and_o fury_n and_o in_o all_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o we_o can_v yet_o be_v sufficient_o apprehensive_a of_o that_o on_o that_o very_a account_n we_o may_v just_o 1._o lie_v down_o in_o our_o shame_n and_o our_o confusion_n cover_v we_o because_o e_o god_n have_v cover_v the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n with_o a_o cloud_n in_o his_o anger_n and_o cast_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n the_o beauty_n of_o israel_n and_o remember_v not_o his_o footstool_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o anger_n for_o such_o be_v the_o violence_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o flame_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o city_n and_o humble_v the_o a_o pride_n and_o grandeur_n of_o it_o not_o only_o stain_v its_o glory_n and_o consume_v its_o palace_n but_o have_v make_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 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his_o sovereign_n and_o that_o all_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v that_o pain_n and_o grief_n be_v nothing_o that_o virtue_n in_o all_o condition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o itself_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v first_o to_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v not_o man_n so_o that_o he_o be_v certain_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o conclude_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v a_o high_a master_n to_o teach_v we_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o future_a life_n c_o and_o hereby_o a_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o porphyry_n grand_a objection_n against_o christian_a religion_n viz._n if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n why_o be_v it_o so_o long_o before_o it_o be_v discover_v because_o god_n will_v thereby_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v find_v out_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n without_o this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n may_v see_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o dispensation_n they_o be_v under_o but_o the_o gentile_a world_n may_v groan_v with_o a_o expectation_n of_o some_o more_o powerful_a mean_n to_o goodness_n than_o be_v yet_o among_o they_o for_o when_o philosophy_n have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o its_o height_n and_o have_v so_o little_a influence_n d_o upon_o mankind_n it_o be_v time_n for_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o arise_v and_o with_o the_o soften_a and_o heal_a influence_n of_o his_o beam_n to_o bring_v the_o world_n to_o a_o more_o virtuous_a temper_n and_o that_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n employ_v which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o promote_a man_n salvation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v in_o 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holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a no_o way_n of_o evidence_n can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o than_o this_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n none_o ever_o better_a attest_v than_o this_o be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o c_o witness_n but_o by_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o it_o cost_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o their_o life_n and_o no_o great_a evidence_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n since_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v but_o by_o a_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o think_v a_o resurrection_n possible_a by_o the_o juice_n of_o herb_n or_o a_o infusion_n of_o warm_a blood_n into_o the_o vein_n or_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o live_a creature_n as_o the_o great_a martyr_n for_o atheism_n will_v seem_v from_o pliny_n to_o persuade_v we_o when_o yet_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o high_a concernment_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v not_o another_o life_n d_o than_o to_o have_v try_v this_o experiment_n long_o ere_o now_o and_o since_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n have_v ever_o happen_v since_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n it_o only_o let_v we_o know_v what_o credulous_a man_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o great_a infidel_n as_o to_o religion_n be_v but_o so_o far_o be_v they_o at_o that_o time_n from_o so_o fond_a a_o imagination_n that_o they_o ready_o yield_v that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v it_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o question_v whether_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v it_o or_o no._n as_o appear_v by_o the_o apostle_n interrogation_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a act._n 26._o 8._o this_o be_v therefore_o judge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n e_o that_o all_o the_o 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make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o judea_n soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n some_o of_o his_o crucifier_n become_v christian_n 3000._o convert_v make_v at_o one_o sermon_n of_o st._n b_o peter_n and_o great_a accession_n make_v afterward_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o other_o place_n yea_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n where_o the_o christian_n come_v they_o so_o increase_v and_o multiply_v that_o thereby_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o benediction_n to_o his_o new_a creation_n suitable_a to_o what_o he_o give_v to_o the_o first_o so_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o not_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n the_o world_n may_v admire_v to_o see_v itself_o so_o strange_o change_v from_o what_o it_o be_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n destroy_v and_o the_o jew_n under_o a_o sad_a dispersion_n than_o ever_o and_o render_v uncapable_a of_o continue_v their_o former_a worship_n of_o god_n there_o the_o 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man_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v but_o here_o man_n think_v they_o may_v just_o c_o plead_v with_o god_n and_o talk_n with_o he_o of_o his_o judgement_n what_o proportion_n say_v they_o be_v there_o between_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o short_a life_n and_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o another_o which_o objection_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o itself_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v by_o the_o weak_a answer_n which_o have_v be_v make_v to_o it_o when_o to_o assign_v a_o proportion_n they_o have_v make_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o infinity_n in_o sin_n either_o from_o the_o object_n which_o unavoidable_o make_v all_o sin_n equal_a or_o from_o the_o wish_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o eternity_n to_o sin_n in_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n punishment_n to_o be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o work_n but_o to_o their_o wish_n but_o we_o need_v not_o strain_v thing_n d_o so_o much_o beyond_o what_o they_o will_v bear_v to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v it_o not_o think_v just_a and_o reasonable_a among_o man_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n for_o a_o fault_n he_o be_v not_o half_a a_o hour_n in_o commit_v nay_o do_v not_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o world_n make_v death_n the_o punishment_n of_o some_o crime_n which_o may_v be_v very_o sudden_o do_v and_o what_o be_v death_n but_o the_o eternal_a deprive_v a_o man_n of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v a_o thing_n then_o so_o constant_o practise_v and_o universal_o justify_v in_o the_o world_n be_v think_v unreasonable_a when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n it_o be_v true_a may_v some_o say_v if_o annihilation_n be_v e_o all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o eternal_a death_n there_o can_v be_v no_o exception_n against_o it_o but_o i_o ask_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a for_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o offender_n in_o case_n their_o soul_n survive_v their_o body_n and_o they_o be_v for_o ever_o sensible_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o life_n if_o not_o why_o shall_v not_o god_n preserve_v the_o honour_n a_o of_o his_o law_n and_o vindicate_v his_o authority_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o sentence_v obstinate_a sinner_n to_o the_o great_a misery_n though_o their_o soul_n live_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o especial_o since_o god_n have_v declare_v these_o thing_n so_o evident_o before_o hand_n and_o make_v they_o part_n of_o his_o law_n and_o set_v everlasting_a life_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o balance_v everlasting_a misery_n and_o propose_v they_o to_o a_o sinner_n choice_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o but_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o wilful_a impenitency_n can_v ever_o betray_v man_n into_o this_o dreadful_a state_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n b_o 2._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o assurance_n he_o express_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n we_o have_v two_o way_n of_o prove_v article_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o this_o concern_v christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n be_v 1._o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o produce_v the_o c_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o the_o several_a argument_n insist_v on_o to_o that_o purpose_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o believe_v how_o come_v man_n without_o revelation_n to_o agree_v about_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a if_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o ancient_o receive_v by_o the_o elder_a and_o wise_a philosopher_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o those_o two_o sect_n which_o be_v st._n paul_n enemy_n when_o he_o preach_v at_o athens_n and_o always_o enemy_n to_o each_o other_o the_o 18._o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n it_o be_v true_a they_o make_v these_o conflagration_n d_o to_o be_v periodical_a and_o not_o final_a but_o we_o do_v not_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o doctrine_n upon_o their_o assertion_n but_o from_o thence_o show_v that_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o reject_v that_o as_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o they_o assert_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v often_o do_v but_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o doctrine_n we_o build_v that_o upon_o no_o less_o a_o foundation_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o we_o may_v think_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v reasonable_a in_o general_n upon_o the_o â—…sideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o all_o that_o depend_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n by_o law_n and_o not_o by_o power_n e_o but_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v it_o who_o be_v the_o suprem_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n 14._o that_o he_o will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v this_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o come_n for_o again_o this_o end_n since_o he_o open_v the_o a_o commission_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n for_o this_o purpose_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n by_o declare_v that_o 29._o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n and_o that_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n since_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n to_o preach_v of_o this_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o 31._o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v b_o whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n to_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a no_o wonder_v the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o with_o so_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o know_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n and_o no_o person_n can_v have_v the_o least_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o such_o who_o whole_o reject_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o infidelity_n which_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o trifle_a that_o be_v not_o their_o lust_n strong_a than_o their_o argument_n man_n of_o wit_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o produce_v they_o and_o do_v not_o man_n passion_n oversway_v their_o judgement_n it_o will_v be_v too_o much_o honour_n to_o they_o to_o confute_v they_o but_o every_o sermon_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o c_o conversion_n of_o turk_n and_o infidel_n my_o design_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v particular_o send_v by_o god_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o particular_a by_o way_n of_o application_n of_o the_o former_a viz._n 3._o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o persuade_a man_n to_o a_o reformation_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n for_o as_o another_o apostle_n reason_n from_o the_o same_o argument_n 11._o see_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v d_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o argument_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o holiness_n but_o none_o more_o sensible_a and_o move_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n than_o this_o especial_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o persuade_v man_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o other_o shall_v 2._o that_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v desperate_a who_o can_v by_o any_o argument_n be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v off_o their_o sin_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o other_o argument_n shall_v e_o persuade_v man_n if_o this_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o not_o if_o a_o almighty_a power_n can_v awaken_v we_o if_o infinite_a justice_n can_v affright_v we_o if_o a_o
inclination_n of_o man_n and_o propose_v such_o mean_n of_o advance_v it_o as_o be_v most_o like_a to_o make_v man_n great_a by_o undertake_v they_o and_o man_n be_v never_o so_o willing_a to_o be_v cheat_v by_o any_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o comply_v with_o their_o present_a interest_n and_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n in_o this_o case_n there_o need_v not_o many_o argument_n b_o to_o court_v person_n to_o embrace_v that_o which_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o incline_v to_o before_o and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n do_v they_o great_a service_n when_o it_o allow_v what_o they_o most_o desire_v and_o make_v they_o sin_n with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n but_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o christianity_n that_o as_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o design_n for_o this_o world_n so_o it_o have_v rise_v and_o spread_v itself_o by_o way_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o splendour_n and_o greatness_n of_o it_o for_o it_o overcome_v by_o suffering_n increase_v by_o persecution_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o its_o follower_n he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o c_o it_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o suffer_v himself_o and_o he_o bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o think_v much_o of_o follow_v their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o it_o be_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v how_o much_o startle_v and_o surprise_v his_o disciple_n be_v at_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v to_o he_o with_o great_a expectation_n of_o honour_n and_o advancement_n by_o he_o and_o no_o less_o will_v content_v some_o of_o they_o than_o be_v his_o high_a favourite_n and_o minister_n of_o state_n suit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o at_o his_o left_a d_o hand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n they_o have_v already_o in_o their_o imagination_n share_v the_o preferment_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n among_o themselves_o and_o be_v often_o contend_v about_o pre-eminence_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o insomuch_o that_o when_o christ_n now_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n approach_v begin_v more_o plain_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n at_o jerusalem_n v_o 21._o st._n peter_n either_o out_o of_o his_o natural_a forforwardness_n and_o heat_n or_o be_v elevate_v by_o the_o good_a opinion_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v express_v of_o he_o before_o v_o 17._o take_v upon_o he_o very_o solemn_o to_o rebuke_v he_o for_o ever_o think_v to_o submit_v e_o himself_o to_o so_o mean_v a_o condition_n be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o v_o 22._o upon_o which_o jesus_n not_o only_o reprove_v peter_n with_o great_a smartness_n and_o severity_n as_o savour_v more_o of_o the_o pomp_n and_o ease_n of_o the_o world_n than_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o kingdom_n v._n 23._o but_o take_v this_o occasion_n a_o to_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o must_v no_o long_o dream_v of_o the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o vain_a fancy_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o his_o disciple_n they_o must_v prepare_v for_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n they_o must_v value_v their_o religion_n above_o their_o life_n for_o the_o time_n be_v now_o come_v on_o they_o must_v part_v with_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o prepare_v beforehand_o by_o self-denial_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n they_o will_v run_v great_a hazard_n of_o lose_v their_o soul_n for_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n b_o show_v 1._o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o v_o 25._o i._n e._n instead_o of_o this_o short_a and_o uncertain_a life_n which_o will_v spend_v itself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o shall_v have_v one_o infinite_o more_o valuable_a and_o therefore_o no_o exchange_n can_v be_v better_o make_v than_o that_o of_o lay_v down_o such_o a_o life_n as_o this_o for_o one_o of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o glory_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o explain_v it_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a st._n john_n 12._o 25._o c_o 2._o the_o great_a folly_n of_o lose_v this_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o present_a life_n or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n v_o 25._o for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o then_o discover_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n by_o compare_v such_o a_o man_n gain_n and_o his_o loss_n together_o suppose_v he_o shall_v obtain_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o world_n for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n d_o wherein_o we_o may_v consider_v these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o possibility_n suppose_v of_o lose_v the_o soul_n though_o a_o man_n shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o hazard_n imply_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o folly_n express_v of_o lose_v the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o the_o possibility_n suppose_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n for_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n depend_v whole_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v e_o in_o another_o state_n and_o its_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n therein_o for_o set_v that_o aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n strong_a enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o part_v not_o only_o with_o what_o he_o have_v or_o hope_n for_o in_o this_o life_n but_o with_o life_n itself_o he_o that_o be_v so_o great_a a_o fool_n to_o be_v a_o atheist_n will_v yet_o be_v much_o more_o so_o a_o to_o be_v a_o martyr_n for_o his_o opinion_n what_o be_v there_o can_v recompense_v the_o loss_n of_o life_n to_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o after_o it_o but_o suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o demonstration_n to_o the_o contrary_a what_o madness_n will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n with_o a_o design_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v none_o if_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v mean_v be_v only_o to_o represent_v the_o folly_n of_o a_o person_n that_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o a_o estate_n for_o so_o the_o soul_n be_v often_o take_v for_o the_o life_n that_o will_v not_o have_v reach_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o his_o discourse_n b_o and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o folly_n which_o will_v be_v as_o great_a as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o lose_v his_o head_n for_o a_o wager_n or_o to_o purchase_v the_o lease_n of_o his_o life_n by_o destroy_v himself_o but_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n yet_o the_o folly_n of_o lose_v a_o man_n life_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v not_o bring_v in_o by_o our_o saviour_n mere_o for_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o do_v much_o more_o represent_v the_o unspeakable_a folly_n of_o such_o who_o for_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n will_v venture_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a endear_n life_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o if_o that_o man_n will_v gain_v nothing_o by_o his_o bargain_n but_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o fool_n that_o c_o for_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o one_o moment_n will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v kill_v in_o the_o next_o how_o much_o great_a folly_n be_v they_o guilty_a of_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o life_n here_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o another_o life_n which_o god_n have_v threaten_v or_o their_o soul_n can_v undergo_v it_o be_v such_o a_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v here_o spo_n ken_v of_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o