by_o what_o mark_v and_o character_n we_o may_v know_v that_o zeal_n which_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n be_v condemn_v as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o knowledge_n iii_o how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n when_o i_o have_v handle_v these_o three_o particular_n i_o shall_v apply_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n i_o shall_v mention_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v right_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n 2._o that_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a 3._o that_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v right_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n i_o mean_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v zealous_a for_o be_v certain_o and_o considerable_o good_a and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v zealous_a against_o be_v certain_o and_o considerable_o evil._n a_o mistake_n in_o any_o of_o these_o quite_o mar_v our_o zeal_n and_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o intend_v for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a and_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o the_o hot_a the_o worse_a it_o be_v not_o a_o heavenly_a fire_n that_o come_v down_o from_o above_o but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n heat_v without_o light_n if_o we_o mistake_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v zealous_o concern_v against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a the_o great_a our_o zeal_n be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o fault_n and_o instead_o of_o do_v god_n and_o religion_n service_n and_o credit_n we_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n and_o dishonour_v we_o can_v to_o they_o both_o or_o if_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o our_o zeal_n be_v conversant_a be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o object_n of_o zeal_n man_n shall_v never_o be_v earnest_a for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n but_o upon_o clear_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o what_o we_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o be_v undoubted_o good_a and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v so_o violent_a against_o be_v undoubted_o evil_a if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o be_v zealous_a for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o we_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o it_o must_v also_o be_v considerable_o so_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v our_o be_v zealous_a about_o it_o all_o truth_n be_v good_a and_o all_o error_n bad_a but_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n so_o inconsiderable_a and_o which_o have_v so_o small_a a_o influence_n upon_o practice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v our_o zeal_n and_o earnest_a contention_n about_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o be_v there_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_v of_o so_o slight_a and_o inconsiderarable_a a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v better_a man_n shall_v be_v let_v alone_o in_o they_o than_o provoke_v to_o quarrel_v and_o contend_v about_o they_o thus_o that_o great_a heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o the_o time_n of_o observe_v easter_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n they_o be_v on_o both_o side_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a which_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n but_o there_o be_v different_a custom_n about_o the_o time_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o such_o consideration_n as_o to_o deserve_v so_o much_o heat_n and_o zeal_n about_o it_o especial_o consider_v the_o uncharitable_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o that_o difference_n 2._o that_o our_o zeal_n may_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a that_o be_v a_o ignorant_a zeal_n which_o be_v conversant_a about_o lesser_a thing_n and_o unconcern_v for_o great_a such_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n who_o be_v mighty_o concern_v about_o external_a and_o lesser_a matter_n but_o take_v little_a or_o no_o care_n of_o inward_a purity_n and_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n they_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashed_a hand_n and_o to_o make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n but_o then_o they_o be_v full_a of_o extortion_n and_o all_o unrighteousness_n they_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cumin_fw-la but_o omit_v the_o weighty_a thing_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o fidelity_n or_o as_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o they_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n a_o zealous_a strictness_n about_o external_a rite_n and_o matter_n of_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a neglect_n of_o the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v either_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o fulsome_a hypocrisy_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v a_o loud_a and_o zealous_a outcry_n against_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n when_o man_n can_v release_v themselves_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o pass_v over_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n 3._o a_o zeal_n that_o be_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n must_v be_v pursue_v and_o prosecute_v by_o lawful_a and_o warantable_a mean_n no_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n for_o his_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n will_v justify_v the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o and_o in_o itself_o evil_a will_v you_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n and_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o think_v to_o promote_v his_o glory_n by_o mean_n so_o dishonourable_a and_o offensive_a to_o he_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v it_o a_o damnable_a sin_n for_o any_o to_o charge_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o christianity_n that_o evil_a may_v be_v do_v for_o a_o good_a end_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.8_o as_o we_o he_o slanderous_o report_v and_o as_o some_o affirm_v that_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o a_o man_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n to_o overlook_a the_o evil_n and_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o mean_v they_o use_v for_o the_o advance_v so_o good_a a_o end_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v sanctify_v those_o refine_a art_n of_o lie_v and_o perjury_n by_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n those_o seditious_a way_n of_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n by_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n by_o the_o excommunicate_a and_o dispose_v of_o prince_n upon_o pray_fw-mi tense_n of_o heresy_n of_o extirpate_v those_o who_o they_o please_v to_o call_v heretic_n by_o inquisition_n and_o croisado_n and_o massacre_n and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a person_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o pope_n and_o of_o general_a council_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o show_v by_o what_o mark_n and_o character_n we_o may_v know_v the_o contrary_a zeal_n that_o which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o be_v condemn_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o very_o frequent_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o the_o contrary_a mark_n and_o property_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v yet_o to_o discover_v it_o more_o full_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o very_a gross_a and_o sensible_a sign_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n that_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o that_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a a_o zeal_n for_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n plain_o contrary_a either_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o to_o common_a sense_n any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n for_o pray_v
himself_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o then_o they_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o live_n with_o as_o great_a violence_n and_o cruelty_n as_o ever_o be_v use_v by_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n towards_o one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o heresy_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n too_o as_o st._n paul_n witness_v after_o the_o way_n which_o you_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n so_o they_o call_v we_o heretic_n though_o we_o receive_v and_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o reject_v their_o addition_n whereby_o they_o will_v make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o as_o rome_n be_v parallel_v with_o jerusalem_n in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o especial_o in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o as_o jerusalem_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n of_o all_o age_n so_o st._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n say_v of_o rome_n that_o in_o she_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o prophet_n and_o of_o saint_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v slay_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n 18.24_o which_o be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o rome_n christian_n than_o of_o rome_n pagan_a in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o perhaps_o in_o rome_n pagan_a herself_o have_v not_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v as_o in_o rome_n christian_n and_o catholic_n and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o heavy_a account_n for_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o prophet_n because_o god_n have_v avenge_v they_o on_o she_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o danger_n of_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n preach_v on_o november_n 5._o 1682._o rom_n x._o 2._o i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_o cry_v up_o than_o zeal_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o man_n do_v more_o frequent_o and_o fatal_o mistake_v and_o miscarry_v and_o in_o the_o expression_n and_o effect_n whereof_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v themselves_o with_o more_o care_n and_o caution_n ii_o vol._n ii_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n zeal_n be_v as_o all_o other_o passion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o itself_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a to_o the_o object_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o earnest_a concernment_n for_o or_o against_o something_o and_o a_o violent_a pursuit_n and_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o right_a object_n so_o as_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o good_a and_o against_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o evil_a and_o in_o a_o due_a degree_n that_o be_v if_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o less_o or_o great_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a quality_n or_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v wrong_v place_v and_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o about_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a or_o doubtful_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o notorious_o exceed_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v about_o thing_n than_o they_o deserve_v and_o zealous_o concern_v about_o lesser_a thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o great_a in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n it_o be_v so_o for_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n xiii_o serm._n xiii_o of_o a_o most_o pernicious_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n and_o many_o time_n have_v as_o bad_a effect_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o worst_a principle_n or_o disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o religion_n as_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o profaneness_n john_n 2.17_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o for_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o those_o gift_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.31_o but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n be_v zealous_a of_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o forwardness_n and_o readiness_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 2_o cor._n 9.2_o i_o know_v the_o forwardness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o your_o zeal_n have_v provoke_v very_o many_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o expression_n tit._n 2.14_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o for_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o be_o zealous_a of_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a zeal_n but_o the_o word_n be_v much_o more_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n for_o a_o malicious_a and_o furious_a rage_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n act_v 5.17_o 18._o then_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n the_o word_n be_v zeal_n and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v they_o in_o prison_n and_o chap._n 13.45_o it_o be_v say_v the_o jew_n be_v fill_v with_o zeal_n and_o speak_v against_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o chap._n 17.5_o the_o jew_n which_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o zeal_n gather_v a_o company_n and_o set_v all_o the_o city_n in_o a_o uproar_n it_o be_v frequent_o reckon_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o mention_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n wrath_n contention_n division_n sedition_n murder_n tumult_n confusion_n rom._n 13.13_o let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o zeal_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o zeal_n and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 2_o cor._n 12.20_o lest_o there_o be_v debate_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a among_o which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v hatred_n variance_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o bitter_a zeal_n jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o zeal_n most_o frequent_o go_v under_o a_o bad_a name_n and_o character_n in_o scripture_n zeal_n i_o mean_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o of_o that_o most_o of_o the_o text_n i_o have_v mention_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n mean_v here_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o zeal_n about_o religion_n and_o divine_a thing_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v desirous_a to_o say_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n he_o commend_v the_o good_a meaning_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o blame_v the_o ill_a conduct_n of_o it_o i_o bear_v they_o record_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o give_v this_o testimony_n on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o by_o all_o this_o fierceness_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o intend_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o think_v they_o do_v he_o service_n but_o yet_o this_o zeal_n be_v great_o to_o be_v condemn_v because_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_v and_o misguide_a zeal_n not_o at_o all_o direct_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n ii_o
to_o saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o sacrilegious_a deprive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o half_a the_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n plain_a institution_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n a_o zeal_n for_o that_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v in_o any_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o dostrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n not_o only_o without_o any_o sufficient_a authority_n from_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a gross_a error_n and_o practice_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n the_o degree_n whereof_o be_v manifest_o disproportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a when_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o great_a and_o fierce_a zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n than_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a severity_n than_o for_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o omission_n and_o neglect_v of_o some_o senseless_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n than_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a immorality_n and_o against_o the_o denyer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o great_a zeal_n i_o be_o sure_a a_o more_o severe_a prosecution_n than_o against_o those_o who_o deny_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a te_fw-la knowledge_n nor_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v prosecute_v by_o unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o warrant_v the_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o violate_v of_o truth_n and_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o break_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n nor_o 4._o a_o uncharitable_a zeal_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o think_v itself_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o every_o scruple_n and_o upon_o every_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o unlawful_a imposition_n though_o in_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o upon_o this_o single_a point_n because_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o i_o think_v ever_o be_v avow_v among_o christian_n not_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v only_o because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o fancy_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v comes_z present_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v do_v it_o or_o not_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n nor_o 5._o a_o furious_a and_o cruel_a zeal_n which_o st._n james_n call_v a_o bitter_a or_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v blind_a with_o its_o own_o rage_n and_o make_v man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n exceed_o mad_a against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a zeal_n 6._o and_o last_o a_o zeal_n for_o ignorance_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v a_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o such_o strict_a law_n to_o forbid_v people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o they_o without_o let_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o read_v lesson_n to_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o all_o this_o under_o pretence_n of_o increase_v their_o devotion_n as_o if_o the_o less_o man_n understand_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v than_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n nothing_o they_o hive_n oppose_v with_o more_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o quit_v their_o religion_n which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v i_o who_o be_v once_o act_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o now_o possess_v they_o and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o outrageous_a manner_n as_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o very_a good_a conscience_n as_o i_o think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o act_v 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o that_o his_o zeal_n be_v sincere_a and_o with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v very_o faulty_a and_o sinful_a and_o if_o he_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o damnable_a so_o that_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n he_o do_v out_o of_o this_o zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o render_v he_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o this_o furious_a and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n give_v of_o his_o own_o do_n and_o what_o load_n he_o lay_v upon_o himself_o notwithstanding_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n act_n viij_o and_o ix_o you_o have_v the_o history_n at_o large_a of_o his_o outrageous_a do_n how_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n how_o he_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n act_v 22.4_o i_o persecute_v say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o ch._n 26.10_o 11._o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n
the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o first_o and_o last_o of_o these_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n our_o saviour_n seem_v here_o to_o speak_v but_o whether_o in_o both_o instance_n in_o the_o text_n he_o allude_v in_o the_o one_o to_o the_o low_a and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o high_v degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o the_o first_o he_o plain_o do_v when_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v much_o high_a against_o they_o even_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o kill_v they_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n as_o a_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n well-pleasing_a to_o god_n for_o so_o indeed_o the_o word_n do_v not_o only_o import_v but_o most_o proper_o signify_v whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v necessary_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o that_o sense_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v make_v these_o follow_a observation_n very_o proper_a for_o our_o consideration_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n yea_o and_o suffer_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n here_o foretell_v of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o from_o uncharitable_a censure_n man_n do_v easy_o and_o almost_o natural_o proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o they_o have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagoguse_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n they_o present_o proceed_v to_o kill_v they_o as_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o after_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o good_a service_n to_o god_n to_o kill_v you_o 4._o that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o wicked_a not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o out_o of_o a_o real_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v religious_o murder_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v his_o disciple_n to_o death_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o offer_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n 5._o that_o such_o action_n be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o impious_a and_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n and_o murder_n for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o in_o kill_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a tiling_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n a_o excellent_a quality_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o more_o horrible_a impiety_n than_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o before_o we_o in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o these_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o true_a church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v in_o the_o text_n shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o what_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v be_v too_o frequent_o practise_v since_o by_o some_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o very_o good_a man_n have_v in_o several_a age_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n by_o those_o who_o have_v arrogate_a to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o true_a church_n and_o have_v get_v the_o external_a power_n and_o management_n of_o religion_n into_o their_o hand_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n and_o other_o in_o the_o reign_n and_o prevalency_n of_o arianism_n and_o the_o ill_a treatment_n that_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n but_o whole_a church_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n from_o that_o haughty_a and_o uncharitable_a church_n which_o make_v nothing_o of_o thunder_v out_o this_o most_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o person_n and_o church_n much_o better_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o herself_o and_o against_o all_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o pretend_a infallibility_n and_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o it_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v thus_o use_v by_o a_o church_n that_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n that_o they_o do_v and_o upon_o ground_n every_o whit_n as_o plausible_a as_o i_o can_v clear_o show_v if_o i_o be_v mind_v to_o pursue_v and_o make_v out_o this_o comparison_n 2._o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a only_o true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o this_o to_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o call_v heretic_n first_o that_o prove_v they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o be_v no_o heretic_n or_o acquit_v they_o from_o the_o same_o or_o great_a crime_n than_o those_o which_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o charge_v upon_o other_o man_n nor_o will_v god_n condemn_v all_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o man_n and_o deny_v salvation_n to_o every_o one_o who_o they_o shall_v please_v to_o separate_v from_o their_o society_n and_o to_o call_v by_o some_o odious_a name_n man_n may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o yet_o receive_v into_o heaven_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o man_n but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v certain_o very_o dreadful_a where_o it_o be_v due_o inflict_v and_o next_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o just_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o censure_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v upon_o very_o plain_a and_o evident_a ground_n that_o man_n either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o endanger_v their_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o if_o