man_n seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a do_v man_n read_v and_o hear_v these_o thing_n every_o day_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v false_a what_o can_v we_o conclude_v from_o hence_o but_o either_o that_o this_o be_v not_o christianity_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o if_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o converse_v among_o we_o how_o will_v he_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o face_n and_o complexion_n of_o christianity_n alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o we_o bear_v will_v soon_o guess_v we_o to_o be_v any_o thing_n than_o christian_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o quit_v ourselves_o of_o this_o objection_n and_o to_o wash_v away_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o but_o to_o mend_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o the_o vicious_a manner_n of_o man_n will_v affect_v our_o religion_n with_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n and_o derive_v a_o ill_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o it_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o christianity_n can_v ever_o gain_v much_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v better_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o nay_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n to_o awaken_v the_o world_n out_o of_o this_o stupid_a lethargy_n that_o christianity_n will_v every_o day_n decline_v and_o the_o world_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n be_v overrun_v with_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o vice_n and_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a disease_n of_o 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viz._n how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o prejudice_n do_v many_o time_n sway_v and_o bias_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n we_o see_v in_o daily_a experience_n what_o a_o false_a bias_n prejudice_n put_v upon_o man_n understanding_n man_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o with_o what_o difficulty_n be_v they_o persuade_v of_o their_o mistake_n nay_o they_o have_v hardly_o the_o patience_n to_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n much_o less_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o how_o do_v the_o passion_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n blind_v they_o and_o lead_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n how_o partial_o do_v man_n lean_v to_o that_o part_n which_o make_v most_o for_o their_o advantage_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v a_o great_a slavery_n of_o the_o understanding_n if_o there_o be_v no_o worse_a consequence_n of_o our_o error_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v excellent_o that_o the_o truth_n make_v man_n free_a you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a second_o prejudice_n do_v not_o only_a bias_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a truth_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n prejudices_fw-la against_o 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of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n man_n may_v oppose_v the_o truth_n so_o obstinate_o and_o perverse_o as_o to_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v certain_a ruin_n and_o swift_a destruction_n upon_o themselves_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o by_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n till_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n and_o by_o consider_v only_o the_o wrong_a side_n of_o thing_n to_o fortify_v our_o prejudices_fw-la to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o entrench_v ourselves_o so_o strong_o in_o our_o error_n that_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o convince_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o have_v any_o access_n to_o we_o or_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o we_o but_o all_o this_o while_n we_o do_v in_o truth_n undermine_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v secret_o work_v our_o own_o ruin_n and_o while_o we_o think_v we_o be_v oppose_v a_o enemy_n we_o be_v destroy_v ourselves_o for_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o prosper_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a rock_n against_o which_o the_o more_o violent_o we_o dash_v ourselves_o the_o more_o miserable_o we_o shall_v be_v split_v and_o shatter_v our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v to_o many_o and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n but_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v break_v but_o upon_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o shall_v grind_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v he_o say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n bless_a be_v he_o 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will_v draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o what_o do_v we_o say_v they_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o this_o they_o say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o reason_n miracle_n be_v the_o high_a attestation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o suppose_v a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v plain_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o miracle_n they_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v and_o induce_v belief_n all_o truth_n do_v not_o need_v miracle_n some_o be_v of_o easy_a belief_n and_o be_v so_o clear_a by_o their_o own_o light_n that_o they_o need_v neither_o miracle_n nor_o 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if_o one_o have_v not_o see_v they_o than_o what_o he_o say_v miracle_n be_v indeed_o the_o great_a external_a confirmation_n and_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o where_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o such_o be_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n here_o be_v miracle_n of_o all_o kind_n the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v and_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v divine_a and_o to_o come_v from_o god_n for_o they_o be_v heal_v and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n our_o saviour_n here_o instance_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o which_o free_a man_n from_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a soundness_n and_o health_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a and_o then_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o instance_n of_o a_o kind_n but_o several_a of_o every_o kind_n and_o great_a multitude_n of_o most_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n they_o be_v public_a in_o the_o sight_n and_o view_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n to_o free_v they_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n they_o be_v not_o wrought_v private_o and_o in_o corner_n and_o give_v out_o and_o noise_v abroad_o but_o before_o all_o the_o people_n so_o that_o every_o one_o may_v see_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o not_o only_o among_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o follower_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o work_v they_o but_o among_o his_o enemy_n to_o convince_v those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o this_o not_o do_v once_o and_o in_o one_o place_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o come_v and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o after_o his_o death_n he_o endow_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n with_o the_o same_o power_n which_o last_v for_o some_o age_n and_o then_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o they_o they_o be_v miracle_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n those_o of_o they_o which_o in_o themselves_o may_v have_v be_v perform_v by_o natural_a mean_n as_o heal_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o the_o deaf_a he_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n by_o a_o word_n or_o a_o touch_n yea_o and_o many_o time_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o other_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n unquestionable_o miraculous_a as_o give_v of_o sight_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a and_o raise_v up_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n as_o lazarus_n after_o he_o have_v lie_v in_o the_o grave_n four_o day_n and_o himself_o afterward_o the_o three_o day_n after_o he_o have_v be_v bury_v which_o if_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o unquestionable_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v repute_v such_o so_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v all_o the_o attestation_n that_o miracle_n can_v give_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o evidence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v work_v great_a miracle_n and_o their_o own_o talmud_n confess_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n do_v work_v great_a miracle_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v particular_o relate_v more_o and_o great_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o than_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n that_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o that_o we_o may_v still_o put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o one_o another_o when_o christ_n come_v when_o the_o messiah_n who_o you_o expect_v come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v but_o second_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o the_o correspondency_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n not_o to_o mention_v innumerable_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n together_o with_o the_o success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v punctual_o foretell_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o particular_n here_o in_o the_o text._n first_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v work_v miraculous_a cure_n isa_n 35.4_o 5_o 6._o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n he_o will_v come_v and_o save_v you_o then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb_a sing_v this_o you_o see_v be_v fulfil_v here_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o text_n mention_n another_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o if_o god_n do_v more_o than_o he_o promise_v and_o foretell_v this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o argument_n if_o all_o that_o he_o foretell_v be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o beside_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o proverb_n that_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o perform_v
and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n through_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o effect_n beyond_o all_o denial_n so_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o 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consequence_n we_o may_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o i_o presume_v it_o agree_v by_o all_o objector_n that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o unequal_a to_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n never_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v 4._o and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o recompense_v the_o disadvantage_n which_o we_o have_v of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o evidence_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o advantage_n which_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n of_o the_o success_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o contempt_n which_o they_o every_o where_n suffer_v and_o that_o now_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n they_o have_v continue_v a_o distinct_a people_n and_o a_o spectacle_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o severity_n for_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o a_o last_a and_o stand_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o though_o we_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o as_o credible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_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 to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o 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to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v reflect_v more_o upon_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o indulge_v and_o allow_v man_n in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o these_o it_o show_v man_n be_v glad_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o objection_n against_o christianity_n when_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o that_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v make_v ten_o time_n more_o clamour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o contrary_n 3._o as_o for_o most_o of_o those_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n so_o much_o both_o for_o our_o private_a and_o public_a advantage_n that_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n they_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v they_o upon_o we_o we_o ought_v in_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o our_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o have_v lay_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n i_o know_v man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o strong_a and_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o these_o duty_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o order_n to_o temporal_a end_n to_o their_o health_n and_o quiet_v and_o reputation_n and_o safety_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o the_o private_a and_o public_a prosperity_n of_o mankind_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o kind_a and_o oblige_v to_o one_o another_o rather_o than_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o religion_n do_v not_o create_v those_o restraint_n arbitrary_o but_o require_v those_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o
suffer_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o reason_n to_o weigh_v with_o they_o we_o general_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v all_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n but_o few_o of_o we_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o traveller_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o the_o fair_a and_o the_o easy_a way_n but_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o go_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o our_o end_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v choose_v our_o way_n only_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o not_o consider_v our_o inclination_n so_o much_o as_o our_o design_n nor_o choose_v those_o principle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o present_a desire_n but_o those_o which_o will_v most_o certain_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o the_o last_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n firm_o believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o will_v do_v let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o hope_v you_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n satisfy_v that_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o aught_o much_o to_o move_v a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man._n if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o certain_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v whether_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o christian_a and_o with_o half_a that_o reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n that_o christianity_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o itself_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n or_o the_o divine_a confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v concern_v it_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n our_o belief_n of_o it_o signify_v nothing_o without_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v once_o resolve_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v will_v cease_v for_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n the_o true_a ground_n of_o most_o man_n prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o man_n mind_n against_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o can_v profess_v to_o believe_v it_o without_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n sermon_n iu._n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom_n i._o 4_o and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a st_n paul_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n according_a to_o his_o custom_n in_o the_o rest_n style_v himself_o a_o apostle_n particular_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o god_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a subject_n whereof_o be_v jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n v._n vol._n v._n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n so_o according_a to_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o be_v of_o his_o posterity_n by_o his_o mother_n who_o be_v of_o that_o house_n and_o line_n make_a of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n v._o 3._o but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o according_a to_o his_o human_a nature_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o christ_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o most_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v predestinate_v decree_v determine_v but_o it_o likewise_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v define_v declare_v demonstrate_v 4._o ser._n 4._o put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o translation_n render_v it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o according_a to_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manifest_v itself_o in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n that_o be_v mighty_o powerful_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o follow_v our_o own_o translation_n i_o shall_v handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o contain_v this_o proposition_n in_o they_o that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o proposition_n to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_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 the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v this_o proposition_n and_o the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o it_o first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o way_n or_o other_o eminent_o manifest_v in_o he_o i_o say_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n as_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o man_n be_v natural_o say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o life_n and_o be_v so_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v life_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o at_o his_o conception_n which_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n overshadow_v as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o then_o at_o his_o resurrection_n when_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n raise_v to_o life_n again_o now_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n only_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v real_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a but_o most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v open_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o 1._o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n luke_n most_o express_o tell_v we_o luke_n 1.35_o where_o the_o
our_o saviour_n john_n 10.36_o say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o the_o chief_a priest_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o this_o and_o he_o own_v this_o charge_n that_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o they_o judge_v he_o guilty_a of_o death_n matth._n 26.65_o 66._o then_o the_o highpriest_n rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o say_v he_o have_v speak_v blasphemy_n what_o further_a need_n have_v we_o of_o witness_n behold_v now_o you_o have_v hear_v his_o blasphemy_n what_o think_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o when_o pilate_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o they_o still_o instance_n in_o this_o as_o his_o crime_n john_n 19.7_o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o our_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v because_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o put_v to_o death_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v he_o up_o into_o heaven_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o vain_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o mighty_a demonstration_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o in_o his_o life-time_n but_o he_o be_v most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o justify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n hereby_o bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o that_o he_o assume_v nothing_o to_o himself_o but_o what_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v to_o he_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v more_o remarkable_o vindicate_v and_o more_o clear_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o than_o by_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o dly_z god_n do_v consequent_o hereby_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v by_o he_o and_o that_o what_o he_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o this_o none_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o know_v and_o to_o report_v true_o to_o mankind_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o article_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o a_o man_n salvation_n rom._n 10.9_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v condemn_v and_o put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o demonstration_n 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he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n for_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n 2_o dly_z the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a assure_v we_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o ever_o doubt_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n so_o that_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o more_o especial_o to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1_o st_o to_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o man_n convince_v of_o this_o great_a and_o obvious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o a_o few_o day_n and_o everlasting_a age_n will_v we_o but_o sometime_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n die_v man_n have_v of_o this_o world_n how_o vain_a and_o empty_a a_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o they_o how_o like_o a_o pageant_n and_o shadow_n it_o look_v as_o it_o pass_v away_o from_o they_o methinks_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a delight_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o intent_n upon_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n this_o vast_a and_o howl_a wilderness_n this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n which_o we_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v through_o which_o shall_v detain_v and_o entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o our_o everlasting_a habitation_n from_o that_o better_a and_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o 2_o dly_z the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v comfort_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a consideration_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o the_o evil_n and_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o hope_v for_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n hereafter_o we_o may_v be_v content_v to_o bear_v some_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n because_o the_o blessedness_n which_o we_o expect_v will_v so_o abundant_o recompense_v and_o outweigh_v our_o present_a suffering_n so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 8.18_o we_o know_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o triumph_v in_o their_o suffering_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o tribulation_n
which_o the_o world_n stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v even_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n this_o be_v the_o needful_a time_n when_o it_o be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o this_o great_a physician_n to_o come_v and_o show_v his_o pity_n and_o skill_n in_o our_o recovery_n god_n can_v have_v send_v his_o son_n many_o age_n before_o but_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o try_v other_o way_n first_o and_o to_o reserve_v this_o powerful_a remedy_n to_o the_o last_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n 4._o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v be_v of_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o his_o come_v whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o fit_a season_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o propagate_a of_o this_o religion_n i_o assign_v these_o reason_n as_o tend_v to_o give_v man_n some_o satisfaction_n why_o this_o great_a blessing_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o of_o the_o want_n of_o either_o to_o defer_v thing_n to_o that_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o have_v their_o effect_n not_o but_o that_o perhaps_o other_o and_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o be_v sure_a god_n have_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o this_o dispensation_n whether_o we_o can_v hit_v upon_o they_o or_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v altogether_o inconsiderable_a 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n all_o the_o while_o our_o saviour_n come_v be_v delay_v god_n providence_n be_v 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philosophy_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o man_n to_o refine_v their_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o good_a degree_n to_o detect_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o learning_n and_o philosophy_n flourish_v a_o great_a while_n before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o grecian_a empire_n and_o perhaps_o before_o that_o in_o some_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v very_o speedy_a and_o of_o vast_a extent_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o universal_a nor_o so_o well_o settle_v nor_o do_v they_o propagate_v their_o philosophy_n and_o civility_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n as_o the_o roman_n do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o mankind_n be_v so_o general_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v 2._o this_o be_v likewise_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o roman_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n do_v very_o much_o propagate_v their_o language_n which_o make_v the_o way_n of_o communication_n far_o more_o easy_a and_o by_o the_o long_a and_o frequent_a correspondence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o that_o empire_n one_o with_o another_o the_o way_n of_o travel_n and_o passage_n from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o be_v more_o ready_a and_o open_a so_o that_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instanced_a in_o all_o respect_n so_o convenient_a for_o the_o speedy_a propagate_a of_o a_o new_a religion_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v viz._n when_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v at_o its_o height_n and_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o the_o brave_a and_o most_o virtuous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n infinite_o beyond_o either_o the_o persian_n or_o grecian_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o god_n as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a mean_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v to_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o have_v not_o now_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o main_a argument_n for_o it_o rely_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o at_o this_o distance_n we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o man_n not_o only_o may_v have_v but_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n ancient_a than_o these_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o distance_n of_o they_o from_o our_o time_n create_v no_o manner_n of_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o that_o he_o conquer_v darius_n and_o the_o persian_n that_o julius_n caesar_n invade_v our_o nation_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v it_o and_o that_o he_o overcome_v pompey_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o pharsalia_n and_o innumerable_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o that_o be_v do_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v firm_o believe_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v do_v so_o long_o ago_o so_o that_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v equal_a evidence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a belief_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o argument_n but_o in_o the_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v 2._o we_o have_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a assurance_n nay_o great_a if_o it_o can_v or_o need_v to_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n rely_v as_o of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n rely_v be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n at_o jerusalem_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n that_o he_o bestow_v miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o make_v they_o competent_a witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o publish_v in_o his_o name_n that_o according_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n without_o any_o human_a advantage_n do_v propagate_v it_o and_o gain_v entertainment_n for_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n now_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v the_o same_o testimony_n of_o history_n write_v in_o those_o time_n and_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o general_a and_o uncontrole_v a_o tradition_n as_o the_o conquest_n of_o alexander_n and_o julius_n caesar_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o afford_v equal_a belief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v some_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n against_o the_o one_o more_o than_o against_o the_o other_o though_o the_o evidence_n for_o both_o be_v equal_a nay_o i_o go_v further_o that_o the_o evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o that_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o mankind_n be_v more_o oblige_v to_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o it_o for_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o eye-witness_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o be_v true_o extraordinary_a person_n
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
in_o the_o more_o notorious_o he_o contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o danger_n there_o threaten_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 4_o thly_a but_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o occasion_n and_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v new_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o apostatise_v from_o it_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v that_o profession_n it_o please_v god_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o raise_v a_o vehement_a persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o many_o out_o of_o base_a fear_n do_v apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o renounce_n it_o be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o caution_n and_o arm_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 2.1_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v fall_v away_o and_o chap._n 3.12_o it_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n and_o chap._n 10.23_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o that_o be_v not_o decline_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o v._o 26._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o v._o 39_o a_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n and_o ch._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v the_o sin_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o and_o call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o do_v not_o require_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o it_o with_o any_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n 5.16_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o and_o then_o v._o 21._o he_o add_v this_o caution_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o that_o sin_n be_v which_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o namely_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 5_o thly_a we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n by_o repentance_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o because_o it_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a apostasy_n from_o god_n a_o direct_a renounce_n of_o he_o and_o reject_v of_o his_o truth_n after_o man_n have_v own_v it_o and_o be_v inward_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n call_v it_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o have_v all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o a_o crime_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o renounce_v against_o the_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n receive_v and_o a_o miraculous_a power_n confer_v for_o a_o witness_n and_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o effect_n a_o expression_n of_o as_o high_a malice_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o so_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a a_o death_n now_o a_o sin_n of_o this_o heinous_a nature_n be_v apt_a natural_o either_o to_o plunge_v man_n into_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n or_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v and_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v effectual_a barrs_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o both_o these_o danger_n the_o apostle_n warn_v man_n of_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 3.12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o else_o the_o reflection_n upon_o so_o horrid_a a_o crime_n be_v apt_a to_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o despair_n as_o it_o do_v judas_n who_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o ease_n but_o by_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n fill_v he_o with_o such_o terror_n that_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o apostasy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o total_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o purity_n and_o reformation_n of_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o desperation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o this_o danger_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v ch._n 12.15_o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o then_o he_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n to_o esau_n who_o when_o he_o have_v renounce_v his_o birthright_n to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v annex_v be_v afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n reject_v and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n 2_o dly_z those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n do_v renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o afford_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o renounce_v the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a and_o desperate_a condition_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o who_o disease_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o remedy_n that_o shall_v cure_v he_o and_o
this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o gospel_n chap._n 10.26_o 27._o for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o renounce_v he_o what_o way_n of_o expiation_n can_v they_o hope_v for_o afterward_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o a_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v reject_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o then_o 3_o dly_z those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n provoke_v god_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n so_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v those_o to_o themselves_o who_o have_v so_o unworthy_o forsake_v he_o and_o whole_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v so_o notorious_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n always_o do_v this_o he_o be_v sometime_o better_a to_o such_o person_n than_o they_o have_v deserve_v from_o he_o and_o save_v those_o who_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o merciful_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o recover_v they_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o yield_v to_o it_o not_o deliberate_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o mere_o through_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o do_v return_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a fear_n deny_v christ_n but_o be_v admonish_v of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o signal_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o he_o be_v recover_v by_o a_o speedy_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o so_o likewise_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v at_o first_o overcome_v by_o fear_n to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n do_v afterward_o recover_v themselves_o and_o die_v resolute_a martyr_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n out_o of_o which_o but_o few_o recover_v and_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o five_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o make_v out_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o text_n from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o hence_o by_o way_n of_o application_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o do_v concern_v ourselves_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o 1_o st_o from_o the_o supposition_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v namely_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o this_o shall_v caution_n we_o all_o against_o confidence_n and_o security_n when_o those_o that_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o may_v fall_v let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v that_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o total_o so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o caution_n christian_n against_o apostasy_n because_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v away_o their_o recovery_n will_v be_v so_o exceed_v difficult_a which_o argument_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v away_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v other_o who_o think_v the_o person_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v hypocritical_a christian_n who_o for_o some_o base_a end_n have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o not_o be_v sincere_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n will_v forsake_v it_o when_o persecution_n come_v but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o description_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n these_o be_v blessing_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o hypocrite_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o they_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v such_o person_n when_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o hypocrite_n in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v man_n to_o dissemble_v christianity_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o profession_n or_o what_o worldly_a end_n can_v man_n have_v in_o take_v that_o profession_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v real_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o such_o may_v fall_v away_o for_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o firm_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o that_o persuasion_n as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n to_o be_v able_a to_o quit_v all_o for_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v real_a christian_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_o establish_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o sincere_o resolve_v as_o many_o other_o they_o be_v not_o like_o st._n paul_n and_o those_o try_a person_n who_o he_o speak_v of_o rom._n 8.35_o 37._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n they_o have_v be_v try_v by_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o have_v hold_v out_o upon_o which_o he_o break_v out_o into_o those_o triumphant_a expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n they_o may_v not_o i_o say_v be_v like_o those_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v real_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o short_a i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o our_o saviour_n describe_v he_o to_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n namely_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v this_o be_v no_o description_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n but_o of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o come_v to_o such_o a_o confirm_a state_n as_o resolute_o to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v true_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v secure_a nor_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v
there_o be_v a_o worse_a objection_n than_o all_o these_o make_v by_o some_o grave_a man_n who_o will_v be_v glad_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o piety_n to_o slip_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o it_o savour_v of_o popery_n to_o press_v good_a work_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n upon_o man_n as_o if_o we_o can_v merit_v heaven_n by_o they_o so_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v charitable_a out_o of_o a_o pious_a fear_n as_o they_o pretend_v lest_o hereby_o they_o shall_v entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v i_o doubt_v covetousness_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o objection_n however_o it_o be_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v answer_v and_o 1._o i_o say_v that_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o prejudice_v either_o by_o his_o education_n or_o interest_n can_v think_v that_o a_o creature_n can_v merit_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o that_o we_o can_v possible_o do_v be_v antecedent_o due_a much_o less_o that_o we_o can_v merit_v so_o great_a a_o reward_n as_o that_o of_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o though_o we_o deny_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o we_o firm_o believe_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o do_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v meritorious_a unless_o a_o man_n be_v so_o vainglorious_a as_o to_o think_v heaven_n not_o worth_a the_o have_v unless_o he_o purchase_v it_o himself_o at_o a_o valuable_a consideration_n and_o now_o let_v i_o earnest_o entreat_v you_o as_o you_o love_v god_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n not_o to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n lest_o you_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o the_o same_o miserable_a state_n with_o this_o rich_a man_n to_o who_o the_o least_o charity_n that_o can_v be_v ask_v be_v deny_v our_o saviour_n have_v purposely_o leave_v this_o parable_n on_o record_n to_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o a_o witness_n to_o we_o lest_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o same_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v i_o according_a to_o what_o proportion_n of_o his_o estate_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v charitable_a i_o can_v determine_v that_o only_o let_v no_o man_n neglect_v his_o duty_n because_o i_o can_v and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o one_o else_o can_v tell_v he_o the_o exact_a proportion_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o his_o estate_n there_o be_v some_o duty_n that_o be_v strict_o determine_v as_o those_o of_o justice_n but_o god_n have_v leave_v our_o charity_n to_o be_v a_o free_a will_n offer_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o this_o duty_n every_o one_o must_v determine_v himself_o by_o prudence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n god_n have_v leave_v this_o duty_n undetermined_a to_o try_v the_o largeness_n of_o our_o heart_n towards_o he_o only_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o be_v abundant_a in_o this_o grace_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o charity_n shall_v be_v the_o degree_n of_o our_o happiness_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 6._o he_o that_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o but_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v something_o in_o this_o kind_n any_o part_n of_o our_o estate_n rather_o than_o none_o i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n eccl._n 4._o my_o son_n defraud_v not_o the_o poor_a and_o make_v not_o the_o needy_a eye_n to_o wait_v long_o make_v not_o a_o hungry_a soul_n sorrowful_a neither_o provoke_v a_o man_n in_o his_o distress_n add_v not_o more_o trouble_n to_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v vex_v defer_v not_o to_o give_v to_o he_o that_o be_v in_o need_n reject_v not_o the_o supplication_n of_o the_o afflict_a nor_o turn_v away_o thy_o face_n from_o a_o poor_a man_n turn_v not_o away_o thy_o eye_n from_o the_o needy_a and_o give_v he_o none_o occasion_n to_o curse_v thou_o for_o if_o he_o curse_v thou_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v of_o he_o that_o make_v he_o let_v it_o not_o grieve_v thou_o to_o bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o give_v he_o a_o friendly_a answer_n with_o meekness_n be_v as_o a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a and_o instead_o of_o a_o husband_n to_o their_o mother_n so_o shall_v thou_o be_v as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o he_o shall_v love_v thou_o more_o than_o thy_o mother_n do_v sermon_n xi_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n sermon_n ii_o luke_n xvi_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a beggar_n name_v lazarus_n which_o be_v lay_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n i_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o observation_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o dear_a to_o god_n this_o beggar_n lazarus_n though_o he_o be_v so_o much_o slight_v and_o despise_v in_o his_o life-time_n by_o this_o great_a rich_a man_n yet_o it_o appear_v when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v that_o he_o be_v not_o neglect_v by_o god_n for_o he_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v he_o to_o convey_v he_o to_o happiness_n v._n 22._o the_o beggar_n die_v and_o be_v carry_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n but_o this_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o parable_n but_o exemplify_v in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n never_o be_v any_o man_n so_o dear_a to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v for_o he_o be_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o yet_o how_o poor_a and_o mean_a be_v his_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o can_v not_o own_o one_o that_o appear_v in_o so_o much_o meanness_n for_o the_o true_a messiah_n he_o be_v bear_v of_o mean_a parent_n and_o persecute_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v he_o be_v destitute_a of_o worldly_a accommodation_n the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n god_n can_v have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n with_o majesty_n and_o great_a glory_n and_o have_v make_v all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o have_v bow_v before_o he_o and_o pay_v homage_n to_o he_o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n choose_v rather_o that_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o a_o poor_a and_o humble_a in_o a_o suffering_n and_o afflict_a condition_n to_o confound_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o world_n who_o measure_v the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o think_v that_o god_n hate_v all_o those_o who_o he_o permit_v to_o be_v afflict_v now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v a_o great_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o goodness_n and_o suffer_v may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o person_n than_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n yet_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o bruise_v he_o and_o to_o put_v he_o to_o grief_n affliction_n in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n that_o they_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v those_o he_o design_n for_o great_a thing_n hereafter_o he_o train_v up_o by_o great_a hardship_n in_o this_o world_n and_o by_o many_o tribulation_n prepare_v they_o for_o a_o kingdom_n this_o course_n god_n take_v more_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n the_o poor_a chief_o be_v those_o that_o receive_v the_o gospel_n not_o many_o mighty_a nor_o many_o noble_a but_o the_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v despise_v do_v god_n choose_v harken_v my_o belove_a brethren_n say_v st._n james_n ch_n 2.5_o have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poor_a in_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 now_o this_o consideration_n shall_v persuade_v to_o patience_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n god_n may_v be_v our_o father_n and_o chasten_v we_o severe_o nay_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v rather_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o be_v so_o god_n may_v love_v we_o though_o the_o world_n hate_v we_o it_o be_v but_o exercise_v a_o
man_n from_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v not_o general_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n that_o man_n do_v not_o yield_v a_o full_a and_o effectual_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n i_o mean_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o so_o as_o to_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o lust_n the_o true_a cause_n be_v not_o in_o man_n understanding_n and_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o disease_n be_v there_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_a by_o more_o evidence_n but_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o better_a resolution_n the_o man_n be_v addict_v to_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o and_o that_o make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v check_v and_o control_v he_o in_o his_o course_n the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n be_v offensive_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v shut_v it_o out_o this_o account_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v of_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n john_n 3.19_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v that_o man_n resist_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o because_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o to_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o they_o be_v slow_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o cross_v their_o humour_n and_o inclination_n so_o that_o though_o great_a evidence_n be_v offer_v it_o be_v likely_a it_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o because_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o their_o will_n be_v distemper_v man_n hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o this_o make_v they_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n behind_o their_o back_n and_o if_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v a_o stiff-necked_a and_o rebellious_a people_n though_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o as_o their_o understanding_n can_v not_o resist_v yet_o their_o will_n may_v still_o hold_v out_o and_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o their_o mind_n may_v have_v no_o last_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o violent_a conviction_n may_v affect_v they_o for_o the_o present_a but_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v perhaps_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o then_o they_o will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a hardness_n man_n by_o a_o long_a and_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o sin_n may_v bring_v themselves_o to_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o devil_n who_o though_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o threaten_n yet_o they_o be_v wicked_a still_o for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v a_o strong_a affection_n for_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o conviction_n and_o what_o evidence_n soever_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o they_o will_v find_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o delude_v themselves_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o if_o man_n will_v honest_o speak_v their_o conscience_n they_o can_v deny_v it_o they_o do_v not_o call_v for_o more_o evidence_n either_o because_o they_o want_v it_o or_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o excuse_v for_o themselves_o for_o not_o be_v convince_v by_o that_o evidence_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o they_o 4_o thly_a experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v how_o ineffectual_a extraordinary_a way_n be_v to_o convince_v and_o reclaim_v man_n of_o deprave_a mind_n and_o such_o as_o be_v obstinate_o addict_v to_o their_o lust_n we_o find_v many_o remarkable_a experiment_n of_o this_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n what_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n yet_o they_o be_v harden_v under_o all_o these_o plague_n balaam_n who_o greedy_o follow_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stop_v by_o the_o admonition_n of_o a_o angel_n the_o jew_n after_o so_o many_o miracle_n which_o their_o eye_n have_v see_v continue_v to_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a and_o gain_v say_v people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o be_v more_o prodigious_a the_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o they_o or_o their_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o when_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v and_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o never_o man_n do_v such_o as_o one_o will_v have_v think_v may_v have_v bring_v the_o worst_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o repentance_n those_o of_o tyre_n and_o sydon_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n yet_o they_o repent_v not_o yea_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o my_o text_n request_v of_o abraham_n for_o his_o brethren_n be_v do_v among_o they_o lazarus_n do_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o testify_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o our_o saviour_n himself_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n while_o he_o be_v alive_a rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n and_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o among_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o very_a thing_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n make_v good_a in_o a_o famous_a instance_n they_o who_o believe_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o testify_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o persuade_v when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o do_v not_o our_o own_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o little_a effect_n the_o extraordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v have_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o his_o word_n it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o god_n show_v himself_o among_o we_o by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n and_o visit_v we_o with_o three_o of_o his_o sore_a judgement_n war_n and_o pestilence_n and_o fire_n and_o yet_o how_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n still_o reign_n and_o rage_n among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a consideration_n to_o see_v how_o little_a those_o who_o have_v outlive_v these_o plague_n have_v be_v reform_v by_o they_o we_o have_v not_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o seek_v he_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o particular_a person_n how_o frequent_o do_v we_o see_v man_n after_o great_a affliction_n and_o tedious_a suffering_n and_o dangerous_a sickness_n return_v to_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o though_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n have_v compass_v they_o about_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n have_v almost_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o though_o they_o have_v have_v as_o lively_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o another_o world_n as_o if_o they_o have_v speak_v with_o those_o that_o have_v come_v from_o thence_o or_o even_o be_v there_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v no_o warning_n but_o upon_o their_o deliverance_n and_o recovery_n have_v be_v as_o mad_a as_o furious_a sinner_n as_o they_o be_v before_o so_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o such_o wonder_n to_o we_o which_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o man_n hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v place_n that_o a_o effectual_a persuasion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o belief_n as_o produce_v repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o operation_n and_o concurrence_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n where_o man_n have_v obstinate_o reject_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o change_v our_o life_n and_o become_v new_a man_n be_v a_o
do_v good_a for_o all_o which_o since_o he_o must_v short_o give_v a_o account_n he_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n so_o to_o use_v they_o as_o thereby_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n against_o this_o temporal_a life_n have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o parallel_n intend_v in_o this_o parable_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o our_o saviour_n application_n of_o it_o for_o parable_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stretch_v to_o a_o exact_a parallel_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o only_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o purpose_n intend_v a_o parable_n and_o the_o moral_a accommodation_n of_o it_o be_v as_o one_o well_o observe_v not_o like_o two_o plain_n which_o touch_v one_o another_o in_o every_o part_n but_o like_o a_o globe_n upon_o a_o plain_a which_o only_o touch_v in_o one_o point_n thus_o our_o saviour_n separate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o steward_n from_o his_o injustice_n and_o propose_v that_o to_o our_o imitation_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n the_o word_n be_v a_o comparison_n in_o which_o we_o have_v 1_o st_o the_o person_n compare_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o child_n of_o light_n it_o be_v a_o very_a usual_a phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n when_o they_o will_v express_v any_o thing_n to_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n or_o quality_n to_o call_v it_o the_o son_n or_o child_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n thus_o good_a man_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o bad_a man_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n those_o who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o make_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o be_v better_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o immortality_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n 2_o dly_z here_o be_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v compare_v and_o that_o be_v as_o to_o their_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n 3_o dly_z the_o object_n of_o this_o prudence_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o both_o as_o if_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o here_o be_v two_o several_a object_n intend_v about_o which_o the_o prudence_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v respective_o exercise_v the_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v in_o their_o way_n viz._n as_o to_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v in_o they_o viz._n as_o to_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n 4_o thly_a here_o be_v a_o decision_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o which_o of_o they_o it_o be_v that_o excel_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n in_o their_o way_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n they_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n now_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n and_o rigour_n as_o if_o it_o be_v universal_o true_a and_o without_o any_o exception_n as_o if_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o provident_a for_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n as_o worldly_a man_n be_v for_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v fool_n at_o large_a and_o imprudent_a in_o their_o whole_a conduct_n and_o management_n both_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o who_o be_v in_o too_o strict_a a_o sense_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n they_o mind_v nothing_o but_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v gross_o imprudent_a even_o in_o their_o prosecution_n of_o their_o temporal_a interest_n they_o neglect_v and_o forego_v all_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n and_o then_o they_o lose_v and_o destroy_v that_o too_o by_o a_o overhot_a and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o at_o last_o into_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o there_o be_v other_o as_o st._n paul_n for_o instance_n who_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v as_o prudent_a and_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o as_o any_o man_n can_v be_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v some_o such_o in_o every_o age_n but_o god_n know_v they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o their_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n be_v seldom_o so_o equal_a and_o constant_a and_o uniform_a as_o that_o of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n so_o that_o we_o be_v to_o 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and_o illustrate_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o by_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n now_o this_o be_v wisdom_n to_o mind_n and_o regard_v our_o chief_a end_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o and_o this_o regard_n to_o our_o chief_a end_n do_v express_v itself_o chief_o in_o these_o particular_n in_o our_o be_v firm_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o it_o in_o choose_v the_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o compass_n and_o accomplish_v of_o it_o in_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n in_o a_o invincible_a constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o in_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o submit_v and_o to_o stoop_v to_o it_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n and_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o all_o these_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n do_v usual_o excel_v the_o child_n of_o light_n 1_o st_o they_o be_v usual_o more_o firm_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o their_o end_n whatever_o they_o set_v up_o for_o their_o end_n riches_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n they_o be_v fix_v upon_o it_o and_o steady_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o if_o they_o set_v up_o for_o riches_n or_o honour_n they_o neglect_v and_o despise_v pleasure_n if_o it_o cross_v either_o of_o those_o ends._n and_o this_o fix_a resolution_n of_o the_o end_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o that_o which_o inspire_v man_n with_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o the_o more_o resolve_v man_n be_v upon_o the_o end_n the_o more_o active_a and_o industrious_a they_o will_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o end_n govern_v the_o mean_n and_o give_v law_n and_o measure_n to_o our_o activity_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o sweeten_v and_o allay_v the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o they_o so_o that_o where_o the_o end_n be_v once_o firm_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v fervour_n of_o prosecution_n but_o if_o we_o be_v waver_v and_o unsteady_a as_o to_o our_o end_n this_o will_v weaken_v our_o hand_n and_o quench_v the_o heat_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o abate_v the_o eagerness_n of_o our_o pursuit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o will_v derive_v a_o debility_n and_o inconstancy_n into_o all_o our_o motion_n the_o double-minded_n man_n as_o st._n james_n say_v be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n now_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v common_o more_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o their_o end_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n it_o be_v rare_a to_o see_v the_o whole_a life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o good_a man_n so_o constant_o and_o uniform_o conspire_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o great_a
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
and_o folly_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n who_o increase_v his_o good_n and_o enlarge_v his_o barn_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n do_v applaud_v himself_o and_o be_v no_o doubt_n applaud_v by_o other_o for_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n but_o because_o he_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n that_o be_v do_v not_o employ_v his_o estate_n to_o good_a and_o charitable_a purpose_n therefore_o god_n who_o call_v no_o body_n out_o of_o his_o right_a name_n call_v this_o man_n fool_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n while_o he_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n he_o add_v that_o which_o be_v a_o considerable_a blemish_n and_o abatement_n to_o it_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o their_o age_n for_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a and_o purblind_a wisdom_n which_o see_v but_o a_o little_a way_n and_o consider_v only_a thing_n present_a and_o near_o at_o hand_n whereas_o true_a wisdom_n have_v a_o large_a and_o far_a prospect_n and_o regard_v the_o future_a as_o well_o as_o the_o present_a and_z takes_z care_n to_o provide_v for_o it_o nay_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n its_o utmost_a due_n when_o he_o say_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a for_o their_o generation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_o best_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o it_o seldom_o look_v so_o far_o and_o hold_v out_o so_o long_o many_o man_n have_v survive_v their_o own_o project_n and_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o folly_n and_o ill_a fate_n of_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a design_n so_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o jer._n 17.11_o as_o the_o partridge_n sit_v on_o egg_n and_o hatch_v they_o not_o so_o he_o that_o get_v riches_n and_o not_o by_o right_a shall_v leave_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o day_n and_o at_o his_o end_n shall_v be_v a_o fool._n this_o be_v wisdom_n to_o regard_v our_o main_a interest_n but_o if_o we_o be_v wrong_v in_o our_o end_n as_o all_o worldly_a man_n be_v the_o fast_o and_o far_o we_o go_v the_o more_o fatal_a be_v our_o error_n and_o mistake_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v out_o in_o their_o end_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o main_a they_o be_v wise_a for_o this_o world_n which_o be_v inconsiderable_a to_o eternity_n wise_a for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o fool_n for_o ever_o 2_o dly_z from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v infer_v that_o if_o we_o lose_v our_o soul_n and_o come_v short_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o be_v through_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o gross_a neglect_n for_o we_o see_v that_o man_n be_v wise_a enough_o for_o this_o world_n and_o the_o same_o prudence_n and_o care_n and_o diligence_n apply_v to_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v infallible_o make_v we_o happy_a nay_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o usual_o less_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n than_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n use_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v exercise_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v attain_v eternal_a life_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o take_v that_o care_n for_o their_o immortal_a soul_n which_o they_o general_o do_v for_o their_o frail_a and_o die_a body_n and_o be_v as_o hearty_o concern_v for_o the_o unseen_a world_n and_o for_o eternity_n as_o they_o be_v for_o thing_n visible_a and_o temporal_a they_o will_v with_o much_o more_o certainty_n gain_v heaven_n than_o any_o man_n can_v obtain_v worldly_a riches_n and_o honour_n and_o can_v we_o in_o conscience_n desire_v more_o than_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o as_o easy_a and_o upon_o more_o certain_a term_n than_o any_o man_n can_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o may_v miss_v of_o these_o thing_n after_o all_o our_o travel_n and_o pain_n about_o they_o or_o if_o we_o get_v they_o we_o may_v lose_v they_o again_o but_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n if_o we_o be_v sincere_o good_a we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o even_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v if_o we_o lie_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n they_o will_v be_v safe_a and_o secure_a there_o where_o no_o moth_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v if_o we_o will_v serious_o think_v of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o that_o happiness_n or_o misery_n which_o remain_v for_o man_n after_o this_o life_n we_o 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