church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v out_o of_o their_o write_n that_o it_o be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o three_o first_o age_n we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n and_o other_o of_o their_o learned_a writer_n and_o they_o give_v a_o very_a remarkable_a reason_n for_o it_o namely_o because_o the_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n by_o they_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v give_v countenance_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n from_o whence_o i_o can_v forbear_v by_o the_o way_n to_o make_v these_o two_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o their_o mediation_n be_v not_o in_o those_o primitive_a age_n esteem_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o if_o it_o have_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a upon_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n then_o by_o what_o authority_n or_o law_n can_v it_o be_v make_v so_o since_o 2._o that_o this_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o sure_o every_o christian_n can_v but_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v like_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o the_o crime_n but_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v plain_a than_o that_o both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o most_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v constan_o define_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o address_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o and_o after_o the_o rise_n of_o arianism_n they_o argue_v for_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o arian_n from_o our_o pray_v to_o he_o which_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v to_o any_o but_o god_n and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o age._n and_o we_o no_o where_n find_v any_o mention_n of_o those_o distinction_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o god_n by_o participation_n as_o bellarmin_n call_v the_o angel_n and_o saint_n or_o of_o a_o supreme_a and_o inferior_a religious_a worship_n or_o of_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n which_o be_v so_o common_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n the_o ancient_a father_n be_v general_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o beatific_a vision_n till_o after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o this_o very_a opinion_n take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ground_n it_o upon_o their_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o saint_n not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o vision_n can_v have_v no_o reason_n or_o ground_n to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o last_o the_o ancient_a church_n pray_v for_o saint_n depart_v and_o for_o the_o bless_a virgin_n herself_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o pray_v to_o they_o as_o intercessor_n for_o they_o in_o heaven_n for_o who_o they_o themselves_o intercee_v upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o change_n which_o they_o have_v make_v in_o their_o doctrine_n have_v change_v the_o missal_n in_o that_o point_n and_o instead_o of_o pray_v for_o st._n leo_n one_o of_o their_o pope_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o their_o ancient_a missal_n in_o this_o form_n grant_v o_o lord_n that_o this_o oblation_n may_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o thy_o servant_n leo_n the_o collect_n be_v now_o change_v in_o the_o present_a roman_a missal_n into_o this_o form_n grant_v o_o lord_n that_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o bless_a leo_n this_o offer_v may_v be_v profitable_a to_o we_o and_o as_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o canon_n law_n observe_v this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o their_o missal_n upon_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o ancient_o they_o pray_v for_o leo_n but_o now_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o which_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n be_v plain_o change_v from_o what_o they_o ancient_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n what_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n all_o the_o world_n see_v and_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o ashamed_a of_o they_o that_o of_o late_a all_o their_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o represent_v they_o otherwise_o than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o new_a popery_n which_o they_o think_v themselves_o better_a able_a to_o defend_v than_o the_o old_a which_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o well_o able_a to_o do_v and_o therefore_o now_o instead_o of_o defend_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n they_o will_v fain_o mince_v and_o disguise_v they_o and_o change_v they_o into_o something_o that_o come_v near_a to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o those_o point_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o defend_v their_o own_o doctrine_n but_o by_o seem_v to_o desert_n they_o and_o by_o bring_v they_o as_o near_o to_o we_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v but_o take_v they_o as_o they_o have_v mollify_v they_o and_o pare_v they_o to_o render_v they_o more_o plausible_a and_o tenable_a that_o which_o still_o remain_v of_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v plain_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n as_o for_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o and_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o several_a of_o the_o next_o follow_v age_n as_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v from_o a_o few_o very_a plain_a testimony_n in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o epistle_n of_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o which_o in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o from_o that_o calumny_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o by_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o if_o they_o permit_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v the_o body_n of_o the_o martyr_a polycarp_n they_o will_v leave_v christ_n to_o worship_v polycarp_n i_o say_v in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o calumny_n they_o declare_v themselves_o thus_o not_o know_v say_v they_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o leave_v christ_n who_o suffer_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v nor_o worship_n any_o other_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a latin_a translation_n nor_o offer_v up_o the_o supplication_n of_o prayer_n to_o any_o other_o person_n for_o as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n we_o adore_v he_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o the_o martyr_n we_o love_v they_o as_o the_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o they_o plain_o exclude_v the_o saint_n from_o any_o sort_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o which_o prayer_n or_o invocation_n be_v always_o esteem_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n ireneus_fw-la likewise_o tell_v we_o l._n 2._o that_o the_o church_n do_v nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o invocatin_n of_o angel_n nor_o by_o enchantment_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o wicked_a art_n but_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o all_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o by_o the_o same_o or_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v exclude_v and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n deliver_v it_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n that_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o good_a god_n therefore_o both_o we_o and_o the_o angel_n pray_v to_o he_o both_o for_o the_o give_v and_o the_o continuance_n of_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o age_n origen_n be_v so_o full_a and_o express_v
his_o will_n which_o he_o deny_v to_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n who_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v but_o can_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o hear_v but_o can_v not_o hear_v they_o there_o be_v good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n under_o those_o imperfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o they_o but_o we_o have_v far_o great_a advantage_n and_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o be_v good_a than_o ever_o they_o have_v and_o as_o we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v these_o bless_a advantage_n so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o improve_v they_o and_o now_o how_o do_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o condemn_v all_o impenitent_a sinner_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o persuade_v to_o goodness_n by_o all_o that_o god_n can_v do_v by_o the_o most_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o most_o perfect_a precept_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n by_o the_o most_o encourage_v promise_n to_o obedience_n and_o by_o the_o most_o severe_a threaten_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unutterable_a ruin_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n by_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n by_o the_o wonderful_a and_o amaze_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n by_o his_o merciful_a undertake_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a and_o sinful_a man_n by_o his_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o kind_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o by_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n what_o can_v god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o we_o than_o he_o have_v do_v what_o great_a concernment_n can_v he_o show_v for_o our_o salvation_n than_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n to_o seek_v and_o save_v we_o and_o what_o great_a demonstration_n can_v he_o give_v of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o than_o to_o give_v the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n to_o die_v for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o last_o effort_n that_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n will_v make_v upon_o mankind_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n chap._n 1.1_o that_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o he_o will_v speak_v no_o more_o after_o this_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v any_o far_a attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n he_o can_v send_v no_o great_a and_o dear_a person_n to_o we_o than_o his_o own_o son_n if_o we_o despise_v he_o who_o will_v we_o reverence_n if_o we_o reject_v he_o and_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o he_o bring_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o if_o we_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o it_o in_o our_o life_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o our_o condemnation_n shall_v be_v far_o heavy_a than_o they_o for_o since_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n especial_o against_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v against_o those_o who_o entertain_v the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v its_o proper_a effect_n and_o influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o make_v that_o a_o prisoner_n which_o will_v make_v they_o free_a so_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v we_o free_a but_o if_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v still_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n our_o condemnation_n be_v much_o worse_o than_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v never_o come_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v do_v nothing_o if_o it_o do_v not_o take_v man_n off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o live_v well_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o we_o be_v celebrate_v the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o find_v guilty_a of_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n because_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o the_o appearance_n whereof_o we_o do_v at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v for_o that_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o we_o can_v gratify_v the_o devil_n more_o than_o by_o show_v ourselves_o more_o diligent_a than_o ordinary_a to_o uphold_v his_o work_n at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v on_o purpose_n to_o dissolve_v they_o we_o can_v possible_o choose_v a_o worse_a a_o more_o improper_a season_n to_o sin_n in_o than_o when_o we_o be_v celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o sick_a man_n for_o joy_n that_o a_o famous_a physician_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n shall_v run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n and_o so_o do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o inflame_v his_o disease_n and_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a not_o but_o that_o our_o inward_a joy_n may_v lawful_o be_v accompany_v with_o all_o outward_a innocent_a expression_n of_o it_o but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o thankful_a if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o at_o this_o time_n in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o just_a and_o sad_a complaint_n be_v of_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n that_o such_o irregular_a and_o extravagant_a thing_n be_v at_o this_o time_n common_o cone_n by_o many_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o do_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v honour_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n birth_n as_o if_o because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v at_o this_o time_n make_v man_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o make_v themselves_o beast_n if_o we_o will_v honour_v he_o indeed_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o joy_n do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o express_v it_o by_o lewdness_n and_o luxury_n by_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n by_o prodigal_a game_n and_o profuse_a waste_n of_o our_o estate_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v as_o if_o we_o intend_v literal_o to_o requite_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n and_o become_v poor_a for_o his_o sake_n for_o which_o he_o will_v never_o thank_v nor_o reward_v we_o this_o be_v not_o to_o commemorate_v the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n but_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o open_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v uphold_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o destroy_v they_o it_o be_v for_o all_o the_o world_n like_o that_o lewd_a and_o senseless_a piece_n of_o loyalty_n too_o much_o in_o fashion_n some_o year_n ago_o of_o be_v drink_v for_o the_o king_n good_a god_n that_o ever_o it_o shall_v pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n to_o run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n for_o twelve_o day_n together_o in_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n can_v easy_o be_v imagine_v than_o to_o abuse_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n into_o a_o opportunity_n of_o commit_v it_o this_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o a_o patron_n of_o sin_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o treat_v he_o more_o contumelious_o than_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o he_o and_o mock_v he_o and_o call_v
he_o remain_v faithful_a who_o have_v threaten_v and_o can_v deny_v himself_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a terror_n and_o serious_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o by_o those_o who_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n either_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o temporal_a suffering_n what_o worldly_a advantage_n can_v we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o by_o quit_v our_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v think_v a_o equal_a price_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o eternity_n suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v offer_v we_o in_o consideration_n yet_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n matt._n 16.26_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o fear_n of_o temporal_a suffer_v be_v such_o a_o terror_n to_o man_n as_o to_o shake_v their_o constancy_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v it_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a torment_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o powerful_a to_o keep_v they_o steadfast_a to_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o if_o fear_n will_v move_v we_o then_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o which_o be_v most_o terrible_a aught_o to_o prevail_v most_o with_o we_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n shall_v be_v most_o dread_a by_o we_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n most_o friendly_a and_o reasonable_a advice_n luke_n 12.4_o 5._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o my_o friend_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o to_o be_v dread_v there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o case_n of_o such_o a_o temptation_n i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o application_n first_o if_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o but_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o inference_n the_o apostle_n make_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v fix_v man_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o serious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v then_o give_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a powerful_a influence_n upon_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n exhort_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n god_n will_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n if_o under_o the_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n good_a man_n show_v so_o much_o courage_n and_o constancy_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o we_o read_v in_o that_o long_a catalogue_n of_o hero_n heb._n 11._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v christian_n who_o faith_n be_v support_v much_o more_o strong_o than_o they_o be_v by_o a_o much_o clear_a evidence_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n than_o they_o have_v by_o more_o express_a promise_n of_o divine_a comfort_n and_o assistance_n under_o suffering_n than_o be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o by_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o encourage_v example_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n that_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v in_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v this_o glorious_a example_n of_o suffer_v and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o how_o can_v we_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o saint_n and_o apostle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v such_o great_a thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o faith_n which_o rely_v chief_o upon_o the_o attribute_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v who_o have_v the_o security_n of_o god_n express_a promise_n for_o our_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n we_o certain_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n more_o cheerful_o and_o to_o bear_v it_o more_o patient_o than_o they_o do_v second_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v prepare_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o call_v we_o to_o it_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o a_o qualification_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o so_o that_o we_o be_v to_o reckon_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o that_o if_o it_o come_v we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o we_o and_o may_v not_o be_v unresolved_a what_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o god_n know_v when_o we_o may_v be_v call_v to_o it_o however_o it_o be_v wise_a to_o forecast_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o preparation_n and_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v that_o if_o it_o come_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v out_o in_o a_o evil_a day_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o come_v god_n will_v accept_v the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o reward_v it_o according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o he_o that_o know_v what_o we_o will_v have_v do_v will_v consider_v it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v do_v it_o three_o the_o less_o we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o god_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v for_o he_o the_o less_o god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o patience_n we_o shall_v abound_v so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o the_o active_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o cheerful_a and_o we_o more_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o our_o blood_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v it_o by_o our_o life_n four_o and_o last_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n will_v bear_v man_n up_o under_o the_o extremity_n of_o suffer_v and_o torment_n and_o give_v man_n courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o all_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v much_o more_o to_o make_v we_o victorious_a over_o the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o it_o for_o certain_o it_o be_v in_o reason_n much_o easy_a to_o forego_v pleasure_n than_o to_o endure_v pain_n to_o refuse_v or_o lay_v down_o a_o good_a place_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o his_o religion_n when_o he_o will_v not_o rule_v a_o appetite_n nor_o restrain_v a_o lust_n nor_o subdue_v a_o passion_n nor_o cross_v his_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o and_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v he_o that_o refuse_v to_o do_v the_o less_o be_v not_o like_a to_o do_v the_o great_a it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o a_o man_n will_v die_v
we_o may_v sit_v down_o every_o man_n under_o his_o own_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o own_o figtree_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o make_v we_o afraid_a so_o that_o if_o security_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n then_o government_n be_v so_o too_o for_o without_o this_o the_o society_n of_o man_n will_v present_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o thing_n will_v run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n 2._o another_o great_a benefit_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o government_n though_o it_o do_v always_o so_o happen_v be_v that_o man_n be_v protect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o free_a exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o men._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n find_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o the_o edge_n and_o authority_n of_o law_n may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v turn_v upon_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o but_o even_o then_o though_o good_a man_n may_v receive_v great_a harm_n and_o injury_n from_o persecute_v prince_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v from_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o than_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o good_a man_n have_v some_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n preserve_v from_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o multitude_n so_o that_o though_o particular_a person_n undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o cruel_a suffering_n yet_o much_o great_a number_n do_v escape_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n against_o several_a of_o the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o never_o be_v any_o humane_a law_n make_v as_o against_o the_o inward_a love_n honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o worship_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o secret_a of_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n humane_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n nay_o far_a yet_o against_o humility_n and_o meekness_n against_o modesty_n and_o patience_n against_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n against_o peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n against_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n against_o charity_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n against_o these_o and_o such_o like_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o law_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o without_o some_o of_o which_o government_n can_v not_o possible_o subsist_v no_o perfection_n be_v ever_o raise_v no_o not_o by_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n good_a man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n protect_v by_o law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o good_a man_n have_v many_o time_n be_v grievous_o perfect_v by_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o their_o protection_n they_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n st._n paul_n know_v very_o well_o when_o he_o give_v this_o injunction_n to_o they_o that_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n favour_n christianity_n but_o he_o know_v likewise_o that_o government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n do_v enjoy_v many_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perpetual_o expose_v to_o popular_a rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n which_o will_v not_o only_o have_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v endanger_v the_o extinguish_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o government_n the_o christian_n have_v many_o considerable_a interval_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n which_o give_v christianity_n a_o breathe_a time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o recover_v itself_o and_o though_o the_o secular_a authority_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n discountenance_n christianity_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o hatch_n that_o be_v but_o a_o accidental_a effect_n and_o abuse_v of_o government_n and_o obedience_n be_v still_o due_a and_o prayer_n for_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a yea_o and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o it_o very_o reasonable_a upon_o account_n of_o the_o common_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o to_o humane_a society_n beside_o that_o christian_n do_v hope_n and_o believe_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n may_v in_o time_n be_v gain_v to_o give_v its_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o christianity_n and_o that_o king_n and_o prince_n may_v become_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o in_o god_n due_a time_n be_v remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n christian_n be_v patient_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v in_o expectation_n of_o those_o glorious_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o power_n that_o persecute_v they_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o may_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o protection_n of_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o for_o the_o continuance_n and_o support_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v afterward_o the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a age_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mighty_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o government_n lay_v upon_o we_o both_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o likewise_o to_o praise_v god_n for_o they_o because_o in_o their_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o public_a peace_n and_o happiness_n do_v chief_o consist_v and_o in_o the_o public_a good_a consist_v the_o good_a of_o particular_a person_n and_o above_o all_o the_o piety_n and_o goodness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v in_o high_a place_n of_o authority_n have_v a_o general_a good_a influence_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o discountenance_v of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n a_o king_n sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 20.8_o scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n the_o pattern_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o good_a prince_n be_v a_o live_a law_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o more_o than_o the_o example_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o to_o mould_n and_o fashion_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v as_o one_o express_v a_o kind_a of_o moral_a connexion_n and_o communication_n of_o evil_a and_o of_o gild_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n so_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n mutual_o reward_v for_o the_o virtue_n and_o good_a action_n and_o punish_v for_o the_o sin_n and_o fault_n of_o one_o another_o of_o which_o proceed_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n where_o god_n reward_v the_o piety_n of_o good_a prince_n with_o great_a blessing_n upon_o their_o people_n and_o punish_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o their_o king_n with_o public_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o prince_n and_o governor_n because_o our_o welfare_n be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o we_o suffer_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o but_o many_o time_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n quicquid_fw-la delirant_fw-la reges_fw-la plectuntur_fw-la achivi_fw-la the_o extravagance_n of_o prince_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o subject_n thus_o david_n