very_o grievous_a to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o i_o mean_v to_o worship_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o great_a disparagement_n of_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o the_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n with_o god_n for_o we_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n but_o have_v express_o command_v the_o contrary_a to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o to_o serve_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o alone_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o romer_n the_o 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christianity_n be_v strange_o abate_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o be_v retire_v to_o the_o father_n but_o truth_n never_o grow_v old_a and_o those_o law_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o as_o reasonable_a and_o apt_a to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o ever_o god_n be_v the_o same_o he_o be_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v still_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n intercede_v powerful_o for_o sinner_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o as_o true_a and_o powerful_a as_o ever_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n like_o ourselves_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n that_o we_o be_v and_o compass_v about_o with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n so_o that_o although_o that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o god_n endow_v they_o withal_o for_o the_o first_o plant_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v now_o cease_v yet_o the_o sanctify_a power_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n do_v still_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o work_v the_o same_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a and_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v follow_v their_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o it_o even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o from_o a_o idle_a admire_v of_o those_o excellent_a pattern_n proceed_v to_o a_o vigorous_a imitation_n of_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v even_o that_o matter_n and_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o ourselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o tertullian_n admonetur_fw-la omnis_fw-la aet_fw-la as_o fieri_fw-la posse_fw-la quod_fw-la aliquando_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v he_o convince_v that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v there_o have_v be_v such_o holy_a and_o excellent_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v such_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n since_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_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 now_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n sermon_n ix_o the_o encouragement_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o deny_v he_o preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o 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 if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n st._n paul_n encourage_v timothy_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o verse_n 1_o thou_o therefore_o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o verse_n 3_o thou_o therefore_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o animate_v he_o in_o his_o resolution_n he_o quote_v a_o say_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v well_o know_v and_o firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n a_o say_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n full_a of_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n full_a of_o terror_n to_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v deny_v it_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n this_o be_v a_o preface_n use_v by_o this_o apostle_n to_o introduce_v some_o remarkable_a sentence_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n and_o concernment_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o chap._n 4.8_o 9_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n titus_n 3.8_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o ix_o serm._n ix_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o same_o preface_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o say_n he_o be_v about_o to_o mention_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o 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 if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o the_o first_o two_o sentence_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o suffer_v with_o christ_n and_o for_o he_o and_o
that_o i_o be_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n you_o shall_v put_v up_o all_o your_o prayer_n and_o request_n to_o god_n in_o my_o name_n and_o i_o say_v not_o unto_o you_o that_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o that_o be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o though_o i_o shall_v certain_o do_v it_o that_o i_o will_v intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o he_o of_o himself_o be_v kind_o dispose_v and_o affect_v towards_o you_o for_o my_o sake_n the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o because_o you_o have_v love_v we_o st._n paul_n likewise_o command_v christian_n to_o perform_v all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n col._n 3.16_o 17._o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o this_o precept_n of_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o it_o be_v give_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o to_o that_o superstition_n which_o have_v begin_v so_o early_o to_o prevail_v among_o some_o christian_n at_o calosse_n and_o laodicea_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o angel_n against_o which_o he_o have_v caution_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n ver._n 18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n beguile_v you_o of_o your_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n intimate_v that_o for_o christian_n to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o be_v a_o defection_n from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n theodoret_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o this_o place_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o who_o maintain_v a_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n assert_v also_o that_o angel_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o they_o and_o this_o custom_n he_o tell_v we_o remain_v a_o long_a time_n in_o phrygia_n and_o pisidia_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n in_o phrygia_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n forbid_v christian_n by_o a_o law_n to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o those_o word_n chap._n 3._o ver._n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o for_o because_o say_v he_o they_o mean_v those_o of_o who_o st._n paul_n warn_v the_o colossian_n to_o beware_v because_o they_o do_v command_v man_n to_o worship_n angel_n he_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a that_o they_o shall_v adorn_v both_o their_o word_n and_o action_n with_o the_o memory_n or_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o send_v you_o up_o say_v he_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o not_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o then_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n which_o say_v he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o cure_v that_o old_a disease_n make_v it_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v pray_v unto_o angel_n nor_o forsake_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o some_o relic_n of_o that_o impious_a custom_n of_o pray_v to_o angel_n which_o theodoret_n here_o call_v that_o old_a disease_n have_v continue_v from_o st._n paul_n time_n to_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o severe_a canon_n then_o make_v about_o that_o matter_n the_o very_a word_n whereof_o i_o will_v set_v down_o because_o they_o be_v remarkable_a viz._n that_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o go_v away_o from_o it_o and_o to_o invocate_v angel_n and_o to_o make_v conventicle_n all_o which_o be_v forbid_v if_o any_o therefore_o be_v find_v give_v himself_o to_o this_o secret_a idolatry_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n because_o he_o have_v forsake_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v go_v over_o to_o idolatry_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o secret_o and_o in_o their_o private_a devotion_n but_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a office_n of_o their_o church_n invocate_v angel_n and_o pray_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v pray_v to_o angel_n or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o which_o st_n paul_n here_o reprove_v so_o severe_o in_o the_o colossian_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o frequent_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a way_n to_o god_n and_o by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v all_o our_o request_n to_o god_n john_n 14.6_o jesus_n there_o say_v unto_o thomas_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n to_o the_o father_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n heb._n 10.19_o 20._o have_v therefore_o boldnenss_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holieft_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o that_o be_v we_o can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n or_o by_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o by_o he_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o eph._n 2.18_o for_o through_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n we_o both_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n we_o both_o that_o be_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n have_v access_n to_o god_n by_o their_o high_a priest_n who_o intercee_v with_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n the_o gentile_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o innumerable_a mediator_n by_o angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o depart_a hero_n which_o be_v the_o pagan_a saint_n instead_o of_o all_o these_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o all_o mankind_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n reason_n chap._n 7.24_o 25._o but_o this_o person_n speak_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o continue_v for_o ever_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o priesthood_n which_o do_v not_o pass_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o priesthood_n under_o the_o law_n do_v when_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o high_a priest_n another_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n but_o our_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n since_o he_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n and_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o and_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v any_o other_o so_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o since_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o second_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o one_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o st._n john_n call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o
show_v how_o contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n concern_v one_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_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 namely_o in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o fly_v to_o their_o help_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n as_o likewise_o how_o contrary_a all_o this_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pratice_fw-la of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v have_v answer_v their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o excuse_n for_o these_o thing_n and_o show_v that_o this_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o needless_a be_v no_o where_n command_v by_o god_n but_o useless_a also_o and_o unprofitable_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o very_o dangerous_a and_o impious_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o high_o derogate_a from_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n but_o of_o this_o another_o time_n sermon_n iii_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o in_o these_o word_n be_v four_o proposition_n three_o express_v and_o the_o four_o imply_v i._o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n iii_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o ii_o vol._n ii_o iv_o that_o the_o mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v found_v in_o his_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o because_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o 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can_v be_v no_o other_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n iii_o serm._n iii_o but_o he_o who_o have_v make_v expiation_n for_o sin_n by_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v to_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o jesus_n christ_n only_o have_v do_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n namely_o to_o show_v how_o contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n concern_v one_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n namely_o in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o fly_v to_o their_o help_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v more_o distinct_o in_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v handle_v it_o under_o these_o 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and_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n concern_v one_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o namely_o in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o fly_v to_o their_o help_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o who_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n in_o any_o action_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o that_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o service_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n only_o by_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o mediation_n and_o no_o other_o i_o have_v plain_o show_v from_o scripture_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o invincible_a argument_n take_v likewise_o from_o scripture_n namely_o because_o the_o efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n because_o he_o only_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o he_o be_v therefore_o our_o only_a advocate_n with_o the_o father_n because_o he_o only_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o have_v show_v likewise_o that_o the_o scripture_n exclude_v angel_n from_o be_v our_o mediator_n with_o god_n from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o saint_n depart_v exclude_v from_o this_o office_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n not_o only_o in_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o being_n but_o very_o probable_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o short_a prayer_n be_v a_o proper_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o no_o where_o in_o scripture_n be_v we_o direct_v to_o address_v our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o and_o only_o in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o put_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n luke_n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o plain_o show_v to_o who_o all_o our_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v address_v and_o unless_o we_o can_v call_v a_o angel_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o a_o saint_n our_o father_n we_o can_v pray_v to_o none_o of_o they_o and_o elsewhere_o he_o as_o plain_o direct_v we_o by_o who_o 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we_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v have_v so_o eminent_a a_o confirmation_n give_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n and_o do_v at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o so_o strange_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n against_o all_o humane_a probability_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n can_v well_o suppose_v a_o religion_n in_o circumstance_n of_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o upon_o all_o humane_a account_n more_o unlikely_a to_o sustain_v and_o bear_v up_o itself_o than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o its_o beginning_n so_o small_a that_o no_o man_n but_o will_v have_v think_v it_o will_v present_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o strange_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o 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be_v superfluous_a now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v propagate_v and_o advance_v by_o its_o own_o rational_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v reconcile_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o now_o that_o it_o stand_v upon_o equal_a advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o more_o humane_a and_o ordinary_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o level_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n that_o miracle_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o father_n who_o live_v a_o age_n or_o two_o after_o the_o cease_n of_o they_o particular_o by_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o give_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o i_o have_v just_a now_o assign_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v still_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o their_o church_n and_o according_a to_o bellarmine_n must_v always_o continue_v because_o he_o make_v it_o a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o we_o pretend_v to_o no_o such_o power_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v because_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v great_a occasion_n and_o need_n of_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o new_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v reason_n they_o usual_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o new_a doctrine_n some_o to_o confirm_v purgatory_n and_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o indulgence_n other_o to_o encourage_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n other_o to_o confirm_v that_o which_o all_o the_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o confirm_v i_o mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o because_o it_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o peculiar_o incapable_a of_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o miracle_n iii_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v do_v just_o upbraid_v we_o that_o this_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o powerful_a at_o first_o and_o have_v such_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o come_v down_o to_o we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n shall_v yet_o have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o most_o of_o we_o who_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n we_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v less_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prejudice_v and_o who_o manner_n be_v deprave_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v reduce_v from_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n do_v on_o the_o sudden_a become_v better_a man_n and_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a in_o their_o life_n than_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o who_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o train_v up_o all_o our_o life_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o heathen_n because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o in_o it_o but_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v as_o powerful_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v we_o also_o be_v christian_n not_o only_o by_o custom_n but_o by_o choice_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o to_o obey_v and_o practise_v it_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o religion_n but_o only_o counterfeit_v the_o choice_n of_o it_o we_o have_v beyond_o comparison_n the_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o religion_n that_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o contain_v the_o best_a precept_n and_o give_v man_n the_o great_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o now_o the_o better_a our_o religion_n be_v the_o worse_a be_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v good_a by_o it_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a make_v some_o virtuous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a saint_n under_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a institution_n what_o degree_n then_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v so_o bright_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._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 let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n sermon_n vi_o the_o nature_n office_n and_o employment_n of_o good_a angel_n preach_v on_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n heb._n 1.14_o be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o good_a angel_n who_o existence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o take_v for_o grant_v no_o less_o than_o they_o do_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o well_o they_o may_v since_o they_o be_v all_o found_v upon_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n ii_o vol._n ii_o derive_v down_o to_o
for_o his_o religion_n when_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n concern_v martyrdom_n for_o what_o profession_n soever_o man_n make_v he_o that_o will_v not_o deny_v himself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n will_v never_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o that_o can_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v a_o saint_n have_v a_o demonstration_n within_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v never_o like_a to_o die_v a_o martyr_n sermon_n x._o the_o blessedness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n rev._n fourteen_o 13._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o nice_a dispute_n about_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o though_o both_o these_o be_v sometime_o controvert_v because_o it_o be_v now_o many_o age_n since_o this_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o write_v by_o st._n john_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o this_o time_n inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o the_o several_a vision_n and_o prediction_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v confess_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o a_o very_a obscure_a book_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o than_o that_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n have_v give_v such_o different_a interpretation_n of_o several_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o it_o as_o particular_o concern_v the_o slay_v of_o the_o two_o witness_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o particular_a expression_n in_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_a sense_n and_o intendment_n of_o they_o they_o be_v very_o plain_a be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o more_o notice_n of_o they_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemn_a preparation_n and_o address_n x._o serm._n x._o as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o bespeak_v our_o attention_n to_o they_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o they_o the_o special_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v add_v to_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n declare_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o so_o happy_a a_o condition_n yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o second_o prosecute_v the_o general_a intendment_n of_o they_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v of_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n first_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o nothing_o will_v conduce_v more_o than_o to_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v brief_o this_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v represent_v to_o st._n john_n the_o great_a strait_n that_o the_o christian_n the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o death_n or_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v they_o be_v interdict_v all_o commerce_n with_o humane_a society_n chap._n 13.15_o and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o cause_n that_o as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v kill_v and_o verse_n 17._o that_o no_o man_n may_v buy_v or_o sell_v save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o that_o do_v worship_n the_o beast_n be_v threaten_v with_o damnation_n chap._n 14.9_o 10._o if_o any_o man_n do_v worship_v the_o beast_n the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n so_o that_o whenever_o this_o shall_v happen_v it_o will_v be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a trial_n to_o the_o sincere_a christian_n be_v threaten_v with_o extreme_a persecution_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n on_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o 12_o verse_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o st._n john_n vision_n as_o the_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o which_o shall_v precede_v the_o final_a downfall_n of_o babylon_n and_o when_o this_o shall_v happen_v than_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n will_v be_v try_v to_o purpose_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o constant_a to_o his_o truth_n and_o upon_o this_o immediate_o follow_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o text_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o which_o interpreter_n do_v various_o refer_v to_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text._n some_o by_o change_v the_o accent_n and_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v change_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n into_o omninò_fw-la omninò_fw-la beati_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o be_v altogether_o bless_v very_o happy_a who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o the_o countenance_n and_o warrant_n of_o any_o ancient_a copy_n we_o will_v then_o suppose_v that_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o be_v render_v as_o we_o translate_v it_o from_o henceforth_o from_o this_o time_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o what_o part_n of_o the_o text_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v it_o some_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n bless_v bless_v from_o henceforth_o be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o from_o this_o time_n and_o not_o before_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v immediate_o after_o death_n admit_v into_o heaven_n which_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n thought_n the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n who_o die_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o but_o then_o this_o blessedness_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v date_v not_o from_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n vision_n but_o of_o christ_n ascension_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o the_o hymn_n call_v te_fw-la deum_fw-la when_o thou_o have_v overcome_v the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n thou_o do_v open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o believer_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n blessed_n be_v the_o dead_a that_o from_o henceforth_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o have_v no_o peculiar_a emphasis_n in_o it_o because_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o time_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n follow_v concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o from_o henceforth_o say_v the_o spirit_n all_o these_o variety_n agree_v in_o this_o sense_n in_o general_a that_o some_o special_a blessedness_n be_v promise_v and_o declare_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v die_v after_o that_o time_n but_o what_o that_o be_v in_o particular_a be_v not_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o but_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a interpretation_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a sentence_n thus_o from_o henceforth_o bless_v be_v the_o