before_o few_o be_v so_o impartial_a as_o to_o quit_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v once_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o and_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o because_o this_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o their_o zeal_n which_o few_o have_v the_o ingenuity_n to_o own_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o plain_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n meet_v with_o so_o much_o resistance_n from_o those_o who_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o make_v head_n against_o it_o and_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v we_o of_o their_o infidelity_n john_n 5.44_o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o come_v of_o god_n only_o and_o chap._n 12.43_o for_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o beside_o the_o point_n of_o reputation_n those_o that_o be_v rich_a be_v concern_v in_o point_n of_o interest_n to_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o unpleasant_a doctrine_n to_o rich_a man_n who_o have_v great_a estate_n and_o have_v set_v their_o heart_n upon_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v it_o so_o hard_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o difficult_a and_o human_o impossible_a i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o the_o poor_a be_v free_a from_o these_o encumbrance_n and_o temptation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o lose_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o they_o because_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v their_o interest_n as_o it_o do_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o who_o have_v great_a estate_n and_o possession_n second_o another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o enjoy_v little_a of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v good_a news_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o present_a misery_n and_o suffer_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o hereafter_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o listen_v to_o the_o good_a news_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o have_v pronounce_v the_o poor_a bless_a luke_n 6.20_o he_o add_v by_o way_n of_o opposition_n v._o 24._o but_o woe_n unto_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a for_o you_o have_v receive_v your_o consolation_n they_o be_v in_o so_o comfortable_a a_o condition_n at_o present_a that_o they_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o hereafter_o whereas_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o poor_a man_n have_v be_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a condition_n non_fw-la si_fw-la male_a nunc_fw-la &_o olim_fw-la sic_fw-la erit_fw-la that_o if_o it_o be_v bad_a now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o always_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o promise_v and_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n be_v very_o welcome_a to_o they_o three_o if_o by_o the_o poor_a we_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o such_o likewise_o as_o have_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n suitable_a to_o the_o poverty_n of_o their_o outward_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v meekness_n and_o humility_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o spirit_n be_v a_o great_a disposition_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o poverty_n be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n i_o cite_v before_o isa_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a and_o to_o bind_v up_o the_o brokenhearted_a and_o likewise_o from_o our_o saviour_n description_n of_o these_o person_n in_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n matth._n 5.3_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o by_o the_o poor_a who_o be_v so_o near_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n intend_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a thing_n be_v likewise_o meek_a and_o humble_a in_o their_o spirit_n now_o meekness_n and_o humility_n be_v great_a disposition_n to_o the_o entertain_v of_o truth_n these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n do_v prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o learning_n and_o instruction_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n he_o that_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o learn_v of_o other_o he_o who_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o pride_n or_o passion_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o to_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o proud_a and_o the_o passionate_a passion_n and_o pride_n be_v great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n passion_n do_v not_o only_o darken_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o put_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o our_o judgement_n which_o draw_v they_o off_o many_o time_n from_o truth_n and_o sway_v they_o that_o way_n which_o our_o passion_n incline_v they_o a_o man_n of_o a_o calm_a and_o meek_a temper_n stand_v always_o indifferent_a for_o the_o receive_n of_o truth_n and_o hold_v the_o balance_n of_o his_o judgement_n even_o but_o passion_n sway_v and_o incline_v it_o one_o way_n and_o that_o common_o against_o truth_n and_o reason_n so_o likewise_o pride_n be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o very_o worst_a quality_n that_o a_o learner_n can_v have_v it_o obstruct_v all_o the_o passage_n whereby_o knowledge_n shall_v enter_v into_o we_o it_o make_v man_n refuse_v instruction_n out_o of_o a_o conceit_n they_o need_v it_o not_o many_o man_n may_v have_v know_v more_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o vain_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v entertain_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o knowledge_n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n but_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n for_o god_n love_v to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n upon_o meek_a and_o humble_a mind_n so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o psal_n 25.9_o the_o meek_n will_v be_v guide_n in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n and_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o poor_a be_v more_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_v the_o gospel_n than_o other_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n namely_o what_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n be_v which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n have_v at_o this_o day_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n they_o both_o take_v exception_n at_o he_o especial_o at_o his_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exception_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o as_o i_o find_v they_o disperse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o the_o exception_n which_o they_o take_v against_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o extraction_n and_o original_a second_o at_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n contrary_a to_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
think_v fit_a to_o gratify_v the_o perverse_a curiosity_n of_o man_n by_o afford_v to_o every_o man_n a_o particular_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o stand_a revelation_n which_o at_o first_o have_v the_o great_a and_o most_o miraculous_a confirmation_n and_o he_o have_v still_o leave_v we_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v at_o first_o give_v to_o it_o and_o we_o tempt_v god_n by_o demand_v extraordinary_a sign_n when_o we_o may_v receive_v so_o abundant_a satisfaction_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n this_o be_v admit_v i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v very_o improbable_a that_o those_o who_o reject_v this_o public_a revelation_n from_o god_n shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v though_o one_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o 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reason_n to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n the_o effect_n will_v probable_o be_v this_o a_o man_n that_o be_v strong_o addict_v to_o his_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o leave_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a when_o the_o fright_v be_v over_o to_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o all_o this_o be_v mere_o the_o work_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o such_o thing_n do_v not_o happen_v to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o 2._o we_o have_v as_o great_a or_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o warning_n or_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n as_o the_o discourse_n of_o one_o that_o shall_v come_v to_o we_o from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n against_o such_o sin_n as_o natural_a light_n convince_v man_n of_o have_v the_o natural_a gild_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n on_o their_o side_n the_o particular_a testimony_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o thing_n 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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 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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 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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
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 fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n do_v depend_v here_o be_v great_a and_o more_o advantageous_a evidence_n of_o history_n than_o for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o equal_a antiquity_n whatsoever_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n that_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o particular_o of_o celsus_n and_o porphyry_n and_o julian_n who_o be_v the_o particular_a and_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o they_o whatever_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o they_o or_o whatever_o 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 glorious_a immortality_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o a_o future_a state_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a evidence_n for_o it_o that_o can_v be_v wish_v or_o expect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o man_n have_v for_o those_o adventure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n which_o they_o frequent_o make_v in_o this_o world_n and_o think_v themselves_o reasonable_a in_o so_o do_v 2._o the_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o they_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v against_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o restraint_n what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o 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
in_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n comparable_a to_o the_o christian_a legion_n for_o resolution_n and_o courage_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v judges_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o fierceness_n and_o desperateness_n of_o resolution_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o general_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o equality_n for_o number_n the_o christian_n have_v be_v superior_a to_o they_o in_o valour_n and_o have_v give_v great_a instance_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v do_v so_o that_o i_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n this_o objection_n have_v be_v take_v up_o against_o christianity_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o religion_n or_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a countenance_n to_o it_o and_o sure_o the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v what_o effect_v any_o religion_n be_v likely_a to_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o effect_n it_o have_v have_v in_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n there_o remain_v the_o other_o two_o objection_n which_o i_o mention_v but_o i_o must_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n iii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o jesus_n and_o his_o religion_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o from_z these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n at_o first_o have_v and_o many_o still_o have_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n 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 v._n vol._n v._n i_o have_v consider_v those_o objection_n which_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o ii_o those_o which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v insist_v upon_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o i_o mention_v seven_o the_o two_o last_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v to_o six_o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v many_o division_n and_o faction_n among_o christian_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o our_o religion_n but_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o it_o and_o 1._o to_o lessen_v and_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v about_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o bring_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n which_o all_o agree_v in_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v very_o undecent_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o ser._n 3._o which_o above_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v strict_o require_v love_n and_o unity_n they_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n destroy_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 2._o how_o many_o and_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v with_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o give_v any_o cause_n and_o encouragement_n to_o they_o however_o by_o accident_n it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o for_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o bad_a man_n and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o innocent_a of_o all_o that_o mischief_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o so_o far_o as_o christian_n be_v factious_a and_o unpeaceable_a so_o far_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o except_o against_o philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o question_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o except_o against_o law_n and_o government_n because_o notwithstanding_o they_o there_o be_v frequent_a sedition_n and_o rebellion_n infinite_a suit_n and_o controversy_n occasion_v even_o by_o the_o very_a law_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n against_o law_n and_o government_n 3._o the_o division_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v christianity_n more_o hearty_o and_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a animosity_n which_o be_v among_o they_o will_v present_o cease_v if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_o entertain_v and_o man_n do_v serious_o mind_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o its_o law_n difference_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o commence_v nor_o so_o vehement_o prosecute_v nor_o so_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o as_o they_o be_v man_n will_v not_o upon_o every_o slight_a reason_n and_o little_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o piece_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v their_o christianity_n if_o man_n serious_o consider_v and_o true_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o little_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n they_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o think_v themselves_o christian_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o these_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a practice_n if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v or_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o act_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o objection_n the_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v a_o heavy_a objection_n indeed_o and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o though_o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o fill_v all_o our_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o blush_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n not_o so_o strong_a against_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o christian_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v and_o save_v man_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n however_o they_o may_v detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o attend_v to_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n have_v have_v once_o very_o great_a and_o marvellous_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o
wrought_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o have_v clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n from_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v concern_v the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o plant_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o hearty_a unity_n und_fw-ge affection_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v man_n bring_v in_o their_o private_a estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o common_a support_n of_o their_o brethren_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o city_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o account_n which_o strabo_n give_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o luxurious_a place_n as_o most_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v by_o st._n paul_n what_o a_o strange_a reformation_n the_o christian_a religion_n make_v in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o they_o 1_o cor_fw-la 6.9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o such_o a_o profligate_v course_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o crime_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n from_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n tertullian_n tell_v the_o roman_a governor_n that_o their_o prison_n be_v full_a of_o malefactor_n commit_v for_o several_a crime_n but_o they_o be_v all_o heathen_n de_fw-fr vestris_fw-la semper_fw-la aestuat_fw-la carcer_fw-la their_o prison_n be_v throng_v with_o criminal_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v commit_v there_o for_o such_o crime_n nemo_fw-la illic_fw-la christianus_n nisi_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantùm_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o their_o prison_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o malefactor_n that_o have_v be_v christian_n they_o leave_v their_o religion_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o those_o enormity_n and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v irregular_a in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v no_o long_o account_v christian_n but_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o communion_n as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n what_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n christianity_n have_v make_v in_o several_a of_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a person_n and_o what_o a_o visible_a reformation_n there_o present_o appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n after_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o these_o testimony_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v public_a appeal_n to_o our_o adversary_n which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o hate_v as_o the_o christian_n be_v will_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v notorious_o true_a even_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o i_o shall_v produce_v two_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o have_v pliny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n give_v he_o a_o account_n that_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_n set_v aside_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o way_n he_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o day_n and_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a oath_n or_o sacrament_n not_o to_o any_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o not_o to_o steal_v nor_o rob_v nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o break_v their_o faith_n nor_o detain_v the_o pledge_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o error_n be_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o the_o strict_a manner_n against_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o judge_n one_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v julian_n the_o emperor_n and_o apostate_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o the_o christian_n do_v severe_o punish_v sedition_n and_o impiety_n and_o afterward_o exhort_v the_o heathen_a priest_n to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o especial_o alm_n towards_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o mend_v this_o fault_n because_o say_v he_o the_o galilean_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o neglect_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v very_o much_o strengthen_v their_o impiety_n for_o so_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n by_o be_v very_a intent_n upon_o these_o office_n and_o exemplary_a in_o their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a whereby_o they_o gain_v many_o over_o to_o they_o and_o in_o his_o 49th_o epist_n to_o arsacius_n the_o highpriest_n of_o galatia_n he_o recommend_v to_o he_o among_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o paganism_n the_o build_n of_o hospital_n and_o great_a liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o other_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o the_o impious_a galilean_n shall_v not_o only_o maintain_v their_o own_o poor_a but_o we_o also_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o outdo_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v extort_a so_o full_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o so_o bitter_a a_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o julian_n be_v if_o he_o own_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n when_o it_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o any_o religion_n the_o force_n of_o any_o institution_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o primitive_a effect_n of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o dispirited_a by_o those_o corruption_n which_o in_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v common_o more_o vigorous_a and_o have_v great_a effect_n at_o first_o than_o afterward_o and_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v apt_a in_o time_n to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o contract_v soil_n and_o rust_n and_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v bewail_v and_o by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v resist_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o christianity_n in_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o first_o strength_n and_o vigour_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n that_o give_v christianity_n mighty_a advantage_n at_o first_o especial_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o conviction_n to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o suffer_a state_n that_o christian_n be_v general_o in_o which_o make_v those_o who_o embrace_v the_o profession_n to_o be_v general_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o it_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a heat_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v so_o much_o and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n against_o it_o do_v natural_o inflame_v their_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o one_o
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 christendom_n when_o they_o have_v run_v their_o course_n and_o finish_v their_o circle_n do_v all_o natural_o end_n and_o meet_v in_o atheism_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n to_o appear_v and_o effectual_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o that_o which_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v by_o any_o other_o mean_v and_o of_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o terrible_a and_o fearful_a intimation_n in_o that_o question_n of_o he_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v faith_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o positive_o affirm_v it_o and_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v not_o make_v it_o and_o find_v it_o true_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o god_n assistance_n give_v the_o best_a satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o most_o material_a exception_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n the_o ii_o thing_n remain_v brief_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o 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 religion_n occasion_n mistake_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o may_v lead_v man_n to_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n nay_o many_o time_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o another_o concernment_n than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o the_o writer_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o eloquence_n or_o any_o other_o human_a art_n or_o science_n if_o a_o man_n prejudice_n make_v he_o err_v in_o these_o matter_n the_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n three_o the_o consequence_n of_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la in_o these_o thing_n prove_v many_o time_n fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o they_o man_n may_v upon_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v 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 whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o four_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o among_o we_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o education_n be_v remove_v yet_o there_o be_v still_o many_o who_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n few_o man_n be_v so_o impartial_a in_o consider_v thing_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n as_o to_o keep_v the_o balance_n of_o their_o judgement_n even_o and_o to_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 that_o he_o real_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v be_v true_a and_o from_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v brief_o to_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n 1_o st_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o great_a a_o confirmation_n and_o therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o one_o article_n be_v mention_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o 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 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
of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o dly_z this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12.47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n 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 say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n 3_o dly_z the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n
and_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o afterward_o fall_v off_o from_o it_o and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o his_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o his_o beginning_n all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v will_v not_o be_v remember_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o this_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v a_o contrary_a persuasion_n without_o contradict_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n and_o sincere_a faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a where_o there_o be_v no_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o they_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n perfect_a obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o the_o least_o imperfection_n and_o without_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n so_o neither_o do_v god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v those_o divine_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o purity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n in_o all_o these_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n by_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a neglect_n of_o any_o material_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o wilful_o and_o deliberate_o guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o heinous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v former_o explain_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a in_o another_o discourse_n and_o this_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v mix_v with_o great_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o accept_v this_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o to_o reward_v it_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o after_o all_o the_o intricate_a dispute_n and_o infinite_a controversy_n about_o this_o business_n be_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v by_o divine_n evangelical_n perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o very_o improper_o so_o call_v for_o nothing_o be_v proper_o perfect_a to_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o great_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n do_v neither_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o themselves_o but_o as_o st._n john_n say_v of_o such_o person_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o beside_o other_o imperfection_n these_o two_o be_v evident_a in_o they_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o second_o particular_a namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n sermon_n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel-obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1_o st_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n 3_o dly_z the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v v._n vol._n v._n and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n 4_o thly_a the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n 5_o thly_a the_o consistency_n of_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v handle_v the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o and_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v he_o then_o those_o who_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n where_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a no_o man_n be_v guilty_a or_o just_o liable_a to_o punishment_n for_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o leave_v they_o in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o before_o because_o it_o only_o offer_v new_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o 7._o ser._n 7._o but_o set_v we_o never_o the_o near_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v grant_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o we_o nay_o it_o render_v our_o state_n many_o degree_n worse_o if_o our_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o gracious_a offer_v bring_v we_o under_o new_a and_o great_a guilt_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v great_a benefit_n by_o it_o because_o they_o by_o a_o especial_a and_o effectual_a grace_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a straighten_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o confine_v it_o within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o still_o to_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o if_o salvation_n have_v never_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o it_o certain_o do_v if_o as_o this_o doctrine_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o gild_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o heighten_v by_o their_o contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o those_o man_n to_o obey_v it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o special_a and_o effectual_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o thereto_o i_o
be_v the_o most_o exact_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v far_a than_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o bad_a under_z so_o great_a a_o pretence_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n not_o but_o that_o external_n devotion_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o religion_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n and_o when_o man_n be_v real_o such_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o their_o external_a devotion_n represent_v they_o to_o be_v but_o when_o the_o outward_a garb_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o show_n that_o we_o see_v without_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n these_o be_v mere_a engine_n and_o puppet_n in_o religion_n all_o the_o motion_n we_o see_v without_o proceed_v from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n and_o not_o from_o any_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o as_o no_o creature_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o ape_n because_o the_o beast_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o human_a shape_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o this_o hypocritical_a devotion_n because_o it_o look_v like_o religion_n but_o be_v the_o far_a from_o it_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 5_o thly_a other_o confide_v very_o much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n thus_o the_o jew_n confine_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o exclude_v from_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o believe_v that_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o every_o israelite_n shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o they_o be_v the_o jewish_a catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o any_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v make_v by_o some_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n and_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o hardly_o any_o that_o be_v in_o it_o can_v miscarry_v they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n which_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v not_o only_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o christ_n presence_n but_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v his_o very_a corporal_n presence_n the_o natural_a substance_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o have_v not_o only_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o innumerable_a other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o only_o their_o own_o merit_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v defective_a they_o may_v have_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o infinite_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v challenge_v eternal_a life_n as_o of_o right_a and_o due_a belong_v to_o they_o and_o by_o a_o due_a course_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n may_v quit_v score_n with_o god_n for_o all_o their_o sin_n from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o if_o they_o have_v neglect_v all_o this_o they_o may_v after_o the_o most_o flagitious_a course_n of_o life_n upon_o attrition_n that_o be_v upon_o some_o trouble_n for_o sin_n out_o of_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n join_v with_o confession_n and_o absolution_n get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o provide_v the_o priest_n mean_v honest_o and_o do_v not_o for_o want_v of_o intention_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o save_a benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a man_n can_v be_v delude_v at_o this_o rate_n as_o to_o think_v that_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o other_o will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n that_o any_o church_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o save_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o they_o be_v real_o impenitent_a who_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n plain_o require_v and_o if_o man_n die_v in_o this_o state_n whatever_o church_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o will_v bid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o because_o they_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n 6_o thly_a other_o think_v that_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o but_o zeal_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o object_n or_o be_v irregular_a and_o excessive_a in_o the_o degree_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o fault_n and_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o charity_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o be_v nothing_o 7_o thly_a other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o sure_a will_v do_v the_o business_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a and_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o religion_n may_v have_v a_o considerable_a awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o happiness_n man_n may_v in_o many_o considerable_a instance_n perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o the_o retain_v of_o one_o lust_n the_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o know_v sin_n may_v hinder_v they_o from_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n herod_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v john_n glad_o but_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a man._n the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n a_o extortioner_n or_o unjust_a or_o a_o adulterer_n and_o yet_o the_o penitent_a publican_n be_v justify_v before_o he_o the_o young_a man_n who_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o enter_v into_o life_n and_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o want_v but_o one_o thing_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o that_o he_o miscarry_v and_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o if_o we_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n in_o any_o one_o kind_a christ_n will_v disow_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o 8_o thly_a other_o rely_v upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v they_o do_v once_o very_o hearty_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o do_v change_v their_o course_n and_o be_v real_o reform_v and_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o that_o good_a course_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v certain_o true_a but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v relapse_v into_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o if_o so_o the_o prophet_n have_v tell_v we_o their_o doom_n that_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o righteousness_n his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v but_o in_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o shall_v he_o die_v so_o that_o a_o righteous_a man_n may_v turn_v from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o here_o as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v put_v a_o case_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o fact_n shall_v happen_v unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o other_o case_n which_o he_o put_v together_o with_o it_o of_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a be_v likewise_o impossible_a which_o god_n forbid_v and_o that_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o good_a man_n but_o a_o good_a caution_n against_o security_n and_o a_o argument_n to_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n
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 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